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Mara shrugged. “Who knows where life will take you, or how you will feel in the future. Just know I am here for you and the hall for however long you need me. Just... come back if you want to, not because you feel you have to.”

A tingling sensation settled in Frances’s chest, making her eyes fill with tears. “I will. Thank you. You don’t know what it means to hear that.”

She wiped her eyes and sniffed as relief washed through her. She was free of something she never thought she would want to be free of, even if she’d never truly chosen it in the first place.

The sudden feeling of power she had over her own life was surreal. Her heart was breaking at the reality of giving it all up, but knowing she could be there for her mum mended it just as quickly. The thought that they were no longer tied to the hall and free to go where they wanted — perhaps even to follow a certain elf on her next adventure — filled her with pure happiness.

“So.” Mara smirked, lifting an eyebrow. “You and Lucie, eh?”

“Well, we aren’t an item as such. I didn’t feel able to offer her anything considering my circumstances, but now...”

Mara nodded solemnly. “Now you’re free.”

“I am.”

“And I’m sure Lucie will be very happy,” Mara added. “I’ve seen the way she looks at you.”

“I’m very lucky to have her in my life,” Frances admitted with a smile, “and such good friends that can take the strain when I need them to.”

“It took you long enough to notice,” Mara teased.

Frances sniffed out a laugh. She really wasn’t alone in the world, and asking for help was okay. It often got you what you needed, and sometimes what you wanted.

All she wanted to do now was talk to Lucie and hope it wasn’t too late. That she hadn’t messed it all up with words spoken in haste, at a time when responsibility — and the weight of her role — had left no room to follow her heart.

CHAPTER 21

Lucie stared out of the bus window into the darkness beyond, where she was met with her own sullen reflection in the glow from the interior lights. Her mood was a world away from the last time she’d made this journey into Winterbourne.

A few months ago, she hadn’t imagined meeting someone — let alone falling so completely for them. Now she’d shared something unforgettable with a woman who possessed her, mind, body and soul, only to know it wouldn’t happen again.

Frances’s voice commanding her in the soft, pink light of the bedroom wouldn’t be forgotten. She’d never felt so seen, so utterly alive, even that safe beneath someone’s gaze before. Nor would she forget how it felt to kiss her, or to touch her pale, soft skin that had writhed beneath her fingertips.

Both mother and daughter would be deeply missed. The way Rose’s face lit up when she arrived each day —Frances’s, too, even if she made every attempt to hide it — had illuminated her own little world. She’d miss the small routines they’d slipped into particularly, the fun of watching an old film, completing a puzzle, or playing a game of snap. Then there were moments alone with Frances: their chats, their evening skating when the rest of the world had seemed to slip away, the subtle touches, and the way being near her stirred something inside.

She had rediscovered her love for the peace and quiet of the village, and it, too, was going to be hard to leave behind — not to mention her dad and Mandy. Part of her didn’t even want to leave. If she stayed, maybe they could be together, but, then again, Frances had been adamant that she didn’t want her to do that. To put her dreams on hold for her.

What exactly did Frances want? Probably fewer responsibilities so she could make her own choices. Lucie sighed, forcing the frustration out. She couldn’t be angry at Frances for the disappointment that was consuming her; she hoped, in a strange way, that she was feeling it too.

Her phone vibrated. Hope flared that it was from Frances as she pulled it from her coat pocket. She was awaiting a reply to the message she'd sent earlier, letting her know she was on her way home from London.

Can you come to the house? We need to talk. F X

Her heart thumped in her chest as she typed out a reply: Of course. I’m just coming into the village. X

See you soon then. F X

Questions filled her head as the bus pulled up and she made her way down the aisle. Had Frances changed her mind? Had even this brief time apart made her rethink things? Was it too much to hope? Dread swept over her at the thought Frances had told Rose she was leaving and she’d reacted badly.

She wanted to talk to Frances too. After a night in the house alone and having time to think, she wasn't so sure she should live there when she moved to London. Maybe she could temporarily, until she found something more permanent, but it didn’t feel right to stay longer.

She stepped onto the pavement and was plunged into darkness as the bus drove away. Zipping up her coat, she hooked her rucksack over a shoulder and set off towards the hall, lighting the way with her phone.

The grounds felt different now, quiet and dark after endless nights of bright lights casting a glow over the festive bustle. It was strange to walk towards it without an elf costume waiting in the staff room or a role to step into.

She’d enjoyed the job more than she’d expected. It had created a good routine for her just when she needed it and reminded her just how much she missed acting. At least she was moving forward now. It was just a shame it was taking her in the opposite direction, as Frances had put it.

By the time she reached Holly Court, her heart was pounding. She paused to take a breath before knocking on the door, caught between hope and trepidation.