His eyebrows lifted, his dark eyes warm with affection. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling.
‘Besides, this isn’t about Sasha,’ he said, reaching out for me, ‘and it’s not about Stella either. It’s about you and me, Ellie. Our baby.’
And that was when I fell into his arms, my head pressed against his chest, tears rolling down my cheeks. He held me tightly, caressing me with his hands and whispering in my ear, telling me everything was going to be okay. At that precise moment, I could actually believe that he might be right.
Twenty-Eight
‘Well, why can’t we tell anyone? It doesn’t make any sense to me.’
It was the morning of the summer fair and I’d been up since five thirty so excited about the day’s events ahead. I’d been out in the barn converting it into a beach hut, or at least the next best thing anyway, with nautical bunting in blue and red trailing from the rafters, striped cushions on the seats, and fairy lights decorating the entrance. I’d placed buckets on the tables with sticks of rock and cartons of popcorn inside and big bright beach balls and glass fishing net floats hung in the corners of the room.
‘I’ve explained, Max. Let’s just get today over with and then we can tell everyone. Today is all about the summer fete and the ball. I don’t want to steal the thunder.’
To be honest, I was totally overwhelmed and delighted by Max’s response to all of this. And a little surprised that he hadn’t woken up the morning after finding out the news and changed his mind. If anything, with each passing day, he became even more excited at the prospect, coming up with baby names and showing me brochures of buggies and cots. It made me smile, but really I couldn't think very much beyond the summer fair at the moment.
‘You’re mad. Do you know that? What can be more important than telling everyone about our baby, but if it makes you happy then we’ll wait another day. Just makes sense to tell Mum while she’s over here.’
‘Yes, of course. And I’m desperate to tell my mum too. It will be so exciting and I can’t wait to see their reactions, but we can do that tomorrow.’ Max’s enthusiasm for telling the world our secret warmed my heart. ‘So how’s things going with your mum and Katy?’ I asked, changing the subject.
Max shrugged. ‘They’re tiptoeing around each other at the moment. They haven’t come to blows yet though, so I’m hopeful.’
Just then the front door of the pub flew open and Katy breezed in, her face dropping at seeing Max.
‘Ah, talk of the devil,’ he said, laughing.
‘What are you doing here?’
‘Er, I’ve just come to visit my girlfriend to see if she needs anything doing, that’s all. Is that allowed?’
Katy gave him a withering look. I wasn’t certain she’d forgiven him yet for inviting her mum and Alan over.
‘What would you like me to get started on, Ellie?’ she asked, snubbing Max.
‘All the glasses in the barn need polishing and setting up on the trays. If you can do that, it will be a great help.’
The pub was a hive of activity this morning, with a constant stream of visitors, people popping in to see if any help was required and others taking a sneaky drink before they started on their jobs for the day.
Eric bustled in through the front door with the local newspaper in his hand. ‘Have you seen this, love? You’ve got a double page spread. It’s from the Potter’s Pub Guide.’
’‘Really?’ I wondered if that was a good or bad thing. Two whole pages to list my catalogue of faults and the humiliation at having Eric bearing the news.
Everyone huddled around the bar, peering over the paper where a photo of me standing in front of my lovely pub took centre stage. Victoria Evans had popped in earlier in the week and asked for a quick photo to accompany an article she was writing on the summer fair. Sneaky!
‘Shall I read it out to you?’ asked Eric, commanding the attention of everyone. He cleared his throat.
