by Nell Dixon
When Aggie Olivera, editor of The Outdoor Life magazine had suggested – no, ordered - Posy to take this assignment her heart had sunk into her designer loafers. However Aggie had been quick to point out that it would make better copy if Posy actually experienced some of the things she wrote about.
“After all darling, you never go anywhere near the outdoors and it’s about time you did.”
Although Aggie herself had snapped up the ‘glamping’ assignment, staying in a beautiful ready-assembled tent the size of a bungalow with shower, toilet and heating in the heart of the New Forest. That had left Kevin, the other feature writer, to take his brood to stay in a static caravan in Norfolk. Posy, as the newest and most junior member of staff had been given the task of roughing it in a borrowed tent.
Posy finished her drink and followed Emma out of the reception onto the field. The temperature was mild and the fresh green scent of cut grass filled the air. Mercifully the ground beneath her feet also felt firmer and there was no sign of the mud which had trapped her earlier.
“Now, I’ve put you just along here, you’ll get some shelter from the hedgerow if it should get blustery and you’re nice and near to the shower block. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are just below you in the two-man tent. They’re keen ramblers and experienced campers,” Emma explained as she pointed out the electric hook up and the water point.
“Thank you, you’ve been very kind.”
Emma returned to the office. Posy collected her car and carefully drove back across the field to her allotted spot. She was ready to unpack and begin her Easter camping adventure.
CHAPTER TWO
Noah spotted Posy’s bright pink tent later that afternoon as he walked to the campsite office. He shook his head with disbelief at the garish canvas nestled against the verdant green of the hedgerow. He strode into the camp reception.
“I see your newest arrival managed to get her tent set up then.” Noah grinned at his sister.
Emma peeked through the window and then smiled back at him. “Posy’s never been camping before.”
“I know, she told me that when I was hauling her out of the back field.”
His sister raised her eyebrows. “She was very grateful.” A dimple appeared in her cheek. “And of course she is very pretty.”
“I didn’t pay any attention. I was too busy wondering what kind of person comes camping in heels.”
Emma laughed. “The kind who’s coming out for a drink with us tonight.”
Noah glared at his sister.
“Don’t look at me like that! She asked where she could get a nice meal that didn’t cost the earth, so I said we were going to the pub later and did she want to come with us.” Emma busied herself tidying up a stack of papers on her desk.
“I hope this isn’t one of your attempts at matchmaking,” he warned. His sister was fond of introducing girls into his life. Now most of her friends were settled or married, she’d started looking further afield for potential sisters-in-law.
She pursed her lips, never a good sign. “Noah, the girl is on her own, in a new place and camping for the first time. I was being friendly.”
He shuffled his muddy boots on the office doormat. Emma was right, not that he would give her the satisfaction of telling her so.
“You’d better go and get cleaned up. I told Posy we’d give her a ride down into town.” His sister looked meaningfully at the freshly-deposited mud that he’d left all over the mat.
“Okay, but no matchmaking – promise?”
“Why would I want to inflict you on anyone? Get out of here. Shoo!” Emma laughed and flapped her hand to get him to leave.
Noah clumped out of the office to walk back to the farmhouse. He needed a shower and a change of clothes. He raised his arm and waved to his father in the pasture on the other side of the office. The cows were returning from being milked and the afternoon air had grown cooler.
He resisted the urge to peek at Posy’s bright pink tent. Thanks to his sister he would be saddled with the city girl's company all evening. He hoped Brad or one of his other friends would be in the bar. Otherwise he’d probably be trapped while the two girls wittered on about make-up and fashion all night.
* * * *
Posy tugged her sleeping bag into place on top of the air bed. Putting up the tent hadn’t been as difficult as she’d feared and now she’d inflated the mattress at least she’d somewhere to sleep tonight. She’d changed the shoes she’d worn for driving for a pair of brand new lime green wellingtons with toes shaped to resemble frogs' faces.
