Page 76 of The Last Saturday In July
Chapter 30
THAT was possibly the best coffee she’d ever had. Jess finished her latte and put the cup on the glass table beside her. The surroundings helped, of course. For the last hour she’d had a whole wing of the orangery to herself. With the blinds shuttered across the stained-glass windows to temper the July sun, Jess had enjoyed tasters from their pastry chef with her coffee, and spring water from their own well.
She hardly noticed the waitress until she placed another steaming latte on the table, with a fresh plate of delicate pastries. Jess looked up and laughed. ‘How did you even know I was finished?’
The young woman blushed. ‘I’ve personal responsibility for your group this afternoon, ma’am. My name’s Holly, so if you need anything please press the bell.’ She indicated the discreet buzzer on the table, disguised to look like a Victorian bell.
‘Thanks, Holly.’ Jess tried to guess her age. The waiting staff wore full Victorian costume: knee-britches, stiff white shirts and dark navy waistcoats for the men, ankle-length dark navy dresses, white aprons and white caps for the women. Female staff with long hair had to secure it in a low bun, while minimal make-up with no nail polish or jewellery completed the illusion.
‘Will there be anything else for now, ma’am?’
Jess grinned. ‘You could agree not to call me “ma’am”.’ She held up a hand. ‘I know it’s the rule, but we both work for the group.’
‘Yes, ma’am – Ms Bradley.’
‘How long have you worked here, Holly?’ Jess saw the confusion on her face. ‘What I mean is, did you work for the previous owners?’
‘No, I was still in college. I got my diploma in hospitality and when Linford Castle was doing interviews late last year, I went for this job.’ Holly glanced discreetly around. ‘It helps that I’m a local. Mam said she thought I’d get the job, because our family has a sort of connection to Linford.’
Jess helped herself to a tiny cinnamon bun, half wishing she could ask Holly to sit down. ‘What sort of connection?’
Holly stood up a bit straighter. ‘We’re actually related to the Linford family.’
Jess blinked. ‘Really?’
‘Honestly.’ Holly looked pleased. ‘So, you know Helen Linford? She was an only child, like, and even if she hadn’t been I don’t know if this place could have gone to her, because she wasn’t a man.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘Anyway, when her dad, Lord Linford, died, this place passed to Manus Linford, his nephew. Manus was my great-uncle.’
‘Wow.’ Jess tried to process this. ‘Do any of your family remember this place before it was sold out of the family?’
Holly shrugged. ‘Maybe my gran.’
Jess smiled. ‘Well, that’s really interesting – your family connection.’
‘I never tell guests, in case it’s unprofessional,’ Holly said. ‘Well, except for Chelsea. But only because she was massively interested in the history of the place and, like, the manager told us we’re to be well clued up. She’s lovely, like. Way nicer than she comes across onCalifornia Girlfriends.’
‘Right.’ Jess wondered what else Holly had told her.
‘Anyway,’ Holly continued, ‘I think she’s amazing coming all the way to Ireland to get married. Like, if I lived in the States, I’d find somewhere warm like the beach for my wedding. I wouldn’t want to get married somewhere with a wedding curse.’
‘Did you say that to Chelsea?’ Jess spoke slowly.
‘No way, honest!’ Holly’s eyes widened. ‘I just answered her questions.’
She turned as Adam came into the room and slid back into her professional role. ‘Good morning, sir, may I get you a special tea or coffee? There’s also French filtered coffee and fresh breakfast tea on the table.’
Adam sat down. ‘Thanks, no, I’ll stick with the coffee in the pot.’
Holly poured a cup and once they’d both assured her there was nothing else they needed, she left.
Jess turned to Adam, determined to keep the focus on work. ‘Zoe’s sent me some of the stuff she’s already done.’ She opened a photo on her iPad of a bridal party standing at the hotel’s grand front entrance. Flowers arched around the door, with more in huge pots on the stone steps, and lined up either side, were some of the hotel staff. ‘We could go with:Linford Castle: 400 years of history, five-star luxury, memories you’ll treasure forever.’
‘It’s fine.’ Adam paused. ‘Maybe a bit generic, though?’
Jess raised an eyebrow. ‘We’ll have more pictures inside the hotel. We’ll be showcasing the Victorian restoration.’
Adam helped himself to a pastry. ‘You could get sucked into Linford’s fantasy, couldn’t you?’
Which was exactly what she wanted to capitalise on. ‘It’s fun. I know Frank wants our guests to feel like they’re completely immersed in the past.’
