Read Online Highland Fling by Katie Fforde - Free Book Online

along every wall, and the shelves were double-stacked. ‘It’s how I get through,’ she said. ‘Now, what do you fancy? Light romance, thrillers, fantasy, crime? I’ve got them all.’
    ‘My goodness, it’s like a library.’
    ‘I’ve got a tame bookshop which posts them to me. Books are my one extravagance, and at least it’s one Mama vaguely approves of. Not that she knows what I read. She thinks I just reread the Brontës, Jane Austen and George Eliot. Even Dickens is a bit too much of an easy read for her.’
    ‘You’re very patient with her.’
    Felicity sighed. ‘She can be very difficult if crossed.’
    Jenny refrained from further comment and moved to a bookcase. ‘Georgette Heyer?’
    I’ve got them all. Which one do you fancy?’
    ‘I haven’t read any for ages.’
    ‘Take a pile. Here.’
    Jenny went back to her room. Maybe she would survive this house after all.
    In the morning, having put on as many layers as she could, she found her way downstairs. She’d heard the dogs being let out earlier, and hoped they would remember her from last night, and not attack her. She badly needed something hot to drink.
    Felicity was in the kitchen, in her dressing gown, with her hair hanging down her back. Her features were smudged from sleep and she did not look happy.
    ‘Good morning,’ said Jenny, gently.
    ‘Good morning. Did you sleep all right? I’m justmaking Mama’s tea. Could you keep an eye on that toast under the grill while I get the milk?’
    Jenny thought of all the times her mother had brought her tea in bed when she was waking her up for school. She resolved that she would make her mother tea every day she spent at home.
    ‘Would you like an egg for breakfast?’ went on Felicity, setting a tray. ‘I’ll do you one when I’ve taken this up.’
    Butter, honey and marmalade were put in little cut glass dishes. A small silver teapot was filled with hot water and milk put into a matching jug.
    ‘It’s very kind of you to do that for your mother each day. Or is today a special treat or something?’
    ‘No, it’s every day. And it’s easier to do what Mama wants than to argue. Also, it’s nice to have one meal in peace.’
    As she watched Felicity take out the tray, Jenny wondered why on earth she was still living at home when she was obviously so unhappy. She noticed that the kitchen table was set for three and assumed that Philip would be along soon.
    This was good. She needed to talk to Philip, and wanted to go with him into the mill as soon as she could. She couldn’t make any assessments until she’d seen the books. Also, she needed to find out exactly what his mother knew about the situation, so that she could avoid putting her foot in it.
    Philip appeared in a smart suit with his skin shiny. He looked as if he might have had a cold shower and enjoyed it.
    ‘Morning, Jenny, morning, Fliss. Good night everyone? The house ghost didn’t bother you, Jenny?’
    ‘Don’t be silly, Phil; there isn’t a house ghost, and don’t be so hearty. I can’t stand it and I don’t suppose Jenny can either. I’m just not a morning person.’
    ‘I’m a morning person after I’ve had a cup of tea,’ said Jenny.
    ‘Here, let me pour it for you,’ said Felicity, and handed her a huge breakfast cup and saucer.
    ‘So, are you going to come with me today?’ asked Philip, ‘or do you want a day to settle in?’
    Jenny shuddered and took a sip of tea, hoping it just looked as if she was cold. She
was
cold, but the thought of spending a whole day in that house, with Lady Dalmain constantly sniping at Felicity, was enough to give her violent cabin fever.
    ‘I think I should get down to work straight away.’
    ‘You don’t need time to recover from your journey?’
    Felicity’s question made Jenny feel guilty. She could escape so easily and Felicity seemed stuck here.
    ‘Oh no, I’m fine,’ said Jenny. ‘Do you find driving tiring?’
    ‘I’m a bit agoraphobic, so I only ever go to