Henry knew that All Critters Great and Small would be in darkness, and yet he still felt a swell of increasing disappointment with every step that drew him closer to the shop. He hadn’t consciously decided to seek Ava out, but as he hadn’t seen her on any of his early morning runs since the day of his father’s death she frequently occupied his thoughts. Despondent at the sight of the empty shop, he looked at Granger. ‘At least I’ve got you, hey boy?’ He patted the dog’s flank, before looking up and reading the sign on the shop window: “Ci vediamo stasera!Italian Night at The Brown Dog, 8 p.m. Don’t forget to claim your free dessert”.
Translating the Italian as see you tonight, and seeing the sign, surrounded by hearts, reminded Henry of the date.Valentine’s Day. He shook his head and looked back to Granger. ‘You’re not as good-looking, but you’re probably more sincere than my usual Valentine’s dates.’ He smiled.
Having checked his watch and seeing it was after eight, he decided to walk Granger past The Brown Dog. At least an Italian night sounded less like an excuse for a fancy dress party than he had found on his last venture into the pub.
As he walked along the cobbled street, Henry welcomed the chill evening air that nipped at the bare skin of his newly shaven face. Being out made him feel alive. His days had started to merge into one, with his time spent accompanying his motherto various functions, or trying to familiarise himself with his father’s business as he attempted to get his head around the complexities of running the estate. By night his thoughts always slipped to Ava. He knew his early morning runs were motivated by the hope of seeing her, as much as wanting to maintain a level of fitness, and the need to clear his head.
In contrast to the rest of the village, The Brown Dog looked warm and inviting. He could hear the upbeat tones of Italian folk music, mixed with laughter. Lights shone through the etched glass windows, the slither that afforded a glimpse inside showed it was busy. The people looked happy, some were smartly dressed, while others were wearing green, white and red.What is it with these people and their need to dress up?Being in the vicinity of the pub, he could almost taste a cold beer and wondered whether to go inside. Rubbing his hand around his chin, he decided against it.
When he slipped into the pub on his first night back in England, he had purposely done so anonymously, now, local coverage of his father’s death and the fact he’d succumbed to a shave and haircut meant he would be recognised. Aside from the fact he was only interested in talking to one person inside, Henry knew the people of the village were enjoying themselves. He didn’t want to give them cause to stop. His father had been well liked amongst the villagers, upon seeing him, no doubt they’d want to offer sympathy.Or worse, he told himself.They might tell you what they think of the heir to the estate leaving and not returning until the well-respected Lord Bramlington was on his deathbed.Henry shuddered as a chill crept down his spine. He’d have to face the villagers soon enough, and he knew what he’d have to say would see him plummet further in the popularity stakes than he probably already had.
Preparing to head home, Henry noticed a sign on the door: “No date? No worries. Come and join our single and ready tomingle table!” He rolled his eyes, wondering whom Ava was inside with.The barman? Would she be on the singles table?The thought that she could be inside, chatting to someone else, laughing and looking at them the way she once had him, was . . . frustrating.
He wondered what she would think of him if word got out about his initial intentions for the Dapplebury estate. Henry pushed the thought from his mind; he had let Ava down before, the idea of ever seeing that look in her eyes again was too much to contemplate.
Chapter Fifteen
As she finished the last of her “chorizo spaghetti carbonara”, Ava looked around the bar and dining area feeling a sense of achievement as she recognised outfits from the charity shop. While many opted to wear green, white and red, it was clear some had embraced the spirit of the evening and the look she had hoped to achieve — going for elegant and stylish outfits, along with the matching accessories she had promoted. She watched several vouchers for free desserts being exchanged and hoped Gino had done what he’d said and accounted for the discount in his pricing. Her takings were up in the lead-up to the Italian night; she didn’t want him to be out of pocket.
‘I’m stuffed!’ Mary put down her cutlery and sat back in her seat. ‘I never should have gone for the mushroom lasagne after the broad bean and feta arancini!’
‘Did you enjoy your meals?’ Gino approached their table by the fire, with a smile.
‘It was de-lish, but I’m not sure I’ve got room for pud.’ Mary patted her stomach.
‘Really? There’s a vegan, blueberry and coconut panna cotta. I thought you would—’
‘It sounds great but, honestly, if I eat another thing I’ll burst.’
‘I’d take it as a compliment because nothing normally stops her from having dessert.’ Ava smiled.
‘She’s right! I don’t know what you’ve done to me with your Italian comfort food, but I feel ready for my PJs. My usual vices have been replaced with a longing to curl up in bed with a good book!’
Ava let out a giggle. ‘So much for partying the night away with someone from the single and ready to mingle table.’
‘I know, who knew carbs would be my only Valentine’s date?’ Mary laughed. ‘I’m going to waddle home.’
‘I can walk you ladies home when I’m done here,’ Gino offered.
‘No. Honestly, I’m going to head off in a mo. I’ve got an early start tomorrow.’ Mary picked up her bag. ‘But Ava, you should stay. Gino can walk you home.’
‘No, I’ll come with you.’
‘You will not. Look at this place. It’s buzzing, and you two should enjoy the rest of the evening. It’s a success. You’ve made it a success. Full stomachs, happy people, even Flo has pulled’ — Mary pointed to a very jovial Flo, animatedly chatting to Ted on the singles table — ‘and I hope plenty of money in the till for you both. It’s been wonderful.’
‘And not a stripy T-shirt or pizza in sight.’ Gino beamed proudly.
Mary stood and kissed Gino’s cheek. ‘Honestly, I never thought there would be — you’re too passionate for that.’
Gino blushed, rendered momentarily speechless by the compliment.
‘But teasing you is too easy and’ — Mary picked up her drink and drained the last of her wine — ‘too much fun!’ She leaned down to hug Ava. ‘Well done, everyone looks amazing!’ She kissed her on the cheek and whispered in her ear, ‘Let Gino walk you home. You two look so happy, and it’s Valentine’s night.’
Ava felt the heat rise in her cheeks and hoped the music and general hubbub meant Gino hadn’t heard. As she watched Mary leave, Ava realised she felt happy. The joy in the room was infectious. She knew the uncertainty in the village meant there could be a tough time ahead, but Mary and Gino had been right; a night out was much needed, and it was good to see so many happy people enjoying themselves. The locals had come out to support the event, and that meant a lot.
‘Around the World in Eight Gourmets is off to a promising start.’ Ava smiled at Gino. ‘Congratulazioni!Oh, blimey, sorry. Is that lowering the tone?’
‘No, why would it? It’s congratulations in Italian.’
