Out of My Depth

by Gwenyth Clare Lynes

  As she listened to the conversation around her she learned to her astonishment that many of her queries had been resolved in unexpected ways.

  “The shop quarterly statement shows that profits are up on previous years,” said Alex.

  Emma shook her head in disbelief.

  “That’s incredible considering how careful Dad was.”

  “In fact, you’re holding a very healthy bank balance,” assured Graeme who acted as the Stores’ accountant.

  “I guess that’s all due to the tremendous support we’ve had from the villagers,” commented Alex.

  “They’re anxious for you to succeed and the Village Stores to remain open.”

  “So will we need to borrow money from the bank for the expansion?”

  “Yes, but not so much as you first feared.”

  “But what about extra staff and how to pay them?”

  “Why not appoint Rosalie as shop manager…”

  Emma’s eyes opened wide. “What an excellent idea!”

  “…and ask Christina if she would be willing to work an extra hour or two.”

  “I’m sure Aunt Bernice might come in more frequently if she were asked. She enjoys it so,” offered Ben.

  “Maxine already helps out on Saturdays and holidays and we’ve promised her full-time employment when she qualifies in a year or so’s time,” Alex reminded her.

  “But how do we staff a coffee shop…and pay them?”

  “The projected income figures are realistic so once the coffee shop is established I believe it will more than pay for itself.”

  “I see.”

  “I suggest you retain Jilly as overall chef in charge of the kitchen, baking for the shop and the restaurant, but I think by the time building work is complete Rosie will have completed her studies and be qualified. I would, therefore, make her pâtisserie cook and appoint her as assistant manageress of the coffee shop, whilst you retain general management.”

  “Yes, she really excels in that area, her pastry work and confectionary just melt in the mouth.”

  “And she certainly has a pleasant way with people.”

  “Build on the rapport Jilly has established with the college and offer to provide work experience places for students in all three areas, kitchen, shop and cafe.”

  “So, that’s finance and staff taken care of,” Graeme smiled across at Emma. “Now, what were your other areas of concern?”

  “Drew?”

  “Ah, yes!” Graeme looked across at Alex.

  “I spoke to Uncle Roy about Drew’s involvement and he asked, “Does Drew consult you over what changes need to be implemented in his Dental Practice? No, he doesn’t because it has nothing to do with you. Similarly the Stores are yours and Emma’s responsibility so all decisions rest on your shoulders.””

  “I hope that answers that query. What’s next?”

  “Health and safety!”

  “Oh that’s easily dealt with – everyone will have to regularly attend Health and Safety courses and accept delegated areas of responsibility within the business.”

  “Access!”

  “Ben has cleverly dealt with that aspect by relocating the storage area next to the kitchen and installing a lift from the path at the rear of the shop where the present store is. Everyone will have easy access to the coffee shop. The current stairs will be retained to comply with fire regulations and also to allow you access to the new self contained apartment.”

  “What about the back stairs and internal access between the two floors for staff?”

  “In the plans you’ll see Ben has incorporated a small preparation kitchen in his design for use in the cafe and recommends a dumb waiter be installed linking it to the main Stores kitchen.”

  All eyes looked eagerly at Emma as she absorbed all the information Graeme, Alex and Ben had offered as answers to all her concerns.

  “Oh my, you have been busy. May I look at the plans again, Ben?”

  “I’ll make coffee, I’m sure you’re all ready for some.” Alex jumped up and made her way to the kitchen. She knew her sister well enough to know that on this issue she would not be hurried. As a youngster her impetuous nature had frequently landed her in scrapes but since the death of their parents Emma had become more thoughtful and reluctant to make hasty decisions.

  For quite some time Emma pondered over the drawings laid out in front of her, piecing together the facts she had been given, with the proposals so clearly marked on the plans by Ben. As she sipped the mug of coffee Alex placed in front of her Emma carefully considered each aspect of the design. Eventually she became convinced of the rightness of the expansion and agreed with Alex that they should go ahead with redevelopment. They gave their consent to the plans, and confirmed that Durrant’s, uncles Roy and Gordon’s building firm, should be asked to carry out the work.

