Rachel Dove - The Chic Boutique On Baker Street

‘So, Amanda, how are you liking the village life so far?’

Amanda smiled at the friendly woman. ‘I like it so far—everyone seems calmer here. The pace is a lot slower than London, it was quite a shock to the system.’

Dotty’s face dropped slightly. ‘So, you are a city girl born and bred? Don’t you miss the bright lights?’ Amanda noted the concern in her voice, unsure why this question seemed so loaded.

‘Bright lights are all well and good, but it also comes with long hours, stress and drunks peeing in the street. I am enjoying the change of pace to be honest.’

Whatever test Dotty had just thrown at her, she had seemingly passed it. Dotty’s shoulders had notably relaxed, and her returning smile was genuine.

‘Oh good, we are often worried that newcomers will leave after the novelty has worn off. Us natives, we never get far. Ben went away and came back, and we are glad he did.’

Amanda was intrigued. He left? Why all the pomposity then? He had gone full-on League of Gentlemen on her when they first met.

‘Oh really, why did he leave?’

Dotty sat back, sipping at her mug of coffee. ‘He went to university, and then came back when he graduated. It was a difficult time—he had not been in a new job long, when his parents passed.’

Amanda’s heart plummeted. He had lost his parents, together?

Dotty saw the question on her face and smiled kindly. She looked to the hallway, as though checking Ben was out of earshot.

‘Ben was working in a practice in London, when his parents died. They got into a car crash, up on the main road. Some boy racer passing through the village, thinking our roads are racetracks. They never suffered, bless their hearts, it was very quick.’ Dotty grimaced at some memory playing in her head. ‘Ben came home straightaway of course, and took over the family business. Once he came back, he never left. He is a country boy, through and through. It’s just a shame that Tanya didn’t see it that way, but that’s a whole other story.’

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