Page 30 of Escape to the Country

‘Well, at least I’m glad to see you girls are having a little drinkie,’ said Rose, pointing at the gin bottle. ‘We’re going to have such fun this summer, especially if we keep the Pimm’s flowing.’ She placed a hand on Annie’s shoulder. ‘By the way, darling, as future countess, you need to come along to the WI meeting I’m hosting here tomorrow evening. They keep asking for you.’

Annie looked horrified. ‘I’m not sure I’m up to that.’

‘Of course you are,’ said Rose. She appeared to be the type of person that would never be flummoxed in any situation. ‘Bring your gorgeous girls here for support. You’ll be fine. It’s deadly dull, of course. They’re in desperate need of our style and wit.’

After Rose had swept out, Annie took a large gulp of her drink. ‘I’m not sure that the village is ready to see me as the next countess. They’re probably all going to look down their nose at the former housekeeper.’

‘Just be yourself and they’ll love you,’ Eleanor told her.

‘Exactly,’ said Megan with a firm nod.

Annie took another gulp of her drink, still looking nervous. Eleanor understood why. Annie had been badly bullied when she had been growing up and even now had trouble believing in herself.

‘Sam loves you,’ said Megan, nudging her friend with her shoulder. ‘He didn’t care about you being a housekeeper, remember? If you feel yourself starting to panic, just glance at that massive diamond on your finger.’

Annie instantly broke into a smile.

‘That’s better,’ said Eleanor. ‘So when do I get to meet your fiancé?’

Annie suddenly looked brighter. ‘Come on then. I think he’s in the kitchen with Tom.’

‘Absolutely,’ said Megan, shooting out of her seat. ‘And we mustn’t keep the gorgeous Tom waiting either,’ she added, rushing out the door.

Eleanor and Annie exchanged a smile but, hidden inside, Eleanor’s own stomach had a few butterflies as she went to meet the very person who could be a lifeline back to her career and life in London.

*

Tom had spent the afternoon in the recording studio, trying and failing to think up any new lyrics. His foot was aching and he had a splitting headache as well.

He and Sam had had a long chat in the kitchen about the style and direction of the new album. But Tom was still drawing a blank. It wasn’t that late, but he was thinking that a large glass of water and an early night might be the best thing for him that evening.

They were just standing up when Annie arrived in the kitchen.

‘Hi,’ she said, with a warm smile. ‘I thought a couple of introductions were long overdue.’

Sam raised his eyebrows. ‘I think we’ve already met,’ he murmured, drawing her close for a soft kiss.

Annie gave him a gentle shove. ‘You know what I mean,’ she said, blushing. She looked across at Tom. ‘Tom, these are my best friends Megan and Eleanor,’ she told him.

‘Hi Tommy. I’m Megan. I work here part-time,’ said the redhead, rushing around the table to give his hand an enthusiastic shake.

‘Well, I think working is perhaps pushing it,’ murmured Annie with a smile.

‘Hi,’ he said, shaking Megan’s hand. ‘And it’s just Tom.’

Megan giggled nervously and, blushing, sat back at the table.

His eyes shifted along to study the other friend, who was very attractive and more reserved.

‘And this is Eleanor, our best friend who’s come down from London for a while,’ said Annie.

He gave her a nod by way of greeting.

‘Hi,’ she said, with a wide smile.

Tom watched as she turned to face Sam.

‘Hey,’ said Sam, with a nod towards them both. He crossed the kitchen and held his hand out for her to take.