Page 10 of All We Want for Christmas
There was more gentle laughter as all eyes were now on Henry, including Fiona’s own, giving him a loving look. Henry waved a dismissive hand in embarrassment, but Lara could see he was touched by his wife’s praise.
How could she deceive these kind people? She’d have to admit her clumsiness in the morning. She’d tell Flynn that she couldn’t go through with the subterfuge.
The speech ended with Fiona proposing a toast to Ravendale. Glasses were lifted high and, after that, everyone was chattering again. After half an hour, people began to drift away and Lara tried to recall all their names so she could make notes the next day. She had spoken to so manypeople: hoteliers, MDs of local companies, a tourist board PR guy … yet she couldn’t remember much of what she’d said in return.
Soon, the hall was empty save for Fiona, Henry, and the catering staff clearing plates and glasses. Henry was complimenting Jazz and the head chef while Fiona made a beeline for Lara.
Her stomach turned over.
‘Lara. I think that went very well. There were so many people who’d never actually been to the castle, despite it being on their doorstep, or they hadn’t been for years. They were most impressed, I can tell you.’
‘I’m not surprised. It’s an incredible place …’ Lara said, racked with angst.
‘It’s not merely the place. It’s your ideas about showcasing it to the wider world. With a proper programme of events and nights such as this one, we look more professional all round and inspire confidence. A couple of people have said they’d love to hold corporate events here and one even asked if we can do conferences.’
‘The MD of Fell Forest Products asked me about holding a summer conference too,’ Lara said. ‘He said his marketing team would be in touch next week.’
Fiona patted her arm. ‘My dear, you have done amazing work. And I know managing the lighting contractors without Gerald was beyond your remit and added to your burden. Well, all that is over now. Flynn is here and, may I say, I now insist on you going straight to the cottage and to bed. You must be shattered.’
‘I’m—’ Lara was about to say fine, but decided to take the chance to escape and collect herself. Tomorrow would come round soon enough. ‘I don’t mind having an early night.’
‘Then off you go and don’t you worry about a thing.’
It came as no surprise to Lara that she didn’t enjoy the restful night that Fiona had wished for her. When she eventually awoke at 7 a.m. the following morning, it was to the immediate recognition that she had to tell the Penhaligons that she’d damaged the chalice.
Fiona had been so generous the previous evening, praising her in front of the guests for being ‘the ultimate professional’ and lauding all she’d done for Ravendale.
Lara couldn’t bear to keep harbouring this secret. And if – hopefully – they valued her as they said, she would admit her mistake, offer to pay for the glass to be restored, and they could move on.
That all sounded fine in theory, but she also couldn’t forget that Fiona had mentioned the Lucky Chalice specifically. To Lara it was just an object: precious and beautiful, but she didn’t for one second believe it had any magical powers. That was ludicrous.
A glance through her kitchen window showed a light in Flynn’s own and she realised that she needed to warn him of her decision.
She wouldn’t mention he’d even been in the tower when she had dropped the glass. It would only complicate things.
Things were complicated enough.
She drank a cup of tea and forced a slice of toast downto give her energy for the ordeal ahead. Now all she had to decide was when. As Fiona had said, their days were so busy, but Lara was sure if she told Fiona that she had something important to say, her boss would find time.
She started typing a message to Flynn, but her decision and reasons were too complicated for a text. She could call him – or she could go across to his place and tell him in person. He deserved an explanation – just as long as he didn’t try to dissuade her.
After throwing on a coat, she headed across to Flynn’s, but hadn’t even knocked on his door when Jazz hurtled from the archway that led to the castle courtyard.
‘Lara!’ she called. ‘Have you heard?’
‘Heard what?’ Lara asked, meeting her a few yards from Flynn’s door.
Jazz heaved in a breath. ‘It’s Henry. He’s been taken to hospital! They think he’s had a heart attack.’
CHAPTER SEVEN
‘Lara? What’s the matter?’
Flynn opened the door of the cottage to find Lara and another woman on his doorstep.
Lara looked up at him, pale with shock.
‘It’s H-Henry. He’s been rushed into hospital,’ she said slowly. ‘Jazz just told me.’
