Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage

by Lucy Coleman

  ‘He has two girls, doesn’t he?’

  ‘Yes. Sadly, his eldest daughter has Crohn’s disease and arthritis. She was diagnosed about a year after he started the business. She was very ill for a while, constantly in and out of hospital. It was a tough time and adding money worries into the mix meant it was a hellish period for him. Finally, she’s doing well and so is the business, but being short-staffed during his busiest season has been a headache.’

  Mrs Price is watching me with interest.

  ‘You care about everyone here, don’t you?’ she asks, pointedly.

  I shift a little in my chair.

  ‘I arrived here a moody teen with a chip on my shoulder and they welcomed me into the community because of their love for Tollie. They put up with my antics for a good few years, as you’re aware, much more graciously than I deserved. Now they are my family too.’

  ‘That’s a lovely way to look at it, Immi. My family are scattered, some long gone. I grew tired of being surrounded by people who turn everything into a drama. Life is simpler for me here, but I’m beginning to see that loneliness is an awful thing. Shutting people out might make for a quiet life, but it’s not fulfilling.’

  For a moment, the look on her face is one of intense sadness and maybe regret. It makes me catch my breath.

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that, Mrs Price.’

  ‘Please, call me Valerie. I think it’s time I stopped pushing people away.’

  In the midst of my surprise at this unexpected turn of events, I remember some information I came across while I was at the Linden Hotel.

  ‘Before I forget, if you let me have your phone number I’ll send you some photos you might find of interest. I think it could be a clue about the family who originally owned Lock Keeper’s Cottage.’

  I can see her interest is piqued.

  ‘Well, that’s unexpected. I do love pulling random clues together to solve a mystery. It’s so important to learn from the past, even if it’s simply to avoid repeating the same mistakes. I’ll look forward to seeing what you’ve discovered and where it might lead.’

  Gray messages to say that the car has broken down and it’s a real shame this should happen tonight. I text Fisher to explain that I might need to go and fetch him and it’s unlikely we’ll be able to meet up for a drink later. It would have been rather pleasant for Gray and me to while away an hour or two in The Bullrush with him and Mrs Price. I mean, Valerie. A text alert pings and it’s another update.

  Recovery are here and are going to give me a jump-start. I’ll head off to try and get a replacement battery. There’s a late-night garage a few miles away and the guy is going to ring them to see if they can help. I might be a couple of hours yet.

  I glance up at the clock. It’s already gone seven and Gray must be shattered. He had to drive back from London, and it involved a very early start.

  Why not come straight here? We can get it sorted in the morning. There’s no point driving around in the dark when you don’t know the area.

  ‘Is he on his way?’ Tollie calls out from the kitchen.

  ‘Not yet.’

  Ping.

  Okay. You’re right. I’m hungry and cold. And missing you. I’ll be there in about an hour and a half unless the car cuts out on me again.

  Every mile he drives brings him a mile closer to me.

  In which case, I’ll come and collect you.

  ‘It’s going to be a while, Tollie. I’ll wait and eat with Gray when he gets here.’

  Tollie walks back into the sitting room.

  ‘The pies are done; you’ll just need to reheat them. I might as well pop to The Bullrush, then, and catch up with Fisher.’

  I give him a knowing little smile and he does a double take.

  ‘What?’

  ‘Nothing. Enjoy your pint.’

  He pulls on his waterproof. ‘It’s tippin’ down out there. Still, at least it’s warmed up a little. See you later, then. Text me when Gray arrives, just so I know he’s all right.’

  I nod, settling back on the sofa to while away the next hour or so. Having sent Valerie the photos I took at the Linden Hotel, I decide to go online and do a little digging myself, using Tollie’s laptop.

  It was a real surprise when I took a careful look at the framed photos in the lobby. I’ve been there a few times in the past and never really stopped to check them out. But on one of the many trips back and forth to the van, one of them caught my eye. On closer inspection, I was convinced I’d seen the man’s face before – in the pile of photos I’d looked through with Valerie. It bore an inscription: Henry Smythe, Aysbury 1946. What was even more interesting was the fact that he was standing in the garden of Lock Keeper’s Cottage.

