The Boss's Forbidden Secretary. Lee Wilkinson

      Carl jumped out and, having taken one of Cathy’s bigger suitcases from the boot, handed her her overnight bag.

      Then fishing in his pocket, he produced a keyring with three Yale keys on it and proceeded to unlock the door, which opened into a hall with a stone fireplace and a stone-slabbed floor, smoothly polished by many feet.

      ‘At one time this was the servants’ hall. But these days there’s only a handful of staff to run things.’

      Though no fire burnt in the huge grate, it was anything but cold, and when Cathy remarked on the fact, Carl explained that the entire house had discreet central heating.

      There were several doors leading off, and, opening the nearest one, he remarked, ‘Oh, while I think about it, this door doesn’t always close properly. Odd times the latch fails to click into place…’