Chapter One
Spring was in the air and there was hardly anywhere more beautiful than the old market town of Plumpton Mallet at this time of year. The trees and hedgerows were brimming with tightly woven buds, waiting for the warmth of the sun to unfurl and proudly display their newest attire. Seasonal flowers, having laid dormant all winter, were finally beginning to bloom, showing off their vibrancy in random splashes of colour along the riverside walks and beneath the trees in the parks. For Lilly Tweed, the season was also bringing an influx of new clients to her Tea Emporium in search of natural remedies for seasonal allergies.
"Yes, I highly recommend the Butterbur infusion, Miss Mulligan," Lilly said, boxing up the leaves.
"I do hope it works," the older woman said. She looked positively miserable and had come to Lilly at her wits' end looking for a miracle cure. While Lilly couldn't perform miracles, she could certainly help alleviate the symptoms. Miss Mulligan pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped her watering eyes before noisily blowing her nose. Covering her mouth, she barked out a rasping cough before asking, "And you think this honey will help as well? I can't bear to think I'll have to deal with these allergies for weeks on end. They seem to get worse every year."
Lilly nodded. "I certainly do. The producer is a local woman, and the honey is straight from the hive so hasn't been heat treated. It’s much better for you that way. Just add a teaspoon to your tea each morning and I'll guarantee you'll start to feel much better soon. And if you want something for the afternoon, which will also help, I'd recommend the ginger and lemon."
"But don't mix them," Stacey said with a smile.
Stacey was the young American girl Lilly had employed to work in her shop initially, but now she was not only the manager of the Tea Emporium but also of the Agony Aunt's Cafe, which Lilly owned in partnership with her former nemesis but now good friend, Abigail Douglas.
"Stacey is right, Miss Mulligan," Lilly said. "It's best to take them separately, and in the case of the Butterbur, just one cup in the morning will suffice. It's best not to overdo that particular tea."
"If it will help these allergies, then I'm happy to take whatever you recommend. You can add the ginger and lemon to my order, please. You know, Butterbur sounds familiar. I think I remember my mother using it when I was a young girl. Is it also known as something else?"
Lilly nodded. "Coltsfoot is another name commonly used."
"Yes, that's it. Now I remember. We used to live near an old abandoned railway track when I was a young girl, and my mother, sister and I used to walk along it most days. There was always Coltsfoot growing up the banks."
"That's right. It grows well in poor soil. It was dubbed Butterbur in the past because the large heart-shaped leaves were used to wrap butter."
"How interesting," Miss Mulligan said, once again wiping her streaming eyes. "I didn't know that. You're a veritable mine of useful information, Miss Tweed."
"Here you are," Stacey said, handing the woman the beautifully wrapped package and a jar of the local honey.
"Thank you, dear."
"Do let us know how you get on, Miss Mulligan," Lilly said. "I'm sure you'll feel better in no time."
"I will. And thank you for all your help. It's refreshing to get such personal and knowledgeable attention in a shop these days. Everyone always seems to be rushing about with no time to stop and chat. And I learned something new, which is always a good thing."
"Adding the honey to our inventory was an excellent idea of yours, Stacey," Lilly said as they watched Miss Mulligan leave, her items tucked safely in a little carpet bag.
"Thanks. I remembered a little shop back home that sold it as an allergy remedy. That's what gave me the idea."
Lilly glanced at the large clock on the wall and realised the cafe would be closing in an hour. She wanted to pop in and check how Abigail was doing before she left for the weekend.
"I'm going to go down to the cafe now, Stacey. Are you sure you're okay with looking after Earl for the next couple of days?"
Earl Grey was the official shop cat. A former stray who'd landed on his paws when Lilly had bought the premises. He'd wandered in one day almost at death's door and Lilly had immediately scooped him up and taken him to the vet. It had been a hard fight for him, but he'd had a strong will to live and with lots of TLC from both the vet and Lilly, he'd pulled through and now counted the shop as his home. With Stacey living in the flat upstairs, she made an ideal pet sitter and Earl was equally at home with her as he was at Lilly's cottage. So much so that he'd commandeered one half of Stacey's bed as his own.
