THE TICKET TO HAPPINESS
FAITH BLEASDALE

Published by AVON

A Division of HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd

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London SE1 9GF

www.harpercollins.co.uk

First published in Great Britain by HarperCollinsPublishers 2019

Copyright © Faith Bleasdale 2019

Cover design © HarperCollinsPublishers 2019

Cover illustrations © Shutterstock

Faith Bleasdale asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

A catalogue copy of this book is available from the British Library.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this ebook on screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins.

Ebook Edition © March 2019; ISBN: 9780008306977

Version: 2019-03-22

To Sally, wishing you love and happiness in your new adventure!

Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

The Singer Family Tree

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-one

Chapter Thirty-two

Chapter Thirty-three

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

Keep Reading …

About the Author

About the Publisher

Prologue

The Californian sun streamed through the window, highlighting the house she was looking at on the computer screen. Meadowbrook Manor, a boutique hotel in Somerset, the UK. The house drew her in as she peered at the big windows, the impressive front door, the inviting interior as shown in the photos that had been taken of the inside. She could almost see, almost feel herself there.

She noticed a tear sliding down her cheek, which surprised her, as she hadn’t realised she’d been crying. She angrily brushed it away. There had been so much, too much that had brought her to this point, and as she stared at the hotel she begged it to give her the answer she needed. Although it felt hopeless, she was desperate to understand. After a while, she felt her heart start to warm. She knew it was crazy, but it really felt as if Meadowbrook was talking to her, calling her.

Before she had time to change her mind she pulled up another website, this time for flights, and with a few clicks she’d booked herself a ticket. She hoped, no she knew, in her heart that it was the right thing to do. That ticket was going to take her to just where she needed to be.

Chapter One

Pippa could feel a smile inching its way across her face before she opened her eyes. Today was going to be a good day. She sprang out of bed with childlike enthusiasm, opening the curtains in her small bedroom that overlooked Meadowbrook’s magnificent gardens. Meadowbrook Manor, a grand Georgian house, had been home to her and her three siblings for their entire childhood. They’d lived with just their father, Andrew Singer, throughout most of this time, as their mother had passed away when Pippa was only four years old.

And since Andrew’s death, Meadowbrook had become much more than just a family home to the Singer siblings. They’d turned it into a boutique five-star hotel.

Pippa looked out at the sweeping gardens. Even in winter, they were perfectly maintained and deserving of the reputation that made them an attraction. They had been her father’s pride and joy, so they remained important to Pippa and her three siblings, as did the animal sanctuary that lay just beyond – another great love of their father’s before he passed away.

She took a moment to enjoy the view that stretched out over the Mendip countryside. It was a rare interlude, as Pippa was now busier than ever. Opening and running the hotel was pretty much the only job she’d ever had, but she was lucky that she loved doing it. She was a people person, so managing a hotel, charming the guests, making sure their every whim was catered for, played to her strengths. Although her sister and two brothers were involved in the hotel in their own way, it was still largely her baby. The only baby she had.

She brushed this negative thought away. She often thought about how just a few short years ago she’d been married to Mark, a controlling man who’d turned out to be ruthless and uncaring. But she didn’t see it until it was almost too late, as one often did in such relationships, and since then she’d been largely single.

Before her divorce, Pippa had always thought she’d have children and become a mum, rather than run a hotel, but she had learnt the hard way that life didn’t always work out the way you thought it would. And she was better off now. Surrounded by her siblings and their partners, she did sometimes feel a little sad about being single, but she was only thirty-two, after all – it wasn’t as if she was an old maid just yet … although she felt like it at times. Pippa once again pushed those negative thoughts away. Lately, she’d been letting negativity creep into her head, but not today.

She hopped around the room with an energy that seemed on endless supply since the hotel opened. Though the first few months had been anxious ones, Pippa had barely come up for air, but now the hotel had found its rhythm. In fact, Pippa was preparing a party to celebrate its one-year anniversary.

Like with many things at Meadowbrook, the anniversary was slightly unconventional in that they were celebrating over a month early. The official opening of the hotel had been held on Valentine’s Day last year, and her brother Gus’s wedding to Meadowbrook garden designer, Amanda, had marked that occasion. But as they had bookings this year for those in search of romance, they were holding the party early during the first week of January. Not only was it quiet, but everyone involved with Meadowbrook would also welcome a party to fend off the post-Christmas and New Year blues. No one she knew did dry January, after all. Her brother Freddie said if you were going to pick a month to give up drinking, why pick the coldest, longest and most depressing? She had to admit he had a point.

Although they all had different strengths and often bickered, the Singer siblings all agreed that Pippa should take the lead on the hotel as manager and they supported her in different ways. She often wondered what her father would think of her now. Andrew Singer was driven, complicated, successful and loving, and she missed him every single day.

Harriet Singer was the business brain behind Meadowbrook, the hotel and the animal sanctuary, as well as their father’s various investments and complicated estate. Gus, the second oldest, took care of the gardens; Amanda and he ran a gardening company that was hugely in demand. He also painted and ran increasingly popular painting workshops at the hotel. Freddie, her third sibling, was sort of her co-manager but he ran the bar, his particular area of interest, and took care of all the marketing and social media. Somehow, they’d figured out how to do this together, without too much fighting. They’d almost made it to a year with no casualties at the very least, and Meadowbrook was open for business.

After showering, Pippa dried herself and pulled on a pair of jeans and a new cream jumper. Having kept this weekend free of guests for the anniversary party, the hotel felt eerily quiet, and Pippa wasn’t used to being here on her own. But this morning, for a little while at least, it was just her. She smiled as she made her way to the kitchen and poured a large mug of coffee. She leant against the counter, thankful for a moment’s peace and quiet. Yes, today was going to be a good day …

Chapter Two

Hilda, Harriet’s dog, bounded through the door and jumped up at Pippa, knocking her mug of coffee all over her and getting muddy paw prints on her jumper. What on earth had possessed her to wear cream?

‘Thanks, Hilda.’ Pippa rolled her eyes but petted the big Old English sheepdog, who was boisterous but adorable. Harriet and her partner, Connor, a vet, had adopted her from the animal sanctuary a couple of years back and she was part of the family.

‘Sorry, Pip. I tried to contain her but you know what she’s like,’ Harriet sighed as she walked in behind Hilda with her new baby, Toby, strapped to her chest.

They were in the Meadowbrook kitchen, the hub of the house. It had been the scene of many a family meal growing up when they’d shunned the formal dining room for the warmth of the kitchen, with its Aga and Gwen, their housekeeper, baking, which kept the kitchen smelling inviting. Now, it was more of a commercial kitchen, but they managed to retain some of its history, not least with the huge, old kitchen table that sat in the room, etched with their childhoods on it.

‘Can I have my nephew?’ Pippa asked, itching to get her hands on four-month-old Toby.

‘If you can figure out how to get into this bloody thing. It almost needed an engineering degree to get it on; you should have heard my language. If Toby’s first words are all swearwords then you’ll know why.’

Harriet, the oldest at forty, sounded harassed, which was unlike the normally cool-headed woman, but then Pippa guessed being a new mother could do that to you. Harriet was taller than Pippa, with dark hair cut into an efficient bob, and she looked a little like their father, whereas Pippa took after their mother. Harriet was attractive and slim, with translucent skin and brown eyes, while Pippa was more delicate with her blonde hair, pale skin and bright blue eyes. They did share some similar traits, but initially to look at them you wouldn’t guess they were sisters.

Pippa managed to unhook Toby and engulfed him in her arms, where he wriggled before nuzzling into her. She sniffed his head, something she couldn’t resist doing. He looked like Harry, she thought, but his eyes were similar to his father, Connor. He was the most beautiful baby she’d ever seen. Although she was, of course, biased.

‘Right, I need coffee, and loads of it,’ Harriet announced as she left Pippa cooing and moved to the coffee machine, Hilda wagging her tail at her heels.

Pippa opened her mouth and then promptly closed it. Harriet appeared to have her jumper on inside out but Pippa wasn’t sure she dared point it out.

‘Are you all right?’ Pippa asked instead.

Harriet was so strong she rarely showed weakness, or rather vulnerability; she didn’t believe in it. As sisters, Pippa and Harriet were polar opposites. Harriet took being the oldest seriously and Pippa did the same with being the youngest, even milking it, some might say. They bickered, all four of them did, but they were closer than they ever had been – closer than their father even imagined they’d be, Pippa often thought.

‘Yes, I’m absolutely great,’ Harriet said, taking a large gulp of coffee. ‘Even better now.’

‘Good.’ Pippa frowned. She knew she worried about her siblings, but Harriet wasn’t someone who took kindly to being worried about.

‘Anyway, what needs doing for this party?’ Harriet asked.

‘I think it’s all under control. But you’re all staying here, aren’t you?’

‘Yup. I’ve got a baby monitor for Toby, so I can put him to sleep and enjoy the party,’ Harriet grinned.

‘You’re going to drink actual alcohol?’ Pippa asked.

Harriet had barely taken a sip of wine since Toby’s birth. Personally, Pippa thought maybe it would do her good.

‘Yes, I’ve pumped milk for his feeds for tomorrow, and then I can pump and dump in the morning,’ Harriet explained.

‘What?’ Pippa grimaced.

‘There might be alcohol in the breast milk if I drink, so I have to pump it out and get rid. It’s called pump and dump according to the baby book.’

‘Yuk. Anyway, can we stop talking about your breasts?’

Just then, Toby gave out a wail.

‘Well we can, but I’m going to have to whip them out now as my baby’s hungry.’

Harriet reached out and took her son, settling herself down at the kitchen table to feed him.

‘Why is my timing so bad?’ Freddie said as he walked into the kitchen with a grimace on his face.

‘For God’s sake, Fred, you can’t even see anything,’ Harriet snapped.

She had a muslin cloth covering both her and most of Toby. Freddie was the youngest of the male siblings. Only two years older than Pippa, they looked the most alike. Freddie was tall and slim, with the same colouring as Pippa. His messy blond hair crowned his head, but he had the same strong nose as their father and their other brother, Gus.

‘You know what he’s like. Hello, guys,’ Gemma said, appearing from behind him.

Gemma was originally Meadowbrook’s hotel consultant and although there was a huge amount of drama before they opened the hotel, she’d done an amazing job. Gemma was thirty and she was shorter than Pippa, with dark blonde, highlighted hair, but was far prettier than she ever thought she was. When she’d worked for the hotel, Gemma and Pippa had become firm friends. But then just as the hotel opened, she and Freddie fell in love – a case of opposites attract, obviously. Freddie was her loud, party-loving brother and Gemma was shy, quiet, anxious and, especially when she first arrived at Meadowbrook, a bundle of nerves. But she was also bright, sensible and with a fun side, and Freddie seemed to have unearthed those qualities in her. In fact, they brought out the best in each other. When the hotel opened, Gemma had resigned. She wanted to do something outside the family now she was dating Freddie. But Meadowbrook Hotel still felt as if it were a part of Gemma; it was important to all of them and of course Gemma was roped in to help when they needed her. She’d gone to college to study business as a mature student, which she loved.

‘Right, well, back to this party. What do you need us to do?’ Gemma asked.

‘I need you guys to stay here and help set up, if that’s OK?’

‘Sure, but I need to go and get my cocktail bar ready,’ Freddie said.

The bar was his domain, which given his predilection for alcohol could have been a bad thing, but Freddie took the bar seriously and hadn’t – yet – drunk it dry. He was becoming known for mixing fantastic cocktails and actually, having the responsibility had done him good. That and Gemma, of course.

‘Can’t wait to try them; although seeing’s as I’ve hardly touched a drink for the best part of a year, you need to go easy on me,’ Harriet grinned, the old spark seemingly back in her eyes.

‘Harry, have you got your jumper on inside out?’ Freddie asked.

Pippa carried two mugs of steaming coffee out through the back door of the kitchen and into the garden. She wasn’t surprised to have seen Gus pottering out there earlier. Gus, her eldest brother, loved the gardens and he could often be found out there when he wasn’t painting or with his family.

