I looked over my shoulder and lowered my voice. ‘Dare I ask? How’s things with Johnny? Or should I say George?’ I hadn’t had the chance to speak to Polly since that night in the pub because of everything going on with the summer fair preparations.
Polly rolled her eyes. ‘It’s typical, isn’t it? You wait for ages for a man to come along and then two come along together.’
‘Like buses?’
‘Yeah, exactly. It’s okay-ish,’ she said, jiggling her hand in the air. ‘I’ve had a chat with Johnny, it was pretty awkward.’
‘Yeah?’
‘Well it was clear he wanted us to get back together again. Just like that. After six months of doing his own thing, over the other side of the world, he decides he wants to come home and pick up where we left off. As though I’ve not been doing anything in the intervening time.’ She shrugged and we shared a look, one of complete understanding and utter disdain at Johnny’s arrogance. ‘Yes, I know I’ve not been doing anything in the intervening time, other than pining over him, but that’s really not the point.’
‘No, of course, it isn’t.’
‘Don’t get me wrong. I do still have feelings for him, but he hurt me, Ellie. Really hurt me. You know that more than anyone. I don’t think I could ever trust him enough to allow him to do something like that to me again.’
‘That's understandable.’ I went in for another hug because Polly was looking in desperate need of one. I knew exactly what she meant. Part of it was a self-preservation thing. If you didn’t let go of your feelings, give yourself one hundred per cent to that other person, then you couldn’t be hurt, could you? It was what was holding me back from Max, although I felt I was on a slippery slope. Grimly hanging on for dear life, but about to go whooshing down the hill until I landed at the bottom with a bump. ’You have to do what feels right for you,’ I said, not really feeling qualified to give her advice. ‘Who knows, maybe a few weeks down the line and you’ll feel differently. So what about George?’
‘Oh, George.’ She dropped her gaze and actually blushed, like a teenage girl. ‘We’re just friends,’ she said quickly, her face lighting up in a way that it hadn’t done when she’d been speaking about Johnny. ‘We’ve been out a couple of times and he’s such good company, really entertaining, but…’
‘But what?’ I prompted her, pleased to see Polly looking like her old self.
‘I don’t think he’s interested in me in that way, you know, romantically. He only came to the village to work and I’m not sure he’ll be hanging around for too much longer. Really, we’re just friends.’
‘Quite good friends though I’m guessing as you managed to persuade him to be our special celebrity. I think his lease on the house runs out in September. I could always ask him if he intends on staying, if you wanted me to.’
‘No, don’t, I’m sure that will all come out in good time. The summer ball might be an interesting occasion though with both Johnny and George there.’ She flicked her hair over her shoulder in a theatrical fashion. ‘Oh, what it is to be a woman in demand!’
‘Talking of which, I ought to go and do some work. It’s madness out there. I’ll catch up with you later,’ I said, kissing her on the cheek.
Walking out from the cool, dark hallows of the pub, the bright light of the summer afternoon made me squeeze my eyes tight against the warms rays of the sun. I must have moved a bit too quickly because my head was swirling and my whole body felt otherworldly. A man came towards me who I vaguely recognised, but I was having trouble placing him, not least because my head was still spinning. He looked at me, a concerned expression on his face, before grabbing onto my arms and peering into my eyes.
‘Are you all right love?’
Actually now he came to mention it… but I didn’t have any time to answer his question. My legs buckled beneath me and I slid down the man’s body, only narrowly avoiding landing on a heap on the floor by his quick action in scooping me up into his arms.
I must have come to a few minutes later, as when I opened my eyes I realised I was back inside the pub, lying in an inelegant heap on one of the benches. I found a huddle of worried faces around me and one in particular, Digby, had wheedled his way to the front and was covering me in wet, sloppy kisses.
‘Get away,’ someone hissed at him.
‘No, it’s fine. I’m fine,’ I said, feeling anything but fine. My head was still swimming and I reached out a hand for Digby, glad of his concern.
‘Oh hello.’ I looked up at the man who’d gallantly come to my rescue, my brain still trying to make sense of who he was.
