Secret Schemes and Daring Dreams by Rosie Rushton Page A

party is going to make a difference.’
    â€˜Emma, it’s that attitude that is slowly crucifying our planet,’ her father insisted. ‘I shall speak to George.’
    â€˜Don’t you dare!’ Emma snapped. ‘You wanted me to have a job, right? Well, I’ve got one.’ She kissed the top of his head, always the first step towards wrapping him around her little finger.
    â€˜Yes, and I’m pleased,’ he began.
    â€˜So just let me get on with it, OK?’ she pleaded. ‘You just concentrate on the TV show.’
    â€˜Good grief!’ her father exclaimed, jumping up. ‘I’m supposed to be having a video conferencing call with the production director at half past eight. Thank goodness you reminded me.’ He flicked off a few switches and headed for the door. ‘Oh, and tell George that I’ve told our garden boys to go over and help outnext door whenever he needs them,’ he added.
    â€˜OK, and Dad?’
    â€˜Yes?’
    â€˜Can I have my August allowance?’
    â€˜Emma, it’s the third of July,’ her father pointed out. ‘And the answer is no.’
    Oh well, thought Emma, thank heavens for Visa.
    â€˜Hi Emma! How are you doing? I’m just making pancakes – those little American kids were asking for them.’
    Lily didn’t pause in her batter-beating as Emma peered round the door of the hotel kitchen, but just kept on talking.
    â€˜I know they’re not on the menu, but like I said to Luigi, it’s no trouble for me, cos I love to cook and this is such fun and, anyway, we ought to cater for everyone’s needs and Americans do like their pancakes, and they’re checking out today so it’s the last chance, only there isn’t any maple syrup so I said let’s try them with honey —’
    â€˜Where’s Theo?’ Emma butted in. She knew from years of experience that the only way to deal with Lily’s babble was to ignore it.
    â€˜Theo? Oh, he’s just driving Harriet to church.’
    â€˜Driving
her?’ Emma gasped. ‘It’s only ten minutes’ walk!’
    â€˜Oh no, she’s not going to St Margaret’s – some of the guests had an early breakfast to get to the service there – but no, Harriet said St Benedict’s, and of course that’s quite a way.’
    â€˜And so Theo took her?’ Emma exploded. ‘That is sonot on – he’s supposed to be waiting at tables.’
    She checked herself, her mind racing. Miffed as she was at the thought that she might have to step in and work, it must mean that Theo actually wanted the chance to get to know Harriet a bit better. She’d known they were made for one another the moment she had seen them together on the lawn, but she was pretty chuffed at the speed of his response.
    â€˜OK, pancakes done!’ Lily said triumphantly, sliding the last one on to a plate. ‘They’re for table five.’
    â€˜And you expect me to . . .?’ Emma began, looked around the room. There was nothing for it; she was the only one there. She picked up the plate.
    â€˜A gem, this Lily, she is a gem!’ Luigi appeared from the walk in pantry and beamed at Lily. ‘I tell her, when she is qualified, I give her a job.’ He sniffed and glanced around the kitchen. ‘Though not here – here I don’t stay for long. That Mrs P – she drive me crazy. I deserve greater things than this.’
    â€˜Don’t tell the Colonel that,’ Emma cut in with a smile. ‘He was eulogising over your crème brûlée last night.’
    â€˜He was? Is true I have a gift . . . perhaps tonight I give him my flambéed peaches with the raspberry coulis?’
    â€˜That would be wonderful!’ Emma declared. As she pushed open the door to the dining room, she noted that Luigi’s face positively glowed with delight. Human Relations – that was what life was all