Promises of Spring

by Jenny Lane

  So did Sophie. Suddenly the thought of being in Penbridge without Keir seemed something she really didn’t want to contemplate. He had given her a new purpose in life, melted the ice around her heart and made her come alive again.

  ***

  Work was a great deal easier the following week apart from Stanley Pierce who made it clear that he’d rather Sophie wasn’t there.

  ‘All the other support staff have worked outside in a separate area. It’s less distracting,’ he told her.

  When she arrived back at Rose Cottage she found Aunt Rose sitting at the kitchen table, eyes glistening with tears.

  ‘Whatever’s wrong?’ Sophie asked, alarmed.

  ‘It’s Peggy. John’s just called in to give me the key on his way to work, and he’s told me the news.’

  ‘Is she worse?’ Sophie prompted, sitting opposite Aunt Rose.

  ‘No, no, it’s not that. She’s on the mend. But she’s finally thrown in the towel and decided to move nearer to them, which will mean giving up the shop. John says he’ll endeavour to keep it open for about three afternoons a week, just until the property is sold. Actually, he’s offered to pay me to do a bit more sorting out. Apparently, Peggy’s perfectly happy for me to do that and there’s a cupboard jam-packed with stock. He’ll have a clearance sale eventually. It’s a bit of a body blow, Sophie, I have to tell you.’

  ‘I’m so sorry, Aunt Rose. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling,’ Sophie said sympathetically.

  Aunt Rose blew her nose and got briskly to her feet. ‘Well, I’d better not sit here all day. There’s work to be done. Have you had any lunch, Sophie?’

  ‘Not yet, but I can grab something from the baker’s once we’ve opened up.’ She picked up the box of dolls’ house furniture from the table and they set off.

  They spent the afternoon sorting through previously unopened boxes and labelling them ready for John to see, only stopping to serve the occasional customer.

  ‘I knew Peggy was a hoarder, but this is ridiculous,’ Rose said, mopping her brow.

  ‘We ought to get Keir to take a look. He’d know if there was anything of value and then, with John and Peggy’s permission, we could organise some kind of sale.’

  It seemed that no sooner had the words left Sophie’s mouth than Keir appeared.

  ‘I’ve just popped in to see how things are going and to find out if you want a lift to the class tonight. My goodness, whatever’s all this?’

  ‘About five years’ worth of new stock, I would imagine. It’s such a mixture that we’re going to have a problem pricing it up.’

  Keir consulted his watch. ‘I could spare half-an-hour or so, if that would help, just to separate the more expensive items from the junk.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t like doing this without Peggy’s say so. It doesn’t seem right somehow,’ Aunt Rose said worriedly.

  ‘Well, we’re not actually proposing to sell anything not already on display without consulting either Peggy or John, are we now?’ Sophie pointed out.

  Keir made a quick assessment of the stuff they had unearthed so far. They found a marker and some labels and repacked the boxes once they’d been sorted.

  ‘How many more of these boxes are there?’

  For an answer Rose led him to the back of the shop and flung back an ancient velvet curtain to reveal a series of shelves from floor to ceiling, stacked high with cardboard boxes of all shapes and sizes.

  ‘Quite an eye opener, isn’t it? No wonder John and his wife haven’t a clue where to begin.’

  ‘Mind if I take a look?’ Keir asked.

  ‘Feel free.’

  Rose went off to serve a customer and Sophie lingered as Keir cast his eyes over the boxes. ‘Most of these look like new stock. Even I would need a ladder to reach that top shelf.’

  Sophie fetched the steps stool and he hoisted himself up.

  He spent several minutes looking at the labels on the boxes, pausing over one or two. When he clambered down again he dusted down his trousers and she noted the thoughtful expression on his face.

  ‘Keir, what is it? What exactly have you discovered up there?’

  ‘I’m not sure — something or nothing. Leave it with me for the moment. Sophie, you’re not working tomorrow afternoon, are you?’

  ‘No, why?’

  ‘Neither am I. Could you spare the time to come back here for an hour or two, with the Munns’ permission, of course.’

  Rose finished dealing with the customer and joined them at the back of the shop.

