Page 117 of Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay
Forty-four
I spend the rest of the day surreptitiously trying to discover if anyone at the castle has either a father or a grandfather called George.
‘Why are you asking?’ Joey says when I find him and Tiffany having a picnic in the shade under some trees in the castle grounds. At first I’m so fixated on my mission that I don’t think anything of the two of them sitting here together. Even though Saturday is one of our busier days, it’s mainly run by the new staff I’ve hired – most of whom are getting on extremely well in their new roles. So Saturday has become a sort of unofficial day off for the rest of the live-in staff.
‘I’m just wondering, that’s all,’ I say, knowing this is such a weak excuse for a reply.
Joey looks at me suspiciously.
‘Is it to do with the diary?’ Tiffany asks suddenly. ‘Remember I told you about us finding this old diary and brooch down in the cellar, Joey?’
‘Tiffany, that was supposed to be a secret,’ I say, looking shocked. ‘You’re not supposed to gossip about it to just anyone.’
‘Joey isn’t just anyone,’ Tiffany says, looking across at him with an adoring expression.
Joey returns her gaze with an equally tender look, and suddenly I get it.
‘Yes, it is something to do with the diary,’ I tell them, feeling bad that I haven’t noticed this relationship developing before. I’ve been so tied up in my own thoughts and troubles that I haven’t noticed two of my staff – no, make that two of my friends – coming together in this way. ‘Soareeither of your fathers or grandfathers called George?’
Joey shakes his head. ‘Nope, not mine. Tiff?’
‘Nah, my mum’s dad is called Joseph – ooh like you, Joey,’ she says suddenly realising. ‘Mydad’s called Barry, and my other Grandad is Harry. Goodness, I’ve just realised that rhymes!’ she suddenly squeals with delight. ‘All these years and I’ve never realised before. Barry and Harry, do you think they knew?’
‘You are just too cute,’ Joey says, taking Tiffany’s hand and gazing at her again.
‘Right . . . well . . . thanks, you two,’ I say awkwardly, feeling like the biggest gooseberry in the world. ‘Er . . . just carry on with your picnic; sorry to disturb.’
I hardly think they notice me depart, as I leave them gazing at each other and walk back towards the castle.
‘That’s another two off my list,’ I mumble to myself as I walk along. ‘Now who’s next?’
‘What are you muttering about?’ Benji calls, jogging across the grass towards me.
‘I’ve just been asking Joey and Tiffany about their grandparents,’ I tell him. ‘By the way, did you know that the two of them are an item?’
‘Of course,’ Benji says, to my annoyance. ‘It’s been building for a while. Why, didn’t you?’
I shrug.
‘Oh dear, not keeping up with the castle gossip, eh?’
‘I have had a few things on my mind, Benji; you know that.’
‘How’s that all going? Any luck with the missing heir?’
I shake my head. ‘Nope, I’ve asked around nearly all of the staff now. Some of them must think I’m mad asking about their parents and grandparents. I’m getting a bit desperate.’ I look at Benji suspiciously.
‘Er, no!’ Benji replies, knowing exactly what I’m thinking. ‘It’s definitely not me!’
I sigh. ‘I didn’t really think it was; would have been nice, though. At least you wouldn’t ask me to leave.’
‘You don’t know the missing heir would want that either. And if you’re so worried about having to leave, why are you insisting on continuing this search?’
‘I just have to, that’s why. Plus, Arthur said some things this morning that made me think.’
‘Like?’
‘Like he said that Clara must really want me to know or she wouldn’t be helping me in this way. He said the ghosts of Chesterford Castle can be really awkward if they don’t like you. He seems to think they like me.’
