Secrets of the Heart (10 page)

* * *

The following morning, Sally went off on her course and Annis hoped that things would go smoothly during her absence.

The
next couple of days fell into a repeat pattern of the previous week, and Annis began to feel as if she had never been away from Heathercote Mill.

On
Thursday morning, she decided to phone her boss in London. He was surprisingly reasonable and she put the receiver down knowing that she had burnt her bridges.

She
had not even told Sally that she'd actually taken three weeks' leave, not two, knowing that if things didn't work out here she could at least spend some time with her parents before returning to London.

That
morning, however, she had made a decision and had given in her notice.

Her
boss didn't seem surprised, but he told her that she would be required to work out her full months’ notice as there were too many people going off on holiday during August for her to be allowed to leave any earlier. He had, however, come up with a solution, telling her that Fiona, who was at present standing in for Annis, could probably be persuaded to carry on, with a view to taking over Annis's job permanently in a month's time. If Annis would be prepared to work out her notice by covering for those on holiday, then she could do flexi-time, leaving at two o'clock on Friday afternoons.

It
was an acceptable compromise. It meant that while she was working out her notice, she would be able to come back to Heronsbridge each weekend and lend a hand, easing herself out of the London job and into this one.

Now
all that remained was for her to have another word with Bryn.

Chapter Seven

Annis
had just returned from a hasty lunch, and was filing some letters and receipts, when there was a brief knock at the door and Stella Freeman walked in. Annis was unprepared for her visitor but quickly composed herself. The older woman looked chic and self-possessed.

`Hello,
Annis. Ross told me you're holding the fort while Sally's away on her course. He suggested I pop over to see how you're getting on. We haven't had much time for a chat, have we?'

Annis
continued with what she was doing, surprised that Ross had sent Stella over, but determined not to show it.

`Is
there anything in particular you want to know?'

Stella
smiled. 'I've been wondering whatever possessed you to return here after all this time — curiosity or nostalgia?'

`Neither
of those things,' Annis told her honestly. 'I had a bit of leave to use up, Sally needed a hand, and I hadn't seen Bryn for a long time, so it was an ideal opportunity to visit. Now, if you don't mind, I'm rather busy . . . '

`Oh,
don't mind me, just carry on with what you're doing.'

Stella
wandered over to the coffee maker and poured herself a cup and then perched elegantly on one of the chairs, legs crossed.

`I
thought I'd just drop in to see how you're coping.'

`Fine,
thanks. I gather you work here part-time nowadays, as Ross's personal assistant?'

`Yes
— Ross has been such a tower of strength to me during the past years. He kept in touch with me all the time I was in Canada and after, when I returned to London. I'd never have come back here if it hadn't been for him, and now that I have, things are working out really well for me.'

`I'm
pleased to hear it, and I'm glad that you're keeping well. Now, if you'll excuse me . . . '

So,
Ross had been responsible for Stella returning to Heronsbridge, had he? Annis realised that, for some reason, the idea of the two of them being such good friends troubled her.

`How
would you say this side of the business is doing?' Stella asked now, setting down her cup and saucer.

So
that was it! Annis felt the anger rising in her and was aware that Stella was watching her keenly. Well, she would not give the other woman the satisfaction of seeing that she was riled.

`Thriving.
It's better than ever in spite of all the media's claims that weddings aren't so popular these days. Of course, Bryn has the details of the financial side, but you know that already.'

`Of
course. I'm sure you're aware that I'm a shareholder in the company.'

The older woman's eyes narrowed. ‘But I've had the distinct impression recently that Sally hasn't had her finger on the pulse. Things haven't been quite up to the standard that one expects.'

Annis
was incensed, but she was determined to keep her cool.

`Really?
I can't imagine what gave you that idea. And you came to sound me out while Sally isn't here to defend herself, did you, Stella? Well, everything is just fine — running like clockwork. You can rest assured on that score.'

A
slight colour tinged Stella's cheeks.

`I
admit I was hoping that with Sally away we might be able to get to the bottom of what's been going wrong.'

Silently
seething, Annis poured herself a cup of coffee, and found the biscuits that Sally kept in the top drawer. Then, with great self-control, she sat down in front of Stella and brought her up to date with the weddings that were scheduled for that week.

`So you see, Mrs Freeman, there's nothing to be concerned about. Everything is running smoothly, and once Sally has had a few days' break, she'll return refreshed.'

Annis
had spoken these words carefully, watching Stella's face.

`So
you think that things might have been getting on top of Sally? I know she's your friend, but you can speak freely to me.'

Stella
selected a biscuit for herself and nibbled at it daintily.

`Thank
you, I'll remember that.' Annis was puzzled as to what exactly Stella was doing there, but had a flash of sudden inspiration. 'I have a potential client coming at three-thirty but, before then, I want to check on a couple of things with Madame Cecile. There's a new enterprise that Sally and I have been thinking about. Perhaps you'd like to come with me?'

She
had caught Stella's attention. `What new enterprise? Bryn hasn't said anything to me.'

`Oh, that's because it's only an embryo of an idea at present, but I'm sure it would be all right if I ran it by you.'

* * *

Stella accompanied her to the boutique and stood by impatiently while Annis discussed a couple of orders with Madame Cecile. Then Annis took Stella into the nearby empty unit.

`I
understand there have been a number of suggestions for this empty unit, but nothing has got off the ground. Sally and I have put forward the possibility of having a milliner's shop in here.'

Stella
frowned. 'Don't you think enough space has already been given over to the wedding business? Surely there could be better use made of it?'

`Well,
it's only an idea, but it does seem a pity not to utilise the space.'

Annis
held her breath. Would Stella reveal any hint that there was any management opposition to the expansion of the wedding business?

