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

of approval flitted across Mr Fitch’s face.
    Johnny heard a hint of sarcasm in his tone but ignored it. Wouldn’t do to antagonise the old man, not right now. ‘Lovely house you have here.’
    An almost tangible glow appeared around Craddock’s head as he replied, ‘Indeed, yes. I love it. Inordinately proud of it I am, I have to say. Superb, isn’t it?’
    ‘What I’ve seen, yes.’
    ‘This room makes me feel completely at home, as though I’m made for it.’
    Johnny took a moment to admire the amazing antique desk that was Craddock’s and the ancient shelving holding books he secretly felt Craddock must have bought just to fill the shelves as appropriately as possible: leather bound, gold lettering on the spines. Oh, yes! Not bought for their intrinsic value, that was obvious. But he had to admire the room and respect the man’s love of the place. Johnny was intensely aware that Mr Fitch wouldn’t give up this house of his without a struggle.
    A silence fell between the two of them while they sipped their coffee. Johnny couldn’t think what on earth to say except I’d like to buy your house and Craddock seemed to be thinking about matters far away from this wonderful room.
    Johnny got to his feet. ‘Mustn’t keep you any longer. I’ll be sending the invites out in a week or so. Glad you’re able to come. Thanks for the coffee! Good morning.’
    Now, who next? He needed a female to pair up with himself and make a proper balance. Did he know any lone females in the village who would fit in?
    That lively old lady he met one morning out taking her constitutional around the cricket pitch? She would do very nicely. Now where did she live?
    He’d ask in the pub. The doors were open and there was a sound of activity in the bar. Johnny checked the time: eleven fifteen. Just right.
    ‘Good morning, landlord! Coffee please. Latte if possible.’
    ‘Name’s Dicky.’
    ‘Dicky, of course.’ Johnny stood at the bar to await his coffee and surveyed the scene. There were three obvious tourists sitting close up to the inglenook fireplace, and a young girl sitting by herself, reading a book while drinking coffee, and he decided she was stunning. He’d catch her eye. He raised a hand and smiled at her and she smiled back. She was beautiful in repose and even more so when she smiled. She acknowledged his greeting and then rather shyly tapped the table as an invitation to join her. So he did. As simple as that.
    ‘I’m Johnny Templeton.’
    ‘I know. Oh! Look, here’s your coffee. Do sit down.’
    ‘Love to. And you are . . .?’
    ‘Beth. It’s short for Elizabeth.’
    ‘You live in the village?’
    ‘All my life.’
    ‘Haven’t seen you around.’
    ‘I’m at university. I’m home at the moment, because I’ve had a really bad bout of flu that’s knocked me for six.’
    ‘Which?’
    ‘Which flu?’
    Johnny smiled. ‘No, which university.’
    ‘Cambridge.’
    Not only beauty, but brains too. ‘Oh! My word! I thought all girls who went to Cambridge wore round steel-framed glasses, flat shoes and looked in need of a makeover.’
    Beth laughed. ‘Honestly! You’re way out on that score; there are still a few like that but most of them are right out front in the fashion stakes.’
    ‘Studying?’
    ‘Archaeology.’
    ‘Ah! Right. Never got the chance myself. Just went straight into the family business. I’m envious of your opportunity. Must be a wonderful experience, Cambridge.’
    ‘It is. I’m privileged.’
    ‘And I’m privileged having coffee with such a lovely-looking lady.’
    Beth pulled a face. ‘Oh! Please, what a line!’
    ‘Sorry. But you do have the looks, there’s no doubt about that. My compliment was well intentioned.’
    Beth’s next remark took Johnny completely by surprise. ‘You prefer beautiful women then?’
    ‘I must admit it does add to the pleasure if they’re good lookers.’
    ‘Well, she’s certainly that.’
    Alarm bells rang in Johnny’s head, so he feigned