This Other Eden (Skimmerdale Book 1)

by Sharon Booth

'There's some right lame things, too,' said Ophelia. 'Like handwriting classes for us kids. As if.'

  'Some kids like to do things like that,' said Eliot. 'Not everyone's as animal mad as you.'

  'I don't know why,' said Libby. 'There's cake shows, too, of course. I'll bet you win, Honey.'

  'Mrs Edwards always wins the cake shows,' said Ophelia firmly. 'Everyone knows that.'

  'Only 'cos she's so loud and bossy, and everyone's scared of her,' said Libby.

  'There's some truth in that, an' all,' admitted Eliot. 'Still, you never know.' He looked around thoughtfully. 'I must remember to buy some damson jam for Granny Allen.'

  Eden's eyes widened. 'Really? Why?'

  'She loves her damson jam, but she doesn't make it any more. Arthritis. I did offer to bring her today, but she didn't feel up to walking round, so I promised I'd bring her a couple of jars back, instead.'

  Eden felt her insides turn to mush. Honestly, he was good with children, kind to pensioners, loved animals ... Who could resist him?

  Not her, that was for sure. It was becoming increasingly difficult not to touch him. In fact, it was an embarrassing fact that she had to keep her hands firmly on the handles of George's buggy to prevent herself from stroking him. She couldn't possibly stroke Eliot without giving herself away — well, unless she stroked other farmers as well, to disguise her motives, but she would get locked up if she went around stroking random sheep farmers, so it was probably better to keep her hands to herself, as difficult as that was proving to be.

  Ophelia decided she was starving, so Eliot bought them all roast pork sandwiches from a stall that was emitting a smell so delicious it proved impossible to pass by without stopping to sample its wares. Even Libby managed a little of hers, despite her nerves.

  After that, Libby dragged them off to look at the rabbits and tried to persuade Eliot that a little black Lionhead was an essential for a farm. Ophelia was disgusted when they stopped to watch the Dog with the Waggiest Tail competition. She was adamant that Dodger could easily beat the spaniel who took the title. Having seen the little Jack Russell's tail moving so fast that she was surprised it hadn't lifted the dog off the ground like a helicopter propeller, Eden wasn't going to argue with her. Ophelia decided she was definitely going to enter Dodger for the competition next year, and Eden tried to suppress the wave of sadness that overwhelmed her as she realised she wouldn't be around to see it.

  They got two jars of damson jam for Granny Allen, then the girls decided they wanted to win some prizes on the stalls. Ophelia was delighted that there was a hook-a-duck stall, as she was guaranteed to win something. Sure enough, she had quickly snared a plastic duck on the end of the pole, and chose a cheap, plastic yoyo as her reward.

  'I could have bought her three of those for the price of that ticket,' moaned Eliot.

  'But it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun,' said Eden. 'Aren't you going to have a go?'

  He pulled a face. 'I don't think so.'

  'That's more like you, Dad!' Libby tugged on his arm, her face eager. 'Look, a rifle range! Show Honey how good you are at shooting!'

  'Are you?' Eden wasn't sure what to think about that.

  He shrugged. 'I'm not bad, I suppose.'

  Adey laughed. 'Yeah, Mr Modesty. Go on, show the lovely lady what you can do.'

  Eden didn't miss the look they exchanged, but she was uncertain what it meant. She had to admit, in spite of her dislike of guns, she felt a thrill of anticipation at the idea of Eliot handling a rifle.

  With the girls and Adey urging him on, and George whooping with excitement, Eliot headed over to the rifle range and paid his money. He looked almost embarrassed as he took aim, but Eden couldn't take her eyes off him as he proceeded to fire at the target. His aim was straight and true, and the stall-holder shook his head as he offered Eliot the pick of the prizes on offer. Since most of the prizes were soft toys, there wasn't a great deal of choice. Eventually, he selected a Shaun the Sheep, which seemed appropriate.

  'And what are you going to do with that?' asked Adey. 'Put it on the end of your bed? Cuddle up to it at night?'

  'I want it,' said Ophelia.

  'Why should you have it? I want it,' said Libby.

  'Give it to George,' said Adey. 'Reckon he'll love it.'

  Eliot hesitated, then shook his head. 'Georgie's got plenty of soft toys. Here.' Eden gasped when he handed it to her. 'For you.'

