Out of My Depth

by Gwenyth Clare Lynes

  “So did Adam and I. We both jumped to the wrong conclusion about her nursery involvement and the subject of work never cropped up again in our conversation,” confirmed Justin.

  After the music practise the young people engaged in more general talk particularly about the Spring Bank Holiday car treasure hunt that Adam and Laura usually organized for as many of the village and surrounding district who wanted to participate.

  “I suggest we make alternative plans for the treasure hunt,” said Justin.

  “So many people are already planning to take part we can’t possibly cancel it,” said Graeme.

  “But who on earth is likely to be available to organize such an event at short notice?” asked Annette.

  “Miranda, whom we all recognise as the best organizer around, is already tied up with the wellbeing of the Catton children so we can’t really ask her to take on something else,” explained Ben.

  “What about approaching Miss Pedwardine,” Alex suggested tentatively.

  “Alex! You’ve got to be joking!” A number, at first, greeted her suggestion with disbelief.

  “On second thoughts I think it could be a possible answer to our problem,” agreed Justin.

  “Most of the young folk are tied up with work, college or families, but Jennifer Pedwardine, as recently retired headmistress, is freer in the daytime than anyone in the village,” explained Alex.

  “She may even be glad to participate in a village activity that has nothing to do with school,” remarked Emma.

  “As proposer I nominate Alex to go and ask Miss Pedwardine,” said Stephen cheekily.

  “Thanks very much for your vote of confidence,” retorted Alex with a laugh as she playfully punched Stephen on the shoulder.

  “Friends,” intervened Justin, “before we share the Grace together and make our way home Ben would like a word.”

  “Thanks, Justin. It concerns Dave and Jansy. I’m not breaking a confidence when I tell you they have spoken with Rev Hugh and Mrs Darnell and decided to postpone their wedding.”

  “Oh no,” Emma gasped and burst into tears.

  Her reaction quite jolted Ben. “Dear Em, I’m so sorry,” he said quietly. “I thought you knew.”

  Emma shook her head and glanced over at Stephen, Jansy’s younger brother.

  He nodded his head. “It’s true, Emma.”

  Regretting the bombshell he had just dropped on his cousin, Ben said, “I understood they had already spoken with all those closely involved. I would not have hurt you like this for the world, Em.”

  “It’s OK, Ben,” sniffed Emma, “though it is rather a shock.” She took a moment to blow her nose and regain her composure before adding, “On reflection, I’m not surprised.”

  “Oh? What makes you say that?”

  “When we met up a few weeks ago Jansy was somewhat vague and offhand when I asked about the wedding plans but very focussed on her forthcoming job promotion.”

  “You’ve hit the nail on the head. However, they both need our support and prayers. For a time they will be separated by the miles, Jansy in Norwich and Dave in Brixham but, thankfully distance is not an issue with our Heavenly Father.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  It was with some trepidation that Alex rang the front door bell at Jennifer Pedwardine’s home on Saturday morning.

  I do wish the very thought of seeing her didn’t still make me feel like a naughty little schoolgirl waiting outside the headmistress’s room, Alex thought as she waited for a reply. She stood for what seemed quite an age, with one hand on Bethany’s buggy ready to make a quick retreat, only too aware how sharp-tongued Miss Pedwardine could be. I should have insisted Emma or Justin do this they would have been more assertive. How her knees quaked!

  Then, Alex recalled the words of her father last Christmas Eve morning when he stated that, “Before long we shall see a change in Jenny Ped now she’s relinquished her position of authority.”

  Now Alex, she sternly reprimanded, think positively, maybe retirement has mellowed her as Dad predicted it would. Tentatively Alex reached out to press the bell for the second time.

  She can refuse my request or she can say yes but she can’t bite my head off. Alex stepped back from the door, lifted her head, stood tall and waited.

  It was an intriguing house, painted white, with a squarish bay window to the right of the solid wooden front door, two quaint inverted v-shaped windows upstairs under the thatched eaves and one similar on the left of the front door. They all had tiny panes of glass in them, divided into diamonds by leaded lights.