"Of course, I love having him around. And I'm happy to close up for the day. You go down and see Abigail. And have fun on your trip! I can't wait for you to get back and tell me all about it."
"Thanks, Stacey. I appreciate it. And of course I will. I'm really looking forward to it." Lilly said, moving to the front window where Earl was asleep in his basket, and giving him a goodbye pet before leaving. Outside, she gave her shop one last glance before making her way down the market square to the cafe. She wouldn't be back until Monday.
***
As Lilly strode down the street to the cafe, her heart was beating fast with excited anticipation. Tomorrow she was going on the secret Santa trip with her old friend Archie Brown. She'd been absolutely stunned when he'd handed her an envelope at the staff Christmas party, which contained two tickets, one for each of them, for a luxury steam train experience. She'd been even more surprised at the swift chaste kiss and his furious blushing, followed by a hurried exit. But the thing which had astonished her the most was her physical response; the quickening of her pulse, the butterflies in the pit of her stomach and the realisation of mutual attraction, obviously laid dormant for so long.
Archie had been her friend and confidante for years, ever since they'd worked at the paper together. Once she'd left and first opened the Tea Emporium, they'd naturally seen less of one another, but tried to find time to meet up for a meal or a drink at least once a month. As it happened, with Archie being the town's senior investigative crime reporter and covering the murder cases which Lilly had inadvertently been drawn into, they'd seen quite a lot of one another in recent months. But when had their friendship matured into something more?
She'd thought about it quite a lot in the intervening weeks, but found she couldn't pinpoint an exact moment. It was something which had developed gradually and quite naturally. But one thing was certain, having been great friends for so long, they had an excellent foundation to work from. She decided not to try and analyse it further. It was a pointless exercise. She'd let it progress at its own pace and see what happened. She did find herself humming a jaunty tune while she walked down to the cafe though.
Inside, she found Abigail having an impromptu staff meeting, taking advantage of the empty cafe now it was almost closing time, so sat down to listen.
"Finally, we have a new range of lemonades to add to the menu. All homemade, natural, and using locally sourced fruit and herbs. Sizes are in half and one litre carafes, with freshly sliced lemon, homegrown mint leaves and some botanicals added. Recipes are next to the barista station. Any questions? No, well thank you all for your time and hard work today. I think we can start to close up."
Lilly smiled as Abigail approached. "Have you had a good day, Abigail?"
"It's been excellent, Lilly. Very busy with hardly a moment to myself. Just the way I like it. How about you?"
"Much the same. I've just popped in for the monthly sales figures."
Abigail laughed. "You know this could have waited until Monday, but as it happens, I do have them ready for you."
"You know me, Abigail. I just want to make sure we're heading in the right direction."
"Well, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised," her partner said, moving to the back office. She came back waving a folder. "I've printed off the monthly reports from when we opened, so we can compare. As you can see, sales have been increasing week on week, as have the profits. The tearoom has proved an extremely popular venue for celebrations and is actually booked up six weeks in advance now. The staff are excellent and very happy working here. In fact, would you believe I now have a waiting list of people wanting to join the team? All in all, I think we have a little goldmine here, Lilly."
"Gosh, Abigail, this is much better than I dared dream about," Lilly said, looking at the figures with a practiced eye. "Well done."
Abigail waved her comment away. "I'm loving every minute of it. Now, get yourself off. You've got an early train to catch, I believe? And you need to look your best."
"I do indeed. Thanks, Abigail."
"Are you excited about tomorrow?"
Lilly leaned in. "Between you and me, I'm as giddy as a teenager."
Abigail grinned. "Well, enjoy yourself. You've more than earned it."
***
Lilly left the shop with a spring in her step. There was no doubt she and Abigail had had a rocky start to their relationship, and that was putting it mildly. Yet, here they were, best of friends and business partners in a very successful cafe. Sometimes it seemed surreal. She turned the corner and walked to the car park situated behind the market square. Her bike was used as a display outside the Tea Emporium, so knowing she'd be away for a couple of days she'd driven in that morning.
She took a leisurely drive home, waving to various joggers, dog walkers and people she knew who had taken the opportunity to meet up with old friends outside, congregating on the pavements for a gossip now the weather was a little better.
