Page 110 of The Holiday Cottage

“I’m not interfering, exactly, just showing an intense interest.”

Dorothy dusted the mince pies with icing sugar. “It is lethal underfoot at the moment, so that was probably a good decision from a health and safety point of view. Does anything in those bags need to go in the fridge, Sara?”

“Health and safety? They weren’t holding hands because it was icy, Mum. They were laughing and talking and generally having fun. Those mince pies smell delicious. Are they for eating?”

“Later. I’ve made them for Imogen. She told me they’re her favorite.” And right now she would have baked anything from a six-tier cake to a soufflé (and she hated making soufflé) if Imogen expressed a preference. She wanted to spoil her. To make up for all the years she hadn’t been able to do that. “It’s good to know they were having fun. If you’re going to spend the whole day with someone it’s best to enjoy it.”

“How did you know they were spending the whole day together?” Sara’s eyes narrowed. “Lissa only told me about it this morning.”

“This sounds more like interference than interest, Sara.”

“Fine. I’m interfering, although to be honest they seem to be doing fine without any help from us. Tell me how you know!”

“Miles told me he’d planned a day of Christmassy things for Imogen. They were going to the Christmas market, walk in the country, lunch in the pub and then I think they were doing the light trail. I thought it was a lovely idea. Very romantic. And perfect for Imogen. It will be good for her to get into the spirit of Christmas for once. All that talk of pizzas made me shudder.” Leaving the mince pies to cool, she started to unload Sara’s bags. “I get the sense she hasn’t had anywhere near enough fun in her life. She’s been so focused on making sure she can earn money and be independent.”

Not that Imogen had said much, but she’d said enough for Dorothy to work out that it hadn’t been easy for her. And she felt both guilty and frustrated about that.

“Wait—Miles told you?” Sara stared at her. “When?”

“He dropped in for a quick coffee very early yesterday morning. We had a little chat, but that’s not unusual.”

“And you didn’t tell me?”

“I didn’t see you yesterday. And anyway, I always treat my conversations with Miles as confidential. I’m his mother figure. I like to think I’m filling in for poor Sheila—” Dorothy felt the usual pang of loss as she thought of her friend “—and anyway I didn’t want to draw attention to it and possibly make them both feel awkward.”

“From what Pippa said, they are way past feeling awkward. I was really hoping they’d spent the night together, but his car wasn’t there this morning when I took the kids to school. Gutting. And Imogen was definitely in because I saw a light on, so she didn’t stay over at his.” Sara paused for breath. “Mum?”

Ralph chose that moment to charge into the room, carrying one of Dorothy’s slippers, and Sara looked from the dog to her mother.

“Ralph is here? Why is Ralph here?”

“I looked after him yesterday while they went on their date. Miles didn’t want to leave him alone for that long, which given the chaos this dog can cause was probably a wise decision.” She bent to make a fuss of him. “But you were a good boy, weren’t you? Yes, you were, although I’m going to need that slipper back now, thank you.”

Ralph dropped it at her feet, tail wagging.

Sara was frowning. “But why did he stay overnight? Why didn’t Miles just pick him up when he dropped Imogen home?”

“I expect he was late and didn’t want to disturb me. And that was fine with me. Ralph is a sweetheart, although for some reason he wanted to sleep on the bed with me, which is a little strange because I’m sure Valerie never let him into her bedroom.” Dorothy rubbed the top of his head. “I don’t know where he would have picked up that habit.”

“Do you think Miles stayed the night and hid the car?”

“Goodness, why would he hide his car?” Dorothy straightened. “They’re both consenting adults. If they chose to spend the night together, then that’s their choice. I’ve invited Valerie to join us for Christmas lunch. I didn’t like the idea of her being on her own, and she is very easy company. She always tells great stories from her pharmacy days about people’s ‘drug habits’ as she calls them. I hope that’s okay with you and Patrick. Ellen is going to pick her up on her way over.

“At this rate the entire village is going to be spending Christmas here, but that’s fine by me. And as for Miles and Imogen—I’m not judging. Just hopeful, that’s all.” Sara sneaked a mince pie from the rack. “I love Miles like a brother. Can I help it if I want him to be happy? Although Imogen lives in London, and Miles isn’t moving from here, so how would it work in the long-term?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t need to know because it’s not my business. And it’s not your business either.”

Sara took a bite of the mince pie and closed her eyes. “This is delicious. And London isn’t a million miles away.”

“Sara!”

“What? Sorry. I was thinking aloud, that’s all.”

“Well, maybe think quietly.” Dorothy gave her a look. “In my experience it doesn’t pay to matchmake or interfere in any way. When Imogen arrives, you’re to behave normally. You’re not to interrogate her.”

“I’ll try not to.” But Sara was smiling. “Lissa would be thrilled if something happened between them. She has been so worried about him ever since Zara left. He’s barely dated.”

“He’s been careful, that’s true. But I don’t blame him for that. And as I said, it’s not our business. Now stop talking about it because I don’t want Imogen to arrive and find us gossiping. Have you finished your Christmas shopping?”

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