Page 39 of Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood
I glance at Lonan, who smiles.
‘Your boss, the other vicar chappie, is a great hoot,’ he says. ‘I’ve never met a priest that can down a pint as fast as me!’
‘Yes . . . ’ Jonah says, again looking uncomfortable. ‘Theability to hold their beer is not a trait parishioners usually look for in their local parish priest. But Callum is very popular, despite his shortcomings.’
I can’t help but smile now too. Jonah’s obvious disapproval of Callum is amusing.
‘He seems particularly popular with the ladies,’ Lonan continues, with a glint in his eye. ‘Isn’t that right, Ava?’
But I don’t take his bait, I simply shrug amiably. ‘I wouldn’t really know, Lonan. I’m new here like you.’
Lonan grins and nods his approval.
‘Yes. . . ’ Jonah says again, obviously uncomfortable with this line of conversation. ‘But for all his failings, Callum is a good vicar. He’s very popular withallhis parishioners. Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I really must go. I have several other visits to complete before lunch. Again, it’s lovely to see you both, and I’m very pleased to be able to welcome you as regular members of the Bluebell Wood quiz team.’
I stand back to let Jonah through the gate.
We bid him goodbye and watch as he heads off down the road back towards the village.
‘He’s a good chap,’ Lonan says, smiling as we watch him go, ‘but he’s rather uptight. Callum is a lot more relaxed.’
‘It’s just his way,’ I say kindly. ‘He’ll find his feet. Just as there’re all types of people in this world, I guess there are all types of priests, too.’
‘You are quite correct, my dear Ava. I stand corrected.’
‘I guess I’d better be getting on,’ I say, about to move away with Merlin.
‘So had I. As you can see, I was just doing a bit of weeding when Jonah caught me.’
Lonan is wearing what I would consider quite a smart outfitfor gardening: he’s in brown brogues, long beige trousers, and a white shirt with a burgundy cravat around his neck.
‘I didn’t have you down as having green fingers,’ I say, noticing a large bucket full of weeds behind him. ‘You don’t look thetype.’
Lonan’s expression is one of surprise, then seeing me smile he realises I’m turning the tables on him from last night. ‘Ha ha, touché, my friend! Actually, I don’t mind a bit of gardening; it gives me time to think.’
‘Writer’s block?’ I ask.
‘No, I’m just trying to work out a tricky plot point in my head. I’ll get there. Where have you and young Merlin been for a walk this morning? I could do with some pointers; I’ve only discovered the woods so far.’
‘We usually walk through the woods, but I noticed a little footpath not far from the school, so we’ve taken that today.’ I look at my watch. ‘Gosh, we’ve been out almost two hours, I had no idea. We’d better be getting back.’ I tighten Merlin’s lead to motion to him we’re about to leave.
‘Yes, and I must get back to my weeding. We should go for a drink at the pub again sometime. I very much enjoyed our outing yesterday.’
‘Er . . . yes, why not?’ I reply politely, pretty sure this is just a vague sort of invitation I won’t actually have to follow up.
‘Great, I’ll be in touch.’
‘Lovely,’ I try to say with a degree of keenness. ‘See you soon, then.’
This time I really do guide Merlin away with much greater urgency. We quickly leave Lonan behind and soon arrive at the top of the narrow path that leads down to the cottage and my sanctuary.
I sigh deeply as we step inside and I close the door, leaning against it for support. It wasn’t the walk that had exhausted me, it was the social interaction that always seemed to accompany it here.
Although I’m still a long way from becoming fully comfortable with casual chit-chat, I’m secretly pleased to find I am slowly becoming more at ease with it, and that I might actually be starting to enjoy it . . . just a little.
Eleven
Saturday morning, the day of the school sale, dawns clear and bright.
