Read Online The Beast of Bracksley Woods by Doreen Hayward - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Doreen Hayward
Ads: Link
celebratory dinner on Friday evening next week. I want to make it a real occasion. Once upon a time I might have been able to manage a small dinner party with the help of my staff, but times have changed I am afraid and I can no longer see very well, apart from the fact that I have no live-in staff now. I hope you understand you will have to manage the cooking as well as the waiting and serving at the table. Do you have your own helpers? I take it you have brought some menus with you that I could look at, my dear,” she finished. “there will be about twelve guests. Have you got your own staff or do you work alone?” I have to point out that I cannot be much help to you. You will have to organise yourself. Can you manage that number?”
“No problem,” Debbie assured her. I can give you a complete rundown on menus and prices. If you would allow me a quick look at your kitchen and cooking facilities and also your dining room after we’ve had our little talk, that would be most helpful As I am only just setting up my catering service, I will be working alone at the moment. Obviously, as soon as I am able, I shall be employing some casual help where necessary.”
“Exactly,” Mrs Lomax answered seeming satisfied with what she was hearing. “You can explain it as we go along.” I will make notes as we go through the arrangements. You just leave everything to me and I will make sure your dinner party is a resounding success,” Debbie assured her first client.
Two hours later Debbie had the whole thing organised. Now all she had to do is deliver the goods. Things were looking up, she told herself.
In the afternoon, Debbie made her usual visit to the hospital and found Greg in a very cheerful mood. On her early visits to Greg, whenever she entered the ward Debbie would feel her heart start beating. Her gaze would pass over each bed expecting to see Mike’s pale face lying back on the pillows so still. She would hold her breath in fear of what she might find. Mike was the love of her life but gradually, as she grew better acquainted with various other patients in addition to Greg, these reactions had not been so immediate. Now, she did not look round automatically as she had once done on her earlier visits. She began to notice that the awful feelings of emptiness and loneliness were not so intense as they had been and Debbie began to hope that her depression was passing. During the time Greg had spent in hospital, Debbie had made friends with several of the other patients. They all seemed to look forward to her visits especially as she had taken to supplying little treats to go with the afternoon cup of tea. Debbie smiled to see Greg so cheerful.
“What do you think young lady?” he asked as she approached. “I am being discharged tomorrow morning,” he gave a waved to his fellow patients, “So it’s goodbye to this lot.”
“Well! That is good news. I think you may find things a little difficult at first especially not being able to walk very well until your leg comes out of plaster.”
“Ah well. What about our little agreement. Will you come and look after me dear lady?” Greg pleaded.
Greg looked so forlorn that Debbie couldn’t help smiling to herself at the way he wheedled. You old spoofer. Don’t let him think you are a pushover. Toughen up Debbie Richards, she told herself before answering, Let’s get this straight right from the start. “Yes, of course I will help you but I am not going to become your housekeeper. There will be times when you will have to manage on your own. I want to make sure that you understand that because I am about to launch my own little enterprise. We will talk about arrangements when you have settled in and discuss your immediate needs then.” Debbie told him firmly. We must discuss the hours I am available and also, the kind of help I will be able to give you. This is not the best place to have this kind of conversation you know. All you need to know is that
“No problem,” Debbie assured her. I can give you a complete rundown on menus and prices. If you would allow me a quick look at your kitchen and cooking facilities and also your dining room after we’ve had our little talk, that would be most helpful As I am only just setting up my catering service, I will be working alone at the moment. Obviously, as soon as I am able, I shall be employing some casual help where necessary.”
“Exactly,” Mrs Lomax answered seeming satisfied with what she was hearing. “You can explain it as we go along.” I will make notes as we go through the arrangements. You just leave everything to me and I will make sure your dinner party is a resounding success,” Debbie assured her first client.
Two hours later Debbie had the whole thing organised. Now all she had to do is deliver the goods. Things were looking up, she told herself.
In the afternoon, Debbie made her usual visit to the hospital and found Greg in a very cheerful mood. On her early visits to Greg, whenever she entered the ward Debbie would feel her heart start beating. Her gaze would pass over each bed expecting to see Mike’s pale face lying back on the pillows so still. She would hold her breath in fear of what she might find. Mike was the love of her life but gradually, as she grew better acquainted with various other patients in addition to Greg, these reactions had not been so immediate. Now, she did not look round automatically as she had once done on her earlier visits. She began to notice that the awful feelings of emptiness and loneliness were not so intense as they had been and Debbie began to hope that her depression was passing. During the time Greg had spent in hospital, Debbie had made friends with several of the other patients. They all seemed to look forward to her visits especially as she had taken to supplying little treats to go with the afternoon cup of tea. Debbie smiled to see Greg so cheerful.
“What do you think young lady?” he asked as she approached. “I am being discharged tomorrow morning,” he gave a waved to his fellow patients, “So it’s goodbye to this lot.”
“Well! That is good news. I think you may find things a little difficult at first especially not being able to walk very well until your leg comes out of plaster.”
“Ah well. What about our little agreement. Will you come and look after me dear lady?” Greg pleaded.
Greg looked so forlorn that Debbie couldn’t help smiling to herself at the way he wheedled. You old spoofer. Don’t let him think you are a pushover. Toughen up Debbie Richards, she told herself before answering, Let’s get this straight right from the start. “Yes, of course I will help you but I am not going to become your housekeeper. There will be times when you will have to manage on your own. I want to make sure that you understand that because I am about to launch my own little enterprise. We will talk about arrangements when you have settled in and discuss your immediate needs then.” Debbie told him firmly. We must discuss the hours I am available and also, the kind of help I will be able to give you. This is not the best place to have this kind of conversation you know. All you need to know is that
Similar Books