  The Smythes – or what became the Harrington-Smythes some time in the nineteen eighties, from the little I’ve unearthed – are major landowners in this area. But I have no idea why his photograph was among that random collection we sorted through, which were mainly views of the canal and the surrounds.

  Tollie bought the place from a Mr and Mrs Carter, but that was almost fifty years ago. Annoyingly, the original deeds were lost – as many were, back in the day. I bet they would have made for fascinating reading. Often an historical parcel of deeds didn’t just contain documentation regarding ownership of the property, but all manner of things: death certificates of former inhabitants, copies of wills, as well as old receipts relating to parcels of land being purchased, or sold, and any work carried out. They could tell a story in yellowing documents, some on parchment bearing official seals, even personal, handwritten letters.

  Kurt once showed me a folder of documents he has for The Bullrush, some going back to the early eighteen hundreds. There was even a document requisitioning what was The Anchor Inn at the time, as a temporary hospice. It was following an outbreak of cholera among the boat people in the eighteen thirties. It was believed to have been spread when a skipper brought his laundry ashore to be cleaned by a local washer woman. The disease spread quickly and there were seventy cases in total; nineteen people died – including the woman who took in the washing.

  When we buy a property, we become a part of its living history; the history of a building that often stands for generations to come. But we’re only passing through, merely temporary custodians in a long line of owners.

  I can understand Rona’s attachment to the only house she’s ever lived in since Gray was born. In the same way that Tollie could never sell the cottage, because his memories of Grandma are here and passing it on to Gray and me is important to him. My future here with Gray is going to feature in the history of this place and I wonder if that is selfish of me. I know Gray misses the friends and colleagues he left behind in London, but that didn’t change because of me. But now he’s back with Rona, will she understand, or will she feel I’m being unfair? After all, I suspect a part of the reason she’s still in her marital home are the wonderful memories she once experienced there, as a happy young bride. No one marries expecting their relationship to fall apart, do they? Having Gray there again is a comfort and one she might not want to give up.

  11

  The Dilemma

  ‘Morning, Immi. All alone?’

  Ethel appears, with her wicker basket packed full of home-baked goodies for the kids.

  ‘Yes. Gray’s car battery is dead and Fisher took him off first thing to get a replacement.’

  She heads down towards the galley, talking as she walks.

  ‘Another change in the weather, I see. It’s pleasingly mild today and that’s one beautiful sky.’

  ‘I know I shouldn’t say this, having already slipped on the ice once this winter, but it’s not quite as Christmassy when it’s like this, is it?’

  Ethel laughs. ‘You can’t have it both ways, lovey.’

  There’s a loud tapping sound on the glass and I look up to see a hand waving back at me. Then I realise it’s Rona and I leap up.

  ‘You found us all right, then?’ I say, ushering her in.
‘Mind the steps as you come down. I thought Gray said you weren’t coming until later this afternoon.’

  Rona’s face lights up. ‘I thought I might be able to help, if that’s okay. And Gray told me about the plans for Christmas Day – I’m so excited I couldn’t sleep last night. My, isn’t this cosy?’

  I lean in to give her a hug and she pats my back affectionately – lingering a little longer than usual. Her delight is lighting up her face, adding that touch of colour she’s been missing the last couple of times I visited her.

  ‘I’m still taking it all in. Anyway, I’m so glad you found us all right. Ethel,’ I call out, ‘this is Rona, Gray’s mum.’

  Ethel gives a wave. ‘I’m up to my elbows in biscuits and mince pies, so excuse me for the moment. It’s nice to meet you, Rona, and welcome to Aysbury.’

  ‘Thank you and if there’s anything I can do, just let me know. My, the cinnamon hits your nose and together with the greenery it smells delightfully Christmassy in here.’

