Permelia Cottage

by Carole Lehr Johnson

  “I hope you don’t find any surprises while you’re working.” The crease between his brows deepened as his lips tightened.

  Mr. Jenks chewed, deep in thought. “You never know with an ole place such as this—if someone made a real bodge of a job in the past?”

  Ryan wasn’t aware what bodge meant, but he grasped the concept and nodded. “Well, if you happen upon something not covered in the estimate, would you mind keeping it between us?”

  Taking a big gulp from his thermos, Mr. Jenks’ eyes sparkled over the rim. He screwed the cap back on. “Up to you—none of my business.” He slid from the wall. “Best get to it, guv—should be done by tomorrow if we don’t get a lashing.” His eyes moved upward to the sky.

  Once again, Ryan didn’t understand but realized Mr. Jenks was talking about rain. He shook his head as Mr. Jenks set off to work and bent to retrieve something that had fallen from his pocket. Ryan dropped from his perch on the wall, a moment between he and April coming to mind. Her purse had spilt its contents, and he’d hastily helped her gather the items, including a small stuffed doll in a plastic bag.

  When she’d seen the item in his hand, pain flashed across her face, and she’d snatched it from him. Ryan wondered why something so odd to be in a woman’s purse lingered in his thoughts. It obviously had a purpose to be there. He shook his head again, but it was absolutely none of his business.

  ∞∞∞

  April shoved the bookstore door open and squealed at the sight of Polly wobbling on the upper stile of a ladder. “Polly Marie! What’re you doing on that ladder while you’re alone in the shop?”

  Polly’s blonde, chin-length hair rippled as she descended. She froze on the third stile and twisted her head toward the still jangling bell. “I’m being extra careful.”

  April glared at her. “We had an agreement. You don’t so much as touch ladders without me here. Remember your great fall last year when you got all pear-shaped. You whined about your sprained wrist for months.” April shot her a teasing look. “I refuse to go through that again.”

  “Oh, all right, madam. I’m only trying to do my job and restock that high shelf.”

  “I’d like to keep my business partner in one piece. Okay?”

  Polly took the remaining steps toward the floor and placed the books she’d been juggling on the nearby counter. “April, no offence, but ta-ra.” She turned on her heel and exited to the storage room in a huff.

  April would allow her friend to fume for a while—as was best for Polly when she was in one of her moods—and moved to the office behind the counter. April put her purse away, hung her sweater, and put on a kettle of water. She held a spoonful of sugar over a cup as a loud crash came from the storage room. Sugar flew into the air and fell like snowflakes. She dropped the spoon with a clang and bolted through the door.

  “Are you all right?” She stopped dead in her tracks to see no sign of Polly except her shoes peeking out from under a huge pile of fallen boxes. “Polly!” she cried and reached for the box on top of her legs and prepared to lift something heavy when instead the box flew over her head toward the door. The box was empty. She reached for the next one—empty again. “Polly.”

  “I’m fine.” The empty boxes muffled her sarcastic voice.

  April continued tossing boxes. “You gave me a fright. What happened?”

  Once the area was cleared, April had to stifle a laugh. Polly was laid out spread-eagle on her back, her expression a mixture of embarrassment, anger, and loss of dignity.

  “Don’t you dare laugh or say I-told-you-so.” She lifted her hand to April for help.

  As April reached for her, she said, “You were on a ladder, weren’t you?”

  Polly’s eyebrows lowered and pinched together.

  April grabbed Polly’s hand. “Do you want to tell me what’s got you so off-kilter today? I haven’t seen you like this since you stopped seeing Jamison.”

  Polly’s eyes shot darts at April as she pulled her to her feet.

  “Is it a chap? You’re seeing someone?” April began stacking boxes against the wall. Polly joined in but remained silent.

  All boxes now organized, April asked, “How about a cup of tea—my treat?” She followed Polly as she led the way to the office-cum-kitchen.

