Page 20 of The Book of Irish Secrets
‘Where nothing is really private?’ Claire quipped.
‘Yeah, well, that’s true.’ Pierce paused. ‘Are you planning to get your own place now you’ve got a job?’
‘Well, I have my room for a week,’ Claire started. ‘Then I’ll have to look around for something. A small flat would be good. I don’t need much space. I’m going to contact an estate agent and also look online.’
‘I’ll ask around too,’ Pierce offered. ‘I’m sure we can come up with something.’
‘That’s very kind,’ Claire said. ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome,’ Pierce said at the same time as Karina called him from the kitchen. ‘I’d better go and see what she wants. See you later, Claire.’
‘See you,’ Claire said and turned back to the computer. She was so lost in sorting out the bookings, entering them into the calendar on the computer, that her phone rang several times before she answered. ‘Hello, Karina Flavin’s office, Claire speaking. How can I help you?’
‘Wow, that sounds really professional,’ a cheery voice said. ‘Hi, Claire. This is Rose speaking. How are you liking the job?’
‘It’s challenging at first,’ Claire said. ‘But I’m getting the hang of it.’
‘How diplomatic,’ Rose said. ‘I’m sure you’re trying to sort the mess that is Karina’s business. I know how chaotic she can be. But she’s a magnificent cook, so I forgive everything when I get such praise from people who attend the weddings.’
‘Yeah, well, it’s a little disorganised,’ Claire said. ‘But I have at least managed to put together the schedule for the next few months. The weddings at Magnolia Manor are all there now. Is that why you rang?’
‘Not at all.’ Rose laughed. ‘Although I’m happy to hear the weddings are on the calendar. No, the reason I rang is because I heard you were looking for a place to live. Is that right?’
‘Eh, yes, I am,’ Claire said, amazed that the rumour had got around so fast. ‘I need to find somewhere by next week. Not that I’m unhappy at Madigan’s, but a B&B isn’t ideal in the long run.’
Rose laughed again. ‘Of course not. Especially with Madge Madigan asking personal questions all the time. She’s a kind soul but a little nosy, if you know what I mean.’ Rose drew breath. ‘Anyway, what I rang to tell you was that we have a tiny flat in the attic here at Magnolia Manor. It’s only just finished and we were going to offer it to one of the secretaries at the office here, but she has just moved in with her boyfriend. So it’s free if you want to have a look. The rent is seven hundred a month plus electricity and heating.’
‘That’s very reasonable,’ Claire said, her heart racing at the thought of actually living at Magnolia Manor, the home of her ancestors. This was a golden opportunity to find out more about the family feud. But oh, how she wished she could tell Rose who she really was. It felt so wrong to accept this wonderful offer under false pretences. But then she remembered what Finola had said and she fell back into her role. She was Claire O’Hanlon and she had to stay in that mode for now. ‘I’m not exactly a senior,’ she added with a laugh. ‘I mean, I’m not even fifty.’
‘I know,’ Rose said. ‘You look years younger than that. This flat is not meant for a senior, it’s a staff flat meant for employees at the manor. People who work at the office or in the catering kitchen. But right now everyone has their own place so Pierce thought it might suit you. Just while you’re settling in, I mean. We need to let the place soon. The rent you pay will cover the expenses of the renovations.’
‘I see,’ Claire said, feeling slightly better. ‘In that case, I accept the offer.’
‘Great,’ Rose said. ‘You will probably want something bigger later on. Come and have a look today and see if you like it. Then we can have a cup of coffee and sort out the contract if you want to take the flat.’
‘That would be great,’ Claire said. ‘I think I’m supposed to finish for the day around four thirty. Is that too late for you?’
‘No, that’s fine. Noel, my husband, is picking up the kids today, so I have time to show you the place and have a quick coffee before I go home. Or…’ Rose paused, ‘maybe you’d like to have dinner with us tonight?’
‘Oh no, that would be too much trouble,’ Claire protested, feeling again that dart of guilt at deceiving Rose.
‘Of course not,’ Rose insisted. ‘It’s Friday night, so we usually order pizzas and watch a movie with the kids, if that doesn’t sound too daunting. Sophie and Freddie would be so excited to meet someone new. It will distract them from arguing. They’re always a bit grumpy in the evening. Sophie’s six and Freddie is two. He’ll be going to bed early though.’
‘That sounds like fun,’ Claire said, touched by Rose’s kindness. She knew she had to go or it would seem too odd. ‘Thank you. I’d love to come.’
‘Brilliant. That’s settled, then. See you at the manor at four thirty. I’ll be in the little office downstairs that used to be the butler’s room.’
Claire said goodbye and turned back to work. But the buzz of excitement at actually living at Magnolia Manor distracted her. She couldn’t believe her luck. Everything seemed to happen according to plan – and even more than that. She had managed to get a job that connected her to the Fleury family, and she had also been introduced to most of them through her new boss. And now she was being offered a flat in the manor, which might mean she would be able to wander around the house without arousing suspicion. She was sure she’d find little clues here and there thatwould help her put together the whole picture. Yes, she felt bad about pretending to be someone else. But the arrival of Auntie Rachel’s book had led her here and now she had been given this chance to find out more. She had to get to the end of her journey, even if she had to lie and cheat to achieve it.
Then Claire’s thoughts turned to that letter Finola had found. What could it contain? Maybe it would mean another step towards finally solving the puzzle of that family feud that had kept the two branches of the family apart for over a hundred years.
TEN
The flat at the top of the manor was tiny but enchanting. The sloping ceilings, the two windows with stunning views of the gardens and the bay beyond and the little woodburning stove all added to the charm of the place. The living room also had a cosy sofa sitting on a deep red carpet in front of the stove. The wallpaper was old fashioned with a floral print in pinks and yellow and the light green velvet curtains were a perfect match, making the room seem bright even on a rainy day. The kitchen in an alcove had a cooker, a fridge, a little round table with four chairs and a small dishwasher, which was all Claire needed. There was an equally tiny bedroom with an oriental carpet and a bed with a patchwork quilt and an array of pillows. The adjacent bathroom had a roll-top bath, an old-fashioned wash hand basin in the shape of a shell and a Velux window in the ceiling, ‘so you can lie in the bath and look at the stars,’ Rose explained. ‘The bath and the sink are from an old bathroom downstairs that were taken out when we did all the apartments.’
‘It’s wonderful,’ Claire said, completely starstruck by the little flat. ‘It’s like a dolls’ house and feels like home already. Where do I sign?’
Rose laughed. ‘We’ll do that in a minute. I’m so happy you like it. We did it up just recently and it’s perfect for one person. But most of the staff have partners, so it doesn’t really suit them. It’s quite a climb up the stairs as the lift only goes to the first floor. But I’m sure that won’t bother you as you’re young and fit.’
