Free Village Secrets by Rebecca Shaw Page A

adapt.’
    Sylvia came in with the coffee. They chatted for a while as they drank it but Peter came no nearer to finding a clue as to why Pat was upset with school. It was as she said: she just didn’t feel right.
    ‘Not long now, Pat.’
    Pat raised her eyebrows. ‘I don’t know what you mean. Oh, the wedding! Our Michelle’s that excited.’
    ‘Aren’t you?’
    ‘He’s a lovely man, is Barry. Honest, hardworking, good at his job – and he really likes the children and they like him.’
    ‘That isn’t what I asked.’
    Pat put down her empty mug. ‘I can’t quite believe it’s happening to me, you see, Rector. I’ve had years of struggle, and never expected to be happy again. Truth to tell, I wasn’t that happy with me first. Now and then I get a glimmer of how happy I’m going to be, but I’m not going to get too excited.’ Pat fidgeted with her beads. ‘You never know, I might be making a big mistake.’
    ‘Well, you are going to be happy again – I’m sure you are. I’ve had a long chat with Barry and I’m positive everything will be fine. Believe me. You deserve it. Barry’s a great chap.’
    ‘He’s wicked, he is.’ She grinned at him. ‘I won’t take any more of your time, I’ll be off. When that Ms Pascoe said she’d be glad for me to leave, she meant it, she really did. You could have a difficult job on your hands. If you don’t succeed don’t worry, it is my fault. After all, it might make me take the plunge and do more jobs with Jimbo. I don’t quite believe in myself enough you see, to do that.’
    ‘Jimbo’s a very astute businessman. He wouldn’t be asking you if he didn’t believe in your capabilities.’ Peter stood up and saw her to the door. ‘I’ll give you a ring when I’ve seen her. I’ll do my best. Good morning, Pat. God bless you.’
    ‘Thank you, Rector, thank you.’

Chapter 8
     
    Beth watched her mother getting her boots out from the hall cupboard, then Alex’s and then her own. ‘Mummy, no playgroup morning?’
    ‘No, darling. We’re going for a walk in Sykes Wood to see if we can spot Mimi.’
    ‘Sylvie coming?’
    ‘She is.’
    ‘Don’t like playgroup. Don’t like Pascoe.’
    ‘ Ms Pascoe, Beth. Why?’
    ‘Funny.’
    ‘Oh, come on, she’s nice. Here, lift your foot. That’s it. You can do the other one yourself, can’t you? Show Mummy.’
    ‘Can’t.’
    ‘You can.’
    ‘Can’t.’
    ‘ Won’t , more like. I’ll do it then. Here’s your coat, put it on.’
    ‘Can’t. Mummy do it.’
    ‘Alex has got himself ready except for his buttons.’
    ‘Beth can’t.’ She stuck her thumb in her mouth and took her lover from her pocket. Caroline kissed her and dressed her herself. If dressing Beth was what it took to make her happy then she’d dress her.
    ‘Not going to playgroup ’morrow.’
    ‘We’ll see. Ready, Sylvia?’
    ‘Coming.’
    The four of them left the rectory and walked along Church Lane. The world and his wife seemed to be out and they exchanged greetings with two of the weekenders who were spending a holiday week redecorating and were off to get food at the Store, then with the gardener sweeping the drive of Glebe House. When they passed the gate to the Big House, they read its smartly painted notice telling them it was TURNHAM HOUSE and in small letters underneath Fitch plc London and Brussels . They climbed the stile into Sykes Wood and followed the well-worn path which led right through the middle of the woods. Alex rushed along ahead of them with Beth following slowly in his wake.
    ‘Jimmy Glover buried his dog Sykes here, do you remember?’
    ‘I certainly do, Dr Harris.’
    ‘Along with all his snares; he said he buried them really deep so the foxes couldn’t dig them up. Mimi! Mimi! Shout for Mimi, darlings.’
    Alex and Beth shouted until they were hoarse, but Mimi didn’t appear. They came to a clearing and Alex pounced on a burnt stick. Right in the middle of the clearing was a large circle of ashes