Summer at the Dog & Duck Read online

  ‘Go and find a seat and I’ll grab us some drinks.’

  Polly headed off into the bustle and I turned towards the bar, spotting my best friend, Josie, pulling pints. I made a beeline for her. Josie was Eric’s daughter and had grown up in this pub. She probably knew more about running the place than I did, and I was so happy when she’d decided to come back to work after having her baby. If I had any problems I could always ask Josie what she thought and invariably her advice was spot on.

  ’How’s it been tonight?’ I asked her now.

  ‘Busy,’ she said, smiling. ‘Just as we like it, but nothing we couldn’t handle. It’s just beginning to thin out now. Actually, I’m glad you’re here because I need to have a word with you sometime when you have a moment?’

  ‘Sure. Polly and I are going to share a bottle of Prosecco. Why don’t you come and join us before you leave? That’s unless you have to get back and rescue Ethan?’

  ‘Not likely,’ said Josie laughing. ‘He needs to do his turn occasionally.’ Ethan was Josie's husband and covered babysitting duties for little Stella on the evenings when Josie worked at the pub. ‘I’ll be over in a bit.’

  With the bottle of Prosecco and a couple of glasses in hand, I weaved my way through the crowds – no easy feat when I was stopped by every other person wanting a chat, such was the life of a landlady – before finding Polly sitting at a table in the back bar. She’d been joined by Victoria Evans, the young woman who worked on the local newspaper.

  ‘Hi Victoria, how’s things?’

  ‘Good. I wanted to catch you actually, I’ve got some good news for you.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Yes. We’ve had the list of shortlisted pubs in the county come through for the Potters Pub Guide and The Dog and Duck is on the list!’

  ‘Of course it is!’ said Polly, pouring the wine into the glasses and raising hers in the air. ‘There’d have been a national outcry if it wasn’t.’

  ‘Oh gosh, that’s brilliant,’ I said. ‘And such a relief too. Can you imagine not making the shortlist this year, now I’m in charge. That would have been terrible.’

  ‘We’re going to publish the list in this week’s edition of the paper and then we’ll do a feature on each of the pubs in the following weeks in the run-up to the announcement of the overall winner.’ Victoria leaned into my side and whispered in my ear, ‘You would be our winner, obviously, but for the sake of fairness we thought we had to feature the other pubs too.’

  ‘So how’s the winner actually selected then?’ Polly asked Victoria.

  ‘Well the shortlist is drawn up from customer nominations and then the overall winner is selected by representatives from the pub guide. They make unannounced visit to the pubs and rate them against a checklist of standards to come up with the best pub in the county. So you’ll need to be on high alert for any mystery visitors.’

  ‘Oh shit!’

  ‘What?’ Both Polly and Victoria turned to look at me. ‘I think it might be a bit late for that. I had a guy in the other day. I didn’t think much of it at the time but I didn’t make the best impression.’ I shook my head, remembering the disastrous visit. ‘He came in early for a pint, but none of the draught beers were on, and then he asked for some pork scratchings. I didn’t have any. Then to make matters worse, I tripped over a bucket of water I’d left in the middle of the floor and spilt it all over the man’s shoes.’ I let out a big sigh, before taking a restorative glug of Prosecco. ‘I’m not sure I would have ticked any of the boxes on his wretched checklist.’

  ‘Oh… well maybe it didn’t go as badly as you thought,’ said Victoria, trying to make me feel better, I knew.

  ‘Yeah, or it might not even have been him. Perhaps it was just a random punter. That’s the thing about a mystery visitor, they’re mysterious!’

  I gave Polly a doubtful look.

  ‘Why all the glum faces?’ Just then Josie came over and joined us at the table, picking up the bottle and filling her glass, after topping up mine and Polly’s.

  ‘Oh we were just discussing the Potters Pub Guide awards. I think I may have blown our chances this year. Your dad always did well in the awards, didn’t he?’

  ‘Yeah, I think he picked up a few medals over the years. I know he was always dead chuffed when he received the news.’ Josie must have noticed my stricken expression because she quickly added, ‘But honestly I wouldn’t spend any time worrying about it. The pub is doing just as well as it’s ever done and that’s all that matters. You don’t need a silly gong to prove anything.’