‘Pork scratchings!’ I said, accusingly.
‘Ooh dear, she’s not making a lot of sense, is she?’ said Betty. ‘I thought she looked a bit peaky. I said as much when we were outside. Do you think we should call the doctor?’
‘No. I’m fine.’ I pushed myself up on one arm to look closer at the man. ‘You,’ I said, pointing the man in the chest. ‘You’ve been in a couple of times. Are you from the Pub Guide?’
‘Ah, well, I’m not supposed to say. That information is highly classified,’ he said with a knowing smile.
‘Ah okay,’ I said, slumping back down on the bench. ‘Well don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. Just please don’t mention this little episode in your write-up, will you?’
He laughed and shook his head. ‘No, I promise not to. If you’re feeling a bit better now, I’ll leave you to it. Looks as though you’ve got plenty of people around to help you.’
‘Look, can I get you a drink or something before you go? On the house?’
The man shook his head and looked at me with pity in his eyes. I really hoped he hadn’t thought I was bribing him, although at the moment it didn’t seem such a bad idea if it might mean a good review. I’d been desperate to make a good impression after all the false starts I’d had with him and now this! I could only imagine what he was thinking about me and my ability to run the pub.
He took a step backwards fading into the small crowd of onlookers and I heard several other voices talking about me as though I wasn’t there.
‘She needs to get some sleep?’
‘Has she been drinking?’
‘Perhaps she has a fever.’
I didn’t have the energy to refute any of those suggestions, feeling shaky still. I just closed my eyes and let it all wash over me.
‘Right, let’s get you up to your bedroom.’ Dan was the voice of calm in amidst all the hoo-ha. ‘I wonder if you should see the doctor, just to be on the safe side.’
‘No, really please don’t make a fuss. Just give me five minutes and I’ll be back up on my feet. I fainted, that was all.’
‘Ellie? What’s going on?’ A voice cut through the babble. Warm, masculine and wholly familiar. I’d recognise it anywhere, only now, unusually, it was full of concern and anxiety. I opened one eye and winced, seeing Max leaning over me, his dark eyes probing me carefully.
‘What are you doing here?’
‘A hunch. I had this feeling you weren’t quite right.’ The white shirt had gone, replaced by a black fitted T-shirt, just as gratifying. ‘You’ve been doing way too much, Ellie. Working here, the hours you’ve been putting in on this bloody ball. It’s not worth it. Not if it’s going to make you ill.’
I screwed up my face, disgruntled by Max’s dismissal of the summer ball. I was so looking forward to it and it would be absolutely worth it. This was honestly going to be the highlight of my year, well one of them at least.
‘Don’t be like that,’ I grumbled. ‘Don’t know why everyone’s making such a fuss. It was the heat of the sun, that’s all.’
‘Did you have any lunch?’
‘No. I was a little bit distracted over lunchtime if you remember.’
‘Right come on,’ he said, his tone brooking no argument. He hoisted me up and held out an arm for me to hang on to. ‘She’ll be fine,’ he said, turning to the others who were not quite sure what to make of their landlady h
aving a funny turn. I winced, realising how quickly this little episode would get around to all my regulars.
Upstairs, Max put me into bed with strict instructions that I wasn’t to move and with a promise that he would be back in a few minutes with a cup of tea and a sandwich. To be honest, I wasn’t going to argue because I was quite enjoying the fuss Max was making over me. Besides, I felt sure after a quick nap I’d be feeling much better.
‘You see, this is why you need to come and live down at the manor with me. Because then I could keep an eye on you.’ Max was back in the bedroom with a tray laden with tea, squash, some fresh fruit salad in a bowl and a ham sandwich. He held his palm to my forehead to check for a temperature and peered into my face as though it might hold the key to some mystery illness.
‘For goodness sake, Max, you’re making me out to be an invalid. I don’t need anyone keeping an eye on me. Really.’
‘Someone has to or else you’d be working all hours god sends, running yourself in the ground.’ Tenderly, he ran a finger down my cheek.