‘Hey,’ she called, waving at him as he was trimming one of the garden’s many bushes.

He stopped, squinted and then beamed.

‘Pippa, just what I need,’ he said as he bounded over to her.

Gus was thirty-nine and looked like a male version of Harriet, apart from his nose. He was tall, with thinning dark hair and a stocky build. Despite his looks, he was sensitive, quiet and creative. Definitely the most creative of the Singers.

She handed him the mug and they stood side by side in silence, looking at the winter sun glinting in the greenery.

‘It looks beautiful,’ she said, which was true.

‘All the hard work’s definitely paid off. Amanda’s flat out today, but she’s going to finish early so she can come up to the house. I know you probably need me to help with the party, but I just fancied being out here alone for a bit.’

‘I understand, Gus.’ Pippa gave his arm a squeeze. ‘But, yes, when you’re ready, it’s all hands on deck. Where’s Fleur, by the way?’

Amanda, who was in charge of the Meadowbrook gardens and had worked for their father, was Gus’s second wife. Fleur, her niece, was his sixteen-year-old daughter from his first marriage.

‘She’ll be up later with the rest of the family; although I’m sure she’ll be wearing something inappropriate and trying to sneak alcohol,’ he complained.

Before Toby’s arrival, as their only niece, all the Singers doted on Fleur and she was also very close to their late father. Gus and she had a tempestuous relationship, mainly owing to the fact that he was overprotective and not ready for his little girl to grow up.

‘I’m sure she won’t,’ Pippa lied, as that was exactly what Fleur would be doing. ‘Anyway, I’d better go and check on the caterers. All OK?’

‘Yes, I’ll finish up here and be in in a bit to help.’ He gave her a hug, handed the empty mug back to her and went back to his pottering.

The peace of earlier in the day was forgotten as Pippa moved around the house. The kitchen was full of catering staff now, who were preparing food for the evening, so Pippa, on discovering everything was under control, ducked out. She stood in the doorway to the bar, watching Freddie and Gemma laughing. It was heartwarming to see how close her best friend and her brother were, they were so in love. Gemma was passing bottles to Freddie, who was making drinks, but every now and then he’d stop to kiss her. Pippa felt a little like a voyeur, but she didn’t want to interrupt their moment, so she carried on.

She ran upstairs and checked the rooms were all ready. It might seem silly but she wanted her siblings and her to sleep in their old rooms for one night. She’d got them all prepared, her room, Harriet’s, Gus’s and Freddie’s. Fleur and Gus’s stepdaughter, Hayley, had rooms on the top floor, which used to be the attic rooms for staff back in the day, and Gwen said she may stay over with her partner, Gerry, but she hadn’t quite committed. Gwen had never slept in the main house, only in her apartment, and although she was family, she still said it didn’t seem right. The rooms weren’t the same as when they all lived there, of course, for they were now decorated as hotel rooms, more neutral. Pippa finished her inspection, satisfied that it was all ready as she headed back downstairs.

Flower arrangements were being set up in the reception area as well as the bar and dining room. Pippa had a florist who delivered every week to ensure the hotel always looked its best and in summer they used flowers from the gardens, too. The dining room was ready to receive the buffet food, which would be laid out on the huge dining table. It was all under control and Pippa was almost disappointed to find that she really didn’t need to do anything.

She decided to head out for a walk before it was time to get changed. As she passed the drawing room, she glanced in and saw that Toby and Harriet were on the sofa. Toby was on her chest and they were both fast asleep. She smiled at the sight of mother and child and quietly headed out.

She found herself at the sanctuary, where the animals, oblivious to the festivities, carried on as normal. One of the paddocks saw the donkey, Gerald, and the ponies grazing, while another was home to four goats – three adults and a baby. The pigs, who were Gus’s favourites, had a space beyond that, next to the field where the two alpacas, Sebastian and Samantha, glared at everyone who passed. In the far field were the cows, or to be precise, the bull, David, the cow, Madonna, and their baby calf, Drake. They weren’t the friendliest, either. Fleur got to name most new arrivals, and liked to name them after rappers – hence baby calf Drake and baby goat Kanye.

As Pippa made her way to the sanctuary office, she passed the chicken pen, the cat quarters and the large kennel, which was apparent by the noise coming from it. Although she loved the sanctuary, she wished that the domestic animals had all been re-homed. She wanted them all in loving homes and the fact they weren’t made her sad. Although Meadowbrook did have a good re-homing success rate, there were always animals coming in to replace those who left and that wasn’t good – or at least not for the animals, as it generally meant they’d suffered.

‘Penny for them?’ Connor asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Connor, Harriet’s partner, was tall, good-looking in a scruffy way, with unruly dark hair and the kindest smile. He had dimples that Toby seemed to have inherited in his cheeks and where Harriet could be scary, Connor was the most laid-back person Pippa had ever met. Yet again, opposites in many ways, but they’d been soulmates from childhood; although they didn’t realise it until after Andrew’s death and when it was almost too late.

‘I’ll have you know they’re worth more than a penny,’ Pippa replied. ‘I was at the house and everything’s under control for tonight, so I thought I’d get some fresh air and I found myself here, maybe thinking of Dad a bit today, you know.’ Pippa tried not to get emotional but she always did when she thought of her father.

‘I know, and look how far you’ve come. He’d be so proud of you.’

‘And you and the sanctuary.’

‘Hey, we’re like a mutual appreciation society. By the way, I seem to be missing a girlfriend and a baby.’

‘At the house, both fast asleep,’ Pippa smiled.

Connor ran his hands through his hair.

‘Harriet, day-sleeping? Wow. Right, well, I’ll finish up here and head up in that case.’

‘See you soon.’

Pippa watched him depart and then headed back to the house. She was so happy that all three of her siblings had such wonderful partners – however, she did wonder, just briefly, when it would be her turn.

Chapter Three

Pippa called it the Meadowbrook magic as she happily floated around the group of partygoers. The celebration was going exactly to plan. The family were having fun, as was most of Parker’s Hollow – their village, their community. There were a lot of people who were important to Meadowbrook, and there were also many who Meadowbrook was important to, so they all deserved to be part of this: of Meadowbrook’s success. Their father had always taught them the value of community and he’d involved as many of the local people as possible in Meadowbrook life. Pippa and the rest of the Singers had carried this on and it was heartwarming for her to see everyone here tonight, people who loved Meadowbrook, people whom she loved.

She took some time out to watch and listen to them all as if she were invisible. Gus was dancing with his wife, Amanda. This was almost their anniversary party, too, in a way – albeit a bit early ahead of their real anniversary on Valentine’s Day. Pippa felt warm to see bliss written across both of their faces. They made a great couple – Gus a little serious and a worrier, and Amanda who loved the outdoors and embraced life in a way that was helping Gus to do the same.

Freddie was ordering the bar staff around and trying to ply Gemma with alcohol so he could also ply himself with it, without getting into trouble. Gemma’s cheeks were flushed and she was giggling with happiness and alcohol. Pippa knew her friend well and Freddie’s plan seemed to be working.

Fleur was trying to sneak drinks off the tables that were dotted around and she was followed by Hayley, her stepsister. They were being so obvious but luckily, Amanda and Gus hadn’t yet noticed. Gwen, Connor’s mother, was laughing at something Gerry was saying. Gwen had met Gerry at Meadowbrook and although they both claimed their relationship was really more of a deep friendship, they all noticed how much time Gerry spent with Gwen these days; in fact, he practically lived with her. Pippa impulsively landed a kiss on Gwen’s cheek. She was like a second mum to them all and she felt so much love towards her in that moment.

The music that Freddie had selected was loud and vibrant but didn’t seem to be a deterrent to the older members of the community, from what she could see. Many of the gardening club ladies, ladies who were retired and who loved gardening so came to Meadowbrook regularly, were dancing with the enthusiastic morris dancers. Even the volunteers and workers from the sanctuary who didn’t often let their hair down were giving it a good go. Pippa let John, the vicar, who was also the leader of the morris dancers, spin her around the makeshift dance floor a couple of times before giggling and going to find another drink.

After checking all the guests were having fun, Pippa went over to Harriet and Connor, who were both pale-faced, talking to John – his wife, Hilary, by his side. John and Hilary were pillars of the Meadowbrook community. Not only was he the vicar and head of the morris-dancing troop, but he and his wife were also the people who knew everything that was going on in Parker’s Hollow, the village. They also looked scarily alike, both tall, slender or bony, as Harriet said, with glasses that dominated both of their faces. Freddie still found this hard to accept – to him, they looked more like brother and sister than husband and wife.

‘You really shouldn’t leave it too long to get the lad christened,’ Pippa heard John say as she approached.

‘Pip,’ Harry said, grabbing her.

Harriet was holding a baby monitor, so she could hear if Toby so much as murmured in the room he was sleeping in upstairs.

‘Yes?’ Pippa smiled.

John, the vicar, was grinning enthusiastically.

‘John thinks we need to organise a christening for Toby.’

‘You should. We’ve got the family christening robe and the way he eats he won’t fit in it if you don’t hurry up,’ Pippa laughed, thinking that a christening would be another wonderful Meadowbrook event. She might even get to organise it.

‘Thanks for the support,’ Harriet hissed in her ear. ‘OK, that’s great, John, but Connor and I still need to find godparents and then we need to organise a party, I guess,’ she said carefully.

‘I’ll do the catering,’ Gwen cut in, as it turned out she’d been listening. ‘And I insist on making a very special cake. I’ll go and get some brandy from Freddie now while I think of it.’

‘Mum, are you all right?’ Connor’s brows etched in concern.

‘Oh, yes, just had one too many sherries,’ Gwen replied, swaying slightly.

‘Now, if I might interfere, I’d be very happy to put my hat into the ring for a godfather role,’ Gerry offered.

Harriet looked so startled she was unable to speak.

‘Gwen’s Granny and I’m her partner, so it’d be nice for me to have an official title, too,’ he said. ‘I’m also willing to dress up as any character he might like for any of his birthdays.’

That was Gerry’s pitch. No one knew what to say. Gerry did like to dress up, though, at any excuse, which no one liked to think too much about; although it did come in handy for the Meadowbrook events.

‘Oh, and I should be godmother,’ Edie – one of the gardening club members and a pillar of the Meadowbrook community – said, appearing suddenly as if from nowhere.

Edie was eccentric to say the least. She’d just turned seventy-something but pretended she was sixty. No one dared argue with her.

Pip stifled a giggle. Harriet’s face had turned grey and even Connor looked concerned.

‘Great, well, you have two godparents right here. You only need one more man if tradition serves or, as I’m a very progressive vicar, you can have more if you like,’ John offered magnanimously. ‘I know some people these days like to have quite a few.’

‘We’ll definitely need more,’ Connor said, sounding a little shell-shocked.

‘Let’s think about it and we’ll call you soon to lock down a date.’

It wasn’t often that Harriet gave in but, Pippa realised, they’d caught her on the rare occasion she’d had a drink since Toby’s birth. She’d have agreed to anything, Pippa thought as Harriet downed the wine left in her glass.

‘And after the service we’ll be happy to do a special morris dance for Toby,’ John finished.

‘Oh, how lovely. A christening and morris dancing. Of course, I’ll make the quiches,’ Hilary offered. ‘I should go and find Gwen so we can discuss the menu.’

As Pippa watched Connor shrug helplessly and Harriet’s eyes fill with panic, she wondered if she should intervene.

‘I think I heard Toby crying,’ Harriet said. ‘John, it all sounds lovely, thank you.’ And grabbing Pippa’s hand, she thrust the baby monitor into Connor’s hands then pulled her sister with her before she was coerced into anything else.

‘For God’s sake, we’ll need to get Toby other godparents – you know, those who might even outlive his parents,’ Harriet whispered when they were in her old bedroom.

Toby was in a Moses basket sleeping soundly, silent but for the occasional snuffling noise.

