Page 31 of Starry Nights over Dragonfly Lake

As dinner was prepared, with Ben still quiet and both Walter and Dotty looking weary, Jeremy seemed intent on adding to the lacklustre atmosphere.

Beth had tried her best to cheer everyone up but when she began to tell a tale about the stars, Jeremy yawned in the middle of her story and patted her hand in a condescending way. ‘I think you’re boring your friends, darling,’ he told her.

Beth frowned and instantly blushed. ‘Sorry,’ she muttered.

‘Actually, she wasn’t boring us at all,’ snapped Ella, glaring at Jeremy.

‘It doesn’t matter,’ said Beth quickly. ‘I can’t remember the rest, anyway.’

Noah instantly saw the change in her. She’d completely changed from the normal chatty person he’d met only the day before. He thought of her eyes lighting up when teaching him the basics of astronomy on the veranda. She’d turned into a shadow of herself that evening.

Things became even more strained when the lights suddenly went out.

Noah heard Ben swear before apologising to his grandparents and mother.

‘That’s all we need,’ he grumbled. ‘Another power cut.’

Everyone drew out their mobiles to switch on their torches whilst Faye lit the candles in the middle of the table.

‘What’s happened?’ asked Jeremy, sounding panicked and looking around in an alarmed manner.

‘I thought you’d be used to the dark, being an astronomer,’ said Dotty, raising her eyebrows.

Jeremy shot her a glare before quickly disguising it.

‘Of course,’ he said, switching on a wide smile. ‘I’m just used to being in control of the lighting set-up, that’s all.’

Ella snorted but buried it in her wine glass before she drained it.

‘Perhaps we should light the candles in the lounge,’ said Faye, in a pointed tone.

‘I’ll do it,’ said Beth, standing up.

‘I’ll help you,’ added Jeremy quickly before they both left the kitchen.

Everyone appeared to sigh in relief and finally appeared more relaxed.

‘That man,’ muttered Ella, shaking her head.

‘What’s he doing here?’ said Lily, with a heavy sigh.

‘Trying to get back with Beth, presumably,’ said Hannah.

Noah had to agree. He had assumed that Beth and Jeremy’s relationship was over but it appeared not. Shame, he found himself thinking, remembering how Jeremy had talked over Beth at dinner.

‘Can’t we just make him leave?’ asked Ella.

‘It’s a bit dangerous outside with the storm, unfortunately,’ said Ben. ‘He could get hurt.’

‘That’s why I thought it was a good idea,’ said Ella, with a grin.

‘Listen, I can keep the stew warm on the gas hob for now,’ said Faye. ‘As the heating’s gone out, we could all warm up in the lounge whilst we wait for dinner.’

Everyone headed across the entrance hall towards the lounge which was now glowing with candlelight and the large fire in the hearth.

However, upon reaching the doorway, they all heard raised voices and stopped in their tracks.

‘Of course I’m right,’ Noah heard Jeremy saying.