Page 33 of An Ill Wind in Seabury
‘Well… it kind of depends on your take on it!’ laughed George. ‘It’s just… if we carry on like this, wandering through Seabury holding hands, the gossip grapevine is going to practically explode with excitement.’
‘Oh,’ said Claudia, ‘right… sorry, I didn’t mean to?—’
She tried to disentangle her fingers from his, but George’s grip stayed firm.
‘Idon’t mind in the slightest,’ said George, the husky edge to his voice making her toes curl. ‘But the entire town has been trying to matchmake me for years now. I’m just not sure you want to get their hopes up? If they spot us like this, they’ll all be talking!’
‘Honestly?’ said Claudia, unable to keep the grin off her face at the idea of all the Seabury stalwarts trying to pair George off with every available female who strolled into town. ‘I reckon there are far worse reasons for people to be talking about me. Mind you, after my behaviour yesterday, it might have a bad effect on your reputation.’
‘Blimey, I hadn’t thought of that,’ said George. ‘Good boy postie linked with the new bad girl in town. I kinda like it!’
He squeezed her hand, and Claudia felt her knees wobble.
‘Well,’ she said, trying not to dissolve into a pile of mush on the spot, ‘thanks for the gossip-warning, but I think I’ll risk it.’
George grinned at her, then pulled her closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. For the briefest moment, Claudia felt herself stiffen—then she softened into the unfamiliar embrace that felt like home.
‘Watch out, I could get used to this,’ she murmured, marvelling at how well they fit together as they continued to stroll towards the end of North Beach.
‘Fine by me,’ said George.
Claudia was actually pretty disappointed when they arrived at the welcoming little frontage of the wool shop. She didn’t want their cosy walk to come to an end. That said, as much as she didn’t want to leave the citrus and sandalwood-scented protection of George’s embrace, she was curious to have a peep inside All Things Woolly. She was looking forward to meeting some of the Pepper family on her own terms rather than as her mother’s puppet.
Plus, she was weirdly invested in seeing George with a baby… not that she’d ever admit it out loud. Claudia had a funny feeling the moment might seal her growing obsession with this adult version of the boy she’d known so many years ago.
‘Ready?’ said George, watching as her eyes raked over the window display.
‘You bet!’ she said. Then, before she could start worrying about how she was going to be received, Claudia pushed her way inside.
‘Oh, my goodness,’ she gasped, staring around in wonder. ‘This has got to be the most gorgeous shop ever!’
‘Well, thanks,’ came a laughing voice from the depths of a patchwork armchair. ‘I’ll be sure to tell Ewan!’
Claudia jumped. She hadn’t realised there was anyone else there. She watched as a woman with sleepy eyes appeared from the depths of the chair.
‘Connie!’ said George, hurrying over to give her a hug. ‘How are you doing?’
‘I’m fine, thanks,’ Connie said with a massive yawn. She clapped her hand over her mouth. ‘Sorry, guys, that keeps happening… it’s like I’ve got no control over it!’
George grinned at her. ‘This is Claudia.’
Claudia made her way through the baskets of wool to shake hands. ‘Sorry to disturb you!’ she said. ‘George wanted to introduce me to his favourite girl—baby Melody!’
‘No need to apologise,’ laughed Connie. ‘You’ve just saved me from nodding off while I’m meant to be watching the shop!’
‘Is Mel having a nap, too?’ said George, glancing around, clearly searching for the tot.
Connie shook her head. ‘Sorry to disappoint you, Georgie boy. Auntie Rosie decided I needed a break, so she’s taken her for the day. They’ve gone down to Rosie’s nan’s cottage to give Ewan a bit of peace and quiet at the house.’
‘So… you’re here working?’ laughed George. ‘Not exactly a rest!’
‘It’s perfect,’ said Connie. ‘Nice and peaceful. All I have to deal with is the occasional customer—but that’s a joy because it means I get lovely knitters to chat with. There’s nothing to do in between but flop in the chair and knit or daydream.’
‘I’m surprised Ewan isn’t here too, fussing around you like a mother hen,’ said George.
‘Oh, he’s at home working on a commission,’ said Connie. ‘Seabury House is nice and quiet for a change because Matt’s at the hospital.’
‘Oh no,’ gasped Claudia. ‘What’s wrong?’