‘There’s never a dull moment at The Dog and Duck in Little Leyton. Under new management since Eric Cooper, the previous incumbent of twenty years, hung up his tea towels over the pumps for the final time last December, the place has undergone a subtle shift in character and style. The unlikely new custodian is Ellie Browne, a young lady who grew up in the village and who pursued a finance career in London before taking up the reins of the pub. The faded decor has been given a facelift, with new furnishings and paintwork, but the intricate charm of the old-fashioned country pub remains as it ever was. The outdoor area has been transformed into an all-weather oasis, with plentiful seating and patio heaters and cosy blankets for those chilly nights. Always popular with the real ale drinkers in the area, the pub continues to cater for its original customers in supplying a wide range of traditional and craft ales, frequently changing its menu, and running special taster evenings for its customers. But it would be wise not to make the mistake of thinking that The Dog and Duck only caters for beer drinkers, when the pub has something to offer to almost everyone. Every night of the week sees different groups gathering to participate in their chosen hobbies. The knitting group, the aviation society, a reading group, and French for beginners are just a few of the groups who meet on a regular basis. Along with the open-mic sessions, the weekly quiz and the impromptu sing-alongs, the pub not only acts as a drinking establishment, but also as the warm and welcoming hub to the community. This is what customers say:
”Nothing’s too much trouble for the lovely landlady at The Dog & Duck, she serves great beer in super surroundings, what more could you want?” says regular customer, Jim.
”You won’t find a better pub for miles,” says Keith.
”The warm and cosy heart to the village,” says yet another satisfied customer.
“With five-star beers and a guaranteed five-star welcome from the charming new landlady this pub is a little gem. Highly recommended.”’
‘He’s only gone and given you a Silver award, Ellie,’ said Eric, in awe. ‘Bloody hell. Took me five years to get my first award.’
‘Oh really, Eric.’ I squealed, clapping my hands together excitedly, tears filling my eyes at the glowing write-up, and especially at the lovely comments from my customers. ‘I’m so relieved. I can’t believe it.’ I jumped up and threw my arms around Eric’s neck, kissing him on the cheek. ‘When you left, I was so worried that the pub would go downhill, that our customers wouldn’t like me being behind the bar and that they would start drinking elsewhere. The only reason I’ve picked up this award is because I’ve followed on from what you’ve been doing for so long. Everything I’ve done here I’ve done with you in mind. I so wanted you to be proud of me.’
‘And I am proud of you, Ellie. In fact, I couldn’t be prouder. You’ve done an amazing job.’
‘What’s all the excitement about?’ Mum and Dad appeared from upstairs with Digby in tow. It had been so lovely having them to stay and already I was dreading the time when they would have to leave again.
‘Come and have a look at what they’re saying about your daughter,’ Eric said, fondly.
‘See what did I tell you,’ said Max, taking me to one side and whispering in my ear. ‘You’re a superstar, capable of doing anything. And you’re carrying my baby. I can’t tell you how amazing that makes me feel. Just make sure you don’t overdo it today. I know what you’re like and I don’t want you making yourself ill. If you need me to do anything, then just give me a call.’
‘What about the Manor? Do I need to come down and check on all the arrangements for this evening?’
‘No, absolutely not. We’ve got everything under control.’
With Max gone, I wandered over to the window and peered out onto the village green. All the marquees were erected and colourful bunting hung between the lamp posts. Polly must have been extremely busy these last few weeks because the High Street was lined with her distinctive hanging baskets overflowing with a profusion of pink blooms. Although there was another hour to go until the official opening of the fair by
our special guest, GG Williamson, already people were milling around the green getting an early view of the stalls, chatting to their friends and neighbours. I could see Paul and Caroline in the distance plus Josie, Ethan and Stella. I was looking forward to catching up with them all later.
Already the pub was filling up, people gravitating outside to the barn where the Pimms and the fruit punches were going down a treat. Andy, Dan, Rich and Gemma were manning the bar, and Eric had volunteered to do a stint too, so I took the opportunity to go and find Katy, to see what she was up to. I spotted her in the garden and smiled. She wasn’t a shirker that was for sure. If she didn’t have a job to do, then she would find one and now she was whipping around those tables, collecting glasses and returning them to the kitchen, working her little butt off.
‘Fancy going over to the green for the opening ceremony?’ I asked her.
‘Would that be okay?’ Her face lit up at the thought of seeing her favourite author.
‘Of course. Come on, we’ll go together.’
