Chapter One
Lilly Tweed was on an important mission.
She was the former Agony Aunt with the local newspaper, The Plumpton Mallet Gazette, but now owned The Tea Emporium in the town’s market square, where she still gave advice occasionally alongside the health teas she blended and sold to her customers. She was also a partner in the exceptionally popular Agony Aunt’s cafe.
Up until now there had been no direct competition since opening her tea shop, however she’d just been informed there was a new establishment due to open on the outskirts of town which sounded similar and she was concerned.
“Do you know if they’re selling tea sets?” Lilly asked Stacey, her shop manager and friend. “Or doing any sort of outside catering?”
“I don’t know,” Stacey replied, shaking her head.
Stacey was an American who had come to attend the local university and get to know her father, James. He was British, but had not been in her life very much when she was growing up. Now, when he wasn’t lecturing in London, he lived with her in the flat above and helped Lilly and Stacey in the shop when needed.
“We just heard there was a new tea shop about to open,” James said. “And thought you should know.”
“Thanks, James. Of course, you’re right, anything that could adversely affect the business I need to be aware of, but I’m not too concerned at the moment.” Lilly replied. It was only a small fib. The nervous fluttering in her stomach was a testament to that. “The Tea Emporium is well established and I’m sure my regular customers will keep coming back. Besides, we are one of the main stops for the tour groups when they visit the town.”
“Exactly,” Stacey said, nodding vigorously. “This other shop is on the town outskirts so people will have to travel further to get there. Everyone enjoys coming to town to shop and have lunch, as everything is within walking distance. It’s a long walk from here to the other place and has no parking for a tour bus. There’s nothing to do after that either. I’m sure The Tea Emporium will be fine.”
Lilly nodded, although she wasn’t feeling particularly confident. But she knew what her next move was.
“So it’s part of the re-generation of the retailers near Luke Moore’s butcher shop?” she asked. The plans were part of an initiative by the current mayor and work had started not long after she’d been elected. So far, it was going well. With the row of ugly 60s and 70s buildings getting a much needed face-lift and the older historical ones opposite being carefully upgraded to ensure the aesthetic character was maintained. The heritage of the area was very important, as Plumpton Mallet and the surrounding district possessed some of the oldest buildings in the country.
“Yes. This new tea shop is the latest. Are you thinking of taking a bike ride, by any chance?”
Lilly nodded.
“You’re a mind reader now, Stacey? That’s exactly what I was thinking.”
“You need to go and check out the competition. It’s not rocket science, Lilly. Dad and me will take care of the shop while you go and investigate.”
“Oh, well, if you insist,” Lilly said, grinning. “I’ll probably not be back before closing. Will you be all right?”
Stacey rolled her eyes.
“Of course we will. It’s quietened down now. Don’t worry. We’ll see you tomorrow and you can tell us all about this new place. Just leave the display stuff outside. I’ll bring it all in shortly.”
Outside, Lilly unlocked her bike and placed the contents of the basket on the pavement. When she wasn’t riding it, her bike provided the focal point for the displays outside the shop. Filled with seasonal flowers or items relevant to certain holidays, like fruit and vegetables for the Harvest Festival, or Poinsettias, holly and ivy for Christmas. It was how many newcomers recognised which shop was hers.
Before leaving, she tapped the glass of the right-hand side bay window and a furry grey head popped up from the depths of a warm bed. Earl Grey, the former stray now official shop cat, gave her a piercing stare, as though not at all pleased at having his cat-nap disturbed, then yawned widely, revealing two rows of needle-sharp teeth. His head once again burrowed into the blanket to resume his all important snooze, his mistress forgotten.
Lilly smiled. Earl was another way customers identified her shop. It wasn’t everyday you noticed a cat asleep in a shop window. She mounted her bike and set off. She had important work to do, too.
***
So this was Lilly’s mission. She had been the sole tea shop owner in Plumpton Mallet for quite a while now and had an excellent customer base. But she admitted to herself, if not her staff, that she was a little worried the new shop would take away some of her loyal customers when it opened. She expected many would visit on opening day and the week or two following, just to see what it was like, but she fervently hoped they wouldn’t swap their allegiance for the latest new and shiny retailer. She’d worked hard to set up her shop and make it successful. Sinking the majority of her savings into a venture she was passionate about hadn’t been particularly good business sense, but she’d been convinced she could make her vision work, and she had.
The Tea Emporium was home too many unique tea sets that were exclusively her designs and fresh teas that Lilly herself had created. The premises had originally been a pharmacy, and she’d designed the vintage interior around the original floor to ceiling in-built apothecary cabinet. Once it held tinctures, tablets and powders for a wide assortment of ailments, now it held her precious teas for much the same reason. They were the lifeblood of her business.
