Page 32 of The Big Dip in Crumbleton
‘Let me give you the grand tour on the way in, then,’ said Pete
* * *
‘On your right, left, front and back, you’ll see the famous Crumbleton salt marshes.’
‘Smooth,’ chuckled Libby.
‘Don’t interrupt my tour,’ said Pete with a pretend huff that made Libby giggle harder. ‘The marshes are home to a diverse array of birdlife and one slightly eccentric marsh ranger and his equally nutty girlfriend.’
‘Wait, someone actually lives out here?’ said Scarlett.
‘Yup. See that trawler over there?’ said Libby, leaning forward between the seats to gesture at a hulking ship sitting at an odd angle in the distance.
‘How on earth did he coax his girlfriend to live on that thing with him?’ laughed Scarlett.
‘Don’t let the outside fool you,’ said Pete. ‘It’s amazing inside.’
‘Plus, the story’s kind of romantic,’ said Libby. ‘Milly’s the local florist. They got together after Murray was knocked unconscious by a bridal bouquet she made.’
Scarlett’s eyebrows shot up. ‘I’m sorry, what?’
‘It’s a long story,’ said Pete, catching her eye and grinning. ‘Remind me to tell you over a drink later.’
The promise of “later” hung between them, a tantalising suggestion that the evening stretched ahead, full of possibilities.
‘OMG big brother, will you keep your eyes on the road for two seconds?!’ squeaked Libby. ‘I mean… I know Scarlett’s literally stunning in that dress, but don’t make me regret lending it to her by killing us all before the dance!’
Pete muttered an apology under his breath, trying to ignore the fact that his face suddenly felt like it was on fire. He made a mental note to get Libby back. He didn’t care how long it took… maybe he’d wait for her wedding…
‘So, that’s Crumbleton in the daylight?’ said Scarlett, her eyes on the steep hill that rose dramatically from the surrounding marshland.
Pete nodded. ‘Yep, basically a sore thumb that can be seen for miles.’
‘It’s beautiful,’ said Scarlett, her voice soft with genuine appreciation as she took in the weathered stone buildings that clung to Crumbleton’s steep slopes.
They were approaching the outskirts of town now, the road narrowing as it wound its way towards the old stone archway that marked the entrance to Crumbleton.
‘I’ll have to park out here,’ said Pete, pulling into the patch of marshland that had been designated as the town carpark. ‘Sorry it’s not a door-to-door service. We’ll have to walk the rest of the way.’
‘Let me guess,’ said Libby. ‘The van can’t handle the cobbles?’
‘Got it in one,’ Pete nodded. ‘And there won’t be anywhere to park, anyway. I meant to say, sorry your carriage isn’t a bit more glamorous.’
‘I think it’s got character,’ said Scarlett, patting the van’s worn dashboard affectionately. ‘It suits you.’
‘Not sure if that’s a compliment or not,’ Pete chuckled, drawing to a stop and killing the engine.
All three of them piled out.
‘At least the Dolphin and Anchor’s at the bottom of the hill,’ said Scarlett. ‘We don’t have too far to go.’
‘Yeah, thank goodness,’ said Libby. ‘Imagine if it was up at the castle!’
Pete winced. ‘You’d never make it in those shoes.’
‘You’d have to give me a piggyback like when I was little,’ she said, taking his outstretched arm.
‘Scarlett?’ he said, offering her his other arm and fighting the urge to cross his fingers that she would take it.
