Page 82 of The Holiday Cottage

It took another five minutes to extract themselves, and then she and Patrick emerged onto the high street.

The cold air slid across her skin, and Sara shivered and buttoned up her coat. “It’s freezing.”

“Yes. More snow coming, I think.” He took off his scarf and wrapped it around her neck. “So where did Imogen go when she ran off earlier?”

“I’m not sure, but she somehow ended up with Miles and Ralph.”

“Ralph? Who is Ralph?” Patrick frowned. “Oh—you mean Jim’s dog?”

“Yes. His sister can’t cope anymore, so Miles is taking him. But for some reason Imogen was with Miles too.”

They strolled along the high street, dodging families and Christmas shoppers.

“You think he picked her up when she was out walking?”

“I’m assuming so. Although why would Imogen climb into a car with a strange man?” Sara hated the idea of that almost as much as she hated the idea of Imogen wandering on her own, upset.

“If she’s been living with Tina, she’s probably pretty street-smart.”

“Yes. She’s tough.” Sara thought about the way Imogen had confronted them. “Anyway, I’m glad they bumped into each other, however it happened. And she has bonded with Ralph too, so that’s good.”

“You don’t think she’s going to drive back to London?”

“No. We had a long talk. Mum told her everything. She didn’t know any of it, Patrick. Tina had told her so many lies.” She stopped walking. “She didn’t remember me. She didn’t remember how much I loved her, or that we were almost inseparable for the first four years of her life.”

He hugged her tightly. “But she’s going to get to know you now.” He eased her away from him and cupped her face in his hands. “You’re upset, aren’t you? Maybe the café isn’t such a great idea. Do you want privacy? We can go and sit in the car, or buy a coffee and drink it by the river?”

The river wound its way through the middle of the village and was a favorite place to walk during the summer months.

“I’m not really upset. Just a bit emotional. The café will be fine.” She needed the warmth. Needed the familiar buzz of the village. But most of all she needed him. “We’ll try and grab a table away from everyone if that’s possible.”

They were lucky and managed to get the best table in the café, nestled on its own in the curve of the window overlooking the high street. The street outside was dusted in snow, and she was transported back to childhood and all the times she and her mother had come to the same café for a treat. She’d treasured that time together, the moments of calm away from the drama created by her sister.

Sara took off her coat and settled herself in the seat by the window while Patrick went to order.

He returned moments later with two mugs of tea and a thick slice of cake.

He sat opposite her, his wide shoulders effectively blocking her from view.

“Perhaps it’s not such a great surprise that Imogen didn’t remember you.” He put a mug of tea in front of her. “She was only four when Tina took her.”

“Yes.” Sara curved her hands around the mug. “The funny thing is she remembered Bunny.”

Patrick smiled. “I was scared it was going to fall apart when I retrieved it from the back of the drawer. That thing is practically an antique. It was clever of you to think of giving it to her. How is your mother? It must have been a pretty horrible day for her too.”

“It was difficult.” Sara stared into her mug. “I’ve always had a bad feeling about her being in touch with Imogen, as you know, but listening to her tell the whole story I realized what an impossible situation it was. When would have been the right time to tell her the truth? Sometimes things just aren’t that clear-cut, and this certainly wasn’t. But now she knows, and although it has been a horrible, hideous day, I feel relieved and I think Mum does too. No more secrets.”

“You look exhausted. You need to eat something.” Patrick pushed the cake toward her. “It can’t have been easy for Imogen, either, discovering that her mother has been lying for all those years. How did she react? Did she believe you?”

“Yes.” Sara took a sip of tea. “I expected her to argue and become defensive, but she didn’t. She had an odd look on her face. It was almost as if she wasn’t surprised by the fact her mother had lied.”

“Maybe she wasn’t. Still, she must have been very upset.”

“She was very upset earlier, which was why she stormed out. But that was partly shock, of course. She saw photographs of Tina and recognized her. Not the best way to discover the truth. We were lucky she ended up with Miles. And Ralph.” She gave a half smile as she thought about it. “You should have seen them. She held on to Ralph the whole time she was listening to the story. Didn’t let go of him once. And he seemed completely besotted with her.”

Patrick smiled. “Sounds as if Ralph is a bit of a hero.”

“Yes. And Miles was brilliant. He asked her if she’d mind taking care of Ralph for a few days while he gets things sorted in the barn. He said he wasn’t ready for a new dog.”

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