Lilly had carved out her space in Plumpton Mallet, using her savings and the redundancy money from her former job at the local newspaper to launch her new business venture, and she couldn’t afford to lose any custom. The new mayor was encouraging fledgling businesses to open up, and those established ones to help and support them. Creating synergies and mutual marketing initiatives to benefit all the businesses and, therefore, the town as a whole. Lilly was all for it. In fact, that is exactly what Abigail, her partner in the cafe, and she had been doing for a while. But they weren’t in direct competition with one another.
Lilly grinned as Archie’s voice, loud and clear, pushed its way into her thoughts.
“For goodness’ sake, get a grip, woman. You don’t even know what this new business is about yet. Stop worrying.”
Archie was the senior crime writer at the Plumpton Mallet Gazette. They’d known one another for years, becoming fast friends during the time they were work colleagues. It wasn’t until she’d left and set up her new shop in town that their relationship had turned into romance. Now they were officially a couple and Lilly couldn’t be happier. He was her voice of reason, and he was right. Until she set eyes on this new place herself, she was fretting over nothing. Besides, there wasn’t anything she could do about it, even if it was a carbon copy of her own shop. She should stop being so selfish and work out ways with the new owner, whereby they could help one another.
***
Ten minutes later, after some relatively fast cycling, well as much as her knees and thighs would allow, Lilly reached her destination and dismounted outside the row of shops. She wheeled her bike onto the pavement and had a look round. She’d not been to this area for a while and was amazed to see how much renovation work had been done in that short amount of time.
She hardly recognised Luke Moore’s butcher’s shop. It had received smart new cladding in birch timber, new paintwork, a larger display window and updated signage. There were also tasteful planters with Bay trees either side of the door. She glanced down the rest of the row and saw they were being given similar treatments. Whoever had designed it had managed to make it look historical and contemporary at the same time. It looked fantastic. Luke was with a customer but returned her wave and gave her a thumbs up. He was obviously thrilled with his new look shop.
A couple of doors away, a new book shop had opened and Lilly slowed down to look at the window display. There were two of Harold Evans’ memoirs in the window that she knew Archie would love, and made a mental note to come back and buy them for him. She’d just moved on when someone bumped into her, causing her to drop her bike in order to remain upright. She spun round and came face to face with a very contrite and apologetic looking woman.
“Oh, my gosh. I am so sorry. Are you all right? I hope your bike isn’t damaged.”
Lilly recognised her. Annabelle Haines was one of Plumpton Mallet’s older and wealthier residents. While she’d never met her in person, she had read about her in the society columns.
Lilly picked up her bike and gave it a once over. There was no damage.
“It’s fine, don’t worry. It’s a sturdy old thing. It’ll take more than a little drop to cause any damage. I’m more worried about the pavement.”
“Oh, that’s relief. It’s such a lovely one and I adore that basket. You’re right, they don’t make them like they used to do they? I had a similar one when I was younger. Much younger, actually. I doubt I’d be able to get on one now.” Lilly smiled.
“I use it as part of my display in front of my tea shop in town.”
“Oh, of course. How silly of me not to recognise you. It’s Lilly, isn’t it? I’m Annabelle. You have a tea shop, too.”
“Yes, The Tea Emporium. Do you mean you have a tea shop?”
“I do. Although it’s not open yet. Soon though. I was just looking at the front from a distance, to see if I could spot anything that needed improving, when I bumped into you,” Annabelle said. “See? It’s just across the road there.”
Lilly turned and saw the sign proclaiming, ‘Artsy Leaves.’
“It looks ready to open.”
“Not quite yet. Would you like a tour?”
“Yes, if you’ve got time, I’d love to. Thanks.”
Lilly grabbed the handlebars of her bike, and she and Annabelle crossed the road together.
Close up, Lilly was aware Annabelle’s shop was bigger than hers. It was quite common due to the planning restrictions in the town centre. The size doesn’t matter, Lilly said to herself. It’s what’s inside that counts. Apart from the shop sign, the outside looked a little drab.
“I’ll be painting the outside before I open,” Annabelle said, as though reading Lilly’s mind. “It doesn’t look very appealing at the moment. I hope you like the inside better. That’s where I’ve been concentrating all my efforts.”
Lilly locked up her bike outside and followed Annabelle through the door. She couldn’t help but gasp as soon as she set foot inside.
***
It had beautiful tea sets displayed like Lilly’s shop, but also had something more. Stunning murals on the walls and numerous pieces of art spread throughout the space. It made the name of the shop make sense now. It was a wonderful combination of tea shop and art gallery.
