Out of My Depth

by Gwenyth Clare Lynes

  Annette Andaman, the Cooper sisters and Emma Kemp also requested her presence at girlie evenings in their homes and RK was quick to reciprocate their friendship, pleased to entertain them to supper evenings at Ferry Cottage. These occasions were such a joy for RK. With no inhibitions set by her parents she felt free to do as she chose. Through the daily school runs she also built up a firm friendship with Rachel Durrant and was frequently invited to share mealtimes in their home. As time passed she quickly got over the unease that had been caused by the unwelcome night-time intruders and thoroughly enjoyed living in a haven so close to the sea.

  The setting of the cottage was a magnet to the young folk although the unkempt garden was getting more of a wilderness as each day passed.

  “It’s not easy to fit in gardening,” RK confided to Emma one day when she was in the village shop, “and if I’m really honest, not really my scene, despite being a farmer’s daughter.”

  Before evening, that news had winged its way around the village. When the lads heard RK’s dilemma they said, “Let’s have a party!” So Stephen Cooper and Nicky Andaman organized a knife and fork party with a difference. All the guests were instructed to bring not only cutlery knife and fork but “a gardening fork, spade, hoe or trowel and a seat are essential.”

  Emma donated gardening sacks for weeds and fruit gateaux for sweet, Billy Cooper gave the girls sausages and burgers, while Pauline tucked in a parcel of veggie varieties for the staunch vegetarians, Hilary, Annette and Stephen. Uncle Roy and Aunt Bernice sent along a selection of easily tended perennial plants with Justin and Jilly Briggs baked a large batch of rolls and baps.

  On the morning of the party a box appeared on the step outside Ferry Cottage packed to the brim with home grown salad. A large piece of white card was lodged between the lettuce and a bag of tomatoes on which was written, ‘ENJOY!’

  “I wonder where this has come from.”

  “At a guess, I’d say Jenny Ped.”

  “Miss Pedwardine?”

  “Yes.”

  “How can you tell? Do you recognize her produce?”

  “No, just the cryptic note is very much her style.”

  “Really?”

  A week before the planned event at Ferry Cottage Tessa Jenner had taken along a pair of her goats to clear as much of the overgrown grass in the garden as possible. She tethered them to curb their natural instincts to jump over the boundary wall and Nathan popped in each day to milk and feed them and re-position the tether stakes.

  Then, having thoroughly completed their task the goats were transported back to Jenner’s Mill but to the clean-up party Nathan brought a mower so that he and Ryan could tidy up the remaining grass. They painstakingly edged it to make a neat looking lawn while others dug over and weeded the surrounding borders in readiness for the donated plants. Quite a number of young people had gravitated to Ferry Cottage armed with all manner of implements to assist in the tidy-up and each task was accompanied by a great deal of leg-pulling, laughter and hilarity.

  Half-way through the proceedings Stephen, self-appointed chef at the barbeque to ensure veggie and meat remained separate, yelled, “Food’s ready!”

  There was a race to the kitchen sink to wash before eating and grab a chair to position in a semi-circle close to the barbeque.

  “Justin, will you give thanks?”

  Conversation stopped.

  Justin glanced at RK, not wishing to cause her offence, and the other guests held their breath. Slowly RK nodded her assent.

  “Father God, thankyou for the bounty of Your hand, the beauty of nature, the richness of friendship and the provision of food. Bless this home and our hostess as together we participate in this special time. In Your name, Amen.”

  “Thanks, RK, for letting us share this wonderful oasis, bless you,” said Annette as she leaned across and placed her hand on RK’s shoulder.

  “Yes, you’ve created a delightful space that’s great for meeting together.” Raucous laughter greeted Miranda’s words as the friends gathered round the barbeque to get their food.

  The unintentional joke was not lost on RK who chuckled as she reached to take the hot dog Stephen passed to her. “You’re the ones who’ve done the work and I’m so grateful. The garden looks superb.”

  “You are fortunate, RK, to have such a fantastic spot. It’s both restful and refreshing.” Murmurs of agreement rippled round the munching group of friends enjoying their food and each other’s company.

  “What a view! I’ll join you any time, RK, breakfast or supper, to feast my eyes on this incredible scene.”

  “Yeah, it’s amazing, thanks to our Creator God.”