‘Think of the pictures!’ Pippa laughed. ‘Oh, but Gerry’s so sweet, though, and so’s Edie. It’ll mean so much to them, too. They love little Toby.’

‘I know that,’ Harriet hissed, ‘but I’m not sure it’s the best thing for Toby. I mean, aren’t the parents meant to choose godparents, not the other way round?’

‘I wonder what Edie’ll wear?’ Pippa felt uncontrollable laughter bubbling up. They loved Edie and she certainly lent colour to Meadowbrook.

‘I dread to think, Edie in her finest. I adore her but tonight she was definitely channelling Madonna circa 1988.’

‘But she was delighted with her ra-ra skirt; she got it when Gemma took her to the charity shops in Bath.’

‘At least Toby’ll be oblivious to it all, so that’s one good thing—’

The door burst open and Connor ran in, brandishing the other baby monitor.

‘Oh no!’ Harriet cringed.

‘What did they hear?’ Pippa said, her heart falling.

‘Thankfully, as soon as I heard Harriet blaspheme, I ran out of the room. I think John heard you take the Lord’s name in vain, but I definitely saved you from the worst.’

‘Oh, Con, how can I ever thank you?’ Harriet giggled, throwing her arms around him.

‘You could always ask Edie if you could borrow her ra-ra skirt,’ he winked.

Chapter Four

Pippa was woken by a quiet knock on her bedroom door. She slowly sat up, acknowledging that hungover, sleepy feeling as her memory seeped back. She was in her childhood bedroom, not her normal room. Of course, the bedroom now belonged to the hotel now. It had a four-poster bed and was one of the more romantic rooms, she often felt.

‘Come in.’ She stretched her arms above her head.

Harriet walked in clutching Toby and a baby’s bottle.

‘What time is it?’ Pippa asked.

‘Half six, but your nephew needs feeding and Connor’s snoring, which makes me want to stab him. How can he sleep through a baby crying? It’s ridiculous!’ Harriet hiccupped. ‘Pip, I think I might still be drunk and I’m not sure I should be allowed to be in charge of my baby. Gwen offered to have him sleep at hers but I’ve never spent a night away from him and …’

‘Hand him over.’

Pippa took Toby, cradled him in her arms and planted a kiss on his head. She loved babies. She loved this baby. When Harriet was first pregnant, Pippa didn’t like to admit it but she was jealous, or maybe that was envious, because she was so happy for Harriet and Connor at the same time. When she was married to Mark, she’d been so desperate for a child and now she was single, it wasn’t looking likely to happen anytime soon. She loved being an aunt, although she needed to persuade Harriet to let her spend more time with Toby. It would do them both good.

She took the bottle and looked into Toby’s eyes as he began to suck contentedly, his eyes flickering as he drank. Harriet collapsed in a heap next to them on the bed.

‘Why don’t you go back to bed and leave Toby with me for a couple of hours? I’m only going to be pottering this morning. The clearing up can wait and I’ve got help coming in later anyway.’

‘I couldn’t—’ Harriet started.

‘Don’t be silly, Harry, you’re in no fit state and if you have a few more hours’ sleep you’ll feel much better; you might even be sober. He’s safe with me and I’m not leaving the house, so if I need you, I promise I’ll come and get you straight away.’ Pippa tried to sound stern.

‘I love you, Pip. Hey, why don’t you join Edie as Toby’s other godmother?’

‘You asked me a hundred times last night and I’m his aunt. If anything happens to you and Connor I fully expect to get him anyway. But if you really want me to be—’

‘I do. Then if anything happens to Connor and me you’ll have a better case to argue with Edie. Godmother and aunt, she won’t stand a chance. You’ll trump her!’

‘I know nothing’ll happen to you, by the way, Harry, but you know, those alpacas are a bit evil. Not to mention the no-longer-gay bull.’

Pippa was referring to some of the animals at the sanctuary that were part of Meadowbrook. The two alpacas, Samantha and Sebastian, had perfected being rude to everyone they encountered.

‘Now I’m never going to sleep again. Except I will right now, actually. I’ll put the nappy bag outside your door and if you need me, then you know where I am. If he sounds upset or anything, please let me know.’

‘We’ll be fine, Harry. Now go.’

As Harriet staggered off, Pippa giggled – Harry was definitely still drunk.

Pippa finished feeding Toby, burped him and then laid him across her as they relaxed in bed. She fancied a coffee but then she wanted to keep cuddling her nephew for a bit longer. He really was the most divine child and he had the Singer look about him with her father’s nose, or the beginning of it. He was beginning to look like a perfect mix of both of his parents, actually.

Pippa’s phone rang, interrupting her doting, and she looked at the screen. It was Hector. Why was he calling so early?

‘Hector, it’s practically the middle of the night,’ she said, snatching the phone.

Hector Barber was a long-time friend of Meadowbrook, having been introduced by Freddie as a ‘celebrity’ at their summer fête. In truth he was a reality TV star, having appeared on a show called Singles Holiday, though he’d been kicked off for having sex with most of the women on there. From there, he’d gone on to feature on most ‘celebrity’ reality TV shows going and was a huge national heartthrob. But he’d become firm friends with the Singers and over time, he’d become like part of the extended family. Just before they opened the hotel, he’d announced he was writing a novel and after they’d all managed to get past the shock, he’d been the hotel’s first official guest, moving into the hotel to write his first book.

And despite all the cynics, Hector’s book had been a huge bestseller and all of a sudden, he was being taken seriously both as a person and a writer. He’d dedicated his first book to the Singers and Meadowbrook.

‘I know,’ he’d said in response, ‘but I’m at the airport in New York and I couldn’t remember the time difference. Oh, and Happy New Year. I’m so sorry I missed the party, but having to promote my book here meant I really couldn’t get away.’

Hector had spent Christmas in America because of an extensive book tour.

‘I know, you told us and it’s fine. We missed you but there’ll always be another party.’

Pippa thought about how much everyone loved Hector, especially the gardening club ladies. She surprised herself by thinking that even she missed him.

‘Right, well, that’s why I’m calling. I’m getting on a flight in a minute and I’m on deadline, so I wondered if I could book into the hotel.’

‘Hector, you have a perfectly good flat in London and although of course we’d love to see you …’

Pippa wasn’t sure if Hector was lonely. Now he had his success and was in demand, he seemed to want to be around them more than ever. Freddie said it was because he was in love with Pippa, but she brushed that off. He flirted with her terribly, but then he could flirt with a candlestick, he was that kind of guy. Lovely, fun, clever, not to mention gorgeous, but too young and too frivolous for Pippa. He was only twenty-nine and although he claimed his playboy days were behind him, she wasn’t convinced.

‘But you know I write best at Meadowbrook. I need to get my next book finished. There’s so much pressure on me, Pippa, and I was thinking three months would do it.’

‘You want to stay here for three months? You do know we’ve put our prices up?’ Pippa teased as Toby wriggled contently in her arms.

When Hector stayed he’d had opening prices, plus a huge discount. Actually, they didn’t want to charge him at all, but he’d insisted. The thing was that the publicity that Hector brought the hotel had been amazing. Not least because of the groups of women booked in hoping to meet him. They should have been paying him, in fact.

‘Pip, I’m going to talk to Harriet about the rate, because she’ll charge me properly.’

‘You’re family and you can stay with us anytime, but I still don’t see why you’d want to be holed up here for three months.’

‘And you call yourself a businesswoman? What would Harriet say if I told her you were turning down paying customers?’

‘She’d kill me.’

‘I’ll call you when I’m in London to let you know when to expect me. Oh, bugger, last call for my flight.’ He hung up.

‘Hector’s coming, Toby. You’ll like him. He’s fun.’

Hector hadn’t met Toby yet. He’d been so busy with his book tours that he hadn’t managed to come over since his birth. Pippa had to decide where he’d stay. Probably in one of the attic rooms; for some reason, Hector loved being at the top of the house. She had a few bookings coming up, but they had plenty of space for the quiet season. Meadowbrook only had ten bedrooms, all doubles, and she always knew who was staying. One magazine had said Meadowbrook was the very definition of a boutique hotel. And that was exactly their intention when they’d opened it. Pippa loved that it was small and it ensured they knew what their guests liked and didn’t like. They made sure they had food that suited their preferences. Catering to their individual needs, as a small, luxury hotel they were more than able to do so. It meant that guests felt they were having an experience suited to them, rather than just a generic five-star hotel stay.

Pippa was actually pleased that Hector was coming. It would be nice to have him around. She grinned – Harriet would be really pleased. One three-month booking to take them through the slow season wouldn’t hurt at all, even if they did heavily discount. Although they weren’t empty, they weren’t full either for the next few months. They had some short mid-week corporate bookings coming up, a couple of groups embarking on Gus’s painting workshop and some more on Gwen’s baking course, which had proved so popular. And because of the baking show on TV – Hector had even taken part in the celebrity version of that – people clamoured. Baking was the new knitting, apparently. Pippa knew they might have some last-minute bookings, too, but she’d been prepared for it being quieter after Christmas, probably until Easter at least.

Soon after the hotel opened, they realised that the Meadowbrook hotel kitchen wasn’t going to be able to accommodate the baking experiences that they were getting requests for. Especially as it was needed to cater for the guests at the same time. However, next to Freddie’s house, one of the barns they’d converted, was another barn that they’d been able to turn into a kitchen – a little like the actual Great British Bake Off layout; although not a tent, of course. There were a number of ovens and fridges, and Gwen ran her baking courses there. They were so well-known that she’d had to rope others in to help her now she was working less, or at least trying to. Hilary, John, the vicar’s wife, helped out regularly, as she was a keen baker, too.

The good news was that the hotel wasn’t running at a huge loss. To Harriet’s dismay, it hadn’t made a profit yet, either, but then as Gemma pointed out, hotels never made money in the first year, which had almost satisfied her. The fact that the hotel was doing OK was enough. For now.

Pippa sat at her desk in the office going through the bookings. Everyone had left, the housekeeping staff were turning the rooms around and Pippa was nursing her persistent hangover with a much-needed cup of tea while making notes to ensure that during the coming week she was on top of things.

Growing up, with her three siblings and their father, not to mention Gwen and Connor, who were there most of the time, Meadowbrook had felt alive. But when one by one her siblings left – first to boarding school, then university, before going off to jobs in various places – it was just Pippa, the baby of the family, her father and Gwen. They’d filled the house with people: her father’s friends, the village community and Pippa’s school friends, who’d practically lived there when they were teenagers. When Pippa left Meadowbrook to marry Mark, she’d felt a stab of guilt – no, more than a stab of guilt – about leaving the house with just her father and Gwen. But she’d visited often and her dad never complained about being lonely. He kept busy and that was when he’d started the animal sanctuary.

Pippa felt tears surface. She still missed him and she wished he was with them; although she felt his presence in the house every day and that was why she’d always take care of Meadowbrook. It was the one place she could feel her father and she never wanted to lose that feeling.

Pippa wiped the tears off her face furiously as there was a knock on the office door. Gus appeared with a big smile. Mainly calm – apart from when it came to his teenage daughter – and level-headed, he was the most sensible of the siblings. He was also creative; although he’d been an insurance salesman before he managed to find his true passion: painting and gardening.

‘Why the tears, Pip?’ he asked, chewing his bottom lip anxiously.

‘I was thinking of Daddy. I’m not sure how I got there but with the party, it was emotional. You know, we’ve kept this place open for almost a year and it’s all going well, but I miss him. I wish I knew what he thought of it.’

‘I know.’ Gus came over to where Pippa was sat and bent down to hug her. ‘He’d be so proud of you, you know. All of us, but especially you.’

‘Thanks, Gus. Oh! by the way, Hector’s coming to stay. He needs to finish his new book.’

‘It’ll be nice to have him back. Anyway,’ he hopped awkwardly from foot to foot, ‘I need to get the details for my painting workshop. And Amanda said to complain about the lack of gardening interest.’ His lips curled in a slight smile.

