AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ella’s heart sank. Baird had gone to a great deal of effort to pick her up. She would have to thank him—nicely—the next time she saw him. Hopefully, that wouldn’t be anytime soon.
A knock sounded on the door and then it opened. Mrs. Johnson entered with a tray and carried it to the foot of the bed. “It’s an indoor picnic,” she said, setting the tray down.
Ella suddenly felt very hungry and was so happy to see her favorite lunch, grilled cheese and apple slices. There were also two glasses of milk and slices of a fragrant spice cake that had to be right out of the oven.
Ella eased off her shoes and sat cross-legged on the bed, happily eating while asking Cara questions about everything from when was dinner usually served, and were the holiday tours still taking place at Langley because Ella hadn’t noticed any crowds or cars when she’d arrived today.
“Alec had them end early,” Cara said. “He didn’t want a lot of people in and out of the house when I was alone here. Well, not alone, as you can see, but without him.”
“Were you glad?”
“I was. It’s a lot of noise and a lot of cars parking and coming and going. I think next year I might stay in London with Alec and the babies until the tours are over.”
“Or maybe the tours can just take place on weekends, instead of every day from November until Christmas?”
Cara nodded thoughtfully “That’s a good suggestion, and it used to be that way. Maybe with young children we’ll try that next year and see how it goes. It’s not as if we can’t try and see what works best for us as a family.”
“I agree.” Ella gathered all their empty dishes, stacking them on the tray. “I’m going to take this downstairs with me and let you rest.”
Cara smothered a yawn. “I am getting sleepy.”
“Then sleep, and I’ll be back for dinner. Do I come back upstairs?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind.” Ella gave her sister one last quick hug before taking the tray downstairs with her.
Mrs. Booth must have been waiting for her as she came forward immediately and relieved Ella of the tray. “Let me take this to the kitchen and then I can drive you to the cottage. If you’re ready. Usually, Mr. Trimble would be here to drive you, but with him gone, we’re all filling in.”
“I’d be happy to walk,” Ella said. “The more I move, the better I’ll sleep tonight.”
“In that case, I will have one of the boys run your luggage down to you. I promise you’ll have them soon.”
“If you’re sure that won’t put anyone out?”
“Not at all,” Mrs. Booth assured her before giving Ella walking directions for the cottage.
Chapter Two
With the walkingdirections fresh in her mind, Ella thanked the housekeeper and stepped out through the back door of the massive red brick house and into the late afternoon sunshine. The sun wasn’t very warm, but at least it wasn’t raining. The next few days were forecast to be cool but dry, which was a nice change since Bellingham had been raining when Ella left home yesterday.
She passed a series of buildings, one with a sign that read TICKETSin the bottom window, and an area in the distance with chains, which must have been the tour parking lot.
She walked on and after a few minutes a two-story stone cottage came into view, the second floor marked by four windows, with four more on the ground floor. A fresh green wreath with a dark red ribbon hung on the front door. The front door was open and a small fire glowed in the hearth. The interior of the cottage was stone, the ceiling covered in dark beams. Sturdy bookshelves flanked the stone fireplace with comfortable furniture grouped before the impressive hearth. She lightly ran a hand across the back of the soft caramel brown, leather couch before taking a seat in one of the dark blue upholstered chairs by the fireplace. The chair was just perfect, the back slightly rounded, the cushion welcoming. She had a feeling she’d spend a lot of time in this chair, reading, relaxing, and just dreaming about a future where she was done with school because no one knew how much she was struggling with the career choice she’d made and the hours—and money—invested in her studies.
She was still sitting by the impressive hearth, studying the old stone, when the door opened and Baird entered carrying her two pieces of luggage.
“I was asked to bring these here,” he said placing them on the floor. “I didn’t ask why but should have. I think they’ve sent you to the wrong cottage.”
“But this is my cottage. Cara just confirmed it less than a half hour ago.”
“That’s not what Alec told me. He personally made arrangements for me to stay here, in this cottage, so I can work without being in the family’s way.” Baird gave her a significant look. “Not to be unkind, but I think he was including you in the family.”
“I’m sorry, but you and Alec have it wrong. Ever since August when Cara invited me to come for Christmas, I’ve been promised the cottage,thiscottage, the one she stayed in while she was here last year. Alec may have forgotten the arrangements, but Cara certainly hasn’t, and Mrs. Booth knew as well as she was the one who gave me walking directions here.”
“Perhaps she meant the dairy.”
“Perhaps you’re the one meant to be in the dairy,” Ella flashed. “If you’re so concerned, you can run up to the house and ask where you belong.”
