Free Trust in Me by Suzanna Ross Page B

and complete mortification.
    “It’s not a favour, Rosie. I really think you’re the best person for the job. I’ll be going back to my real life soon and I need someone I can trust here. You’re the obvious choice – you’re hard working, you’re dedicated and you love the place.”
    She wiped fiercely at her eyes with the back of her hands as she lost her battle to hold back tears. “I suppose I’d better speak to Evie.” She still didn’t know how her sister was going to take the news, but at least now Rosie had a concrete and positive solution to offer when she revealed they would have to leave the manor.
    Theo stepped closer and lifted his hand uncertainly, as though he was going to wipe the tears from her cheek, before dropping it down by his side again. “Don’t cry, Rosie, please. This was supposed to make you happy – to reassure you that you had a future here for as long as I own the estate.”
    She sniffed loudly. “I’m sorry. I just can’t believe you’re letting us stay.”
    He shrugged helplessly and she made a monumental effort to regain her composure. Rosie never lost her cool like this – nobody had ever seen her cry. No matter how difficult the circumstances had been, she hadn’t allowed herself to shed tears in front of anyone. And yet, in their short acquaintance, Theo had witnessed her loss of composure on more than one occasion.
    “I’ll speak to Evie after tea.”

Chapter Eight
     
    Considering how adamant she’d always been that she wanted to stay at the manor, Evie was remarkably calm when Rosie broke the news as they cleared the dinner things. “The house is still on the estate,” she reasoned in response to Rosie wondering aloud about the change in Evie’s priorities.
    “So your mum will be able to find you if she comes back.” It was years since Evie had spoken about her mother, Glory, but Rosie knew she must still hope.
    “I’m not waiting for her to turn up anymore,” Evie replied matter-of-factly as she carried on with the washing-up. “I was thinking more of the sanctuary. I need to be on the estate – or close by, at least, for the donkeys.”
    “I haven’t quite squared with Theo that we can keep the sanctuary.” With the admission, Rosie avoided her sister’s gaze.
    There was a loud splash as Evie dropped a cup into the soapy water. “What?”
    “I was too busy trying to secure our future. I haven’t actually spoken to him about the future of the sanctuary yet.” Although, judging by his reaction when he’d found out about the donkeys, she didn’t hold out much hope. Not that she was going to push him on the issue – he’d already conceded more than she could ever have hoped by offering her a job and a home.
    Ridiculous though it sounded after her initial adverse reaction, she was beginning to like Theo Bradley. And his acquiring the estate could only be a good thing – whether the donkeys were allowed to stay or not. The place would be renovated and would thrive as profits were reinvested.
    “I’ll speak to him,” Evie announced, drying her hands on a tea towel. “Where is he?”
    “You can’t disturb him, he’s working. You can talk to him tomorrow.” But Rosie found she was talking to Evie’s retreating back as her sister headed off in the direction of the office.
    With a sigh she walked to the sink and picked up the washing-up brush. She couldn’t be cross because, in Evie’s position, she would have done exactly the same thing. But she did wonder if Theo had any idea what he’d been letting himself in for when he’d decided to take on the Farnham women.
    ***
    Rosie had guessed it wouldn’t take long for news of Theo’s stay at the Manor to spread. She didn’t stand a chance against Miss Morris – and a younger sister who had a foghorn where her mouth should be.
    She didn’t, however, expect to see Julia in her office, just after lunch the next day. “I thought Sunday afternoon was your family time.”
    “I’ve only