‘Gus, it’s winter. Who wants to garden in the winter?’

‘Amanda!’ they both said and laughed.

Gus’s wife, Amanda, lived for her gardens. She was even out there in the snow, protecting her plants. But although the gardening courses were popular – funnily enough, especially with the younger generation – they weren’t in demand in the winter, when bookings had all but dried up.

‘I’ll sign Hector up,’ Pippa joked. ‘That’ll keep her happy.’

‘She’s got enough to do, really,’ Gus groaned. ‘Not only with existing clients, but she’s also taken on a new client. A rich family have bought a crumbling old manor house near Bath and they’ve got acres of grounds that need restoring. The house, too. Amanda hasn’t met them yet, but I think they might be Russian billionaires from the sound of it. Probably Mafia or something like that.’

‘Tell her to be careful, then. Although it sounds like a great project.’

‘She says it’s all grand statues and water features at the moment. But I’m worried she’s overstretching herself.’

‘Let Amanda do what she wants to do, Gus. Don’t clip her wings.’

Gus’s first marriage broke down because his then wife ran off with one of his friends, but afterwards she’d said that Gus had suffocated her by trying to please her all the time. Gus could be a bit like that. Unfortunately, he was the sensitive member of the family and their hard-to-please father didn’t really do sensitive. So Gus had spent most of his childhood trying to please their father, something their father recognised later in life and apologised for, but Gus was still battling with insecurity as a result. Amanda made him happier than he’d ever been, but old habits died hard.

‘I know, she’s happy, we’re happy, and I need to remember that. You know what a nightmare I can be!’

‘Exactly. Right, here’s your next two painting workshops.’

‘Any sign of Freddie?’ Gus asked.

‘No. Gemma dragged him home a couple of hours ago but that hangover isn’t going anywhere soon.’

‘Typical Fred.’

Pippa laughed. The Singers had settled into themselves and for four siblings who were so close, they were all so utterly disparate. Harriet the boss, Gus the sensitive one, Freddie the fun one and her … Pippa was still trying to find herself. She was on her own now for the first time, she was working for the first time and she was getting to know herself for the first time, but she still had a lot to learn. She might be in her thirties, but she felt as if she was only just now discovering who she really was.

Chapter Five

Pippa was absorbed in reading the latest edition of Hotels, a trade magazine, in the office, when she heard the front door bang open and raised voices. The noise startled her and she jumped. Glancing at her watch, she saw it was later than she thought. She must have been miles away.

‘Are you here?’ Freddie boomed, bursting into the office as she stood up.

‘Fred,’ she greeted.

‘Pippa, gorgeous as ever.’

Hector, with his floppy, public schoolboy dark hair, and his favoured look of chinos and a cable-knit sweater, stepped forwards and engulfed her in a hug. He was tall, well-toned – he liked his fitness – with a smile that lit up rooms. His body was often featured in magazines as being a ‘hot bod’ and his blue-green eyes were the subject of many a crush. Hector, with his boyish good looks, wouldn’t have been out of place in a Hollywood film.

As she felt his arms around her, Pippa couldn’t help but smile. It was so familiar, hugging Hector; he’d become one of her closest friends over the years. Pippa didn’t have many friends. She had her family, the villagers and Gemma. All of her girlfriends had been lost when she was married – Mark didn’t approve of her mixing with anyone he hadn’t chosen for her – and that made her sad, but now she knew she should count herself lucky.

‘Welcome back, Hector. Hope the drive with Freddie wasn’t too bad?’ Pippa arched an eyebrow.

Freddie had offered to pick Hector up from the train station in Bath. It gave him a chance to drive his Porsche outside the village and also to catch up with Hector, with whom he was firm friends.

‘It was great. Honestly. I’m so happy to be here,’ Hector gushed. ‘Missed the old place. America was nice but crazy busy and you know, just before I was due to leave I didn’t think of my flat in London, I thought of here.’

‘Right, first things first, welcome drink,’ Freddie announced. ‘Come on through to the bar.’

‘It’s only four o’clock,’ Pippa pointed out. ‘And I’ve got to organise food for you for tonight.’ Pippa knew that she shouldn’t be thinking of work but she always did.

‘Honestly, Hector’s just arrived back after a successful book tour and you can’t even toast him?’ Freddie tutted.

‘Of course I can,’ Pippa argued, narrowing her eyes at her brother.

Freddie had a habit of turning anything into a celebration. He’d celebrate a letter arriving, even if it was a bill. And, of course, they’d only just got over the hangover from the party two days ago.

‘So, I’m guessing that we’ll be eating pizza tonight and probably won’t leave the bar?’ she conceded.

She knew when to give in; there was no arguing with her brother sometimes. And, of course, Hector’s arrival did warrant a celebration.

‘That sounds like my perfect welcome-home evening.’ Hector’s eyes shone. He was so easily pleased.

‘Where’s Gemma?’ Pippa asked.

‘She’s gone to visit her nan’s grave thingy at the crematorium. You know, she goes regularly but she wanted to tell her about the anniversary party and stuff.’ Freddie’s features softened when he spoke of his girlfriend.

‘Why didn’t you go with her?’ Hector asked.

Pippa had been thinking the same thing.

‘I tried, I’ll have you know, but she wanted to be alone. She doesn’t have family anymore, as you know, so talking to her nan’s important to her. I did offer but she said she’d go when I was picking up Hector. Anyway, she’ll be back any minute, so I’ll get her to join us.’ He pulled out his phone and started texting.

‘Listen, I’ve only just recovered from the party hangover, so I’m really not going to drink much,’ Pippa said.

‘As long as we get the pleasure of your company, I really don’t mind,’ Hector replied with his familiar grin that made most people swoon.

‘So, how were the women in America?’ Freddie asked later as they were all sat around a table in the bar.

So much for not drinking. Pippa could already feel herself on the cusp of tipsy. She poured herself a glass of water. Gemma sat next to her. She’d been emotional after visiting her nan’s memorial but a couple of glasses of wine and a pizza later, she seemed to have cheered up.

‘Not a patch on here,’ Hector replied, looking at Pippa from under his long eyelashes. ‘But really, I was working so much I barely had the time to know which city I was in. It was bookshop after bookshop – or store as they say – and radio programme after radio programme. It was great, exhausting, but definitely all work and no play.’

‘Freddie should take a leaf out of your book,’ Gemma teased.

‘Oi, I’ll have you know I’ve worked really hard this year,’ he retorted.

‘You have and you have to admit that you love your job,’ Gemma conceded.

‘Talking of that, cocktail, anyone? I can make a pretty mean pornstar martini.’

‘It’s lovely to have you back,’ Gemma said.

She was a big fan of Hector. Didn’t ever stop reminding Pippa of the fact. And Pippa did adore him, but just as a friend, as she constantly seemed to remind everyone.

‘How long are you here for?’ Gemma added.

‘The book isn’t going to write itself. I’m under huge pressure to make it as good as the first one and you know, I’m actually nervous,’ he admitted.

Pippa startled. It wasn’t often she saw a vulnerable side to Hector, but there it was.

‘You’ll be fine, you’ve got Meadowbrook to inspire you,’ she reassured.

‘And that’s exactly what I need,’ he finished.

‘Harry, what are you doing here?’ Pippa walked into the kitchen, to find her sister sitting at the table with a laptop in front of her.

It was only half past six in the morning. Pippa was in her pyjamas and dressing gown. She’d stuck to her guns last night and not drunk too much, and as Hector was the only guest staying, she didn’t need to be up so early, but it had become a habit now. Later today, they were welcoming a small accountancy firm on a team-building break. They were staying for three days – painting one day, baking the next, and the third day they were going to take walks and explore the local area. There were only six of them altogether, so it was going to be quite straightforward, but Pippa wanted to check the rooms, the food and the itinerary well ahead of time.

One of the ideas Gemma had introduced was that as it was a small hotel, they get each guest to fill out a questionnaire before arrival. It not only asked for food preferences, but also a bit about themselves, so they could get to know each person before their stay. It worked well. It not only personalised the experience, but it also acted as forewarning. If someone didn’t like fish, they’d know not to serve it. If they preferred a certain type of alcohol, they’d make sure they had plenty in. If they wanted entertainment, they’d organise that, too. It was a very individualised stay, which is what Meadowbrook was all about.

‘The accounts. I can’t get them to add up. And keep your voice down – Toby’s asleep by the Aga,’ Harriet said eventually.

Pippa looked over to where her nephew was snuffling away in his pram.

‘Right,’ Pippa said and flicked the kettle on. ‘But it’s so early.’

‘Yes, Pip, I’m aware of that,’ Harriet snapped. ‘Sorry, sorry, but Toby was up half the night, and Connor and I took turns, but Connor needs to go to the surgery today and I thought if I brought Toby up here then at least he might get a few hours of decent sleep. But these numbers just don’t make sense.’

‘Fair enough, but what about you, you look exhausted?’

Pippa made tea but then thought that perhaps Harriet needed coffee. She went to turn on the coffee machine and when the machine had warmed up, she made her sister a double shot Americano and handed it over.

‘You’re a star. And yes, I’m fine. And anyway, after I’ve done these accounts and then some admin at the sanctuary, I’ve agreed to let Gwen sit at mine with Toby for a couple of hours so I get to have a nap. Satisfied?’ Harriet snapped again. Then she grinned. ‘Sorry. How’s Hector? I meant to come up and see him yesterday, but somehow this one kept us hostage in our own home. How can something so small wreak so much havoc?’

‘He’s a baby and he doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do yet,’ Pippa said.

Harriet had bags under her eyes and although Pippa didn’t want to point this out, Harry looked exhausted. No wonder the numbers weren’t adding up. She leant over Harriet’s shoulder and looked at the spreadsheet in front of her. Pippa’s strength wasn’t in maths, that was for sure, but she could see the mistake clearly.

‘Harry, I think those expenses are in the wrong column,’ she said softly.

Harriet narrowed her eyes at her sister then squinted at the screen.

‘’Course, I knew that. Right, great, it’s all fine now, then.’

‘Anyway, we’ve got the accountant guests arriving later and I’m just waiting for Vicky to come up so we can go through the menus.’

Pippa knew when to change the subject. Vicky was Gwen’s second-in-command, but she’d been trained up to run the hotel kitchen, although she still deferred to Gwen. Gwen was almost as much of a control freak as Harriet when it came to the Meadowbrook kitchen.

‘Ha, I should have asked them to do our accounts. Only joking. Gosh, this coffee is good, Pip. Right, I’m going to finish up here, then I’ll take Toby down to the sanctuary with me. Leave you to get ready, and don’t worry, I won’t be popping up with the baby while we’ve got guests.’

‘You know, I could babysit for a bit this morning?’ Pippa offered.

‘No, it’s fine. He’ll need feeding soon; I’d better take him with me. But I’ll call you later.’

Pippa decided arguing was futile as she took her tea into her apartment.

She’d just blow-dried her hair, when a message pinged on her iPad. The hotel had been set up so that guests could send instant messages from the mini iPad each room was presented with when they checked in. Another of Gemma’s ideas. And it made Pippa’s life easier, especially when the hotel was full. If they wanted anything – room service, fresh towels – they could send a message. Mixing modern technology with a Georgian manor house, they liked that at Meadowbrook, the old with the new.

She read the message:

Join me for breakfast?

Of course it was from Hector. Who else?

Meet me in the kitchen, she replied.

No guest ever ate in the kitchen. They had a formal dining room or they could eat in their rooms, but Hector was different. And Vicky would probably be there by now, so she could whip up something for them.

‘Hector,’ Pippa said as he walked into the kitchen a few minutes after her.

‘Pippa, morning!’ He grinned his boyish grin.

Whenever he did book signings, it was always full of women who wanted to get close to him. He said he felt a bit like a sex object, as he was sure half of them didn’t even read the books they brandished for him to sign. It made Pippa laugh. After all, he’d become famous for wearing swimming shorts and little else, and chatting up women, so he had little grounds for complaint.