Along with Mum and Dad, we walked across to the green where there was already a big crowd congregating waiting for our special celebrity to arrive and judging by the large number of people clutching books written by George, I guessed a lot of them had come along purely to see him.
‘Oh, Katy, how clever of you thinking of asking George to open the fair. It was the most brilliant idea.’
With a great deal of cheering, George duly did the honours and cut through the pink ribbon tied around the oak tree, announcing that the fair was now open. Immediately the brass band struck up, playing a jaunty tune. Before his queue of waiting fans got to him, I grabbed George by the wrist.
‘Mum, Dad, come and say hello to George.’
‘Ah, hello! I didn’t realise you would be back so soon. Does this mean you’ll be wanting me to move out of your house?’ he asked, his mouth grimacing.
‘Oh no,’ said Mum. ‘We’re just here on holiday for a couple of weeks, staying with Ellie at The Dog & Duck. I hope you’re enjoying living at the cottage?’
‘It’s perfect. I’ve got so much work done since I’ve been here, it’s been marvellous, and I’ve made some lovely new friends too. In fact, I was going to ask you, Ellie, if I might extend my tenancy for a couple of months, if that’s okay?’
Mum and Dad nodded eagerly.
‘Yes, that should be absolutely fine. I’ll get the paperwork drawn up and drop it into you.’
Hmm, I wondered if it was just the peace and quiet keeping George in Little Leyton or whether a certain florist was another reason for George wanting to stay. With his faithful band of fans growing restless and encroaching further around us, we made our excuses and left.
‘We’ll look forward to seeing you this evening at the ball.’
We were mooching around the tent selling bedding plants when I heard someone call my name. I turned round to see Sasha with the pram.
‘Aw, Sasha, how lovely! I’m so glad you came. How’s it all going?’
‘Good, I think. This is our first trip outside of the house, and it took me about two hours to get ready. I don’t know how I’m supposed to do that every day.’
Mum laughed. ‘Don’t worry, love. It does get easier. And, what a beautiful baby you have,’ she said, peering into the pram.
Katy took a step closer too, smiling.
‘She’s gorgeous,’ I agreed, ‘and I can already see the change in her from when she was born.’
Sasha’s face beamed, looking inordinately proud.
We stood around for a good few minutes, just admiring Ruby, cooing over her, at the wonder of her perfectness. It was only a few minutes, but the pleasure it brought us all, I felt sure we could have stood there all afternoon doing the same.
Surreptitiously, my hand went to my tummy. Funny to think that in less than nine months’ time I would have a baby of my own. That Ruby and my own child might grow up together, become friends and go to the same school. Mum didn’t have an inkling that I was pregnant and nor did Katy. I glanced across at them now, wondering how they would react when they found out the news.
‘I’ll come and see you soon,’ I told Sasha. ‘We can have a good old catch-up.’ These past few weeks, having the privilege of being Sasha’s birth partner, had brought us closer together, and it was funny to think that I might have found a new close friend in Max’s ex.
Mum and Dad spotted some friends over by the tent serving the teas and they wandered off towards them, while Katy and I stood by the arena and watched the schoolchildren dancing the maypole.
‘Is everything all right with Max?’ she asked, out of the blue.
‘Yes.’ I turned to her. ‘Why would you ask that?’
‘I’ve just noticed how peculiar he’s being. Whenever I come along he stops talking as though it’s something he doesn’t want me to know about. I’m also worried that it’s something to do with Mum. Another awful secret that they’re keeping from me.’
‘No, no, it’s nothing like that,’ I said, quick to reassure her.
She turned to me accusingly. ‘Right, so there is something, I just knew it! Why, Ellie? Why do people have to keep secrets from me? I hate it.’
She went to run away, but I quickly grabbed her arm.
‘No, don’t go, Katy. You’ve got it all wrong. It doesn’t affect you at all, although…’ I paused thinking, realising just how much it would affect Katy. Her brother would become a father and that would make her an auntie. With her staying in Little Leyton now, having a baby around would be a big change for her. Max and I hadn't made any firm plans yet regarding our living arrangements, but they would definitely impact on Katy too. I remembered her reaction to Sasha’s pregnancy. Would she feel so strongly about mine?
