‘One of your many gentleman admirers, perhaps. I bumped into Ernie King on my walk back.’
Bobby blinked. ‘You saw Ernie?’
‘I did. He offered to buy me a drink at the Hart, but I said I had an important liaison arranged with my wife. Did you know he was back?’
Bobby felt relieved that Charlie knew about Ernie already, and she didn’t need to confess the man’s presence like some guilty secret.
‘Yes, Topsy told me,’ she said. ‘That was the news supposed to turn you into a raging Othello, I think.’
He smiled. ‘And you were looking forward to teasing me about it. Sorry for ruining the fun.’
Bobby hesitated. ‘Did Ernie seem… all right?’
‘As hail-fellow-well-met as he ever was. I suppose the offer of a drink was a peace-making gesture after trying to steal mygirl back in the spring. I’d have accepted, but I knew you were waiting for me so we could meet Tony and your sister. I told him I’d be happy to join him another day, though.’
Bobby smiled. ‘That was big of you.’
He shrugged. ‘I won, didn’t I? You’re wearing my ring and carrying my baby. No need to rub the poor chap’s face in it.’
Bobby rewarded him for his magnanimous behaviour with a kiss.
‘I must admit, it’s tempting to tease you if only as revenge for all the flirtations you had going on when I first came to the village,’ she said. ‘But I prefer knowing you trust me.’
‘Completely, Mrs Atherton.’ He released her so he could take off his coat and hat. ‘What’s for tea, love?’
‘Potato pie with at least one chunk of stewed steak per serving. It’s in the oven. How was the bridegroom-to-be?’
‘Still stunned he got a yes, I think,’ Charlie said with a laugh. ‘He thought he’d never get Mabs to look at him twice with all these handsome airmen around.’
‘You’re including yourself in that, of course.’
‘Of course.’ Charlie swapped his boots for slippers and went to sit by the fire. ‘He wants me to be groomsman for him. I said yes, naturally.’
‘I wish Andy had been here to see them marry,’ Bobby said with a sigh. ‘He’d have been so proud.’
Charlie watched her appreciatively as she bent to poke the fire, making the flames dance.
‘You’re very dressed up for the Hart,’ he said.
‘Not for the Hart. I told you, this is for you.’
‘Why for me?’
‘I was worried you’d be jealous when you heard Ernie was back. I wanted to make myself pretty for you.’
‘Then you can come here and sit on my knee. You’re too good to waste, looking like that.’
He pulled her on to his lap and kissed her heartily.
‘We don’t have to go to the pub,’ he whispered when they broke apart. ‘It’s chilly out. Best to stay in and keep warm.’
Bobby smiled. ‘In bed, by any chance?’
‘Best place to warm up.’
‘We can’t, Charlie. Believe me, I’d rather be in bed with you than trying to get Tony out of a sulk, but if I don’t he’ll make work hell for me on Monday.’
He sighed. ‘Oh, all right. I’m really starting to wish we didn’t know quite so many people around here. Did you girls have a nice time gossiping about the menfolk?’
