The Passions of Bronwyn by Martina Martyn Page A

to you.’
    Wyn and Betty slowly walked upstairs to their room.  When they opened the door it felt cold and smelt a bit musty.  ‘Urgh,’ uttered Betty, ‘we’ll have to sort this room out.  Come on quick put your things away and get changed, let’s get out of here.  Leave the door open when we leave, it might help get rid of the smell.’ 
    They quickly got changed and made their way back down to the drawing room.  Mrs Brompton was already there waiting for them.  When everyone had gathered Mrs Brompton stood up to speak to them.  She looked exhausted and had black smudges under her eyes. 
    ‘I know it has been a hard time for all of you over the last few weeks and I thank you for all the help you have given me.  Things now have to change in my life so I just wanted you to know what is going to happen.  The house in the country is going to be sold.  I understand from the Estate Manager that there is someone already interested.  There will only be a small staff kept on here.  This will consist of Mrs Davis, William, Betty and Wyn.  You will have no specific tasks but I hope the house will still run smoothly with just you four.  I have brought Ned with us as I will no longer need a groom but, before we left for the country, Mr Brompton had bought a new motorcar and I would like Ned to learn how to drive it so he can become the new chauffeur.’  She turned to Ned and asked, ‘is that alright with you Ned?’  ‘Yes Mrs Brompton,’ he replied, ‘I’ll be very happy to do that.’ 
    Mrs Brompton smiled and said, ‘on a lighter note, I have to tell you that Mr Carter and Mrs Danvers are getting married and will be leaving to go and work in a hotel in Kensington.’ 
    ‘Oh how wonderful,’ Mrs Davis exclaimed.  ‘Congratulations to both of you.’ 
    ‘The wedding will be held here,’ continued Mrs Brompton, ‘and will be happening next week.  Will you be able to arrange a wedding breakfast by then?’ she asked Mrs Davis. 
    Mrs Davis looked at Betty and Wyn and both of them nodded. She then turned back to Mrs Brompton and said, ‘yes, we’ll get it done.’ 
    ‘Good,’ replied Mrs Brompton, ‘I’ll leave it in your hands.  Mrs Danvers will tell you exactly when and what kind of things she wants.’ 
    She looked at Ned and told him that the car was in the newly built garage at the back of the house. ‘There is a room above the garage for you to sleep in and another for your ablutions. After you have had something to eat, go down there and get some sleep, you can have a look at the car in the morning and see if you can figure out how to drive it.  There is extra land next to the garage, so just have a go there.’
    She turned back to the rest of them, ‘as we knew you all would be exhausted after travelling, Mrs Danvers has done a small buffet for you in the kitchen.  I would like a tray of food to be brought up to mine and Catherine’s rooms.  Catherine will be leaving in the morning to stay with her aunt in Surrey.’  She gave them all a tired smile and left the room.
    They slowly walked down to the kitchen where the table was covered in food.  ‘Oh my,’ exclaimed Mrs Davis, ‘this looks wonderful,’ she turned and smiled at Mrs Danvers.  ‘On behalf of all of us, thank you,’ she said. 
    Wyn’s mouth was watering and she was suddenly starving. 
    ‘Well don’t just look at it,’ Mrs Danvers told them, ‘go ahead and eat.’
    They all sat down at the table and filled their plates.  Mrs Danvers filled plates for Mrs Brompton and Catherine then took them upstairs to their rooms.  It was very quiet as they were all trying to take in the information they had been given.  Wyn turned to Betty and asked her what she thought.  ‘Do you think we can keep this house going with just us’. 
    ‘I don’t know,’ replied Betty, ‘we’ll just have to be really organised.  I suppose it will help that it is just Mrs Brompton here.  She is not untidy like