Page 3 of An Ill Wind in Seabury
‘Aye, bet he would,’ said Charlie with a wry smile. ‘He’s done it before when tourists have blocked the lanes in the summer months. I’m not so sure about this one, though.’
‘Why not?’ said George.
‘Looks like an expensive car, doesn’t it?’ said Charlie, cocking his head and glowering at the SUV.
George nodded. The thing was probably worth more than his house.
‘Well,’ said Charlie, ‘expensive cars tend to be owned by people who also have expensive lawyers.’
‘I see your point,’ laughed George. ‘Still, it’s a nuisance for you.’
‘I’ll give her till lunchtime, and if she’s not back by then, I’ll have to see about it. It’s still early… maybe she won’t be too long.’
‘I’d better get your parcel out of the van before someone needs to get by!’ said George, heading around the back with Charlie hot on his heels.
‘You’re a hero—thanks for bringing it up here instead of delivering it to the cottage,’ said Charlie, taking the lumpy parcel as gently as if it were a newborn baby. ‘It’s spring bulbs. I want to get them in the ground without Ethel noticing. I got all her favourites, and I want them to be a surprise for her when they come up.’
‘You old romantic,’ said George.
‘Happy wife, happy life!’ said Charlie, beaming. ‘You know, it’s a right shame you can’t park up and stop in for a cuppa. I’ve got a bit of news.’
‘Oh?’ said George, shutting the van again and glancing up the road.
It was still clear… for now.
‘Yes,’ said Charlie with a look of excitement. ‘Long story short—Ewan Pepper told Ethel that his brother Rory has got engaged!’
‘That’s lovely news,’ said George. ‘He’s the airline pilot, right?’
‘That’s right,’ Charlie nodded. ‘The one we still don’t see much of. I think he’s only been here once since the boys moved back into Seabury House. Bit of a flying visit, if you’ll excuse the pun!’
‘Well, good for him,’ said George.
‘Who’d have thought it, eh?’ said Charlie. ‘That’s all four Pepper brothers paired off in the space of a year. You’ll be next, George my boy, you mark my words!’
‘Is Rory’s fiancé local?’ said George, deciding to ignore that last little comment. Ah, the joys of being a single man of a certain age in this small town… everyone was convinced he needed their matchmaking services!
‘I don’t know,’ said Charlie with a shrug. ‘That’s all the info I’ve got so far. I’ll have to fish for some more details. But if you hear anything juicy, you’ll let me know, won’t you? I’d love to beat Ethel to it for a change.’
‘Of course,’ laughed George. He wasn’t one for gossip, but happy news like this wasn’t a bad thing to share.
‘Bus!’ said Charlie suddenly.
‘Huh?’
‘The Dunscombe bus. It’s heading straight for us.’
‘Uh oh!’ said George, turning to glance up the hill. Sure enough, the old bus was trundling in their direction, and he could just make out Ben’s smiling face behind the wheel. ‘I’d better love you and leave you and get out of the way. I don’t think he’ll be able to get past me, otherwise!’
Charlie nodded, and George let himself into the passenger side of the van so that he could scoot clumsily across thehandbrake and into the driver’s seat. It wasn’t ideal, but better than risking twisting an ankle in his haste to get out of the way.
With a quick wave to Charlie, George carefully pulled out and popped the van into reverse, aiming for a field gateway a little further back down the hill. Holding his breath, George squeezed as close to the gate as he dared, and Ben inched the bus past with a grateful nod and a wave.
‘Phew… that was close!’
CHAPTER 2
GEORGE
