Free The Legacy of Hope House by Dilys Xavier Page B

nephew or something like that. He told me he doesn’t fancy staying permanently with Mr James, but that’s where he is at the moment. He could live there if he wished but he would prefer a place of his own.’
    She lifted a finger. ‘Actually, he told me he’s looking for somewhere nice to stay until he finds what he wants, so I told him to ask you about a room. I gave him your phone number, so maybe he’ll ring you soon. I hope you don’t mind.’
    ‘Cripes, Liz, I’m not ready for guests yet,’ Anna was wide-eyed as she thought of it, but soon realised the potential. ‘But hey, it could earn me a few bob until I get going.’
    ‘Think it over.’ Liz gave a quick shrug. ‘You can always make some excuse if you don’t want him there, but I doubt he’d mind repairs going on around him. He’d probably be only too pleased to get fixed up, and wouldn’t notice it.’
    ‘Okay, that’s a good idea,’ Anna called back to her, as she went into the kitchen to make some coffee. When she returned, Liz was on her mobile. She popped it into her bag as Anna came in with the hot drink. ‘That was Dot,’ she said. ‘What does she know of the story about your distant relatives?’ Liz asked.
    ‘Nothing, yet.’
    Liz lifted her brows and looked quizzically at Anna. ‘I don’t want to sound bossy, but I think maybe you should get in touch with her if you want her to help in any way; you know she can get a bit funny if you upset her. Anyway, she’s just heard she’s bagged a good job in London, and her living there could help with your research. She’s starting her new job almost straight away, so she won’t be around here for long.’
    ‘Okay, I’ll put things right with Dot, don’t worry.’
    ‘Are we still meeting up on the weekend?’ Liz asked.
    ‘Yes, but I’d like you to come to Hope House before then.’
    ‘Done,’ Liz said, getting up from her chair. ‘I’ll pop in tomorrow. Now I’m off home; I’m starving.’
    As soon as Liz left, David rang. ‘See you tomorrow,’ he said, ‘and if things work out okay, I’ll come back tomorrow evening.’
    *
    The following day, Anna was sorting out a delivery of frozen food to stock the freezers when the phone went for the umpteenth time.
    ‘I’d like to book a room please, if there’s one available,’ the caller said. ‘My name is Quentin Hale. I’ve moved into the area, and until I find a place of my own, I need some comfortable accommodation. That’s not easy in this godforsaken dump.’
    Anna’s mind went into overdrive. Although she had taken a number of bookings for a couple of weeks’ time, she hadn’t really considered having guests arrive this soon. The name of the man was the one Liz had mentioned. Could she put him up? Should she, at this early stage? Moreover, was she ready to? It took only seconds to make up her mind. She needed the money.
    ‘Yes, certainly. Will Saturday be convenient?’ she asked.
    ‘That’ll suit me fine,’ came the softly spoken reply in a cultured voice that held ever such a slight American accent.
    If he was anything like his voice, he’d be delightful. As she replaced the receiver, Anna tried to picture Liz’s description of this drop-dead gorgeous looking Quentin Hale.
    David called as promised the next day, but he was so busy he had no chance to talk with Anna, except for a brief exchange when everyone took a coffee break. When he stood back to see how his plastering looked on the area that had been damaged by damp, Anna walked over and stood at his side. ‘That’s as smooth as they come,’ she said, almost cooing her praises. ‘You’ve done a great job. You make difficult work look so easy, David, and I must say I’m ever so pleased with all you’ve done here.’
    ‘Just a case of practice,’ David said, once again colouring slightly at Anna’s compliment.
    While he continued to put the finishing touches to the job, Anna went to check out the pale blue bedroom at the front of the house,