  I haven’t seen Rona for a couple of months and the difference in her is incredible. I almost did a double take when I first set eyes on her. Maybe it isn’t just our news that has brightened her spirits, but she really is feeling a lot more like her old self. She was looking a little frail at one point, but she’s regained some weight and it suits her. Rona’s hair has regrown and, while it’s very short still, she’s had it styled and it’s very flattering.

  Ethel finally makes her way towards us to shake hands.

  ‘Why don’t you two go off in search of Tollie? I’ll sort out the galley and then set things up on the tables, Immi. Abe will be here soon enough; he’ll keep an eye on the fire.’

  I give Ethel a grateful hug, slip on my coat and Rona follows me out onto the towpath.

  ‘You look very well, Rona. Sorry it’s been a while, but I’ve been stretched thin, lately. Juggling two jobs and getting everything set up for the cruises means it’s hard to get away.’

  She turns to look at me, obviously delighted to be here and showing no signs of concern over my absence. Or upset that her son will, at some point, call Aysbury home.

  ‘Oh, I know how hard you work, Immi. Gray talks about you all the time. I’ve told him he has to stop worrying about me now. At my last check-up everything was fine.’

  ‘Gray said you were seeing a therapist to help with the anxiety?’

  ‘Oh, I am and that will continue for a while longer. But moving to six-monthly check-ups is a landmark when you’ve had cancer and it’s a turning point. It means they have confidence the treatment has worked.’

  It’s really good to hear her sounding so upbeat and the relief is very evident in her tone.

  ‘Things are finally getting back to normal and, while my hair may never be quite the same again, I’m feeling strong and positive. They do say when your hair grows back the texture is different and I still struggle to style it – that’s why I keep it short, rather than growing it out.’

  I can’t even begin to imagine what Rona has been through in the last eleven months. Longer, even, as she was unwell for months before she was diagnosed.

  ‘The anxiety made me nervous driving for a while there, I will admit,’ she continues. ‘But Gray arranged for me to have a few lessons until I regained my confidence. It made all the difference and, now I’m feeling more like my old self again, there won’t be any stopping me.’

  Does that mean Rona will be going back to work, so she can keep the house? Gray and I both hoped she’d be close by so we can pop in on her. How will he feel if that isn’t going to be the case?

  ‘I’m so glad to hear that, Rona.’

  Her eyes are darting around everywhere and today it’s busy so there’s a lot to see. We stop to admire the steady stream of boats passing by and Rona leans in to inform me that today will be her first trip on a real barge.

  ‘They’re referred to as narrowboats,’ I explain.

  ‘Tollie!’ I wave out as I spot him just about to head over the bridge on his way to the marina.

  He turns, smiling broadly as soon as he catches sight of Rona. Tollie immediately strides forward and we increase our pace to meet him. They’ve only met once before and that was last summer, but he takes the obvious change in her appearance in his stride.

  ‘Rona, how lovely to see you.’ Tollie stoops to kiss her cheek. ‘And we have a cause to celebrate.’

  She scrunches up her face in a beaming smile and inwardly I groan. If these two put their heads together who knows what the outcome might be?

  ‘I know. At last. It was tough having to rely so heavily on Gray, but now things can really begin moving forward for these two. It’s exciting. Gray is so happy when he’s here. He returns relaxed and ready for the week ahead, which isn’t easy for him right now with his work being so quiet. His life in London was very different and he misses being a part of that, but this is where he longs to be.’

  Tollie frowns. Gray doesn’t say a lot about work in front of him.

  ‘Are the problems a temporary blip?’

  ‘He doesn’t like talking about it. Work is such a constant worry for him, though. I really don’t know what he’s going to do about it. It’s a tough industry and very competitive. It’s as much about who you know to get your foot in the door, rather than how talented you are. Which is a real shame, as he’s running out of options. He’s talking about applying for a job in a sound studio, but I know he’d get bored. Gray is creative and composing is his dream, not just writing little jingles, or playing backing tracks on someone else’s work. He sees rhythm in everything around him. When he’s not at home, I will admit that I miss constantly hearing him playing those little tunes he keeps coming up with.’

