Page 55 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
Livvy giggled and turned to serve the next customer. It was the vicar. ‘Verity, how lovely to see you.’ The tiny woman, swamped in a full-length black padded coat, was shivering violently.
‘Jago, Honor and I have sneaked away from the carol concert. Think God will forgive us just this once. I have completely lost all feeling in my feet.’
‘It’s really cold out there tonight,’ Livvy agreed. ‘I have mulled wine. Might warm you up?’
Verity’s eyes brightened. ‘Make that two. I expect Jago will have a pint of Gnat’s Brew or whatever the real ale is called.’
Livvy laughed. ‘You’re not far off. This week we have Santa’s Sauce or Good Elf.’
‘Good Elf then, I suppose.’ Verity rolled her eyes. ‘Hope it’s more promising than its name. Are you still planning on running the board game afternoon?’
‘I am. Sunday. Three ’til five. As much tea and coffee as people can drink, or anything from the bar of course, a roaring wood burner and Fabio’s mince pies.’ Livvy poured two steaming mulled wines into glass beakers and added a cinnamon stick to each. ‘We’re trying it out. If it’s a success, we’ll make it a regular event after Christmas and maybe charge a small entrance fee. Think it might be needed more then. January can be such a lonely month.’
‘I do think it’s a wonderful idea, Livvy. It’ll be another brilliant community asset.’
Livvy began to pull the pint of beer. It foamed, dark and pungent into the glass. ‘Come along, you’d be very welcome.’
Verity grimaced. ‘If I can, I will. Busy time of the year, is Jesus’s birthday. I really don’t know why he wasn’t born atanother, less hectic time.’ She paid for the drinks. ‘And may I offer an invitation to St Winifred’s Christmas service? It’s truly magical, even though I say so myself. Would advise wrapping up warm. In December the church is even colder than it is outside.’
‘I would but,’ Livvy hesitated, ‘I’m not really a church goer.’
‘Oh, nobody else is who comes,’ Verity said gaily, passing the pint to Jago behind her. ‘I don’t fool myself about that but it’s a time when the town comes together. It’s very special.’
‘I’ll try my best. It’s my busy time too.’
Verity tutted. ‘If you ask me, JC has a lot to answer for. Happy Christmas, Livvy.’
‘Happy Christmas, Verity.’ Livvy smiled fondly as the woman squeezed her way through the crowd in the wake of Jago’s towering presence. If anyone could persuade her to go to church, it would be this vicar.
‘You’re doing well. Looks like you’ve got God’s blessing now.’
‘Mark!’ Livvy beamed at him. He was looking positively edible in a thick navy sweater. ‘A pint of your usual?’
He grinned back and flicked a heavy lock of hair off his face. ‘And that’s what makes having a local such a pleasure. A pint of your finest ale is absolutely what’s needed. Can I introduce my sister? Natalie, this is Livvy.’
They shook hands. ‘Lovely to meet you, Natalie.’ Livvy observed Mark’s sister. Fair hair, a creamy complexion and startlingly green eyes, not Mark’s warm hazel. And tinier than she remembered from seeing her on the television. ‘I’ve heard a lot about you.’
‘I’ve heard very little about you, so I aim to interrogate you later when you’ve a moment.’ Natalie giggled, softening the words. ‘And it’s Nats to my friends.’
‘Okay,’ Livvy said, a little nonplussed.
Mark scrubbed a fist over his sister’s hair. ‘Take no notice of her, she’s protective of me. And is incurably nosy.’
‘Ow! Beast!’ Nats cried, ducking away. ‘For that, the first round is on you.’
‘It always is,’ he said good-naturedly. ‘You never have any money, you poor starving actor. And in answer to your question, Livvy, I’ll have a pint of Good Elf for a change, Nats will have mulled wine and crisps. We definitely need crisps. Don’t suppose you’ve room for two to eat tonight?’
‘Sorry.’ Livvy grimaced. ‘Might be a chance later but there’ll be a wait.’
‘Make it four packets of crisps then, those posh ones.’ He handed Nats her mulled wine. When she’d gone to find a seat, he leaned nearer and asked, ‘Everything okay after the other night? I’m sorry I’ve not been around. Nats has taken up all of my time and then I had to whizz back to London for meetings. Are you sure you’re all right, Livvy?’
‘I’m fine. Nothing else has happened and I had my parents for company.’ She felt herself blush. ‘It’s good to see you though.’
Mark nodded sharply. ‘I felt guilty not being here.’
‘No need.’
He seemed to be on the verge of saying something but shivered instead. ‘It was surprisingly cold in London, but it feels even icier down here. Maybe the damp’s getting in my bones. Mind you, standing on the harbourside singing carols for an hour is hardly likely to help. I reckon we’re in for snow.’
