Beside the wardrobe was a green, gingham-covered reading chair with a black iron floor lamp next to it. Perfect for curling up with a good book. Tucked under the eaves was a single bed with a basic, but rather cute, white-painted iron bed frame and a thick down duvet covered in toile that matched the curtains. Piles of lacy green gingham pillows covered one end of the bed, while a stack of fluffy green towels sat at the other. At the end of the room opposite the window, next to the door to the stairs, was a second even narrower door.
"The wash room," Viola supplied.
I poked my head in and breathed a sigh of relief to find a toilet and the world's tiniest sink. The two were so close together, I could actually wash my hands while sitting on the throne, but at least there wasn't a chamber pot in sight. Above the itty bitty sink was a mirrored medicine cabinet offering toothpaste, a brand new toothbrush, and various skin care products in mini bottles like you find at hotels. Crammed in under the eaves was a shower with a green gingham shower curtain. I was pretty sure I'd have to sit because there was no way I was short enough to stand. Inside the shower was a collection of organic shampoos and shower gels. Perfect. I wouldn't have to go shopping right away.
"I'll leave you to get unpacked and cleaned up," Viola said with a smile. "Maybe take a nap. I'm sure you have jet lag."
"But shouldn't I meet my boss or something?"
"Oh, she's out on a job at the moment. You'll meet her and the boys at dinner. Six o'clock in the dining room. Ms. Bella likes to eat early because of the twins. She considers family meals important."
My mom and dad had felt the same way. Family meals had been loud and rambunctious, thanks to my two brothers.
"Be on time," Viola said with a warning note in her voice. "Ms. Bella insists on punctuality."
"Sure thing. Thanks, Viola."
"You're welcome, Anna." She slipped out the door and closed it behind her. I heard her footsteps on the stairs.
Turning to survey my tiny kingdom, I let out a sigh. Not quite what I'd envisioned, but it was cute and comfortable. Clearly Bella Talbot had taken pains to make the room, cramped as it was, inviting. I could get used to this. Too bad there wasn't a TV, but I imagined I wouldn't have much time for watching. Not with a pair of twins to look after. "Challenging" ones at that.
Shrugging out of my wet coat, I draped it over the back of the desk chair. Hopefully it would dry quickly. I only had the one coat. I kicked off my shoes and tucked them next to the small radiator. Then I shucked off my jeans, which were damp from the knee down. Those I draped on the radiator. Then I grabbed a pair of dry jeans from my suitcase and slipped those on instead.
I turned to the task of unpacking. It took a matter of moments to hang my clothes in the wardrobe and line the shoes neatly on the bottom. There was no place in the bathroom for my makeup, so I tucked it in one of the desk drawers. My laptop and ereader went atop the desk, along with a framed picture of my family, the only sentimental thing I'd brought with me. Finished, I sank down on the edge of the bed, nearly bashing the back of my skull against the slanted ceiling. I heaved a sigh.
I couldn't believe it. I'd left everything behind and here I was in London, about to embark on a whole new chapter of life. I shivered in delight.
"Let the adventure begin."
Chapter 3
I woke to a darkened room, disoriented. Why was my window so small? And why was the ceiling a foot above my face?
Then I remembered. I was in London, about to become nanny to two tiny terrors. I sat up, narrowly avoiding braining myself, and snagged my cell phone off the desk: 6:02. Shit. I was already late. Great way to make a first impression.
I jumped out of bed and felt around for my shoes. Still damp. Crap. I eyed the wardrobe considering my boots. Too much time to lace them. I'd just have to go down in my socks. I hoped that wasn't some massive faux pas. I dashed into the bathroom and flipped on the light, wincing as I caught sight of my reflection. My eye makeup had traveled down my face leaving me looking like a zombie raccoon. My hair stuck out in random directions. I dashed back to my desk to dig out a Q-tip and my comb. The Q-tip removed the makeup, but the hair was hopeless, so I stuck a couple bobby pins in the mess and hoped for the best.
I took the stairs down to the second floor two at a time, bashing my shoulders against the narrow walls. No doubt I'd have bruises later. Hitting the bottom of the steps, I hurried down the hall to the main staircase. Dashing down those, I hit the marble floor and went skidding across in my stocking feet until I slammed up against something hard and warm. Something that grunted when I hit it. Big hands wrapped around my upper arms, saving me from collapsing gracelessly to the floor.
"What have we here?" said a distinctly male voice. A very
