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fact, we’re very laid back about each other. We’re taking it, you know, slowly. Really slowly,’ she nodded emphatically. ‘I mean, it’s not like we’re on the phone every night and nattering away for hours on end. We’re just,’ she shrugged noncommittally, ‘cool with each other. Seeing where the relationship goes.’
    ‘Well I’m relieved to hear it,’ said Violet putting her knife and fork together. ‘I don’t mind telling you, we were privately quite anxious about you announcing nuptials in the New Year. We wondered if you’d had some hare-brained idea of booking Little Cobbleton’s church for a January wedding.’
    Janey gave a tinkling laugh as if the thought had never occurred to her. Naturally it had.
    ‘Ooh, before I forget,’ said Violet. ‘Mrs Fosdyke, who is big friends with the sister of the secretary at Little Cobbleton Primary, told me a secret.’
    ‘Really?’ asked Janey, not remotely interested. Her mind was miles away. In Manchester to be precise. What was Jake doing right now? Was he in the orchestra pit watching, with goo-goo eyes, Cinderella? Might he be wishing the hours away until he could slip into her dressing room? Push her up against the wall? Rip off her flimsy satin bodice and–’
    ‘–so it’s imperative you don’t tell anybody,’ said Violet firmly, ‘because it’s not official. Janey?’
    ‘Yes. That’s marvellous.’ Janey hadn’t a clue what her mother had said.
    ‘I knew you’d be pleased!’ Violet clapped her hands together delightedly. ‘So if the Head is planning on taking early retirement and the position is up for grabs, why don’t you get in there quickly and apply for it yourself?’
    Janey stared at her mother as the penny dropped. There was a vacancy for Head Teacher. She put her knife and fork together carefully. If Jake and Cinderella really were an item, the thought of going back to her little flat didn’t appeal one bit. Janey straightened up.
    ‘You know what, Mum? I will!’
    It wouldn’t hurt to have a back-up plan – just in case her latest romance had gone belly up and she just happened to be the last person to know about it.

 
    Chapter Ten
     
    On the morning of Christmas Eve, Janey made discreet enquiries about the impending Head Teacher vacancy at Little Cobbleton Primary School. Within a couple of hours an official application was lined up and things were looking optimistic.
    Meanwhile there was still no word from Jake. In desperation Janey finally caved in and rung his mobile. To hell with appearing uncool and clingy. It was nearly Christmas for goodness sake! The number went straight to voicemail. Janey hung up without leaving a message and took herself off for a long, lonely walk. Outside it was bitterly cold with a feisty wind adding to the chill factor. It whipped her hair about and made her eyeballs stream. Ten minutes later, real tears were flowing. She returned home two hours later with red-rimmed eyes and a dripping nose. As she approached Orchard House, her father was out in the front garden, attempting to rake up soggy leaves.
    When Derek saw Janey, he paused and gave her a considering look. ‘Hello, love. Are you up for Midnight Mass later?’
    ‘Definitely,’ Janey cracked a smiled.
    ‘You look a bit sad, love. Are you missing your boyfriend?’
    ‘Of course.’
    ‘Your pal Susie has been on the jungle drums.’
    Janey groaned. ‘What’s she been saying?’
    ‘According to what Susie told Mrs Jones–’
    ‘Ah, Mrs Jones. The fount of all wisdom.’ Janey rolled her eyes dismissively.
    ‘Well her and quite a few other wagging tongues,’ Derek tilted his head to one side. ‘The word on the grapevine is your current boyfriend is a bit of a shit, darling.’
    ‘A shit ?’ Janey repeated, looking absolutely gobsmacked. ‘Was that the actual word used?’
    Derek looked embarrassed. ‘Yes, darling. It was then relayed to me via Mummy. Mum was in the corner shop this morning grabbing a box of