PG Stone walked up Pine Lane to the large double storied white house. It stood hidden among tall pine trees on the left side of the lane. The pine scent and the cool shadows the trees gave were in contrast to the late afternoon hot, long walk up the hill from the village centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the end of the short red brick path, a polished brass plaque on the green door announced he had arrived at Pine Lane Cottage. Below the plaque was a hand-scribbled white note (B&B welcome \u2013 coming). PG turned the brass doorknob, the door did not open. Rereading the message, Stone realized it did not say come in. Using the rusted cast-iron knocker, he banged twice on the door. He stood back, breathing the fresh cool air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A face appeared at the parted lace curtain of a small window next to the door. PG heard the door unlock, then pulled inward, grating on the rough doorstep. The aroma of baked bread mixed with the smell of cooking flowed out. The young woman wiped her hands on a grey and white striped apron and held out her hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou must be PG Stone, my security guy and guest. Welcome to Pine Lane Cottage. I\u2019m Sarah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, I am. Hi, Sarah. You have a wonderful setting here. Is that lamb stew I smell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sarah eyed PG Stone, surprised by his accurate sense of smell. \u201cYour supper Mr Stone. Do come in,\u201d Sarah said and stepped back from the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She led PG into the kitchen. Silver and Copper pots, spoons, and other cooking utensils hung from hooks in the oak shelves. On the shelves were jars of spices, herbs and seasoning, he was not sure of. Rose patterned cups, saucers, plates and egg cups displayed in a closed glass cupboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Sarah passed the silver gas cooker, she lifted the lid of a stainless casserole pot. The steam rolled out and surrounded them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep, the lamb stew smells good and almost ready,\u201d she said, her nose twitching. \u201cFollow me, and I\u2019ll show you your room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d PG asked, pointing at an object hanging at the side of the crockery cupboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s, what? Oh, that is a Jaffle Iron. I\u2019ll make you one while you\u2019re here,\u201d Sarah smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They walked out a door at the far end of the kitchen. They turned left down a short passage; a gold Fleur de Lis on light blue wallpaper decorated the walls. The white ceiling helped the single yellow shaded light to show the framed pictures hanging along the passage walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho are these gentlemen?\u201d Stone asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVillage elders, not all honest and not all good. You\u2019ll find out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt the end of the passage is your room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sarah opened the door to a light and airy room. PG stood back, staring with raised eyebrows at a young woman\u2019s room. He didn\u2019t comment, but Sarah sensed his dismay. She flushed and tried to explain the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHmm…I furnish all my rooms this way. This is a Bed and Breakfast cottage for young women. You are the first male lodger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PG Stone walked up Pine Lane to the large double storied white house. It stood hidden among tall pine trees on the left side of the lane. The pine scent and the cool shadows the trees gave were in contrast … Continue reading