Her Own Rules Read Online Free PDF Page B

warmth, sipping her vodka, relaxing as she waited for Blanche, whom she thought had never looked better. If there was a tiny fleck of silver in her bright red hair, she was, nonetheless, as slim as she had been as a girl, and the merry dark-brown eyes were as lively as ever. She’s wearing well, Meredith thought, very well indeed.
    The two women, who were the same age, had been friends for twenty-four years. Blanche had come to Silver Lake Inn two years after Meredith had taken the job as the receptionist. She had started as a pastry chef in the kitchens, had soon been promoted to chef, since she was an inspired cook. Blanche had enjoyed working in the kitchens until she married Pete, who had always managed the estate for the Silvers, and became pregnant with Billy.
    By then Meredith was running the inn, and she offered Blanche the job of assistant manager. Blanche had been delighted to accept the offer at once, glad to be out of the heat, relieved not to lift heavy pots and pans, and thrilled to be able to continue working at the inn.
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    These days she and Pete ran Silver Lake Inn together and were responsible for its overall management as well as the upkeep of the entire estate. She’s been good for this place, Meredith mused. She’s as passionate about it as I am, and it shows everywhere, and in everything she does.
    Blanche interrupted her musings, walking rapidly into the bar parlor, saying, “By the way, you’re not going to believe this, but we’re rather busy this coming weekend. All the rooms are taken. And several suites.
    Unusual for January, I must say, but I’m not complain-ing.”
    “I’m delighted, and in some ways it’s not that surprising. A lot of people do like being in the country in the snowy weather, and this place has such a great reputation. Thanks, in no uncertain terms, to you and Pete. I do appreciate all you both do, Blanche.”
    “We love the inn, you know that.”
    “By the way, Catherine sends her love to you and Pete.”
    Blanche smiled. “And give her ours. How is she, Meredith?”
    “As wonderful as always, and doing so well with her work; she’s turned out to be a fine illustrator. And, of course, she’s madly in love.”
    “With Keith Pearson?”
    Meredith nodded. “She told you?”
    “Yes, when you were all here at Thanksgiving.”
    “I think it’s become rather serious.”
    “Are we looking forward to a wedding?” Blanche asked, staring at Meredith quizzically.
    42 / Barbara Taylor Bradford
    “I think so…I’m pretty sure.”
    “You will have it here, won’t you?”
    “Where else, Blanche? Cat was born here, grew up here, and so I’m certain she’ll want to be married here.
    And it is the perfect setting.”
    “Oh I can’t wait to start planning it!” Blanche cried, taking a sip of her drink. “Cheers. And here’s to Cat and the wedding.”
    “The wedding,” Meredith said, and lifted her glass as Blanche was doing. She wondered if it was bad luck to drink to something so prematurely.
    “ Marquees . We’ll have to have marquees,” Blanche said, gazing into space, obviously already envisioning the reception.
    “But they’ll no doubt get married in the summer,”
    Meredith pointed out.
    “Yes, I know. June probably, every girl wants to be a June bride. But it can rain up here at that time of year, you know that as well as I do, and it’s best to be safe. Oh it’ll be great, though. We’ll do wonderful flowers and table settings. And a special menu. Oh it’s going to be fabulous. Leave it all to me.”
    Meredith laughed. “I’m happy to, my darling Blanche.”
    “Good.” Blanche sipped her drink, and then suddenly she looked across at Meredith and said, “Do you ever hear from David?”
    “David Layton?” Meredith asked, slightly surprised.
    “Yes.”
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    “Rarely. Why do you ask?”
    “I thought of him just now…have you forgotten that you married him here and that I did the entire