Page 74 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘Yep, that was me,’ said Bea, nodding awkwardly. ‘Actually, I’m glad I caught you. I took the liberty of putting a book aside for you…’
‘For me?’ asked Violet, clearly baffled.
‘I’ve seen you in the café a few times; you’ve been reading the latest Kate Fisher book, right?’
‘Yes, that’s right.’
‘It’s great, isn’t it?’ said Bea. ‘I loved it!’
‘You’ve read it?’
‘Of course! Kate’s a brilliant writer. Have you read The Forgotten Heart?’
‘It’s her best, in my opinion,’ said Violet. Was Bea mistaken or could she detect a slightly warmer tone in Violet’s voice now?
‘Oh, you’re absolutely right. I assumed you’d want to read the next one, The House by the Bay.’
‘Yes, but it’s not out until—’
‘Tomorrow?’ said Bea, reaching to pull a copy of the book from a shelf marked ‘Reserves’ behind her.
‘How have you managed—’
‘Technically it’s not publishing until tomorrow, but my stock has already arrived…’ said Bea, glancing at her watch. ‘As long as I don’t put the transaction through the till until the morning, I can’t see a problem if you’re happy with that?’
‘My lips are sealed,’ nodded Violet in agreement.
‘We’re going to be reading this at our first book club, if you’d like to come?’
‘A book club,’ said Violet, ‘what an interesting idea.’
‘I’ll add you to my list, I just need to confirm a venue first,’ said Bea, flashing her best smile in Violet’s direction. ‘Actually, that might be something you can help me with. I think I heard you’re on the parish council?’
‘I’m the new chair,’ said Violet, standing taller.
‘It’s just, I think I might need a permit to use the village green? Perhaps you might be able to—’
‘I’m sure there’s something I can do to help,’ Violet whispered, conspiratorially.
‘And, sorry, while I’ve got you, Miss Davenport,’ Bea continued, pushing her luck. ‘I wondered if I might be able to open a free library on the green as well? It would be the perfect location, and I’d put up the box and stock it with books, so it wouldn’t cost the council a penny,’ Bea explained, hoping she wasn’t testing Violet’s good will too much.
‘I’ll put it to the committee. We’re always looking for new initiatives, and I’m sure a book swap would help foster some community spirit. Leave it with me, dear,’ said Violet, patting Bea’s hand.
Dear? Had Violet really just called her ‘dear’? Miracles really could happen, Bea thought, as she carefully wrapped Violet’s purchases with extra ribbon and an especially flouncy bow.
CHAPTER 20
Sure that the permit to use the green and, if needed, the hall, were safe in Violet’s capable hands, Bea was keen to get the first book club event confirmed. She’d had fifteen sign-ups already, and had provisionally set the date for a week on Tuesday, so she was relieved when a letter on official Parish Council headed paper arrived just two days later to confirm that all permissions had been granted, even congratulating her on her innovation and wishing her luck.
Bea made a mental note to send Violet some flowers to say thank you and, of course, offer her a free ticket to the next book club meeting.
She had an hour to kill before her shift at the Cosy Cat, so decided to head into the village early and pay a visit to the Pink Ribbon to ask about collaborating on her subscription service, and hopefully to pick Simon or Anya’s brains. Bea was full of ideas, but there was so much choice online, she didn’t really know where to start. She’d visited the shop a couple of times to buy greetings cards and candles, but she didn’t know Simon and Anya at all, so she hoped they wouldn’t think she was being cheeky by asking for their advice.
‘Morning,’ said a woman Bea hoped was Anya, looking up from a stunning silk scarf she was wrapping up.
‘Hi, sorry, are you the owner?’ Bea asked.
‘I am, yes. Well, me and my partner, Simon. I’m Anya, how can I help you?’ she asked.
