Page 6 of Trust in Truth
“I insist on it.” Katherine had plans for the Palladian Bridge, plans that Harry was in on, which was why he’d wished her luck. She was going to propose. Although it was early on in their relationship, Katherine knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Anna and there was no better way to show her love and commitment. It also came with the bonus that it would make Anna feel more secure — if she said yes, of course.
They decamped at Abbey House and made their way down to the Royal Oak pub on foot.
The warmth of the pub and the scent of wood smoke hit Anna as soon as she opened the door. It appeared as if a Christmas decoration bomb had exploded inside, as something festive adorned every wall.
“It’s lovely in here,” Katherine said, having a good look around as she hung up her coat beside the door.
Anna frowned at her. “Have you’ve never been in?”
“I came once with Becks in the summer, but we sat outside. As a doctor I thought it was best to keep a professional distance from my patients. A village pub is hardly conducive to that.”
“Now you have no excuse for not mixing with the locals.”
“As long as they don’t start displaying their ailments in front of me, I’m sure we’ll get along fine.”
They were shown to an empty table beside a roaring fire. The double-sided brick-built fireplace was an impressive central feature in the large room, and effectively split the room in two. A long bar ran the length of them both on the far wall. Its low ceilings and dark wooden beams gave it that charm you would expect from a fifteenth-century pub.
As they took their seats, Anna noticed it was the only table without a reserved sign and made a mental note to book if they came again for Sunday lunch. The waitress took their drinks order and left them with the lunch menu.
Katherine perused it. “We really must pop here for lunch one day in the week.”
“I’d like that, it beats sandwiches any day.”
“But you do make the best sandwiches,” Katherine said looking up from the menu.
“This is true. I was once a sandwich artist, you know.”
“You jest.”
“I do not. When I was at university, I worked in a sandwich bar. My job title was sandwich artist,” Anna remarked, a little too proudly.
Katherine shook her head in disbelief. “Well I shall appreciate my sandwiches even more now I know they are created by an artist. Is it me or is it stifling in here?” She removed her red, Fairisle Christmas jumper to reveal a low-cut top and her impressive cleavage.
“I’m fine, you keep going.” Anna winked as she glared at Katherine’s alluring chest.
Katherine gave her a boot under the table. “Behave.”
The waitress appeared with their drinks, and they gave their order of two roast beef with all the trimmings.
An enthusiastic, overweight, chocolate Labrador appeared beside their table.
“Hello, Moose.” Anna stroked his head.
“Moose? Strange name for a dog.”
“He belongs to the landlord, Chris.” Anna nodded her head in the direction of a rotund, bearded man at the bar.
Katherine grinned “Chris, Moose. Very droll and aptly in season.”
“Indeed. He got him to replace his wife.”
“Oh, did she die?”
“No, she ran off with the local vicar a few years ago, it was quite the scandal.”
Katherine lifted an eyebrow. “I can imagine.”
Anna pushed her chair back allowing Moose to get closer to her. He pushed himself against her legs and sat on her foot with a loud harrumph, flopping his head on to her knee.
