Page 20 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

That had piqued Brogan’s interest. ‘Sounds good; I’m definitely interested. Where did you hear that?’

‘Ben told me; he heard it from one of his mates who’s in the Young Farmers over at Middleton-le-Moors. I think one of the vets is Chris Crabtree from the surgery there – not sure about any other ones – but I can ask Ben to find out more, if you like?’

‘Yeah, that would be great, Kristy, thanks.’ Brogan beamed at her. ‘Anyroad, what’s new with you?’

Kristy outlined her and Ben’s plans for the campsite at Withrin Hill. ‘Molly’s given us free-rein with it, which is awesome, so we’re looking at some purpose-built pods and wood-fired hot tubs.’ Her blue eyes danced happily. She’d been in a relationship with Ben Pennock – one of Molly’s twenty-three-year-old twin sons – since they’d been at agricultural college together, the couple moving into a converted stable block up at Withrin Hill Farm a few years ago. Like Anoushka, Kristy had an old head on her young shoulders.

Their conversation was brought to a halt by octogenarian couple, Big Mary and her artist husband, Gerald, who burst into the pub in a pop of their usual vibrant colours and enthusiastic babble. ‘Eee, hello, Gabe, pet. It’s good to see you, didn’t know if you’d still be here.’ Big Mary’s sing-song Geordie accent boomed around the room as she made her way over to the bar. Turning to her husband, she said in a loud stage-whisper, ‘Gerry, have you remembered your gnashers or did you leave them in the dishwasher?’

‘They’re right here, pet.’ He gave the pocket of his bright purple batik-print trousers a theatrical shake. ‘Clean as a whistle they are, after their whizz around with the pots and pans.’

‘Well, get them in your gob, pet, we can’t have you flashing your gums to all and sundry, especially local celebrities.’

‘Aye, righto, my sweet, anything for you.’ Gerald flashed her a gummy smile as he had a quick rummage in his pocket, pulling out a pair of false teeth, bits of fluff stuck to them. ‘Tada!’ After giving them a cursory wipe on Big Marys scarf, he popped them into his mouth. ‘Better?’ he asked, grinning broadly.

‘Aye, much. Now come on, let’s get a drink.’

Anoushka felt a giggle rising in her chest, but didn’t dare look at Kristy or Brogan who were spluttering beside her. She caught Gabe’s eye, the pair struggling to hold in their amusement.

‘You couldn’t make it up, could you?’ said Brogan, through her giggles.

‘Ah, I love Big Mary and Gerald, the village has definitely been brighter since they moved here.’ Anoushka looked fondly in the couple’s direction.

‘Jeez, you’re not wrong there,’ said Kristy. ‘I’m just glad he’s stopped painting pictures of her bits and bobs in the buff and moved on to landscapes. Those exhibitions he used to put on were absolutely terrifying.’

‘They were different, that’s for sure,’ Anoushka said, chuckling.

‘Don’t go there.’ Brogan held up her palm. ‘Please, don’t either of you utter another word on the subject. I don’t even want to think about Big Mary’s landscape, it’ll risk conjuring up a mental image that could scar me for life. I’m very pleased to say all that nude business was before my time here.’ She wrinkled her nose.

Kristy snorted. ‘You had a lucky escape, Broge. And you’ve got the wrong end of the stick there; Gerald’s moved onto paintingscenerylandscapes and notBig Mary’slandscape.’

‘Phew!’ said Brogan, feigning mopping her brow as the three friends collapsed into a fit of the giggles.

‘Ah, but they’re such a kind-hearted couple; they’d do anything for anyone,’ Anoushka said warmly.

‘Aye, you’re right there. And I don’t know anyone else who can get away with out-there fashion like Big Mary. That jumper she’s wearing would look like a multi-coloured furball on anyone else, but she’s totally rocking it, what with her bold personality,’ said Brogan. ‘She’s awesome.’

‘She is,’ said Anoushka.

‘The shocking pink in it matches Gerald’s beard,’ said Kristy thoughtfully.

‘It does actually.’ Brogan gave a throaty giggle. ‘They’re definitely soulmates.’

It was fair to say the ebullient couple’s arrival in the village had added a welcome splash of colour.

* * *

The evening seemedto fly by and before they knew it, Jonty was calling last orders. Anoushka sat back in her seat and gave a contented sigh, glad she’d decided to swap her plans of a night in front of the telly for an evening catching up with her friends. And she was pleased, and not a little surprised, that Damon hadn’t crossed her mind once.

As she called her goodbyes and made her way home, she felt buoyed with enthusiasm, her heart light with happiness. She hadn’t felt that way for quite some time and she welcomed it back wholeheartedly. And, she had to admit, it had been good to see Gabe again. The look in his eyes as she’d bid him goodnight had turned her knees to jelly. ‘Ughh! If only…’ she said softly to herself before the little voice of reason jumped in.Steady on there, Noushka, don’t forget what you’ve told yourself – and everyone else for that matter!She was in danger of not taking heed of the promise she’d made to herself. And that would never do.

13

Anoushka was making her way along the bridle path that ran along Great Stangdale Rigg. Wednesday had dawned sunny and bright with barely a cloud in the sky, and the glorious panoramic view stretched for miles. Already, the cool air was doing a sterling job of clearing the headache that had been brewing since yet another disappointing viewing of a prospective building for her dance studio. Earlier that morning, she’d had a call from Dave Stonehouse who farmed at North View Farm over in Arkleby, saying he had a building he thought she might be interested in. When she’d got there, he’d guided her to an old stone barn, the roof of which looked ready to cave in. Her spirits had plummeted instantly. They plummeted further still when he opened the dilapidated door to the building revealing it was so full of junk, ranging from old tractor tyres, to rusting vehicles, it would take months to get it properly cleared. But it didn’t matter anyway since the building was too small for her needs. And though Dave had said the renovations would be her responsibility, he’d had the brass neck to name an astronomical rent. She was glad when she climbed back into her little car and trundled off down the track.

She’d even considered something purpose-built – Kitty and Jimby had offered her the use of a piece of land they joint-owned in the Fairfax family trust – but that would involve obtaining the use of an architect, applying for planning permission and then getting the place built. Though it was an option, it wasn’t ideal and would no doubt take forever, as well as being costly. She was champing at the bit, eager to get her dance school up-and-running, and the prospect of continuing to hold lessons at the village hall while she waited for the building to be finished was simply not appealing. She was beginning to think she’d never find anywhere, and that rankled for several reasons, one of which was Damon; she wanted to prove him wrong about making a success of herself, but at this rate, that wasn’t going to happen any time soon. She puffed out her cheeks and ploughed on, watching the Campion’s lambs gambolling around the field.

She was just about to take the track back down to Lytell Stangdale when she heard the thunder of hooves behind her. She turned to see Lady Carolyn Hammondely bearing down on her. As she drew closer, Caro pulled on the reins of her chestnut mare, Delilah. ‘Noushka, darling, I’m so glad to have seen you,’ she said, smiling broadly from the lofty heights of the saddle. She looked every inch the toff in her highly-buffed thigh-length riding boots and fitted tweed jacket, her glossy, dark-brown ponytail snaking over her shoulder.

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