‘Yes, thanks. It’s a bit lonely with my husband commuting to London in the week. It’s not for long luckily, and I can still see him at the weekends until then.’
‘The best of both worlds,’ Sarah replied. ‘I’ve been to London twice. It’s very manic.’
‘Yes, I miss it and I don’t. Its busyness had its advantages and disadvantages.’ Juliette grinned. ‘I’m heading home now, are you?’
‘Yes.’
They walked at a steady pace.
‘So what is there to do around here?’ Juliette asked. ‘Are there any daytime activities, night classes, that type of thing?’
Sarah shook her head. ‘It’s a sleepy village but it hasits moments. There’s always something going on at the community centre. You could check that out.’
‘Thanks, I will.’
‘There’s a pub quiz every Thursday night.’
‘Ah, that will have to wait until Danny moves here permanently. I’m not sure I could force my way in.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I’m not a local. Will it take us a while to fit in?’
‘I don’t think so. I’ve been here two years and don’t get that vibe. Although I do tend to keep myself to myself, with Richard.’
‘Are you and him…?’
‘Yes,’ Sarah replied. ‘Oh, there’s the book club every fortnight if you’re a reader.’
‘I am! That sounds right up my street. Do you have any more details?’
‘No, sorry. I’m not a member but I bet there’ll be a card up somewhere about it. Perhaps try the newsagents, or Karen. She owns the hairdressers, and it was her idea to start the club.’
‘Not to worry. I’ll find more details when I next go into the village. Gosh, it’s so lovely around here. I can’t believe the greenery.’ Juliette gazed upwards, feeling the warmth of the sun as it popped its head through the trees. Every garden she came to was a riot of colour and aroma of spring. She made a decision to find out what she had in her own and look after it, take an interest in nurturing something from the ground. She laughed inwardly: she’d only been here a week and she wasturning into a country bumpkin. She hoped she’d feel the same in a few weeks.
‘It is a beautiful place,’ Sarah replied. ‘I quite like how we’re not in each other’s pockets. But good neighbours are always looking out for each other as well.’
After a couple of minutes’ small talk, they drew up at their front gates. There was barely a metre between them, the hedge that separated their gardens travelling from the main road all the way back.
‘If you ever fancy a coffee, do pop round,’ Juliette said. ‘Quite frankly, it’s been great to talk to you. I haven’t spoken to a soul since the weekend.’
‘Is Danny home soon?’
‘Tomorrow evening. I can’t wait.’
Sarah’s eyes flicked behind Juliette. ‘I’d better be going.’ With that, she raced along her drive.
‘Bye, then,’ Juliette said under her breath, wondering why the sudden brush-off. It was only then she noticed Richard waiting at the house, Sarah bustling towards him. When Sarah drew level with him, there were a few words of conversation and Sarah went indoors. Spotting her, Richard’s face changed from a scowl to a smile and he gave her a quick wave before following Sarah inside.
Wondering what that was all about, Juliette made her way indoors too. She couldn’t wait to get into her shorts and sit on the patio under the umbrella. Oh, the joys of working from home. An outside office whenever the weather dictated.
Sarah heard Richard behind her as she started to unload the shopping. She kept her back to him purposely.
When she and Richard had got together, they had taken day trips out to nearby landmarks. The Roaches, Buxton Opera House, Matlock, Ilam and Ashbourne. He’d shown her where he’d grown up in nearby Wink Hill, a farm with twenty-five acres. Although he’d helped on the farm, living at home, he’d never wanted to take over full-time. His dad’s early demise at forty-seven had given him the impetus to sell up and move.
The first time she’d visited Richard’s property, it had wowed her immediately. Set in six acres, with a woodland to its rear, it was a two-storey stone cottage with a converted loft and a further extension with a separate annexe. Far enough away from the road to be secluded but near enough to the village for amenities and a short car drive to nearby towns of Buxton or Leek.
Sarah remembered going into Richard’s studio. The more time she spent around him, the more she got to know him.