  Alex’s eyes followed the line of the building, to the left of the small window, which had once been the bakery and shop. She remembered the tantalising aroma that teased her taste buds as she had skipped along the adjacent footpath every morning on her way to primary school; the tiered shelves behind the window full of loaves of all shapes and sizes and she knew that inside, displayed in a cabinet, were all manner of delicious cakes. Mum always bought fresh bread each day and very occasionally allowed her to choose something out of the cabinet. While Alex enjoyed the heel of the loaf spread lavishly with butter and Mum’s homemade jam her tongue relished the exploration of the scrumptious, colourful, gooey delights kept behind the glass protection.

  The hedge now obscured that window and sadly all that remained were her memories and the name ‘Bakers’ for at some point since its closure the old bakery had been cleverly incorporated into the cottage creating a spacious home. Further observation and daydreams were curtailed when the back gate, adjacent to the side of the house, was opened and a voice boomed out, “Yes, can I help you?”

  Alex hastily turned round.

  “Good morning, Miss Pedwardine, I’ve come on beha…” she began, and then stopped. Before her was a dishevelled lady who in no way resembled the prim and proper retired headmistress Alex knew.

  “Oh, it’s you Alex. No Post Office this morning?”

  Hastily recovering from her surprise Alex replied, “Yes, Melvin Andaman is covering for me.” Miss Pedwardine’s brusqueness belied her appearance but it confirmed for Alex that this truly was the lady she had come to see.

  “Well, don’t just stand there, girl, come in.” Jennifer Pedwardine opened the gate wide and, brandishing a pair of lopping shears in hands encased in gauntlet type gardening gloves, waved Alex through.

  “It must be time for coffee.” Clad in a holey jumper and baggy trousers, her normally immaculately styled hair was sticking out untidily from under a flat cap. Muddy smudges streaked her cheeks and forehead but, despite her appearance and abrupt manner, the warm smile of welcome cheered Alex’s heart.

  As Alex pushed the buggy through the gateway the vista before her took her breath away. She could hardly believe what she was seeing. For a moment she simply stood and gazed at the many pergolas and trellis fencing, festooned with early clematis and the promise of an abundance of roses later in the summer, stretching as far as the eye could see.

  “This is so lovely and unexpected,” exclaimed Alex overcome with admiration.

  “Thankyou, Alex,” was the clipped response. “Feel free to wander or sit and enjoy,” invited Miss Pedwardine, indicating a rustic bench. “I’ll switch on the kettle.”

  Alex pressed the brake on the buggy into place, left the sleeping Bethany by the open back door, and followed one of the crazy-paved pathways to explore the hidden treasures of this hitherto unseen enchanting garden. Neatly clipped evergreen hedges seemed to frame numerous individual garden rooms. Some were waist high whilst others only reached up to her knees and one was just beyond her eye line.

  The first one Alex peered into contained perennial shrubs edged with a hint of colourful spring bedding. Another area had budding rose trees surrounded by, what promised to be, fragrant lavender. The next one the winding path led to, revealed a lush, oval shaped lawn, with an embryonic rose entwined arbour to one side, behind a pristine cut privet hedge. Beyond delightful early clematis laden trellis Alex spied a green
house which was bulging with growing plants. There also appeared to be blossoming fruit trees in the distance, whilst new seasons growth on a plethora of oak, copper beech, horse chestnut and sycamore on the perimeter of the garden gave the impression that the whole garden was embraced by a wooded frame of trees.

  Before Alex had opportunity for further exploration she heard a bell and the call of “coffee”, so she turned round and ambled back towards the house. She thought she had retraced her steps but when she saw to her right a superb rockery flanking a potentially delightful lily pond she knew she had taken a wrong turning. Thankfully, she heard the bell again enabling her to regain her sense of direction.

  “Lose your way?”

  Alex nodded.

  “Coffee is in the summer house. You can hear the baby from there.”

  Alex didn’t think she could take any more surprises but Miss Pedwardine led her to a beautifully designed Victorian summer house furnished with elegant wrought iron garden furniture. The table was graced with a silver tray set with Crown Derby china and buttered scones.