‘Just tell me, Ellie. I can’t bear it.’
I saw the hurt in his eyes. After everything she’d been through recently, I just couldn’t put her through any more. I pulled her away from the arena to a spot where we wouldn’t be overheard.
‘Look, Katy, you must promise not to tell anyone. Not for the moment. This is between you, me and Max.’
‘What is it?’ she said, looking genuinely concerned now.
‘The thing is… well, I’m not sure how to say this, but …’
Katy’s eye grew wider with each word that I spoke, clearly conjuring up a host of dreadful scenarios.
‘I’m pregnant,’ I blurted it out quickly, the words just hanging there in the air, resonating in my head. Wow! I’d said it, told someone other than Max that I was having a baby and it made me so thrilled to say it aloud. Katy however was looking at me blankly.
‘What?’
Oh goodness. Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea after all. I really hoped she wasn’t going to kick off just as the fete was getting underway.
‘We’re having a baby, Katy. It was totally unplanned so we’re as shocked as I bet you are. We’re just getting our heads around it now.’
‘Oh. My. God!’ Katy screamed the words so loud, I felt sure the whole of the village green heard her. A sea of heads turned to look at us.
‘Shhh,’ I scolded her. ‘No one’s supposed to know.’
‘That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you. I’m going to be an auntie.’ She twirled around on the grass, her hands held out wide.
‘Can I take it you’re happy about this news then?’
‘Oh, it’s the best news ever! Does that mean you’ll move into the manor? Will you get married first? Can I be your bridesmaid?’
I threw back my head and laughed. ‘Too many questions, Katy. Far too many questions.’
Twenty-Nine
Thankfully, due to the sweeping design of my ball gown, it still fitted perfectly, covering up the tiny little bump that was just protruding from my stomach. No one had noticed yet, but I didn’t think it would be much longer before my pregnancy would show. Still, after tonight, we’d be able to tell all our friends and family our happy news.
We’d gathered in the barn
downstairs at The Dog and Duck for drinks before setting off for the ball. For the first time in weeks I actually fancied an alcoholic drink, but I made do with an orange juice and lemonade instead, pretending it was Bucks Fizz. I don’t know if it was the fizziness or the excitement of the occasion, but it hit exactly the right spot, making me light-headed, my whole body feeling as though I was floating high on a cloud.
‘Oh look at you,’ said Mum, grinning broadly. ‘Don’t you look beautiful?’
‘Like a proper princess,’ said Dad, and I wasn’t sure if he had some fluff in his eye or if it was something else making them water.
Everyone was dressed up in all their finery, the men in their dinner suits and the women in a variety of sparkly ballgowns and sophisticated cocktail dresses. Some people carried their intricately decorated masks in their hands and others were already wearing theirs. It was hard to imagine that the bunch of scruffians who congregated in the pub on a regular basis could actually look quite so glamorous.
We were just discussing how we ought to make a move when a klaxon sounded outside the pub. Someone went running to the front, and beckoned for us to follow. Hearing the sound of a rumbling engine, we went outside to find Max standing next to a vintage tractor with a trailer, decorated in colourful bunting and with straw bales for us to sit on.
‘Your carriage awaits, Madam.’ Max bent forward, bowing with an exaggerated flourish.
‘Oh my goodness, what is this?’
‘Well I didn’t think you’d all want to walk down the lanes in your posh gear and high heels,’ said Max, laughing. ‘So I’ve laid on some transport. Cinderella will go to the ball.’
His broad frame filled his dinner suit perfectly, the white of his shirt highlighting his lightly tanned skin, the slight shadow of stubble lending him a dangerously sexy air.
‘This is perfect,’ I said, touched by Max’s thoughtful gesture. He’d always been this way but ever since hearing about the baby he’d become even more so.
Summer at the Dog & Duck Page 25