  Maybe not, but I did feel a sense of responsibility to uphold the good reputation of the pub. To think that people might be saying it had gone downhill since I’d taken over filled me with dread.

  Still, if tonight was anything to go by, then I had to be doing something right. The place was full to the gills with happy punters.

  ‘Anyway, no more moping,’ said Josie, banging her hands on the table, ‘because I’ve got some news. We’ve finally got round to arranging little Stella’s christening. It’s going to be on the 14th of June at St Cuthbert’s and you’re all invited.’

  ‘Isn’t that the weekend of the summer fair?’ Polly asked me.

  ‘No, we’ve pencilled in the following week, the 21st, but nothing’s confirmed yet. We’re having a meeting here soon to finalise the details.’

  ‘Oh, perfect then,’ said Polly.

  ‘I can’t wait,’ I added. We all doted on Stella and couldn't get enough of her squidgy cuddles.

  ‘Well, I’ve chosen that weekend because Dad will be over. It’s a shame your mum and dad won’t be here, Ellie, but one of Ethan’s friends has offered to film the service for us so I can send it to your mum so that she won’t feel she’s missing out completely.’

  Our families had always been close, and that bond had only grown stronger when Miriam, Josie’s mum, died when Josie was still a teenager. Eric had done his best, but struggling with his own grief, had floundered at times. Mum had stepped in to provide support and a listening ear to Josie for those times when she really needed a mother figure to confide in. When Josie became pregnant, Mum was delighted; I swear she couldn’t have been happier if it had been me who had been expecting. And the way I looked at it, it got me off the baby-making hook for a few more years at least.

  ‘What a lovely day it will be,’ said Victoria.

  ‘Yes, I can’t wait and what I wanted to ask you, Ellie,’ said Josie, grabbing hold of my hand from across the table, ‘is if you’d be Stella’s godmother?’

  ‘What!?’ I had to double-check her expression to make sure I’d heard her correctly. ‘Me? Really? Do you mean it?’

  Josie’s face lit up in a smile, before she broke into laughter. ‘Of course, I mean it! Who else was I going to ask? You’ve been my best friend since forever and I can’t think of anyone who would make a better godmother to my daughter.’

  A tight ball of emotion rose in my throat. ‘Oh my gosh! I wasn’t expecting that.’ I swallowed hard, feeling deeply touched that Josie had asked me. ‘Honestly, I’d be thrilled to be godmother to your gorgeous daughter.’

  Josie stood up and leaned over to give me a tight hug.

  I allowed the smile that had been hovering on my lips to spread across my face. It only confirmed to me that coming back to Little Leyton had been the best decision I’d ever made and it certainly put into perspective any silly niggles about pub awards.

  ‘Well I think this calls for another bottle of fizz to celebrate,’ said Polly, never one to miss an opportunity.

  Another bottle of Prosecco was ordered and the four of us, me, Polly, Josie and Victoria, sat around the table catching up on the gossip. Josie was in the middle of telling us about Stella’s crawling antics when Polly seemed to develop a sudden and urgent body twitch.

  ‘Psst Ellie, over there.’ She was flailing her head in the direction of the bay window, clearly agitated.

  We all turned round, looking over our shoulders to
see.

  ‘Stop it!’ she hissed. ‘Don’t make it so obvious.’

  ‘What are we actually looking at?’ asked Victoria, perplexed as the rest of us.

  ‘That man over there, sitting on his own, with his laptop. Look at him. I reckon he could be your mystery man from the pub guide.’

  ‘What on earth would make you think that?’ I asked, unable to see the man through the throng.

  ‘Watch him. He keeps looking at his beer and then jotting something down in his notepad.’

  ‘You never know, he might just have come out for a quiet pint,’ I said, shaking my head despairingly. ‘That is allowed here you know.’

  ‘Yeah, but I’ve never seen him in here before. Have you? And why would you bring a notepad?’

  ‘I’ve no idea. And to be honest, I can’t really see what he looks like. I reckon we should all stop staring. I’m trying to attract new customers, not put them off from coming.’

  All this talk of mystery pub visitors was making me decidedly nervous. I would have to make sure I was on top form from now on, just in case Polly was right in her suspicions.

