Page 36 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
Mark’s brow creased. ‘Did I?’
‘It was the first night you came in when I’d only just taken over. You asked if I was planning on changing the name and said the chain had named it The Runaways after a couple who used to meet there back in the nineteenth century and it ended tragically.’
‘Oh yes. It’s an old story. Speaking of Pete, ask him about it. He used to sit at the bar and tell tales for the price of a pint of cider. That’s when his hip allowed him to sit on the bar stool. Hisarthritis is too bad now. All I know about them is they used the inn to meet one another when they got off the stagecoach from London.’
‘Just as Barbara in the museum said. The George was a coaching inn.’
‘Like lots of other pubs in England. You’d have to ask a historian about it. Not my area of expertise.’
‘You seem to know a lot about Ada Lovelace.’
‘Ah yes. My father-in-law, or should I say ex-father-in-law, has an obsession with her. He was in the defence industry back in the day and found out that the computer programming language he was using at the time was called Ada after Ada Lovelace.’ Mark grinned. ‘Now he spends his retirement trying to convince the world to recognise her for the genius she undoubtedly was. He bends my ear about her every time I go to see the in-laws.’
Livvy remained silent. It was charming that Mark was still on such good terms with his ex-in-laws. Civilised.
‘But you were talking about the runaway couple.’ Mark picked up an almond biscotti and crunched it.
‘It was the portrait in the museum that did it.’ Livvy warmed to her theme. ‘The more I think about it, the more I’m sure she’s the same woman as in the book of sketches and poetry I found stuffed up the chimney. If she’s Adela Dickson, who suffered a romantic tragedy early in life and then never married, what if she was one half of the runaway lovers who met at The George?’
‘It’s a bit of a reach, Livvy.’
‘Yes, it is, isn’t it?’ She deflated.
‘But I can see it means a lot to you. What are you going to do next?’
‘Research Adela, I suppose.’ She smiled ruefully. ‘In all the spare time I don’t have. I don’t know why but I’m really drawn to this story of thwarted romance. I love the idea that The Georgewas the meeting point for all these people, these lovers. Just think how many assignations have happened under the roof of my pub.’
Mark laughed. ‘And still are.’
‘And still are.’
He glanced at his watch. ‘Suppose we’d better go. It’s gone four.’
‘Has it?’ Livvy was startled. ‘Time’s flown.’ She peered outside. ‘Gosh yes, it’s gone dark. I need to get back, unload the van and get geared up for opening time. Perhaps,’ she added cheerfully, ‘I’d best concentrate on getting my new business up and running and forget all about nineteenth century lovers.’
‘Maybe.’ Mark called for the bill, then turned to her, looking serious. ‘Going back to these annoying teenagers, ring me if they’re a problem again. Any time, day or night.’
‘Thanks, Mark. That means a lot. It’s good to know I have a friend to rely on.’
A strange expression flickered across his face. ‘Always. Now, come on, let’s get you back to pick up your van.’
Darkness misted around them as they drove back to the museum car park. Lullbury Bay’s main shopping street was awash with Christmas colour and hope. The mini trees above the shop windows were now lit and the lights strung across the street twinkled with a myriad of red and green stars. Definitely no Kylie hot pants in evidence. The huge tree in the square was also lit and filled the chilly, damp sea air with a warming glow.
As Mark changed down to turn into the car park where the van sat, Livvy said, ‘I’m determined to make the Late NightShopping Event. I missed the lighting up ceremony and I really regret it.’
‘That’s a shame. The lighting up is great fun. Think I actually prefer Late Night Shopping, though. There’s usually a lantern parade, the carnival floats come out, loads of stalls. Last year there was a German Market but not sure that’s happening again. Might be bands on in the square instead with lots of street food.’
‘Carnival floats?’
‘Carnival is big here in the southwest. Until you’ve seen some of those floats, you won’t believe your eyes. Loud, bright, anarchic. Great fun.’
Mark eased the Mercedes smoothly into a parking space. Livvy began opening the passenger door to get out but changed her mind. To hell with being friends. She reached over and quickly kissed him on the cheek. ‘Thanks, Mark. Thanks for everything. Let’s go to the Late Night Shopping. Together.’
If he was taken aback, he had the good manners not to show it. Flicking a heavy lock of glossy red-brown hair back, he grinned. ‘It’s a date. See you, Livvy.’
‘See you, Mark.’
CHAPTER 22
