Page 53 of The House at Hope Corner
‘I am so sorry to keep you waiting, and indeed I must apologise. I know you were expecting to see Michelle today, but I’ll be perfectly honest, the poor girl is suffering from the most horrendous morning sickness and I had to send her home ten minutes ago. She’s in no fit state, I’m afraid, but we mustn’t let you down. I’m Kate, the Events, Business and Hospitality Manager. I hope that’s okay?’
Flora couldn’t believe her luck.
‘Shall we go and make ourselves comfortable to begin with and I can answer some of your questions. I’ve organised some coffee… or tea if you prefer?’
‘No, coffee’s lovely, thank you,’ replied Flora, following Kate’s sashaying walk through the lobby.
They reached the same area of the lounge where Flora had previously been sitting. ‘Is here okay for you?’ asked Kate, indicating a seat. ‘It’s such a beautiful morning, and the view from here – well, you can see for yourself how special it is.’
Flora sat down, breathing deeply. Kate looked entirely relaxed and Flora tried to mirror her pose, praying that her knee wouldn’t start jiggling, which it often did when she was nervous.
A tray of refreshments appeared the minute she sat down, but instead of busying herself with the coffee, Kate sat back and studied Flora.
She leant forward. ‘Can I just say how much I love your dress,’ she said. ‘I’m probably not supposed to, but it’s gorgeous. And your boots. I love my job, Flora, but honestly I have to wear suits all week, and it practically kills me. Oh, for some colour!’
Flora’s mouth dropped open. It was the last thing she expected and she didn’t know whether Kate was telling the truth or just very good at her job. She decided to go for the former. It would make what she had to say so much easier.
‘Thank you!’ She smiled in return. ‘Actually, I thought about wearing something today that was a little tamer, a little less… me,’ she said, ‘but then I decided, what the heck. How I’m going to wear a wedding dress that’s just one colour, and white at that, is beyond me…’
The two women smiled at one another.
‘So when are you planning on getting married, Flora?’ She indicated the coffee pot and Flora nodded.
‘We haven’t actually set a date yet,’ she admitted. ‘Is that a problem?’
‘Not at all… Milk and sugar?’
‘Just milk, thank you.’
‘You need to take your time and have a good look around before you commit to a venue,’ added Kate. ‘It absolutely must be perfect for you, and I’m so pleased that you’ve decided to have a look at what Ravenswick can offer. May I ask how you know about us?’
‘Oh, word of mouth, of course.’
There was a satisfied smile as Kate passed Flora a cup.
‘Now, I hope you have a million questions for me to answer, because I’d much rather answer those than talk at you for an hour. You can get a huge amount of information from our website, but I find that’s not usually the things that most brides want to know.’
Flora was beginning to feel a little bit guilty. Kate was far too nice and she really would have to fess up soon, otherwise she would end up not saying anything.
‘Is everything all right?’
Damn, thought Flora, she was perceptive too.
It was no good, she was going to have to come out with it. She’d probably be shown the door in two minutes but it was worth a shot.
‘Yes, fine,’ began Flora. ‘Except perhaps that I haven’t been entirely open with you. I am getting married,’ she added quickly, ‘so I’m not here under false pretences, just that I’m here for another reason as well.’
Kate took a reflective sip of her coffee, but she couldn’t hide the beginnings of a smile at the corner of her mouth. ‘Then perhaps it’s time for me to admit that I’m not being entirely honest either.’
Flora’s cup rattled in its saucer. ‘You hate my dress?’ she suggested, the beginnings of a blush rising up her neck.
To her enormous relief, Kate grinned. ‘No, Iloveit, I really do. But I have to confess to knowing who you are. I twigged as soon as I saw your name. Flora Dunbar… there can’t be too many people around here with the same name.’
Oh, God, what had she done now?Her face must be scarlet.
‘But you don’t need to worry,’ continued Kate. ‘Because now I’m just as intrigued as you are. I really didn’t expect to see you here – knowing Hannah, I’d have thought that the wedding would be up at the farm?’
‘You knowHannah?’ Flora’s cheeks were getting hotter by the minute.
