The holdall slipped from Holly’s fingers and fell to the thick carpeted floor with a muted thud. She stared at her surroundings, her mouth hanging open in shock.
The so-called guestroom was out of this world. Immaculately decorated, homey and comforting. It had the feel of a boutique hotel, the soft tartan wallpaper matching the bedspread on the king-sized sleigh bed.
Two large sash windows drew light from the back yard, but an outside wall covered in ivy and lilac roses maintained a level of privacy.
Holly walked into the en suite bathroom, flipping the switch to activate the spotlights in the ceiling. The first thing she noticed was a shower big enough for six people, a series of water jets built into the wall and the ceiling made it look like an experience not to be missed. A shelf in the shower area was filled with shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and other products she couldn’t recognise.
She turned to look at the bathtub and noticed more beauty products lined up along the edge. The sink and vanity area held wrapped toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, and makeup.
Holly couldn’t remember if she’d ever stayed in a luxury hotel, but she was pretty sure that no hotel was as luxurious as this.
She walked back into the bedroom and opened the nearest wardrobe. It was full of clothes, beautiful designer clothes. She pulled out a garment on a hanger and noted it was her size. Along the bottom of the wardrobe was a variety of shoes for all occasions. Again, in her size. She put the hanger back and closed the door of the wardrobe.
She turned and started to explore further. A set of drawers held a large selection of underwear. The bedside cabinet was full of stationery, including leather-bound notebooks and a selection of pens. The vanity unit contained face cleansers, moisturisers, and perfume.
She stood in the doorway to the bathroom and gaped at the two rooms in astonishment.
Victoria had taken care of absolutely everything. Anything Holly could need for the next month was available to her. It was obvious that great thought and care had gone into making the temporary stop a home. She felt touched at the thought of Victoria taking so much effort just for her.
She wondered if it was Victoria, or maybe her first or even her second assistant. But surely they would have had guidance from Victoria?
Holly picked up her holdall and placed it on the bench at the end of the bed. She opened the bag and took out her notebook and cheap ballpoint pen. She walked around the room a little, taking everything in for a few moments. Eventually, she sat on the corner of the bed and started to write.
At first, writing had been a training exercise, a way to improve her motor skills, but it had soon become a big part of her life. She enjoyed jotting down her thoughts and feelings, mentioning noteworthy moments about her day and reading back through days gone by. It became a way to process what she was going through.
She knew that today’s entry would take a long time to properly document. Probably more pages than she had left in her book. But then there were the new leather-bound notebooks that had been supplied. Surely Victoria had played a part in that? That wasn’t usual guestroom material, was it?
A smile broke out across her face, gaining in size and strength until it started to hurt her cheeks.