Chapter Fifty-One
The kitchen clock clicked towards three o’clock. William stood by the counter in a fresh linen shirt, his thumbs hooked casually into the pockets of his jeans. He looked calm and steady, though a tight, silent amusement had been building in his chest since morning.
He had let Ethan into the plan earlier that morning.
His eldest son’s serious eyes had lit with a rare grin when he realised what his grandmother was arranging.
After lunch, Sam and Jean had taken the children down to the lower beach, with Ethan going along to make sure no one returned before the introduction was complete.
On the kitchen island, William’s phone lit with a message from Lydia.
I’m standing in my hallway. Sally has adjusted my collar. I feel like a lamb to the slaughter. Remember our agreement.
They had exchanged messages since Sally left The Gables that morning. If she still wanted to babysit once she discovered the truth, Lydia had agreed that they would accept the opportunity and go out for dinner.
I remember, William typed. Just walk through the door.
He slipped the phone into his pocket just as the crisp clatter of footsteps sounded on the gravel. The scullery door swung open, and Sally stepped across the threshold, her expression bright with triumphant purpose.
“William, come here a moment. Miss Taylor is here, just as I promised.”
Lydia stepped into the kitchen behind her. She wore a beautiful summer dress, her dark hair pinned back neatly, her posture elegant and composed. She carried a small plate of lemon shortbread, her expression a masterclass in professional B&B decorum.
“Miss Taylor, dear, come right through,” Sally said warmly, gesturing toward William. “This is my son-in-law, William Parker. William, this is the remarkable Miss Taylor from next door — the one I have been telling you about.”
William held Lydia’s gaze across the kitchen island. Amusement threatened to break through his carefully neutral expression, but he managed to keep his voice steady.
“Afternoon, Miss Taylor,” he said, perfectly deadpan. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you properly.”
“Good afternoon, Mr Parker,” Lydia replied smoothly, her tone clear and business-like, though a tiny, wicked glint flickered in her eyes. She set the shortbread down with precise efficiency. “Mrs Vance has told me so much about your… domestic challenges. It is very nice indeed to be introduced.”
Sally beamed, entirely oblivious to the script unfolding under her nose.
“You see, William? Wonderful. Completely poised. I told you everything would fall into place the moment you met someone with proper standards.”
She turned, expecting the grandchildren to come running at the sound of voices. When the room remained still, she frowned.
“Where are the children, William? I thought they would be down here to see me.”
“Mum and Dad have taken them down to the beach with Ethan,” William said, leaning casually against the counter. “They’ll be back before teatime, which works perfectly since you and Richard are looking after them tonight.”
Sally nodded, pleased. “Exactly. It will give you a chance to get to know each other.”
She turned back to Lydia, her tone softening into warm, motherly affection. “You see, Miss Taylor? This is exactly what I meant. William needs someone with your steadiness. I’m quite certain you would be a far better influence than this Lydia person the children keep mentioning.”
Lydia bit her lip, her eyes fixed firmly on the shortbread platter to avoid William’s gaze.
“Sally,” William said, his voice low and steady. “This is Lydia.”