  'Me?' It was hardly an engagement ring, but it felt as if she'd won the biggest prize of her life.

  'Aye. To remind you of us when you've gone.' He turned away, thrusting his hands in his pockets, and Eden's heart sank. It meant nothing, after all.

  She caught Adey's eye and saw a trace of sympathy in it. She put the sheep in the tray under the buggy and mustered some enthusiasm in her voice. 'Right. What's next?'

  Adey glanced at his watch. 'Happen it's time to get back to the sheep, Eliot. And you young 'uns need to get that pony ready.'

  'Is it that time already? Right, well …' Eliot's voice trailed off, as Daisy appeared at his side. 'Now, then. How's it going?'

  'Fine, thanks. Long time, no see.' Daisy's voice was strained as she took in the scene. Evidently, she wasn't pleased to see "Honey" acting as if she was part of the family.

  'It's been a busy time,' said Eliot, obviously uncomfortable. 'I expect you've been busy, too. You haven't been near the farm for a while.'

  'Yes, well, things took a turn for the worse with Dad,' she said.

  Eliot's face softened. 'I'm sorry to hear that, Daisy. Is he all right?'

  She shook her head. 'Not really. He's going into a home. I can't manage him anymore, and he's been having a lot of falls. It's for the best.'

  'Oh, Daisy.' His voice was sad, but she shrugged.

  'It's life, isn't it?'

  'I'm really sorry, Daisy,' said Eden. She was, too. She could imagine how she'd feel if her own dad was ever so ill he had to be put in a home. It would break her heart. 'It must be awful for you.'

  'What would you know?' demanded Daisy. 'As if you'd care.'

  'No need for that, Daisy,' said Eliot gently. 'She was just being sympathetic.'

  'I don't need her sympathy,' snapped Daisy. 'What's it worth, anyway? She can't even be bothered to speak to her own father, so I'm sure she doesn't give a rat's arse about mine.'

  Since there was no disputing the fact, as unjust as it was, Eden couldn't exactly defend herself. Instead, she said to the girls, 'Come on, we'd better get back to Flora. Time's getting away from us.'

  'Isn't it just,' muttered Daisy. She folded her arms and nodded at Eliot. 'You in the final classes this afternoon?'

  He nodded, obviously worried about her. 'Yes. Are you sure you're okay?'

  'I said so, didn't I? I'm off to get something to eat. Might see you later.'

  She turned and headed off without waiting for an answer. Eden felt wretched. Daisy was obviously suffering, and no doubt she would normally have turned to Eliot for comfort, but "Honey's" presence was making that impossible for her. If she wasn't on the scene, would things have progressed between the two of them? But then, she hadn't exactly done anything to stop them getting together, had she? Surely, if it was going to happen, it would have happened already? She knew Daisy was keen for a relationship, but how did Eliot feel?

  Once Daisy had walked away, Eliot turned to Eden. 'I'll be over there,' he said, pointing in the direction of the sheep shed. 'I have to finish them off and get myself ready. Will you be okay with the bairns and Flora? Do you want Adey or Mickey to help you?'

  'No, it's fine. We'll manage. What do we have to do first?'

  'They need to get their numbers,' he said. 'The tent's not far from the trailer. The girls know the ropes — they've done this before. If you get stuck, or there are any problems at all, come and find me, okay?'

  'What, and interrupt your sheep showing?' She smiled faintly at him, still feeling unsettled. 'I wouldn't dare.'

  He put a hand on her shoulder, his
eyes serious. 'I mean it. Don't be scared to come and ask for help. Promise?'

  What was he trying to do? Kill her off? 'Promise,' she squeaked.

  He seemed to study her face for a moment, before he nodded and turned to his daughters. 'Now, behave yourselves and don't be silly. Take it easy, okay? Good luck. I'll come and watch as soon as I can.'

  He crouched down in front of the buggy and kissed his son. 'See you soon, Georgie.' Glancing up at Eden, he said, 'Look after them, won't you?'

  'Of course.' Crikey, she was only going across a field, not taking the kids trekking in Nepal. He needed to stop worrying and start concentrating on his own job. Time to take charge. 'We'll go and get the numbers,' she said, pushing the buggy forward. 'Come on, girls. We'll see you later,' she added, nodding at the two men. 'Best of luck. Hope Gideon wins a prize.'

  'Bugger better had,' said Adey. 'We're counting on it.'