  ‘Have you found some buried treasure, Keir?’

  ‘I doubt it, but there is a bit of a puzzle and I’d like to come back tomorrow when I’ve got a bit more time. I’m afraid I’ll have to go now or I won’t be ready for my class this evening and that would never do, would it, Sophie?’

  ‘Well, what do you make of that?’ Rose asked as the door closed behind him.

  ‘I can’t make out what he could have seen just by looking at the outside of some boxes,’ Sophie added, staring up at the shelves as if seeking inspiration.

  ‘We’re just going to have to be patient, aren’t we?’

  ***

  Back at Rowanbank, Keir picked up the phone to Erica. To his surprise, she answered almost as soon as it started ringing. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he came to the point.

  ‘Erica have you had occasion to take any boxes of ornaments to Peggy Munn’s shop?’

  ‘What are you talking about, Keir? Why would I? Oh, wait a minute, I remember now, but that was yonks ago, when I was clearing out a cupboard in the spare room. I’d forgotten all about it. Why?’

  ‘Because ...’ He filled her in and asked a few pertinent questions.

  ‘As if I would! Honestly, Keir, if you’re right then it was a genuine mistake. You know what Hugh was like about getting rid of things. I just had to get on and do it myself. How was I to know? It just looked like a load of old junk to me — otherwise, why would it have been stowed in that cupboard? Anyway, you were left all the ceramics so, by rights, I suppose all that stuff’s yours. What’s that? Keir, if you haven’t even looked inside the boxes then why on earth are you making such a fuss?’

  She listened impatiently for a few moments. ‘No, of course not. What? OK, I’ll leave it in your capable hands. I’m sure you can sort it out. If not I’ll get in touch with the people concerned. What a bore! Anyway, it could just be a load of old junk. Now we’ve got friends coming over tonight, so I’ll have to love you and leave you. Bye for now.’

  Keir sighed as he put down the phone. Erica really was the limit. If his suspicions were right then it was a mercy Peggy Munn was such a hoarder. He consulted his watch and went into the study.

  Chapter Ten

  ‘I’ve managed to get hold of John Munn,’ Keir told Sophie on the way to the class that evening. ‘He’s perfectly happy for me to take a look at the contents of the boxes and make a list. Apparently his mother just doesn’t feel up to doing it herself and has agreed to him taking charge, but obviously he’ll have to run everything past her before disposing of any of the stock.’

  ‘I take it there’s something that’s gripped your attention,’ Sophie prompted.

  ‘I’d rather not say for the moment. After all, it could be that the boxes have been recycled, in which case I’d have egg on my face if I told you what I was thinking.’

  ‘Right then, I’ll just have to wait until tomorrow afternoon, won’t I?’

  ‘Yes, I’m afraid we both will,’ he said, as he drove through the school gateway.

  Keir had already unloaded the kiln and everyone crowded round to take a look at their efforts. ‘Today comes the exciting bit,’ Keir told them. ‘We’ll be decorating the jewellery prior to refiling it and then, next week, we can adhere clips and fastenings.’

  Keir took the cufflinks he had been working on and showed them carefully how to apply metallic lustre bands to their jewellery. ‘It will just add the finishing touch.’

  After
this, they began to make dishes using moulds. It was during the break that one of the students asked, ‘Have we had any sales yet from Mrs Munn’s shop?’

  ‘I wouldn’t hold your breath?’ Glenda said rudely.

  ‘You’ll be pleasantly surprised,’ Keir told them. ‘Yes, there have been several sales, but I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a while for your payment, as the lady who runs the shop is indisposed and her son is dealing with it. I have it on the best authority, however, that we can continue to use the shop as an outlet for our wares. It’ll continue to open three or four times a week.’

  ‘That seems very positive,’ Crystal remarked. ‘Poor Mrs Munn has been very poorly with a nasty cold recently, which is why the shop’s been closed more often.’

  Sophie thought Glenda looked distinctly uncomfortable, but she didn’t make any further comment.

  The evening passed pleasantly enough and Sophie realised that, although she enjoyed what she was doing, she was just happy to be in Keir’s company.

