Page 26 of A French Inheritance
Lucy had invited her for supper that evening and suggested if she wandered up to the farmhouse early evening they could talk about the Girl Friday job before they ate. Briefly, Briony wondered whether she’d been a tad impulsive volunteering her services without knowing what the job would actually involve. Running the farmhouse and several gîtes, as well as filming for the YouTube channel and putting food on the table regularly, was a lot for one person, although Lucy seemed to thrive on it. Thoughtfully, Briony sipped her tea. She was looking forward to working with Lucy and didn’t really mind what she did to help. Being busy for the next few months would be good and allow her to settle into her new life before she had to start making decisions about a future proper job.
She glanced at her watch. Just time for a reviving shower before she walked up to the farm.
The dining-room door was open and as she walked past, Briony saw the boxes from the attic still on the table. Maybe tonight when she got back she’d have another quick look.
* * *
Briony walked up the field track to the farm, carefully closing gates behind her. Lucy was setting the table under the loggia ready for supper and gave her a welcoming hug. ‘You’re back. All go well in the UK?’
‘Yes, thanks. Mum’s house is listed with an estate agent and a van will soon be trundling its way down through France with our belongings. Adam still working?’
Lucy pulled a face. ‘I’m in his bad books. He and Elliot are down in the Stables currently cursing me. We had a big delivery of beds and sofas recently for the new gîtes there and they are, umm, putting the final pieces together.’
Briony smiled. ‘Rather them than me. I either lose screws and fittings or have some left over. Never sure which is worse. Either way not ideal.’
‘They should be up soon. I’ve made a big batch of spaghetti Bolognese to help placate them. But, meanwhile, it gives us a chance to talk. Are you still happy to come and help me?’
‘Yes.’
‘I need another pair of hands to help me run the farmhouse and the gîtes. So basically it’s housework on changeover day, which is usually Saturday, and helping me in the kitchen occasionally, but I was also wondering about your computer skills? I never seem to catch up with marketing the gîtes so I could do with a hand there too.’
‘I’m not a total computer expert, but I know enough to more than get by. I’m familiar with websites like Canva for making adverts, et cetera. I’m good at editing videos. And I quite like spreadsheets.’
Lucy’s mouth fell open. ‘You like spreadsheets? Are you mad? They are the work of the devil!’
Briony shrugged. ‘I like things to be organised.’
‘We’ll have to have a session together on the computer, but first are you okay to work this Saturday for a couple of hours? I want to make the beds up in both No.1 and No.2 The Stables and dress the rooms. Put a few pictures up. Place cushions. You know the kind of thing. Also need to get some photos up on the website and start advertising them.’
‘Sure. How many hours are you likely to want me every week? Regular or ad hoc when you’re snowed under?’
‘I was thinking about Saturday being a fixed day because it’s normally changeover day and then one day in the week, Thursday perhaps, for some admin, but there may be more once the season gets under way, if guests want dinner or breakfast, so maybe a couple of hours some mornings – but if that’s too much, just say.’
‘Saturdays and Thursdays are fine right now. There is one thing. I haven’t registered as a resident yet, so technically I don’t think I’m supposed to work. So can I just be a friend helping you out occasionally until I’ve got my visa sorted out? The notaire is helping with that and setting up a bank account, so I’m hoping it won’t be too long a drawn-out process.’
‘Of course. Ah, here come the men. Time for supper.’
‘Can I help carry food out?’
‘That would be great.’
‘Welcome back,’ Adam said as he walked into the kitchen.
Elliot simply said. ‘Hi,’ before smiling at her.
Supper was delicious and Briony smiled as she listened to the banter between the brothers.
‘Do you have a brother?’ Lucy asked. ‘I don’t and when I first met these two, I couldn’t believe how they sparred with each other, but I quickly realised most of the time it wasn’t serious.’
‘No brothers or sisters for me,’ Briony said. ‘I would have loved a sister.’
‘Our daughters are as thick as thieves, always have been. Personally I’m waiting for when one of them meets the love of their life,’ Adam said, smiling. ‘They’re so close, I wouldn’t want to be the mister – as the old song says – who comes between them.’
‘They’ll be fine,’ Lucy said, standing up. ‘Apple pie anyone?’ she asked, picking up the empty spaghetti Bolognese bowl. Briony stacked the used plates and cutlery and followed Lucy into the kitchen. Lucy handed her small plates and a jug of cream. ‘Thanks.’
Back out under the loggia, Adam had lit a couple of lanterns with citron candles inside to help keep the midges and mosquitoes at bay and placed them on the table and he and Elliot were talking cars. Briony took the opportunity to ask their advice as she placed the plates and cream on the table. ‘Where is the best place locally to look for a reasonably priced car? Finding one is high on my to-do list.’
‘Both Cannes and Antibes have garages with a big selection of second-hand cars that come with a good warranty,’ Adam said. ‘You shouldn’t have any trouble getting one. Have a look on the internet too. When you find one, if you want either of us to check it out, just ask.’
