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‘As you wish.’ He sipped his drink. ‘But you’re smiling more now than when you came in.’

‘Must be the tea.’

‘Obviously. Can’t think of anything else around here that could make you smile.’ He shot her a cheeky wink. ‘So, Mia, was it just the soaps you were wanting today, or was there something specific you wanted to chat with Ophelia about, and can I help?’

‘Just a bit of a half-formed idea I wanted to run by her. And maybe Rayenne.’

‘Do you want me to take a message?’

Mia pursed her lips, thinking. ‘Maybe you can help… Do you know much about herbs and stuff?’

‘I’m learning. Though I’ve already discovered I’m more about the munching than the massage, but I could probably be persuaded to make an exception, for the right person…’

‘What…?’ After a couple of seconds she laughed. ‘Oh. You prefer biscuits to bubble baths and oils?’

‘I like tea and biscuits. I’m a dunker. Judge me all you like for it.’ He chuckled. ‘Like I said, I’m still learning about herbs and spices and their uses beyond just flavourings.’

‘If this’ – Mia lifted her cup – ‘is anything to go by, you’re a fast learner.’

‘That’s what Ophelia keeps saying. I have to admit, it does sometimes feel like I’ve been here a lot longer than I really have.’

‘How long is that?’

‘Two and a bit months.’

‘Two months? How is that possible?’

‘Well, Ophelia hired me in January, and it’s March now…’

‘Sorry, I didn’t mean that.’ Mia giggled. ‘I was expecting you to say two weeks, not months. I mean, this is Hudsbury.’

‘Yup. Weird old mix of buildings from every era gone by, river down the middle, odd animals and even odder weather patterns…’

Mia laughed. ‘So, you’ve been here long enough to learn about the fog.’

‘Learn about it? I think I’ve lived it, breathed it and quite possibly absorbed it through my pores! I’m convinced it can roll in out of a blue sky with no warning.’

‘It’s fairies, if you believe local lore. Or the fact that we’re in a valley.’ She shrugged. ‘It’s just one of those weird Hudsbury things. But what I meant was that, here everyone seems to know everyone else and everyone is involved in everyone else’s business. You must have noticed?’

‘It’s certainly friendly.’

‘I just can’t believe you’ve been here two⁠—’

‘And a bit.’

‘—months and this is the first time we’ve met!’

‘Well it definitely is, because I’d have remembered meeting you.’ He shot her a grin that did something to her insides. ‘But maybe it’s not surprising. I’m part-time here. And I don’t usually work today.’

‘I still don’t understand how I’ve not seen you around.’

‘I don’t live in Hudsbury. Just work here and go home. I’m pretty boring.’

‘I don’t believe that for a second.’ Mia felt a flush of warmth when he smiled at that. ‘Where do you live? I cover a lot of the neighbouring areas too.’

‘Middle-of-nowhere place west of here. Anyway, did you want to talk to me about your idea, or would you like to spend longer checking my other… credentials…?’

The way he drew out the word made it sound a lot more dirty – and fun – than what he was asking, and Mia had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.