Midsummer Magic by Julia Williams Page A

accused him of following her down here. It wasn’t pretty.’
    ‘I bet,’ said Josie’s mum. ‘The most exciting thing to happen in Tresgothen for years, and I missed it.’
    ‘Oh, and she’s apparently talking to Mike Slowbotham about being in
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
,’ said Josie. ‘I didn’t think he was anything to do with the theatre.’
    ‘Oh, it’s his new thing,’ snorted Josie’s mum. ‘Somehow he’s got on the board of directors who are behind the renovation project. He’s got a bee in his bonnet about being an influential producer, and he’s planning a production of
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
. He claims that he’s always wanted to see it put on at the theatre, but I’m not convinced. He’s just interested in women, that one. He’d do anything to add someone like Tatiana Okeby to his bedpost. He’s a total ass. Poor woman. Someone should tell her.’
    ‘I’m not sure I’d like to be on the receiving end of that conversation,’ said Josie. ‘Now, come on, let’s look at those wedding dresses again. I think I’m getting an idea of what I want …’
    Ant and Harry had moved into the bar, and Ant was beginning to feel slightly drunk. It was a while since he’d had a session this early in the day, and he wasn’t as used to it as he once was.
    The bar had cleared out somewhat, and most of the tourists seemed to have moved on. Tatiana Okeby hadn’t stayed long either. Auberon Fanshawe had also disappeared. Maybe he’d gone to try and appease her. But Freddie Puck was still propping up the bar when they came inside.
    ‘Have you persuaded your friend to take part in my experiment?’ Freddie gave an ingratiating smile.
    ‘What experiment?’ Harry looked puzzled.
    ‘You know, the hypnotic thing,’ said Ant. ‘Freddie here thinks he can hypnotise us all. It’s for a TV show.’
    ‘Ha,’ said Harry. ‘Hypnotise us. I don’t think so.’
    ‘Oh, well, it was worth a punt,’ said Freddie. ‘There’s a bit of money in it.’
    Harry thought about that.
    ‘Enough to go travelling?’ he said.
    ‘Not quite,’ said Freddie, ‘but maybe enough to have a great weekend away somewhere’.
    ‘That would be nice,’ said Harry. ‘I’d at least like to pay for our honeymoon suite. Or maybe take Josie away for a long weekend – soften her up to go travelling with me.’
    ‘I thought Josie’s folks were paying for everything to do with the wedding,’ said Ant, surprised.
    ‘Yeah, well, it would be nice to pay for something,’ said Harry, ‘and I would like us to splash out on our wedding night.’
    ‘So you’ll think about it?’ said Freddie.
    Harry looked sheepish.
    ‘Better run it by Josie first,’ he said. ‘Talking of which …’ He looked at his watch. ‘I think it’s time we were heading back.’
    ‘God, she really has got you under the thumb, hasn’t she?’ said Ant. ‘One more can’t hurt.’
    Harry looked mortified. ‘I’m not under the thumb,’ he muttered. ‘Josie’s mum; it would be rude to her.’
    ‘I suppose you’re right,’ said Ant, unconvinced. He had a feeling Harry and Josie might be having words when they got back. Prime reason if ever he needed one to remind him never to get married. ‘See you around, Freddie.’
    ‘So what about my show?’
    ‘We’ll think about it,’ said Harry.
    ‘I shall just have to bring all my powers of persuasion to bear on Josie, won’t I?’ laughed Ant.
    ‘Don’t,’ said Harry, ‘please don’t.’
    Diana found herself wandering the coastal path and getting a bit lost, before she eventually reached the Standing Stones.
    It was so peaceful up here. The wind tangled her hair, and she sat down and looked over the bay. The sun was dropping low on the horizon, casting out golden rays on a sparkling sea. Seagulls whirled high in the sky above her. It was just perfect. Diana felt free and happy for once. It wasn’t a feeling she was very familiar with. Much of the time, she felt grouchy and