The Cheesemaker's House by Jane Cable Read Free Book Online Page B

kettle on.”
    He holds open the door to the living room then disappears. The lace curtains and china geese were only the start of it – there are ornaments everywhere; dogs, cats, birds – on the mantelpiece and on the shelves in the alcove next to the fireplace. There is even a china cabinet against the back wall, with a rose-bud patterned tea service as its centre piece, the cups and plates surrounded by miniature animals.
    The overcrowded feel of the room isn’t helped by the sofa and easy chair being covered in an old fashioned tapestry-like fabric. And linen antimacassars – and those silly little bits that cover the arms so they don’t get dirty either. The whole place is like stepping into a 1950’s time warp.
    I perch on the edge of the sofa just as Owen breezes in and pulls a table out of the nest just behind the door.
    â€œNow would you like anything to eat? Has your tummy settled OK?”
    â€œI had some toast earlier thanks, but I’m not sure I could face anything right now.”
    â€œJust the tea then. Sugar?”
    I shake my head, thinking how very sweet he is and how much I am beginning to like him.
    It isn’t long before he comes back with two mugs of tea and sits down at the other end of the sofa. I am suddenly aware of the gentle murmuring of Adam’s radio in an upstairs room.
    It is Owen who breaks the silence. “Margaret said you were a great help to her yesterday.”
    â€œHindrance, more like – I know nothing about plants. But she’s a lovely lady, isn’t she?”
    â€œYes. She’s lived next door for as long as I can remember – I’m lucky to have such a good neighbour.”
    I pick up my mug and nurse it in my hands. “You’ve always lived in the village then?”
    â€œPretty much.” He pauses. “What about you, Alice, where are you from?”
    I take a sip of my tea but it tastes a bit odd; like the china’s tainted by something. More likely it’s my taste buds. “Reading. Very suburban, me; it’s taking some getting used to living in the country. But I like it,” I add hurriedly, “I’m just not sure about the beer.”
    â€œThat fete beer’s lethal – it’s about eight percent alcohol.”
    â€œEight percent? No wonder I felt ropey after a couple of pints.”
    â€œPints – you’re brave.”
    â€œWell, Richard bought them for me and I didn’t know how strong they were.”
    Owen raises an eyebrow. “They’re impossible, those lads. They like a joke, which is fine, but they don’t always think through the consequences.”
    â€œYou looked after me though.”
    I wish I hadn’t said it because Owen looks away.
    â€œPaying me back for helping Adam out in the café, was it?”
    He smiles and nods eagerly. “You could say that, yes.”
    We chat for a little longer but I can’t find a way of asking him why he was in my barn. By the time I leave I feel very much better, but even so Owen gives me his phone number in case there is anything I need. I use it when I get home to text him another thank you, but even though I wait for quite a while there is no reply.

Chapter Eleven
    The next morning I’m surprised to hear a tentative tap on the garden room door. I’m not expecting anyone; thankfully the builders have disappeared off somewhere else for a few weeks so at least I’m spared having to look Richard in the eye.
    I open the door to see Margaret gazing out over the lawn.
    â€œGood morning,” I chirp.
    â€œGood morning, Alice,” she replies. “I hope you don’t mind me popping around, but Owen said you weren’t too well yesterday and I thought I’d just make sure you’re alright today.”
    â€œI’m fine now thanks.” I hesitate. “As you’re here, would you like a look around the garden?”
    Her face lights up with a maze of