Read on for a sneak peek at the next book in The Village Secrets trilogy

It was over and the bride and groom left the church to cheers, clapping, and people tossing handfuls of rice. Hand in hand Daisy and Jay walked the short distance to the latest innovation in the village, designed and financed by Jay himself. The manually operated chain ferry was ready to take the guests across the water to a landing stage on the far side, and transport had been laid on to take the bridal party to the manor house for the wedding breakfast. Jay handed Daisy into the boat, followed by his mother, Eleanora and Sidney, Hilda and the two bridesmaids, and lastly eleven-year-old Jack, who jumped aboard at the last minute and went to sit beside Judy. There were more cheers as the ferry was winched across the water, and when they disembarked it was winched back to collect the rest of the family and the guests in relays.

‘That’s a wonderful contraption, my boy,’ Sidney said appreciatively. ‘I just hope it doesn’t affect the fishing grounds.’

Jay smiled and shook his head. ‘It won’t, sir, I promise, and you are welcome to fish in the lake, if that appeals to you.’

‘My husband is obsessed with the sport,’ Eleanora sighed. ‘I must admit I’m getting a little tired of eating trout and I dislike pike; it tastes muddy.’

‘Cook can do wonders with that particular fish,’ Hilda said eagerly. ‘She stuffs it with breadcrumbs and herbs and I don’t know what, but it’s very good to eat.’

‘Lemon juice, Ma.’ Judy met her mother’s surprised gaze with a grin. ‘I learn a lot from watching Cook at work.’

Sidney patted Judy on the back. ‘I can see we have a budding chef in our midst, Hilda.’

‘Maybe Hilda doesn’t want her daughter to work in a kitchen.’ Eleanora shifted from one foot to the other as her high heels sank into the muddy track. ‘Are we getting in the carriage with you, Daisy? Or do we have to wait for another to come and pick us up? I have to say, I don’t want to travel on a farm cart. It would ruin my new gown.’

Jay handed Daisy into the waiting landau. ‘There’s room for two more and the little ones, because they don’t take up much room. There’s another carriage on the way, but it’s not too far to walk.’

‘I hope you’re not suggesting that we ladies trudge up the hill on the muddy track,’ Mary said crossly. ‘I agree with Mrs Marshall. We should travel in the carriage with you.’

‘I’ll walk,’ Sidney said firmly. ‘But Mrs Begg ought to ride.’

‘I’ll come with you, Mr Marshall,’ Jack said eagerly. ‘I feel like a walk after sitting through all that hymn singing and praying.’

Sidney ruffled Jack’s curly brown hair. ‘I couldn’t agree more, son. Perhaps Judy and Molly would like to come too, and we’ll have a look at the lake. We might see a few carp.’