Promise to Obey Read Free Page B

place in their life. She was the nanny, single bed, no radiator, no fire, cramped and soulless..
    ‘No way, Miss Harlow. Follow me.’ He led her across the wide landing. Jessica reckoned they must be nearing the tower. ‘My mother has the front bedroom in the tower. It’s a beautiful room with big windows that look out onto the garden, the best in the house. You are in the guest room, next to hers. It’s called the Primrose Room. I think you’ll like it.’ He threw open the door.
    It was as big as her entire flat in London with pale yellow walls and cream paintwork; buttermilk damask curtains with matching cover on the double bed. A sofa covered in saffron velvet toned with the carpet; a desk by the window, and an upright chair with upholstered seat in the same velvet. The room was warm and radiated light. ‘En suite through there,’ Lucas added, pointing to a far door.
    Jessica went over to the window. The view was of rolling hills and dappled fields, the hedges and crops of trees like a painting. Nothing moved. It was so still, emptiness and clarity stole the scene. It had even stopped raining. So unlike the rooftop view from her North London flat of ugly buildings, refuse bins and scaffolding, parked lorries and neon street lights.
    ‘Thank you,’ she said with genuine warmth. ‘I love the room.’
    Lucas did a mock sigh of relief. ‘Glad to have got something right at last.’
    ‘So where’s your room?’
    Jessica had not meant to ask but it came without thinking. She did not want to bump into him in the night. Coming home late from a party.
    ‘I have a makeshift sort of room, somewhere to bunk down, over the garage stables. I’m not here much. You won’t bump into me in the night,’ he added, reading her thoughts. ‘You may want to tidy up before meeting my mother. She’s very particular. I’ll bring up your case.’
    The buttercup tiled bathroom was as pretty as the bedroom. Jessica had another sigh of relief. She was going to be so comfortable here. Some of her misgivings faded, her spirit recovering. But she still tested the lock on the door.
    She was dishevelled by the wind and rain and all her subtle make-up had disappeared. She set to and repaired the damage so that Lady Grace would get a good impression. Her high-heeled shoes were muddied and she changed into a pair of flat black suede slip-ons. Her wet jacket was hung behind the bathroom door to dry.
    She tucked her white shirt into the plain navy skirt, added a red patterned silk scarf to her throat and she was ready to face the dragon.

    ‘So you are the nurse who is supposed to look after me and make sure I do all the right things,’ said Lady Grace with a decided lack of grace. ‘You’re a bit too young and skinny for my idea of a nurse. Are you properly trained? Supposing I fell?’
    ‘I’m stronger than you think,’ said Jessica.
    ‘You don’t look strong enough to lift a bedpan.’
    ‘I should hope you are bathroom trained.’
    ‘I’m convalescing after a serious operation, I’ll have you know. I need a great deal of care and attention.’
    ‘Hip and knee replacements are routine these days and highly successful,’ said Jessica. ‘You’ll be as right as rain in no time, and free of pain.’
    Lady Grace snorted. ‘I’m certainly not free of pain yet. I need regular medication.’
    ‘I can do regular medication,’ said Jessica calmly.
    ‘Any idiot can pop a couple of capsules and fill a glass with water. I don’t need your help.’
    ‘I’m glad to hear it. I shall be free then to make sure you eat the right foods and take the right amount of exercise. Exercise is the key. It will all help to make your recovery quick and painless.’
    ‘I can do all of that by myself, thank you, Nurse, Matron, whatever you are,’ said Lady Grace. ‘Well, if you have got to stay, I suppose I’ll have to get used to it. What am I supposed to call you?’
    ‘Jessica will do fine,’ said Jessica.
    ‘I don’t like fancy names.