Page 34 of Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea

Shelley’s range of shades wasn’t huge but Rosie finally chose white with a hint of taupe that reminded her of bleached driftwood on the beach. That seemed appropriate.

‘We don’t have enough of that colour in stock but I can order more in for you,’ said Nessa, piling the tins next to the sugar soap, filler, paint brushes and rollers. ‘This really is a lot of effort for a house that’s due to be demolished. Sorry to be a bit brutal, Rosie. But this is going to cost a shedload.’

‘I know,’ said Rosie, brandishing her credit card with more confidence than she felt. ‘But it’s something I need to do. For Mum and for all of the memories there. The thing is…’

She hesitated, wondering whether sheshouldtell Nessa and risk her bargain with the Eppings being all round the village by lunchtime.

‘The thing is what? Oh, don’t worry. I can keep a secret. I’ve been the subject of gossip too often to indulge in it myself.’ When Nessa shrugged, Rosie glimpsed the hurt beneath her brash exterior and decided to trust her. She’d already told Liam after all.

‘There’s a chance that Driftwood Housecanbe saved.’

‘How?’

‘It’s partly thanks to what we were talking about at Sorrell Head. I went to see Mr and Mrs Epping and—’

‘Whoah!’ said Nessa, shoving the palm of her hand towards Rosie’s face. ‘Stop right there! I never suggested going to see them.’

‘No, but you agreed that Driftwood House would make a fabulous guesthouse.’

‘I’m not sure the word “fabulous” was ever used but yeah, I did agree with you on that. But you said the house belongs to the Eppings.’

‘It does. That’s why I went to see them and tried to persuade them to consider converting Driftwood House into a guesthouse rather than knocking it down.’

‘So what did they say?’

‘They said I’ve got four weeks to spruce the place up in the hope they can see its potential as a guesthouse, rather than just a prime building spot.’

‘Wow, that’s amazing, Rosie, and just a little bit bonkers. Who’s paying for this make-over?’

‘Me, but it’s just cosmetic stuff. Nothing too heavy duty.’

‘Hmm. I still can’t believe that you actually went to see the Eppings. Did you go to their spooky house up on the moors?’

‘I did.’

‘That’s brave. So what’s it like? AllWuthering Heights,I bet, with mad women in the attic.’

Wasn’t thatJane Eyre?Rosie grinned. ‘It was a bit creepy and isolated and grand, but I only saw a couple of rooms. Do they live there on their own?’

‘Apparently, apart from staff, I suppose. They never had kids which isn’t surprising. I bet they’ve never had sex. I really can’t imagine those two getting jiggy.’ Nessa shuddered. ‘What were they like?’

‘Well…’ Rosie thought for a second. ‘He was cold and grumpy and…’ She remembered his icy blue eyes. ‘A bit sad, really.’

‘And his wife?’

‘One hundred per cent terrifying.’

Nessa snorted. ‘She’s mega-scary all right. Mr Epping never comes to Heaven’s Cove. I’ve only ever seen him in photos and he was on the local news once, when one of his businesses won an award. But his wife comes to the village occasionally, swanning around in her Mercedes as though she owns the place. Which, to be fair, she pretty much does. I’m surprised she’s changing her hotel plans.’

‘She isn’t keen on changing them at all but Charles – Mr Epping – was more open to the idea. He was the one who pushed to give me some time to change their minds about the hotel.’

‘Is that right?’ Nessa pushed Rosie’s credit card into the machine. ‘You want to be careful.’

‘Why?’

‘Because they’ll screw you over. You’ll end up doing loads of work and spending lots of cash and then they’ll knock the place down anyway. Being ruthless is how rich people make their money.’ Nessa winced at Rosie’s expression. ‘Sorry. I’m being blunt again. I just don’t want to see you being taken advantage of and upset.’

‘As I told my boyfriend yesterday morning, I’m upset anyway.’