One of the murals depicted a field full of wildflowers swaying in the breeze. The other was Plumpton Mallet’s town centre in years gone by. A horse-drawn carriage drew the observer’s eye to the centre. Lilly was in awe of the talent and exquisite detail Annabelle had put into the rendition of the horse, carriage and the familiar buildings. She wanted to reach out and stroke the creature’s mane.
“Annabelle, these paintings are absolutely amazing. I’m assuming you’re the artist?”
“Thank you. Yes, they are mine. Art is my first love, and I thought the murals and paintings would give the space a unique flair.”
“And you were right. It all looks incredible. It must have taken you ages to paint these?”
Annabelle laughed.
“Oh yes. I’d have been open far sooner if I’d just painted the walls magnolia! But where’s the fun in that? Oh, do excuse me,” she said as her phone rang. “I’m expecting a call from the electrician. Please, feel free to have a look round.”
Annabelle had created a truly beautiful and unique space and Lilly couldn’t help but feel a little envious. While the two shops were completely different theme wise, here was a welcoming space that she could envision people would want to return to time and again. She would have to up her game if she was to keep her own customers loyal.
While two of the walls depicted murals, the third displayed framed portraits, landscapes and still lifes. Annabelle had her own instantly recognisable, singular style and was obviously a prolific artist. There was one of the town market square in winter she would love to hang on her own wall.
As she wandered, Lilly noted the seating where tea would be served. Lilly would have loved the space that Annabelle had to work with. She would put in tables so customers could sit and drink the sample teas she made instead of sitting at the counter on bar stools. But she also had a prime position in the main market square, which more than made up for having smaller premises to work with. She gave herself a mental shake. Her business was doing very well. She should count herself lucky. She had plenty of returning customers. There were just a few changes she needed to make, that was all.
“Sorry about that,” Annabelle said when she returned. “I’ve been trying to get some of the last minute wiring sorted out before I open. Most of it has been completed, but there’s still one area that needs attention and now he says he’s not available until the week after next. It needs doing before I can open. To be honest, I could really do without the added stress of having to find a good electrician at the eleventh hour.”
“I remember the pressure I felt when I opened,” Lilly said. “And how happy I felt when I finally ticked something off the list. Even though I added another three at the bottom.”
“There are so many little things you need to remember, aren’t there? I had no idea when I started this venture. Now all these small inconveniences are adding up and becoming a bit of a nightmare. Literally some nights. I’m waking myself up in the night shouting out my to do list.”
“I know exactly what you mean,” Lilly said. “And fair warning, it never stops, I’m afraid. The list of jobs to do, I mean, not the nightmares. There’s always something needs attending to when you run your own business.”
“Good grief. What have I let myself in for?” Anabelle said, laughing. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But I’m not one to run away from a challenge. Quite the opposite, in fact. I refuse to be beaten.”
“You’ve got a good attitude, Anabelle,” Lilly said. “I hope it all works out for you and you find an electrician soon.”
“Oh, speak of the devil. Here he is calling again. Fingers crossed he has good news.”
“Fingers crossed,” Lilly replied.
She waved goodbye and left Annabelle to her call. Unlocking her bike, she decided to quickly pick up something for dinner from Luke Moore.
A few minutes later, she was cycling back to her shop with half a pound of sausages in her basket.
Chapter Two
It was the next day and Lilly had been working with James and Stacey during a particularly busy period. They’d both asked about the new tea shop and Lilly had said it was all fine, she just needed some time to think about some future plans. Stacey nodded, knowing it was better not to ask anything further. Lilly would discuss it when she was ready. Even James was keeping quiet about the new competition.
The day had run smoothly. Stacey and James had spent some time displaying the new range of tea sets and Lilly had been experimenting with new blends. There had been a good number of customers that day, so Lilly was less worried about Artsy Leaves for the time being, but it was still at the back of her mind. She knew things could very well be different in the future once the shop was open.
While dusting some of the display shelves, Lilly tried to look at her shop through new eyes to see what she could change in order to bring in new custom, but frustratingly couldn’t think of a thing. She briefly considered displaying local artists’ work much the same as Annabelle was doing, but quickly dismissed the idea. She’d probably be accused of copying, and rightly so. Besides, her shop was all about the health teas, and diversifying too much wouldn’t do the business any favours. It would just dilute the brand she’d worked so hard to build. She needed to think of something else.
The door bell tinkled just as she was stowing away her duster under the counter and a man walked in with a young child in tow.
“Hello. Welcome to The Tea Emporium. Can I help you with anything?”
