Read Online Lizzie Marshall's Wedding by Emily Harvale - Free Book Online

type – but the pink and blue-haired girl was rather stunning, in an outlandish sort of way and the brown-haired one was very pretty, even without any make-up. She prayed it wasn’t all three of them. In London, Max could get away with seeing more than one woman at a time but in a village, especially a village like Beckleston, if it was still the Beckleston she remembered, it would be impossible, not to mention, unforgivable.
    ‘It’s lovely to meet you too,’ Jess said, returning her smile. ‘Yes, we all live – and work in Beckleston. I own “Prime Cuts Too”, the hair salon and I live in the flat above, Susie owns “Beckleston Bridal Belles” and also lives above her shop and Becky lives in Rosemary Cottage – and she’s Superwoman.’
    Jess winked at Becky who raised her head from the menu and was clearly, about to object.
    ‘Actually,’ Jess continued, ‘Becky is an Events Organiser, amongst other things. If you want something done, she’s the one to ask. From children’s parties to society weddings, she’s your girl. She organised the Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance Derby – I noticed you reading the poster – Oh! Becky painted that too. I forgot, she’s also an artist and –’
    ‘And she’s sitting next to you and getting more embarrassed by the second!’ Becky said, ‘Mrs. Bedford doesn’t want a sales pitch Jess – but thanks for the vote of confidence.’
    Margaret’s eyes darted towards Max whom she noticed had his eyes firmly fixed in the direction of Becky then she glanced back towards the poster by the door then back to Becky.
    ‘Well ... it just so happens that a sales pitch may be exactly what I do want and please, call me Margaret,’ she said. ‘The poster’s awfully good; was the original a watercolour?’
    She removed her coat and passed it to Max to hang on the hook, on the wall near their table then directed her full attention back to Becky.
    ‘Um. Yes. I painted the watercolour then scanned it in to my computer and added the text.’
    Margaret thought Becky seemed slightly taken aback by the remark and couldn’t help but notice her flushed cheeks. She wondered whether that was from the wine, the fire or because she found compliments awkward to accept.
    ‘And you’ve organised the Valentine’s bash? Why the “Derby” part? Is it a race to find a partner? That sounds rather fun. You would enjoy that wouldn’t you dear?’
    She grinned at Max and he grinned back.
    ‘Well, not exactly. It’s actually a dance competition, in the church hall. Judges watch all the couples entered and each couple has a number; when a couples’ number is called, they leave the floor. The dance continues until there’s only one couple left and they’re the winners. It’s just a bit of fun really. It’s been held for several years.’
    ‘Oh I see. That does sound like fun. “Strictly” comes to Beckleston. I noticed there are various ticket options.’
    ‘Yes. There are tickets for the dance at the hall or tickets for dinner here in the Bistro and Carvery, from a set menu, and the dance combined. It’s really good value. You can buy them from Trisha, at the bar. The profits go to charity.’
    ‘And, it’s this Tuesday? Well, we’ll certainly have to see if there are still tickets available for that, won’t we Max?’
    ‘We certainly will,’ he said, meeting her eyes, ‘I’ll go and ask right now, and whilst I’m there, I think I’d better buy these lovely ladies something to drink.’ He rose from his chair. ‘Another bottle of wine?’
    ‘Oh no! Thank you. We’re just leaving,’ Becky said.
    ‘Are we?’Jess asked.
    ‘Yes,’ Becky said.
    ‘That’s a pity. Mum, would you like wine with lunch?’
    Margaret raised her eyebrows.
    ‘Silly question,’ Max said, ‘Of course you would.’ And he headed to the bar.
    ‘And, you’ve organised weddings too?’ Margaret resumed her questioning.
    ‘Yes. Quite a few. In fact, I just finished one a couple of weeks