Back at home, she quickly shoved the vegetables she'd prepared that morning in the oven for her dinner, and while it was cooking devoted a little time to choosing her outfit for the train trip.
More than once she found herself holding up a dress or a jacket to ask Earl what he thought. It was a tendency of hers to speak to the cat like he was a human. That's what became of living alone with only a feline for company, then remembered he was in the flat above the shop. She had absolutely no qualms about leaving him with Stacey; the girl doted on him as much as Lilly did. It was just the cottage seemed that bit emptier without him around.
Eventually, after half an hour of searching, she settled on a pair of straight leg, herringbone weave trousers in mid-grey with button detail. A crew neck cashmere sweater in deep plum, and teamed it with her favourite full-length coat. She'd found it at a vintage sale and although it was a little more pricey than her normal purchases, she couldn't resist it. It was a classic 1940s silhouette, softly tailored with defined shoulders and lengthening panelled skirt, in deep peacock green velvet. She'd accessorise it with her flat, dark grey suede ankle boots, and a green and plum silk scarf. Simple dark grey drop pearl earrings and a matching three-strand bracelet would complete the look.
She'd just finished hanging it all on the outside of the wardrobe door, including the plum coloured crossbody designer handbag she'd received as an unexpected Christmas gift from Lady Defoe, ready for the next day when the phone rang. It was Archie. Even though she was due to see him the next morning, she found herself ridiculously pleased that he'd rung.
"Hi, Archie."
"Excited for tomorrow?" he said without preamble.
"More than you know. I've always wanted to do a trip like this. It's such a treat, Archie, and I'm looking forward to spending the day with you. It's been a long time since we've done anything remotely like this. Are you looking forward to it?"
"Absolutely. It's high time we went on a jolly. So, what are you wearing?"
"I beg your pardon," Lilly said, laughing.
"Good grief, Tweed, get your mind out of the gutter," Archie said, laughing with her. "I meant tomorrow."
She gave him a quick rundown of her ensemble. "Why?" she could hear scratching in the background. "Are you writing this down, Archie?"
"Yes, and you'll see why tomorrow. So, I've been looking at the itinerary, full silver service breakfast on the train to start with, including bucks fizz. Followed by elevenses, and as many beverages as you like during the journey, all served by our very own waiter. We'll be in the lakes late morning. Lunch is served at a five-star hotel with an award-winning restaurant. Lots of places to shop and explore while we are there. Then, apparently, there's a writer's conference at the same hotel in the afternoon. Not sure if there's an admission fee, but I thought we might take a look if you're interested?"
"That sounds very novel, Archie," Lilly replied.
"Oh, blimey," Archie groaned, then chuckled. "Tell you what, I'll arrange a comedy stand-up for you on the train."
"Don't you dare, Archie Brown."
"You'll have a captive audience. They won't be able to get away if that's what you're worried about. How about after breakfast before elevenses?"
Lilly laughed. "All right, that's enough of that nonsense. I have to go and take my dinner out of the oven. I'll see you in the morning."
"Six-thirty sharp at the train station. Don't be late."
"I wouldn't dream of it. Don't worry, I'll be there. Good night, Archie."
As she dished up her food, Lilly thought about how interesting a writer's conference sounded. Not being a writer, she'd never attended one, but she knew it was something that would be extremely attractive to Archie. And considering that was the train's ultimate destination, there were bound to be some writers taking the journey with them. It looked as though the trip was going to be even more fun than she'd thought.
Chapter Two
The next day, Lilly got up at the crack of dawn and took her time getting ready. She rarely had the opportunity to dress up like this and wanted everything to be perfect. She and Archie had agreed to get taxis to the station, as judging from the itinerary there would be alcohol served with every meal and neither of them wanted to drive home on their return that evening. They had no intention of overdoing it, but by the same token, they wanted to make the most of the experience. At quarter past six, she was finally ready and just heading downstairs when she heard the beep of a horn. The taxi was exactly on time.
Archie was already waiting on the platform when she arrived and bounded over when he caught sight of her.
He took both her hands and gave her a twirl. "You look absolutely marvellous, Lilly," he said, kissing both her cheeks then standing back to admire her some more.
"So do you, Archie. Very stylish. And I love your waistcoat."