  “This really looks an exciting project, Ben, but I think that in view of Matty’s recent past history, Uncle Roy should be asked to keep a close eye on things.”

  “I think that’s a good suggestion, Emma. Matty might be my brother but I can’t condone his recent behaviour. It’s causing upset to so many people’s lives. I’m afraid Dad is as bad because he is all for keeping costs down and tends to turn a blind eye to shady dealing and cutting corners. Uncle Roy will ensure the work is done properly and to a high standard. You’ll have tea rooms you can be proud of.”

  “Thanks, Ben.”

  How delighted young Rosie Jenner would be when she heard this news.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  After breakfast on Easter Monday morning RK set out to explore the area. Exiting through the door of the Mill Rosie slipped a small bag into RK’s hands.

  “Packed lunch,” she explained.

  “Why, thanks,” RK smiled and accepted the parcel.

  “All part of the Jenner service,” quipped the teenager with a grin and she stood and waved as the Harley-Davidson roared out of sight.

  At the same time as RK rode away from the Mill, along the narrow lane that wound between sea and river, another motorcycle approached from the opposite direction. As they converged each rider slowed down.

  “Good morning,” the oncoming rider called out above the roar of the machines and raised his hand in greeting. “Enjoy your day.”

  Recognising the police bike RK acknowledged P.C. Dan’s friendly gesture before continuing the journey down the lane.

  Well, RK pondered, as the motorcyclist accelerated away, that policeman seems to be everywhere, though he does appear to be a very friendly young man. Without giving Dan Prettyman any further thought RK proceeded to fulfil the plans for the day.

  Fascinated by the architecture of the picturesque cottages and painted dwellings edging the lanes or tucked away behind trees and hedges RK stopped frequently to walk around them, more easily to appreciate the delights they offered, because they were built so differently to houses in Lincolnshire. The numerous breaks also gave RK opportunity to view the East Anglian landscape and climb the riverbank to enjoy the river, which seemed to have a life and ambience all its own. An abundance of waterfowl jostled for space on the water amongst the leisure craft and commercial traffic.

  The sun was pleasantly warm and the breeze that blew over the water refreshing. Late morning RK sat down on a grassy knoll and watched the diverse activities, tacking yachts, as well as, mother ducks shepherding their offspring as they tumbled into the lapping water to take their first swim. How delightful it was to quietly absorb the sound and smell of nature and forget the provocation that had created the need to get away from home. Dad is so pigheaded and uncompromising! His domineering attitude is something akin to that of a dictator! Business and bank-balance direct his life and his family but I want no part of it. It’s people I care about and despite Dad’s derogatory remarks about my work I’ll continue on my chosen path.

  However, I won’t waste this lovely day dwelling on that, decided RK with a quick shake of the head, this setting is far too tranquil for such turbule
nt thoughts. Besides, the cycle of the seasons evident in the emerging foliage around me, the newborn lambs frolicking in the fields and chirruping fledglings nestling in the hedgerows, speaks of permanence and continuity. I think it is this that is important not the thrust and pull of a fragile economy Dad persistently focuses upon.

  The peace and serenity the scene afforded at that moment wrapped around RK like a comforting blanket and the gently flowing water had a mesmeric effect till rumblings in the stomach brought a reminder of passing time. Delving into Rosie’s lunch pack RK discovered the contents were all one could have wished for; freshly baked rolls, full of cheese, a generous helping of mixed salad, fruit, and even a bottle of spring water, then, tucked in the corner a luscious pâtisserie delight that simply melted in the mouth.

  Replete and rejuvenated RK zipped up the leather jacket and fastened the helmet then set out on the bike for further explorations. Heading down a twisting lane back towards Newton Westerby RK spied a quaint, thatched seaside cottage, with intriguing dormer windows in the eaves and walls painted in Suffolk pink. A ‘For Sale’ board by the garden gate aroused curiosity that simply had to be satisfied.

