Spring Blossoms at Mill Grange by Jenny Kane (a court of thorns and roses ebook free txt) 📗

‘Is that a camomile lawn, do you think?’ Thea poured some more coffee as she relaxed in her snugly padded wicker seat.

‘I wouldn’t be at all surprised.’

Thea watched a robin hop territorially around the nearest section of flower bed. ‘I’m so glad we booked a night here on the way home. It’s so peaceful.’

‘I hoped you’d like it.’

‘You’ve stayed here before?’

‘Once, on the way to a conference. I hated being in those big beds and having no one to roll around with.’

Thea blushed, glad their early start meant they were the only ones in the breakfast room.

Since they’d got into Shaun’s car the previous evening and driven to the nearby hotel in Stow-on-the-Wold, Thea had vowed to leave all thinking about what Julian had said until they were back at Mill Grange. Now, as they ate, she squashed the flutter of guilt she felt at keeping a secret from Shaun. The evening before, the night, and now their shared breakfast, had all been so perfect, she didn’t want to ruin a second of it.

‘I’m looking forward to being back at Mill Grange, but it would be nice to stay here longer and hide from the world for a while.’ Thea brushed croissant crumbs from her cleavage.

‘I was thinking the same.’ Shaun checked to make sure they weren’t overheard by the few diners that had started to arrive. ‘In the meantime, I’ve secured a late check out, so I’d be obliged if you’d leave a few of those crumbs for me to find later.’

Thea’s eyebrows rose. ‘Perhaps I should have ordered more pastries and no fry up.’

Shaun winked as a rack of toast was delivered to the table. ‘Toast crumbs work for me too.’

*

The staircase hadn’t gleamed as brightly since Mill Grange had held an Open Day the previous July. Tina had buffed and polished it so much, it was a wonder you couldn’t see your reflection in the wood. The paintings hanging in the main corridor had been straightened and re-straightened, and the usual pile of muddy shoes by the front door was conspicuous by its absence.

Helen, having expected to find Tina in the kitchen making coffee in readiness for her future in-laws arrival, had tracked her to the hallway by following the scent of beeswax.

‘If you polish that door any more, it’ll gleam.’

Focusing all of her nervous energy on the duster she was working over the door’s oak panels, Tina sagged. ‘Do you think the house looks okay, Helen?’

‘I thought it looked okay when you asked me last night, and again at eight o’clock this morning.’ Taking the duster firmly but politely from Tina’s hand, Helen steered her towards the kitchen. ‘If you don’t sit down soon, you’ll have no energy left for when they get here.’

‘But what if they don’t like the house?’

‘Then taking off non-existent layers of dust won’t make any difference.’ Helen led her to where Mabel was waiting with a mug of coffee and a plate of biscuits.

Allowing herself to be sat down, Tina picked up a cookie. ‘Thanks, Mabel. Anyone know where Sam is?’

‘In his tent getting changed.’

Tina jumped back to her feet, and stared down as her outfit. ‘I was so busy making sure Mill Grange was perfect, I forgot about changing!’

Mabel placed a gentle hand on Tina’s shoulder, and persuaded her to sit down again. ‘Drink your coffee, have some food and then go. They won’t be here for at least another hour.’

‘But what if they’re early?’

‘Sam had a call about half an hour ago; they are running late. Heavy traffic on the motorway.’

‘I wish he’d told me.’

‘He was helping Tom move some furniture around upstairs so that Dylan’s got a table in his bedroom.’

‘Oh yes. I remember him saying now.’ Tina picked up her coffee, looked at her friends. ‘I’m flapping, aren’t I?’

‘You are. Which is perfectly understandable.’ Mabel took a cloth and wiped away a few crumbs Tina had spilt. ‘But this isn’t a snap army inspection. They are visiting you and their son because they haven’t seen the house before. Don’t think of it as more than that.’

‘I’m trying not to.’

‘But it’s hard not to worry at the same time.’ Helen sat down and took a biscuit of her own. ‘Do we know what time Thea and Shaun are due back?’

‘Late afternoon.’ Tina sipped at her coffee, enjoying its comforting warmth. ‘It’ll be good to all be together again. Seems ages.’

‘If Lord and Lady Malvern stay for dinner, at least Shaun will be able to regale them with tales from Landscape Treasures.’

Tina’s coffee cup met the table with a thud. ‘Stay for dinner?’ Oh my God. What if they do? They said they were coming for the day. So, lunch is sorted, but we assumed they’d go about four. You don’t think they’ll stay do you?’

‘Whoa.’ Helen took Tina’s arm. ‘If they were going to stay, they’d have said.’

‘I wish I hadn’t mentioned it now,’ Mabel looked pale, ‘but if they do – which they probably won’t – I’ll do my lasagne.’

‘But, Mabel, that’s kind and everything, but what about Bert?’

‘He can have some too.’

‘No, I meant, what about Bert being left on his own all day when he’s ill.’

Mabel headed to the fridge to fetch milk and cheese. ‘He sent me out this morning with strict instructions to enjoy the day.’

Tina couldn’t help but smile. She could just imagine Bert understanding how much Mabel would want to meet Sam’s parents. She also wondered if, now he was beginning to feel a little better, he was looking forward to a whole day of peace and quiet.

‘Well I’m glad you’re here. All reinforcements welcome today.’ Tina suddenly registered what Mabel was doing. ‘Are you making cheese sauce?’

‘Lasagne. Might as well bake a couple while we wait. They smell amazing while they cook, so that won’t hurt once your guests arrive, and then we can either freeze them, or