‘Hi, Hector,’ Vicky said, turning a nice shade of red.

All the Meadowbrook staff, both male and female, had crushes on Hector. When he’d stayed here to write his first book, they’d all fallen in love or lust with him.

‘Vicky, you look lovely as always. Can I have my usual?’ Hector asked charmingly.

‘Yes, full English and cappuccino coming up. Pippa?’

‘I’ll just grab some yoghurt and fruit. Tomorrow, we need the dining room set up for six, unless you want to join the accountants for breakfast, Hector?’ Pippa asked.

‘No, I really don’t want to do that. Can I have breakfast in here?’ he asked.

‘I’m not sure that’s a good idea when we have other guests,’ Pippa said.

‘Of course,’ Vicky said at the same time. ‘It’ll be fine. I’ll take care of you myself.’

Pippa rolled her eyes.

‘Great. You know, sitting at this wonderful kitchen table eating breakfast in here inspires my writing,’ Hector declared. ‘As does your very wonderful cooking, Vicky.’

‘Oh, that’s so lovely to hear,’ Vicky said, flushed with pleasure.

No wonder everyone fell at his feet. Apart from herself, of course.

Freddie was doing a stocktake in the bar and Gemma was helping him when Pippa returned from checking the rooms.

‘God, the village can drink,’ Freddie observed as he started to type into his iPad what he needed to order after the party had depleted a fair bit of stock.

‘They learnt from the best,’ Gemma teased, giving him an affectionate squeeze.

‘Gem, do you fancy coming for a walk down to the sanctuary with me? I never see you these days,’ Pippa complained.

She was so happy her best friend and her brother were together, but she missed the times when she and Gemma were setting up the hotel together, both living at Meadowbrook. They’d have late-night chats and early morning chats … She was lonely, Pippa knew. Not anything bad, but she did miss the companionship of having her friend around. They got on so well and Pippa was still getting used to spending more time on her own. Even when the hotel was full, Pippa would be working and then she’d go to her apartment alone to sleep. There was definitely a feeling of isolation at times, but she knew she was probably being self-indulgent. She wanted the hotel and she’d got it. She should be counting her blessings, not worrying about what she didn’t have.

‘I see you nearly every day,’ Gemma pointed out. ‘But sure, I’ll come with you; we might get to see Drake.’

‘He’s very sweet,’ Pippa said of the new arrival, the calf that Fleur had named. ‘But of course Madonna won’t let you go near him.’

‘Nor will David. They’re a tight little family,’ Freddie said. ‘I thought parenthood might soften them, but it’s actually made them more aggressive. A bit like Harry, actually …’

Pippa swiped at him.

‘I might get to see Toby as well,’ Gemma added, pointedly ignoring Freddie.

‘As I said, Harriet’s about as protective of him as Madonna is of Drake. You’re lucky she hasn’t tried to charge you when you get too close,’ Freddie said.

They both left him to it, shaking their heads. It was almost true. Harriet hadn’t wanted anyone to hold Toby for about a week after he was born. Even the midwife had to prise him out of her arms, but she was getting better. She was no way as bad as Madonna was, thankfully.

Meadowbrook Sanctuary was an integral part of the estate, although largely they kept it separate from the hotel. While some guests showed interest in the animals, many didn’t, so it was kept at a discreet distance, figuratively speaking. The reality was that you drove past it to get to the hotel, but they’d found a balance, as some of the fields had been concealed with large trees, and it worked. As Gemma pointed out, not everyone who came to a five-star hotel wanted to watch pigs rolling around in mud. Although Connor couldn’t think why not, Pippa and Harriet had agreed.

The sanctuary had expanded over the past year. With Harriet at its helm, it was growing year on year and the donations were up. Of course, the result of the sanctuary being so well known meant that animals being brought to them were also on the increase, so they’d had no choice but to expand. Connor would never turn an animal away and nor would he put a healthy one down, so they all had to ensure that they could cope with the demand.

Each of the siblings had their own roles to play. Gus looked after the pigs, Freddie the chickens, while Harriet was more of a general manager and finance person, and Pippa floated between all the animals wherever she was needed. They had more staff than ever now, both paid and volunteers.

She found Harriet with Toby by the paddock looking at the tiny ponies, Cookie, Clover and Brian, along with their latest editions, Star and Bea, a couple of Shetland ponies who’d been mistreated. Many of the stories behind how some of the animals who came to the sanctuary had been treated had them all in tears. No one was immune and Pippa found it hard to believe they could live in a world where people were so cruel. Gerald, the donkey, approached them; he was never far from the ponies, of whom he seemed to take care. But his leg was still a little wonky from an injury he’d sustained in a fire before the hotel opened. Thinking about that still filled Pippa with dread, of how close they’d come to losing some of the animals … It made her shudder.

‘Hey,’ Pippa said, going over to her sister and trying not to grab Toby from her arms.

‘Hello,’ Harriet said. ‘Right, which one of you wants first hold?’

She was definitely getting better at letting people near her child.

‘Me!’ they both said.

‘Gemma, you have him first; after all, Pip, you’ve had more time with him lately.’

Gemma clutched him to her and kissed his head.

‘You really are the most beautiful baby,’ she cooed.

Harriet and Pippa exchanged a glance. Was she broody? Pippa wasn’t sure if Freddie was ready for fatherhood. He was barely ready for adulthood, after all.

They watched as Gemma started walking Toby around the field.

‘He’s pretty relaxed about being handed around,’ Pippa said, as Toby seemed happy with Gemma.

‘Um …’ Harriet didn’t look pleased. ‘I expected more loyalty.’

‘With a mother as neurotic as you, that’s a miracle. He obviously takes after Connor,’ she added with a laugh.

‘Shut up! I’m not neurotic.’ Harriet swiped at her. ‘Well, only a bit. But there’s something I need to tell you. Have the accountants arrived yet?’

‘No, they’re due at three for tea, it’s all organised,’ Pippa replied.

‘Great. So, I just had an email through the booking system. A woman wants to book in for at least a couple of months.’

‘Really? Who is she?’

‘I don’t have much info, to be honest. Her name’s Brooke Walker. She’s from California, is thinking of moving here to start a business and wants a quintessential English experience.’

‘But two months will cost her a fortune. I know Hector’s on mates rates, but he’s still paying a lot and he can afford it.’

‘She must be well off, too. I gave her a quote, with a small discount, and she agreed straight away. She also said she’d pay two months upfront and then see if she wanted to extend. The good news is that we can fit her in, even with the other bookings, and the brilliant thing is that this’ll be a healthy amount of money through the winter. In fact, if she stays two months that’ll take us to spring and if she stays longer …’

‘Gosh, with her and Hector we’ll have two long-term residents. What else do you know about this woman?’

‘I’m waiting for her to answer the questionnaire. She did say that she had a British heritage she knew very little about, which is one of the reasons she was coming, along with the idea she might settle here and run a business, but I’ve no idea about anything else. Hopefully, we’ll hear more soon; I’m quite intrigued. I have no idea how old she is, even. She’s arriving in a week’s time and I said that we’d organise the airport transfer.’

‘Brooke, that’s a very American name,’ Pippa mused.

‘Who’s Brooke?’ Gemma asked, rejoining them.

‘Some woman from California who wants to stay here for a couple of months,’ Harriet explained.

‘God, she’s bound to be blonde and beautiful,’ Gemma lamented. ‘And thin. I’ll bet she’s thin.’

‘Gemma, I hate to point it out, but you’re beautiful and slim – not thin but slim,’ Pippa said. ‘And if she is, the only man who might be remotely interested in her is Hector.’

‘But he’s only got eyes for you,’ Harriet pointed out. ‘But then Freddie only has eyes for you, Gem, so there’s no problem.’

Gemma looked unconvinced. That was the only thing with her, Pippa worried. Gemma still wasn’t the most confident of women and her brother probably wasn’t the best at picking up on this. Pippa was going to have to watch that, because if Gemma needed reassurance, she’d have to point that out to Freddie.

‘By the way, I’ve got a re-homing-cum-adoption day to organise for the dogs. Gemma, have you got time to help me in the next couple of weeks?’ Harriet asked.

‘Sure, I’m on top of my college work.’

Gemma was studying for a business degree; the hotel had given her a taste for starting up something of her own, but she worked so ridiculously hard she was always ahead. And top of her class. For someone who lacked confidence, she was very good at what she did and Pippa never failed to remind her of this.

‘Great, why don’t we meet later and brainstorm? I’ll call you when I know what Toby’s schedule is. Speaking of which, he’s due a feed.’ Harriet took him gently from Gemma.

Pippa looked out over Meadowbrook. It really was the most magnificent place in the world, she thought. There was nowhere quite like it. And with that, she headed back to the house to greet her latest guests.

Chapter Six

‘Bloody hell! Who knew accountants could drink so much?’ Freddie’s eyes were wide as he sat in the bar with Pippa, Hector and Gemma, the evening after their six latest guests had departed.

‘I told you they all said they liked tequila. That should have been a warning sign,’ Pippa laughed.

‘Yes, well, that woman, Patricia, she was very frisky. She kept trying to touch my bum,’ Hector complained.

‘You know, you should stay here for free. No, you should actually be paid to stay here, the way you were the star attraction,’ Gemma stated.

It was true. Everyone wanted to talk to Hector. When the accountants discovered he was staying there – thankfully not until their last night – the group had insisted he join them for dinner and then drinks. Hector had obliged with good grace, although he did go to bed earlier than them, citing work. Pippa thought it was to get away from the groping woman, Patricia. She was so mild-mannered when Pippa met her – as well as throughout the painting workshop and the cooking – so when she drank and became a bit of a cougar, they were all taken aback. It had been fun, though. They’d loved their stay and the bar bill had been great for Meadowbrook’s profits. They left with a flurry of compliments and assurances they’d return. She wasn’t going to tell Hector that, though. Not yet. He really might demand to be put on the payroll.

‘So, tell us about your new book,’ she said instead, trying to change the subject as they sipped much-needed glasses of wine.

She had her feet up on the table. It was nice at times being at Meadowbrook without guests and it felt like home again. As much as she loved the hotel, she did miss having the house as a family home at times. But that was only natural. And as she was the only one who actually lived in Meadowbrook, it wouldn’t ever be the same family home again.

‘It’s sort of a sequel, although I’ve introduced some new characters. Did I tell you that the first one might be being made into a film?’

‘No way, mate, you never said. Congratulations!’ Freddie sounded delighted.

‘You know I was in LA before New York, going to all these meetings where everyone says they love you, they love the book? Well, on and on they went and often it comes to nothing. But I just got confirmation that there’s been an offer and they want to get started straight away. So although it might not see the screen, my agent’s confident it will.’

‘That’s amazing!’ Pippa leant over and kissed Hector’s cheek. ‘I can’t tell you how proud we are of you,’ she said.

He blushed. Hector always looked young for his age; he wasn’t quite thirty, but he looked even more like a schoolboy when he blushed.

‘So, you have to write book two now. What about the film script?’ Gemma asked.

‘They’ll be getting a scriptwriter in. I didn’t think I knew how to write a book and I’ve never written a script, so I don’t want to push it. But I get to consult on it and when I’ve finished this book, I’m probably going to go to LA for a bit.’

‘To live?’ Freddie couldn’t keep the horror out of his voice.

‘No, but maybe for a while. After all, why not? I’m pretty flexible, I’ve got no ties here.’ He glanced at Pippa, who pretended not to notice. ‘But the problem is that this new book has to be good. It’s great that The Coron Files was such a success and the family intrigue seems to be the main hook – you guys were my inspiration, by the way.’

‘Great, because in the book the family are all corrupt money launderers and possibly murderers,’ Pippa pointed out.

‘I did use poetic licence. I just said you were inspiration, especially you, Pippa. Where was I? Oh yes, there’s a lot of pressure on book two, which is why I wanted to write it here, with you guys. I kind of feel the first book was largely created at Meadowbrook and so I want the same for this one. I like to think of myself as your writer in residence.’

