"So, where's the inn?" Claire asked, closing the door behind her.

"Come on, I'll show you!" Mayor Thomas excitedly gestured for her to follow.

"Okay, okay. I'm coming," she chuckled.

It was already dark, the street lights flickering on, as they walked towards the inn. Claire barely noted her surroundings, exhaustion gradually sapping away her energy.

However, she did note the large building, light and laughter emanating from it. She could tell that it was an inn from a mile away; it simply glowed with 'inness' and bright, friendly warmth. And the board proclaiming 'Doug's Inn and Diner' confirmed her speculation.

As they walked into the building they were drowned in jovial laughter, warm light and the aroma of delicious food. Claire barely had a moment to absorb everything when a peppy girl bounded over.

"Hiya!" she greeted happily, "the name's Ann."

Claire blinked at her, "uh…nice to meet you. My name's Claire."

Ann caught Claire by surprise by grabbing her hand and shaking it enthusiastically, "great to meet ya too. So what can I do for ya on this fine evening?"

Claire heard the mayor chuckle behind her, "well Ann, Claire's the new farmer, which I'm sure you've heard about."

Ann's eyes widened in shock, "YOU'RE the new farmer?" she asked, pointing a finger at Claire.

Claire raised an eyebrow, "yes. Yes, I am."

"Wow!" admiration filling Ann's voice, "gal, you've got guts, I'll give ya that."

Then her face darkened, "But dontcha be like that other farmer we had. That good for nothing, rotten…" she proceeded to mumble (what Claire gathered from her look and tone of voice) obscenities under her breath.

"Now, now," Mayor Thomas piped in, breaking Ann's silent, angry rant, "Miss Thatch needs dinner and a B&B."

Ann face lifted again, "Okeydokey!" she ushered Claire towards an empty table.

As they made their way, Claire was keenly aware that the other occupants in the diner were watching her with keen and curious interest. But she ignored the awkwardness that came with the stares and simply sat down, proceeding to be nonchalant and oblivious to the feeling of eyes probing at her.

Ann, realizing that everyone was staring at them, turned around and snapped, "Dontcha'll have anything better to do? I suggest; ya'll mind ya own business!"

That was followed by an awkward and affronted toned murmur which Ann ignored and faced Claire, asking in a suddenly sweet voice, "What can I get for ya?"

"Um…" Claire hummed uncertainly, eyes scanning up and down the pages of the menu, lips pursed with deep contemplation. There were so many delectable sounding dishes to choose from and she couldn't make up her mind which one would be most appetising.

"I suggest the grilled fish," Ann advised with a small laugh, "it's our speciality," she added with a wink.

"Oh, thanks," Claire said, relief evident in the smile she gave Ann, "in that case, I'll take one grilled fish, thank you."

"Coming right up!" Ann said with flourish, "oh, and what would ya like to drink?"

"Water will be perfect," Claire replied, watching Ann jot down her order and turn back towards the kitchen with a flashing smile.

Suddenly the mayor's head popped up in front of Claire, "I see you're comfortable. I've spoken with Doug and organised a room for you to stay in for the night.

I'll be expecting you at the farm by seven tomorrow, please don't be late. Good night."

And with that he turned to leave. Claire couldn't help but think that it was a very abrupt and slightly rude farewell. But she shrugged it off, knowing that she had taken a lot of the mayor's time as it was and he would, most probably, be tired.

While she waited for her meal, she rested her head on her propped up arms, her mind wandering over to what to expect tomorrow. She knew it was going to be a busy day, having to clean and prepare the house while also sorting out the mess that was now her farm. She sighed; this was so much more difficult than what she had anticipated.

She had known that running a farm was a very laborious job, but she hadn't realize the extent of how. Well, anyway, farming was a much better alternative than her previous job.

'No!' she mutely reprimanded herself, 'You came here to start a new life and forget about your old one. So don't think back, forget the past!'

Much easier said than done, she mused; some things just cannot be forgotten.

Claire's thoughts were broken when a steaming plate of tantalizingly aromatic fish was placed in front of her.

"Bon apatite," Ann pronounced in a French accented voice, placing a large glass of juice beside the plate, "hope you enjoy ze meal." Then she winked and left to wait on the other diners.

Claire shook her head when she realized that Ann had brought for her juice instead of water. Not that she minded the beverage; she merely didn't want to burden the mayor with a huge bill.

She signalled Ann over and informed her of the little mishap.

"Oh, it was no accident," Ann said, waving her hand dismissively, "consider it a little welcome gift - we won't charge ya for it."

Claire was once again stunned by the kind gesture, "oh…thank you. You really shouldn't have."

Ann flapped her hand again, "it was nothing really."

Claire shone a warm, grateful smile at Ann, which was returned most enthusiastically.

Then, Ann noticed Claire's bag sitting against the table leg, "Oh my! I forgot to take ya baggage, what a terrible innkeeper I am!" she exclaimed, aghast at her mistake.

She hurriedly scanned the inn, searching for something or someone. Finally, her eyes stopped at the dimmest corner of the inn and she proceeded to signal to the shadowy figure sitting there.

After much jumping, signalling and yelling 'Gray' from Ann, and also much head turning towards their direction, the person stood and shuffled over.

As he approached, Claire noticed that he wore a cap – covering most of his face. He walked with his head down, hands stuffed in the pockets of his light-brown jacket. He had an air of indifference about him - a slightly gruff attitude.

"What's your problem!" he snapped at Ann when he neared them.

"What is your problem?" Ann retorted, stepping up into his face and poking his chest when she emphasised the pronoun.

"I asked first!" he hissed, brushing her hand away and stepping back from her.

"Hmmf!" Ann huffed, hands placed crossly on her hips, "next time I call, I expect ya to come immediately!"

"I'm not your servant boy!" he barked back, "I don't have to obey your orders!"

By now, many people had turned to watch the banter – a form of great entertainment for the dull little town.

"Tut tut," Ann taunted, "Why, it's just common courtesy for a gentleman to help a lady. Well, I guess ya ain't a gentleman."

Her taunt seemed to hit a cord as Gray's jaw tightened and he growled lowly, "Watcha need?"

"You can take it to the last room in the corridor," Ann instructed Gray, pointing to Claire's bag. To which he didn't show the slightest hint of acknowledgment, except picking up the bag.

Claire had been watching the exchange in silent amusement.

"That guy's a piece of work I tell ya," Ann grumbled to Claire, shaking her head at Gray's retreating form, causing Claire to chuckle inwardly.

"Who was that?" Claire inquired.

"My cousin Gray, he boards here at the inn, he's apprenticing at the blacksmiths. But he's always got a foul mood, he's a hard one to get along with."

Claire remained quiet as she watched Gray's form disappear up the stairs.