Escape for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

Author:Phillipa Ashley [Ashley, Phillipa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cornerstone
Published: 2024-11-07T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

‘No. Please – no more. I’m absolutely done for!’ Agatha collapsed into the armchair, very red in the face. ‘And no more sangria for me. I feel quite discombobulated.’

‘Discombobulated?’ Nico echoed. ‘That sounds like fun.’

Everyone was having fun, Sophie thought, even Amber and Suzanne, although they were pointedly seated at opposite sides of the guest lounge.

Hugo and Una were both glowing, their secret salsa experience really saving the day and making it such a fun first night. Hugo had already been upstairs to exchange his checked shirt for something ‘more appropriate’, which turned out to be a racy pale-blue one. Neither of them seemed the slightest bit fatigued, despite Suzanne mopping her brow and Sophie feeling like she’d climbed to the top of Helvellyn. Who knew that wiggling your hips and twirling around could be so knackering?

Amber had been persuaded to try out a few steps with Nico, in between mixing more cocktails behind the safety of the bar. ‘Shall I fetch some cold drinks. Soft ones?’ she suggested.

‘And if we’ve finished dancing, I could bring in the pavlova …’ Sophie offered, keen to have a break.

‘What a jolly good idea!’ Agatha declared.

By the time Sophie returned with the pavlova, Agatha was snoring, despite the music still being on.

Una joined Sophie in dishing up the pavlova. ‘You know, we were both so worried about spending Christmas away from home. Even though it felt right when we booked it, we’ve both had misgivings ever since, but you’ve gone to such an effort and made us feel so welcome.’

‘I’m thrilled to hear it,’ said Sophie, boosted by the compliment. By making people’s stay special, she hoped to build up repeat visitors, who were the mainstay of a guest house’s business.

Una beamed. Her hair had come loose from its bun and her skin was glowing. ‘And in fact, although I wouldn’t dare tell the children, it’s been one of the best Christmas Eves we’ve ever spent.’

‘I’m delighted about that.’

Agatha let out a loud snore. Nico, Hugo and Una all burst out laughing.

‘I suspect Agatha would concur,’ Hugo said, in a passable imitation of her voice.

Una giggled. ‘You are naughty, Hugo.’

He raised his eyebrows. ‘Am I? I do hope so.’

Nico simply smiled as he accepted a generous bowl of pavlova from Sophie.

Agatha woke up and Sophie served everyone else, wondering what had happened to Amber and Suzanne. She got her answer a moment later when she heard raised voices from upstairs. When she opened the door, she immediately heard the two women having a heated debate on the landing.

‘Oh dear,’ Sophie exclaimed. ‘I’d better go up and referee.’

‘Chill out! It won’t get that bad,’ Nico said with a smile. ‘Probably.’

‘It’s OK for you to joke, but I need to think of the other guests. The Nowak family are trying to get some rest.’

‘If they slept through the salsa party, I’m sure they won’t be bothered by a couple of people rowing upstairs.’

‘I’m concerned about someone getting hurt. I have to try.’

‘You’re an angel,’ Nico said.

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