Foxden Hotel (The Dudley Sisters Saga Book 5) by Madalyn Morgan (ebook reader ink txt) 📕

of hearing that damn man’s name. Frank and I worked so hard to make sure everything was perfect for the opening of the hotel on New Year’s Eve, and then Sutherland turned up and did his best to ruin it. Because he didn’t show his face again I thought we’d seen the last of him.’

‘Well you have now.’

‘Thanks for reminding me. We’ll probably see cancellations for Easter too, once the newspapers get hold of the story.’ Bess shook her head. ‘Frank will be devastated.’

‘I think he likes the hotel business as much as you do,’ Margot said.

‘He does.’ In spite of feeling angry, Bess laughed. ‘He’s in his element when we have children staying. He loves taking them to see the animals, leading them round the paddock on the pony, and letting them collect the eggs in the mornings.’ Emotion rose like a lump in Bess’s throat and she looked down and swallowed.

‘It’s so damn unfair. You’d have made a wonderful mother.’

‘It’s worse for Frank.’ Tears began to fall and Bess didn’t hold them back. ‘I came to terms with not having children a long time ago. Frank says he’s okay with it, but I know he’d love to be a father.’

‘He probably would. But he adores you, Bess. As long as he has you, he’s happy.’

‘That’s what he says, but it must be hard for him. He’s the one who would make a wonderful parent. He’s so patient with children, so understanding,’ Bess wiped her tears and put on a smile. ‘Right!’ She looked at her wristwatch. ‘It’s time we left. Your bus will be here soon.’

Margot leant across the table and put her hand on Bess’s hand, to stop her from getting up. ‘There’s no rush. Let’s talk. I’ll catch a later bus.’

‘We’ll have plenty of time to talk on Sunday, when you and Bill come to the hotel for lunch. We’ll find a quiet corner after church.’ Bess moved her hand from under Margot’s and looked at her watch again. ‘Good Lord, I’ve been out all morning; Frank will wonder where I’ve got to.’

Margot looked up at Bess, her eyes glossy with tears. ‘What is it, sweetheart?’ Bess asked. ‘What on earth’s the matter?’

Smiling through her tears, Margot said, ‘I’m pregnant.’

‘But that’s wonderful, Margot.’ Bess leapt out of her chair. ‘Come here,’ she said, pulling her sister to her feet and hugging her. ‘I’m so pleased for you, darling.’

‘Thank you, Bess. You’re the first person I’ve told.’

‘I hope you’ve told Bill,’ Bess joked.

Margot made an effort to laugh. ‘I have. And he’s walking around like the cat that got the cream. But,’ Margot said, sitting down, ‘I haven’t told Mam, Ena or Claire. So don’t say anything if you see them. I’ll call in and tell Mam on Sunday morning. And I’ll tell the girls after church. I wanted to tell you first, because I didn’t want it to be a shock. I know how much you’d have loved a child.’ Margot’s eyes filled again.

‘Shush! This is supposed to be one of the happiest times in your life. Don’t spoil it worrying about me. I shall just have to be the best aunt in the world.’

Margot laughed again. ‘I’m sure you will be. Sorry, I’m feeling emotional - or even more emotional.’ Bess squeezed Margot’s hand. ‘The doctor said it’s natural when you’re having a baby. Like morning sickness. He says that’s natural for the first three months.’

‘So, when can I expect to have a new niece, or nephew?’ Bess asked, counting the months on her fingers.

‘We think the end of September.’ Margot bit her bottom lip and blushed scarlet. ‘They say sleeping in a strange bed can do it.’

‘What? Did you conceive on New Year’s Eve?’

Margot giggled. ‘I know it wasn’t a romantic night, with everything that happened, but when I got to our room I was cold, and…’

‘I get the picture. There’s no need to go into detail,’ Bess said, laughing.

Bess paid Mrs Crabbe and followed Margot out of the café and round the corner into Church Street. ‘I’ll see you on Sunday,’ Margot said, kissing Bess goodbye as the bus came into view. ‘Give my love to Ena, but--’ Margot put her forefinger to her lips.

Bess shook her head. ‘Not a word, I promise.’

‘You can tell Frank, but you must swear him to secrecy.’ Bess nodded. ‘I don’t want him to be shocked when I tell the family on Sunday, bless him. But don’t tell anyone else,’ Margot repeated, excitedly. The bus pulled up in front of the two sisters. ‘Tell our Ena I’ll be at the hotel early, so the four of us - I hope Claire can make it - can have a proper natter.’

‘It’s Easter, don’t forget, so we’ll be going to church,’ Bess reminded Margot, above the noise of the bus’s idling engine.

‘Oh, and Bess,’ Margot shouted as she boarded, ‘make sure you and Frank get someone to cover you. It would be lovely if we could all sit down together for once, and have a proper Sunday dinner.’

‘I’ll ask Maeve to come in.’

‘That would be great!’ Margot waved out of the window as the bus pulled away from the kerb.

‘Congratulate Bill for me,’ Bess shouted. Margot put her thumbs up, and then blew her sister a kiss.

Bess had twenty minutes to wait for the bus that stopped at Foxden and Woodcote, and several other villages en route to Market Harborough. She decided to do a little browsing in Kimpton Smith’s. Kimp’s - as it was known locally - began life as a draper and haberdasher. Now, although there was still rationing, it stocked everything from ladies clothes and lingerie - to household goods. Mrs Kimpton Smith also owned the second-hand furniture shop on the left of the main shop, and the gentlemen’s outfitters on the right. Together,