  “Sit here, best view of the garden,” commanded Jennifer Pedwardine as she plumped up a floral chair cushion.

  “Thankyou, Miss Pedwardine.”

  “And the name’s Jennifer, not headmistress anymore,” that lady instructed as she poured coffee from a stylish silver coffee-pot.

  “Like the garden?”

  Alex nodded as she sipped her coffee. “It is amazing!”

  “A bonus, then?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why did you call?”

  Gosh, thought Alex, she might not be headmistress any longer but she is still direct and to the point.

  Alex decided it might be wisest to answer in a similar vein.

  “I came on behalf of the young marrieds’ house group, to invite you to organize the May Bank Holiday Monday car treasure hunt,” her voice was clear and distinct but her heart was pounding rapidly against her ribs.

  “Problem, no car,” was the immediate response. “Gave it up when I retired. Use public transport.”

  Alex looked at her hostess in dismay. This was an obstacle she had not bargained for.

  “Why me?” Miss Pedwardine demanded.

  Alex started to explain the situation regarding Laura and Adam which precluded their involvement this year when Miss Pedwardine interrupted, “Yes, yes, I’m well aware of the Catton’s situation. So, why me?” Patiently, Alex pointed out the unavailability of the young and married residents to make the necessary preparations during the daytime because of study, family or work commitments and mentioned Emma’s comment that Miss Pedwardine might welcome the opportunity to participate in a village activity unrelated to the school.

  “I see, mustn’t let the old girl vegetate, give her something to get her teeth into!”

  Alex diplomatically ignored Miss Pedwardine’s light-hearted sarcasm and said, “I’ve brought a copy of last year’s schedule and clues to give you an idea of the usual procedure,” as she handed over the file.

  “Meticulous, as ever, I see,” Jennifer complimented and again treated Alex to one of her warm smiles.

  “Give me a few days to digest this and then I’ll give you my answer. Is there room for flexibility?”

  “I’m sure there is. Everyone will gladly accept what you are able to offer, grateful the event can go ahead. You know where to contact me if you want to discuss it further. Here is my home phone number or leave a message with Emma at the Stores.”

  Dawn broke on Monday morning to reveal blue skies, a gentle sea breeze, a rising sun and the prospect of a warm day. Jennifer rose early. She had spent an interesting time going through the treasure hunt schedule the previous day after a solitary lunch following the morning service and relished the challenge the project proffered. Ideas continued to jostle in her mind throughout the night. The new day brought with it a desire to share those thoughts so it was with impatient enthusiasm that she waited for the opportune moment to contact Alex.

  Emma also rose with the dawn and went downstairs to the Stores early. She checked the thermometers of the fridges and freezers, tweaked a few things into place in the window displays, and then ensured the shelves and baskets containing the popular early morning snacks and fruit were replenished. She could hear sounds coming from the Stores’ kitchen so guessed Jilly was already preparing fresh rolls, sandwiches and pastries.

  It was the first day of a new school term and Emma knew from experience that it would be a hectic morning. Like her father before her she wanted to ensure that the shop was spick and span and ready for the rush of early morning customers who would soon be arriving in droves. They were always in a hurry to make their choices before getting on the bus that would take them into the city for the activities of their day. While she was making sure there were sufficient bottles and cans in the drinks cabinet the back door opened.

  “Good morning,” called out Rosalie, her assistant.

  “Hello, Rosalie, are you ready for the onslaught?”

  Rosalie laughed as she put away her outdoor clothes and slipped on her overall. “As ready as I’ll ever be for a first day back. It’s hard to think we’re at the start of the summer term.”

  “I can’t believe people are so unprepared.”

  “Good for business, though, as your Dad would say. Did you remember the pens and pencils? We sell more of those in the first week of any school term than we do for the rest of the year.”

  “Yes, I’ve tried to make sure we are as geared up as he was to meet people’s needs.”

  “You’ve done exceptionally well, Emma, balancing study and the shop. Your Mum and Dad would have been proud of you. I hear your exam results came through this week, congratulations.”

  “Thanks. It’s in no small part due to your willingness to work extra hours to leave me free to carry on at college.”

