Second Chances in Tuppenny Bridge: A totally heartwarming feel-good read, page 20
Jonah nodded and, after a hug from Tommy, he strolled away, paper bags in hand.
‘Wow, these are really good,’ Summer said, sounding surprised as she gazed around the stall. ‘Have you seen these, Mum?’
‘I know. Lovely, aren’t they?’ Sally lightly ran a hand over some of the sturdier pieces. ‘Man of many talents that Jonah, isn’t he?’ She gave Kat a knowing look and Kat responded with an almost imperceptible shake of the head.
Summer, however, had clearly noticed. She grinned.
‘If that warning was for my benefit, you needn’t worry. I already know all about this sizzling romance that’s going on under the roof of Forge Cottage.’
‘What sizzling romance?’ Kat demanded.
‘Come on now, Kat. The Lavender Ladies are running a bet on when it will become public knowledge, so it must be true.’
Sally laughed. ‘Don’t be mean, Summer! It’s all right, love, we’ve all been there, remember? We know how this works. Then again, you can’t say their track record doesn’t speak for itself. They were right about me and Rafferty, and they were right about Ben and Summer, so maybe…’
‘Has Ben heard about this?’ Kat asked anxiously.
‘Of course he has. Why?’
‘Well… Leon.’
Summer looked surprised. ‘Don’t be daft. Ben’s really rooting for you.’
‘He hasn’t told Jennifer, though? I wouldn’t want her to get the wrong idea.’
‘Aw, Kat, love,’ Sally said, shaking her head, ‘you’ve got to stop worrying about all that. Jennifer would want you to move on and be happy.’
‘But he hasn’t mentioned it to her?’ Kat persisted.
Summer shrugged. ‘Not that I know of, no.’
‘Please,’ Kat begged, ‘tell him not to. It’s just gossip, nothing more than that, and not worth upsetting her with.’
Summer and Sally exchanged puzzled looks.
‘Please?’
‘Okay,’ Summer said, sounding uncertain. ‘If that’s what you want. I’ll tell him.’
‘Can we watch the sheep races?’ Tommy asked, peering up at Kat with a pleading expression.
‘Sure we can,’ Kat said, glad of a change of subject. ‘But your daddy’s shoeing demonstration comes first. The sheep race starts after that.’
‘If you like,’ Summer offered, ‘I can stay at the stall while the races are on, and Jonah can watch the races with you. I’m sure Tommy would like that.’
Kat decided not to rise to the bait. ‘That’s lovely of you. You’ll have to ask Jonah.’ She remembered about the prices and picked up a bunch of spare price labels that were lying behind the counter. ‘Have either of you got a pen? I’m going to change these prices before he comes back to tell me he’s changed his mind.’
The shoeing demonstration was about to start, and Kat led Tommy over to where a young woman had led a large, hairy, coloured cob into the field, next to where Jonah’s van was parked, its doors open and the portable forge inside clearly visible.
There was a camera on a tripod and a large screen set up so that people would be able to see what Jonah was doing. Kat felt nervous for him as he stood waiting while a man in tweeds tested the microphone to make sure people could hear him clearly. He was going to be explaining what Jonah was doing to everyone. No wonder he’d been nervous!
Jonah was wearing his apron over his jeans, although Kat felt the term “apron” was misleading. It looked more like short leather chaps, with big pockets on each side. She couldn’t help but feel a stab of pride as she watched him, especially when she heard two young women close by say how gorgeous he was.
He didn’t look at the crowd, which didn’t surprise her. No doubt he would be trying not to think about them, focusing instead on the job in hand. He spoke to the young woman holding the horse and stroked the horse’s muzzle before getting to work.
Kat watched as he put the horse’s hoof between his knees and reached for a hammer and another tool from his toolbox.
The man with the microphone explained that the first thing Jonah was doing was removing the old shoe. The nails were removed and then Jonah used what looked like giant pliers to pull the shoe away from the hoof.
He worked swiftly and surely, taking a curved knife to the hoof, scraping away chunks of it and making Kat wince, although the horse seemed totally unflustered by the experience, so it clearly wasn’t bothering him. The man explained that Jonah was paring away the excess sole and dead frog, allowing healthy tissue to breathe. Kat presumed a frog was part of the foot and not an unfortunate amphibian that the horse had trodden on.
