by Janey Fraser
‘Marie-France says the latest results are good so all we can do is hope, I suppose.’
He nodded. ‘Why don’t we go on our own? Jan can look after the boys and we could fit in a dirty weekend in Paris at the same time.’
‘That,’ she said, drawing her to him, ‘sounds wonderful.’
Oh no. Not the phone again!
‘Leave it,’ murmured David.
‘I can’t. It’s my turn for the evening shift.’
Reluctantly, she pulled away. ‘Jilly and Paula’s Au Pair agency!’
The voice at the other end was laced with a panic that Jilly recognised all too well. It was the voice of a stressed mother who had too much to do and not enough hours in the day.
‘Hello? Kylie, please let me talk. Is that Jilly? Sorry it’s rather late. I’m desperate and everyone says you’re the best around here. Kylie, get down. I’m looking for some help but I’ve heard some real horror stories. My friends say that the French are moody and the Germans are bossy. And apparently you can’t have Scandinavians because they run off with your husband. I suppose what I’m looking for is the perfect au pair. Can you help? Kylie. I said no …!’
PS
EMAIL FROM JILLY AND PAULA’S AU PAIR AGENCY
Come and help us celebrate our first birthday! Bring your au pair and a bottle!
ANSWERPHONE MESSAGE FROM JILLY’S MOTHER
Darling, it’s me. Look, can you have your father for the weekend? And the cat too? She’s expecting kittens but not until next weekend. I wouldn’t ask but I’ve suddenly decided to go to Paris. Just a little trip. Thought I might just pop in on Marie-France. Angela keeps going on about how chic she is. You’d think she was her granddaughter, instead of mine …
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING AN AU PAIR IN ANGLETERRE!
A ‘spit and tell’ bestseller by Antoinette Malfille.
Slash
Five-star review by Paris Match
Dear Marie-France,
I’m so looking forward to your visit next month. I just wondered, could you bring your guitar? I’m putting on a charity concert and thought we might do a duet together. I’m a bit rusty on the bass, mind you, so I might need some help.
Love, Jeremy
Dear Jilly,
I have recently interviewed Heidi Jerman as an au pair and she has given me a reference which you wrote for her. However, I am concerned as the typing appears to be very similar to her own original application letter. Please can you verify that the reference – which is excellent! – is genuine.
Yours,
Caroline Concern
CORRYBANKS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Congratulations to Harry and Alfie Collins for winning the school prize on Culture. Their project on Turkish language was absolutely stunning and highly original.
We also congratulate Lottie Evans and Tom Green on winning the school talent competition. As I’m sure you’ll agree, they are both very promising guitarists!
CORRYWOOD ADVERTISER
Matthew Evans and Christina Hill were married quietly last Saturday at Corrywood Registry. Their daughters Lottie and Emma were witnesses.
POSTCARD FROM LA MATERA, ITALY
Dear Matt and Lottie,
Thought I’d send you a postcard to say how much I enjoy living in Italy. Funnily enough, it was one of your au pairs who gave me the idea. I thought that if they can travel, why can’t we? I’ve found a job as a personal assistant at a wonderful hotel and I love it! Do come and visit any time.
Karen x
Dear Dad,
Well, I’ve done it! I can’t believe three years have gone so fast. I graduate on May 24th – and it wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t there. Can you ask the rest of the family if they can come too? I know Mum would have liked that. Thierry will be there as well. Did I tell you he’s doing a foundation course in engineering at a school near Paris?
Love Marie-France
Dear Marie-France,
I’m so proud of you. Is it all right if Fatima and Charlie come too? He’s just started pre-school – can you believe – and will be learning French! So it will be a great experience for him.
All my love,
Dad
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Published by Arrow Books 2012
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Copyright © Janey Fraser, 2012
Janey Fraser has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
This book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
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First published in Great Britain in 2012 by Arrow Books
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ISBN 9780099558187