  They exchange pleasant smiles. Tollie misses that, too, when Gray returns home – as I do.

  I know he’s been under pressure, but Rona’s words are a real cause for concern. Gray should have been sharing his worries with me, but he’s been sparing me the worst, it seems. I knew he was missing his mates, but I didn’t quite realise how important his trips to London were in terms of reminding people he’s still available. The fact that this might not be just a temporary dip for him comes as quite a shock. I find it hard to believe he’s about to give up on his dream, though.

  ‘I’m sure the new year will bring with it lots of fresh opportunities,’ Tollie replies, doing his best to sound upbeat. ‘It’s bound to be quiet on the run-up to Christmas.’

  The three of us are trying hard to be optimistic, but I think we’re all feeling the same level of concern. It must be bad for Gray to even consider working for someone else again.

  ‘We’re heading back to the cottage, Tollie. Can you join us?’

  He shakes his head, sadly. ‘Fisher just rang. He asked me to pop into the boat yard. There’s some sort of problem and he’s still at the garage with Gray.’

  ‘Oh, right. Well, we’ll sit and have a cup of tea and see you back onboard The Star Gazer a little later, then.’

  ‘Will do. Enjoy yourselves, ladies.’

  He strides off and Rona catches my arm in hers, giving it a squeeze.

  ‘Gray will sort something out, Immi. You two have so much to look forward to and I can’t wait to hear about the plans. I wanted to ask if there’s anything I can do to help with the Christmas Day lunch celebration? He said you weren’t keen on having a big party.’

  I steer her towards the cottage, and she lingers for a moment at the gate, taking it all in.

  ‘This is a beautiful old building. I was expecting a rather plain stone cottage. Lock keepers weren’t paid a lot, were they?’

  ‘No. That’s why the cottages usually came with a fair bit of land, as they often needed to grow their own vegetables to supplement their income. Most had families to feed and some would sell produce, too. It gave them a roof over their heads and a basic living. This one is a little special though, so whoever built this had money. It’s unusual, I agree, as it wasn’t a position that carried any social standing wit
h it.’

  ‘Well, I can fully understand your attachment to it, Immi. No wonder Gray is happy here.’

  Any fears I had about Rona being unsettled by our news is fading fast. She’s happy for us both and, having been through a hellish time, maybe she will find the choice about her own situation easier to handle. It puts everything into perspective, that’s for sure.

  I unlock the front door and indicate for Rona to step inside.

  ‘It’s bigger than I thought it was going to be. And so charming.’

  Slipping off my coat, I give her a knowing smile.

  ‘Charming, but rather tired and worn out. Everything works – just – but the kitchen and bathroom are tiny. Tollie is keen to extend on the side and have a wall of glass doors looking out over the pastureland and the woods to the east. He had plans drawn up to extend it into a three-bed, two-bathroom a few years ago, but says he can’t face living on a building site.’

  ‘But Gray says that there’s another building?’

  ‘Yes. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve tried to talk Tollie into moving into The Retreat with me while we make a start on the cottage. Stubborn doesn’t even begin to describe it. My granddad has a mountain of excuses, but the cottage grows shabbier by the day. It won’t be long before things stop working and I’m dreading that happening.’ He has the money but not the motivation and, in truth, who can blame him at his age? Living through the disruption wouldn’t be easy when all he wants is a quiet life.

  It’s time to take the tour and we walk across to The Retreat.

  ‘Oh, who doesn’t love a barn conversion when it’s been done so well?’ Rona stands looking out across the fields from the patio doors in the sitting room. ‘And such a gorgeous view.’

  ‘Aysbury is very picturesque. We’re very lucky and the sense of community here is like turning back the hands of time. When neighbours were neighbourly.’