Page 15 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

‘There’s also the estate to consider,’ added Sam. ‘We have all the cottages in Cranley as well, which all have sitting tenants – local families, some of whom are in their third or fourth generations.’

Jack thought about Lily’s family. He knew from brief conversations with his parents that they still lived in the village. Annoyed with himself for letting his mind drift, he focused back on the meeting.

‘I’m sorry you’ve had a wasted journey,’ said Sam. ‘I did want to see you and do you the courtesy of turning you down face to face, for old times’ sake.’

‘I appreciate your honesty,’ said Jack.

Often these negotiations could be protracted and time-consuming. But Sam and Arthur were not likely to change their minds at all, he could see that.

The trouble was that Eric Thatcher wasn’t a man who heard the word ‘no’ very often. If ever. He wouldn’t like being turned down by the Harris family.

But Jack would just have to explain to him that they wouldn’t budge. Surely there was another stately home somewhere that he could purchase instead?

What was so special about Willow Tree Hall, anyway?

6

Lily’s nerves were jangling as she drove up the long driveway to Willow Tree Hall. Thankfully, her grandad had been home for lunch and had accepted her offer of a lift as he didn’t drive any more, so she had some company.

‘Have you got a busy afternoon?’ asked Lily, as she slowed down to avoid a massive pothole.

‘Salad leaves need sowing,’ said her grandad. ‘More mouths to feed than ever at the big house these days.’

Lily stared out of the windscreen as Willow Tree Hall came closer and closer. The huge manor house was a familiar place to her. She had attended many fetes in the past, as well as Annie’s wedding. But as she had grown up, it had retained its sense of awe as the imposing centre of their tiny village.

‘I’m a little nervous,’ she confessed, slowing the car down. ‘I mean, I know Arthur’s nice, as is the rest of the family, but look at this place!’

‘They’re just like you and me,’ said her grandad. ‘Just got bigger walls, that’s all.’

Her grandad was unlikely to be intimidated by anyone, Lily had always thought. He had attended the tiny local infant school with Arthur, so had no need to put on airs and graces either.

But Arthur was the Earl of Cranley. He owned Willow Tree Hall and the whole estate, which encompassed the hamlet of Cranley and all the cottages and businesses therein. As far as Lily was concerned, he was also a kind landlord who had given lots of families in need, including her own, a vastly reduced rate of rent each month.

They got out of the car and Lily watched as her grandad wandered around the side of the house towards the walled vegetable garden at the rear of the house. She gulped and then went up to the front door. Could she really work in this amazing place as a housekeeper? She honestly didn’t know.

She was somewhat relieved that it was Annie who opened the huge front door.

‘You’re here! Come in,’ she said, with a wide smile.

They went into the entrance hall. Lily had been there for Annie and Sam’s wedding the previous December. That had been the first time she had ever been inside the main house, as the summer fetes had always been held on the front lawn when she was younger.

On a cold, winter’s night, in the soft glow of candlelight and fairy lights, it had been glittering and magical. On a late summer’s day, it was just as magnificent. Despite the deep red walls, it was a light and airy room. From the double-heighted ceiling hung a chandelier, glittering in the afternoon sunshine. A large fireplace was waiting to be lit when winter arrived.

‘This is lovely,’ said Lily.

‘I’m so lucky,’ Annie told her, nodding in agreement. ‘Come on. We all tend to gather in the kitchen most of the time.’

Lily followed Annie through a corridor off the side of the entrance hall and down a couple of stone steps into the large but welcoming kitchen.

‘Wow! You weren’t kidding about how great the renovation was,’ said Lily, staring around the room in wonder.

Lily tried to imagine how run-down the place must have been, but it was hard to see past the baby-blue cupboards and long oak worktops. In the middle of the room was a large island in matching colours.

Annie gestured for Lily to sit down in one of the comfy chairs that had been placed either side of the large fireplace, near the long oak table.

‘The whole place was falling apart but now it’s my favourite room,’ Annie told her. ‘We always end up chatting in here at some stage of the day. Especially now there’s so many of us. Tea?’

‘Yes, please,’ said Lily. She watched Annie head past the table, which was laden with paperwork, and then past the sink, which appeared to be full of mugs.