‘Would you like to stay over?’
‘I would.’
There was an eager anticipation for the rest of the day. And when we left the next morning, I realised I’d be coming back. Many times, perhaps even for good at one point. Because Richard Sykes-Morgan was definitely my ticket out of Derby.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Despite asking, Sarah was reluctant to come to the book club with Juliette, so she set off on her own on Wednesday evening. The weather had been warm again, but thunderstorms had arrived that afternoon, so the air was muggy and the sky grey. She stepped around a large puddle as she walked towards the village.
It was a beautiful evening. There was hardly a car that passed her. She wondered if she would get bored of the peace and tranquillity soon, miss the hustle and bustle of London. So for now she’d enjoy it. There was at least one decent coffee shop that she had visited which had passed muster. Their home-made cakes were divine. She planned to treat Danny to some that weekend.
The book club was being held in an upstairs room at the local pub, The Valley Arms. Even though she’d protested, Danny had dragged her there for Sundaylunch. They’d introduced themselves to the landlord, Malcolm, and Juliette had seen a notice about the book club on the wall by the side of the nook. It had saved her having to pop in at the hairdressers.
She went through the bar, smiling at the few people who were in there already. Malcolm spotted her and waved, then pointed to a door to her right. She nodded her thanks and went upstairs. It opened up into a large room with laminate flooring and three windows. A hatch in the wall had the roller shutter down and she assumed it might be a private bar for small functions.
There were five women sitting around two settees in the middle of the room. Most of them were in conversation with each other until she appeared. One of them stood up. She was in her early forties, had a motherly figure, with short blonde hair and immaculate make-up.
‘Hello!’ She beckoned her over. ‘Do come and join us.’
Juliette’s smile was shy as she did as she was told. The woman patted the seat next to her and she sat down.
‘My name’s Karen. I own the hairdressers on the high street.’ She pointed in turn to the other women. ‘That’s Barbara – you might recognise her from the coffee shop.’
Barbara looked the same age as Karen but was small and thin. Dark hair to her blonde.
‘I do, hi.’
‘That’s Rita whose husband owns the garage.’ Karenpointed to an elderly lady with purple hair, her dress almost the same colour. She was wearing ballet shoes that seemed a little tight for her feet. Next to her was a teenager in denim dungaree shorts, a red vest and Converse trainers. Her long hair was tied back in a ponytail and she had the most amazing blue eyes.
‘This is Freya, our youngest bookworm. Freya is at college, studying to be a journalist. And I assume you know Linda, as she’s told us all about you.’ Karen pointed to the woman sitting in the armchair.
‘Oh?’ Juliette raised her eyebrows. ‘Hi.’
‘Nothing is secret around here.’ Linda smiled. ‘Don’t worry, I’ve only told them that you moved in recently and that you’re on your own during the week.’
‘And I saw you with a dishy man at the weekend,’ Karen added. ‘Your husband, partner?’
‘Husband.’
‘Lucky you.’ Karen stood up. ‘Let’s get you something to drink. Red or white?’
‘Red please. Is there a kitty?’
‘Usually, but the first night you’re always a guest. Besides, you haven’t read the book we’re about to discuss. Or have you?’ She picked up a paperback. ‘This one?’
‘I have read it, actually,’ Juliette said, thankfully. ‘It was last year, but I remember it well. I’ve seen the film too. Cried like a baby.’
‘Oh, me too.’ Rita leaned across and touched her arm. ‘I just adored Lou. She was such a likeable character.And to put herself through all that was commendable.’
‘Through all what?’ Karen asked, re-joining them and handing a glass to Juliette. ‘Don’t tell me you’re talking about what she did for him.’
‘No, I mean her broken heart.’
For the next fifteen minutes, Juliette listened to the women talk through their likes and dislikes, joining in occasionally. Within a few minutes, she had relaxed. They were a lively bunch.
‘The woman next door to Juliette worked in the coffee shop for a few months,’ Barbara said. ‘Louisa.’
‘Who’s that?’
