‘I do not want to be part of anyone else’s Christmas,’ he snapped.

‘You don’t need to be. You can stay in your room and work. I can even bring your meals to your room, if you want to take it that far.’

‘I can’t believe this is the only solution.’

‘It’s the only one I can think of.’

No matter what she did, no matter what she offered, she would lose her job over this, Meg thought miserably, and then she thought-why don’t I quit now? She could walk away and leave this man to do whatever he wanted over Christmas.

But this was the best job. And maybe…maybe he’d even enjoy it. Letty put on a great Christmas. Miracles could happen.

Send me a miracle, she pleaded, starting her Santa list right now.

‘It will work,’ she said, managing to sound much more calm than she felt. ‘This is a genuine offer and we’d be very pleased to have you.’ She glanced at her watch, acting as if it was time to move on. Acting as if the thing had already been decided. ‘You will be able to work. The room has a lovely view.’ Not exactly like this one. ‘You will be comfortable and you will be left alone. If you accept my offer, then my train leaves in an hour. I’m sorry you can’t get home but this is the best I can do.’

His face was still dark with fury.

If he was so angry, why didn’t he contact someone else? she thought. Any socialite in Melbourne would be pleased to be his friend. He was invited everywhere. Surely he didn’t wish to spend Christmas with her.

But it seemed he did.

‘Your house is large?’

That was easy. ‘Yes, it is.’

‘No young children?’

‘No.’ Scotty was fifteen. Surely that didn’t count as young.

‘And I will have privacy?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Right,’ he said roughly, angrily. ‘I’ll pay your family for my accommodation and I’ll work from there.’

‘There’s no need to pay.’