Passing the station at the edge of the village, Henry was surprised to see the number of people getting off the train. Mary had said Ava was advertising the event far and wide and it seemed her efforts had paid off. He followed the throng towards the village centre and was taken aback as he took in the sight of colourful bunting, the cobbled streets lined with stalls, music playing, and people — families, some local, but plenty of them not — all having a good time. Some of it he’d seen in the distance, and expected, but the stark contrast to the atmosphere compared to his visit to the village the day he’d taken his donation to the charity shop was palpable.
Chatting to some familiar faces as he went, Henry remained resolute in his promise to himself not to be drawn into talking about estate affairs. The festival was to be a celebration of the village, and he wanted to respect that. Granger stayed by his side, pausing only to sniff the various food stands. Listening to the music coming from the square, Henry made out the words “Everything means nothing if I can’t have you”. He looked at All Critters Great and Small and shook his head. ‘How apt, eh Granger.’
Hearing his name, the dog looked up and Henry smiled.
‘Let’s go and find Ted.’ Henry knew his old friend was performing at the pub and wanted to offer his support.
With half an hour until he was due to speak with Ava, Henry walked around the central shops to The Brown Dog. Seeing the older man in his element brought a smile to Henry’s face. Ted’s elbow was moving more nimbly than Henry imagined possible as he played — his note changes fast-paced and his folk rhythm, lively.
Gino had made an effort, and not just in his outfit; Henry couldn’t help but be impressed as he took in the sight of the honky-tonk style hangout he’d created outside the pub. Seeing the Italian standing, with a Springador puppy, Henry made his way over to say hello. Granger followed.
‘One of Myrtle’s? I hope you don’t mind. I thought Granger might like to say hello.’ Henry wondered why he hadn’t just said he wanted to see the puppy himself. In truth, he wanted to see the puppy and he wanted to speak to Gino, properly. Since his return to Dapplebury, he’d made assumptions about the man, and other than his first night in the bar hadn’t actually spoken to him. It was time to put that right.
‘Of course, this is Luna. She is into everything today, and soon she is going inside for a sleep.’ Gino smiled proudly as he showed the puppy off.
‘She’s beautiful.’ Henry stroked Luna, who tried to nibble his hand with her small sharp teeth.
‘And we have to thank you, I believe. Weren’t you with Ava when they were born?’
Henry held Granger’s collar while he said hello. He was an old dog but still liked to play if the opportunity arose. Sniffing and tail wagging tended to lead to play bowing and barking. Henry didn’t want him being too boisterous for Luna.
‘Yes, but it was a privilege.’ Henry pushed away an image of Ava watching the puppies, fascinated by the new arrivals; she’d been fixated by them while he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
Gino scooped Luna into his arms. ‘Well, thank you anyway. And for what it’s worth, I hope everything goes well for you and Ava. Mary told me what you have planned for tomorrow. In fact, she got me to get Ava to sort the shop rails, said it would be less obvious coming from me.’
‘Really? Thank you.’ Henry realised he’d wasted too long thinking Gino was a threat to his relationship with Ava, especially when it seemed he might just have turned out to be an ally. ‘Mary never said.’
‘Well don’t worry.Il tuo segreto è al sicuro con me.’ Gino tapped the side of his nose reassuring Henry that his secret was safe with him.
‘Thank you. Knowing what this place is like, I’m surprised the secret hasn’t got out yet.’
‘Well Lily Flynn is legendary around here and, as she has stepped into her shoes keeping the charity going, people love Ava. Who else do you think could have pulled all this off?’ Gino gestured to their surroundings.
Henry looked up the street. It was true; there was a time when he would never have imagined Dapplebury putting on a festival. Now the place had come alive, with everybody working together, thanks to Ava.
‘Even Pauline has managed to keep quiet.’ Gino laughed and looked round to check she wasn’t within earshot, before looking at his watch. ‘Sorry I have to be somewhere.’
Henry put out his hand before Gino could go. ‘Thank you. I don’t deserve your help, but I do appreciate it.’
Realising shaking hands was a little tricky with Gino holding Luna, Henry laughed. But Gino wiggled the puppy over to one arm and took Henry’s hand.
‘Well, Mary says you’re right for Ava, and you’re going to be good for the village.’
‘She does? That’s good to know. Thank you.’ Having both of Ava’s friends on side bolstered Henry’s confidence.
‘And Mary’s not easy to impress, believe me, I know.’
As Gino walked towards the pub, Henry stood and listened to Ted a little longer. Clapping as the older man finished his song, Henry congratulated him on his set.
Thanking him, Ted hesitated before speaking. ‘Ava was here. You’ve not long missed her.’
Henry looked at his watch. ‘I’m going to meet her now.’
‘Good. I’m glad to hear it.’
Ted smiled, and Henry didn’t have the heart to tell him it was for a radio and newspaper interview, arranged by Ava for publicity.
With Granger in tow, Henry headed towards the main square. Spotting Ava, he faltered. The length of her skater dress and the cowgirl boots she wore accentuated the shape of her legs. Her hair was mostly loose with small plaits brought round from the front being tied at the back. She looked naturally beautiful. Taking a breath, he approached. As she looked at him, he saw the hint of a smile in her expression. It was only as he got nearer that Henry noticed Mrs Jenkins standing by her side. There was something different about his PA’s appearance,and Henry took a moment to register that she was without her formal jacket and handbag.
