Down the short hallway, I could make out half of Lydia’s bottom as she leaned on her counter, chatting to a customer. The other voice was familiar. Annie, who worked in the greengrocer’s. I was about to join them and say hello but the subject of their conversation caught my attention and I decided to listen in instead.
‘So, you were up at the hotel with them?’
‘Yes. We all went up together in my car. It was a stroke of luck really. If they’d been at home, they probably still wouldn’t have made it to the hospital, and they wouldn’t have had that lovely American girl to help out.’
‘Very lucky. Who is she again? I thought I heard she’s a writer.’
‘Yes. Noelle Kingston.’
‘Never heard of her. D’you think she knew what to do because of researching for one of her books?’
‘No.’ Lydia laughed. ‘She trained as a midwife. I’m not sure internet research can prepare you for delivering a baby.’
‘Do they do it the same over there in America though?’
‘I assume so. They have the same body parts, don’t they?’ There was laughter in Lydia’s voice again.
I was going to have to tell Noelle that she was now an instant celebrity who would go down in Loganbury history. The American novelist who delivered a baby in the middle of the worst blizzard in living memory. She’d have to come down and sign some books in the bookshop, take advantage of their nosiness.
‘There was someone else there wasn’t there? Gracie said she saw a man driving your car who wasn’t Ben. Same one who was in the pub with Beth the other night. A city type. She’s not back together with that London boyfriend, is she?’
‘No. Beth is definitely not getting back together with him.’ Lydia sounded like she would put me in a headlock if I even hinted at the prospect. ‘He was just another guest helping out. Ben needed to support Rachel; he wouldn’t have been able to drive in the snow.’
Some of the coldness eased out of my bones. My mum picked her best friend well. Despite loving a gossip and knowing she needed to offer titbits to get some back, it was not Lydia’s nature to run anyone down.
‘But why was Beth out with him the other night? People said it looked like a date. And then she was dancing with someone else?’
‘I think she was just being hospitable. You know Rosie’s up in Norfolk looking after her dad. Beth’s been running the hotel for her. Doing a grand job.’
‘That’s lovely to hear.’ There was a rustle and a pause in the conversation. ‘I do hope she stays. These youngsters, they always go scurrying off to the big city thinking it’s more interesting. Anyway, I better be off. Have a Merry Christmas now, won’t you?’
‘Merry Christmas, Annie.’
I took a long step over towards the kettle, as the bell on the door to the shop tinkled and Lydia came into the workshop.
‘You’re here.’ She rubbed my arm and took over making the tea. ‘Were you eavesdropping?’
‘Yes. I’d feel bad about it if you two weren’t gossiping shamelessly about me and everyone else.’
‘Fair point.’ Lydia smiled and tapped the teaspoon against the mug. ‘So, how is it going then, honey?’ She handed me a cup of tea. ‘You look tired.’
‘That’s ’cause I am. Late nights and early mornings.’ I laced my fingers around the mug and leaned against the edge of her worktable. ‘I have to get back soon.’
‘They’ll survive up there for half an hour.’
‘I’ve already been gone twenty minutes.’
‘You reallywereeavesdropping.’
‘Yes. And thank you for glossing over my date with Stephen, et cetera.’
‘By et cetera, I assume you are referring to his brother. The gallant Captain Cartwright.’
My eyebrows shot up. ‘Does he get to use that? Captain?’
She shrugged one shoulder and grinned at me. ‘I like him, Beth. I could see you two together.’
‘Look, Lyd. I’m too swamped at the hotel to come down here for a chat about my love life.’ I stared down into my tea. ‘Besides which, he’s a guest; he’ll be leaving in a few days.’
