Seven Days There

by Ruth Hay

  Valerie smiled to herself as she thought over her plan for the next day. With any luck, and the weather holding, Sandra Halder would not be watching TV on Tuesday either.

  Ten.

  Tuesday.

  Valerie had to reveal her plan for the day, early in the morning. She knew special clothing would be required and some of it might have to be purchased. The first order of business had to be shopping in Ambleside.

  She suspected Sandra, born on a mountainous island, might have brought some suitable outerwear in her case and this proved to be so. The two women provided a fashion show of a kind so the other two would know what they were looking for. Valerie had an old, but valued, Gore-Tex jacket. Its fingertip length, hood, and wind and waterproof fabric, could protect against most weather situations. Sandra’s short coat was similar, and even older, but still serviceable.

  “Don’t spend a lot of money on this unless it fits into your lifestyle,” warned Valerie. She knew how costly such items could be. “The best place to spend for value and safety, is on your feet.”

  She showed her leather boots and pointed out the gripping soles, laces, and ankle support.

  Sandra asked if her hefty, all-purpose trainers would suffice and Valerie accepted them with the proviso that she had climbing experience since childhood and that would make the difference.

  Two hiking sticks were produced from Valerie’s case and expanded to demonstrate how they worked. She was willing to lend one, or both, of these.

  “So, exactly what did you two have in mind for today’s adventure?” asked Corinne, with some considerable concern on her face.

  Zoe, who had been planning to leave for London as soon as she had presented something special she had ordered for the women, figured out it obviously would not be this morning. She, too, wondered what was coming.

  “Well, you only have to look out the windows to know this place is not just about lakes. To come here and not experience the mountains would be a crime.” Valerie paused, expecting some objections and she was right.

  “Hold on, there! I am not a mountaineer. I intend to return home in one piece.”

  Zoe felt she need not add to Corinne’s concerns. It must be quite clear to everyone that she was not familiar with athletic pursuits.

  “Now, you know Val would not take us into danger! We had a chat about this last night and Val knows a very easy climb for today. If we all behave and follow directions we may get a chance to do something more ambitious another day.” Sandra couldn’t keep a straight face as she said this. She knew she was doing a parody of Valerie.

  “Do you all trust me? I know what I’m doing.” This was said with a sidelong glance at a giggling Sandra.

  A chorus of “Yes, Miss!” greeted her and Valerie once again felt encouraged. A group that can laugh together might stay together.

  “Off you go, then! As soon as you walk down the steep lane you will see sports outfitters on the main street. There are various price ranges for hiking supplies so don’t buy at the first one you see. And remember to try the boots on and walk around in them. The last things you need are blisters. And don’t forget to buy thick socks!”

  With this caution she dismissed Corinne and Zoe to find equipment and she and Sandra began to discuss what supplies they would need for the day. Valerie had a backpack that would hold bottled water and fast energy snacks like fruit, chocolate and crisps.

  “Do we really need food?”

  “No one ate this morning after yesterday’s indulgence but hiking in the fresh air always gives you an appetite. I have an idea for a good place to eat a late lunch, but this will do for now. Do we have sunscreen and hats?”

  A search for these items began. Once they were found, Valerie stepped out onto the balcony and studied the sky. There were more clouds floating along than there had been before. She calculated that the day would likely be fine with less sunshine and a light wind; not a bad thing when climbing. The weather report indicated a change but nothing too unnerving. They should have a good experience. Valerie wanted to provide lasting memories for her friends and she knew how to do that, in this respect, at least.

  It was a full hour before Zoe and Corinne returned with their purchases. It appeared they had had a good time shopping as they seemed relaxed together and had helped each other up the steep lane.

  Both had walked back with their new boots to break them in and pronounced their footwear “Excellent!”

  Zoe decided to wear her own raincoat as it was as good as anything else she had seen in town. Valerie insisted she wore one of her cashmere sweaters underneath for an added layer of warmth. After she had inspected everyone’s outfits she proclaimed the expedition ready to go.

  The drive from Ambleside to White Moss Common was one of the prettiest in the Lake District. Valerie drove as slowly as she could on the winding road so her passengers could admire the scenery, and there was a lot to admire. As each hill or mountain appeared round a bend, Corinne would ask, “Tell me that’s not the one I have to climb.” She repeated this line so many times it became a running joke and inevitably brought another laugh.

  When they drove into the parking area at White Moss Common there was no mountain in view, only a peaceful riverside where families picnicked and children played in the shallows. Corinne was reassured and Valerie did not tell her anything different. The party of four emerged from the car and piled on their outerwear. Valerie had her Gore-Tex tucked into the straps of her backpack and suggested the coats would not be needed just yet. Sleeves were then tied around waists and the group crossed over the river by a wooden bridge and soon found a wide path rising through a wooded slope.

  “This isn’t too bad,” whispered Corinne to Zoe. “I can do this!”

