Page 3 of Where She Is
As we get nearer to the farm, I feel a familiar explosion ofblush to my face. There’s nothing I can do to control this nervous reaction. I hope Mr Grant isn’t too horrified by my horrendous beetroot look and my bedraggled soggy blonde hair. Fingers crossed.
“You ready for this?” Richard asks just as we reach the driveway to the Grant Estate.
“As I’ll ever be!” I smile. Actually, I’m excited to be here, despite my body language. It’s a big deal to be invited to their home but the thought of two days with this family sends my stomach into a nosedive.
I get out of the car and stretch my stiff limbs towards the sky, releasing a groan as my muscles loosen. Behind, I hear, “Good to see you, Richard. And this must be the amazing Miss May.”
Good old Richard has been singing my praises again. Actually, he isn’t old. I know his exact age because I helped his wife organise his fortieth birthday four years ago. He doesn’t look his age despite his nerdy glasses and slightly grey, with a touch of blonde hair. He is always immaculately dressed with a very dapper style of his own.
The crunch of stone underfoot is the only sound I focus on.Oh, Christ.Slowly, I turn on the soles of my feet as a tall, olderman takes enormous strides towards me. I recognised his face straight away from the photos in the office. Peter Grant, Chairman and Managing Director of Grant Construction. He’s reputed to have built most of Sydney and here he is, in the flesh,Oh my God.
Richard clears his throat, “Hannah May, I’d like you to meet Peter Grant.” Peter’s hand floats in the air between us. Thank God my brain engages the rest of my body in time to return his firm handshake with my professional smile. “It’s an honour, Mr Grant.”
The smile from his hazel eyes and the humour in his tone relax me. “Mr Grant? No, no, no. Call me Peter, please. There’sno need for formalities, plus it’s the weekend and everyone is off duty.”
“Well, we’re both looking forward to it,” Richard emphasises with wide eyes. “Aren’t we Hannah?”
“Very much so.” Maybe Peter isn’t as scary as my imagination made him out to be.
“Come on, you two. I want to introduce Hannah to the wife.”
I don’t mean to flinch when Peter unexpectedly wraps his arm around my shoulders and then Richard’s. He squeezes us both in for a hug and I have to purse my lips for my suppressed laughter to stay captive. Richard doesn’t do touchy-feely.
We’ve barely made it through the door when a very elegant older woman, who I can only presume is the lady of the house, wraps her outstretched arms around me. I feel like an old friend rather than a complete stranger.
“Hannah! I’m so glad you’re here, and I’ve heard so much about you.”She has?
“Well, it’s lovely to be here… Mrs Grant?” I hope this is Diana Grant, no one has said.
“Please, call me Diana.”Thank God.Her sparkling blue eyes turn to my boss. “Richard, it’s lovely to see you again. How is Alison and the twins?” she asks while they exchange kisses to the cheek.
“Excellent thank you. The girls go to Kindergarten next month.”
“Oh my goodness, no! I can’t believe it. The last time I saw them, they were just tiny babies, and now they’re off to pre-school. Alison won’t know what to do with herself.”
“I think she’s looking forward to some free time. Oh, and she said to apologise for not joining us and sends her love. She needed this trip home. She still misses her friends and family in England.”
The familiarity between them is clear, although Diana ensures I’m included as she takes my arm. “You’re bothprobably tired. I’ll show you to your rooms and then we can have some lunch.” Thank God. I’m very conscious of my ‘dragged through a hedge backwards’ appearance, next to a neatly put together Diana. Her perfect blonde bob frames her beautiful soft features and although casually dressed, she looks pristine. “That would be great, thank you. I’m a little… sticky.”
Richard’s eyes bulge while he swallows the hard lump in his throat. “Why don’t I get our bags from the car?” Nice change of subject, Richard.
“Don’t worry about that,” Peter booms. “It’s already taken care of. I would appreciate your opinion on one or two things before lunch if you can, Richard?”
“Sure,”
It seems he has no choice as Peter slaps his back and guides him away.
“I’ll see you later, Hannah, okay?” Richard’s eyes could not open any wider.
“She’ll be fine, I’ll take good care of her.” Diana says before turning to me. “Now, let’s get you settled, then something to eat?”
“Thank you, sounds perfect. I’m so hungry I could eat a scabby cat.” She smiles then leads me by the arm. I can’t get over how unstuffy she is. It’s good to feel so at ease.
With a very full tummy and an urgent need to nap, Diana insists on showing me around. There is no way I could be so rude and refuse her, despite my tiredness, plus the walk will do me good. They certainly know how to feed their guests in this country.
I’m given an extensive tour of the estate with its staff quarters, entertainment buildings, stables, and a vast amount of land. The house itself is massive. There are family photos and portraits in every room and a genuine feeling of warmth which isprobably accredited to Diana. She’s easy to talk to and reminds me of my own mum, so I’m disappointed when she checks her watch.
“I am so sorry, Hannah. I’ll have to leave you here. I’ve a lot to do before tonight. Will you be all right on your own?”
