Chapter 13: Chapter 13

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After arming himself and bracing himself for March, of course, nothing happened. He dealt with a few customers and reassured them all that naught was amiss with Christy. It was surprising how much he brought to the pleasant atmosphere in the shop. He chatted to people, passed the time of day, showed them around, helped them to find things with such relaxed charm and unabashed enthusiasm, things Lawrence was hopeless at. He tried, but he realised how much he had come to rely on Christy to take up the role of charming host and along with it, do all the running about to find just the right book. Mrs. Anderton, however, was quite distraught at finding Christy missing. Most others accepted his absence, but for Mrs. Anderton he found himself having to dissemble and make up a story.

“He took a nasty tumble last night and is feeling a little under the weather,” he said. It might help to explain any remaining visible bruising. “He will be back with us before too long.”