‘I, for one, think this calls for champagne,’ Freddie declared.

‘Fred, you know what Harry said about us drinking the profits,’ Pippa cautioned.

‘Oh, put it on my bill,’ Hector laughed. ‘I don’t care about the cost. Having drinks with good friends to celebrate my film deal, it doesn’t get much better than this.’

‘I’m sure they’ll give you a big discount,’ Gemma teased.

‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, get the champagne, Fred, and pour. I’ll deal with Harry if I have to. Hector’s not paying for his own celebration.’

‘Now that’s the sister I like best.’ Freddie jumped up and was back with a bottle of champagne in seconds.

Pippa thought this was the least they could do for Hector. Not only did he pay them, and not only did he entertain the guests, but he also put the hotel firmly in the limelight via social media. And he’d do anything to help them, after all. He deserved this – more than this.

‘In fact, I think we owe you a few crates of the stuff. And seeing as you do all that social media for us, I’m going to put it down as a marketing expense,’ Pippa said. ‘You can have whatever you want at any time.’

‘Including you?’ Hector raised his eyebrows hopefully.

Pippa didn’t know how to respond without being rude, so she just ignored him. She knew that Hector only wanted her because she was the only woman who resisted his charms. It was flattering, she guessed, but she needed a man and Hector was still a boy in too many ways. Besides, she’d explained to her entire family when they questioned why she wouldn’t even consider him. The minute she succumbed to him, he’d go off her. That’s what happened with men like Hector. She couldn’t cope with the rejection that would inevitably come.

‘Gus just texted. He said he and Amanda are going to grab a bite to eat at the pub. Shall we join?’ Freddie said, saving Pippa.

‘Let’s go,’ Pippa said. ‘Then it’ll feel like a proper celebration.’ And it would hopefully stop Hector looking at her with his moony eyes.

‘Harry and Connor aren’t coming. She’s probably got that baby stuck to her again,’ Freddie moaned.

‘Oh, Freddie, you’re so mean about your darling nephew. Connor and Harry are new parents, they need time to get used to it, and I think it’s wonderful the way they spend time together. As a family.’

Again, Gemma looked wistful, so Pippa quickly mobilised them. This wasn’t a safe discussion. Having Hector declare his ‘love’ for her was almost preferable, in fact. Life had been good, if not great since the hotel opened, but Pippa could sense a shift. She didn’t know what, but Gemma seemed almost as besotted with Toby as Harriet and as she didn’t have any family, she was pretty sure that she was more ready than Fred to have a child of her own, or at least for him to make a commitment to her. But she brushed those fears aside. Instead, they were going to have a nice meal and toast Hector’s success. Nothing would ruin that.

However, as it turned out, Gus managed to ruin it. As soon as they walked into The Parker’s Arms, Amanda shot Pippa an anxious glance and as Gus’s head was almost stuck in his pint glass, she could tell that he wasn’t happy.

‘You look terrible,’ Freddie said as they all sat down at the table.

‘Thanks, mate.’

Hector was dispatched to get drinks, with Gemma offering to help. Pippa grabbed menus and when they were all settled, she turned to Gus.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘My little girl,’ Gus said, and then he opened his mouth and closed it again.

Amanda patted his arm.

‘Fleur has a boyfriend. Not a date but an actual boyfriend. He’s seventeen,’ Amanda explained.

‘Far too old for her.’

‘Um, she’s sixteen,’ Pippa pointed out.

‘Nooo,’ Gus said and took a huge slug of his drink.

If it had driven Gus to drink, it had to be bad.

‘Alfie, that’s his name. Lives just outside Parker’s Hollow. They met in the village shop, which is so innocent,’ Amanda explained.

‘There’s nothing innocent about teenage boys,’ Gus said, waggling a finger at them. ‘He was probably trying to buy booze and cigarettes with a fake ID that he’s paid for by selling drugs.’

‘That’s true,’ Freddie replied and Hector nodded.

There was certainly nothing innocent about Fred when he was a teenager, that was sure.

‘He’s at the local sixth form, doing A-levels. Wants to be an architect and from what I can tell, he’s a nice boy.’

Amanda sounded slightly harsh. She had the patience of a saint when it came to Gus, but even she had a limit. And Gus was famous for being an overprotective father; although, of course, he adored Fleur.

‘He didn’t call me Mr Singer when he first met me,’ Gus said.

‘I’d have him shot,’ Freddie joked.

‘He’s probably on drugs,’ Gus added.

‘We all were at that age,’ Hector pointed out unhelpfully.

Pippa gave him a prod on his arm and hissed at him to shut up.

‘Oh, God, I need a whisky,’ Gus said.

‘No, you need to eat. Now, let’s order and stop talking nonsense. Gus, your daughter was going to have a boyfriend at some point and I really don’t think Alfie’s a delinquent. We might have to deal with the fact that at some point soon, Hayley will, too.’

‘Oh God, no.’ Gus put his head in his hands.

Hayley, his stepdaughter, was privy to the same kind of overprotectiveness as Fleur from him, but as she was more interested in sport than boys it hadn’t really been a problem.

‘Alfie’s decent. His mum and dad are both teachers. He doesn’t have any tattoos or a criminal record and as far as I can tell, it’s just a bit of hand-holding and snogging at the moment,’ Amanda said.

‘Don’t say that, please,’ Gus begged.

‘I give up!’ Amanda threw her hands in the air. ‘Right, I’m going to have the vegetarian pasta. Anyone else ready to order?’

‘Sorry,’ Gus said. ‘I know I’m being unreasonable, but it’s so hard to watch my little girl grow up.’

‘Listen, mate,’ Hector said. ‘You’re pretty lucky that Fleur’s sensible, clever and a credit to you. I know you’ll always worry; after all, we were teenage boys once. Actually, I acted like one until fairly recently. All you can do is trust her, support her and get either Amanda, Harry or Pip to do the girl talk with her.’

‘Oh God, not me. I mean we get on pretty well, but I’m still the evil stepmother,’ Amanda stated quickly.

‘I’ll do it,’ Pippa offered. ‘If you get Harriet to do it she might turn into a bit of a ball-breaker. You know, teach Fleur how to make boys cry.’

Not that Harriet was like that anymore, but then she still thought she was. She was quite soppy about Connor, but she’d never admit it.

‘Maybe I should get Harry to do it, then.’ Gus cheered up. ‘OK, thanks, Hector, you do make sense. And yes, my darling wife, let’s eat.’

‘Nightcap?’ Hector asked when they were back at Meadowbrook.

It was nearly eleven and as the hotel was empty bar Hector, there were no staff around. When it was like this, Pippa had struggled being alone, even for the odd night. The house was so big and although it was home, had always been home, she still felt jumpy at every little noise. She was glad that Hector was here. They had a few bookings at the weekend but until then, it was just the two of them.

‘Sure, we’ll drink the good brandy. It’s not in the bar, I keep it in the office, just like Dad used to.’ She led the way.

They settled into the sofa, nursing their drinks. Pippa had tucked her legs underneath her while Hector stretched his long legs out before him.

‘This reminds me of Dad,’ Pippa said after a while.

‘I wish I’d met him,’ Hector said. ‘I kind of feel that all you Singers are part of my family now, so it would have been nice to have known him.’

‘He’s still here,’ Pippa said, gesturing to the huge portrait of him they kept in the office. Their father was a little on the vain side. He’d had the portrait painted years ago and he kept it in his bedroom when he was alive. Now, it was far more suitable for the office. None of the guests needed a full-size Andrew Singer staring down at them.

‘Yes, he looks as if he’d be as overprotective as Gus. I feel that he’s warning me off with his eyes,’ Hector laughed.

‘Don’t be silly. You’re my friend and he’d have liked you. Actually, at first he wouldn’t but now, with this serious writing side of yours and stuff, he’d probably have liked you.’

‘I’ll take probably. Right, let’s have a toast. To my new book and to Meadowbrook, where it all began to make sense to me.’

As they clinked glasses, Pippa was lost for words. She never imagined that Hector felt that way, the way she did, about Meadowbrook. It was quite moving and she knew then that her father would have liked Hector. He would have admired the way he’d sorted himself out, grown up and was what her dad would have referred to as a ‘decent man’. High praise, indeed, Pippa smiled to herself.

Chapter Seven

‘I don’t see why I have to be the bloody driver,’ Freddie moaned. ‘I’m not a chauffeur, I’m a serious bar manager and co-owner of the hotel.’

‘You picked Hector up happily enough,’ Pippa pointed out.

‘That’s different, he’s a mate,’ Freddie whined.

Pippa laughed. Her brother acted like a toddler at times; she was almost expecting him to stamp his foot.

‘Fred, I can’t go because I’m needed here. We’ve got guests leaving and I’ve got to get Brooke’s room ready. I’ve got a skeleton staff as there’s some kind of cold bug going round, so someone needs to pick her up from the airport.’

‘But why me?’ Freddie persisted.

He didn’t like being ‘staff’, even though technically he was, but then he’d always been slightly work-shy. Since he’d started managing the hotel bar and running all the hotel’s social media, Freddie had began to work harder than ever, largely owing to Gemma, Pippa thought, but he still didn’t like to do anything that he didn’t want to. Which was a lot of things.

When they first lost their father, the terms of their father’s will stated that the four siblings had to live together in the house for a year and work in the sanctuary. Freddie had been appalled when he was first put on chicken duty, although he was very fond of them now and he spoilt them. But, that hadn’t happened overnight. It had taken a boot up Freddie’s backside to get him to actually do some work – and that boot had come from their father, from his grave.

‘Harry would kill me if we paid a cab to pick her up and included in her price is airport transfer. Fred, she’s an important guest. She’s staying with us for at least two months and she’s paid the full amount up front, so we need to make sure her stay, from the moment she steps out of the airport until she leaves here, is perfect. I trust you to give her the right kind of welcome.’

‘Hummph. What’s this woman’s story, anyway?’ He folded his arms but she could see he’d thawed a little.

‘It’s quite strange, actually. She’s only twenty-five, which seems very young. She’s from California. Apparently, she has some kind of English ancestry who she wants to find out more about and is even thinking of setting up a business here.’

‘Doing what? And when you say here, I’m guessing you don’t mean Parker’s Hollow?’ Freddie frowned.

He had a point. This was a lovely village but young people didn’t exactly pour in to set up businesses here. It was definitely an older person’s type of village; although there had been an influx of younger families lately what with the new housing developments on the outskirts – much to the horror of many of the long-standing residents. It had crossed Pippa’s mind to question why she’d chosen Meadowbrook, but Harriet told her not to pry. After all, they’d find out soon enough when she was staying with them.

‘Not sure, but we do know that she’s vegetarian and she eats a lot of eggs – free-range, of course,’ Pippa grinned.

Their chickens laid eggs and as the coop had almost doubled with ex-battery hens in the past year, they had plenty at the moment.

She continued, ‘And she drinks a lot of green juice. She sent the recipe over and poor Vicky’s getting to grips with the blender and wheatgrass as we speak.’

‘OK, so I’ll go and get her from Heathrow. Please tell me I don’t have to wear a chauffeur’s uniform.’

‘No, that would look silly, especially as you need to introduce yourself as one of the owners of the hotel. No, just look smart. Your best jeans and blazer would work well, I think.’

‘How will I know who she is?’

‘Oh, we made a sign for you. Don’t worry, Fred, we’ve thought of everything. Oh, and take the Range Rover, remember. No Porsche.’ Pippa didn’t want the poor woman arriving terrified.

‘You ruin all my fun,’ Freddie mumbled before heading out.