  Polly plopped into a chair at the small drop-leaf table. April swept up the sugar-snowflakes and prepared two cups of tea. The lid of the biscuit tin gave a metallic pop, and she tugged it away and placed a few biscuits onto their chipped Royal Doulton plate. April remembered the day she and Polly had purchased the plate in a charity shop in Salisbury. They had the same idea when they glimpsed it, both commenting on the beautiful blue floral design. It would be their bookshop biscuit plate. It was a happy day—shopping for their new business.

  April eased a chair back and sat. “Want to tell me what’s going on?” Sipping her tea, she eyed Polly with unease. They each nibbled a biscuit in silence.

  Polly’s voice rose just above a whisper. “It’s Tristan.” She studied the table.

  “What about him?”

  “Why don’t you like him? He’s like some attention-starved puppy following you around, and you give him the brushoff. He’s no div?”

  “What on earth are you talking about?” April crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m always nice to Tristan.”

  “Give over. You know he’s interested in you—and he’s a fine chap. I’d be over-the-moon to have a chap like him so attentive to me.” Polly hung her head, her hair falling like a curtain to frame her face.

  April grew still, munching her biscuit. Why did Polly care so much about Tristan’s feelings toward her? “Has he been here while I was out?” April studied her friend’s reaction.

  Polly twisted in her chair with discomfort—she took a long, slow drink of tea—avoiding the question.

  April waited a moment. “Well?”

  “Yes, he’s been coming by almost every day and keeps missing you. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were hiding ’round the corner to be sure he’d left before you came to work.” She slumped in her chair.

  “Oh, Polly—I wouldn’t do that. I like Tristan but as a friend. I suppose I’ll have to tell him and be done with it.”

  Polly’s eyes widened, and she straightened in her seat, eyes now bright. “You would do that?”

  “I suppose I must. Don’t you think?” She expelled a deep breath and poured another cup of tea.

  Polly’s shoulders relaxed. “It’s the honorable thing to do—not leading him on.”

  “Yes … I …” The sound of the bell over the door stopped April in mid-sentence.

  “I’ll get it April, finish your tea.” Polly shuffled from the room.

  What’s going on with her? April’s thoughts mulled over Polly’s anger and overall attitude. Why did she care so much about her attention toward Tristan—or lack of it? She appeared to brighten when April told her she would talk to Tristan.

  “Someone to see you.” Polly’s sing-song voice floated on the air. A little too cheerful to suit April’s taste.

  April forced herself up and out into the shop. As their eyes met, April groaned—guess there was no time like the present since Tristan stood in front of her with a winning smile.

  Chapter 11

  Neville, North Yorkshire, England

  2017

  The sound of a gavel against the table resonated throughout the modest dining area of the church in Neville. “Let’s call this meeting to order, please.” Amanda Singleton spoke above the numerous conversations as she took her place. Her kind face made eye contact with each of the seven people in the room, bobbing her flaming head to each one in silent greeting.

  Letice asked, “May we please first discuss the disappointing news about the factory being sold?” She sank to her chair with a thump. “Rumor has it that it may be pulled down, but we don’t wish to assume anything.”

  A deep familiar voice from the back of the room chimed in. “I wouldn’t be anxious about
that.”

  All eyes shifted to Colin as he strode to the front of the room and stood at Amanda’s side. He wore a pair of tan slacks and a long-sleeved navy cotton shirt. The color highlighted his vivid green eyes.

  “Please let me know when I may offer information about the building. I don’t wish to disturb the order of your meeting.” He nodded a greeting to Susannah and Letice as he settled himself in front of them.

  Letice stood again. “I make a motion we let Colin speak.”

  A woman Susannah knew as the local librarian—glasses perched on the top of her head—seconded the motion, her silky voice barely discernible over the low hum of voices.

  “Motion accepted by Carleen.” Amanda fidgeted in her seat, leaning in toward him. “You have the floor, Colin.”

