Page 21 of Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood
‘Yes, I’ve noticed that. But peace and quiet is just what I need right now so I’m not complaining.’ I bite my lip; I’d said more than I needed to.
Callum looks at me with interest, but doesn’t enquire any further.
‘I’m glad we’re providing you with what you need,’ he says tactfully. ‘If you ever get tired of peace and quiet, though, just let me know.’
Is he asking me out now? No, surely not.
‘There’s quite a few social clubs in the village,’ he continues. ‘You know, WI, that kind of thing. They usually meet up in the village hall. Or if that’s not your scene, there’s always The Daft Duck. There’s usually a friendly crowd in there.’
Of course he isn’t! What am I thinking?
‘Thanks,’ I say, and annoyingly I feel my face flush. ‘But I’m fine. I’m not that keen on crowds.’ I sigh, I’d done it again.
‘Fair enough.’ He shrugs. ‘Tell you the truth, neither am I.’
I look disbelievingly at him. ‘But you’re a vicar. You deal with people all the time – huge congregations, weddings, christenings, garden fetes . . . ’
He grins. ‘I wish I had a huge congregation. I’m lucky if I manage forty, and that’s on a good Sunday.’
‘Forty isn’t bad for one village, is it?’
‘It wouldn’t be if itwerejust one village. But my church is now the place of worship for all the local parishes. All the other churches in the area have either closed down or falleninto disrepair. I’m lucky mine is still standing, to be honest. It’s the only one left.’
‘That’s a shame.’
‘It’s the time we’re living in,’ Callum says pragmatically. ‘No one wants to waste time going to church on a Sunday. Too many other things to do. I can’t say I blame them. If I wasn’t a vicar, I probably wouldn’t go either.’
I’m surprised to hear him say this.
‘Have I shocked you?’ he asks, grinning.
‘A bit.’
‘Let’s just say I’m not your usual parish priest.’
I’m beginning to realise this.
‘Where’s Merlin?’ I suddenly ask, looking around us.
Callum turns too. ‘He can’t have gone very far,’ he says calmly.
‘Merlin!’ I call. ‘Merrrlinn!’
There’s a piercing whistle next to me. And I turn to see Callum with his finger and thumb between his lips. He drops them for a moment to listen.
We hear a rustle of leaves, and Merlin appears from a clump of trees, looking completely unaware that anything is amiss.
‘Works every time,’ Callum says, grinning again.
‘Merlin, you mustn’t run off,’ I say, hurrying over to him. I pull his lead from my pocket.
‘You don’t need that,’ Callum says, following me. ‘He’s usually glued to your side. He just saw an opportunity and took it. Nothing wrong in that, fella, is there?’
Merlin looks keenly up at Callum, who ruffles his head in return.
‘All right then,’ I say, putting the lead back in my pocket.‘I’ll let you off, but just this one time. I need to be able to trust you, Merlin.’
Callum again looks with interest between us but doesn’t comment further. ‘Are you heading back yet?’ he asks.