  Victoria had dropped her head to one side, peering in the direction of the man, clearly giving the matter some serious consideration. ‘I don’t think he can be your pub guide man though,’ she said, ‘he’s far too good-looking.’

  ‘What’s that go to do with anything?’ said Josie, laughing.

  ‘Think about it, someone who goes round the county drinking all those different beers is going to be middle-aged, portly and beardy. Not young, cool and lethally sexy.’

  ‘Oh God, now you come to mention it, the man who was in the other morning fell into that category.’ Three eager faces turned to look at me. ‘The middle-aged and portly one,’ I added.

  ‘Mmm,’ said Polly with a sigh. ‘Whoever he is, he is very, very hot.’

  Polly and Victoria were gawping as though they’d never seen a good-looking man before, although in fairness it probably was a rare event for the Dog and Duck.

  ‘Hey, look out,’ said Josie, ‘he’s coming this way.’

  We all giggled and sat up straight in our chairs, like a bunch of silly schoolgirls caught out on some misdemeanour.

  ‘Oh gawd,’ I said, getting a proper look at the man for the first time, before dropping my gaze. ‘That’s no mystery man, that’s George Williamson.’

  ‘Who?’ The rest of the girls asked in unison.

  ‘Oh it doesn’t matter. Just stop staring or else he’ll notice.’

  Only he didn’t. He just waltzed past us on his way to the loos without even so much as a glance in our direction. A few minutes later, on his way back again, I stepped into my role as landlady and called out his name, wanting to give him a proper warm welcome to the pub.

  ‘George?’

  He stopped, turned, gave a megawatt smile to his newly formed adoring fan club, before his gaze alighted on mine. ‘Oh hi. It’s Ellie, isn’t it?’ Ten out of ten for remembering my name.

  ‘Yes, that’s right. Lovely to see you in here. Are you settling well into the cottage?’ ‘Yes, it’s absolutely fine. Everything I wanted. So peaceful and quiet.’ I smiled, noticing that George seemed so much more affable this evening. I'd obviously caught him at a bad time the other day. ‘Oh, and thanks for the cake by the way, it was delicious. You’re a great baker.’

  I swelled with pride, until remembering that I hadn’t actually made the cake, which was only brought home to me by the surprised expressions on my friend’s faces.

  ‘Well actually it’s…’ Heck, what did it matter. ‘…One of my favourite recipes,’ I quickly added, which wasn’t strictly a lie. ‘I’m so glad you liked it. Let me introduce you to a few of the locals. This is Polly, who owns and works at Polly’s Flowers next door. This is Josie who works here. She grew up in this pub, she’s the daughter of the previous landlord, and this is Victoria who works on the local newspaper.’ I turned to my friends who were hanging on my every word, well that's what I told myself, at least. ‘This is George Williamson who’s just moved into No. 2 Ivy Lane Cottages. You’ll find us a very friendly bunch. There’s a poster over on the beam next to the bar which shows all the events running here. There’s usually something going on most nights.’

  ‘Hello,’ he lifted his hand in acknowledgments to my friends. ‘And thank you. I’ll take a look, although really I’m here to work so I won’t have a lot of time to get involved.’

  ‘Of course,’ I said, wondering again just what it was he did for a living. ‘No pressure, but you’ll be most welcome when you do have a spare moment.’

  ‘What do you think of the pub then?’ Polly piped up.

  ‘Yep,’ said George, nodding his head as he looked around him. ‘It’s great. Just how you’d want a village pub to be.’

  ‘Oh good, and the beer is just as you’d like it too?’ she probed.

  A mild hint of panic darted across George’s eyes, but he did a good job of retaining his good-natured composure, addressing Polly with a smile. ‘The beer was very good, yes.’

  ‘Did you try the pork scratchings?’

  I shoved my foot into Polly’s leg beneath the table, but she was totally oblivious and steamed ahead regardless, with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

  ‘The pork scratchings,’ she insisted. ‘I can recommend them. Or there’re crisps and nuts, if you prefer. There’s always plenty of choice here.’

  ‘That’s good to know, but I just came for the beer… which was great. Anyway,’ he said, looking desperate now to escape as he took an exaggerated glance at his watch, ‘I ought to be making a move. It’s been great meeting you all.’

