Page 44 of Starry Nights over Dragonfly Lake

Walter nodded. ‘Our ancestors built this lodge. Your great-great-grandfather discovered it and hid out here after the horrorsof World War I. Nowhere better to come and find peace, by my reckoning. If that’s what you’re looking for.’

Noah carried on eating but could feel Walter’s pointed stare on the top of his head.

‘It is lovely and peaceful here,’ said Faye. ‘That was my first impression, especially having grown up in a town. I’d never seen so many trees in one place in my life.’

‘The forest is incredible,’ said Noah.

‘It is,’ replied Walter. ‘But where you see just trees, I see a big elm near the water where my parents hung a swing for me and my brother to use when we were little. It’s about history, you see? How the seasons roll on, ever onwards. Wood never dies, as you know. A tree will die back in the autumn after putting on its glorious show. But then, after it’s taken a nap over winter, it comes back to life. Through the seasons, it keeps giving back.’ He gave Noah a piercing look. ‘It gives hope that nothing is ever lost forever.’

They exchanged a look before Noah gave him a nod in reply and finished his plate.

‘That was delicious, thank you,’ he told Faye.

‘Thank goodness the power is back on,’ said Faye, with a soft smile. ‘Although we’ll need to replenish the food in the freezers.’

‘Not much point if we get another power cut,’ Walter told her.

‘Maybe you’re right,’ said Faye, nodding thoughtfully. ‘At least until the new generator arrives.’

‘Ben ordered it already?’ asked Noah, in surprise.

Faye nodded. ‘Just this morning. He’s so excited. That generator is going to make all the difference in the world. No more cancelling bookings for the guests.’ She smiled at Noah. ‘I think it’s given him, and all of us, to be honest, a real boost that you’re going to be helping out this winter.’

As Walter nodded his agreement, Noah feltthe pressure of the hotel’s future success and could feel the stress it must cause Ben on a daily basis.

But then he thought about Walter’s speech about the family legacy and history. His own family history. And perhaps in his own small way, he could make his own contribution to Maple Tree Lodge and its future as well.

23

Beth hugged one of Frankie’s delicious cocktails to her chest as she stared dreamily at the fire crackling away in the large hearth of the lounge.

It was the literal calm after the storm and with all the guests having cancelled beforehand, Maple Tree Lodge suddenly felt like their very own playground, complete with huge comfortable sofas which she and her best friends were snuggled into.

Nearby, she could hear Ben and his friends laughing as they played a game of snooker in the Snug, the hotel bar. What a difference a day makes, thought Beth. Jeremy had left, Noah was staying and the atmosphere was markedly different to the day before. Even Walter seemed buoyed up, despite his injury.

‘Ben’s bouncing off the walls with excitement at ordering the generator,’ said Lily, before taking a sip of her own drink. ‘It’s going to make all the difference in the world to the business. Mmm. This cocktail is delicious. Frankie has outdone herself this time.’

‘What is it called again?’ asked Hannah.

‘The Witch’s Brew,’ Ella told them, looking at the purple liquid in her glass. ‘Blackberry liqueur, home-made apparently.’

‘It’ll be perfect for after the Halloween-themed outside swim this Friday,’ said Hannah, licking her lips.

Ella shuddered. ‘Are you still going ahead with that? You must be mad. It’ll be freezing in the lake.’

‘Alex has made all the necessary safety checks,’ replied Hannah, with a small frown. ‘It should be okay, shouldn’t it?’

‘Thank goodness I’m leaving tomorrow and have the perfect excuse not to go in the water,’ Ella told her. ‘Although I shall be reluctant to give up my beautiful hotel room as usual.’

With Beth and Noah using the spare bedrooms in the private family quarters, Ella had been staying in one of the many empty guest rooms instead.

‘It’ll be fine,’ Lily told Hannah. ‘Besides, everyone can warm up in the new sauna on the beach.’

After a successful summer for the water sports centre, and with the regular swimmers keen to keep using Dragonfly Lake for their health even over winter, Alex had invested their profits in a small portable sauna which had been wheeled onto the beach by the lake.

‘Have you used it yet?’ asked Hannah. ‘It’s amazing. Makes you feel all glowy after the cold water.’

‘I’d rather have a hot bath in private,’ muttered Ella.