The air inside the tent had grown chillier whilst she’d been unpacking her gear and she shivered as she placed her storm lantern at the entrance. It had been sweet of Emma to invite her to join her and Noah at the pub. It would be nice to sit somewhere warm and comfy and have a hot meal.
Kevin, her colleague, had loaned her a camping stove, some pans and a kettle but Posy wasn’t too sure how well she’d manage to cook on just one itty-bitty burner. She set up her folding chair outside and lit the tiny stove. A drink of hot chocolate would warm her up before she changed her clothes ready for a night at New Bay’s one and only pub.
She settled into her seat while she waited for the kettle to boil. The sun had sunk lower in the sky, streaking the clouds on the horizon with stripes of pink and gold. The sea glittered dark blue and mysterious in the distance framed by green fields.
Posy made her drink and snuggled back in her chair, pulling a tartan travel rug over her knees. Maybe camping wouldn’t be so bad. She sipped her drink, running her tongue appreciatively over her lips. The solar lamps she’d spiked into the ground at the entrance of her tent began to glow as the sun slipped closer to the sea.
She finished her drink and gathered her lantern and her bag. Time to test out the shower block and get herself ready for an evening with Emma and Noah.
The shower block turned out to be warm, clean and airy with lots of hot water. Posy took her time, washing the strain of her journey away under the shower before drying her hair. She stayed to make notes about the facilities in her jotter notepad before returning to her tent to wait for Emma.
At the beep signalling the approach of the Land Rover on the track she collected her bag and a torch and stumbled across the darkened field to meet her new friend. Noah was behind the wheel as Emma smiled, leaned across and opened a door for her.
“You look nice.” Emma said as Posy scrambled inside the elderly 4X4.
“Thanks, so do you.” She smiled back and fastened her seat belt as Noah eased the car forward. She was looking forward to the evening. Emma had told her the Mermaid Inn was one of New Bay’s oldest buildings and that the cellar where the ale was kept was reputed to be haunted.
It would also give her the opportunity to find out more background material about the campsite and the town for her article. Posy stole a sideways look at Noah from under her lashes. He looked even more attractive now he’d cleaned up. His hair was dark like his sister's, and curled into the nape of his neck. His jaw was shadowed in the poor light and his eyes were dark as he concentrated on the road.
“How are you enjoying camping?” His question took her by surprise. She lowered her gaze, a guilty flush stealing up her cheeks. It would be embarrassing if he’d noticed her staring at him.
“Um, fine so far. I got my tent up okay and the airbed inflated. I even made my first hot drink on the camping stove.”
“That’s good,” Emma said.
“Are you going to attempt a cooked breakfast?” Noah asked.
Posy’s cheeks burned hotter. She rarely cooked when she was in her flat. Kara always said that Posy could burn water her cooking was so bad. “I think I’ll stick to cereal.”
“Shame, there’s nothing nicer than a few field mushrooms with bacon and egg cooked over a primus stove.” Noah’s voice held a hint of amusement and Posy suspected that he’d guessed she wasn’t much of a cook.
He turned down a narrow lane lined by whitewashed stone houses on
either side. Wallflowers spilled from narrow borders at the front of the cottages, the yellow and red flower heads muted in the orange light from the streetlamps. Posy peered out of the window with interest. New Bay certainly appeared to be a very pretty place. After a few more twists and turns Noah halted the car in a small car park opposite the pub. A painted sign picturing a mermaid sitting on a rock combing her long blonde tresses swung gently in the breeze. Light spilled from the leaded casement windows to illuminate the pavement with patches of yellow light.
Noah jumped out of the car and crossed around to open the door for Emma and Posy.
“This looks lovely.” Posy slipped the strap of her bag onto her shoulder. The scent of steak and chips filled the air and her tummy gurgled with anticipation.