  Poor man, probably thought we were all completely loopy.

  ‘Well there you go,’ said Polly, once he’d gone. She banged her hands down on the table, looking as though she’d uncovered the missing piece in a murder investigation. ‘He’s clearly not the pub guide man, but whoever he is, he’s very, very lovely.’

  Five

  ‘I should leave. You’ll be wanting to go to bed.’

  I’d locked the door on the last of our customers and only Josie remained, but she wasn’t looking as though she wanted to go anywhere.

  ‘Well, I’m going to have a coffee,’ I suggested. ‘Do you fancy one?’

  ‘Oh please,’ she said, looking relieved as she slipped off her coat again.

  ‘You do know it was your dad who got me into this bad habit. After a busy shift we would lock the doors and have a sneaky coffee, usually with a dash of something alcoholic in it.’

  ‘I know, I remember us doing that too. It’s those little things that I miss so much.’ Josie’s face slipped, her tone wistful.

  ‘Oh me too. But it’s not long until the christening now and he’ll be home and it will be as if he’s never been away. Should we hold him hostage and make him promise not to go off gallivanting again?’

  ‘I might have to do that,’ said Josie, laughing wryly.

  ‘Everything is all right, isn’t it darling?’ I asked her. ‘I don’t know, you’ve seemed a bit subdued tonight.’

  ‘Yeah, I’m all right. Just missing Dad, I guess. Having Stella is the best thing that’s happened to me, but sometimes it’s hard, not having Mum around or Dad close by. Ethan’s parents are great, but it’s not the same.’

  ‘Oh, Josie, I can imagine.’ I reached across the table and took her hand, interlocking my fingers with hers. ‘There are certain times in your life when only your mum will do, and it must be really hard doing this without her.’

  ‘Yep,’ she sighed, resignedly. ‘It is. I know it’s been over ten years, but I miss her more than ever now. And it makes me so sad thinking how much she’s missed out on.’

  ‘Well, what you have to remember is how proud she would be to see the fantastic job you’re doing. She might not be here in person, but her spirit and personality lives on in you and Stella.’

  ‘Thanks, Ellie, that would be nice to think so. Ethan can’t understan
d why I’m suddenly feeling this way. He doesn’t really get it.’

  ‘Well, you know what it’s like, men can be a bit dense at times.’

  ‘You’re not kidding. I know it’s not really his fault, but it annoys me how my life has changed beyond recognition and he just carries on in his own sweet little way. Going to football practice a couple of times a week, meeting up with his mates, popping in on his parents whenever he wants to. While if I want to do anything it’s like a military operation, because wherever I go, apart from here of course, Stella comes with me.’

  ‘Well if Ethan’s not doing his fair share then you need to tell him. He probably doesn’t even realise what it’s like for you.’ Ethan was a sweet lad, but could be a bit thoughtless at times.

  ‘You’re probably right,’ she said, letting out a heartfelt sigh. ‘Don’t take any notice of me. I’m just having a moan.’ She shook her head and shoulders as it to get rid of the negative thoughts. ‘I wouldn’t really change anything for the world. I know how fortunate I am to have a gorgeous little girl, great friends, and a good husband, even if he can be a bit gormless at times.’ She laughed and looked at her phone to check the time. ‘I ought to get going. With any luck they’ll both be sleeping when I get home.’

  ‘Will you be all right, walking home by yourself? I can see if I can get you a taxi, if you like?’

  ‘No, don’t be daft. I’ll be fine.’

  ‘If you’re sure? Look, you know I’m always here if you need to let off steam. And anything I can do to help, then just say. Babysitting duties, husband-wrangling, wine-pouring or cake-providing. All of those things.’

  ‘You know I might just take you up on that,’ she said, laughing.

  ‘I’m so bloomin’ chuffed to be Stella’s godmother.’ It still hadn’t really sunk in yet. ‘It never even occurred to me that you might ask.’

  ‘Well, like I said, there’s no one else in the world I would rather have.’ She enveloped me with a hug. ‘Thanks Ellie. For listening. For being there. Not sure what I’d do without you.’

  Just then there was a loud banging on the front door and we both turned to look at each other, startled.