  Colin rose and returned to stand by Amanda. She peeked at him with admiration as he grinned at her. “Amanda, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for allowing me to be privy to your meeting, considering I am unable to attend often. The company I began some twenty years ago has been successful. It was not by my design, but God’s. He enabled me to hire talented people, and they, too, are aware it was through His divine grace we have been so prosperous. We all realize that because of this success, we must give back to Him. Although I hold a seventy-five percent share in this company, I still consult with my board on how we should allocate our profits. Much of those profits go to charities around the world—with considerable funds remaining in this country.”

  He halted as he made eye contact with every person—his gaze lingering a millisecond longer when his eyes met Susannah’s. “I’d like to ask if I may work with you closely on this project. It’s my understanding that several of you have been at work in filling needs for the homeless in Neville. I’ve renovated my original home and will reside in Neville again—part-time. I must share my time between here and London, where my organization is based.”

  A brief round of applause broke out.

  “Well, thanks for the reception. I appreciate that. Now I’ll tell you about my company’s recent acquisition,” He leaned in toward Amanda and requested a cup of the water from the tray next to her. She complied with a nod, grinned at him warmly, and offered him a cup. He took a sip and proceeded. “C. Heard and Company has acquired the abandoned factory where the homeless are currently residing.”

  An awkward silence fell over the room. Susannah kept her focus on Colin. She sought to weigh his explanation, good or bad, as she continued studying him. He noted her questioning expression and bobbed his head in an imperceptible nod.

  “Please don’t be alarmed. When we purchased the building, we were aware of what was going on there. We do our homework before making such a massive investment. It took a while to close the deal as we were trying to get the best price possible. We acknowledge that it will require another huge investment to renovate enough to make it livable.”

  It took but a few seconds for this to register, and Colin opened his mouth to speak again but was interrupted by a rugged-looking man, who stood to be recognized. “So, you intend on turning it into some high-priced flats to make even more money than you already have? Is that your big plan? You think we’ll stand for this? That we should overlook it since you’re bringing more jobs and lodging to our community, but I say …”

  Colin held his right palm out to halt the man. “Tom, will you please stop for a minute and hear me out? That is not our purpose at all. We mean to give something back to this village by building flats and charging rent based on the person’s income. Please don’t misunderstand … this is not free housing. They will have to sign an agreement to maintain their home. This is not—I repeat—not going to turn into a hovel, nor is it a luxury housing project for the wealthy. There will be stipulations attached to it.”

  Someone stood and asked, “How are they going to pay anything for it if they don’t have jobs?”

  “There’ll be a board overseeing who’s allowed to live there and how much they’ll pay, which will be nothing until they have a job. We’d also like to offer training programs for those without skill sets. It’s also my hope that someone here will chair the board with volunteers to aid them. We want people to learn how to take care of themselves by arranging education programs to help them get on their feet.”

  Too timid to stand, Susannah raised a trembling hand. Colin nodded for her to speak. “My friend, Diann, runs a shelter in the States and could give us some advice on a training program if the committee is interested. She’s mentioned to me the different types of jobs they train for as well as someone to guide them in obtaining jobs. They also have volunteers who do the actual training for those in need. I’d be happy to help in some capacity.”

  Colin’s eyes sparkled. “Thank you, Susannah, that would be tremendous. Any volunteers would be welcomed.”

  A voice rose from the back of the room. “I’d be glad to help. This homeless scene has gotten out of hand. I remember when that factory closed twenty years ago. So many people lost jobs that most had to move from Neville to find employment. Some lost their homes that had been in their family for decades. So sad. The ones that couldn’t move have struggled all that time, and the homeless people you see here are a result of that. I could teach computer classes. With so many jobs requiring computer knowledge, that should be of some assistance.”

  “Tammy, that’s a marvelous idea. It’s never too soon to start a lesson plan. Would you be willing to do that?”

  “Yes. It’s such a pleasure to be part of something bigger than ourselves.” She bobbed her bright head in affirmation. Others around the room joined in with job training offers as the excitement grew.

  “Thank you all.”

