Page 61 of Escape to the Country

Chapter 19

The following day, an excited-looking Rose rushed into the kitchen. ‘Have you all seen the local newspaper?’

Eleanor looked up. She had been helping Annie pack up some of the bigger items from the kitchen before the builders moved in to start the renovation after the weekend.

‘Is it the charity walk?’ asked Megan, straightening up from a box she had been packing.

‘Well, yes, but it’s mostly all about me, darlings!’ said Rose, flourishing the paper.

They all rushed forward to look at the photo which was, indeed, Rose wearing her bodice as she strode through the high street.

‘They’ve caught me in a very flattering light, I must say,’ cooed Rose. ‘This is going to do my husband-hunting the power of good!’

‘What does it say?’ asked Annie, looking hopeful as she peered over Rose’s shoulder.

‘It says some lovely things about the local WI. And how it was all Eleanor’s idea, of course,’ carried on Rose.

Eleanor noticed that Annie’s smile had dropped a little as she turned away.

‘Well, it was Annie that brought everyone together,’ she said quickly. ‘She’s the countess around here!’

‘And I’ve been thinking,’ carried on Rose, powering her megawatt smile towards Eleanor. ‘We must compare wardrobes. You must come and see my little fashion show upstairs. Nobody else appreciates my designer clothes around here.’

‘Well, that’s nice, I must say! What about me?’ asked Annie, half-joking as she started to pack up another box.

‘Darling girl,’ said Rose, giving her a squeeze. ‘You’re many things, but you’re no lover of fashion. Whereas Eleanor here, well, look at you today!’

Eleanor checked what she was wearing. Victoria Beckham trousers. Wedge heels. Funky logo top. She had been particularly pleased with her outfit. Not that she had anything else to concentrate her mind on at the moment.

They were interrupted by the arrival of Arthur and Tom coming into the kitchen through the back door.

Rose waved the newspaper at him. ‘We’re back in the news. Isn’t it marvellous?’

‘I read it this morning. Jolly good show. And I understand it was all your idea, my dear,’ said Arthur, beaming at Eleanor.

Eleanor blushed and shrugged her shoulders. ‘It was nothing.’

‘I disagree,’ Arthur told her. ‘I understand that it is the largest amount ever raised by the WI for one of their charities. And that, in conjunction with Tom’s kind donation, will make a vast difference to those struggling with cancer.’

Eleanor looked across at Tom. ‘You gave the hospital some money?’

Now it was his turn to look uncomfortable. ‘Just a small amount,’ he muttered. ‘To make up for me not opening the walk as I promised.’

Eleanor couldn’t believe it. Was he actually blushing? ‘Thank you,’ she said.

He gave a shrug in reply.

‘I think that I can safely say that it was a most generous amount of money,’ said Arthur, before he frowned. ‘And I’ve just remembered that you also wanted it to be anonymous. My apologies, dear boy.’

‘That’s fine,’ said Tom, heading across the kitchen.

‘Oh and I’ve dug out my old bicycle for you,’ carried on Arthur, looking at Eleanor. ‘Tom has just checked the brakes and chain.’

‘Thank you so much,’ said Eleanor, still looking at Tom, who seemed anxious to leave.

There was a short silence before Tom said, ‘Well, I’d better get back to the recording studio, otherwise I’ll be in trouble with Sam.’

Eleanor was still mulling over the huge donation that he had made to the hospital.