Kitty's Countryside Dream by Christie Barlow Read Free Book Online Page A

is approaching, we have a number of temporary farmhands that come on board for a few months. It’s easier if they’re on short-term contracts, and it makes the summer months a little easier because that’s when egg production is at its maximum.’
    I nodded.
    â€˜Tom, on a serious note, and if I’m truly honest, I feel a little overwhelmed by it all. OK, I have inherited this place, but can we keep things the way they are for the near future?’
    â€˜What do you mean?’ Tom answered.
    â€˜Would you consider still being the boss and the manager? I’d feel more comfortable until I find my feet.’
    â€˜Of course, Kitty, whenever you’re ready – it would be a pleasure. This farm is in my blood and I’m going nowhere fast.’ Tom smiled.
    â€˜Thanks, Tom.’
    Despite everything that had gone wrong, I’d thoroughly enjoyed the madness of the day. It had made a change from the lonely existence I’d been leading until now. I felt I was going to like this chicken lark.
    Finishing my tea, I headed out the door.
    â€˜See you tomorrow.’
    Grabbing my bike from underneath the shelter, I swung my leg over the frame and began to pedal down the driveway.
    â€˜The combination to the padlock is 1507,’ Tom shouted after me. ‘Please will you lock the gate on your way out. It’ll save me wandering down later.’
    â€˜Will do,’ I shouted back, waving a hand above my head.
    Well, I wouldn’t be forgetting that number in a hurry, I thought – that’s my birthday, 15 July.

Chapter Eight
    A lfie was sitting on the front doorstep waiting for me to arrive home. I dismounted and bumped the bike up the steps towards him. He was up on his feet, arching his back. Raising a smile, I squatted beside him and stroked his furry body whilst he purred happily. His presence was reassuring and heart-warming.
    The removal men were already parked up outside the flat and they jumped out of their van as soon as they spotted me opening the door. Within no time at all they had stacked my worldly possessions in the living room and driven off.
    For the next couple of hours while I unpacked the boxes, thoughts of Tom kept creeping into my mind. Feeling fuzzy and warm inside, I whistled to myself as I entered the bathroom and let the water from the taps rush into the bath, swirling the luxury bubble bath into a mass of foam.
    I was beginning to feel a little peckish. Teatimes were never adventurous since Mum had died; I barely ever prepared or cooked a meal, unless you counted peeling back the plastic covering on a ready meal for one and placing the white tray on the piping-hot middle shelf of the oven. Tonight was no different; I had mushroom stroganoff to look forward to.
    Pouring myself a glass of cool, crisp Pinot from the fridge, I took a sip. Feeling the warm rush of alcohol run through my veins, I relaxed instantly. For the first time in a long time I felt a sense of happiness.
    Sinking into the soothing warm waters of the bath, the bubbles glistened in the darkened room from the candles I had lit. I began to feel warm again but felt a sudden tiredness wash over me. Laying my head back, I lapped the water over my body and the scent from the candles began to fill the room. The fragrance of lavender made for the most magnificent peaceful aroma. Closing my eyes, the sound of silence surrounded me.
    I must have drifted off for a moment and was suddenly awoken by a soft tapping sound. The water had become rapidly cooler. Reaching for my towel, I dried myself and snuggled deep inside my warm dressing gown, lifting the lapels around my ears. Rubbing my hair dry, there it was again: tap, tap, tap.
    Who would that be knocking on my front door?
    Pulling my dressing gown tighter around my body, I headed for the front door and held on to the lock. Clearing my throat, I said, ‘Hello, who’s there?’
    â€˜Hi, sorry to bother you, Kitty, it’s only