  Zoe did not contradict her but she had spied a tall drystone wall far ahead and suspected there was worse to come. Going through the sheep gate in the wall was a new experience for Corinne and Zoe. The slim young woman slipped through easily while Corinne managed to get herself stuck in the middle for a moment as she negotiated the sheep barrier in the centre.

  The next part was a trek uphill on a rough stony track along the boundary wall between the lower levels and the heights. The hiking sticks came into service and some puffing and panting could be heard. This part lasted for several minutes but they soon crested the rise and had their first view of their destination.

  They were high enough now that they could see the river below and the shoulder of a mountain to their left. Ahead was a well-defined path leading to a straight line along an earth-packed terrace that curved into the mountainside and was supplied with benches and seats at regular intervals.

  There were no comments at first as the climbers took in the scope of the terrain in front of them. They could see the edge of a lake several hundred metres below but the brush-covered slope did not suggest an easy descent that way, while the mountainside to their left rose high enough to blot out most of the sky. A quavering voice asked again, “Please tell me that is not the mountain I have to climb!” and the tension was broken.

  Through her laughter, Valerie assured her companions they were not required to scale Silver How as the descent on the other side would lead them miles away and take several hours of serious effort. Instead, they could spend as much time as they wished admiring Grasmere from on high and if anyone wanted to ascend a little way up the mountain for an even better view they were welcome to do so.

  Reassured by this, the women marched forward and with each step more of Grasmere Lake came into view. It was a well-known panorama which still had the ability to amaze Valerie each time she saw it. The effect on those seeing it for the first time was quite remarkable.

  “It feels Godlike to be able to see so much at one time.”

  “Those mountains way in the distance must be gigantic! Need I say I don’t want to climb them.”

  “The water on Grasmere is as still as a reflecting mirror.”

  “The people down on the beach below us are so small!”<
br />
  “I can’t believe I feel so safe on this earth path. Yesterday’s stone-flagged terrace was flat on the ground and this one is a complete contrast, yet they are both well named.”

  “Look! The river we crossed at the beginning flows right from this lake.”

  “I’m going to sit on that bench and take photographs. No one will believe me otherwise.”

  Sandra bravely ventured up one of the marked paths for about a hundred metres before she turned and scrambled back down announcing she was out of practice and Val was right about the greater height being astonishing. “I’d forgotten that coming down is so much harder than climbing up. I was too shaky to think of taking a picture. Now I feel ravenous. Anyone else ready for a snack?”

  No one felt like joining her. It was enough food for the spirit to absorb the sheer beauty of nature surrounding them.

  A few serious climbers passed by with a smile and greeting. Most headed up the marked paths to the heights and were soon gone from sight.

  Clouds left moving shadows on the scene and birds flew by below the group. An hour passed by without much talk. They were lost in their own thoughts until Valerie spoke again.

  “I feel so glad to share this experience with all of you. I can’t help thinking of happy times here with David and of dear friends like Grace who never got to see this with me. She would have found so much joy in this peaceful place and …….”

  Before Valerie could finish, Zoe sprang up and set off away from the group at a furious pace.

  Three heads turned in unison to try to understand what just happened. Valerie came to her senses first and yelled out to Zoe to stop. The girl kept running. Valerie was already on her feet and several yards in pursuit, when she turned to say, “You two please stay right here. If Zoe turns the wrong way at the end of this terrace she will get well and truly lost.”

  With mouths open in surprise the two women watched as Valerie ran after Zoe, disappearing through a gate into thick woods on the side of the next mountain.

  Please, God, let me find her before I run out of steam. I knew something was wrong and this proves it.

  She ran at the sound of her mother’s name. Why would she do that if there wasn’t a reason?

  Valerie scanned the woods directly in front of her. The hillside was narrow and fell into a ravine within a few feet from the trail but it also went downhill steeply by the fence so she could see a little further through the thick belt of trees.

  A flash of white to my left! She’s wearing the white jeans; it’s Zoe!

  She called her name again but there was no change in the girl’s headlong rush downward. A ray of sunlight caught the gleam of that black wing of hair but Valerie knew she had no hope of catching up with the girl when she had to give most of her attention to where her own feet were placed.

  If she doesn’t slow down soon she will be over the edge and rolling down a hundred feet into the ravine.

  Help me, Grace!

  Minutes later a cry of pain rang out and the sound of Zoe’s feet pounding the undergrowth stopped. Valerie stopped too and listened, breathlessly, to hear if she had tumbled beyond reach. No further noises reassured her that Zoe was no longer moving or falling.

  “I’m coming, Zoe! Keep calling until I find you!”

  No point in rushing now. Watch your feet, Val. Don’t trip, whatever you do. Go slow and listen.

  She found the girl curled up against the trunk of a giant evergreen tree. She had tripped over a root and twisted her foot. Valerie prayed it wasn’t a broken bone. It would take an hour or two for the mountain rescue team to reach them here and by then shock would have set in. She blamed herself for leaving behind her backpack although it would have been a hazard in these close quarters.

  She carefully and gently felt Zoe’s foot and ankle. Swelling was obvious already. It was going to be painful but nothing appeared to be broken. The first requirement was to bind up the foot to prevent any more swelling from immobilising Zoe. What could she use? She looked over her own clothing, then Zoe’s, but nothing seemed to fit the bill.