Pippa was intrigued about their new guest. She knew so little about her but she was looking forward to meeting her. She was also looking forward to having another woman about the place, although Harriet had warned her not to try to push friendship on this guest. While Pippa had taken umbrage at the time, she knew her sister had a point. Pippa did know how to be professional but she could try a bit too hard to be friends with people at times. Gemma had been a case in point. When Gemma came to Meadowbrook to work for them, Pippa had determined they’d be best friends. They’d become so over time, which only proved her right, but she also accepted that she could be a bit pushy and Brooke was a paying guest. Pippa knew she’d have to remember that. Friendly but professional. Of course, if she was going to see a lot of her, a bit like with Hector, then surely it wouldn’t be like the other guests, would it? Pippa knew she’d have to try to find the right balance.

‘Hey.’ Gemma walked in and found Pippa in the office.

‘Gosh, it’s like a revolving door around here. Freddie’s just left, you’ve just arrived.’

‘Oh, I missed him?’ Gemma sounded anxious. ‘I’m going to college in a bit. I was hoping to catch him before I left.’

‘You guys literally must have just passed each other.’

Pippa’s brows knotted. She knew Gemma well. When Gemma had come to work at Meadowbrook as their hotel consultant, Pippa and she had become close. Even though Gemma had tried to keep her and the rest of the family at arm’s-length, they soon broke down her barriers. It wasn’t easy and her situation turned out to be complicated. Gemma was serious and hardworking but anxious and almost secretive. They later found out that was because she wasn’t actually qualified to do the job they hired her for – although she was certainly capable – and she’d stolen her old boss’s CV. It had sent Pippa into a rage; she couldn’t believe her friend had lied to her. But then Gemma had explained that her boss was horrible, her nan was in an expensive nursing home and she had nowhere to live, so she’d taken the first risk that she’d ever taken in her life… And she hadn’t expected to get close to the people she worked with.

In the end, Pippa understood. Gemma had had a terrible time, had hardly any family and then her only relative, her nan, had died just before the hotel opened. Pippa had recognised that Gemma wasn’t a bad person and she’d done an amazing job with the hotel. Eventually, she’d thawed and they’d reaffirmed their friendship, and when Gemma and Freddie got together, it had made Gemma more part of the family. And their relationship had seemed wonderful for the past year. Gemma was definitely a positive influence in Freddie’s life and he helped bring out her lighter side. Everyone agreed they were made for each other; they were certainly very good for each other.

‘Freddie and I kind of had a fight,’ Gemma blurted out. Then she burst into tears.

Pippa led her to the sofa, sat her down and passed her some tissues.

‘About what, Gem?’ she asked.

‘Oh God, I’m such a fool. I knew it was too good to be true. This life. Meadowbrook, the hotel, us then Freddie and the beautiful house…’ Her words were interrupted by her sobs.

‘Hey, it’s not too good to be true. You deserve it all.’

Pippa put an arm around Gemma. This was the old Gemma, riddled with insecurity, never feeling good enough. Pippa felt her heart breaking for her. It had taken Freddie a while to get Gemma to agree to move into the barn conversion with him. At first she’d lived at the hotel, sharing Pippa’s apartment – the living room had been a bedroom for a while – then she’d tried to rent somewhere nearer her college. But Freddie had begged her to live with him and eventually she’d relented. They lived with Albert, the cat that Freddie had adopted for her from the sanctuary to persuade her to move in with him. Albert had been Gemma’s favourite. Pippa never knew her brother could be so romantic, especially as Albert loved Gemma but didn’t like Freddie. Although when he first lived with them he’d hiss at Freddie, now he largely ignored him. But Freddie loved Gemma and Pippa thought her being there, with her boyfriend and her cat, and the rest of the Singers not far away, had given Gemma a new family and made her feel secure. But now, it seems she might have been wrong about that.

‘You know I’ve been struggling. When the anniversary of nan’s death came up I felt as if I went right back to when she died. I miss her, you know, and I still feel so lost sometimes. But I’m also lucky. I’ve got you and I’ve got Freddie and the family. But you know how insecure I was and still am sometimes. I try to fight it but it never goes away. Not properly.’

‘I know, but my annoying brother loves you, Gemma.’

Pippa was stern, although sometimes Gemma did need a bit of a talking to. Mind you, Pippa did, too. That was how their friendship worked. Gemma would tell Pippa she worked too hard and Pippa would tell Gemma she was too hard on herself.

‘I do know that, deep down, but Freddie’s so confident, as you know. I’m not and I think I’m trying to push him into something he might not be ready for.’

‘What do you mean?’ Pippa asked, feeling herself go cold.

Maybe her suspicions were right. Her brother had never been a fan of commitment but with Gemma that was changing. However, Pippa knew that he had to make the changes in his own time.

‘I mentioned marriage and babies. Seeing Harriet with Connor and Toby, well, it kind of makes me want that. I want my own family.’ She dissolved in tears again.

‘Oh, Gem. Freddie loves you and perhaps he should be thinking along those lines at his age. In fact, he might well be. But you know, he’s not the kind of guy you push into doing things,’ Pippa said gently.

‘I know. He said he didn’t like children and he really didn’t want a baby. He said he preferred chickens.’

Pippa couldn’t help but laugh.

‘That’s such a Freddie thing to say. And you know he doesn’t mean it. But, Gemma, he does love you, I can see that. Anyone can see that. But you need to give him some time.’

‘I know, and there’s no rush.’ Gemma was only thirty, after all. ‘I just can’t help myself. You know, everything’s going so well, so why am I trying to sabotage it?’

‘Million-pound question. Listen, we need to spend a bit of girly time together, give Fred some space. Let him stew with his chickens. Once he gets back from picking up our new guest, that is.’

Gemma laughed. ‘I could certainly do with that.’

‘Let me settle in the new arrival and then perhaps we can have a trip into Bath for some shopping and lunch.’

‘Sounds lovely. Thanks, Pippa, I don’t know what I’d do without you.’

‘You don’t have to know.’ Pippa hugged her. ‘That’s what friends are for.’

She just prayed Freddie and Gemma would work this out, because she didn’t want to lose her friend and she also knew how much Gemma didn’t want to lose Freddie. Not only that, but Pippa knew how much Freddie needed Gemma. She just hoped that Freddie knew it, too. She thought he did but equally, she knew that he was probably panicking about Gemma’s grown-up demands. Just as everything seemed to be going smoothly, problems were mounting once more.

What with Harriet and the baby, Gus and Fleur, and now this, Pippa was worried. Was there yet another storm about to break? She sincerely hoped not.

Pippa had run out of things to straighten. She had even straightened up Hector, who was working in the bar. He’d chosen a table by the window and was typing away. Pippa had taken him coffee after coffee, trying to keep busy. She didn’t know why she was nervous, but it was probably because the hotel was quiet, so their new guest, Brooke, would notice everything. She wanted her to arrive and think how perfect, how wonderfully British it was, that was important to Pippa.

She had a group of women arriving the following day, best friends, who were participating in a painting workshop with Gus for a long weekend. That would certainly add a bit of life to the place but for now, she hoped that Brooke would fall in love with Meadowbrook. She was the first American that the hotel would welcome and she hoped the Englishness of the place would go in their favour. But she was worried that a young Californian woman would find it a bit dull or lonely being here alone for two months. Yes, she said she was looking at setting up a business, but what would she actually do every day?

She shook herself; she was fretting for no reason. She was polishing some already polished glasses at the bar, just for something to do. The rhythmic typing of Hector’s laptop was fairly soothing and it was almost as if she were polishing in tune. The bar was designed with a nod to art deco, and the tables and chairs scattered around had been inspired by Freddie’s obsession with Bright Young Things. It was quite dark, the furniture, but the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that led out to the patio brightened up the room. The bar ran across the top of the room, commanding it, and mirrors above reflected the bright array of liqueur that they provided. It really was Freddie’s domain and it was a huge hit with all the guests.

‘Hi.’ Freddie bounded in suddenly.

Pippa almost dropped the glass she was holding. Hector looked up.

‘Haven’t you forgotten someone?’ Pippa’s voice was filled with horror. ‘Where’s our guest?’

‘She’s asleep in the car, or at least I hope she’s asleep.’ He didn’t look happy.

‘What do you mean? Is everything all right?’ Pippa asked, chewing her bottom lip anxiously.

‘Whether everything is all right, Pip, depends on your point of view. So there I was at Heathrow, stood with the sign … actually, the other drivers who were waiting thought I was one of them and they struck up conversations with me about traffic. They were very friendly but what do I know about traffic? I know nothing about traffic, so I had to nod and agree that the M25 was the worst motorway ever and I don’t even know if that’s true or not.’

‘Freddie, the guest?’ Pippa pushed.

‘Oh, yes, so I was waiting and after what seemed like ages, a blonde woman, almost hidden behind her luggage trolley, appears. She made her way over to me and blinked at my sign, so I went to greet her, told her I was Freddie Singer and then she fainted on me!’ Freddie explained.

‘You should be used to girls falling at your feet,’ Hector joked.

‘Well, maybe, but not actual fainting, though. We had to get help, first aid, and it took ages for her to come round. I got her some water and when she did wake up, she was really embarrassed. Kept apologising. So eventually we got her into the car – I had to push the luggage and they put her in a wheelchair; although she said it wasn’t necessary. Anyway, when we got to the car, she sat in the back and didn’t speak to me. When I asked her a question with no response, it became clear she’d fallen asleep. So I panicked the whole way back that there’s something wrong with her. What if she’s unconscious? Perhaps I should have stopped and checked.’ He scratched his head.

‘Oh my goodness, she might have passed out in the back of your car!’ Hector piped up as he stood up.

‘Yes, she bloody well might. So hurry up and stop asking me stupid questions.’

They all bounded out to the car.

They found Harriet staring into the car as they reached it.

‘There seems to be someone asleep in the car,’ she said, eyeing them all suspiciously.

‘Open the door and check she’s all right,’ Pippa said urgently, panic fluttering in her chest.

It wouldn’t look good if the guest fell ill, or worse, before she even checked in.

‘Why, what’s happened?’ Harriet’s eyes widened.

‘Long story. Please, open the car.’

Pippa almost pushed Harriet out of the way and yanked the door open. She put her head in to check that Brooke was breathing.

‘Aaargggh!’ Brooke screamed, moving with a start and head-butting Pippa.

‘Ow,’ Pippa replied, recoiling and rubbing her head.

‘So she’s all right, then,’ Harriet said, rolling her eyes.

She leant in as Pippa rested against the car, still rubbing her head and trying to ignore the amused looks on Freddie’s and Hector’s faces.

‘Hi, I’m Harriet Singer. Welcome to the Meadowbrook Hotel. Sorry that we scared you but…’

Harriet turned to Pippa, who was still rubbing her head. It really hurt.

‘Sorry, yes, hi, I’m Pippa Singer. Freddie told us how you’d fainted at the airport, so I was just checking you weren’t unconscious.’

Pippa felt herself go red. This wasn’t how she’d envisioned the arrival of their new guest. Not in a million years.

They all waited expectantly as Brooke unclipped her seatbelt, got out of the car and ran her hands through her long blonde hair. Pippa wanted to say ‘wow’. She was about the same height as her, very slim, highlighted blonde hair cascading below her shoulders, with blue eyes, the clearest skin that Pippa had ever seen and the cutest button nose. Pippa couldn’t decide if she had the Californian look or not, but she was certainly stunning.

‘No, I’m sorry, I was fast asleep. It’s been a bit of a journey.’ She smiled, displaying the whitest, straightest teeth Pippa had ever seen.

She was wearing skinny jeans, white trainers and an off-the-shoulder sweater. She was beautiful, Pippa decided, and as she glanced at Freddie and Hector, who were stood slightly open-mouthed, they’d clearly noticed, as well.

‘Welcome to Meadowbrook,’ Pippa gushed, hoping that she didn’t have a lump on her head. ‘We’re so delighted to have you staying with us.’

‘Why, thank you,’ Brooke said, her voice warm. ‘I’m so happy to be here, I really am. I’m sorry I fainted on you.’ She looked at Freddie, who shrugged it off.

‘Right, shall we get you settled in?’ Pippa asked, remembering her role.

