Page 49 of Beyond Her Manner

“I was thinking we could do a casino-themed night.”

“Casino?” Gillian questioned, sitting opposite her. “Gambling?”

Viola’s face lit up. “Yes, if you like.”

Gillian didn’t like it at all. She wasn’t convinced the villagers would either. Change wasn’t something they embraced. They knew what they liked, and they preferred it to stay that way.

“We could set up a few card tables, maybe a roulette wheel, even hire professional dealers. Think James Bond, licence to thrill.”

Gillian poured tea into a fine bone china cup and handed the saucer to an excited Viola.

“I’m not sure how it would go down with the villagers; they like their traditional ball. They are creatures of habit.”

“Like you,” Viola said, giving Gillian a questioning look over her cup.

“Perhaps. We have a particular way of doing things around here.”

“Then let’s try something new. If it doesn’t work, then you can blame me. Technically, it’s my event. You can say you advised against it and that I was having none of it, and I’m not. We can keep the tables to one end so as not to interfere with the dancing or whatever else you do at one of your balls.”

Viola’s enthusiasm was infectious. Not to the point that Gillian would agree it was a good idea yet enough to want to please her. If a casino night was what she wanted, and she could pass the buck if it was a disaster, it could be a win-win.

“I’m sure that whatever you do you will make a success of it,” Viola pressed. “You areGillian Carmichael, and I would never bet against you.”

Gillian’s face burned, from both her words and the hopeful smile Viola was giving her.

“Okay, Casino Royale Ball it is then.”

Having settled on a date, they agreed Gillian would send out a save the date via the village’s WhatsApp group, following it up with formal invitations later that week. Time was of the essence to get everything organised, and it was the only supply she was short on.

Until the forthcoming flower show was over, Gillian wouldn’t be able to do much more than to get the invitations out and book the casino tables. She felt Viola’s eyes watching her as she scribbled on a notepad a list of things that needed attending to. It was good to have some direction again that involved the manor.

“You really know what you are doing with all this,” Viola said as she watched her.

“It has been my job for thirty-five years.”

“I’m glad I’m not the one doing it. It’s so overwhelming.”

“If it helps, I could unburden you further,” Gillian proffered casually as she looked up.

Viola narrowed her eyes. “How?”

“Direct any requests or demands on the manor to me in future. I’ll deal with it all for you.”

“Like a kind of social secretary?”

“If you like.” Gillian shrugged.

“I can’t help thinking it’s me doing you a favour here.”

Gillian laughed. “I think we could agree it would be a mutual favour. No villagers knocking on your door.”

“Hmm. Then let me thank you with dinner, say Friday at seven?” Viola proposed, her eyes hopeful.

The invitation took Gillian by surprise. “That… would be… lovely,” she stammered.

“Great! You can meet my friend and agent, Caroline. She’s staying for the weekend.”

“Oh,” Gillian replied, taken aback at how disappointed she felt knowing it wouldn’t be just the two of them. “Oh, how nice,” she added quickly.