Permelia Cottage

by Carole Lehr Johnson

“Thank you.” April took extra care unfolding her napkin. Petronella’s timely arrival met with Ryan’s silent gratitude. “Here you go, dears.” She placed a gold teapot and a yellow cup and saucer in front of April. Sugar and milk followed. “I knew what you’d like, love, as soon as I saw you come in.”

  April thanked her and turned to Ryan. “Won’t you try the tea?”

  “Maybe later. Hot coffee sounds too good right now.”

  “Pasties out in a sec.”

  Ryan nodded, and the ponytail bounced away again. “I hope you don’t mind. I ordered an appetizer. Mr. Talbot said they don’t serve a full menu here, but ‘the missus could throw something together’.” A corner of his mouth twitched.

  “If you prefer a meal, there’s a tavern two blocks over. Talbot’s Tavern. Mr. Talbot’s grandfather still owns and runs it.”

  “His grandfather?” Ryan’s spoon hovered over his coffee like a bird about to take a dive. Mr. Talbot had to be at least fifty. “How old is he?”

  “Almost a hundred and spry as a spring chick.” She sipped her tea, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I’ve known Mr. Hodge Talbot all my life. He’s one-off. No one like him, and …”

  Ryan spooned sugar into his coffee and added milk. April’s upbeat attitude was contagious. He could feel his tension ease, the sensation triggering a thought from long ago. She reminded him of his mom, so calm and collected—like nothing could shake her, though as a teenager that trait had caused him a lot of anger and left him with lingering questions.

  His mother always seemed so perfect and put-together. But if she was so perfect, why did his dad leave? The question had eaten at him, but now a different emotion gnawed at his insides—regret.

  April was speaking, and he hadn’t heard what she’d said. “… so, Mr. Hodge told them they could just leave.”

  Ryan laughed with her, but his heart wasn’t there, and he hated himself for it. Silence lengthened, and he could taste his embarrassment. Was she aware he hadn’t been attentive? Petronella’s timing was impeccable again. She presented the pasties between them with ceremony and gave a wide grin. “There ye be.” She left before either of them could speak.

  April bowed her head. “Thank you, Lord, for this food and for the company of my new friend, Ryan. And please ease the pain of losing his mother. Amen.”

  Ryan’s jaw clenched. He fidgeted in his seat, and mumbled, “Excuse me a moment,” and fled the room.

  ∞∞∞

  April jerked her head up as Ryan stepped through the doorway. She listened to his fast-paced, muffled footsteps on the carpeted stairs, leaving her with the pasties. She squeezed her eyes shut and Ian—a chap she’d once dated—filled her memory.

  The relationship was as brief as her stint at Uni. He’d been a short-tempered guy, always upset over small things, and rushed out like Ryan had done. He hadn’t liked her bookish way of life—her habit of mentioning literary characters in their conversations. She’d tried to break the pattern, but books were her life. That’s when she’d decided men weren’t worth the stress—at least if it meant she had to change who she was.

  Chapter 5

  Neville, North Yorkshire, England

  2016

  Susannah couldn’t drag her gaze from Colin Heard as Amanda called him to the front of the room. The meeting reconvened. With his presence, they put extra care into the explanation of the plan that caught Susannah up to date on the project’s details. She had to admit that it did interest her.

  Colin seemed to share that interest, and he promised to get back to the group about the extent of his involvement.

  After the meeting concluded, Letice glowed as she nudged Susannah in the ribs. “See, I told you he’d come through.”

  Susannah patted Letice on the shoulder. “You sure did.”

  “And what do you think about it all?”

  Her attempt to avoid following Colin’s movements around the room as he greeted others, fell short. He was an impressive figure. “I’d like to help.” She brought her gaze back to Letice.

  “Oh, grand.” Letice gave Susannah a hug. “I sensed you would.” She laughed and led her across the room. “Now, let’s get to the food. I’m starved.”

  Susannah followed her to the refreshment table. Colin approached, and their eyes met and held before she broke the contact. She touched her cheek and felt the heat there. Did he remember her from the bakery?