She followed Noah and Emma through the low doorway into the bar. A fire crackled merrily in a brick inglenook fireplace at the far end of the room. Dark beams crossed the uneven ceiling and faded rugs covered the stone flagged floor. A couple sat eating at a table while another couple stood at the bar chatting to the bartender.
“Hello Emma, Noah, usual?” The man at the bar asked.
“Please Tom.” Noah pulled a worn leather wallet from the back pocket of his jeans. “Posy, what are you drinking?”
Posy joined Emma and Noah at the bar. “What are you both having?”
“Cider. It’s made locally. You could try that, it’s really good.” Emma suggested.
“Sounds nice.” Posy couldn’t remember the last time she’d drunk cider. Probably when she’d been about sixteen and underage. One of her friends had taken some from his parent’s house and everyone had tried some for a dare.
She tried to look nonchalant when the bar tender handed her a glass of slightly cloudy amber fluid.
Emma picked up some menus from the bar. “Come on, we’ll get a seat and order some food before it gets busy.”
She led the way to a wooden table tucked away in a corner. Posy took the seat next to her. Noah placed his glass down on the table and sat opposite.
“The food’s good here. There’s a fish and chip shop in town and several cafés. The best place to eat in the daytime is the Surf’s Up café on the seafront. Kelly is famous for her chocolate brownies,” Emma confided as she passed the menus around.
Posy made a mental note of the information. Part of the article she had to write was to describe the town and the amenities. She took a sip of the cider, it didn’t taste much like the drink she’d had before. This was delicious, sharp and apple-y. It also appeared to have a bit of a kick to it.
“What made you decide to try camping for the first time?” Emma asked once they’d ordered their food.
Posy was conscious of Noah’s dark gaze resting on her as she tried to answer truthfully but avoid giving the real reason why she was there.
“Some of my friends and colleagues are really into the outdoors and they keep teasing me as I’ve never done anything like this before. One of my friends dared me to try it. She saw the advertisement for your site and booked me a place before I could back out.” Posy took another drink from her glass hoping her heightened colour would be put down to her consumption of the alcohol.
“Good to know our advertising works.” Noah observed.
“It must have been the one in The Outdoor Life. That was the only big one we did.” Emma’s eyes shone with excitement.
“Maybe.” Posy knew the colour in her cheeks had deepened.
“I think it’s very brave of you to come on your own. She is brave, isn’t she, Noah?” Emma smiled.
“Yes. Didn’t you have someone to come with you or was that part of the dare?” Noah asked.
“My flatmate, Kara, the one who loaned me her car, was going to come. Then her fiancé booked a surprise holiday for them both to Rome.” Kara had offered her the loan of her car to assuage some of her guilt. Not that Posy blamed her for choosing a luxury weekend in Rome with a dishy man over a week camping in a tent on a farm site.
“Well, we’ll make sure you have a good time while you’re here,” Emma declared.
Posy took another sip of her drink. Her head had started to feel pleasantly floaty. “That’s kind of you. I don’t want to be a nuisance though.”
Emma patted her hand. “It’s no bother. It’s nice to have company. Noah can take you to see the egg rolling at Tumblay Manor on Easter Sunday. You mustn’t miss that, it’s a real country tradition.”
Judging by the creases that appeared on his forehead, Noah didn’t seem too pleased with his sister.
Posy decided not to drink any more cider until the food came. It had been a mistake even to taste alcohol on an empty stomach.
“Oh, I’m sure Noah has much better things to do than baby-sit me. If you tell me where it is then I can find it myself with the sat nav.” Even in her present slightly woozy state she knew he wasn’t keen on accompanying her.
“Rubbish, he’d love to take you, wouldn’t you Noah?” Emma insisted.
“I think I’d better take you if you plan on using your sat nav around here.” Noah said and the corners of his mouth lifted in a smile that made Posy’s heart skip.
Maybe it would be fun to have a handsome Cornish farmer show her around after all.
