Toffle Towers 1 by Tim Harris

Author:Tim Harris
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781760147051
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

‘I’ve some rather good news, Master Chegwin. The top two floors in the left wing are almost entirely booked out for the next three nights.’

The tails of Lawrence’s tuxedo appeared sleeker than usual as he proudly shared the information.

Chegwin opened his inbox to see the flood of bookings the butler was referring to. ‘Brilliant! It looks like the milkshake baths and shuttle bus have done the trick.’ The young manager let out a contented sigh. He had bought more time for his staff. And perhaps there was even enough money coming in to go ahead with his plan for the restaurant. Pepper had loved the idea. ‘It’s going to be a busy few days.’

‘Is there anything I can do to help, Master Chegwin?’ said Lawrence.

‘Yes, please. Ask Dusty and Mildew to prepare the ground floor in the left wing. I have a feeling we’ll soon need the extra rooms.’

‘Of course.’

Chegwin smiled at Lawrence. Here was a man completely committed to his job. He deserved a place to work in without having to worry about his future. All of the staff did. It pushed the young manager into making a snap decision.

As Lawrence turned to leave, Chegwin blurted out, ‘Oh, and cancel all bookings in the Grazing Room until further notice.’ His heart was racing. It was a big risk, but he had to go ahead with his master plan. If he succeeded, it would guarantee the survival of Toffle Towers. It would guarantee the survival of his staff.

Lawrence raised an eyebrow. ‘May I be so bold as to ask why? The restaurant is one of our biggest assets.’

Chegwin fiddled with his loose button. ‘Let’s just say the Grazing Room is about to undergo … refurbishments.’

There was an abrupt tap on the office door. It was Mrs Flibbernut, who had arrived for Chegwin’s first lesson.

Lawrence bowed. ‘I’ll pass the instructions on to Dusty and Mildew. I trust you enjoy some wonderful learning, Master Chegwin.’

Mrs Flibbernut entered the room and sat down on the other side of the oak desk. She retrieved some books and papers from her handbag. ‘Goodness, it’s been a while,’ she said. ‘Now, let me get my glasses.’

The old lady rifled through her bag again and pulled out two small drinking cups. ‘I can’t work without my glasses.’

‘What are those for?’ asked Chegwin.

‘Coffee, of course.’ Mrs Flibbernut poured steaming brown liquid into both cups. ‘Double shot,’ she said briskly. ‘Keeps me alert. Now, let’s start by learning some history.’

‘What sort of history?’

Mrs Flibbernut took a sip of coffee and her eyes flashed wild. She stood on her chair then stepped onto the oak desk. She waved her arms around, pointing to the walls in the office. ‘The history of Toffle Towers, of course. I may be old, but I’m still as sharp as a tack and I do my research. Now, prepare to write this down … Terrence Toffle built this hotel when he was only eighteen …’

The lesson was another welcome distraction for Chegwin. It kept his mind from thinking about his parents and worrying about the hotel’s finances.

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