‘We’ve an open house here for potential brides and grooms that day. It’ll be all hands on deck. So, we’ve settled it then?’
Annie drummed happy feet on the floor.
‘I can drive you over there,’ added Jowan, ‘and I’ll give you the credit card before you go.’
As Jowan sat back amid satisfied murmurs of approval, Mrs Crocombe peered over her specs at Annie and made another note in her book.
‘Do not make jokes about spooky castle,’ came Leonid’s serious Russian accent, silencing the room.
Jude smirked at Elliot, but Izaak weighed in, just as dolorous. ‘It is true. Even I have heard the stories.’
Estée Gold, who Harri had mistaken for a reasonably sensible person added her two pennies’ worth. ‘The castle’s unoccupied and has had no power for months now, but ever since Lord Courtenay’s death, candlelight has been seen at night in the windows in the tallest tower.’
Annie was fit to burst with electric energy now. Harri didn’t have to look at her to know she’d be beaming at the TV star in deeply amused admiration.
‘Squatters,’ asserted Elliot flatly.
‘Haunted,’ countered Mrs Crocombe adjusting her bosom between folded arms. ‘Mark my words, there’s trouble up at Castle Lore. You better keep your wits about you.’
‘I’m sure they’ll be fine, what with it being a public sale, and daytime, and everything,’ Jasper Gold put in, looking right at Sam.
These two younger Clove Lore residents must hear this kind of garbage all the time, thought Harri.
‘Any other business?’ came Minty’s cut glass voice.
‘Actually, Annie had an idea for an event at the bookshop,’ Jude put in. ‘I suppose that counts as any other business.’
The whole assembly seemed pleased to hear this.
‘Well, it’s nothing really, just a silent reading group, for one Sunday night only,’ said Annie.
Following an encouraging nod from Harri, she reached into her bag and pulled out the poster they’d made earlier that day, unrolling it to a fanfare tootled by Izaak.
‘Silent reading group?’ Mrs Crocombe read dubiously. ‘As in…?’
Bovis completed her sentence. ‘Sittin’ around reading?’
‘We already have a book club. Our murder mystery and thrillers club, at the Siren,’ said Minty, perplexed.
‘This is more of a cosy night in, butout, and together, reading, and it’s for the whole community,’ said Annie. ‘And there’ll be hot chocolate.’
‘I’m in,’ said Jude. ‘That’s right up our street.’
Elliot confirmed his attendance with an arm wrapped around his wife’s shoulder and a kiss on her forehead.
‘Sam? Come with me?’ Jasper asked across the circle. Sam assented with another smiling blush.
The meeting rapidly descended into a loud cacophony of excited ideas for what books they might bring along.
Minty had clearly had enough and drew the whole thing to a close. ‘That’s decided then. A silent book club will take place for one night only on Sunday evening at the Borrow-A-Bookshop. You know what to do, people. Spread the word amongst your networks.’
Shortly, everyone was on their feet and chatting in groups. Sam did the rounds with her tray once more. Was there no end to this evening? All Harri wanted was a bit of dinner at the pub.
Annie had rolled up her poster and was interviewing Jude and Elliot about their meeting at the bookshop. He overheard Jude remarking, ‘Hard to believe it was four years ago this summer.’
That was before he realised Jasper Gold was standing before him, flicking blond hair from his brow and holding a ticket book. ‘Two, is it?’ he said.
‘Ah, of course, the Valentine’s cinema night?’ Harri dug in his pocket for his wallet, keeping his ears open to all those around him. He and Annie seemed to be the main topic of conversation.
