Page 57 of A Brambleberry Manor Christmas
‘Oh, Jenny. That’s terrible.’
‘Yes, well. I’ve worked out that I might be able to payeverything off in ten years if I can make this business a real success. But todo that, I need staff. Good staff that I can rely on. So what do you say, Flo?Will you give it another go?’
She blinks a few times, her eyes looking suspiciouslyglassy. Then she says, ‘I’d love to, Jenny. But first, I need you to know thatI’ve given up drinking every night. No alcohol has passed my lips since thatawful day in The Swan Hotel when you found out I’d lied about working there.’
I nod. ‘That’s good.’
‘I’m not lying this time, I promise. I’ve taken up knittingto keep myself busy.’ She hurries over to a brown bag by the side of the sofaand pulls out what looks like a weird stripy scarf in greens and reds. ‘Look.’
She holds it up and my eyes widen. ‘Wow. Great.’
‘Okay, I know it’s rubbish, but it’s just my first attempt.’
I grin. ‘It’s got more holes in it than a Swiss cheese.’
‘Yes, I know.’ She stares at me earnestly. ‘But I’m justshowing it to you to prove that I’m really trying to stop using alcohol to fillthe void.’
I nod. ‘And that’s great. It really is, Flo.’
‘I already feel so much better. I got up with a clear headthis morning for the first time since Ed left.’ She smiles. ‘It feels good,Jenny. And I promise if you let me continue working for you, you won’t regretit.’
‘You know what? I don’t think I will.’
We exchange the first real smile since I arrived. Then Isay, ‘So…are you coming to Brambleberry Manor with me to tackle the second lastday? It was hard without you yesterday.’
She nods. ‘You bet. Just give me five minutes. My hair’ssticking up all over the place.’
‘Great.’ I grin at her, feeling so relieved. Then I subsideinto an armchair and pick up the magazine lying on the arm. ‘I’ll just swot upon a few knitting patterns while I wait for you.’
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
I phone Tavie when we arrive at the manor, not reallyexpecting her to reply. But she answers after a couple of rings.
‘Hi, Jenny. What’s up?’
‘Oh. Well, we’re just starting work. I really just wanted tomake sure you’re okay.’
‘Yes. Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?’
‘Okay. That’s good.’ I frown at Flo, an uneasy feelinginside. ‘I wish we could have spent the whole day together, but I won’t be lateback. So how about we talk then?’
There’s a brief pause. Then she says, ‘About Dad, you mean?’
‘Yes. I don’t want you getting upset over those thingsMadison said.’
‘I won’t. Honestly, Jenny, I’m absolutely fine. I’m notgoing to feel any differently about Dad just because he…well, I’m just not.’
‘Good. And so you shouldn’t. Your dad loved you so much, andhe had lots of amazing qualities.’
‘I know. Listen, Jenny, I have to go. I need to phone Allie.She wants my advice on whether she should get back with her boyfriend.’
‘Okay.’
‘See you later.’
She rings off and I blow out a long breath. It’s good thatshe’s thinking about Allie and not just sitting stewing over her dad.
‘Is she okay?’ asks Flo.