It was a deep plum and grey combination weave which matched her jumper perfectly. She loved that he'd taken the time to think about how they would look as a couple. It wasn't twee in the slightest, but just enough to show they were together. His shirt was a white button down and he wore a grey silk cravat. The jacket was a dapper blazer in a slick silver grey tone with a unique pinstripe and check combination and he'd chosen black wool trousers and plum suede derby shoes to complete the look.
They stood in silence, looking at one another with silly grins on their faces for a moment before they were interrupted by the sound of a train whistle. Then the clickety-clack of wheels and the puffing of steam reached their ears as The Lakes Express came around the corner and into view. Lilly clutched Archie's arm. A minute later, it pulled into the station with a final hiss and gust of steam, which rose up to swirl beneath the Victorian iron and glass arched roof. It was an incredible sight and both Lilly and Archie were dumbstruck momentarily before Archie turned to look at her and said, "Got your Hogwarts letter?" Lilly laughed. "Come on. Let's get this show on the road, shall we, Miss Tweed?"
***
The locomotive and the carriages were painted in a deep heritage green with gold accents and a matching liveried attendant took the first-class tickets Archie handed him, punched them and returned them with a smile and a tip of his peaked hat.
"Welcome aboard The Lakes Express, Sir, Madam. I hope you enjoy your journey today. Your designated seat numbers are on your tickets and a member of staff will assist you momentarily."
They both thanked him and stepped up onto the train, taking a right turn into the carriage.
"Oh, Archie," Lilly breathed. "This is incredible. It's like stepping back in time."
"I must admit, I feel like a film extra in a high budget murder mystery," Archie whispered back.
"Don't even think it, Archie. I don't want to jinx this trip before we've even started."
The interior was panelled in deep honeyed wood, buffed to a soft shine. Art deco ceiling lights ran the length of the ceiling, with matching tiffany-style lamps on every table. The plush carpet was a deep green, as were the curtains, and the plush high back armchair style seats were upholstered in deep green damask with a mink coloured ornate paisley design.
"Here we are," Archie said, indicating a table for four in the middle of the carriage. "We're seated opposite one another, next to the window."
"It's perfect, Archie. I can't thank you enough for such a wonderful gift."
As the carriage filled up, they were joined at their table by a large, handsome, well-dressed man carrying a briefcase and a well-worn book. Lilly estimated him to be in his early forties. Taking a seat next to Lilly, he shook both their hands and introduced himself.
"Vincent Wales."
"I'm Archie Brown, and this vision of loveliness is Lilly Tweed."
Lilly rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the grin spreading across her face.
"A pleasure to meet you both," Vincent said, tucking the briefcase under his seat and resting the book next to his plate.
The novel was clearly well loved. Its creased spine told of multiple reads, and there were yellow post-it notes sticking out in all directions. "Murder on the Orient Express," Lilly said, impressed with his choice. "It's one of my favourite Agatha Christie novels. It looks as though you've read it a time or two as well," she added, as the waiter served them a tall glass of Bucks Fizz each and the train began to chug slowly out of Plumpton Mallet station.
He beamed at her. "I'd say so. I'm on my way to the writer's conference. I'm working on a murder mystery and in order to do that, you need to study the best."
"I agree," Archie said. "Although I can't help but note the irony of reading such a novel while aboard a steam locomotive."
Vincent laughed. "Yes, you're right. Although it's a complete coincidence. Luckily, it's not the 1930s and I don't believe we have a former member of the mob here with us, so we should be safe."
"I assume it takes place on a train?" A woman's voice said from the seat behind Archie.
Vincent leaned into the aisle where the woman had turned and was looking at him, obviously interested in their conversation.
"Katherine Harp, I might have known," he said with a slight sneer. "I suppose it makes sense that you'd be unaware of such an acclaimed novel."
Lilly glanced at Archie and raised an eyebrow. He gave an almost imperceptible shrug in return.
The busty red headed woman pursed her lips and a second later was standing next to them. Hands, with their perfectly manicured talons coated in bright red polish, on her wide hips. She was a stunning looking woman in her mid thirties, Lilly guessed, wearing a tight black skirt, black and white polka dot top and a wide red belt cinching her waist. The ensemble was finished with black tights and black patent leather heels with a red buckle.