  Before Colin could address her, Letice jumped in, “Why, Colin, thank you so much for being here—and for your generous offer. It’s splendid of you.”

  Colin’s green eyes crinkled at the corners. Susannah found it made him even more attractive. “I’m more than happy to help. This place holds such fond memories for me. I hope all local children have the chance to say that one day.”

  Letice turned to her. “Colin, let me introduce our newest resident, Susannah Wilkinson.”

  Her stomach fluttered as she forced an extended hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Heard.”

  “The pleasure’s mine. Please call me Colin.”

  His countenance was as warm as his hand when he grasped hers with a gentle, firm hold. He held it a few seconds longer than was customary.

  “It seems Susannah and I already met this afternoon.”

  The use of her first name didn’t go unnoticed. An errant wave of brown hair slid to his temple.

  “I trust the cinnamon scones were to your liking.”

  Susannah watched Letice’s eyes widen.

  “Yes, very much.” Her forgotten cookie tin gripped tight against her chest.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed them.” He smiled and held her gaze.

  She stammered, “I … I suppose I should take these to the dessert table.”

  He opened his mouth to say more, but a honeyed voice from across the room interrupted and pulled his attention elsewhere.

  “Colin, dear!”

  The door slammed with a bang. All eyes turned to face a voluptuous brunette glide across the room, wearing a turquoise dress laced with sequins, straight to Colin. “I haven’t seen you in ages, darling. Where have you been?” She pulled him to her and kissed his cheek. Her hand lingered on his forearm as her eyes consumed him.

  “Oh, here and there. The usual.” He stepped back a pace, but she pulled closer.

  The woman nodded at Letice, ignored Susannah, and tightened her lips a moment before stretching into a smile not reflected in her eyes. She greeted Letice and introduced herself to Susannah. “I’m Vita Morris. And this devil and I—” she slapped Colin’s arm with affection “—go all the way back to primary school.” She stage whispered, “He’s been secretly mad for me ever since. Haven’t you, love?”

  He ignored the question and cleared his throat.

  Susannah responded with a forced smile, “Hello. Nice to meet you.”

  “An American. How nice.” She flashed perfect teeth at them again and Susannah noted her grip on him tightened.

  “You are quite the character, Vita.” His gaze danced around the room, one eye twitching.

  Susannah couldn’t tell if he was interested in this woman or merely humored her. What did it matter to her? She’d just met the man.

  Vita looped her arm through his and steered him toward the food. “Let’s do have some refreshment and catch up. I’m quite peckish.”

  Colin glanced over his shoulder to the women and said, “Pardon me,” as he was led away.

  Letice scowled. “Vita Morris … that woman sinks her claws into whatever, or whomever, she wants.” She met Susannah’s gaze, and softened her features. “Oh, never mind me. Let’s have food. Shall we?”

  “Indeed.” Susannah forced the corners of her mouth upward, even though something about Vita with Colin made her blood simmer.

  ∞∞∞

  Good day, ladies. Welcome to Horden Castle. As soon as everyone has queued up, we’ll get started. My name is Annie, and I’ll be your tour guide for today.”

  Susannah and Letice chatted wh
ile they waited for the tour to start. After several minutes, Annie excused herself to discover what the holdup was. She returned with haste. “Sorry to keep you. It seems the other ladies want a private tour for their club. Since you were here first, you get your own private tour.” She shrugged. “Well, not exactly a queue with just the two of you.” Her face brightened.

  They wound their way through the castle with typical tourist eyes, examining every detail, poring over information of past occupants.

  Annie stood back to let them take in the room they now viewed. Letice pointed out a panel they’d missed on a far wall that spoke of yet another person who had lived at the castle. Susannah laughed. “If my friend Diann were here, she’d say, ‘I’m sure they were ancestors of Susannah’s.’ She loves to joke about my many English and Scottish forbears.”

  The thought of her dear friend and the antics of their cottage-scouting trip brought a broad grin to her face that she couldn’t hide—she knew she wore a goofy smile—Diann had remarked on it countless times. She shrugged. “Though, I’m sure thousands of other people could make a similar claim.”

