Kitty's Countryside Dream Read Online Free Page B

the back of the farm. Colourful character he is, to say the least, and quite partial to biting one’s bum through the fence if you aren’t careful.’
    Her aroma didn’t leave me enthralled about my new choice of employment; the stench was one of countryside dung. My nose began to twitch so I wrinkled it, then rubbed the end to try and block out the awful smell.
    â€˜I’ve only been here a few weeks myself,’ she said, still with a friendly smile.
    Phew. I felt a sense of relief run through my body. I must remain professional at all times, I must, I must, were the thoughts racing through my mind. How silly was I being, thanking the Lord that Jeannie and Tom couldn’t possibly be a couple after only working together a few weeks. But what was it to me anyway? He was probably in a relationship; men as handsome as he was were not single. I bet he was settled down with a beautiful wife and equally stunning children. The last relationship I’d had was nearly four years ago and a very distant memory.
    Tom turned towards Jeannie. ‘I suggest if all those coops are scrubbed and fresh bedding laid in all, you deserve an early dart.’
    â€˜That was the suggestion I’d been hoping for and one I’m certainly not going to argue with.’ Clapping her hands together then giving Tom a cheeky thumbs up, she squealed, ‘Fantastic, I’m going before you change your mind. See you tomorrow, boss, and you too, boss.’ And with that she skipped to the door. With a wave above her head, she was gone.
    â€˜She’s a character that one, like a big kid, and has certainly jollied up the atmosphere around here in the last few weeks.’ Then, looking at his watch, he said, ‘Kitty, I must dash, how about coming back in the morning and I’ll begin to show you the ropes?’
    Suddenly I felt disappointed. Maybe he was just late for a meeting or something. I had appeared unexpectedly and no doubt his day would have already been planned out.
    â€˜Not a problem, I’ll see you bright and early,’ I replied, a little saddened. I would have quite liked to have stayed for the rest of the day.
    We both headed towards the door; Tom took a huge bunch of keys out of his pocket and locked the office behind us. I watched him amble towards a small cottage situated left of the driveway. It was beautiful. I squinted to read the name – Brambleberry Cottage – etched into the slate sign on the wall next to the door. Tom opened the cottage door then kicked off his boots outside and disappeared indoors. That must be where he lives, I thought – not only handy for work but if he was living on site that would definitely mean I’d be seeing a lot of him.
    Heading for home, I began to wheel my bike back along the tarmacked driveway, keeping an eye out for Dotty. I was desperate not to be clumsy and trip over my bike for a third time today or run over any wandering chickens.
    I was actually looking forward to tomorrow; it had been a while since I’d had so much to look forward to. There were exciting times ahead and so far my new adventure suited me down to the ground. Well, all except the apple tea and the smell of chicken dung. I wasn’t sure I would ever get used to those.

Chapter Five
    I t was Tuesday morning and I was woken by the sound of the milkman clanging his empty bottles into the crates on the back of his float. Peering out from behind the curtains, it seemed the whole world and his wife were already up and bustling about their business in Rosefield. Alfie gave a stretch, jumped down from the bed and followed me into the kitchen for breakfast. I felt an exciting flutter in my stomach; today I was going to learn the ropes of my new successful empire. I could imagine myself sitting in my office at Bluebell Lodge, singing along to the radio whilst completing all the administration duties.
    Pouring myself a mug of tea and spreading strawberry jam on a