  RK parked up the Harley-Davidson on the roadside verge turned to cross over the road but there, coming round the corner of the same cottage, walked Jansy and Dave. They seemed to be in the middle of a heated discussion and didn’t at first see RK.

  “I do think this is a really nice house,” Dave looked up to admire its pleasing aspect and sturdy construction.

  “Nice house in the wrong place,” muttered Jansy.

  “But, why? It’s not far from the village.”

  “Too far from the hospital!” she snapped.

  “Look, the main road to Norwich is just along the lane,” Dave pointed out patiently.

  “But think of all the travelling,” Jansy’s shoulders heaved with an exaggerated sigh.

  “Oh come on, Jans, it’s not that far. Wouldn’t it be worth it to have such an attractively placed house?”

  “Not really,” was her glum reply.

  “Don’t you think it has potential to be a lovely home?” asked Dave persuasively.

  “Maybe, but I don’t want to live so far from the hospital,” said Jansy impatiently. As she turned Jansy glimpsed RK a short distance away so waved and called out, “Oh, hi!”

  Dave, with his back to the lane had not seen RK pull up so remained totally focussed on the house, quite unfazed by Jansy’s ruse to use RK’s unexpected arrival to deflect him from the matter in hand. He took up Jansy’s hand and looked at her tenderly, and said earnestly, “Jans, my dearest girl, we’ve looked at numerous properties in so many places and you’re still undecided.”

  “I can’t help it, I’m just not sure,” Jansy muttered petulantly.

  “You know my feelings but I want you to be happy, Jans,” said Dave gently. “Houses so rarely come on the market in the village this may be our only chance to buy our own home here. Our wedding day advances ever nearer so we must make a decis…” Dave stopped speaking when he, too, became aware of RK walking down the side of the building.

  Jansy, glad of the diversion, reiterated her earlier greeting. “Don’t mind us. We’re trying to decide whether it would be best for us to live here in the village or in the city?”

  “I’m really sorry, I had no idea you were going to be here,” RK apologized, feeling dreadfully uncomfortable for barging in, prepared to backtrack and ride off, but Jansy purposefully drew RK into the discussion by asking for an unbiased opinion on the matter.

  “Please, tell us what you think of this property?”

  “Jans, that’s so unfair!” Dave put his hand on Jansy’s arm. She shrugged him off.

  “Well?” she persisted looking directly at RK with piercingly blue eyes.

  The cottage in question was in a particularly idyllic setting to RK’s mind. “It’s a pretty cottage in a delightful location and I think it offers the best of both worlds. It appears to be near to all the amenities of the village and not far from the main road into the city.”

  “That’s my opinion, too,” said Dave quietly.

  “I’ve just been offered a Senior Staff Nurse post on the Paediatric ward at the hospital in the city,” Jansy explained irrelevantly. She didn’t add that it was another step on the ladder to the position of Sister to which she aspired. This had been her goal from childhood and now she found herself torn between achieving her ambition and pleasing Dave. Living in the city would be her choice but the sea was in Dave’s blood. He loved the village and village life and would prefer to live in the familiar community rather than the anonymity of the city.

  “But you know I would willingly give it a try, if it would make you happy, Jans.”

  “He’s a stick-in-the-mud,” Jansy complained to RK sarcastically with an impatient flick of her head, and proceeded to explain her view of the situation. “If we lived in the city it would be so much easier for me to get to and from the hospital when I’m on early or late shift. He can drive to Norwich when he’s moored the boat here in the harbour and there are loads of places in the village where he can leave the car while he’s at sea, for instance, my parent’s or his. I really can’t see the problem.”

  “I certainly wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to live in such an idyllic spot. I suggest you grab this gem of a house with both hands. It seems solid, well-built and so attractive,” RK commented.

  “You’ve no idea how stressful this all is,” Jansy shook her head as she wrung her hands in agitation.

  “On the contrary, I know exactly what it’s like to live under pressure,” replied RK quietly.