  “I wouldn’t dismiss that so fast.” Annie glanced around them. “It’s marvelous that you can walk these halls where your ancestors once lived.” With affection, she stroked the doorframe as if petting a cat, her expression wistful. “How many times your ancestors walked through this door—on their way to seek someone, run an errand, or stroll in the gardens.”

  Susannah broke into her thoughts. “Annie, are there any books in the gift shop that list the timeline and people who lived here?”

  “Yes. There are several.”

  Susannah always had a sense of belonging when she visited the homes of her ancestors, but Annie’s revelation brought a new excitement to her heart and mind. She was walking the halls they walked, peering across the hills and valleys they viewed, and it gave her chills. She couldn’t explain her love for this country. There may be truth to genetic memory, though not past lives, or reincarnation, because she didn’t believe in that sort of thing. However, genetics are factual.

  Letice gently shook her arm. “Susannah, are you listening? Do you want to browse the shop or sit in the garden?”

  “Sorry. The shop. I want to get one of the books Annie told us about.”

  The tour now over, Annie led them to the shop and told them she had to go take the next tour. “I’ve enjoyed the two of you. Please come back sometime.”

  “Now that I live in Neville, I’ll be sure and make regular visits to my family home.”

  “I haven’t been here in many years and had forgotten how well maintained it is—seems much better than I remember.” Letice paused. “Who’s taken over management?”

  Annie answered, “Colin Heard.” She released an appreciative sigh.

  “Colin? Oh, my, we just saw him at a meeting, and he didn’t mention that.” Letice teased. “Annie, aren’t you a little young for him?”

  “Oh, well, yes,” she stammered. “But he is rather dishy.” Her face flushed. “No harm in admiring him from afar.”

  Letice gasped, her gaze on another part of the garden. “Oh, no. There he is … I hope he didn’t hear us.”

  Susannah turned and found where Letice stared. “Oh, girl.” She laughed. “How high-school of you.”

  Letice pulled her gaze from Colin. “What?”

  “Oh, never mind. Merely teasing.” Their subject held Susannah’s regard. Even though she’d met the man at the meeting, and previously in the tearoom, she felt a peculiar connection.

  Colin Heard had a presence about him, and he wasn’t movie-star gorgeous but not unattractive either. It was the way he walked, the movement of his hands when he spoke, the way he tilted his head slightly while he listened—the timbre of his voice. The man he spoke with held his attention. He wasn’t distracted by his surroundings but devoted his complete awareness to what this man, the gardener, had to say. Mr. Heard was as attentive to him as if he were a business colleague, which spoke volumes of his integrity.

  Letice slanted her head to one side, eyes narrowed. “Your expression tells me that you do think he’s attractive.”

  Susannah could hear Diann’s voice again, something she’d said in the past. ‘I haven’t seen you look at a man in decades—well at least not more than a fleeting glance.’ Diann’s smiling face came to mind. Her dear friend had helped her through many hard times in the past twenty years.

  Susannah pulled her concentration back to the present and watched Colin approach and speak to Annie, a few yards away.

  “Good afternoon, Annie. How goes the tour guide business?” His smile was warm and relaxed.

  “Hello, Mr. Heard.” Annie’s voice faltered as she blushed. “The tours are going splendidly. I’m on my way to start another now.”

  “Well, I won’t keep you. Have a good day.” He turned to Letice and Susannah. “Good afternoon, Letice, Susannah. I hope you enjoyed the tour.”

  Their voices rose as one. “Yes.”

  “So glad. Wish I had time to chat, but I’ve a conference. Have a good afternoon.” He strode toward the castle grounds exit.

  Letice gave Susannah a curious expression. “Let’s have lunch, shall we?”

  ∞∞∞

  High Tea was a buzz of activity when Letice and Susannah arrived. They chose a table by the large window facing the street. Susannah set her heavy shopping bag down with a thud.

