The Green Ribbons

When Hephzibah had first raised the matter of the village library at dinner one evening, Thomas had been scathing about the idea, declaring it a complete waste of time and money. Hephzibah wondered if that was the only reason the squire had chosen to support it. So far, Sir Richard had been assiduous in his efforts to raise the necessary funds for the building of the permanent library, convincing most of the neighbouring landowners to donate to the cause. The building was also to incorporate a social hall for the village. The linking of the building to the memory of Queen Victoria, and the opportunity for benefactors’ names to be included on the dedication stone, had helped the money roll in fast. Work had already begun to clear the land, a small plot adjacent to the old silk mill, and an architect from Newbury had drawn up the plans.