“Yes please. It’s my wife’s birthday tomorrow and I’d like to get her a tea set. Nigel here wants to help me choose one,” he said, proudly gazing at his son and ruffling his hair.
“That’s a lovely idea. Let me show you the new ones. Nigel, perhaps you could point to the ones you think your mum would like?”
She walked them through the display areas slowly and the little boy picked out the one decorated with sunflowers.
“Mummy likes these flowers,” he told Lilly with a slight lisp. “We planted some in our garden and they grew bigger than me.”
“Did they? Well, you must be a very good gardener. This one is one of my favourites. I think you’ve made a good choice.”
Nigel’s eyes lit up, and he looked at his dad with a big grin on his face.
“Can we get this one, daddy?”
“Yes, we can. I think mummy will love it, Nigel. Well done.”
“Would you like it gift wrapped?” Lilly asked the boy.
Nigel nodded.
“Yes please. Can I choose the paper?”
“Of course you can. And you and your daddy can write the label, then we can stick it on the parcel. Why don’t you watch Stacey wrap it up? She’s very good at it.”
Lilly and Nigel’s father went to the till to pay while Nigel climbed on a stool and watched Stacey expertly wrap the tea set with his eyes as wide as tea plates. Stacey told him to hold down the ribbon while she tied it, and he giggled when she deliberately trapped his finger.
“Thank you for your help,” the man said. “Nigel was in town with his class yesterday and saw the tea sets in your window. He came home very excited and wanted to get his mother one. I couldn’t say no.”
“I’m sure your wife will love it.”
“Oh, she will. She told me. Nigel’s secret whispers weren’t as quiet as he thought they were.”
Lilly laughed.
“Here’s a little extra to put in with the gift,” Lilly said, handing him a box of one of her exclusive mixed blends.
“Thank you. How much do I owe you?” Nigel’s father said, reaching for his wallet.
Lilly waved the question away.
“It’s on, andin the house. Just mention us to your friends.”
“We will,” Nigel promised.
“So are we giving away free tea with every tea set sold?” Stacey asked Lilly once they’d gone.
Lilly shook her head.
“No, I can’t afford to do that. But Nigel was just too cute to resist.”
Stacey agreed.
“I’ll lock up now, shall I? We’re due over at the cafe shortly for the monthly meeting.”
Lilly nodded. Perhaps the meeting would give her a few ideas to bring in more custom.
***
Once the shop was closed down for the night, Lilly, Stacey and James walked down the market square to the Agony Aunt’s cafe. Having two successful businesses perked Lilly up a bit, but she knew she couldn’t afford to be complacent.
She’d formed a surprising partnership with Abigail Douglas, the woman who had taken over Lilly’s position as Agony Aunt with the local newspaper. When the paper had been bought out by a much bigger concern, Lilly had been made redundant as they already had Abigail as their advice columnist. Because she had still been sought after for help and guidance people were dropping their letters off at her tea shop, so Lilly had installed a post box at The Tea Emporium, which had angered Abigail no end and she became intent on making Lilly’s life as difficult as possible.
The townspeople had backed Lilly, but after a bit of investigative work, she’d come to realise Abigail had some serious personal problems and wanted to help her. The result was Abigail left the paper and went into business with Lilly at the cafe. It was something neither of them had anticipated, but they were now fast friends and business partners. Lilly was glad she was working with Abigail.
When they arrived, the cafe was still open, so they ordered some food and told Abigail they’d meet up in the back event room when she closed. The sausages Lilly had bought for that night’s dinner would have to wait until tomorrow.
They all chose soup and sandwiches, quick to eat and easy to prepare. They’d hardly started when Abigail arrived.
“Sorry to have kept you waiting. Fred is going to lock up for me so we can get started.”
“If you continue to feed us this superb food, we’re more than happy to wait as long is takes, Abigail,” James said, to agreeable laughter.
“Shall we start?” Lilly asked to a sea of nods around the table. “First things first. Does anyone have any ideas for new promotions or advertising?”
“I thought about the summer and to me, that means peaches. How about a peach blend for the tea?” Stacey said.
“Good idea. I have some peach tea at the shop. Let me work on some blends and I’ll get back to everyone in a couple of days. I’ll also get together some peach based mocktails for here, if that’s all right with you, Abigail?”
“Absolutely. I could do peach turnovers for the cafe,” Abigail chimed in. “That would help keep the links and the brand.”
“Great,” Stacey said. “We could promote a peachy summer for everyone.”
“I like it,” Lilly said. “Could you get some mock-ups together, Stacey?”