I sighed contentedly, enjoying the sensation of his touch on my skin, his avid attention fixed firmly upon my face. I sipped at my tea, thinking how I could easily become used to this. Even though it was warm outside, I pulled the covers up to my chin, stretching out my limbs beneath, feeling as though I could fall into a delicious long sleep.
‘You know what we should do?’ Max went on. ‘We should get away for a few days after the ball. Just the two of us. Away from all the distractions of the village. What do you think?’
Most of the time I loved all the distractions of Little Leyton, but I knew where Max was coming from. Sometimes it was good to remind yourself that there was another world going on outside the confines of the village. Maybe that’s why I’d been struggling so much recently. The demands of the pub, the summer ball, Katy and Sasha, I’d allowed everything to get on top of me.
I looked up into his dark warm eyes, feeling a huge surge of gratitude for his concern and kindness.
The corners of his mouth turned up in a smile. ‘Besides it will be good practice for when you move into the manor.’
Twenty-Five
‘Blimey, this place has gone downhill since I was last here!’
It was a couple of days after the cider festival and my rather ignominious fainting fit, and I was back to full fitness. Max had been going slightly OTT making sure I was okay but I'd told him, all I needed was to recharge my batteries. I was just hanging some dried hops tied with lilac ribbon on the oak beams above the bar when I’d heard the front door open.
‘Just a moment and I’ll be with you,’ I’d called, reversing down the step ladder before turning to greet my visitor. ‘Eric! You’re back!’
‘Hello darling. Glad to see you’re looking after the old place properly.’
My heart swelled at the sight of my old boss and friend. Eric looked relaxed and tanned as he twisted his head round to view every corner of the pub as though he was seeing it for the first time.
‘Gosh, we’ve all missed you so much. I’ve been doing what I can here, but do you know this place hasn’t been the same without you.’
‘I don’t believe that for one minute,’ he said, laughing. ‘And from what I’ve heard you’ve been doing a grand job behind the pumps.’
‘Really? I hope so. It’s been hard work, Eric, but worth every single moment. There have been times when I’ve thought, crikey what should I do here, and I think to myself what would Eric say? It always helps. Actually, you might not realise it, but you’ve been with me every step of the way on this adventure.’
‘Well I’m pleased I’ve been of some use, but honestly you don’t need my help, Ellie. I can tell that just from looking around me. Great selection of beers, by the way,’ he said, eyeing up the specials board.
‘Are you going to have one?’
‘I’m tempted, but it’s a bit early even for me. I’ll pop in tonight and we can have a proper catch-up, how about that?’
‘Sounds perfect. So what do you think to that gorgeous little granddaughter of yours?’
‘Aw, what a peach.’ He flapped his hand over his heart, looking immensely proud. ‘She’s grown up so much since I’ve been away. Just melts my heart.’
Mine too. And Eric being home gave me a warm glow inside as well. It was almost like old times now with both Johnny and Eric back. They’d shown that however tempting the delights of foreign travel, there was a special pull that Little Leyton held over its villagers that eventually drew you back into its fold, as I knew for myself. Now, if only it would work its magic on Mum and Dad, I thought with a wry smile, and that would be the icing on the cake for a truly magical summer.
Eric spent some time showing me photos of his trip and I gave him a guided tour of the garden, pointing out the changes we’d made, of which he thoroughly approved.
After he left, on his way to visit some friends, I took the opportunity to escape for a while, leaving the pub in the capable hands of Andy. This morning I wanted to pay a visit to one of the newcomers in the village and I’d picked up one of Betty’s Victoria sponges specially for the occasion. Hopefully I’d receive a better reception than when I’d last gone on one of these missions, although in fairness I couldn’t have known then that the man I was visiting was a successful best-selling novelist who hadn’t wanted to be disturbed.
Down at Bluebell Cottages, with Digby sniffing around at my feet, I rapped on the door to the quaint little house. With a cute wooden porch, yellow roses climbing up the struts, and a lucky horseshoe hanging above the front door, it really was a rustic idyll.
