Page 47 of The Holiday Cottage

Something in her tone told Dorothy that it hadn’t been fine at all, but she knew Imogen wouldn’t tell her the truth. She was the consummate professional. She didn’t confide or gossip, which was appropriate of course because Dorothy was a client. Still, she sometimes wished she could break down that barrier between them. There were so many things she’d like to know. So many questions she would like to ask.

Imogen put the menu down. “Have you chosen, Dorothy?”

“I think I’ll have the soup and the duck. You?”

“The same.”

They ordered their food and a burst of raucous laughter from a table close to theirs drew Imogen’s attention.

A party of ten were wearing silly hats and exchanging gifts.

Imogen stared at them for a moment, then looked away and focused on Dorothy. “How has your trip been so far, Dorothy? Successful?”

“Very. I did some Christmas shopping this morning, for my granddaughters. It was unbelievably crowded, but I did manage to get the last few things I needed. Next year I might bring them on a trip to see the Christmas lights. I think they’d enjoy it.”

It was small talk, but she sensed Imogen needed it.

“How are Ava and Iris?” Imogen remembered every detail of every conversation. It was one of her many strengths.

“They are excited about Christmas. They’re still at that age where the anticipation of Christmas is as exciting as Christmas itself.”

They paused as their starter arrived.

Imogen stared at her soup, as if she was trying to remember why she’d ordered it. Then she picked up her spoon. “Will you be spending Christmas with them?”

“They’re all coming to me, which will be chaotic no doubt, but also fun. Last year they spent Christmas with Patrick’s family—Patrick is my son-in-law, as you know—and to be honest, because I was on my own I didn’t bother too much. I had a tree, because I thought it would be nice when the children visited, but I didn’t do much more than that in the way of decorations. But as they’re all staying and we’re having a family Christmas, I’ll make more of an effort. I love to cook so there will be plenty of food involved.”

Imogen put her spoon down without touching her soup. “That sounds nice. It’s a wonderful time of year.” Her tone was warm and her words perfectly appropriate, but there was something in her eyes—something lost and sad—that made Dorothy put her spoon down too.

She’d never seen anyone trying so hard to be strong when she was clearly at the breaking point.

She felt the same emotion she felt when Miles called to tell her he had an animal who was unloved and needed a home. Which was ridiculous, because Imogen was an independent and successful woman.

Still...

“Are you sure everything is all right, Imogen?”

“Absolutely. Tell me more about your grandchildren.”

Dorothy paused and then picked up her spoon again. If that was what Imogen wanted, then she’d play along. “They love making homemade decorations and cards. My daughter, Sara, is drowning under paper chains and snowmen cards. How about you?” She asked the question casually. “What are your plans for Christmas? I assume you won’t be working?”

“The office closes for the week between Christmas and New Year.”

Their starter was removed, Imogen’s mostly untouched.

Dorothy decided not to comment. “You’re ready for the break, I’m sure.”

“Actually, I’m very lucky,” Imogen said in an unnaturally high voice. “Rosalind has given me a whole month off. An extended break. I’ve accrued some holiday and she wants me to take it before next year. But of course you have my mobile number so if anything at all comes up, or you’re concerned about anything, all you have to do is give me a call. Or call Rosalind, obviously.”

“A month? What a treat.” Dorothy could see from Imogen’s expression that she considered it to be anything but a treat. “Where will you go? Will you be spending it with family?” The moment she said it she wanted to snatch the words back. She shouldn’t have asked that question. It was too personal.

“No. Not this year. It will be just me.”

Just me.

Those two little words were loaded with emotion, and Dorothy had an overwhelming urge to invite Imogen to spend Christmas with them, but she managed to stop herself. That would not be appropriate.

She wanted to ask why Imogen wouldn’t be spending it with family, but she knew that question would also be inappropriate.

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