“Anticipating your needs, like the great manager I am,” Stacey replied with a cheeky grin. “I’ve already done a couple and put together a potential idea for the take away cups. They’ve become really good collector’s items.”
She swung her laptop round so everyone could see the screen. On it was a cartoon peach character laying on the beach, wearing a swimsuit and sipping tea. Stacey had made it look like an advert from the 1950s to brand it with the vintage theme of the Lilly’s shop. Lilly and Abigail laughed.
“And you’d put Miss Peach on the cups, too?” James asked, smiling fondly at his daughter.
“I would. And Miss Peach is a great name, dad. I should do a Mr to go with her, and maybe some little peaches building sandcastles. Make it a family holiday thing. What do you think?”
“I think it works really well. Thank you, Stacey,” Lilly said. “Abigail?”
“I love it. Well done, Stacey. What about a tiki bar somewhere? I loved our stall at the winter market and it really helped boost both businesses. I want to keep that momentum going if we can.”
“Yes, I do too,” Lilly said, chewing the end of her pen.
“Especially with the new tea shop opening. We need to keep on our toes,” Abigail added.
Lilly winced.
“What’s wrong?” Abigail asked.
“Someone has the green-eyed monster leaning over her shoulder,” James quipped.
“I do not, James Pepper.”
“You do a bit, Lilly,” Stacey said.
“Wait, a minute. Are you saying you’re jealous of the new tea shop? I’ve only just heard about it. How can you be jealous already?” Abigail asked.
Lilly sighed and leaned back.
“For the last time, I am not jealous. However, I do admit to being a bit envious. I went over there yesterday to see what was going on and happened to meet the owner. She gave me a tour.”
“And ever since you’ve been trying to remodel your shop,” Stacey said with a grin.
“Which you would never had thought about if you hadn’t gone over there,” James added.
“I know. But honestly, you should see the place. It’s beautiful. It’s one of the old Victorian stables, so much bigger than my shop. It’s light and airy and she’s done some truly amazing murals on the walls. She is also an exceptional artist and is selling some beautiful paintings. She was talking about showcasing and selling the work of local artists, too. Not to mention the tea blends that she’s selling. It’s like a combination tea shop and art gallery.”
“Wow,” Abigail said. “It sounds fabulous. No wonder you’re jealous.”
“Abigail.”
“Sorry, I mean envious.”
“Oh wait!” Stacey said, scrabbling about in the pocket of her jeans. “Talking of paintings, someone stopped by the shop earlier. I forgot to tell you. I wrote it down.”
She handed Lilly a scrap of paper.
“Who was it?”
Stacey shrugged.
“No idea. But they wanted to invite you to be a judge at this year’s artist competition. Isn’t that something that would draw favourable attention to the shop and cafe?”
***
Lilly was the only person at the meeting who was a born and bred local, so knew all about the annual Amateur Artist Society competition and exhibition. It had gone from strength to strength since its first year and now drew artists from all over the country. Many of whom caught the eye of agents and galleries who wandered the event in search of new talent. It was a really big deal for their small town.
She explained all this to her colleagues as she read the invitation Stacey had scribbled down from the chairperson and organiser, Mable Standish.
“Gosh, Lilly, you really should do it. This could be the big draw we need for the business. Attracting new customers from all over the country is exactly what we need,” Abigail said.
“I have every intention of saying yes, Abigail, don’t worry about that. It’s filled with people you’d normally see on the society pages of the national papers.”
“We might get some high end customers wanting events from you being a judge.”
“You never know. So, is there any more business?” Lilly asked. “No? All right, let’s get cleaned up here and we’ll call it a night.”
They all parted ways outside the cafe and Lilly went back to the shop to pick up her cat. Once inside, he tried to climb her trousers and weaved figure eights around her legs as she was walking, mewing loudly.
“It’s food you’re wanting, is it, Mr Grey?” Lilly asked. “I think you must have been a hobbit in a former life. I know you had a second breakfast courtesy of James. But if you think you’re going to get fed seven times a day, young man, you’re in for a shock. We can’t have you being overweight. But, I’ll relent. Just this once, mind you. Don’t think it will become a regular thing. ”
She put some food in his dish and while she was waiting for him to finish, decided to work on the Peachy Summer tea blend.
It was times like these she felt the history of the former apothecary seeping from the walls and swirling in the air. As she mixed and blended, dismissing certain combinations that didn’t work, time flew by. An hour and a half later, she’d found the perfect mix and shouted ‘Eureka,’ much to Earl’s consternation. He’d slunk back to his bed in the window ages ago and Lilly hadn’t noticed.
“Sorry, Earl. Come on, let’s go home. I think that’s enough work for one day.”