  As Eden walked away, she wondered again about the barn and the missed potential. She needed to push Eliot about it. It could be a massive help to his finances, if he could get the funds to convert the building and set the project up.

  Mickey waved to them as they reached the trailer. 'Thought tha'd buggered off home. Had a good time?'

  'Oh, yes,' said Ophelia. 'Do you like my yoyo? I won it.'

  Mickey rolled his eyes, evidently not impressed.

  'Dad won a Shaun the Sheep,' said Libby. 'He gave it to Honey.'

  'Did he now?' Mickey grinned at her. 'That were right kind of him, I'm sure. Happen he's in a good mood, what with Gideon doing so grand.'

  Ophelia nodded. 'I reckon if Gideon wins the next class, we could get a new pony out of it. What do you think? I mean, Libby's getting a bit tall for Flora, and it would be good to have a pony each, so we could go for rides together.'

  'Happen so, but money don't grow on trees. Even if Gideon fetches top whack, that money's needed. Remember that, and don't go nattering your Dad, right?'

  Ophelia looked disappointed but didn't argue. She and Libby began to saddle Flora, and Eden took the opportunity to take Mickey to one side.

  'Mickey, has Eliot said anything to you about the barns?'

  He frowned, shaking his head. 'Nay, lass. What about them?'

  'I had a thought. There are all those empty buildings sitting there. It's a waste of potential. I was thinking that stone barn overlooking the beck could be done up and used as a sort of tea shop. We could serve cream teas to passing walkers. So many people hike up there, and it would be great for them to have somewhere to rest and take some refreshment. We could charge a decent price and get some income coming in.'

  Mickey smirked. 'Could we?'

  Eden blushed. 'I mean, Eliot could. And then there's all those other barns opposite the house. One of them could be renovated and turned into a bed and breakfast business. We could cook the breakfasts in the house and take them across. We could fit a few bedrooms and a large dining room in one barn. There's loads of room. I think it could make a huge difference to Eliot's finances.'

  Mickey looked at her curiously. 'What put all this in tha mind, lass?'

  'Well, I've been online, researching the state of farming. It seems a lot of farmers are struggling to make ends meet, and many of them have turned to other sources of income to help. Diversification is the key word.'

  'Is it now?' Mickey nodded knowingly. 'Well, I think it's reet kind of thee to go to all that trouble.'

  'But what do you think? I mentioned it to Eliot, but he didn't seem to take it seriously. Probably because he doesn't take me seriously,' she added gloomily.

  Mickey patted her arm. 'I wouldn't say that, lass. Tha'd be surprised. I'll have a word, see what he thinks. Happen tha's reet. Summat needs doing. Long term, like. Mebbe we should look into it, this diversification lark.'

  'Really? Oh, thanks, Mickey.' Eden felt highly relieved. At least, with Mickey on her side, Eliot might start to look into the possibilities at last.

  'Tha'll be 'reet now, does tha reckon? Only, I'd like to go and help the lad wi' tup. He gets reet nervous, and this is a big deal.'

  'Of course, Mickey. We can manage. Good luck.'

  They found the steward's tent easily enough. Eden's heart was in her mouth as they walked towards it, not least because there were children on ponies everywhere, and she could only pray that they were under control. She still wasn't confident around horses, and even though Flora was lovely and gentle, it didn't mean that all her kind were. She'd read enough horror stories of ponies kicking out, and George was so vulnerable in his buggy.

  'Number fourteen,' said Libby, coming out of the tent and fastening her number over her shirt. 'Go and get yours, Ophelia.'

  Ophelia handed her the reins and rushed inside.

  'What have you entered for, anyway?' Eden asked.

  'I'm doing the bending and the sack race, Ophelia's doing the egg and spoon, and we're doing the Gretna Green together, obviously,' she said.

  'Oh, obviously.' She had no idea what Libby was talking about, but she nodded encouragingly and added, 'Well done,' and hoped the little girl wouldn't ask any questions about any gymkhana games Honey had taken part in.

  George, seeing all the ponies around, practically hurled himself out of his buggy, hands outstretched.

  'You wouldn't be so keen if you knew what they were capable of, mate,' Eden muttered, swerving the buggy out of the path of a fat piebald, who didn't look as if he stood a cat in hell's chance of winning a thing, unless there was a competition for the most sugar lumps eaten in ten minutes.

