Chapter 29
Beth paced along the wide pavement outside Bits and Bobs, from the tables in front of The Coffee Pot all the way to the A-frame panels advertising fresh sausage and egg baps at the bakery. Checking her watch, she retraced her steps. What’s taking so long?
Suddenly, the door burst open and Daisy emerged, punching the air in triumph. ‘Yes!’
‘You got it?’
‘Of course I did. Why? Did you think I wouldn’t?’
‘No. Not for a second.’
‘I can’t wait to tell Sonya.’ Daisy swiped her phone screen. ‘And Lily and Sara. They’ll be well jel.’
Beth made a shooing motion. ‘Go on. Go tell the world how fabulous you are. Do me a favour, though, and grab Grace from preschool when she comes out? I want a quick word with Lucy.’
‘Huh?’ Daisy looked up from her phone. ‘Sure.’
Beth made her way into the shop. Lucy, dressed head to toe in bright magenta, matching beads in her braids, handed over a dribbling Hazel.
‘No wonder Daisy was terrified of you when she peered into the shop earlier, Lucy. You look like a superwoman. I take it Hazel is sleeping through the night now.’
Lucy’s grin was smug. ‘She is. And your Daisy is just what I’ve been looking for. Whatever you’re doing with your teens, Beth, keep doing it. She’s a credit to you.’ She leaned closer and gave Beth a quick hug. ‘I heard about the fire. Are you okay? Was there much damage?’
Beth’s vision swam with unexpected tears. ‘Not much goes under the radar around here, does it?’
‘We could see the smoke from the village green.’
‘It was an accident.’
‘Of course it was an accident. Beth, honey. Don’t be so defensive. Fire can happen to anyone, especially in the forest. People just want to help.’
Beth examined the rug at her feet, unable to trust her voice.
‘You don’t like letting people in, do you?’ Lucy asked.
Beth lifted one shoulder and let it drop.
‘Look, hun, everyone I’ve spoken to is simply relieved no one was hurt. Yes, they’re talking about it, but that doesn’t mean they’re being nasty. If you give people a chance, they might surprise you.’
‘Sure.’
‘Right. Here and now, I challenge you to give people in this village a chance. That means next time someone offers you help, Beth, you have to say yes. Even if it’s Barbara.’
Beth snorted. ‘Like that’s ever going to happen.’
‘It will. You’ll see. Say yes?’
‘I left Rick smashing up the ruins of my shed this morning, does that count?’
‘Rick?’
‘My next-door neighbour.’
‘Mr Gorgeous But Complicated?’ Lucy grinned. ‘Beth! You’re blushing. Did something happen?’
‘I think he almost kissed me.’
‘You think?’
‘Yes, I’m sure he was about to, but then Daisy rang and – oh! I don’t know. I could be overthinking.’
‘Do you want him to kiss you?’
‘I shouldn’t.’
‘Meaning that you do.’
‘There are so many reasons why it would be a bad idea.’
Lucy laughed. ‘You totally want him to kiss you.’
‘Maybe I do, but it isn’t going to happen.’
‘Why not?’
‘I have too many other things to worry about right now.’
‘Like what?’
‘Like finding a way to earn a living.’
‘Still no sign of a job?’
‘I’ve filled in so many online applications, I could do it in my sleep. Speaking of which, I have an interview for an overnight shelf-stacking job in that big supermarket over at Deersleigh Park.’
‘Overnight?’
‘Yes. Two nights a week. Rose can watch Grace overnight and it’ll be regular money coming in. Not much, but it’s a start.’
‘Didn’t you say something about setting up a campsite?’
‘Yes. I even filled in the application forms for the council, but…’
‘But what?’
‘There are bound to be objections. Lord Astley, for starters.’
‘Lord Tosspot is always a pain.’ Lucy scoffed. ‘You can’t let him stop you.’
‘Even Barbara said she would object.’
‘That doesn’t sound like Barbara.’
Beth shrugged. ‘I told you she didn’t like me.’
‘There must be more to it than that.’
‘She said I’d be taking business away from the campsite at the bottom of the hill. Tara, is it?’
‘Gosh. She’s got a point. Tara’s only just keeping body and soul together as it is.’
‘I see that, I really do. But I just… I just don’t know what else to do.’ Beth sniffed and scrabbled in a pocket for a tissue as a wave of despair washed over her. ‘We could lose the house.’
‘I had no idea it was that bad.’ Lucy frowned. ‘Tell you what, why don’t I pop up on Saturday? Tom can take the kids to see his mum, and you and I can have a brainstorming session.’
‘That’s kind, but you’re already so busy.’
‘Meh. You’d be doing me a favour. Much as I love my ma-in-law, she’s driving me up the wall. Doesn’t approve of women working when their kids are small and is more than happy to say so. Repeatedly. If you let me come and see you, you’ll be doing your bit to preserve world peace.’
Beth dabbed at her eyes. ‘Alright, come and have a cuppa and I’ll give you a tour.’
‘Great stuff.’ Lucy beamed. ‘Now, give me my baby back and be off with you.’
*
Stepping out of Bits and Bobs, a spring in her step at the prospect of seeing Lucy again soon, Beth heard her name called. Turning, she saw Barbara scurrying along the pavement. The older woman ground to a halt at Beth’s side, wheezing.
‘Oh my giddy aunt, my running days are definitely behind me. Beth. My dear. My Brian told me about the fire. You must have been terrified.’
‘You’ll be pleased to hear that all the equipment for the campsite went up in smoke, too.’
Barbara’s eyebrows shot up. ‘Did it? Oh, Beth, I’m so sorry.’
‘Are you?’
‘Of course I am. That’s awful. I may disagree with your plan, but I don’t wish you any harm. Tell me. How are the children?’
‘They’re shocked, but fine. Brian was wonderful.’
‘He’s a tower of strength, that man. Tell me, is it true it was an electrical fault?’
Beth nodded.
‘Thank the Lord. I’m so relieved to hear that. No, please don’t look at me like that. I’m not glad about the fire, just that… It’s my niece’s boys, Tyler and Kyle. They thought that they might have started it. The fire, I mean. Apparently, a whole gang of them have been hanging around up there, smoking and whatnot.’
Beth felt something squirm deep in her chest.
‘My Brian tore a strip off them both, I promise you. They won’t do it again. I’ll send them up to apologise. Do me a favour, set them to work. I’m sure you could do with help clearing up.’
‘But they didn’t cause the fire.’
‘That’s not the point. They could have. They need to learn about consequences. Let them see fire damage up close and they’ll never take risks like that again.’
‘Fine. I will. Thank you.’
‘Is there much damage?’
‘Loads. I have a trailer coming tomorrow so I can take the first load to the tip.’
‘Perfect, they can help fill it, then ride along and empty it, too. I’ll tell them. They’ll be no trouble. For all their stupid behaviour, they’re nice boys, really. They know your Jack from school.’
‘I can’t pay them.’
‘Good heavens! I don’t want you to pay them. Sling them a biscuit from time to time, if you really feel you must.’
The thought of chucking Hobnobs out of the front door at two teenage boys made Beth laugh. Paddy would give himself a hernia trying to catch them first. Then she recalled Lucy’s challenge to say yes. ‘Thank you, Barbara. Send them up tomorrow morning and I’ll put them to work.’