The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane_Part Two_Summer secrets

by Emily Harvale

  'Of course,' Garrick said. 'Besides, it's your cottage. Well it will be, in a little over eleven months.'

  Ella nodded. 'Absolutely. Ooh! She'll be here in time for the naked bathing. Now that will be fun.'

  Mia put three mugs of coffee on the table and flopped onto a chair. 'Dear God. That's all I need. My sixty-year-old mum running around naked with people half her age, especially as she's got a better body than I have. Not that I'll be there. For once in my life, I'm rather glad I'm afraid of water.'

  'There's nothing wrong with your body,' Garrick said, his face flushing. 'Will Lori really want to do that?' He laughed. 'Why am I asking? Of course she will.'

  The frog was completely forgotten and none of them thought any more about it.

  Until the following day, when Hettie popped round unexpectedly.

  'I hear there was a frog on your doorstep yesterday,' she said excitedly the second Mia opened the front door. 'You didn't mention it when I came to clean.'

  Mia sighed and tried to block the doorway with her body, but Ella called out from the kitchen that the coffee would get cold, which Hettie took to be an invite, even though Hettie didn't drink coffee and Ella had intended the comment as an excuse for Mia to get rid of her.

  'I'd rather have tea, deary,' Hettie called out, smiling at Mia as she stepped forward and Mia had no option but to let the woman in.

  'We've got a rather busy morning,' Mia said, following Hettie along the hall.

  'Don't mind me, deary. I'm just popping in to see how you all are. What an awful thing to happen. Which one of you was it meant for?'

  'Was what meant for?' Garrick asked, joining them in the kitchen from the garden where he'd been trimming the hedges.

  'The frog, deary. Oh my. You look as if you've just stepped out of one of those calendars filled with half-naked men.'

  Hettie's gaze swept over him and Mia was convinced Hettie licked her lips. But she couldn't really blame her. Garrick did look the part with his jeans hanging loose about his waist, his bare, lightly tanned torso damp with sweat and his mop of sandy-brown hair sprinkled with bits of leaves.

  Mia cleared her throat and dragged her gaze to her mug of coffee which she gulped as if she hadn't had a drink for days.

  'It's hot out there this morning,' Garrick said, a touch defensively, his handsome face reddening beneath Hettie's scrutiny.

  He turned away and grabbed his shirt from the back of a chair where he'd left it, sliding it across his broad shoulders and loosely buttoning it to halfway. The white cotton clung to his frame and had the effect of making him even more appealing, rather than less.

  'If you weren't my brother,' Ella said, grinning at him over the rim of her mug, 'I'd quite fancy you myself.'

  That made him blush all the more and the strange and awkward silence was only broken a second or two later when the kettle rather noisily clicked itself off.

  Ella made tea for Hettie and poured Garrick a coffee. 'You've heard about the frog then?'

  'Oh yes, deary. Yesterday evening in the pub. I popped round right away but you were all out. You were with that sexy young Justin, of course, deary.' Hettie nodded at Ella as she handed Hettie the cup of tea. She smiled at Mia and sat down. 'You were with gorgeous Rupert, dear. And you, you handsome devil ...' She reached out and poked Garrick on the hip. '... Well, all I can say is if only I were a few years younger, Alexia Bywater would have serious competition, deary. I was a pretty young thing you know and my body was curvier than hers. Flexible too. I could wrap my legs around my neck, you know, dear. Probably still could if it weren't for a touch of arthritis.'

  A rather unpleasant vision of Hettie with her legs wrapped around Garrick's neck popped into Mia's head as Garrick choked on his coffee and Ella made a curious sound, almost like a clucking chicken.

  'But listen to me, talking ten chickens at a time. It's wonderful to see you all settling in to village life so quickly, dears. I hope this frog and the curse won't put you off. Which one of you was it who went to Frog's Hollow, did you say?'

  'We didn't,' Garrick half-snapped at her before shaking his head. 'Sorry. But the frog yesterday had nothing to do with any curse, Hettie and even if it did, we haven't been to the place, not on a Monday or any other day, so why would the curse come to us?'