  Letice stood. “I’d like to make a motion for Susannah to head the training committee.”

  Susanna’s eyes widened, and she shot her friend a glare. Letice whispered, “You’re perfect for it.”

  Amanda agreed and asked Susannah if she would be willing to head it up. Susannah met Colin’s eyes and saw the eagerness in them to go forward with the project. She couldn’t say no, so she accepted, and the motion was voted on and passed.

  Colin seated himself next to Amanda, who rose, head held high. “Well, Colin. You have made our meeting a success. There’s no need to bring up previously scheduled topics as your news has negated them all. If there’s no further business …”

  Vita stood, and Amanda recognized her. “Colin, when would this improvement begin, and how long before these people may move in?” She held her gaze on him.

  Colin relaxed into his chair. “We aim to set up next week. I expect that it will not take over three months. We’re bringing in a large construction team, so it’ll take as little time as possible.”

  Vita gave him a dazzling smile. “What do you propose we do with the families until that time?” She looked like the cat that swallowed the lizard with the tail protruding from its mouth.

  “We decided to settle them at the Horden Inn.” He waited for his remark to settle in. A tight silence followed.

  Vita’s countenance flushed. “Bravo, Colin.”

  Tom rose, not waiting for approval to express himself. “And who’ll pay for that?”

  Without hesitation, Colin answered. “My company.”

  Further points were raised about the recommended training programs, support, and sub-committee selections before they adjourned the meeting, and everybody headed for the refreshment table. Susannah hung back while Letice made a direct path to Colin.

  Susannah struggled to not look in his direction. She ambled toward the drink table and poured lemonade. Mindlessly, she singled out a chicken salad sandwich and found a seat. As Susannah took a nibble, Colin maneuvered himself into the place across from her, and Letice sat next to Susannah.

  “Hello, Susannah.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Thank you for heading the committee. We’ll work well together to help those in need.”

  Struggling to chew, Susannah finished and sought to respond with a mere “Yes
.” Her answer sounded hollow, but it was too late to take it back—or to add enthusiasm.

  He reached for his water and ran the tip of his finger around the rim of the glass and brought his gaze to meet Susannah’s.

  Letice broke in. “I think I’ll have one of those sandwiches. Yummy.” She turned to leave and sputtered under her breath as she pulled a face. “I must be microscopic.”

  Susannah caught her words and glanced as she watched her new friend go, almost falling into Amanda, who asked, “What did you say, dear?”

  “Oh, nothing—talking to myself.”

  Amanda tilted her head toward Susannah and Colin, a question on her face. Susannah grew horrified that they’d mention something about Colin and her that he’d overhear. Susannah munched while conducting the observation, effectively ignoring Colin, and noted Vita step into their chat. Vita gave Susannah a seething stare, straightened her necklace, and strutted toward Colin. Susannah watched her approach and bump into Tom by accident.

  “Sorry, love. Didn’t mean to plow into you.” She grabbed Tom’s arm to steady herself. His puffed-out chest revealed the ego-boost.

  “No probs, love.”

  They strode together and sat by Colin. Tom slapped him on the back. “Hey, old chap. Didn’t mean to call you out on that whole deal a bit ago. Bein’ old chums, I knew you’d not take it wrong.”

  “No, Tom. I understood. You always jump to conclusions. Guess that’s why you came to be a solicitor.”

  Susannah watched and listened to the exchange with utter confusion. Tom was a lawyer—and a long-time friend of Colin’s? Perhaps she’d read him wrong after all. And what did it matter anyway?

  An hour later, while walking home, her thoughts hadn’t strayed far from the man who seemed to be of great interest to everyone, especially after the enormous contribution to the area’s homeless. She pulled her sweater tight to ward off the crisp English evening. There was no way she would allow herself to become entangled with another man after what she’d lived through. It may begin well enough, yet result in catastrophe. After Vita’s presence created a spectacle of the unmistakable way she was after Colin, she refused to be associated in any drama.