No Regrets: A Novel of Love and Lies in World War II England (The Thornton Trilogy Book 1) by Mary Christian Payne Read Free Book Online Page B

starting a new life, it seems appropriate.”
    “From your charming accent, I suspect you’re from France?” Mrs. Jordan said.
    “Yes. We both were fortunate to escape during the Dunkirk evacuations. How horrible it’s all become. My friend lost her husband. She was in early pregnancy. Since then, she’s had a lovely daughter, who’s taken away some of the anguish. I didn’t leave any family behind. We met in Brighton, and now I’ve accepted employment at Highcroft Hall, as a lady’s maid. It seems a charming home, and I feel fortunate.”
    “ Highcroft Hall . Yes, it is a splendid estate. You’ll find that the Thorntons are extremely nice people. They have a son, but of course, he’s away fighting, as are all men between eighteen and forty. I believe he’s in Africa. I should think it would be a lovely place to work. You’ll find the village very welcoming. Of course, it’s small, but we have most everything one needs. What with rationing, there isn’t too much one can buy anyway, is there?” she exclaimed, ruefully.
    “No. I think the village is charming and quaint. I like the size, and I’m certain Elise will too. That’s my widowed friend’s name.”
    “Ah, here’s the information on pricing details and the like,” Mrs. Jordan said, as she thumbed through the file. “Actually, it looks quite reasonable, for such a location, close to the sea.” She quoted Giselle a figure that was well below what both she and Elise had in mind. She could scarcely believe it.
    “Yes, that’s very much in keeping with our budget. I’d definitely like to see it, if that’s possible.”
    “Yes, of course. The cottage is unoccupied, so we can pop over there right now, and have a look. Let me get the key.”
     
    ***
     
    It was captivating. Stone, with a thatched roof, it sat adjacent to the beach, next to dunes and a nature reserve. The front yard was densely planted with delightful flowers, ranging from larkspur, to roses and foxglove. There were three bedrooms – two double and one twin, two bathrooms, a cozy parlour with fireplace, dining alcove and roomy kitchen. The cottage had clearly seen better days, and Giselle immediately understood the modest price. Everything looked to be in good working order, but the décor was terribly dated. So were the kitchen appliances. On the other hand, the floors were flagstone, there were no cracks of major proportion on the ceilings or walls, and the baths were decent. It needed elbow grease, but that wasn’t problematic. Giselle walked through the rooms several times, noting how three people would fit. Just as she was thinking about how much furniture they’d need to buy, Mrs. Jordan remarked that for a small, additional fee the cottage could be bought or leased furnished. That definitely sealed the deal. Not everything was what Giselle would have chosen, but it would suffice until the day she and Elise could do some refurnishing. The important rooms – those that guests would see – were furnished in faded, chintz-covered sofas and chairs, and there was a pretty dining set with a refectory table. Giselle loved the fact that there were French doors from the living room to a terrace, where another garden was in full bloom. After a thorough look-through, she told Mrs. Jordan she loved it and wished to sign a lease.
    They returned to the office, where a lease was drawn-up. Mrs. Jordan suggested a three-year lease, bringing the price down a bit more. With Giselle’s offer of renovation and updating, the agent knocked off another ten percent. Giselle was thrilled. Since she’d made no arrangements for a place to sleep that night, she asked if it was possible to take possession immediately. Mrs. Jordan said that normally their office liked to go in and do a deep cleaning before new tenants moved in, but if Giselle didn’t mind, they’d schedule it for another time. Giselle told her she would do the deep cleaning herself. Five more pounds came off the rent. Giselle