Rogue in Porcelain by Anthea Fraser Page B

last night.’
    â€˜Well, you did choose the town’s premier hotel. There are several others dotted around. How central do you have to be?’
    â€˜No problem there; I have my car.’
    â€˜The Lansdowne and the Pierpoint are both in Alban Road, which runs across the top of Guild Street, or there’s the Irving in Windsor Way, in the opposite direction. That’s more of a commercial hotel, but perhaps that’s what you’re looking for?’
    Julia made a little face. ‘Between you and me, I hate all hotels. I spend far too much time in them, and they all seem totally soulless.’
    Their tea arrived, and Julia, who appeared to have taken charge, passed the cake tray to Rona. ‘Have you lived here long?’ she asked.
    â€˜All my life, apart from a stint at university.’
    â€˜Lucky you. I should think it was a lovely place to grow up.’
    â€˜It was, yes. Where do you come from?’
    â€˜Oh, I’m like the Flying Dutchman. I never settle long anywhere, but I was born in Dorset, and my family are still there. My work takes me all over the place – abroad, quite often.’
    â€˜It sounds as though you’re in the wrong job, if you hate hotels!’
    Julia laughed. ‘I love the job itself, so I have to put up with them.’ She poured the tea. ‘Anyway, what kind of work do you do, that leaves you free to shop at three in the afternoon? Or are you a lady of leisure?’
    â€˜No, I’m a freelance journalist, so I set my own hours. I’ve been working all morning, and needed a break.’
    â€˜You’re on the local paper?’
    â€˜No, a glossy magazine. Out monthly, so it’s not too hectic.’
    â€˜You mean like Vogue or Good Housekeeping ?’
    â€˜Not quite so high-flown; Chiltern Life. If you don’t come from round here, you’ve probably never heard of it.’
    â€˜Afraid not, but I’ll look out for it. Have you anything in the current edition?’
    â€˜Actually, yes; I’m doing a series on local businesses.’
    â€˜That sounds interesting. I’ll certainly buy a copy.’
    An idea had occurred to Rona, and she was wondering if it would be feasible. She bent to pick up her bag. ‘Would you excuse me a minute?’
    â€˜Of course.’
    In the cloakroom, she took out her mobile and dialled her mother’s number.
    â€˜Mum, it’s me,’ she said, when her mother answered. ‘When did you say your lodger’s due?’
    â€˜Tuesday the eighteenth. Why?’
    â€˜But the room’s ready now?’
    â€˜Yes. What is this?’
    â€˜I’ve just met someone who’s here on business and who hates hotels. How would you feel about putting her up? She’ll be here for a maximum of ten days, so she’ll be out of the way before What’s-her-name arrives.’
    â€˜Oh Rona, I really don’t know . . .’
    â€˜She seems very nice.’
    â€˜She mightn’t want to come.’
    â€˜I bet she’ll jump at the chance. What do you think? It would break you in gently.’
    â€˜All right; you can mention it to her, and see what she says. As long as she’s out before Easter.’
    â€˜Thanks, Mum. I’ll ring you back.’
    Rona returned to the table, to find Julia making friends with Gus, who was in his customary place underneath it.
    â€˜What a well-trained dog you have,’ she said. ‘What’s his name?’
    Rona told her. ‘Look, I’ve had an idea,’ she began. ‘But you must say if it doesn’t appeal to you.’
    Julia straightened and looked at her enquiringly.
    â€˜My mother is just starting a bed and breakfast business. Her first guest won’t be coming till after Easter, and as you hate hotels so much, I was wondering if you’d like to go to her? It’s a very nice bedsit, complete with TV and everything.’
    Julia’s face lit up.