Chapter Twenty Six
Caroline and Joe arrived at the hotel around three o’clock. It was a beautiful old country house built around a courtyard. As they pulled up outside they exchanged glances, feeling a little guilty for having complained about Harry and Lizzy. Caroline told Joe to park the car and bring the bags while she checked in.
By the time he reached the lobby Caroline was taking the room key and thanking the receptionist most emphatically.
“What was all that about?” he asked as they walked along the corridor to their ground floor room.
“I wanted us to have a nice room. Gemma was very understanding.” Seeing Joe’s confusion she explained. “Gemma was the girl who checked us in. I told her it was my birthday.” She laughed at his shocked face. “It’s just a little white lie. We didn’t