  “Nonsense, you’re more than welcome. When’s your graduation?”

  “May 26th then afterwards, all being well, I’ll be more available to fulfil my responsibilities at the Stores.”

  “Will Roger be able to attend?”

  Emma rapidly shook her head to swing her hair forwards in order to cover up her blushing cheeks forgetting that she’d tied it back as she always did when on duty in the shop.

  She put a hand up to the side of her face and blurted out, “Hopefully, if he can re-organize his time off duty.”

  Rosalie smiled knowingly then, to spare Emma further embarrassment, changed the subject, “Have you heard anymore about your application for the teaching post?”

  “Not yet but it’s…” The door from the Stores’ kitchen swung open and Jilly came through with a heavily laden tray.

  “Hi, Em, I’ve got the pasties, sausage rolls, filled rolls and sandwiches here. Where would you like them?”

  The women quickly arranged the fresh food in baskets on to the shelves nearest to the counter knowing that those coming in to buy them would be in a hurry to catch the buses to school, college and the city.

  “These look good, Jilly, mouth-wateringly appetizing, as Nicky would say.”

  “Our aim is to please,” Jilly laughed as she made her way back to the kitchen. “By the way, Emma,” she called back over her shoulder, “those new food labels are a vast improvement. They’re neat, colourful and contain all the necessary information and they actually stick onto the poly bags!”

  “Yes, they do look good. Nicky and his mates designed them as a college project.”

  “My compliments to them for a fine job. I hope they got good marks!”

  Emma and Rosalie nodded in agreement.

  As they worked Rosalie asked quietly, “Have you seen Jansy, Emma?”

  Emma shook her head, her hands busy.

  “We haven’t been in touch lately. I saw her briefly during the Easter weekend but I’ve been tied up with the shop and college and I assumed Jansy’s spare time was taken up with wedding preparations.”

  “You can’t throw any light on t
he situation, then?”

  “No, I’m afraid not. Doctor John spoke to me after Church yesterday and explained that for a time Jansy and Dave have gone their separate ways.”

  “So I’d heard.”

  “Jansy’s apparently staying in Norwich. That’s all I know. I don’t know what’s gone wrong. They were so in love with one another. Has Christina said anything about Dave?”

  “Only that Dave has decided to go fishing elsewhere and his Dad is staying ashore for a spell. He’s so upset.”

  “I’m so very sad that this has happened.”

  Someone knocked impatiently on the large plate glass window. Simultaneously Emma and Rosalie looked up. Stephen and Nathan gave them a wave.

  “First customers are here already!” Emma unlocked the shop door.

  “Good morning, lads, you’re nice and early.”

  “Morning Emma, Mrs Andaman,” greeted Stephen cheerfully. “We wanted to get first pick of the pasties for lunch.”

  Emma pointed to the newly stocked basket on the counter. “There they are, all straight from the oven this morning.”

  “Brill! Jilly makes the best veggie pasties around. The ones at college taste like sawdust,” grimaced Stephen.

  “Perhaps they are,” joked Nathan. “Maybe the cleaner sweeps up the shavings from your workshop at the end of the day and passes them on to the cook.”

  “Ugh! That sounds gross, Nat,” said his sister Rosie nudging him to one side.

  “I’d be careful what I say if I were you, ole boy, or Rosie might introduce similar fillings when she’s on duty in the kitchen here,” teased Nicky with a quick grin to Rosalie, his mum.

  “No chance! Jilly’s set very high standards and I intend to help her keep them, so there,” declared Rosie emphatically.

  “That’s right, Rosie, you stick to your guns. Don’t let these whipper-snappers intimidate you,” laughed Annette Andaman, Nicky’s twin.

  “I hope you’ve left some pasties for Annette and me, Stephen.” His cousin, Hilary Cooper, pushed her way to the front of the counter. She, along with Annette, preferred the veggie products made by Jilly in the Stores’ kitchen. The trio had embarked on a school project together in year eight which resulted in them experimenting with their palettes and as a consequence deciding to become vegetarians. Hilary quickly made her choice as more young folk jostled to get to the head of the queue. His height enabled Stephen to reach out first to be served.