CHAPTER THREE
Noah woke the next morning before his alarm. Outside his window the birds were tweeting and chirping in the early dawn. He lay still for a moment in the darkened room in his wing of the family farmhouse. Spending the evening with Posy hadn’t been as bad as he’d feared. It had actually been quite enjoyable. Worryingly enjoyable.
He clambered out of bed and shivered in the cool air as he made his way to the shower. Posy was pretty, intelligent and had a good sense of humour. All the attributes he’d like in a girl. There was only one problem: Posy was a city girl through and through. He’d had enough of city girls, especially after Jessica. No, the next girl he got involved with would be a country girl.
Trying to dismiss thoughts of Posy from his mind, Noah dressed quickly. He hurried downstairs to the family kitchen where the tantalising scent of bacon and eggs met him in the doorway.
His Mum turned from the cooker, spatula in hand to greet him.
“Morning son, breakfast is nearly ready. Your dad’s already had his and gone out to the cows.”
“Thanks, Mum.” Noah took a seat at the kitchen table. Emma beamed at him from behind the teapot. Noah gave her a wary look. His sister wasn’t normally so chirpy this early in the morning, not unless she was up to something.
“You seem very pleased with yourself today.” He poured himself a mug of tea.
“Twenty new arrivals booked in for the weekend. Almost a full house.” Emma buttered a piece of toast.
The campsite had been Emma’s idea. She’d researched it, got the permissions and quotes, supervised the building of the shower block and now ran it as her business. With the increasing need in farming to find new sources of income, Emma’s campsite could prove to be a financial lifesaver.
“That’ll keep you busy and out of my hair then,” Noah said.
His sister blinked innocently. “I have no idea what you mean.”
He snorted into his mug. “Yeah right, little Miss Matchmaker.”
His mother slid a plate of bacon and egg in front of him. “Eat that while it’s hot.”
“Thanks, Mum.”
“Did you two have a good night last night at the pub?” His mother asked as she bustled back over to the sink.
“It was nice. We took Posy, the girl who’s camping on her own, with us. You seemed to get on really well with her, Noah.” Emma’s eyes twinkled with mischief.
Noah shifted uncomfortably in his chair and concentrated on his breakfast.
“Oh?” His mother asked.
“She’s okay.”
“Posy is more than okay.” His sister continued to look as if butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth.
“She’s a visitor, her life is back in the city.” His response came out as a growl
.
“Noah’s taking her to the egg rolling at the manor on Sunday.” Emma smiled at her mother, blanking Noah’s glare and ignoring his grouchy comment.
“That’ll be nice. You should take her to the Easter Market tomorrow, too.” His mother suggested.
“I am not taking her to the market and it was your idea to invite her to Tumblay Manor.” He glowered at his sister.
“But you didn’t say no when I suggested it,” Emma reminded him.
“I do have work to do around here.” Noah rose from his seat and gulped a last mouthful of tea, intent on making his escape before his family could railroad him into spending all weekend with Posy.
His mother stretched to kiss him on his cheek and tugged playfully at his earlobe. “I know, my love, you work too hard. Take some hours off tomorrow and take this girl to the market. The break will do you good.”
“Mother, I think I can find my own girlfriends, you know.” He knew his mother worried about him since he’d ended his engagement to Jessica but he’d date when he was ready despite his sister’s efforts.
“I don’t doubt it, but from what Emma says this girl seems nice and no doubt she’s a bit lonely being on holiday by herself. It would be a kindness to offer her some company.”
“I give up!” Noah shook his head and stomped off to work with sound of his sister’s laughter ringing in his ears.
* * * *
Posy blinked and pulled her pillow over her eyes to shut out the eerie pink daylight filling her tent. Unfamiliar sounds filled the air, the gentle moo of a cow and the distant rumble of a tractor engine. Posy screwed her eyes shut tight and groaned. The cider last night had been more potent than she’d thought. Even though she’d only had one glass her temples were throbbing and her mouth tasted like the bottom of a birdcage.
She rolled onto her side and looked at her phone to check the time.
