AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I need to remember to snap a few photographs to send to Kate. I slip my phone out of my evening bag before taking the microphone off the stand.
“Good evening, everyone.” I give everyone a moment to quiet down. “Regina and Graham have a few announcements before we start the speeches. The billiard room will have a full bar and a card game tonight for anyone interested. The library will have a tea service and book recommendations. And they have organized an excursion early tomorrow to explore Brighton and do some shopping. Graham has a few remarks. After that, the bride and groom invite anyone to offer a toast or well wishes.”
I hand the microphone to Graham and step back. I should have used their names instead of referring to them as the bride and groom, but no one seems concerned. I avoid looking at Alex.
The dinner continues, and most guests slowly make their way up to the microphone. The stories give me a better idea of Regina and Graham. They have been dating for seven years and met on a cruise in the Mediterranean. He has three adult children, and she has Alex. Their friends adore them and see the wedding as a good thing. A few friends touch on Graham’s children not coming to the wedding, but more to commiserate than find fault.
As the evening ends, I open the glass doors to encourage the guests to head back to the house so the caterers can clean up.
Gabby approaches me. “I’ve sent the bartender up to the billiard room and will have someone go and make the tea shortly.”
My feet are exhausted from standing in four-inch heels all evening. “Thank you. All of this is so daunting.”
Gabby tucks her phone into her apron. “It’s all part of events. I have a different crew coming in tomorrow. Everyone today worked a sixteen-hour day. Tomorrow morning, I’ll have two people serve coffee, tea, fruit, yogurt, and pastries for breakfast. Lunch will be more robust. And then the wedding supper.”
After walking up to the manor house, I slip into the kitchen and make myself a turkey sandwich with cranberry chutney. Once I’ve placed my plate on the table, I take my notebook out of a hidden drawer and go over tomorrow’s schedule.
I take a bite of my sandwich and look at my phone. I have a dozen messages, mostly from guests. One is from my sister, another from Kate. I’m too tired to reply tonight. I’ll respond tomorrow.
Alex comes into the kitchen. “There has been a change of plans.”
I use my napkin to wipe my lips. Are they calling the wedding off?
“Two of Graham’s children are coming in tonight with their significant others.”
I take a sip of water. “Okay. So, they need accommodations?”
“Yes, do you have any bedrooms left?”
“I held three rooms in reserve, but when the guests arrived, there was some hubbub about needing more space, and those rooms got assigned.”
Alex holds up his hands. “Could those guests be moved back?”
I flinch thinking about it. “Not really. The linens would have to change. And things were shifted because they insisted on private rooms. There is room in the service quarters.”
He flicks his hand. “I doubt that is a good idea. It will feel as if they are an afterthought.”
I’m exhausted and done with problem-solving for the day. “There is a guest cottage on this property, but it wasn’t made ready.”
“The downstairs has two bedrooms—we can put them down there. I haven’t disturbed the beds. You can give me a room in the service area.”
“The rooms in the service area are rather basic and do not include a private bathroom. That doesn’t seem fair to you. You’re organizing the event.”
“I could sleep outside. It wouldn’t matter to me.”
I laugh. He’d probably prefer to be outside. “I’ll show you to a spare room if you gather your things. I feel bad, though. I didn’t spruce it up with flowers or chocolates.”
Alex sighs heavily. “Trust me. I’m not used luxurious surroundings It’s not how I grew up or live now.”
I wait for him at the top of the basement stairs, then guide him to another set of angled stairs off the kitchen and take him to a long hallway. Looking over my shoulder, I say, “These rooms are more dormitory style. Each one is six by ten. There is enough room for a narrow bed, nightstand, and a chair.”
I open one of the doors, and he glances in. “Where is the bathroom?”
I point to the end of the hall. “There is a women’s bathroom and a men’s bathroom down there.”
“Where are you staying?”
I meet his gaze. “Across the hall.” I gesture towards another door.