  “You must’ve bought enough books at the castle to start your own library.” Letice grinned. “Although, I suppose through the years I may have collected as many.”

  “I understand. I’m addicted to books—among other things. Like purses.”

  Letice cackled. “I quite get that.”

  They studied their menus while, by turns, they watched buyers at the open-air market outside the window. Two women browsed long, colorful scarves. The younger of the two chatted with animation about the choices while the older woman grinned and listened as she made her own selections.

  Susannah sighed, and returned to her menu as the server approached with a greeting. She took their orders and glided away.

  They settled back into their chairs, and Letice began the conversation with a question. “So, tell me what brought you to Neville?”

  Taken aback, Susannah read between the lines of the question. Time to ease into a closer friendship. “It’s a long story I’m sure you don’t want to hear. Suffice it to say that I have had a long-held interest in anything involving the U.K. It began when my aunt did genealogy back in the 70s and found all of our English and Scottish ancestry. Ever since, I’ve been hooked. A true Anglophile.”

  Letice grimaced. “You’re likely more knowledgeable about this country than I am. Sad, right?”

  Susannah gave a knowing smile. “I realized a long time ago that most of us know less about our own surroundings than other parts of the world we’re interested in. Makes little sense though.”

  Their food arrived, and they dug in. Letice held her fork half-way to her mouth. “Back to your long story.”

  “Sorry, yes. After my son left for college, I was on my own since I’d been divorced for years, so I focused on my life as a single person. Selfish, I realize, but I dove more into ministry than I had when Ryan was young. It’s a bitter-sweet thing, but he became so independent when he went to college and didn’t need me any longer. He got an excellent job in New York and moved on with his life and career.” Her gaze slid back to the market outside the tearoom, eyes moist with unshed tears. She noticed the two women who now strolled down the street in cheerful conversation, their purchased scarves around their necks, a mother and daughter on holiday, she supposed.

  “I’m sorry I urged you to share an obviously painful memory.” She toyed with her teacup.

  “It’s okay. I’m fine.” She assured Letice and took a deep breath. “On my fiftieth birthday I had an epiphany. What was I waiting for? Diann and I came to England on a scouting mission to view cottages for sale that I’d found o
nline. We’d looked at a few in various villages, but once I came to Neville, home to some of my ancestors, I realized this was the place. Talbot’s Tavern and meeting Mr. Hodge Talbot was my defining moment.”

  “Oh, Hodge is a lovely man. I can see how you’d be taken with him.”

  “Yes, he is. We should have lunch at Talbot’s next time.” They ate in companionable silence for a while. “Now, it’s your turn. Tell me more about yourself. How did you come to live in Neville?”

  “It’s rather dull. I told you how my parents settled here after my dad left the services. He was in France during the war. I was born here, and here I am still.”

  “There’s something to be said for living in one place your whole life. My father was in the military, and we moved a lot. Even after he retired. He changed jobs as often as I change purses.”

  Letice chuckled. “I can’t say I’ve ever experienced that way of life. Mine’s a quiet one.”

  “It was painful at times to leave friends, a school you’d just gotten accustomed to and all.” Susannah sipped her now tepid tea. “Seriously, other than getting married and now having grandchildren, what are your interests? Your passions?” She studied Letice’s face and glimpsed mixed emotions.

  “I love to bake. Bonkers, I know.” Letice shrugged. “Most would find that a bore.”

  “What’s wrong with that? I take pleasure in it myself.”

  “You don’t understand. I love to bake and would all day if I could. My husband says I’m daft. I nicked my grandmother’s recipe for the raspberry scones—and tweaked it.”

  Susannah straightened and toyed with her necklace. “Why don’t you start a tearoom? Your raspberry scones are amazing.” She leaned in and whispered, “They’re even better than the wonderful scones here.”

  Letice beamed. “You’re too kind.”

  “No, I’m not being kind. I’m being honest. Have you ever thought about it? Seriously?”

  With force, she said, “Yes, I have. But it’s only a dream. My husband is so protective. He’d be heartbroken if it failed, and then there’s the dosh—sorry, the money.”