A Village in Jeopardy (Turnham Malpas 16) Read Online Free

down to earth from whatever heavenly plains he’d been on when the doorbell rang, muttered, ‘Never on Thursdays; that’s always ladies’ choir night. Nor Tuesday nor Wednesday – those are heavy teaching nights. Possibly Friday would be the most likely.’
    ‘Perhaps . . . Alice . . . isn’t it? could let me know definitely? Which is best?’
    Marcus nodded. ‘I’ll ask her.’
    ‘You’ll know everyone who’s being invited. They’re all village people. I look forward to hearing from you.’ He gave Marcus a beaming smile. ‘Get back to your writing before you lose the thread. Sorry to interrupt.’ He stood outside on the doorstep looking across the green. Who next? The Rectory.
    Johnny rang the doorbell. Somewhere upstairs a vacuum cleaner was in full swing. He guessed it wouldn’t be Caroline wielding it, didn’t imagine that would be her scene. He heard footsteps and then the door opened.
    ‘Good morning, Peter. And how are you this bright day?’
    ‘Fine, thank you.’
    ‘Time for a word?’
    ‘Should have been in Penny Fawcett at nine – I always go to the market there, but another ten minutes won’t harm. Come in the study.’
    The door closing shut out the noise of the vacuum. ‘It’s Dottie cleaning upstairs. How may I help? Please sit down.’
    ‘It won’t take long. I’ve decided to invite people to supper – a Friday, more than likely. Would that be convenient, a Friday night for you and Caroline?’
    ‘It certainly would; we’d be delighted. Any particular Friday night?’
    ‘Don’t know yet, just checking in preparation for settling on an actual date. Just the usual people, Craddock Fitch and his highly surprising wife . . .’
    Peter asked, ‘Oh! you mean the big age gap?’
    ‘Yes.’ Johnny grinned.
    ‘They are very well suited actually and very happy.’
    ‘I didn’t mean anything by it, just that you get a surprise when you see them together. There’ll be Jimbo and Harriet, though I haven’t asked them yet, and Alice and Marcus, and that’s as far as I’ve got.’
    ‘Sounds a great set of people. Thank you. How are you settling in, Johnny? Must be a far cry from Brazil and running hotels.’
    Johnny tapped the side of his nose, saying, ‘I have plans, great plans and I’m here to stay. Won’t keep you. I’ll send invites and make it official. I’m off to see Craddock Fitch now – any tips for dealing with him?’
    ‘Self-made man, very generous towards the church, considers himself the village benefactor, but . . .’
    Johnny begged for further enlightenment. ‘Yes?’
    ‘The village preferred your uncle Ralph’s discreet approach to giving. Craddock likes everyone to know he’s the first one with his cheque book out. Likes everyone to know who’s doing the giving and they resent that.’
    ‘Ah! Right. Old Uncle Ralph did it with better grace, you mean?’
    Peter had to smile. ‘Yes, I suppose you could say that, though I’ve nothing against Mr Fitch. He’s very honest and plain speaking and I like that in a person.’
    ‘Oh! So do I. Won’t keep you. A Friday night it is, then.’
    ‘Yes, we’ll both look forward to it.’
    ‘I’ll see myself out. Bye!’
    He stood outside the Rectory wondering what to do next. Should he take the car? No, he wouldn’t; he’d walk up there, give him a chance to enjoy the approach to Turnham House. He ambled up the drive admiring the layout of the park, and best of all the glimpses of the house through the bank of trees, suddenly arriving there with the full panoply of the whole front of the house before him. Something very primeval coursed through his veins. He couldn’t deny it; he coveted this beautiful Tudor house like no other thing in the whole of his life. He’d bought hotels in the past and been passionate about their acquisition but this . . . something in his blood urged him to go for it, whatever the cost.
    Johnny quickened his pace and marched in through the open front door, his senses almost