Village Secrets Read Online Free PDF Page A

afterwards.’
    Caroline held up the coffee pot. ‘More coffee?’
    ‘Yes, please.’ Kate saw two of Caroline’s cats standing in the doorway. ‘Oh, what lovely creatures! Come, puss, puss, puss.’ Tonga and Chang fluffed their tails and arched their backs; Tonga spat and then they fled.
    To cover his embarrassment at the weird attitude of their normally attention-seeking cats, Peter plunged in with, ‘Then we shall for the moment compromise, but it must be clearly understood, Miss … Ms Pascoe, that there must be religious teaching even if you don’t do it yourself. It is your responsibility to attend to that, however much you prefer not to. Hetty Hardaker did it all last term whilst we had no head teacher, so I’m sure she and Margaret will be quite happy to continue. We’ll review the situation at half-term.’
    ‘Very well. I shall do as you say, Rector.’
    Caroline wanted to know more about Kate herself. ‘Settling in at the school-house, Kate?’
    ‘Yes, thanks. It’s terribly dowdy, though. I’m brightening it up. When it’s done, will you come for supper one evening? Or perhaps you won’t have a babysitter.’
    ‘Sylvia does it for us, so yes, we’d love to come. In fact, I’ve never been inside the school-house and we’ve lived here almost four years, so it will be interesting for us, won’t it, Peter?’
    ‘Yes, it will.’ He looked at Kate. ‘Now – about May the first.’
    ‘Yes?’
    ‘On that day, Michael always had Maypole dancing on the Green. All the parents are invited, there are cups of tea and a May Queen. Do you do Maypole dancing?’
    ‘Ye olde phallic symbol? Village maidens dancing round in homage – rites of spring and all that jazz. Of course! Delighted to take part. Must go, want to do some more decorating before bed. Thanks for the coffee. Hope Beth settles down soon. Won’t be long before you get my invitation. I’m a tigress once I get started.’
    Caroline saw her out and went back into the sitting room to find Peter had gone. He was in his study, searching along his bookshelves.
    ‘What are you looking for?’
    ‘Maypole dancing. An innocent colourful pursuit, I thought, until tonight. I’d no idea that was what it represented. Phallic symbol, indeed! Is nothing sacred any more?’
    Caroline laughed. ‘Oh, Peter! She makes a change from strait-laced Michael Palmer anyway. He was a bit too solemn, wasn’t he?’
    ‘It’s no laughing matter, my darling girl. We’ve got problems there and no mistake. I dread to think what will happen next.’

Chapter 4
     
    Jimbo met Kate the following morning. She came into the Store carrying a large shopping bag. He raised his boater to her and said, ‘You must be Kate Pascoe from the school. Good morning to you!’
    She put down her bag and reached out to shake hands with him. ‘Indeed I am. And you must be Flick’s father. She said you owned the Store. She was going to launch herself into a long story about how well you were doing, end-of-year accounts and that kind of thing, but I cut that short! But I do see what she means. It certainly is a wonderland. And I thought all village stores were on their last legs.’ She looked appreciatively around the Store. ‘I think perhaps I haven’t thanked you for sending me that starter pack for my pantry? I really did appreciate your kindness. I’ve got to stock up my cupboards now.’
    ‘We’ll deliver for you if you wish.’
    ‘No, that won’t be necessary, thank you. There’s only one of me. Soya milk?’
    ‘Ah! We do have some but I don’t get a great call for it – just one other customer who has a daughter allergic to cow’s milk. Check the dairy cabinet, I think you’ll find some.’
    Kate wandered away, leaving Jimbo to carry on replenishing the fresh fruit display. The doorbell jangled and Kate heard Jimbo welcoming another customer. ‘Ralph, this is a pleasure! Don’t often see you in here.’
    ‘Hello, Jimbo. Milk is what we need for the moment. We