"And just what do you mean by that, Vincent Wales?"
"Now, don't get all defensive, Katherine. All I meant was with your preferred genre in makes sense."
"What, that I wouldn't read a classic?"
"Well, you hardly write classics, do you?"
"Oh, so you're a writer too?" Lilly said pleasantly, hoping to break the growing animosity between the two writers.
The woman turned to Lilly, a slight smile forming on her crimson lips.
"Yes, I am, as a matter of fact. But unlike this wannabe novelist," she said, waving a hand in Vincent's direction, "I actually have a number of very popular published works and am considered one of the best in my field."
"She writes smut," Vincent said.
"How dare you!" Katherine spat. "My romance novels are not smut. You're just jealous because it's unlikely your attempts will ever see the light of day."
"Au contraire, my dear, Katherine," Vincent replied smugly, tapping his briefcase knowingly. "My latest has netted considerable interest from the big publishers, I'll have you know. Some of whom will be at the conference later." He held up the Christie novel and looked at Lilly and Archie. "Who knows, perhaps someone will be sitting on a train reading my work for research one day?"
"I seriously doubt that," Katherine scoffed, about to walk away, but then suddenly changed her mind as she saw someone she knew. "Bobby Smith!" she exclaimed in excitement, darting past Lilly and Vincent in the opposite direction to her designated seat.
The name was obviously familiar to Vincent Wales, who muttered "Bathroom," before hurrying to the opposing end of the carriage, and to a WC much further away than the one in the direction of Katherine and her old friend.
"Well, isn't this turning into an interesting trip already?" Archie said, as the waiter brought their breakfasts. A full English to begin with, accompanied by tea or coffee, then croissants or toast with a choice of several honey's and jams. "Our table guest is a little rude, don't you think?" he continued, placing the napkin on his knee and tucking into the delicious spread before them.
"A little," Lilly said, peering over the back of her seat to where Katherine was talking animatedly with Bobby Smith at the other side of the carriage door. "I wonder if he's a writer too?"
"I wouldn't be surprised," Archie said. "Although I do hope they aren't all going to be at each other's throats the whole journey. In fact, I'd be quite happy if that Vincent chap doesn't come back."
Lilly laughed. "Oh, Archie, don't tell me you're not finding this just a little entertaining?"
Archie grinned. "Yes, all right, I'll admit to that, providing it doesn't get nasty. But I had hoped to have you all to myself. Oh, don't look now, but we're about to get company again."
Katherine once again appeared at Lilly's side, but this time, she had Bobby Smith in tow.
"Oh, drat! Where did Vincent go? I was hoping to reintroduce an old friend of ours."
"Hello," Lilly said, nodding at the older, swarthy looking man. "I'm Lilly Tweed and this is Archie Brown," she continued, as it became apparent Katherine wasn't intending to introduce them.
"So, how do you know Vincent?" he asked.
"We don't," Archie replied. "His assigned seat just happened to be at our table."
"Are you a writer too?" Lilly asked.
"No," he replied abruptly and turned back to Katherine. "Kathy, I'm going back to the bar. I'll track Vincent down later."
"If you must," Katherine sighed, watching his retreating back before turning back to Lilly and Archie.
"Gosh," said Lilly, glancing at her watch. "Is the bar open at this time of the morning?"
Katherine shrugged. "So, what is it that you two write, then?"
"Oh, we didn't know about the conference when Archie booked the trip. Although it does sound interesting. We're not novelists. Archie is an investigative reporter with the newspaper and I'm a former Agony Aunt at the same place. I run a tea shop now, though."
"An Agony Aunt!" Katherine exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "I think you just gave me a wonderful idea for a story. I've been trying to come up with a new protagonist for my next romance novel and I think an Agony Aunt would be a fun character to play around with. Can you imagine a woman writing advice for others but unable to find her own soul mate? Ooh la la. Tragic romance! Yes!"
Lilly cringed a little but gamely said, "Well, you're the professional. I'm sure you'll make it work."
"I must get these ideas down before I lose them. It was a pleasure," Katherine said, before scurrying back to her seat.
Archie turned to Lilly with a highly amused look on his face.