He then used what the man said was a nipper to trim the hoof wall to the required length. Kat watched, fascinated, as Jonah went through a variety of tools just to get the hoof ready for shoeing. She’d had no idea there was so much to it, and her mind whirled as the man informed them of all the different tools he was reaching for throughout the demonstration: nipper, rasp, tongs, pritchel, and so many types of hammer, each of which apparently had a different use.
Bit by bit, Jonah peeled away layers of dirty hoof, revealing a fresh, white surface. He then took a rasp, which was just like a giant nail file, and Tommy looked up at her as Jonah filed the hoof firmly and assuredly, bits of it showering down on the ground around him.
‘It’s okay,’ he whispered to Kat. ‘It doesn’t hurt the horse at all, promise.’
Her heart melted as he took her hand in his and clasped it tightly, as if to reassure her.
Using tongs, Jonah took a horseshoe from the forge on his van. It was glowing red hot, and he placed it on the anvil, where he got to work shaping it and brushing it with a large, stiff brush, to remove any loose filings.
He then placed the horseshoe on the hoof, and steam poured from it, making Tommy gasp, even though he’d seen it all before. It was Kat’s turn to squeeze his hand, and she was gratified when he rewarded her with a happy smile.
Jonah removed the shoe several times to shape the edge of the hoof around the imprint of the shoe, scraping bits away before pressing the hot shoe against the foot again.
Eventually, he seemed satisfied and began to nail the shoe to the hoof using what the man called a driving hammer. It looked like a claw hammer, and after Jonah had banged each nail in he used the claw end to break off the ends of the nail that were protruding through the hoof wall.
He used a variety of tools to make sure the nails were flat against the hoof and rasped them again, before brushing them down with what looked like a long nail brush. Kat glanced at the screen and saw a close-up of the finished hoof, clean and gleaming, with a shiny new shoe in place.
There was a round of applause as Jonah dropped the cob’s foot and gathered up his tools, giving a brief nod to acknowledge the crowd while the man with the microphone pointed out what a skilled job being a farrier was, and how long it took to train, and informed them that anyone interested in becoming a farrier would find more information in the leaflets at the rural careers stall.
The young woman spoke to Jonah for a few minutes while he packed his things back in the van, then she led the cob away. Kat beamed at Tommy.
‘Wasn’t that amazing? Isn’t your daddy clever?’
Tommy nodded. ‘Can we watch the sheep races now?’
Kat sighed inwardly. There was no pleasing some people. ‘Let’s see if your dad wants to watch them too, shall we?’
Tommy was quite pleased by that idea, so as the crowds drifted off towards the fenced off track near the churchyard fence, grandly nicknamed the racetrack, Kat led him over to the van, where Jonah had just slammed the doors shut.
He turned, smiling when he saw them.
‘You watched then?’
‘Didn’t you see us?’ Kat asked. ‘We were front row, cheering you on.’
‘I didn’t hear anyone cheering,’ he said, laughing.
‘Okay, well in our heads we were cheering you on.’ She didn’t tell him what else had been in her head, nor how her body had reacted to seeing him looking so capable and professional. She’d almost melted on the spot, but there was no way she could tell him that. Instead she said cheerfully, ‘You were really good. I was impressed. Would you like to watch the sheep racing with us?’
They followed him to the side of the van where he opened the driver’s door and said, ‘I’d love to, but I’ve got the stall to see to.’
‘Summer said she’s happy to cover if you want to come with us,’ Kat told him quickly. ‘What do you think?’
He hesitated then nodded. ‘Why not? Give me five minutes to shift the van and I’ll meet you at the racecourse.’
She thought he probably had no idea how the thought of spending another half an hour in his company thrilled her. She hadn’t realised it herself until that moment. There was no denying it any longer, though. She was totally, one hundred per cent, head over heels in love with Jonah Brewster. Now what was she supposed to do?
