Read Online Secrets of the Heart by Jenny Lane - Free Book Online Page A

Night's Dream' a modern open-air version. They hadn't anywhere to put on the show, partly because they're working on a shoestring, so when Bryn heard about them he said they could come here.'
    He sat down beside her on the bench. 'They have to rehearse as and when it fits in with our schedule, of course, and it's on the strict understanding that they don't interfere with other activities. Madame Cecile's daughter, Millie, is in the group and so is her boyfriend he's a waiter here for the summer.'
    `How will the play fit in around all the weddings that are due to take place?'
    `Ah, the actual performances are going to be over the bank holiday weekend. The Friday evening's free for the dress rehearsal and then there's Sunday afternoon and Monday evening. Bryn's all for supporting the young folk. It's given him an added interest.'
    `That's good,' she said approvingly. They sat for a while longer watching the players.
    `Have you seen the staff garden yet?' Ross asked her. 'John's making a superb job of it.'
    She shook her head. 'Not properly. I've only caught glimpses of it from Bryn's flat.'
    `Come on — I'll show you.'
    She followed Ross across the grass and through the archway leading to the rear of the Mill. He unlocked a gate in the wall, and as she went through, Annis gasped in surprise.
    `It's amazing! When I worked here before, this was a vegetable garden.'
    `The kitchen garden's through there now,' he said, indicating another gate. `This new part of the garden is for all the staff, but it's mostly for Bryn's benefit. On a sunny day he can sit out here when he feels like it.'
    The garden was charming. Brick paths meandered here and there between an abundance of flowering shrubs, and there was a small lawn with an attractive water feature. Roses scrambled up a pergola and a wonderful perfume of honeysuckle and nicotiana filled the evening air.
    Ross also took her to see the new, neatly laid out kitchen garden and the recently restored tennis courts which had been in a poor condition when Annis had been there last.
    Peaches still clung to the garden walls, however, and she shook her head, trying to shake off the sudden memory of Andrew picking them for her. Even now she could see his laughing face.
    `It'll get better, trust me time heals,'
    Ross said, in a surprisingly gentle tone.
    `Does it?' she asked bitterly. 'I haven't noticed.'
    For a while, they sat there in companionable silence beneath an arbour of roses, then Ross's mobile phone rang and, after a brief conversation, he got to his feet.
    `I'm sorry duty calls. One of the bar staff hasn't turned up. No-one else is available, so I'll have to lend a hand.'
    `You will?' She gaped at him.
    `Yes, is that so surprising? I'm quite a dab hand with a cocktail shaker. I always knew my student days working as a barman would pay off. D' you fancy a nightcap?'
    She shook her head. 'I think I'll just sit here a bit longer — it's so soothing. But thanks, Ross. The garden's great and I'll be sure to tell John what a wonderful job he's done here.'
    `He'll appreciate that. I'll wish you goodnight then.'
    She sat in the garden, deep in her thoughts, for a while longer. It was a tranquil spot and the scent from the roses was intoxicating. Ross had proved a pleasant companion and she realised she'd seen a more sympathetic side to him that evening.
    Presently, she heard the sound of voices and muffled laughter from the other side of the wall. Annis assumed that some of the younger members of staff were taking a stroll around the garden.
    Eventually she decided to return to her room because it was getting chilly, but when she reached the gate she found that it had been locked. Muttering in irritation, she rummaged in her bag for her mobile, but it wasn't there and she realised she'd left it in her room. She had no choice but to trail back along the paths to look for another way out.
    To her relief, she encountered two figures from the play, still dressed in their eerie green costumes,