Page 2 of Fireworks at Pennycress Inn
‘Careful!’ Laura called after them.
‘I’m going to turn them into frogs!’ A small girl raced after them, holding an overly bright wand with the words ‘Happy Birthday’ emblazoned in the centre of the star-shaped head.
That explained Laura’s fancy dress outfit. Polly must have walked in on a children’s birthday party.
‘Slow down, Willow! We don’t want you tripping on your birthday, do we?’ Laura grimaced.
Coming to an abrupt halt, the small girl, Willow, turned and looked across at Laura. ‘Sorry.’
‘That’s okay.’ Laura glanced towards the door the girl had run out from as a woman followed her through into the hallway.
‘Come on, Fairy Princess Willow, Laura’s right. You can’t be running around the inn like this. Let’s go and play musical statues. I have prizes.’ The woman held up a bag brimming with small toys.
‘Ooh, prizes!’ Lowering her wand, Willow approached the woman. ‘Can you make sure I win, Mummy? It is my birthday.’
Shaking her head, the woman laughed before turning to Laura and Polly. ‘I’m so sorry. I’ll try to contain the chaos.’
‘Oh, don’t worry. I’ve arrived early, so pretend I’m not actually here.’ Polly smiled. By the looks of things, the inn doubled as a base for children’s parties and the last thing she wanted to do was to curb any enjoyment when it was her fault she’d decided to get to Meadowfield so early.
‘You may just regret saying that.’ The woman laughed.
‘That’s true.’ Laura looked at Polly. ‘Is it okay if I call you Polly?’
‘Yes, of course.’ Polly grinned. She had a feeling she was going to enjoy staying here.
‘Thanks.’ Laura continued and waved her wand between Polly and the other woman. ‘Polly, this is Jill. She’s the genius who brings the inn’s gardens to life, whatever the season. Jill, this is Polly, who will be staying with us for three months. That’s right, isn’t it?’
Polly nodded. ‘Yes. All being well, at least.’
‘Lovely to meet you, Polly. And welcome to Meadowfield.’ Stepping forward, Jill took Polly’s hand in hers as her daughter, Willow, made an attempt to snatch the bag of prizes. ‘I promise you it’s not normally like this. Pennycress is usually a peaceful place to stay.’
‘Don’t worry. I used to be a primary school teacher, so this is nothing.’ Polly waved her hand to encompass Willow, the music and shrieks wafting from the other rooms.
‘Haha, Jill’s right. I mean, we do cater for children’s parties and other celebrations, but we keep those strictly for during the day.’ Laura smiled.
‘Come on, Willow. Let’s give Laura and our guest a bit of that peace we’re talking about.’ Lifting the bag of prizes just out of reach above Willow’s head, Jill glanced back at Polly. ‘See you around.’
‘Okay.’ Willow crossed her arms, almost batting herself in the face with her large wand as she did so, and watched her mum disappear through the doorway. Then, a mischievous glint in her eye, Willow pointed her wand at Laura and Polly in turn. ‘And I turn you into frogs!’
‘Ribbit, ribbit.’ Laughing, Laura shook her head as Willow chased after her mum. As the music was turned up, Laura walked across to the door and quietly closed it. ‘Sorry.’
‘Honestly, it’s no problem. It’s good to hear the children enjoying themselves.’ Polly smiled. The children hadn’t been the reason she’d left teaching. It had been the politics and the never-ending tasks thrown at her to add to the never-ending to-do list, and the fact the senior leadership team had appeared to care more about the same set of data being inputted into five different formats rather than allowing her to use her time to actually plan and resource lessons she’d be presenting to the children. ‘Sorry again for being so early. I’ll get out of your hair as soon as I’ve sorted my bags.’
‘Not a problem and you’re very welcome to check in early. Your room is ready and waiting.’ Tucking her wand beneath her arm, Laura walked behind the counter. ‘You’re here for work, right?’
‘Yes, that’s it.’ Polly grinned. It was Monday tomorrow, the start of a brand-new week and the beginning of the rest of her life. ‘I’m starting a new job just outside of Meadowfield in the morning.’
‘Oh, you must be excited?’ Laura dipped behind the counter, the tips of her wings just visible above the oak surface. Standing back up, she held a key in her hand.
‘I am. It’s been a long time coming and I’ve worked hard to be able to change careers, so, honestly, I just can’t wait to get started.’ Polly pulled the straps of her tote bag higher up her shoulder.
‘A career change?’ Laura pointed towards the stairs before lifting Polly’s suitcase and beginning the ascent. ‘That’s what I did when I bought this place last year. It was the best decision I ever made, so I can empathise with you.’
‘Wow, did you? It really is gorgeous.’ Taking a final look around the grand hallway, Polly then followed her upstairs, running her hand along the intricately carved banister.
‘Thanks.’ After walking across the landing, Laura paused before swinging a door open. ‘Here’s your room.’
Stepping inside, Polly took in the large mahogany four-poster bed, the puffy cream bedding, and the beautiful rose-patterned wallpaper behind the headboard. ‘It’s just as beautiful as the rest of the place.’