SEVENTEEN
Sunday was colder—much colder. Jonah turned over the page on his Country Year calendar to reveal October’s photograph, which was appropriately autumnal. Today was the second and final day of the sheep fair, and the day would begin with the Harvest Festival service at the church.
He hadn’t intended to go, thinking he’d be busy on the stall, which had, to his astonishment, been a resounding success. He couldn’t believe how much money he’d made yesterday, as he’d fully expected sales to drop after Kat doubled the prices. They hadn’t, and he had to admit it had boosted his confidence, knowing that so many people were willing to pay so much for the things he’d made.
Kat was taking the children to All Hallows because she told him she loved the service, and went every year with her aunties, at which point Sally, who’d been standing with them offered to man the stall for an hour or so if he wanted to go to the church with them.
When he’d declined her offer, thinking it too much of an imposition, she’d assured him it was no bother at all.
‘And I’m sure it would mean a lot if you went,’ she’d added. ‘To Tommy.’
He supposed it would be nice if he could be there for his son, rather than leaving him in Kat’s capable hands yet again. And, if he was being really honest with himself, it would be lovely to attend church with Kat and Hattie, too. So he’d said yes to Sally’s offer, and he couldn’t deny he was looking forward to it.
Kat was just slipping a cardigan on Hattie when he brought Tommy, fully dressed and teeth cleaned, downstairs. Jonah watched her for a moment, thinking.
‘Did you knit that, too?’ he asked, nodding at the chunky grey-blue cardigan that looked lovely and warm on the baby girl.
‘Sure did,’ Kat said, buttoning it up despite Hattie’s wriggling. She glanced up at him. ‘Why? Do you like it?’
Jonah sat down next to her on the sofa. ‘You know, maybe that woman at the fair had a point. You know, the one who said you should be selling jumpers yesterday? She reckoned you’d make a killing, and I think she could be right. These are good, Kat. Really good. Have you ever thought about setting up a knitting business?’
Kat frowned. ‘Are you serious?’
‘Why not? Think about it. You’re always knitting in your spare time anyway. You’ve told me yourself you love it, you’ve loved it since you were a little kid. You could sell them online. Maybe even get a market stall once you’ve built up your stock. What do you think?’
She hesitated, clearly uncertain. ‘I suppose it’s a thought,’ she said slowly. ‘It would certainly bring in some extra money, and it would fit around Hattie and Tommy, too. I’m not sure how much I’d make though.’
‘Well, just think about it,’ he urged, taking Hattie from her knee. ‘Come on, get your coat and let’s get off to the church.’
All Hallows was packed when they arrived, looking particularly lovely with the flower displays on view. A variety of foodstuffs was already laid out on the altar steps. They added a bag of apples, some tinned soup, and a packet of pasta to the other offerings, knowing that after the service the provisions would be boxed up and delivered to the elderly residents of Tuppenny Bridge.
Glancing round, Jonah could see quite a few of the locals were there. Harvest Festival was probably the most popular church event after Christmas, so it wasn’t surprising, and it was no wonder that Zach Barrington, the local vicar, beamed round at them all in delight, clearly pleased to see such a full church.
The service was one of thanksgiving, and a reminder to them all that everyone owed a great debt to the food producers in the world, who in turn owed much to the mercy of God. Zach also took the time to point out that not everyone was so blessed, and that there was a great deal of hunger and poverty, including in their own community, and led prayers for the well-being of those less fortunate.
There were several readings, and the congregation sang three of Jonah’s favourite hymns: We Plough the Fields and Scatter; Come, Ye Thankful People, Come; and All Things Bright and Beautiful.
After the service there was tea, coffee and biscuits, and everyone milled round, exchanging news and admiring the floral displays.
‘Wonderful service as always, vicar,’ Miss Lavender said. She was the only person Jonah knew who ever referred to Zach in that way. Everyone else just used his name, which he preferred, but there was no swaying Miss Lavender. ‘So good to see so many donations. There’ll be quite a haul for the elderly.’
‘Does that include you, Miss Lavender?’
Some cheeky teenage boy had the nerve to ask her that, and Jonah had to admire his courage.