  'It's a puzzlement, deary, I'll admit. Some might say that it's a sign you're not meant to stay here. Not me, of course. I want you all to stay. I would've put a pound on it, myself, but I'm not one for gambling. But others think you'll leave. That means you won't inherit though doesn't it deary, so I suppose you feel you've got to stay. I've no idea why Matilda did that. But then she did have some rather peculiar ways, deary.'

  'What did you say?' Garrick stared at her in disbelief.

  Hettie looked flustered and fiddled with the handle of her cup. 'It's all a bit of fun, deary. Nothing to get upset about. Village life can get a little dull sometimes and little things like this help liven it up. No harm was meant, deary.'

  'What?' Mia wasn't sure why Garrick looked so cross.

  He sucked in a breath and let it out. 'I thought you weren't going to tell anyone about the conditions of your inheritance. About the fact that you'll only inherit if you stay here for one year.'

  'I wasn't.' Mia looked from him to Ella to Hettie. 'I haven't. But now everyone will know.' She glared at him.

  'Everyone already knows, Mia.' His voice was strained and it was clear he was trying not to let anger get the better of him. 'Didn't you hear what Hettie said? She clearly said that people think you'll leave which means you won't get your inheritance. If Hettie knows, so does everyone else. And it's pretty obvious they do, because unless I'm mistaken, they've all been making bets on it. Whether you'll stay or go. I'm right aren't I, Hettie?'

  Hettie's bottom lip quivered and she blinked several times, her fingers shaking as she put down her cup and nodded. 'I'm so sorry, deary. I didn't mean to let that slip. It's this business with the frog. It's got me all a-jitter. And I can't keep a secret to save my life. Never could. No matter how hard I try. It's a weakness, deary.'

  'What?' Mia stared at Hettie before turning to Garrick then Ella. 'I don't understand. How could Hettie know?'

  'Don't look at me,' Ella said, holding up one hand. 'I haven't said a word about the will or the terms of your inheritance. Not even to Justin.'

  'Neither have I,' Garrick said. 'How do you know about it, Hettie?'

  She shook her head. 'Please don't be mad with me, deary. I can't think straight when people are cross with me. I heard it somewhere but I can't think where. In the pub I expect. That's where I hear most things. That's where I heard about the frog yesterday.'

  'It wasn't because you searched through Mattie's things and found something then? Or because you eavesdropped on a conversation?' Garrick was almost hostile.

  'No! Eavesdrop? Me? I wouldn't do such a thing. It's almost dishonest. If I hear a conversation as I'm standing at a door or as I'm passing by, that's a different thing entirely but to actually suggest I'd stand and listen at keyholes and such, never. Never in all my days. And to suggest I'd search through dear Matilda's personal papers and belongings? Well, I've never been so insulted in my life.'

  She got to her feet, swayed slightly and gripped the back of the chair with one hand while clamping the other to her chest. Her rosy cheeks drained of colour and her eyes filled with tears.

  'Bloody Nora!' Ella shrieked, leaping to her aid. 'She's having a heart attack. Call an ambulance, Garrick!'

  'No, no deary,' Hettie croaked softly. 'It's not a heart attack. I've had one, so I know. Just a palpitation. I'll be fine once I'm home.'

  She made a move as if to leave but Mia grabbed her arm.

  'You're not going anywhere until we're sure you're okay, Hettie. And we're certainly not letting you go home where you'll be alone. Sit down and take deep breaths.'

  'Don't you trouble yourself over a silly old fool like me, deary. And I won't be alone. Prince Gustav will be with me. And my d
arling Hector, of course.'

  'A rat and a ghost,' Garrick said, his mobile pressed against his ear. 'Sorry Hettie, but Mia's right. You're staying here and we're calling a doctor at the very least. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you. I'm sorry if I caused this. I apologise for the things I said. Jesus! Why can't ... Bugger! I forgot there's no bloody phone signal here.'

  He dashed towards the living room to use the landline but Hettie grabbed his hand.

  'Call Rupert if you insist on phoning someone,' she said.

  'He's a vet, Hettie! I'm calling 999.' Garrick looked at her as if he thought she'd also lost her mind, and eased her fingers from him.

  Hettie tutted. 'I'm not senile, deary. He's also one of those community first responder people. Trust me. He's the man to call in an emergency. Not that this is an emergency, deary. I'm much better now. I'm sure I'll be as right as ninepence if I might have another cup of tea.'

