When Alice Met Danny Read Online Free PDF Page B

together long?’ Mrs Tinker had a distinct twinkle in her eye. It did not waver, even when Alice blushed red.
    ‘Oh no, he’s not a boyfriend or anything like that. He’s a friend from work. He’s going to rent my flat when I come down here.’
    ‘But you did use the word “date”, didn’t you, my dear?’
    ‘Well, yes, but it’s only an expression. We’re just friends, really.’
    Mrs Tinker decided to change the subject. ‘So what are your plans for today?’
    ‘I thought I would do a bit of exploring this morning. This afternoon I’ve got an appointment with your Peter. I need to give him some keys and he’s promised me some prices.’
    ‘Why don’t you start here in the village? The church is eight hundred years old, you know. Danny and I will come and show you the way, if you like. It’s time for his walk.’ At the sound of this magic word, the dog leapt to his feet.
    A few minutes later they set off. The dog was clearly delighted to be out in the fresh air. Alice was very impressed to see that he walked to heel, without the need of a lead, even though the first part of their walk was down a road. As they passed the pub, she could see the church tower sticking up just behind it.
    ‘I didn’t realise I was so close to the village centre last night.’
    ‘Woodcombe isn’t big. There used to be two pubs, but one closed down. Mind you, we’ve still got a shop, sort of a general store.’ She stopped as they reached the lychgate in front of the church. ‘Danny and I will leave you here. We go up in the fields beyond the church for our walk. I’ll see you later. Enjoy yourself.’
    Alice watched them walk off then turned and went through the gate into the churchyard. She walked up among the tombstones, soon realising that the same three or four surnames appeared regularly. The earliest date she could read was 1667, but some of the stones were so covered in moss and lichen she felt sure they must be even older. The church was cold and a bit damp, but surprisingly light. Most of the windows were clear, although there were a few stained glass scenes here and there. George and a very fiery-looking dragon took pride of place behind the altar.
    Between two rows of choir stalls she spotted a bottom.
    ‘Good morning.’ She felt she should say something.
    The sound of her voice must have surprised him. He jumped visibly and she heard a thud as some part of his anatomy hit the woodwork.
    ‘Sorry if I gave you a shock. Are you all right?’ Her voice was hesitant.
    He rose to his feet, gently rubbing the side of his head. He was a handsome man, dark-haired, with broad shoulders. He could have been her age, maybe a year or two older.
    ‘I’m fine.’ He looked a bit shifty and did not meet her eye. She began to feel strangely anxious. She glanced around the church. It was quite empty apart from the two of them.
    ‘Did you lose something?’ She did her best to keep her voice level.
    ‘No, just a bit of wet rot.’ He sounded more normal now. ‘The problem is, I’m not a carpenter.’
    Reassured, Alice relaxed and took a better look at him. He was well-spoken and dressed in a dark jumper. Presumably he was the vicar. But she hadn’t seen such a handsome vicar before. She decided to introduce herself.
    ‘I’m Alice Grant.’ She reached out her hand. ‘I’ll be living here for the next six months or so, while my house in Beauchamp is being refurbished.’
    ‘Daniel Tremayne.’ She recognised one of the surnames that cropped up on a number of the tombstones outside. He turned towards the door, clearly uncomfortable. ‘I’d better get on the phone to somebody who can sort this out. Good morning.’ And he was gone.
    She continued her tour of the village. The village green was surrounded by ancient trees, all just coming into leaf. In a few weeks it would no doubt be a lovely shady spot. She saw that the war memorial had recently been cleaned. The granite looked as if it had only been hewn a few days