After a moment the door was opened by Sasha, whose face lit up at the sight of me.
‘Ellie! How lovely to see you.’
Her warm greeting made me realise I hadn’t needed to feel apprehensive at all.
‘I just wanted to pop in to give you a proper welcome to the village. I’ve brought you one of Betty’s special creations from the tea room. I can highly recommend her cakes.’
‘What a lovely thought, come on inside.’
Ever since we’d met Sasha that day, I’d had a niggling sense of guilt over the way I’d reacted to her news. I’d been so overwhelmed by my own concerns, struggling with an array of conflicting emotions, that I’d barely given a thought to how Sasha might be feeling. Learning from Max that she’d been going through her own problems in a relationship, that sounded doomed from the start, made me realise just how unthinking and unreasonable I’d been. Now everything had been cleared up it was time to make a fresh start.
The inside of Bluebell Cottage was just as enchanting as its name suggested. With low beams, an open fire place and quarry tiled floor, charm and character oozed from all the period features. Sasha invited me to sit on a chintz sofa, where I soaked up all the folksy decorations: hanging plaited hearts, tapestry cushions and wooden letters spelling out the words LOVE and HOME sitting on the mantelpiece. In the corner was a wicker Moses basket and other baby paraphernalia.
‘This is really lovely,’ I said, looking all around me as I accepted the mug of coffee she’d made.
‘It’s cute, isn’t it?’ Sasha sat down carefully cradling her bump. ‘I know I’ve been very lucky in getting this place. I don’t know how long we’ll stay here, but it’s ideal as a new start.’
‘You can’t have too much longer to go now?’
‘A couple of weeks, although to be honest I’m ready now. I just want baby to arrive. I’m getting very impatient. Actually, there was something I wanted to say to you. It’s a little bit awkward.’
‘Oh…’ My heart dipped at what Sasha might have to tell me.
‘It only occurred to me after I met you and Katy at the shops the other week. It was insensitive of me not to realise. I really hope you don’t think I’m treading on your toes, coming back to the village and having Max help me out with the house.’
I laughed gaily as though it was preposterous to think the idea had ever occurred to me. ‘No,
not at all,’ I said, waving a hand around casually, making a big show of side-swiping the thought.
‘Max and I are just friends. You do realise that? In fact, that was where our relationship probably went wrong. We were only ever friends and it never really worked for us on a romantic level. He seems really happy now with you.’
‘Do you think?’ I said, surprised at her directness.
I’d been apprehensive about coming, wondering if it would be difficult talking to Sasha, especially about Max, her ex, my current, and whether it would be better to just skate over the whole issue. I realised pretty quickly, though, that with Sasha it didn’t feel in the least bit awkward. She had an honesty and transparency about her that was immediately likeable. I suspected I could ask her anything about her time with Max and she would answer me truthfully. Not that I felt the need to now.
‘Oh yes, you can see that just by looking at him. He’s much more relaxed these days. That has to be down to you, Ellie.’
‘Well it’s still early days, but yes, it’s going well.’ I crossed my fingers and held them up in the air. It didn’t hurt to be cautious. ‘And what about you and the baby’s father?’ I ventured, now we were opening up to each other.
Sasha shrugged, a vulnerability flittering over her features. ‘He’s gone back to his wife. He was separated when I was seeing him and I’d been led to believe that was a permanent state of affairs, but it turns out not to be the case.’ She shrugged. ‘Me having the baby seems to have worked as a catalyst for them giving their marriage another try. Ha. This isn’t what I would have wanted in a million years. Being a single mother. But sometimes life delivers you a curveball and all you can do is go with it.’
‘Oh, Sasha, I’m sorry.’
‘No, don’t be. Honestly. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was devastated. I know it sounds really bad to say that, but I was. This wasn’t in my life plan at all, not like this at least. I had so many other things I wanted to do first, but anyway, it happened and now I think it was meant to be. This is my baby and already I love her to the moon and back. All I can do is bring her up the best way I can.’
Summer at the Dog & Duck Page 22