Page 39 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

But first she had to get through dinner, which was, as she had predicted, a big, noisy affair with everyone gathered around the patio table. The air was definitely a little cooler that evening and Rose had brought out her cardigan.

‘Nights are drawing in a bit now,’ she said, pulling her cardigan around her.

It was true. Now, in late August, the sun was setting at 8 p.m., sinking below the trees lining the large grounds at the back of the Hall.

Even the pergola, which had been built above the huge table, no longer had various cloths of assorted colours hanging from it, as the shade was not required at that time of day.

‘How’s the new maid working out?’ asked Skye, as they all reached forward to help themselves to the cold meats and salads laid out across the table.

‘She’s OK,’ said Annie, as she dropped a spoonful of potatoes onto her plate.

Everyone took a look at Lily, who gave them a small smile. ‘I’m sure she can only improve.’

‘Couldn’t be much worse,’ muttered Annie.

Sam smiled. ‘So she’s almost as hopeless as you were as a housekeeper.’

‘Which is the precise reason we’re keeping her on,’ said Annie, giving him a nudge.

‘Exactly.’ Sam put his arm around her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. ‘And you turned out OK, didn’t you?’

‘Please!’ said Will, groaning. ‘You’ll put me off my food.’

‘My husband, the romantic,’ murmured Skye, giving Will a soft smile, which he returned.

‘I just think the girl needs a bit of confidence,’ began Rose.

But she was interrupted by the front doorbell.

‘Who on earth can that be at this time of day?’ asked Annie.

‘Another love-struck suitor of Aunt Rose’s probably,’ said Will, with a grin.

‘My hot date is planned for tomorrow night, actually,’ said Rose, glancing at her watch. ‘Unless he’s extra-keen, of course.’

‘I’ll get it,’ said Lily, swiftly getting up. After all, it was her job to take charge of the comings and goings of the house.

Her mind full of what else needed organising, the last person she expected to come face to face with when she opened the front door was Jack.

‘What are you doing here again?’ she blurted out before coming to her senses. He was still a guest, after all. ‘I mean, the family are at dinner,’ she told him, in a slightly pompous tone. ‘Can I take them a message?’

He raised his eyebrows and she braced herself for a joke at her expense. But it never came.

She realised that he looked quite agitated and upset.

‘What’s the matter?’ she asked quickly, softening her tone.

He dragged a hand through his hair. ‘I don’t know what to do. It’s bad.’

She looked into his brown eyes.

‘Really bad,’ he added. ‘I need to speak to the family.’

She found herself nodding. ‘They’re outside on the patio having dinner. You’d better follow me.’

And she turned away to lead him across the entrance hall, wondering what on earth had Jack so worried.

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