Page 9 of The Clockmaker's Cottage
Pippa’s jaw dropped. ‘No. Way!’
Rose squealed, grabbing her arm. ‘Open it! Open it! It was meant to be!’
Hands shaking, Pippa clicked on the email.
From: The Horology Committee
Subject: Congratulations! You’ve Won a Stay at
Clockmaker’s Cottage!
Dear Ms Bell,
In association with Mr Horace Vale, the Horology Committee is delighted to inform you that your entry has been selected as one of the winning tickets in this year’s exclusive accommodation lottery. We are therefore delighted to invite you to enjoy a complimentary stay for the duration of the Puffin Island Horology Clockmakers’ Convention at the historic Clockmaker’s Cottage, once home to Walter and Horace Vale.
Your prize includes:
- Three nights’ accommodation at Clockmaker’s Cottage (check-in Friday, check-out Monday).
- Exclusive access to all parts of the cottage not usually open to the public.
- A complimentary meal at The Sea Glass Restaurant with a special guest.
Keys to the property are located in the lock box to the left of the front door.
Access code: 0210.
We look forward to welcoming you to Puffin Island and hope you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Warm regards,
The Horology Committee
Pippa stared at the screen, completely in shock. ‘I… won. I actually won! I’m going to stay at Clockmaker’s Cottage.’
Rose clutched her by the shoulders, shaking her. ‘What the…! People don’t just win things like this! This is fate. Actual fate!’
Pippa’s mouth was dry, her pulse a drum in her ears. ‘Oh my God. My life is a romcom!’
Rose was looking at the email. ‘I think you may have company.’ She tapped the screen. ‘It says “one” of the winners.’
Pippa reread the email and saw that Rose was correct. ‘It doesn’t matter,’ she said, shaking her head. ‘This is just what I need.’
Rose looked out of the window. ‘The question is, how are you going to get there?’
Rain battered the glass, wind driving it sideways in relentless sheets. It was St Swithin’s Day, and the weather seemed determined to prove the legend right. The news had already reported flooded roads, fallen branches, and chaos everywhere.
‘The convention starts in the morning,’ said Rose, ‘which means you’ve only got tonight. Honestly? I’m not liking your chances.’
Pippa glanced back at her phone and opened the train app. ‘You’re right. All the later trains have been cancelled due to flooding and debris on the line.’ She scrolled, her heart racing. ‘Except…’ Her head flew up. ‘There’s one leaving at four p.m. Thirty minutes! I don’t even have time to go home and pack. I’ll miss it!’
Rose stood up and went into full survival mode. ‘You’ll have to take some of my clothes. I’ll get my suitcase.’
‘I haven’t even got time to get changed.’
‘Then go like that,’ shouted Rose from the bedroom, pulling her suitcase from the top of the wardrobe.
‘In my wedding dress?’
