Free Village Secrets by Rebecca Shaw

about Bel Tutt?’
    Kate looked puzzled. ‘I don’t know that dish. Is it good?’
    ‘No, it’s not a recipe! It’s a person. She might be interested in the job.’
    ‘Oh, I see.’
    ‘Dicky Tutt is the Scout Leader and Bel helps. Any nonsense and Bel wades in. They’ve all learned to respect her!’
    ‘If you’ll give me her number, I’ll give her a ring.’
    Peter offered his help. ‘Better still, I’ve some paperwork for Dicky which I’m dropping into his house tomorrow. I’ll have a word with Bel myself if you like. Explain the situation.’
    ‘Thank you, Rector, please do that. If she’s interested I’ll see her any time out of school hours.’
    Next morning, Peter had a real hangover. ‘This must be the result of that second glass of dandelion wine. I feel terrible, what about you?’
    ‘Ghastly! I’m so glad I haven’t got surgery today. I’ve a dreadful pain in my head.’
    ‘Same here. Quite weird, actually. I keep thinking ridiculous thoughts.’
    ‘She did warn us it was potent. I shall stick to water if we go again.’
    ‘So shall I. I’m not going running this morning – I just can’t. I’ll dash off and say my prayers and then come home. Jimbo will laugh. He always declares he’s much fitter than me, and boasts he could do double the distance if he had the time. The children are still asleep.’
    ‘They’re tired from playgroup.’
    ‘You stay in bed till they wake up.’
    ‘I shall. I wonder if Mimi will come home today? I’m going walking in Sykes Wood this morning, see if I can find her.’
    ‘Not by yourself?’
    ‘No, Sylvia said she would come too. Even though she has never liked Mimi.’
    ‘I’m not surprised.’
    ‘Peter!’ He grinned. Caroline snuggled down; he went to the bathroom and groaned when he saw his reflection in the mirror. He looked appalling and felt it.
    Peter was in his study when he heard the doorbell ring. Shortly afterwards, Sylvia tapped on his door.
    ‘Rector, have you time for a word with Pat Duckett?’
    ‘Of course. Come in, Pat.’
    ‘Thank you, Rector.’
    ‘Here, sit down, make yourself comfortable. Is it too early for coffee, Sylvia?’
    ‘Seeing as it’s you sir, no, it’s not. Milk and sugar, Pat?’
    ‘Just milk, please.’
    When she’d left the room, Peter turned to his visitor. ‘Now, Pat, what can I do for you?’
    Pat peered closely at him. ‘Aren’t you well, Rector?’
    ‘I’m fine, thank you.’
    ‘Oh, but you don’t look it. Anyways, Rector, I’ve come to tell you that I’ve made a right mess of things. Given in my notice.’
    ‘Kate Pascoe told me so last night when we went to her house for dinner.’ Pat tut-tutted at this. ‘I’m very sorry indeed. You’ve always done such a good job, come hail or shine. Seven, eight years is it now?’
    ‘Thereabouts. I got on really well with Mr Palmer. We ’ad our ups and downs but it was mostly ups. But … well, I can’t see eye to eye with Ms Pascoe. I’m not saying she’s in the wrong, it’s just that we’re not on the same wavelength, if you get me. We had a flaming row. She wanted this doing and that doing, all extras and some quite unnecessary, I think, and it’s sending me timings all wrong and I’m nearly dizzy with it. Anyway, when I got home and cooled down I thought, You fool, Pat Duckett, giving yer notice in just when yer need the money. So I ’aven’t actually written it, only said it – so do you think you could put in a good word for me and get me job back? I wouldn’t ask but we all know how persuasive you can be.’ Head on one side she grinned at him. ‘Would you?’
    ‘I very likely could, if that’s what you want. I mean, why can’t you get on with her?’
    ‘I don’t really know – can’t put me finger on it. It’s just that I’m worried, like – don’t know whether I’m coming or going. Barry says I’m imagining it. Anyway, I’ve decided I’m being daft and I’d like to carry on and I shall try to