"Don't say a word," Lilly said, trying not to laugh.
"Ooh la la," Archie mouthed over his orange juice and the two of them started to giggle like naughty children at the back of the class.
***
"I wonder where Vincent got to," Lilly said, as they finished their food. "Do you think he's all right?"
"I'm sure he is. Probably found a writer friend further down the train to talk to. Perhaps he'll stay there?"
"His briefcase and book are still here, Archie. He'll be coming back. Oh, here he is now."
There was a slight anxiousness to Vincent's demeanor when he returned, and he continued to glance about him as he took his chair next to Lilly. As soon as he was seated, the waiter appeared and served him breakfast, bringing fresh pots of coffee and tea for the three of them.
"Now, this is what I call a breakfast," he said, tucking in as though he'd not eaten for weeks, although Lilly noticed he still glanced around him at every opportunity.
"There's really no better way to travel than by train," Archie said. "Just look at this spectacular scenery. You really do miss so much by being in a car."
"It's breathtaking," Lilly said in agreement, taking in the lush green valleys and undulating hills, interspersed with craggy rocks and patches of woodland, all beneath a Periwinkle sky. "And we're so lucky the weather is fine. You can see for miles."
"Look, can you see the buzzard hovering over there, Lilly? No doubt got an eye on his own breakfast. Oh, there he goes!"
They both watched as the bird of prey dived, wings flat, and a moment later was airborne again, the quarry clutched in his talons.
Lilly, Archie and Vincent spent the next couple of hours chatting amiably and remarking upon the incredible views from the carriage windows. One minute they were looking at quaint little villages nestled in the valleys, the spires of the churches reaching up towards the vast expanse of sky, and the next, a patchwork of fields dotted with little white sheep or black and white cows that looked no bigger than children's toys, with majestic lilac grey mountains in the distance.
By the time elevenses came round, Lilly was astonished to find she was hungry, and tucked into a fruit scone served with cream and jam with gusto. Served, of course, with a pot of the finest English tea. Proper leaves and not tea bags Lilly was pleased to note.
"So, tell us about this hotel where we'll be having lunch, Vincent. Have you been before?" Archie asked, daubing a cherry scone with butter.
"Numerous times. The writer's conference has been held there annually for the last several years, although I've never stayed there overnight. The restaurant is an award winner, and the food is excellent. The hotel itself was built as a family home by some rich chap in the 1700s, I think, so it's full of little quirky areas. Now, it's a family run business with spas, hot-tubs, swimming pool and all that sort of stuff. There's cycling and walking trails through the estate and more formal gardens. And of course, fishing or boating on the lake."
"It sounds huge," Lilly said.
Vincent nodded. "About a hundred acres give or take, which includes a large wood and a herd of wild deer living nearby."
"I can't wait. Do we go straight there, Archie? What does the itinerary say?"
Archie reached into his inside jacket pocket and brought forth a printed sheet.
"We arrive at the station in," he glanced at his watch. "About forty minutes. From there it's a ten-minute stroll to the town for a meander and a spot of shopping for a couple of hours. Then back to the station where a minibus will pick us up to transfer us to the hotel for a three course lunch. Then we have a choice to either return to the town for the afternoon, explore the hotel grounds, or see if we can join the writer's conference. The day is yours, Miss Tweed. I'll go along with whatever you prefer. Once that's all done and dusted, we get back on the train to enjoy dinner and drinks on the journey home."
Lilly grinned. "It sounds wonderful, Archie, and I'm more than happy to attend the writer's conference. I'll leave that part to you."
The remaining time on the train sped by almost as fast as the locomotive itself and before long, they were stepping out onto a quaint little platform that looked as though it hadn't changed since the end of the Second World War. Painted in clotted cream and deep red colours, the ticket office was adorned with spring hanging baskets, old-fashioned lamps and surrounded by displays of stacked 1940s luggage, milk churns filled with more flowers and old fire buckets in bright red. The whole atmosphere was one of nostalgia and Lilly loved it, reminding her as it did of the film The Railway Children.
They said goodbye to Vincent, who was heading to the hotel straightaway, then entered through the ticket office archway and through the other side to begin the walk down a shallow cobbled lane to the small market town.