  When they’d finished clearing up the room, someone suggested they went for a drink. One or two of the group had to get home, but several of them, including Glenda, Crystal and Alan opted to go to the nearby pub. It was a relaxing atmosphere and Sophie watched Keir as he interacted with the other members of the group. He was such a charming, considerate man and she knew she was in danger of falling in love with him.

  Was she deluding herself when she felt he was interested in her? After all, apart from that one kiss there had been nothing to indicate that he thought of her as anyone special.

  Glenda said something in a low voice and he roared with laughter. Sophie couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy.

  After one drink the group split up, most of them having work the following day.

  ‘So we’ll take a good look at those boxes tomorrow, shall we?’ Keir asked Sophie on the way home.

  ‘What about Peggy Munn? I wonder if she’ll mind us going through her stock.’

  ‘Oh, John will clear it — don’t worry on that score,’ he assured her. ‘I get the impression that it’s all been getting a bit much for her for rather a long time now and that, now that she’s finally decided to retire, she doesn’t want to be bothered with it any longer.’

  ‘Well, that’s as maybe,’ Sophie said, ‘but I still think we need to tread carefully. After all, it’s been her livelihood for years now.’

  ‘Oh, I’ll see that she gets a good price for everything, if that’s what’s worrying you, Sophie.’

  ‘No, I didn’t mean ... Keir, surely you didn’t think ...’

  ‘I think you’ve got a highly suspicious mind,’ he told her frankly. ‘You have to learn to put your trust in people a bit more.’

  It was a good job that it was dark because Sophie felt the colour flood her cheeks. He was right. The episode with Brett had left her unsure of herself and wary of trusting people.

  When they pulled up outside Rose Cottage, Keir reached across and took her hands between his. ‘Someone hurt you badly, didn’t he? Perhaps one day you’ll feel able to talk about it, but until then, remember that not everyone is like that.’

  She lay awake for a long time that night. Was she really so transparent that Keir was able to see into her heart? He was ten times the man Brett was. In that moment, she made up her mind to let go of the past and concentrate on the future.

  ***

  ‘You’ll never believe what I’ve done,’ Aunt Rose said, greeting Sophie at breakfast the following morning. ‘I’ve only double-booked myself. Should have looked on the calendar. I’m supposed to be at the vicarage this afternoon discussing church matters with the friends of St. Bartholomew’s.’

  ‘Right, that’s no problem,’ Sophie told her. ‘Keir and I can manage perfectly well between us at the shop.’

  ‘Well, if you’re sure.’ Aunt Rose hesitated. ‘But what about locking up and setting the alarm? I don’t think Peggy would be too happy if I gave the code out to all and sundry.’

  Sophie laughed at this and Aunt Rose clapped her hand to her mouth, as she realised what she’d said. ‘Oh, you know what I meant, dear.’

  ‘Yes, I’m only teasing. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll sort it out with Keir,’ and she picked up her mobile.

  It was arranged that Sophie would drive Aunt Rose to the shop before John Munn left and that as soon as Keir arrived, Sophie would then transport Aunt Rose to the vicarage for her meeting. After Rose’s meeting, Sophie would collect her, so that she could lock the shop and set the alarm.

  ‘What a palaver!’ Rose said. ‘I’m getting forgetful in my old age!’

  ‘Nonsense,’ Keir said. ‘You’re just a spring chicken!’ Rose dissolved into laughter and Sophie reflected that he was good with old and young alike.

  ***

  ‘Right,’ Keir said, once they were on their own in the gift shop. ‘I’ve redone the window display whilst you were taking Rose to the vicarage. Shall we have a look at some of those boxes? I reckon there must be around thirty.’

  Sophie whistled. ‘As many as that! Where do we begin?’

  ‘If you’re in agreement, I’d actually like to start with the top shelf. There’s something that’s caught my attention.’

  ‘I’ve gathered that, but you’re obviously not prepared to tell me what it is, are you?’

  ‘Patience is a virtue,’ he said. ‘Give me a hand, will you?’ He clambered up the step stool and perched precariously, stretching up to reach the top box which he then handed down to Sophie who placed it on the table. He brought down two more and said, ‘That’ll do for now. Shall we take a look?’

