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“Oh, that will definitely be happening,” she whispered as she pulled away.

Frances was already reaching for her again when her mum’s muffled voice called out.

“Frances.”

“We’re coming, Mum.”

“What happens if she isn’t happy about everything?” Lucie murmured. “Do we just rewind and pretend this never happened?”

She’d been afraid Lucie would ask that. She didn’t have an answer.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, shall we?” Frances took Lucie’s hand and led her into the sitting room, where her mum was now by the window watering a plant. She really was restless this morning.

“Mum, you watered those before breakfast.”

“Did I?”

She stopped immediately and handed the small watering can to Frances. Spotting Lucie, her face lit up.

“Morning, Rose. How are you?”

“Drowning the plants, apparently.”

“I’m sure they will appreciate the extra drink,” Lucie said softly.

“Mum, we have a few things to talk to you about. Do you want to sit down?”

Frances put the watering can on the breakfast bar and joined the two of them as they sat. Squishing herself beside Lucie on the sofa, she took her hand, hoping it might say enough without needing to spell everything out. Her mum noticed immediately, her gaze dropping to their joined hands, and to Frances’s relief, she beamed.

“Oh, what’s this? Are you two together?” Rose frowned. “Did I already know that?”

Frances bit back a good-natured chuckle. “No, Mum, it’s just happened, but you did say we’d make a good couple when we were in London.”

“When can we go back there?” her mum asked, eyes widening.

“Well, that’s something else I— ” Frances looked to Lucie and was encouraged on with a nod. “Something we want to talk to you about. Lucie’s starting her new job in London next week.”

“Oh,” her mum said, her expression dimming. She reached out to Lucie, who took her hand. “You won’t be coming to visit me anymore.”

“No,” Lucie said gently.

“I’ve arranged it so that we can go to London, too... if you want to.” Frances was praying she hadn’t changed her mind. She couldn’t bear the thought that she and Lucie would have to be parted.

“How long for?” Rose questioned.

“For as long as you like.”

Her mum straightened and let go of Lucie’s hand. “But what about the hall? We have a job to do.”

“It will be very well looked after by someone I trust, Mum. By Mara. So I can look after you.”

Her mum paused for a moment.

Frances glanced at Lucie, who had gone very still.

Moments later, her mum’s face lit up. “When can we go?”

Frances let out a breath, relief rushing through her. “Soon. I have some things to finish up here, and then we’ll need to pack this place up. Lucie will go ahead.”