Page 87 of The Village Inn of Secret Dream

And for Belle too.

47

Bonfire night arrived along with a northerly wind which made everyone rush into the inn to warm up beside the fireplaces once the festivities were over.

Belle noticed that as everyone came in, wrapped up in woolly hats, scarves and thick coats to offset the cold air, nobody was mentioning the fiasco of the restaurant opening night. She was just grateful that they were still coming into the inn at all.

It was even busier than the previous year, Belle thought, later that evening. Perhaps the clear, dry night had helped, especially as snow was forecast for the coming week.

All Belle knew was that her feet were beginning to ache by the middle of the evening and they still had a couple of hours to get through.

Lucy had managed to push her way to the front of the bar with Tom. ‘Hi,’ she said, smiling at her friend. ‘How’s it been tonight?’

Belle looked at her friend and smiled wearily. ‘Incredible. You?’

Lucy nodded. ‘Oh yes,’ she said, grinning. ‘The community hub has been mobbed with people wanting to know about the craft classes and what we do. There’s been a huge uptake. We’ve only just shut the doors now.’

‘Lucky you,’ said Belle, looking across the still busy lounge. ‘I reckon it’s going to be like this until we close tonight.’

‘Have you had a break yet?’ asked Tom, looking concerned.

Belle shook her head. ‘You’re joking,’ she said, with a laugh. ‘I haven’t even eaten anything since lunchtime.’

‘That’s terrible,’ said Lucy. ‘Do you want me to grab you some food?’

But to Belle’s surprise, Tom shook his head. ‘Tell you what, why don’t you let me and Lucy hold the fort. Go get a break. And take Pete with you. I don’t suppose he’s had a break either.’

On hearing his name, Pete wandered over to join them. ‘What’s going on?’ he asked.

‘You’re having an overdue dinner break,’ said Tom in firm tone of voice. ‘There’s a stall out there selling the most amazing burgers. Go out and grab one whilst he’s still there. Then you’ll be all set for the rest of the evening.’

Pete hesitated. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Go!’ urged Lucy.

Belle looked at Pete, who nodded at her. ‘I could do with some fresh air, to be honest,’ he said.

‘And my stomach’s rumbling,’ she replied.

So they both grabbed their coats and headed outside.

The rush of cold winter air hit Belle’s lungs as soon as they stepped out next to the river. It was dark now, but the lane was lit up with fairy lights and lanterns, giving everything a special glow.

Josh, Dodgy Del and a few other villagers had built the tall bonfire only that morning out of old pallets and discarded shrubbery cuttings. It was a fairly good size for such a small village and everyone had turned out to join in the festivities.

All the children were wearing Day-Glo bracelets that Dodgy Del had procured from somewhere – not that anyone was asking their origins. Everyone appeared to have sparklers and hot drinks, as well as various decorated cupcakes which Molly had made.

She and Pete headed straight to Molly’s cake stall first but were disappointed to find her packing away the tablecloth.

‘Have I missed it?’ Belle asked. ‘I was hoping for one of your cupcakes,’ she said, licking her lips.

‘Oh no!’ Molly looked upset. ‘I should have kept one back for you. I’ve sold every last cupcake and the big cakes as well. It’s been unbelievable.’

‘That’s because your cakes are amazing,’ Belle told her.

No matter how many times they assured their friend that she was an incredible baker, Molly never seemed to quite believe them.

‘Pity though,’ said Pete, who was standing next to her. ‘I’m starving.’