  Dave was shocked that Jansy shared such personal disclosures with a stranger. RK tactfully withdrew and left them to carry on their disagreement in private, thinking if they truly loved one another, where they lived didn’t matter one iota.

  Arriving back in Newton Westerby RK was attracted to the Village Stores by the eye-catching window display. RK peered through the window, surprised to see a well stocked shop in such an out of the way place, and even more surprised to find it closed when numerous potential customers appeared to be milling about.

  Tramping across the Village Green RK noticed the open door of the church hall, remembered conversations from Sunday, and stepped inside. Teas were set out upon a long table to one side of the hall and an Easter bonnet parade was in progress on the platform at the far end of the building. The Jenner children recognised the newcomer who entered the hall and made a beeline for RK who admired their outfits, congratulated the winners and tactfully commiserated with those not so fortunate, then cleverly steered them towards the sumptuous tea table.

  Pansy sidled up to RK and slipped her small hand into RK’s large one and whispered, “I do like you. You’re my friend.”

  “I like you too, pretty little lady,” said RK and playfully tweaked the bonnet Pansy was wearing.

  Pansy drew RK closer to her and spoke softly, “I think you’re a girl,” she said shyly.

  “You do?” asked RK with pretended surprise.

  “Oh, yes, you’ve got crinkly, smiley eyes and you laugh a lot,” she replied with increased confidence.

  “I see.”

  “Wow!” exploded Keir, distracting RK’s attention. “Just look at all this food,” he said, diving in with gusto and rapidly filling his plate.

  Noting sausage rolls and ham sandwiches heaped amidst the cheesy offerings RK softly enquired, “Keir, are you allowed such a selection?”

  “Oh, yeah, these are brill.”

  All the Jenner children followed Keir’s lead and revelled in making a choice from the abundance displayed on the table as though they had not been fed for a week.

  Rosie saw RK’s look of concern.

  “It’s OK. We’re allowed free choice when we’re out. Mum has this theory that if we’re not restricted we’ll choose healthy veggie things, but if we’re forbidden pork pies, sausages and other meat savouries, we won’t know what the difference i
s and we’ll eat them regardless. Dad’s not wholly vegetarian, anyway.”

  “Right,” RK conceded and followed the youngsters, filling a plate en route with some of the delectable buffet food on offer, to the table where the vicar’s wife, Penny Darnell, was waiting to take their money.

  “Hello again, enjoying your day?”

  “Yes, it’s been very interesting,” RK smiled, pleased that the Vicar’s wife remembered their earlier meeting at the Easter breakfast.

  “That will be £2.50, please.”

  “And a cup of tea.”

  “Oh, it’s all inclusive.”

  “Goodness that is cheap.”

  “We have to be realistic. The event’s organized by the Women’s Guild to raise funds for the church and they want people to come. If it’s too pricey some can’t afford it and it would prove expensive for families.”

  “Well, you certainly seem busy. Has it been successful?”

  “Extremely! The ladies are thrilled at the response from day visitors as well as the usual enthusiastic support from villagers.”

  “We’re just hoping for a lull in proceedings so we can sit down and rest our weary feet,” said Pauline Cooper who was pouring out the tea.

  “You look as though you could do with a cuppa yourself. Isn’t there any one to relieve you?”

  “We’ve sent the others home. They’ve had a long day having been here since early morning…”

  “But so have you from what I hear. Look, why don’t you have a break now. Rosie and I will hold the fort. Won’t we?”

  Before Rosie could reply, RK had everyone organized. The Jenner children were seated up to a table not too far from the serving table so Rosie could keep an eye on them, till her elder brother, Nathan came in with Dan Prettyman and assumed that responsibility. They both washed their hands, and then RK poured tea, made up a plate for Penny and Pauline and ensured they sat down to enjoy their break in relative quiet.

  Within minutes Trixie Cooper emerged from the kitchen bearing clean crockery which she had just washed up. Her eyes lit up when she saw RK and Rosie handling the customers.