  Suddenly she remembered the scarf tucked into the back pocket of her blue jeans. It had been there since she packed her clothes in Canada; an old habit from her teen years in Glasgow where it was always advisable to carry a headscarf in case the weather took a turn for the worse. She quickly unwound it and was relieved to find it was one of the long, filmy kinds of scarf. It did not have the weight that was needed but, perhaps, its length would make up for other deficiencies.

  Zoe had still not said a word. She allowed Valerie to wind the scarf in layers starting with her foot and working as far up the ankle as the scarf would stretch, knotting it behind with the last spare inch of material.

  “I’m so, so sorry, Valerie. I didn’t mean to cause this trouble. I am ashamed of myself.”

  Valerie could hardly hear this whisper. Her mind was working on how to get the girl down the mountain safely. “Hush! my dear wee one”, she said, using a phrase from her years with her own young children.

  This was not the right thing to say. Zoe collapsed in tears and cried out between sobs, “My mother used to say that. My mother! I can’t hold this in a moment longer. She would want you to know, Valerie. She loved you and Sandra.”

  “What is it, Zoe? I could tell there was something eating at you. Is this why we lost touch after Grace died?”

  “I couldn’t face you. I couldn’t deal with it. I just ran away like a coward.”

  “Tell me everything. It will help, I assure you.”

  Huddled together with Valerie’s arms around her for warmth and comfort, the shocking story spilled out in a rush.

  “My lovely mother committed suicide. She took pills and left me a short note to tell me my father had been having an affair for years. She wrote she could not bear the shame and disappointment so she took her own life.

  She left me alone to cope with this. I was totally distraught but I did what I could to control the damage to the family and to my mother’s reputation. I disposed of the note and the pill container and cleaned up the sick on her bed. I arranged her body to look as if she had died in her sleep and then called the doctor. I begged him on bended knees to sign the death certificate and declare my mother’s death as a heart attack. He was an old man on his last legs who knew the family. He wept with me and did as I asked. He was dead within a year taking the secret with him.

  I then went to find my father and told him what I thought of him. I warned him to keep quiet about all I had done. It was the last time I spoke to him, or saw him. He left the house, and my life, that same night.”

  At Zoe’s first words, Valerie had stiffened in shock. She scarcely breathed until the end of the appalling story. This explained so much. Michael Morton had not been present at his wife’s funeral. No wonder Zoe was so withdrawn; so unemotional. She could not afford to let down her guard and risk these horrors escaping her control.

  The girl looked up at her mother’s friend expecting to see her own self-disgust mirrored in the older woman who had been subjected to this confession without warning. Valerie’s heart ached for all the pain the young girl had suffered. She gathered Zoe into her arms and promised all would be well. It was over now. It was done. She had chosen the right path for her mother and Grace Morton was in a better place.

  She had to repeat this mantra several times before Zoe began to relax the tension keeping her body rigid.

  The silence among the old-growth forest trees sent blessings down upon the pair. Gradually their breathing resumed a normal rhythm and Valerie was almost positive the girl was sleeping. She let her thin frame rest among the tree roots and whispered in her ear that she was going to get help and would be back very soon, cautioning her to remain still.

  Valerie found her muscles had stiffened during the period of immobility so it took her several steps before she was walking upright again. She faced uphill and trudged as fast as she safely could towards the gate in the fence.

  To her
relief, on the other side of the gate she met Sandra and Corinne, carrying all their belongings and obviously worried about what had happened to their companions.

  “I can’t explain it all here but I am so glad to see you two. Zoe has twisted her ankle, I think. I’ll lead you to her and you can check the bandage, Corinne. It was the best I could manage. Watch your feet as you go down here.”

  In minutes, Corinne had approved of Valerie’s first aid attempts and looked into Zoe’s eyes for signs of concussion, declaring her fit to continue downhill with help. They bundled her into her windproof jacket and commandeered two of the hiking poles so she could keep her foot off the ground. Corinne took her weight with an arm under her weaker side and Sandra and Valerie went ahead cautiously, watching out for tripping hazards.

  It was slow progress but each step brought them closer to the paved roadway that began halfway down the forested area where a few houses were situated in clearings above the lakeside.

  Corinne knocked on the door of the first of these houses and asked for hot tea and an ice pack for the patient. The young woman inside was eager to help and soon had the four seated comfortably on her porch while she fetched tea, a cold pack from her fridge and a bandage from her medicine cabinet.

  Corinne unwound the temporary bandage and was happy to declare there would be no lasting damage to Zoe’s foot other than some swelling and bruising which would disappear in time.

  The casual chatter and competent ministrations soon had Zoe feeling much brighter. She insisted she was fine and would not hear of holding up the day’s plans any further.

  Corinne made a deal with her. If her boots still fit and she could walk with only the hiking sticks for support until they reached flat ground, they would continue with whatever plan Valerie thought was appropriate.