Staying Away at Christmas by Katie Fforde Page A

windows being closer together and taller. A curtain of Virginia creeper covered the walls with scarlet and a couple of slightly rusty brackets supported a sign proclaiming it was indeed ‘ THE FRENCH HOUSE ’. A couple of bay trees in tubs stood on the front steps, which led to a pair of large double doors. The sign needed repainting and the bay trees had lost their original lollipop shape but to Gina the faint air of neglect made it look beautiful and romantic.
    ‘It sort of looks French, doesn’t it?’ said Sally.
    Gina nodded. ‘I suppose it does.’
    Sally sighed. ‘We’d better see if we can get the pushchair up the steps and through the door.’ The house didn’t look as if children ever went into it.
    A bell jangled as they arrived in the entrance. Gina noticed there was quite a large hole in the carpet but the brass on the door was brightly polished. A pleasant-looking middle-aged woman came up to them. ‘Hello, I’m Jenny. Matthew is expecting you. Would you like me to mind the buggy? He’s upstairs.’
    ‘Thank you, that would be very kind,’ said Sally, after more introductions.
    After some discussion about which twin wanted to go with Gina, they each picked up a golden-haired moppet and followed Jenny up a grand-looking staircase. As Jenny knocked on one of the doors at the top of the stairs, Gina straightened her shoulders. She didn’t know what lay ahead but it was all a bit daunting.

Have you read them all?
    Living Dangerously
    The Rose Revived
    Stately Pursuits
    Life Skills
    Thyme Out
    Artistic Licence
    Highland Fling
    Paradise Fields
    Restoring Grace
    Flora’s Lot
    Going Dutch
    Wedding Season
    Love Letters
    A Perfect Proposal
    Summer of Love
    Recipe for Love