Free A Cold Season by Alison Littlewood Page B

tried to look as though she hadn’t been staring. She couldn’t think of anything to say.
    ‘You look well, Cass. Darnshaw agrees with you,’ Mr Remick said in a low, confidential voice. ‘It’s a beautiful day.’
    She followed his gaze to see the sun shining on the hillside. It picked out the brilliant snow against the sharp-blue sky.
    ‘Really,’ he said, ‘you’ll love it here.’ He touched her arm, so lightly she wasn’t sure she’d felt it, and walked off, already calling out to another parent.
    Cass turned to see Myra watching her, and this time the woman was openly glaring. So that’s how it was: she was jealous; all of the mothers besotted with the new teacher, and Sally no doubt starting rumours with her silly jokes. Well, Cass wouldn’t let it bother her. She gave Myra a friendly smile, turned to go and saw Lucy’s Land Rover pulling into the car park. She waved and Lucy grinned as she jumped down and helped Jessica from her seat. Lucy noticed Mr Remick too and waved, but her eyes were distant. It looked like she at least was immune to his charms.
    ‘Funny about Mrs Cambrey,’ she called out as Cass approached.
    Cass had almost forgotten about the teacher she’d spoken to before Ben joined the school. ‘She had a family problem, didn’t she? I wonder how she’s doing.’ It occurred to her that Mr Remick’s tenure at the school might be short-lived.
    ‘I haven’t heard anything. I suppose it might be a while before we do, with the phones being down in Darnshaw. She might be ready to come back, but with this snow she’ll be stuck on the other side of the hills.’
    Cass nodded, but her thoughts were on the files, the work that was waiting to be sent to her client. It had been at the back of her mind all morning.
    ‘Is everything okay?’
    ‘Oh yes, I’m fine.’
    ‘Sorry. It’s just you look a bit tired.’
    Cass knew that Lucy was right, despite Mr Remick’s earlier compliment. ‘I didn’t sleep so well. I suppose I’m still getting used to the place. It’s nothing really. It’s nice of you to ask.’
    ‘Well, come on,’ said Lucy, and took Cass’ arm. ‘I’ll give you a lift home. No, I insist. You’re on the way anyway. You can thank me with a cup of tea, and show me Foxdene Mill. I’d love to see it. I’m something of a history buff, but I’ve never been inside – silly really, when I drive past it all the time.’
    ‘I can even manage biscuits – despite the rationing.’
    ‘Oh heavens, has the shop closed already? Ridiculous. You’d think we were in the Arctic, not Saddleworth. Honestly, a bit of snow in this country and everything comes to a grinding halt.’
    Cass climbed into the Land Rover. ‘Some people are better equipped than others. I wish I had one of these.’
    The car climbed easily up the slope and onto the road. ‘They haven’t even gritted down here yet,’ Lucy observed, ‘or sent the plough. It gets worse every year. Too expensive, I suppose.’
    ‘I can’t even get my car up the hill.’
    ‘Have you got plenty of food in?’
    ‘Yes.’ They might have to skimp for a while, but it would do.
    ‘Our nearest shop’s the size of a postage stamp, but we go straight to the farms in times like this. If you need anything, let me know. I keep the shelves well-stocked.’
    ‘I don’t suppose … ?’
    ‘What is it? Anything I can do.’
    ‘Well, it’s just—You said before that the phone lines are down in Darnshaw. I don’t suppose they’re still working where you live? I really need to send some files to someone and if you had email … ’
    ‘No problem at all. Our phones were still on last night. Stick them on a disk for me.’
    Cass’ face lit up. ‘Are you serious?’
    ‘Of course.’ Lucy turned to her and laughed. ‘It’s no problem, honestly. Happy to help out an almost-neighbour. Most people will, around here. We’re not all in the Mothers’ Club. I saw that Myra woman glaring at you. That’ll teach you to chat up the