Stella
was unimpressed by Annis and Sally's plans. 'I'm aware that this is a wonderful venue for weddings. I was married here myself, after all, but nowadays it's possible to get married in a variety of beautiful locations and there could be other, equally good, uses for the grounds if a bit less space was given over to the wedding enterprise.'

Annis
realised that she was on the right lines.

`Yes,
I've often thought myself what potential there is here. You've obviously got a few ideas. Would you like to share them with me?'

Stella
gave a tinkling little laugh. 'So that you can repeat it all back to Sally and John Barnes? I don't think so!'

She
stepped outside of the unit and Annis followed her.

`There's
been far too much money spent on developing the wedding business in recent years,' Stella continued, 'and now it's the turn of . . . '

She broke off as Tristan came along the path towards them.

`So
there you are! I've been looking for both of you! Ross is champing at the bit wondering where you are, Stella. You've obviously done what you're always having a go at me about — turned off your mobile. Annis, there are a couple of potential customers in reception who've turned up early for their appointment.'

Annis
set off for reception. From the way Stella had looked daggers at Tristan, she wondered if Ross really had sent Stella to check up on her.

Annis
went into reception to find a young couple drinking coffee and not at all concerned that they'd had to wait for a few moments. Presently, having chosen the package that suited them best, they said they would return with the bride-to-be's father to pay the necessary deposit.

When
they had gone, Annis entered the details of their package on the computer, removed the disk and carefully checked the appointments book for the following day. She was preparing to leave the office when Tristan came in.

`Oh,
good, I've just caught you . . . Busy afternoon?'

`Yes,
it has been quite hectic,' she agreed as she locked the desk drawer.

`It
probably wasn't helped by my sister breathing down your neck.'

It
was as if he could read her mind.

`Stella
doesn't seem to like the wedding enterprise much, does she?' she couldn't help saying.

`That's
hardly surprising, is it?' He leaned against her desk. 'Think about it she was married here such a short time ago and lost Andrew in such tragic circumstances. The trauma is still here.' For a moment, Annis felt that she'd been insensitive. Perhaps she had misjudged Stella.

`Well,
I realise that, Tristan. It must be very difficult for her. Actually, I was surprised to learn that she had come back here to work.'

`That's
what she's just said about you,' he said quietly. 'Anyway, enough of that . . . How about coming out to dinner with me this evening? Somewhere we can relax, eat good food, and dance?'

`Is
Vicki on duty then?' she asked him naughtily.

He
looked startled and then gave a little laugh. 'Oh, Vicki and I are just good friends — nothing more. So, will you come?'

She
found herself agreeing, against her better judgement, and hurried off to shower and change into a sapphire blue sundress which she hoped would be appropriate. Snatching up a lightweight jacket, she made her way to reception.

Crossing
the hall, she encountered Ross, who raised his eyebrows.

`Very
fetching going somewhere special?' he asked.

`Out
with me,' Tristan told him smoothly, suddenly appearing at her side.

She
wondered if it was her imagination or if a swift look of annoyance crossed Ross's face. 'I see well, enjoy yourselves.'

`We
will,' Tristan told him and caught Annis's arm. For some reason, she felt uncomfortable, as if she oughtn't to have accepted the invitation. But she couldn't see what business it was of Ross's.

* * *

The place Tristan had chosen was trendy, and rather too noisy for her liking, but the food was good. She again realised that he was good company and he soon had her chuckling at anecdotes about his work as a waiter during his student days. It was apparent that he enjoyed an audience and for some time seemed content with a rather one-sided conversation.

In
between courses he asked her to dance and, as they whirled round the floor, he fired a few questions at her about her job in London and her plans for the future.

`Oh, I never plan too far ahead,' she told him honestly. 'I tend to live from day to day.'

`Rumour
has it that you're thinking of coming back to Heronsbridge permanently.'

`You
shouldn't listen to rumours,' she told him lightly, wondering who had been gossiping.

The
dance ended and he led her back to the table.

`Annis,
there are a few things I ought to tell you about myself before you hear them from someone else,' he said abruptly. 'You may wonder why Ross and I don't exactly hit it off.'

She
shrugged. 'You're both very different personalities, but, as you've said, you muddle along.'

He
nodded. 'Yes, but there's a bit more to it than that, I'm afraid. You see, I've got a bit of a past. I was pretty wild when I was in my teens. My grandfather financed my schooling and paid to put me through university and I repaid him by getting into debt and dropping out before I took my finals. I went off back-packing instead.'

Tristan
shrugged ruefully. 'Ross knew me when I was younger, so it's small wonder he doesn't have a very high opinion of me. I never did repay my grandfather his hard-earned cash.

`My
father fell out with him, as you probably know. Dad didn't want to join the business, and he encouraged me to get all I could out of the old man because he thought he wouldn't inherit a penny piece himself. And I'm ashamed to say that I did just that.'

He
did indeed look somewhat ashamed of himself.

`That's
why, although Stella was given shares in the business on her wedding day and later inherited Andrew's, I just have the trust fund. Not that I'm not grateful!' he insisted, then paused.

`It's
also why I didn't come to see my grandfather before he died,' he said regretfully, 'and that's something else I'll have to live with.'

`Yes, I see,' Annis said. 'But you're here now, supporting Stella, and from what I can tell, you and Ross are making a good job of running the conference centre between you.'

Tristan
sighed.

`The
thing is, Annis, I'm a different person nowadays. I've matured, but somehow I don't know how to prove it. You see, Bryn Freeman is a nice enough old chap, but he's a bit like an ostrich: his head's buried in the sand where change is concerned. And Ross is steady and dependable, and not prepared to take a gamble.'

Annis
thought she could see where the conversation was leading.