Autumn Leaves at Mill Grange by Jenny Kane (the little red hen ebook .txt) 📗

and see my father’s expression of triumphant disappointment when I faint or bolt for the door, is huge right now.’

‘That isn’t going to happen because—’

Not listening to Tina’s attempt at reassurance, Sam ploughed on, lost in his own anxiety, ‘I’m not sure I can face it. I’m sorry, Tina. I’m not ready. I can’t…’

‘Shhh… I know. It’s okay.’ Wrapping her arms around Sam, Tina held him tight.

‘How can I even think about running a retreat to help others in my position, when I can’t handle the pressure myself? Talk about a hypocrite.’

Her hackles rising, aware that they could be overheard if anyone happened to be standing just around the corner, Tina spoke with forceful calm. ‘Do I have to remind you again of how much you have achieved already? Do I need to tell you that Woody had such a good time with us he came back to help so we could come here? Do I have to remind you that Mill Grange is almost fully booked for the first month? How many hotels can say that, do you think?’ Not letting him have time to answer, Tina took a deep breath. ‘Please, trust me, Sam. Like I said, if it all goes horribly wrong, we’ll get in the car and go home.’

Sam licked some moisture back into his lips. ‘Via a place to buy extra thick scarves and jumpers?’

Tina took hold of Sam’s hands. ‘That had better be a promise!’

*

The woman who ran towards them, her arms outstretched, delight etched across her face, couldn’t have been less like the image of the Countess of Malvern Tina had created in her head.

Tina’s preconception of a twinset and pearls was replaced by an outfit that could only be described as flowing. A ground-sweeping, brightly floral skirt had been matched with a deep green cashmere jumper. A chestnut brown velvet jacket, which came down to her knees, gave Lady Malvern a hippy vibe; as did her long wavy hair, which perfectly matched the shade of her jacket.

Glancing at Sam, who was engulfed in his mother’s arms, Tina could see the likeness between them was more than superficial. They shared the same eyes, the same skin tone, and – she suspected – the same adventurous spirit.

So far, there was no sign of Sam’s father.

‘You must be Tina.’ The warmth of Lady Malvern’s smile was like being wrapped in a comfort blanket. ‘It’s wonderful to meet you. And before we go any further, you must call me Bea.’

Tina, who’d been cursing herself for not asking Sam if she should address his mother as Lady or Countess Malvern was still processing the fact she’d been invited to use her first name, when Sam saw the product of their email exchanges.

‘Lunch outside.’ His voice sounded choked, as he muttered, ‘You’ve put up a marquee in case it rained.’

Holding her son to her side as if she was afraid he’d disappear, Bea beckoned Tina to join them as they almost jogged to the white awning erected between the formal garden that ran parallel to the rear of the house, and the flower garden beyond. ‘I got Frank to pop a couple of those patio heater things inside so we don’t get cold.’

‘How is Frank?’

‘Miserable as ever.’ Bea grinned as they went under cover. ‘I swear he only stays on as gardener because he enjoys moaning about the work so much.’

Tina gave Sam a sideways glance, checking he was alright as they reached the marquee. It was enclosed on three sides, and although the open side ran for four metres, she knew it was a big deal for him to step inside.

Staying by the entrance, Sam pointed to a pile of blankets balanced on the end of a large trestle table. ‘Extra covering in case Jack Frost strikes an early blow for winter?’

Bea laughed. ‘More like blankets for those of us with old bones and a touch of arthritis.’

‘Oh, Mum, I’m so sorry. If you need to go inside you must and—’

Placing a finger on her son’s lips, Bea shook her head. ‘Do I look like I’m suffering?’

‘No. You look as amazing as ever.’

‘Then stop with the guilt.’ With a flourish of her skirt, Lady Malvern patted the seat next to her. ‘I want to hear about everything, Sam.’

‘Everything is a big subject.’

‘Then we’d better have a cup of tea.’ She turned to Tina with a wink. ‘And cake. Tea and cake always help when the subject is as big as “everything” don’t you think?’

‘Always.’ Relieved that they’d got this far without Sam bolting, Tina asked, ‘Would you like me to go inside and fetch some?’

‘That’s kind, but I’m a fortunate woman. I have help waiting for word to serve.’

Sam’s jaw dropped when his mother pulled a mobile from her jacket pocket, and started to send a text. ‘Blimey! I was expecting you to ring that old bell you used to use to call Sarah.’

‘Got to move with the times.’ Bea sent her text message and laughed at Sam’s stunned expression. ‘Anyway, Sarah retired years back. We had Dotty, but she finished her PhD and headed off to be a lecturer in Art History last year. We have Karen now. She’s doing a doctorate as well. Physics.’

Seeing Tina’s surprise, Bea explained, ‘I like to employ staff who wish to earn while they get on with improving their lives; post-graduates mostly. There’s plenty of space and time for them to study in between their duties, and our wages pay for them to live without adding to their student debts. We don’t charge rent. It’s a good arrangement for them in return for cooking breakfast, lunch, and the occasional cake or three.’

As a young woman in ripped jeans and an oversized T-shirt appeared from the nearest door, a tray in her hands, Tina said, ‘I can see where Sam gets his desire to help others from. What a fabulous idea.’

‘Again, you’re kind, but we do very well out of the arrangement.’

Sam, who was becoming more gobsmacked by the moment,