Chapter Twenty-Nine
‘Of course it’s not true,’ I protested. My cheeks were so hot, eggs might have fried upon them. ‘I’m a professional photographer. Not a… a…’
‘Hussy?’ interrupted Mabel. ‘The man in question has a lady acquaintance. Some friendly advice, dearie. Love triangles are bad news. Remember Sophie Fairfax?’
I did. She’d lived at Catkin Cottage before upping and moving to Italy. Before her departure, there had been a public rumpus. However, unlike this pair of octogenarians, I wasn’t invested in village gossip. Therefore, the details about Sophie evaded me.
‘And let’s not forget Annie Rosewood either,’ Mabel continued. ‘A right old hoo-ha with that ’usband of ’ers. Never liked Keith. It was his eyes. Too close together.’
‘If you’ll excuse us,’ I said, standing up. Ella did likewise and picked up our Proseccos. I took hold of Bess’s lead.
‘Off already?’ asked Mabel.
‘Yes,’ said Ella bluntly. ‘As far away from you as possible.’
Cathy the landlady, suddenly appeared with our meals.
‘Ladies?’ She frowned, alive to the tense atmosphere. ‘Where are you both going?’
‘To another table,’ said Ella, casting a dark look at Mabel.
Cathy gave me a knowing look, then turned to my tormentor.
‘Now then, Mabel. I hope you’ve not been upsetting my customers.’
‘I’ll tell yer later, love,’ said Mabel cosily.
I inwardly groaned. Cathy wasn’t exempt from gossiping. Later, she’d likely pump Mabel for the juicy details. Meanwhile, we were guided to the far side of the bar and the last empty table.
‘Here we are, lovelies,’ said Cathy, setting the plates down. ‘Enjoy, and don’t let the likes of Mabel upset you.’
‘We won’t,’ Ella scowled.
‘Nice dog,’ said Cathy. She paused to give Bess a pat on the head. ‘Did you get her from the rehoming centre?’
‘I did,’ I said, cranking up a smile.
‘A little bird told me that’s not all you picked up.’ Cathy gave me a conspiratorial wink. ‘In case you’re wondering, it was Rachel. The sanctuary’s owner,’ she added. ‘She and her husband come in here now and again. She was chatting. Said that two dogs had been rescued on the same day, and that the man and woman in question had seemingly rescued each other too. She said that sparks had been flying. She also mentioned you both by name. Maggie and Dylan. So, I knew it was you the moment you walked in with your German Shepherd. Anyways, can’t linger to chat. I have customers to serve.’
Cathy bustled off leaving me staring after her open-mouthed.
‘Well, really,’ I spluttered.
‘Yes, well really indeed,’ said Ella dryly. ‘It seems to me, Mum, that everyone knows what’s going on in your life apart from your family. Perhaps it’s about time you gave me an update. Who is Dylan? And why are you making passes at a man who isn’t available?’