  Sophie nodded. The boxes were sealed carefully with parcel tape and labelled in a bold marker, but then she gasped as she saw another label on the side which she recognised as being in Hugh’s handwriting.

  ‘These have come from Rowanbank, haven’t they?’

  He nodded. ‘I don’t want to say any more until I’ve had a chance to look at the contents.’ He reached in the backpack he’d brought with him and produced a knife which he used to slit the tape. The first box revealed a number of objects wrapped in newspaper.

  ‘We need a system, otherwise we’ll have nowhere to put these and they’ll ultimately have to be repackaged,’ he told her.

  Sophie found a wastepaper basket, scissors and cellotape and Keir impatiently cleared a space by putting a number of the display items on the floor. He then turned his attention to the contents of the box. Sophie watched in amazement as he unwrapped a number of pottery bowls and vases, some glass dishes and some wooden ornaments.

  ‘I don’t understand,’ she said. ‘What are all these things doing here?’

  But Keir was studying the items, turning them this way and that, a preoccupied expression on his face.

  ‘Right, there’s not much to get excited about in that lot, so if we relabel the box we can eventually dispose of it. To answer your question, Sophie, I think someone was having a bit of a clear out and got over enthusiastic.’

  The second box was much the same as the first — mainly bric-a-brac.

  ‘Third time lucky,’ Keir murmured, and shook his head as he unwrapped some of the stuff on the top of it. After a moment or two he looked up.

  ‘It looks as if I might have been wrong, after all. What a disappointment!’

  ‘Keir, I wish you’d tell me what it is you’re looking for ...’

  ‘To be honest, I’m not sure, but when and if I come across it, I’ll let you know.’

  Several times they were interrupted by customers coming into the shop, plus one or two other folk who’d seen the shop open and wanted to enquire after Peggy Munn.

  After they’d repacked and relabelled the third box Keir shimmied up the step stool yet again. Sophie watched as he reached up and exclaimed.

  ‘There’s one more here! I’d almost overlooked it! Fingers crossed, Sophie!’

  ‘But I don’t know what I’m crossing them for,’ she protested laughingly and, stretching
up, took the box from him.

  First he unwrapped a couple of attractive pottery bowls.

  ‘Ah, these are more like it. Now, what have we here?’

  He moved aside a layer of newspaper and handed her a carefully wrapped parcel.

  ‘This, I believe, is the property of your father.’

  Sophie stared at Keir in astonishment. ‘But how — what? I don’t understand.’

  He did not reply, being intent on rummaging further into the box before straightening up, clasping another smaller package. ‘At last, I think this could well be Rose’s inheritance. Wait a minute, there are more.’

  Sophie looked at the carefully wrapped parcels and read the labels in Uncle Hugh’s unmistakable writing.

  ‘A voice from the grave,’ she murmured. ‘Did he give them to Peggy for safe-keeping and then she forgot about them?’

  Keir shook his head. ‘No, I think they were mistakenly brought here by Erica. I spoke to her on the phone last night.’

  ‘Oh, I might have guessed Erica would have had a hand in it!’

  His eyes blazed. ‘And why aren’t I surprised at your reaction?’

  The pair of them stood glaring at each other for a moment and then Sophie said unsteadily, ‘Why do you always stick up for her? What is it between the two of you?’

  Keir paused for so long that she thought he wasn’t going to reply and then he said in a low voice, ‘Erica and I — we’ve been through a lot together. It will probably surprise you to know that she was with me at a charity dinner when I introduced her to Hugh.’

  The knowledge sank in slowly. ‘Right, but the fact remains that Erica denied all knowledge of the gifts Uncle Hugh had left Rose and my parents, but she obviously brought them here at some stage.’

  ‘It was a mistake, Sophie. Don’t judge her so harshly. She had no idea the packages were in those boxes. She wouldn’t have done that intentionally. Anyway, the wretched things have been found now, so does it really matter how they came to be here?’

  Sophie shook her head, not trusting herself to speak. There were so many unanswered questions.