Page 122 of The Christmas Invitation
‘Of course, Auntie was quite happy to know I had a friend staying, but to have Piers as well …’
‘He’d be a paying guest, of course,’ said Tottie. ‘And I expect Deirdre would want you to charge double, or triple rates over Christmas, with full board.’
‘She certainly would,’ agreed Flora. ‘But although I’ve often helped out with the guesthouse, I’ve never run it myself.’
‘I imagine Deirdre won’t object if you take Piers in, as long as he’s paying. And really, you might as well be looking after two visitors, as one,’ Clara said reasonably.
‘I’m sure you wouldn’t want to charge me more than the usual rate, my dear, when I’m so unfortunately stuck here,’ Piers began, giving Flora his best brave old soldier smile.
‘You don’t know Deirdre,’ put in Tottie. ‘She’s a businesswoman to the core.’
‘And you can’t be poverty-stricken if you can afford to be a member of the In & Out Club,’ Clara told him.
‘We’d be very grateful if you could accommodate Piers, my dear,’ said Henry, with his charming smile.
Flora wavered. ‘Well, I’d have to try and get in touch with Auntie again and get her permission, though in the circumstances I expect she’ll agree. But Tottie’s right and shewouldexpect me to charge you at a higher rate, Piers. And shealwaysinsists on taking her guests’ card details on their arrival,’ she added firmly.
She seemed to be a chip off the old block and there was more than a hint of the steel hand that lay within the velvet glove.
‘But surely not in my case?’ Piers protested. ‘This is an unexpected expense, so I’m not sure if … But then,’ he added, brightening, ‘I’m sure Sybil would settle my bill and then I can reimburse her later.’
‘Since Mum seems constantly broke these days, I wouldn’t advise that, Flora,’ Mark told her.
‘No, it would have to beyourcard details up front, or Auntie would be really cross,’ Flora told Piers.
‘So, if Deirdre agrees, will you take him, Flora?’ asked Henry.
‘I suppose so. I’ll go back and see if I can get hold of her now, then get a room ready for him.’
‘Wonderful! And do let us know if you get through to her. We can give Piers dinner and then bring him down to the guesthouse after that,’ suggested Clara. ‘Will that help?’
‘Yes, though I’m not quite sure how I’ll manage with the catering if both he and Rollo end up staying over Christmas. I got only enough groceries in to keep me going, and though of course there’s a freezer full of food, we’re likely to run out of fresh things quite quickly. And then there’s Christmas Day itself …’
Clara sighed. ‘I can see your point, dear, but we can probably let you have anything you’re short of. And I suppose if your guestsarestill here by then, you can all come to the Red House for Christmas dinner.’
‘How lovely! That’s so kind of you,’ Flora said.
‘And you might as well bring them both to the Boxing Day drinks and nibbles party, too,’ Clara added generously.
‘But warn this Rollo that there’ll be no interviews with me, no taking notes, and no writing about us when he gets home, or he’ll be sorry,’ Henry said. ‘I’m not without some influence in the world of poetry.’
‘I’m sure he wouldn’t dream of it! He’ll be delighted just to meet you,’ she assured him.
‘But if his chill turns into a cold, he can stay in bed and we’ll send his dinner down,’ qualified Clara.
‘I don’t think it will. He’s really improving this afternoon.’
‘Good, becauseIdon’t want a cold either,’ said Piers. ‘Especially if I’m paying through the nose for the privilege of staying in your establishment.’
At some point, River must have quietly slipped out, for now he returned, bringing fresh tea and a clean cup for Flora, for which she thanked him prettily. She seemed able to turn on a lighthouse beam of charm at the drop of a hat, but it did sometimes switch off again very quickly.
The pressing problem of Piers seemingly solved, the atmosphere in the room lightened, though Sybil was still quiet and looked anxious, while Piers appeared to be trying to catch her eye. Perhaps he wanted sympathy and thought she was the only person in the room sure to provide it.
Mark brought his and Zelda’s cups over and Flora patted the empty seat next to her.
‘Do come and talk to me, Mark! I hardly had the chance to exchange a word with you at the Gathering.’
‘Sorry, I’m afraid I’ll have to be going in a minute,’ he said shortly.