  'Of course,' Ella said. 'I'll make a fresh one right away.'

  'I'll run across the lane and get Rupert,' Garrick said. 'It'll probably be quicker than finding his number.' He raced to the front door.

  Mia took one of Hettie's hands in hers and smiled reassuringly. 'We'll take care of you, Hettie. There's nothing to worry about, I'm sure.'

  Hettie smiled back. 'Bless you, deary. Bless you all. But the only thing that worries me, is how that frog got on your doorstep.'

  Chapter Nine

  Bear confirmed that Hettie had not had a heart attack on this occasion but that she did have one in the past.

  'It was a few years ago now,' he said, as he sat at the kitchen table with Mia, enjoying a cup of coffee and a chocolate digestive.

  Hettie was resting on the living room sofa, propped up with cushions at her back, a blanket over her legs and Ella plying her with cups of tea, while Garrick hovered in the background, clearly blaming himself for Hettie's current state.

  'So you're the man to call in an emergency?' Mia smiled at Bear, who seemed more appealing now that he was not only a vet but also a quasi-doctor.

  'Not just in an emergency, I hope,' he said, leaning closer to her. 'Are you doing anything tonight? Do you fancy playing a bit of doctors and nurses in my cottage?'

  The suggestion took her by surprise and for a moment she didn't respond until she remembered it was Tuesday, and shook her head.

  'Choir practice, remember?'

  'How could I forget? I meant after choir practice. I'd like to do a little practising of my own. You're looking very sexy in that summer dress.' His gaze swept over her. 'But not quite as sexy as when I first arrived. From what I saw of the nightdress you were wearing beneath your dressing gown, it left little to my imagination. And now I've made you blush, you're looking even sexier. I haven't got any appointments booked in for the next hour. I know we've only been on two dates but we could make this the third. How do you fancy coming back with me now and I'll give you a thorough examination?'

  Mia's mug nearly slipped from her fingers and it took a second or two to compose herself. Was he actually suggesting they go back to his place and have sex while Hettie lay virtually prostrate on the sofa? So far, they'd only shared one brief kiss on Saturday night after their date and while it was nice, it hadn't blown her mind. He was handsome, yes. He was fit, in every sense of the word and he was sexy. But did she want to sleep with him? She hadn't thought that far ahead. Clearly he had. And right at this moment, he reminded her of an excited puppy, eager to play with his new toy.

  She shook her head and smiled apologetically. 'As tempting as that offer is, Bear, I think I must decline. I can't leave Ella and Garrick with Hettie the way she is. It wouldn't be fair. Besides, what if something happened? I'd be mortified if the village found out you and I were having sex while Hettie gasped her last breath.'

  His face fell and he scowled. 'That woman will outlive the lot of us, believe me. And no one would find out. I'm not the sort of guy who blabs about his sex life to all and sundry.'

  'I wasn't suggesting you were, but things seem to have a way of getting out in this village. For example, what have you heard about me and this cottage?'

  He frowned. 'I don't get what you mean.'

  'I mean. What have you heard about my inheritance?'

  'Oh that.' He fell back against the chair and shrugged. 'Only what everyone else has.'

  Mia leant forward. 'And what has everyone heard?'

  He tipped his head to one side as if he still didn't follow her line of questioning. He gave a nonchalant shrug. 'That Mattie made it a condition of her will that you have to live here for one year before you can inherit her estate.'

  Mia gasped. 'And who told you that?'

  Again the shrug. 'I can't recall. I think I heard it in the pub.'

  'And that was it? Someone in the pub just came right out with that?'

  'What is this? Twenty questions? I honestly don't remember. Why? Isn't it true?'

  'Yes it's true. But it wasn't supposed to be common knowledge.'

  He shrugged again but this time he grinned. 'No point in trying to keep something like that secret around here. Oh, I also heard that if you don't stay the year, you only get a small sum of cash. The rest of Mattie's estate goes to the next in line.'

  'What? You even know that! Do you also know who the 'next in line' as you call them, is?'

  He seemed confused but then a wicked grin spread across his lips and he suddenly leant forward, almost knocking heads with her. 'Come and have sex with me and I'll tell you everything I know.'

