Chapter Forty-Eight
If Liam was horrified at being assaulted by a dishevelled female with puckered lips, he had the grace not to show it. Instead, he simply raised his eyebrows.
‘What was that for?’ he asked in surprise.
‘Sorry,’ I said bashfully. ‘I don’t know what came over me.’
‘Relief?’
‘Yes,’ I nodded, as I sat back down. ‘Massive relief. I can’t thank you enough.’
‘Well, I’m glad it took an outsider to make you realise that you didn’t commit mariticide,’ he said kindly.
‘Eh?’
‘It’s the correct term for a woman who nobbles her hubby.
Anyway, Jen. Let’s get off the subject. I’d rather not talk about it.
Especially here. Walls have ears, and all that.
Plus, this is a very insular village where hearsay runs high.
Rural gossip has a way of mutating like folklore passed through a blender. ’
I giggled. God, I felt so much better.
‘That’s better,’ he said gently. ‘It’s good to see you laugh. As they say, it’s the best medicine. If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry. And what’s the point of being miserable over something you can’t change? After all, you can’t rewrite history.’
‘True,’ I said.
We both paused to sip our drinks. For a moment or two there was a companionable silence. I looked around the pub to see what everyone else was doing.
Alice and Ben were still nose to nose across their table. Sparks were flying. Cilla was back behind the bar with Polly. The two women were laughing and chatting animatedly. And, just like that, I was back to being one of them. I was no longer an outsider looking in, harbouring a guilty secret.
I took another deep breath and slowly exhaled. It was going to take a few days for my emotions to fully recalibrate. But for now, I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was going in the right direction. I could almost hear my body sighing with liberation.
The pub’s patrons were all looking relaxed and happy. Bits of conversation floated over to our table – that the fete’s takings had been high and the Starlight Society’s kitty was off to a healthy start. It was nice to know that Peter’s things had contributed.
‘Did you really like that painting you bought?’ I asked Liam.
‘It’s nice enough,’ he said. ‘The behaviour of that little guy told me it was an investment, if nothing else.’ Liam gave me one of his mischievous grins. As always, it made my tummy flip. ‘Anyway, as I said previously, it will look nice in the foyer of the apartments – when they’re built.’
I shook my head.
‘You’re a bit of a windup merchant, aren’t you!’ I declared. ‘I have a feeling that you’re not going to be successful in your bid.’
‘Is that what Hetty said before she had her funny turn?’
For a moment a shadow passed over my face. Hetty. I must find out how she was.
‘No.’ I shook my head. ‘She never mentioned Starlight Hall. Anyway, call it a hunch.’
Liam put his head on one side.
‘Ah, I see. So now you fancy yourself as a bit of an intuitive, eh?’
‘Maybe,’ I nodded, my mouth quirking. ‘A gut feeling.’
‘I’d like to say that I hope you’re right. However’ – he pulled a face – ‘I don’t see the Starlight Society as too much of a threat. If I were a betting man, I wouldn’t put money on it.’
‘Watch this space,’ I said playfully.
Liam cleared his throat.
‘Er, what are you doing this evening?’
The question caught me by surprise. For a moment I wondered if he was going to ask me out. And then I told myself not to be ridiculous.
‘I want to go to the hospital and track down Hugo Cartwright. It would be good to get an update on Hetty. And then, I’d like a hot soak in the tub followed by an early night.
It’s been a long day, and a somewhat exhausting one too, what with all the drama.
But before I do any of that, I need to go back to the community hall and tidy away my stall.
The velvet tablecloth and decorative plants need returning to Cilla. ’
‘It’s all been taken care of,’ said Liam. ‘I saw a small army of women starting a big tidy up when I led you and Alice away.’
‘Oh,’ I blinked. ‘Right, that’s good.’
‘Jen, why don’t you let me take you to the hospital?’ said Liam. ‘I have nothing else to do this evening. Plus, I don’t think you should be driving.’
‘I’m fine,’ I assured.
‘Hm, I beg to differ. Apart from the brandy you’ve just consumed on an empty stomach, I’m concerned about you. Especially after discussing, you know’ – he pulled a face – ‘Peter…’
‘Yes,’ I said hastily. ‘Okay, that would be good. If you’re sure you don’t mind.’
‘Of course I don’t mind,’ he said gruffly. ‘If I did, I wouldn’t have offered.’
We stood up to leave. At the same time, Alice caught my eye. She was sitting alone, Ben having gone to the bar to get them both a refill.
‘Are you off?’ she mimed.
I nodded.
‘Going to see Hetty,’ I mouthed.
Alice patted her mobile, indicating I text her later with an update.
I gave her a thumbs up. Then, feeling peculiarly like one half of a couple, I followed Liam out to his car.