Miss Lavender gave him an icy stare. ‘Hardly, young man. And I wouldn’t mock if I were you. One day it will be you whose door the church is knocking on and you might well be grateful for the donation. So think on that.’
Jonah grinned as the boy was dragged away by his embarrassed mother, and Miss Lavender gave a satisfied nod before hurrying off to supervise the tea and coffee service, because apparently whoever was in charge of that was being far too slow.
‘What would we do without her?’ Zach said in his broad Yorkshire accent, so unlike his wife’s cut-glass tones.
‘Probably relax a bit more?’ Kat suggested, her eyes twinkling.
‘Well, there is that,’ Zach agreed. ‘Still, we’d be lost without her. She’s done so much to help and I, for one, am very grateful.’
‘Plenty of donations I see,’ Jonah remarked, nodding towards the altar steps.
Zach smiled as he glanced behind him. ‘Definitely. People have been lovely. I know it’s not been an easy few years for most people, and there are too many struggling financially, so it’s heart-warming to see them donating what they can to help.’
‘Reckon the Tuppenny Bridge Fund will be down on other years then?’ Jonah asked, knowing that the vicar was one of the committee in charge of the fund.
‘It’s hard to say. There haven’t been as many donations throughout the year,’ Zach admitted, rubbing his chin. ‘Like I said, it’s been a tough few years so it’s not surprising. But the sheep fair has been very busy this year, and we’ve had record entrants for the classes, plus even more stalls than usual. Maybe we’ll make more from that. And then of course there’s the annual donation from the Lavender Ladies to come.’
Kat and Jonah exchanged surprised looks.
‘The Lavender Ladies?’ Kat asked. ‘They make a donation?’
Zach looked astonished that she didn’t know. ‘Well of course they do. What do you think they do with the profits from the bets they run?’
Jonah shrugged. ‘To be honest, I thought they just pocketed it.’
Zach laughed. ‘I believe that would be illegal. Miss Lavender would never permit it.’
Kat pulled a face. ‘Reckon the aunties would.’
‘Well, maybe…’ Zach winked. ‘But you know Eugenie Lavender. Everything above board. She made sure, from the day I arrived in this town, that I was aware of the, er, sideline they had going, and that I had full access to their records. Every penny they make goes into a special account, and each year they hand it over to the Tuppenny Bridge Fund. They’ve donated a small fortune over the years. Naturally I can’t condone gambling in any form, but even so, I have to admit it’s been a blessing for the fund. Their profits have helped a great many causes in this town.’
‘Well I never,’ Kat murmured. ‘I had no idea.’
‘Oh yes,’ Zach said, his eyes twinkling. ‘So all those courting couples finally getting together are doing some good for Tuppenny Bridge. Remember that.’
He placed a hand on each of their shoulders and grinned at them, then headed off to speak to Rafferty Kingston.
Realising what he’d meant by that last remark, Jonah felt his face heating up. He hardly dare look at Kat, wondering if she was aware that there was a bet running on them. He really hoped not, but it would be a miracle if that had escaped her notice in this town.
Luckily, at that moment, Tommy announced he wanted a biscuit, so Kat led him away to get one. She left Jonah with Hattie, who was sitting in her buggy, staring wide-eyed at everyone milling around her, and receiving the occasional pat on the head and adoring smile from various members of the congregation with surprising calm and grace. There were several admiring comments about her cardigan, which Jonah took great pleasure in passing on to Kat when she returned.
As the church emptied, Jonah announced he’d have to head back to the stall.
‘You’re sure you’re okay with Tommy?’ he murmured. ‘I know it’s a lot to ask—’
‘It’s not a lot to ask at all,’ Kat said. ‘Stop worrying. I’m taking them to the market place now because the Jacobs are being shown today and I do love to see them. I’ll catch you later.’
Jonah nodded and dropped a kiss on Tommy’s cheek, then he bent down and took Hattie’s little hand in his and squeezed it gently.
‘Behave yourselves, you two,’ he told the children. ‘I’ll see you all later.’
He straightened, and his gaze landed on Kat. For one horrifying moment he almost leaned forward to kiss her too, but thankfully caught himself in time and stepped back as if he’d been slapped.
