Page 103 of The Cottage at Brambleton Hall

‘And Nate?’ Rose asked, keeping her eyes on the beer pumps. ‘How’s he getting on up there these days?’

At the sound of his name, Sammy’s stomach did a small, embarrassing movement.

‘Fine,’ she said carefully.

Rose’s eyebrows lifted. The look she gave Sammy lasted less than a second, but came from decades behind a bar, watching marriages unravel and secrets spill after two pints.

‘Quiet bloke,’ George said mildly.

Rose watched Sammy. ‘Quiet, is he?’

Sammy tried to sound normal. ‘He keeps himself to himself.’

‘Five years he’s been here,’ Rose said. ‘Still don’t think anybody knows much about him.’

‘Has he got a girlfriend?’ Sammy asked before she could stop herself.

Rose winked at her. ‘Not that anybody’s noticed. And in a village this size, trust me, we’d know.’

Sammy blushed.

‘He’s well thought of though,’ said Rose. ‘Hard worker. Keeps the gardens beautiful. Always happy to help, comes to all the village dos.’

‘Just doesn’t let anybody close,’ George added.

Sammy looked down at her lemonade. Something about that made her chest ache unexpectedly.

Rose changed direction smoothly. ‘And Valerie? Helping you find your feet?’

Sammy gave a small helpless laugh.

Rose and George exchanged a look.

‘Ah,’ said Rose.

‘What?’ Sammy asked.

George busied himself wiping the bar.

Rose lowered her voice. ‘You know before you arrived, she was appointed the acting housekeeper.’

‘Ha,’ chuckled George ‘the whole village knew about that!’

Rose put her hands on her hips. ‘Val expected that title to become permanent.’

Sammy’s hand stalled halfway to her glass. ‘What?’

‘Well of course she enjoyed the status,’ Rose said. ‘I only learned it was temporary from Nate. Valerie was referring to herself as the housekeeper by then.’

A strange, chilly feeling crept slowly through Sammy.

‘Val’s been working up there for fifteen years – she’s efficient.’ Said George.

‘She’s mean,’ Rose corrected.

‘Rose . . .’

‘Oh don’t “Rose” me. The woman could sour milk at twenty paces when she’s in the mood.’