Page 24 of Fireworks at Pennycress Inn
‘It’s a village meeting. Nicola said she’d mentioned it? Everyone living in Meadowfield goes along and the mayoress, Miss Cooke, runs it. We discuss different events coming up in the village, or any problems people have.’ Laura lowered her voice and leaned in closer. ‘And I say “discuss”, but what I really mean is Miss Cooke talks at us.’
‘Oh right. Yes, Nicola did say. Sorry, it must have slipped my mind.’ Polly pulled her bag higher up onto her shoulder.
‘No worries. Obviously you don’t have to come, but we thought it might be nice for you and Zac, seeing as you’re both staying with us for a while.’ Laura glanced across at Polly. ‘You absolutely don’t have to, though? I’ve just forced this on you, haven’t I?’
Polly laughed. ‘No, it’ll be good. I’m glad Nicola mentioned it and I’m happy to come.’
‘Are you sure?’ Laura slowed down.
‘I’m sure. In fact, it could be super helpful to my work at the reserve.’ The meeting would be the perfect place to gauge people’s interests and might give her some more ideas as to how to entice people to venture there.
‘Really?’ Grinning, Laura picked up speed again.
‘Yes, really. I’m focusing my efforts on trying to get more people to come across to the reserve and explore. There’s so much it has to offer, but I just don’t think we’re getting people there in the first place.’
‘I must admit I’ve never been.’ Laura frowned.
‘Can I ask why?’
‘I’m not sure, really. I guess I’ve just assumed it’s a place for people to walk their dogs around, or for parents to take their kids to feed the ducks.’
As they rounded the corner, they were met with a crowd standing around in front of what looked like an old community hall and Polly realised that Laura hadn’t been exaggerating when she’d said most of the villagers turned up to the meetings.
‘I’ll have to drag Jackson up there for a wander when we’ve got a spare minute.’ Laura waved towards a couple surrounded by four children, one in a buggy and three of varying ages up to a young teen. ‘Jill! Gerald!’
Turning, Jill grinned as she pushed the buggy towards them. ‘Hi, Laura. Hi, you’re Polly, right? I remember you arrived during Willow’s party at the inn? I’m glad to see we didn’t scare you away.’
‘Haha, definitely not.’ Polly grinned.
‘Good.’ Jill leaned over the buggy and passed two little wooden figures to the toddler. ‘Here you go, Kasey. Play with these.’
Polly waved at the toddler. ‘Hello.’
‘Polly is working at the nature reserve, alongside our other long-term resident, Zac.’ Laura waved her arm behind her.
Jill raised her eyebrows. ‘The nature reserve, you say? Wow, that must be an utterly incredible job! Getting to work in nature all day every day and for such a good cause, too.’
‘Oh, I’m based in the office, mostly.’ Polly fiddled with the straps of her tote bag as it dug into her shoulder.
‘That’s a shame, although I bet you’ve got an amazing view. And to have all that space and wildlife just outside your office…’ Jill glanced behind her and waved her husband over. ‘We love it up there, don’t we, Gerald?’
‘Where?’ Gerald questioned before holding out his hand towards Polly. ‘Nice to meet you. I’m Jill’s other half, Gerald.’
‘Good to meet you too.’ Polly smiled.
‘The nature reserve,’ Jill continued. ‘There’s so much to do there. Of course, not as much as some other reserves around here, but it’s definitely the biggest.’
‘Well, that’s what we’re hoping to change. There’s so much potential to do great things there, to make the experience so much more interactive for visitors.’ Jill was the first person Polly had spoken to outside of work who seemed to be on the same page as her, who could see what the reserve could be with a little thought.
Laura placed her hand on Polly’s forearm and laughed. ‘I knew you two would get along, but we’d best get a move on and get inside before we’re told off.’
Polly looked towards the door into the village hall. An older woman wearing a sage green coat and sporting large matching earrings, which almost brushed against her collar, was standing there, propping the door open whilst ushering people inside. She glanced back in the direction they’d come, searching for Zac’s dark hair in the gathering of people, but he wasn’t there.
‘Ah, we’d best get a wriggle on. See you inside.’ Jill turned, pushing the buggy with one hand as she herded her children towards the door with the other. ‘Come on, kids. Now remember, best behaviour in front of Miss Cooke. You promised.’
‘That’s our cue too.’ Laura led them towards the entrance.
Taking a final look around to see if she could spot Zac, Nicola or Jackson, Polly nodded and smiled as Laura introduced her to a number of people she’d never remember the names of. Once they reached the front of the entrance and the woman in green, Polly paused as the woman shot her hand out and clasped hers.
