‘And I’m grateful that Mum isn’t living on her own anymore. It’s a real weight off my mind.’
‘I think everyone’s happy with the arrangement,’ Emma said. ‘And she’s good for Heather too, which makes it more of an equal relationship, while giving Betty her independence.’
Mary laughed. ‘And goodness knows, my mother needs her independence.’
‘It looks as though everything is coming right,’ Emma said, although she couldn’t help thinking about the fly in the ointment. Nick.
Although the police had charged him with assault, he’d pleaded not guilty and in the next few weeks she was going to have to give evidence against him. She was dreading it, but sheknew she’d have the courage to do it because Jay would be by her side. Her management-trainee contract at the Rosemont was almost at an end and while she had thoroughly enjoyed working at the hotel, and had learned so much, the spirit of Nick still remained and often made her uneasy. After the investigation he’d been sacked and, although he was officially not allowed to come anywhere near her, she was constantly looking over her shoulder, wondering if he might show up. Recently she’d begun to contemplate whether she should change jobs at the end of her contract so she wasn’t living in fear of him.
Liz joined Emma and Mary, carrying baby Isabel on her hip. Isabel had grown so much over these last few months and Emma absolutely adored her. Both she and Jay had been thrilled when Liz and Alex had asked them to be godparents.
‘It’s a lovely party,’ Liz said. ‘And Betty’s in her element.’
‘She is now, yes.’ Emma smiled. ‘Looking at her, you wouldn’t believe how nervous she was earlier. She thought that Diva’s was far too posh for her and told me she didn’t like being the centre of attention.’
Liz burst out laughing. ‘Well, I think she’s got over her fears.’
‘Looks that way. She puts on a big front about how nothing fazes her, but she took quite a knock when she found out about her illness. Underneath she’s a lot more vulnerable than she makes out.’
‘She’s lucky though, she’s got all her family supporting her. As well as Heather.’
Liz had been shocked when Emma had told her about her growing friendship with her former boss, and even more surprised when Emma had suggested that Heather move in with Betty.
‘You were spot on that day at Lord Weatherton’s when you told me the key to understanding her behaviour was finding out what her insecurity was.’
‘And it’s down to your perseverance that her life has changed.’
‘She deserves some happiness,’ Emma said. ‘She’s had it really tough.’
Liz nodded. ‘And what about you? Are you happy? You and Jay?’
‘We are,’ Emma said. ‘Couldn’t be happier.’
‘I’m pleased for you,’ Liz said and smiled.
‘What?’ Emma asked. ‘You’re hiding something, Elizabeth Sinclaire. I can always tell.’
Liz laughed. ‘Purely your imagination. I’m not hiding anything. Listen, Alex and I can’t stay long as we need to get this little one to bed or life won’t be worth living tomorrow. But I know that Alex wanted to have a word with you before we leave.’
‘Oh, yes, what about?’
‘I’ll let him explain,’ Liz said as Alex joined them.
Emma smiled at Alex. ‘Sounds mysterious.’
‘I’ll just go and say my goodbyes to everyone,’ Liz said.
When she’d gone, Alex said, ‘I know your contract at the Rosemont is coming to an end shortly.’
‘Yes, it is.’
‘And Liz told me you’ve felt a little bit uncomfortable since Nick.’
‘I have, yes. I’ve loved working there, but I’m still nervous around the place.’
‘I can see why you’d feel like that. The thing is, we’ve got a management position coming up at the Grange and we were wondering if you’d be interested in it.’
Emma was speechless. ‘Really?’
