Chapter 17: Setting Boundaries

“If anyone finds out that I’m here, I’ll make sure you lose your job immediately. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Mrs Beaumont,” the hotel manager said with a quavering voice.

“Another thing: while I’m here, I prefer to be referred to as Ms Emilia. Calling me Mrs Beaumont is like announcing my presence to the entire staff and I don’t want that.”

“Duly noted, ma’am.”

“Good. Now, excuse me. I’ll ring down for dinner at 7 p.m. What’s the special on the menu today?”

“Seared scallops and baby spinach with pomegranate glaze,” the hotel manager said proudly.

“That’s a special?” She scoffed. “Just send me the full menu and I’ll choose something else.”

“Right away, ma’am.”

“Thank you, Maurice,” she said dryly and closed the door.

As she walked back into the suite, she smiled at herself. Elsie and Lillian would be proud of her aristocratic manner if they saw her now. She was becoming a true Beaumont.

“Aw, shucks! I don’t want to be a true Beaumont,” she said aloud to herself. “They’re a bunch of