‘Oh, please, that would be just great. I’m still a bit tired and wobbly from the journey, so I’d appreciate a bit of a rest.’

‘Absolutely. Freddie’ll take your bags up. Come with me and I’ll get you checked in.’ Pippa turned to Harriet.

‘I need to grab something from the office,’ Harriet mouthed and walked towards the house.

‘Come on,’ Pippa said, ‘we’ve got a lovely room ready for you.’

‘As long as I have a comfortable bed, I’m happy,’ Brooke gushed.

She was definitely American. Pippa picked up her tote bag and led Brooke to the house.

When Pippa walked into the kitchen a while later, Harriet was sat at the table with Hector. Freddie had gone home after taking Brooke’s bags up, saying he’d earned the rest of the day off. In fairness, after the scare that he’d got with Brooke, he probably had.

‘Is she happy?’ Harriet asked.

‘Yes, but tired. She says she didn’t really eat on the flight, which is why she thinks she fainted. I offered her food but she said she had some snacks with her so that would do her until dinner. She asked me to call her at six so she doesn’t sleep for too long.’

‘Great. What a way to arrive. She’s very attractive,’ Harriet said. ‘In that almost cute, American way.’

‘Typical hot LA girl,’ Hector said. ‘I mean she’s gorgeous, but there are a lot of similar-looking women over there. Although her skin’s very pale, most of them have a bit of colour, but then she had just fainted.’

‘No wonder you want to move to LA, then,’ Harriet said.

‘What?’ Pippa glanced sharply at Hector, who turned red.

‘Harriet, I didn’t say I was moving there. And anyway, not my type, so I’m definitely not going there for the women.’ He cast a longing glance at Pippa, who pretended not to notice. ‘Anyway, she seems nice. Sorry she hit you.’ He seemed happy to change the subject.

‘She didn’t hit me; we just clashed heads. And I’ll live.’

Pippa noticed Harriet look at her sharply. She’d obviously snapped at Hector without meaning to. Probably because her forehead still smarted – or was that just excuses?

‘I thought perhaps you and she could have dinner together tonight,’ Pippa said to Hector, sounding a little softer.

‘But I don’t know her!’ Hector sounded alarmed.

‘I know that, but I wanted to set up a proper dinner in the dining room to welcome her and she can’t dine alone. Tomorrow there’s four women staying, but tonight…’

‘Fine, but only if you join us,’ Hector said.

‘I agree,’ Harriet added. ‘It’ll make Brooke feel more comfortable if you have dinner with her as well as Hector. You can barely expect her to have dinner alone with a strange man when she’s just arrived. It might feel like a date or something. No offence, Hector.’

‘None taken,’ Hector grinned.

‘It’ll be a nice welcome but without being too unprofessional. Anyway, I’d better go.’ Harriet stood up.

‘Where’s your baby?’ Pippa asked as if noticing for the first time.

‘With Granny Gwen. She insisted on having time with him this afternoon. She’s getting more forceful. I said I was fine and she basically wrestled the baby out of my arms. I should be catching up on sleep but I wanted to get started on the budgets for next month.’

‘’Course you did,’ Pippa grinned. ‘Oh, and by the way, Hector, dinner is vegetarian tonight.’

‘That’ll be good practice for LA. I think everyone’s turning vegan over there. I would, although I’m a little worried about cheese. I really love cheese.’

Pippa glanced at him again. Was he really planning to move to LA for longer than he was letting on? And if so, why wouldn’t he tell her that?

‘Oh boy! this room is something else,’ Brooke exclaimed as she walked into the dining room.

She had napped, showered and changed. She was wearing tight black trousers and a leopard print top. She looked sexy rather than cute. Clearly, this woman could morph into different looks. A skill Pippa hadn’t mastered. She’d never managed sexy.

Pippa had taken a large glass of white wine up to Brooke’s room shortly after six and Brooke had certainly come alive since her rest. She had enthusiastically responded to Pippa’s offer of a tour and so had seen the basement pool and gym – which she loved – the drawing room – which she adored – and finally the bar – which she couldn’t believe. ‘It’s awesome,’ she kept saying. She seemed to love the house, which made Pippa feel so much better than she had when poor Brooke had first arrived.

‘You met Hector earlier, but now you can be introduced properly,’ Pippa said.

‘Hector Barber at your service,’ he half bowed. ‘I’m a guest here, too – or, more accurately, the writer in residence.’

‘You’re Hector Barber, the writer?’ Brooke’s eyes widened.

‘I am. Have you read my book?’ His eyes lit up.

‘No, but I’ve heard all about you from a friend who’s a huge fan and she has the most ginormous crush on you. Wait until I tell her I’ve met you! Oh! and of course I could read your book while I’m staying here,’ she said.

She was bubbly, effervescent even, and Pippa couldn’t help but warm to her.

‘I’ll give you a signed copy,’ Hector offered gallantly.

Pippa smiled to herself. He was being even more ‘English public schoolboy’ than normal and Brooke seemed to be lapping it up. Why wouldn’t she, though? He was charm personified.

‘You’re really hot, in that typical English way. You know, a bit like a blond Hugh Grant when he was young. My mum’s a huge Hugh Grant fan,’ Brooke explained.

Pippa couldn’t help but smile. She was definitely not afraid to say what she thought, which Pippa again slightly envied. She wished she had her confidence at her age. She definitely didn’t have it when she was Brooke’s age; although of course she was married to Mark then, who was very good at making sure she felt uncertain of herself.

‘Why, thank you.’ Hector’s cheeks flushed and Pippa smiled.

‘Great, now sit down and I’ll tell them we’re ready for dinner. I’ve selected a white wine to go with dinner, I hope that’s all right?’ Pippa asked.

She felt as if she sounded more English than she usually did – either because of Hector or perhaps because Brooke’s perky American accent was such a contrast to hers.

‘Sounds great,’ Brooke said.

Hector insisted on pulling chairs out for both Brooke and Pippa, and after they were all seated, Pippa’s lips curled with amusement. Thankfully on cue, their waiter for the evening arrived.

While they ate, Pippa was pleased that she’d insisted on them dining together. Hector was asking questions and Brooke seemed more than happy to answer them.

‘Where do your parents live?’ Hector asked after they’d established that they knew a couple of the same places in LA.

‘Orange County. Or rather, my mom lives there. My dad died six months ago, so…’

‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,’ Pippa said quickly. ‘We lost our father a few years ago now, so I understand.’

‘Thank you.’ She didn’t meet Pippa’s eyes. ‘It was a shock, that’s for sure. I mean, I’m only twenty-five and you don’t expect to bury a parent at that age…’ Her eyes filled with tears.

Pippa shot Hector a pleading look.

‘So, what brought you here?’ Hector asked.

‘I guess I just started to think about my life a bit. I didn’t have a job I loved, I’m single and I knew I had English ancestors … I kind of thought I’m twenty-five, I should have some direction by now, so why not take a big chance, and that’s how I ended up here.’

‘Wow, that’s incredibly brave.’ Hector’s voice was full of admiration. ‘But why Parker’s Hollow?’

‘I know I have some kind of family tie to Somerset, so I googled hotels and as soon as I saw Meadowbrook, I fell in love with it.’

The smile on Brooke’s face spoke volumes. It lit up the room and Pippa couldn’t help but want to beam back at her. She was infectious. And perhaps it would be nice to have another single woman around, Pippa couldn’t help but think, although Harriet’s voice in her head told her to slow down.

‘Everyone does,’ Pippa replied. ‘And we’re so glad you chose to stay here,’ she added quickly. She didn’t want to sound as if she was boasting or downplaying Brooke’s comment.

‘I’m sure my business will be more city-based, or at least in a town eventually, but there’s always Bath, which everyone in America talks about, or Bristol, which I hear is a great city. I’ve done loads of research.’

She was full of enthusiasm which, again, Pippa found infectious.

‘So, what kind of business are you setting up?’

Pippa hoped she wasn’t coming across too intrusive. She tried to give Hector a ‘please ask more questions look’, but she was unsure if he saw it, as he seemed quite happy munching away on his dinner.

‘Fitness. My background’s in the fitness industry. I’m not full of details at this stage but you know, there’s a lot of innovation in and around LA, so I thought it would be a great idea to bring some of it over here. I kind of thought that if I was going to have a new start, I’d like to bring something of LA with me,’ she laughed.

Pippa marvelled at the ease she seemed to have developed already. Brooke seemed so relaxed and happy, not what she’d expect from such a young woman who’d left her home to start a new life potentially. Pippa would have liked some of her confidence, that was certain.

‘That does sound good. So you exercise a lot?’ Hector asked finally.

Pippa looked at Brooke’s figure and guessed the answer was yes. Although Pippa had always been slender, she was allergic to exercise. Harriet was always running or swimming or something, the same went for Gemma, but Pippa was more of a couch potato. Harriet always said she’d get to a certain age and then she’d have to exercise because she’d start putting on weight, but Pippa’s attitude was that she’d cross that bridge when she came to it. No need to panic yet. And running around keeping the hotel guests happy was probably a workout in itself most of the time.

‘Sure, I love working out. I’ll be using the gym, going for runs, you know. I’ll also be checking out other gyms in the area at some stage.’ She smiled, her perfect pearly white smile.

‘Harriet used to run, but she hasn’t so much since she had her baby. But Gemma – she’s Freddie’s girlfriend – runs most days. If you want company then I’m sure one of them’ll join you. Actually, probably Gemma right now. Harriet’s losing the baby weight by breastfeeding and worrying.’

They all laughed.

‘That’d be great. Thanks, Pippa. What about you?’ Brooke asked.

‘Oh good God, no. Pippa doesn’t ever exercise,’ Hector said quickly. ‘She thinks it was invented by the Devil.’

‘What?’ Brooke sounded horrified.

‘Ignore him, Brooke, it’s his British humour. Anyway, I did yoga for a bit,’ Pippa replied defensively.

She didn’t add that it had only been for a short time and that she’d fallen asleep when they were supposed to be meditating then woken with a start, dribbling, and had been too embarrassed to go back.

‘But you’re so slim,’ Brooke said. ‘Although being slim isn’t the same as being fit,’ she added.

‘Good genes,’ Pippa replied.

She and Freddie took after their mother, who was very small-framed, but Harry and Gus took after their father and had to watch their weight.

‘I’m sure I’d love to run with Gemma at some point. And I teach yoga,’ Brooke explained. ‘I’ll probably do yoga every day in the gym, and maybe swim, as well.’

Pippa thought her life sounded exhausting; although if fitness was her business then it made sense.

‘Won’t your mum miss you when you’re away? I mean, are you two close?’ Pippa asked.

‘Oh my! this food is delicious. I hope it wasn’t too difficult for me being vegetarian?’

‘No, we also have experience in vegan food, actually. We serve lots of vegetarian dishes, but Gwen does a lot of vegan baking and we can adapt to whatever you want.’

Pippa decided to ignore the way she avoided her question. Brooke was a guest and she needed to remember that. Of course, she had hopes that as Brooke was here long-term, she’d become part of Meadowbrook. Perhaps not quite in the same way that Hector was, but at least a bit; although she’d keep reminding herself to stay professional. Otherwise, she’d have Harriet to answer to.

‘That’s why this place was so perfect for me. I’m going to love it here, I just know it.’

Brooke downed her glass of wine and let Hector refill it. Pippa raised her eyebrows. For someone so small she could certainly drink. As she giggled loudly at something Hector said, Pippa wondered if she was a bit tipsy. The long journey, the fainting, jetlag and coming to a new place, it was all probably a little overwhelming for her.

‘Let’s raise a toast,’ Hector said. He was a bit tipsy too, his cheeks flushed, which was his tell. ‘Here’s to Meadowbrook and new friends.’

‘Wow, that’s so nice. To new friends and to Meadowbrook Manor.’

Brooke clinked glasses with them and Pippa had a feeling that this was going to be a fun few months at the hotel.

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