  She leant back as far away as she could get. 'Tell me everything you know or you won't stand a chance in hell of so much as kissing me again, let alone having sex with me.'

  'That's cruel.' The grin grew wider. 'But I like a feisty woman. God, you're hot, Mia! Do you have any idea how turned on I am right now? Please come and have sex with me! I'm begging you.'

  She looked away and only then did she spot Garrick hovering in the doorway. His face was flushed and from the expression he wore he could happily have killed someone.

  'I think Hettie's feeling a lot better.' His voice was cool and controlled, which was completely at odds with his face. 'Please don't let us keep you, Rupert. I'm sure you've got people and their pets waiting to see you.'

  Bear seemed oblivious to Garrick's demeanour but he frowned when Garrick came to join them.

  'As it happens, I haven't. I was just telling Mia that I've got an hour or so to kill. I've invited her to come and take a look around my surgery. You don't mind if we leave you and Ella to it, do you mate?' He got to his feet and smiled. 'There's nothing wrong with Hettie that a bit of attention won't cure.'

  'Actually, I do. Sorry. But we were in the middle of something when Hettie had her episode. We really need to get on with that. I'm sure you understand. There's plenty of time for Mia to go and see your surgery, if she really wants to.'

  Bear glanced at Mia and she quickly took her cue.

  'Yes. Sorry, Bear. Perhaps another time. Although I'd appreciate an answer to my question before you leave. Do you know the name of the person 'next in line'?'

  'What?' Now Bear looked cross. 'No. No one does. There's a bet about that …' He stopped suddenly and coughed. 'Right. I'll leave you to it.'

  'Oh no you won't!' Garrick stood in his path and although Bear was broader by a couple of inches and taller by the same amount, Garrick appeared more threatening at that moment. 'Not until you explain that bit. Did you say there's a bet about who'll inherit if Mia doesn't stay? Or that there's a bet as to whether she'll stay or go? Because Hettie alluded to something similar and we'd rather like to know what's going on.'

  Bear glanced from Mia to Garrick and then to Ella as she joined them.

  'What's going on? What have I missed?'

  Garrick didn't take his gaze from Bear. 'Rupert was just going to tell us about a bet the village seems to have regarding Mia. We're waiting, Rupert.'

  'Mate ...' Bear gave an ingratiating smile. '... There's no need to g
et a strop on. It's just a bit of fun. When we heard Mia was coming from London and the condition in the will, we simply all wondered how long she would stay. You know what it's like on a Friday night in the pub. Banter flies back and forth. Someone, and I can't remember who so don't even bother to ask, said they would bet a fiver she wouldn't last a week.'

  Mia gasped and he grinned at her.

  'Nothing personal, Mia. We hadn't met you then. Anyway, someone else said they'd take that bet and make it one month. It all kicked off from there until someone suggested we do it properly and run a pool. The bets run from a week – which has obviously been and gone – all the way up to you seeing it through and staying the year. Then one started on who inherits if you leave, but that one's not as popular.'

  Mia shook her head in disbelief. 'And I thought this was a friendly village.'

  'It is a friendly village,' Bear protested. 'It's just a bit of fun, Mia.'

  'Really?' Ella said. 'Is that why someone left a frog on Mia's doorstep yesterday morning? As a bit of fun? Or was it a feeble attempt to try and scare her away?'

  'Frog? What frog?' Bear appeared genuinely surprised. 'That toy frog Garrick brought into the pub, you mean? How could that scare anyone?'

  'It bloody well scared me!' Ella shrieked. 'I can't stand the things.'

  'I'm sorry. I had no idea. But it wasn't me and I don't think anyone in the village would do something to purposefully scare you, or Mia, or anyone. Honestly. The bets are just a bit of harmless fun.'

  'Until someone gets hurt,' Garrick said.

  Mia shoved back her chair and looked Bear in the eye. 'Well, Rupert, you can tell everyone in the village that unless they put money on me staying here for the year, they can kiss their bet goodbye because I'm staying. And there's not a thing that you or anyone else can do to make me leave. I actually thought I might even make it my permanent home, but now I'm not so sure. I don't think I've ever been so disappointed in so many people, in my entire life. And you can tell them all that in the pub too.' She turned towards the back door.