AllFreeNovel
Share Us
There was a sudden patter of paws, which skidded across the hallway.
‘Well, hello, gorgeous girl.’ Fergus knelt to tickle the ears of a spaniel, which started licking his face.
Edie laughed. ‘I think that is the most enthused I have ever heard you around a female. Amelia, meet Molly.’
Molly wagged her tail so vigorously that her whole bottom moved back and forth. She looked up at Fergus in adoration, then barked softly when she spotted Amelia and ran over.
Amelia reached forward to stroke her silky head. ‘Aren’t you lovely?’
‘She’s a real sook,’ said Edie. ‘And she likes to pretend that she’s never ever fed. Don’t be fooled. Come on, Molly, come over here.’ Molly obediently trotted over and sat at Edie’s feet, looking in turn at Fergus and Amelia. ‘Do you want to stay and have a cuppa with us, dear?’
‘No, Edie. Much as I’d love to stay, I best be off. I’ve got a bit of work to get on with. I’ll see you later.’ He waved and turned to go.
Edie closed the door behind him and ushered Amelia through into the living room at the back of the house. The cottage was as homely as Amelia had imagined it would be — she had looked it up on Google Maps before her arrival — with its cushions and throws and the log burner ablaze in the centre of the room. The wooden floors were shiny and the walls tastefully decorated with bright canvas pictures of wildflowers.
‘What did I tell you?’ Edie winked at her. ‘He’s rather handsome, isn’t he?’
‘Erm, it was really kind of him to pick me up . . . although I got a bit wet.’ She looked down at her trousers, which stuck to her legs.
‘Oh, I didn’t realise your clothes were all wet. Come on. Let me show you upstairs to your room and you can sort yourself out.’ She reached under the sink and gave Amelia an old towel to dry her hair with. ‘This way.’ Amelia followed her upstairs and Edie showed her into a cosy bedroom with a huge en-suite.
‘I’ll quickly change and then come down.’
Edie waved her hand. ‘Take your time.’
Although part of Amelia wanted to throw herself onto the very comfortable-looking bed, she knew she couldn’t hide out for long. Instead, she put on some dry clothes and looked around, wondering what to do with the damp pile. She folded them up and placed them by the door. She would ask Edie about using her washing machine later.
‘Does that feel better, dear?’ Edie looked up as Amelia walked into the room. ‘Take a seat and I’ll make you something warm to drink. I’m not sure about you but I’m gasping for a cuppa.’
‘Thank you. That sounds nice.’ She sighed. ‘I can’t believe I’m actually here.’
‘Well, that’s all that matters. Sit yourself down and I’ll be back in a minute.’
Amelia sank into one of the large easy chairs and Molly immediately sat down beside her on the floor. It felt surreal to be so far away from home and from Declan. This was a million miles away from what her life had been only a few months ago. Yet she was comfortable sitting in this stranger’s house with a dog at her side.
Although she knew Edie was in her seventies, you would never have thought it. Her bright clothes, high cheekbones and clear, unwrinkled skin gave her a youthful look. Her brown eyes were kind and observant, and she moved with an effortless grace, which was down to years of yoga. Amelia knew this, as yoga and age had cropped up in the ‘interview’.
‘This is a lovely room,’ said Amelia as Edie walked back in with a tray.
‘I’m glad you think so,’ she said, setting the tray down. ‘What do you take in your tea?’
‘Oh, I take it black, please.’
‘Here you go.’ Edie poured her a cup. ‘Are you hungry?’
Amelia’s stomach rumbled.
Edie laughed. ‘Perfect timing. I’ve a pot of soup on the stove and some fresh bread from the bakery. Travelling can take a lot out of you so you’ll be tired and a bit out of sorts.’
Amelia stifled a yawn. ‘Yes, I am. And thank you, that sounds lovely.’ This was perfect and exactly what she needed. She took a sip of the tea and closed her eyes, just enjoying the moment.
‘Miserable weather for your arrival. But don’t worry. Things can only get better. The spare room is made up for you tonight as it’s so dark. There’s no point in faffing about outside now.’
Amelia opened her eyes to look at Edie. ‘Oh, okay.’ She thought she would be lodging with Edie for the duration of the job. Free accommodation was part of the contract. What did she mean outside?
Edie burst out laughing. ‘Don’t look so worried, dear. It will all be fine. You’ll see the surprise tomorrow.’
Amelia’s heart sank. She hated surprises.