  Ophelia returned with number twenty-seven and quite cross about it. 'It's my unluckiest number,' she wailed.

  'How on earth can twenty-seven be your unluckiest number?' Eden said.

  'I got twenty-nine out of thirty questions right in my spelling test,' she replied, 'and number twenty-seven was the only one I got wrong.'

  'Oh, well,' Eden said, 'in that case, you must be right.'

  'Don't be silly,' said Libby. 'You got twelve out of twenty in your maths test. Are you saying those eight numbers you got wrong are all unlucky, too?'

  Ophelia considered the matter. 'Oh, yeah,' she said eventually, and looked a lot more cheerful after that, for which Eden was truly grateful. She had enough to worry about, sorting out her own nerves, without worrying about Ophelia's.

  'We're going over there,' said Libby, pointing to a group of children and ponies, who were standing in the shade of some trees. 'Do you want to sit on the benches?'

  The benches around the ring were already pretty full, but there were a few spaces left, and she nodded. 'Best of luck, girls. We'll be just over there if you need us. Be careful.'

  Ophelia rolled her eyes, but Libby gave her a tense smile. 'Thanks, Honey.'

  Eden pushed the buggy over the grass, threading her way gingerly between crowds of nervous-looking children and parents barking instructions. She made the people on the front bench budge up, pointing out that she had a buggy and needed to be at the end. They took a dismal view of that, and there was a great deal of muttering, but they shuffled up, and Eden plonked herself down, keeping hold of the buggy with one hand.

  Within a few minutes, the first class started. It was a showing class for tiny tots, who were led into the ring by their proud parents. Their little legs were halfway up the ponies' bellies, and Eden's heart was in her mouth, watching them being paraded round the ring.

  The children seemed delighted. There was a lot of giggling and some enthusiastic kicking going on. The ponies looked pretty glum, not surprisingly. Eden had no idea that one could get full riding kit for such young children. They were all in riding hats and breeches and boots. A couple even had tweed jackets. It occurred to her that, in a year or two, George could be in the ring, being paraded around like that. Then she dismissed the idea. As if Eliot would wander round a field, leading him on Flora to be gawped at by everyone. Then again, maybe Daisy would do it. By the time George was old enough, who knew what the situation would be between the two of them?
She could be the children's new stepmother.

  George banged on the side of his buggy and hurled himself forward in frustration. It was a wonder he didn't snap the straps. Hastily, Eden unbuckled him and hoisted him onto her knee, where he clapped his hands and cooed in delight at the ponies, shrieking out "Flora" every now and then, which only went to prove that one pony looked pretty much the same as another to his eyes.

  Eden sat through another couple of the showing classes, for children of varying age groups, doing her best to entertain George. Finally, the gymkhana games got going. Libby competed first, taking part in a bending competition. This seemed to consist of pony and rider threading their way between a row of poles, trying not to knock any over while going as fast as possible against a few other competitors. There were various heats of the same class, and it went on a long time. Libby did very well, as far as Eden could tell. During it all, George sat on her knee, staring wide-eyed at the race and clapping occasionally. When it had finished, Eden watched, curious, as a few riders, including Libby, were called over, and then she joined in with the clapping, delighted to realise that Libby had won something, when a yellow rosette was pinned to Flora's bridle.

  'Oh, well done!' Eden said out loud.

  'Third,' said a voice behind her.

  Eden looked up, surprised, as Beth shuffled past her to sit beside her on the bench. There was more muttering as everyone had to budge up again, but Beth didn't seem too worried.

  'Are you enjoying yourself?'

  'Oh, yes. Very interesting,' Eden murmured, thinking, please don't ask me anything about my gymkhana career because I haven't the foggiest idea.

  'Have you had a chance to look around? There's all sorts going on, you know. James is watching a gun dog display, and I'm judging the flowers later. Did you enter the cake show, by the way?'

  'Yes, I did. And we've had a walk round. It was great fun. When the children have finished, I'll pop over and see how my cakes have done. Hopefully, Eliot will have finished by then, too. He's over at the sheep showing ring.'

  'Anxious times for him,' said Beth.

  'I'd love to see him in action,' Eden murmured wistfully. God, had she really said that out loud? Beth studied her rather quizzically, and she had an awful feeling she'd given herself away. 'I mean, sheep showing. It sounds really interesting. I'd love to know what happens.'