  Following that evening RK gave more thought to what made her new friends tick. They are lovely people, kind, and thoughtful, generous, fun and yet there is something else about them that I can’t put my finger on. Maybe it is something to do with this God thing.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  As the autumn unfurled its kaleidoscope of rich burnt amber colour the village prepared to celebrate the marriage of Roger Cooper and Emma Kemp. Swept along by the euphoria of the occasion RK got involved with a number of festive arrangements. The couple planned a simple Church ceremony with an unpretentious family get-together afterwards but a number of the villagers had different ideas. “Nothing outlandish but something worthy of Emma and her Doc,” was the consensus of opinion amongst many villagers.

  Jilly Briggs was organising a reception for family and close friends in the church hall following the lunch time ceremony conducted by Rev Hugh in Saint Andrews Church. By arrangement with the College, Jilly co-opted fellow students of Rosie Jenner to practise their skills waiting at tables, dressed in formal attire, as well as the mundane task of clearing tables and washing up. “It will be good work experience for them,” she persuaded the College authorities.

  “The women in the WI and Women’s Guild who are part of the flower arranging team would love to decorate the Church for you, Emma,” offered Penny Darnell, “and also make posies for table centres in the church hall.”

  Lord Edmund offered the family coach which was stored in a disused barn. “Have no need for it now so it requires a thoroughly good clean.” Trixie organized a willing team of workers to wash and polish the lovely old carriage and her sister Maisie made new upholstery to replace that which the mice had nibbled through.

  “Ryan’s a dab hand with mechanical things, as is RK. I’m sure they’ll check over the wheels and suspension to ensure all is in safe working order.”

  “No horses now, I’m afraid, but I’m sure the Beckingsdales at Hall Farm in Newton Lokesby will oblige,” Lord Edmund propounded.

  In the evening of the wedding day the young folk of the village planned to hold a hog roast in honour of the newlyweds masterminded by Roger’s brother, Stephen, but very much aided and abetted by his uncle, Billy Cooper, who was providing the hog and supervising the cooking of it. A number of people in the community owned plastic or canvas gazebos which they were invited to erect on the Village Green and everyone with garden tables and chairs was requested to make them available. All the residents of the village were invited to share this special occasion with Emma and Roger. “Just don’t breathe a word to the couple.”

  Justin and Adam were arranging a musical interlude for the enjoyment of the young couple and all who had the inclination to gather on The Green to wish them well. Aunt Bernice had a foot in both camps, having an ear for Emma’s nuptial aspirations when Emma came to call, and she was also au fait with the young folk’s plans, via meal time discussions with Justin. She and Roy carefully kept abreast of all the arrangements to ensure there was no clash or compromise of interests.

  Amidst the excitement of all this happy preparation a very subdued Jansy returned to the village to attend her brother’s wedding as bridesmaid to her long time school friend. Emma did her best to draw her friend out as they chatted about arrangements for the ceremony while Jansy was having a final fitting for her dress at her
Aunt’s in Newton Lokesby but Jansy slickly eluded any reference to her personal affairs, Dave or the past and adroitly turned the conversation back to Emma’s marriage to her brother.

  “Which salon are you booked into?”

  “I’m not. Rachel’s offered to do our hair on the morning of the wedding.”

  “That will be nice. What time?”

  “About 10am.”

  “In your flat?”

  “Oh, no, I’m getting ready at Green Pastures. Aunt Bernice has cleared a room just for our use and is storing my dress and yours, when it’s complete, as well as the one Alex will be wearing.”

  “Not leaving from Alex and Graeme’s, then?”

  “No, Aunt Bernice and Uncle Roy have been so supportive since Mum and Dad’s accident, with the business as well as personal things, that when they offered their home for our special day I felt it would be a way of thanking them by giving Aunt Bernice opportunity to participate in the planning of a wedding. She hasn’t got a daughter and she won’t be quite so involved should Justin one day get married.”

  “Jansy, please stand still,” admonished the dressmaker as her niece fidgeted around.

  “Sorry, Aunt Maisie.”

  “You will be, my girl, if I catch you with one of these,” warned Maisie nimbly juggling a handful of pins as she deftly turned the hem of the bridesmaid’s dress.

  “When is your brother Drew travelling down from Edinburgh for the wedding?”

  “He and Morag have decided not to come to the wedding.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “‘Drew still carries a lot of angst against Roger for marrying me for what he terms my inheritance.”

  “That’s seems a little churlish, I must say, and a rather childish reason for spoiling your special day,” blurted Jansy and she stamped her foot to emphasize her displeasure at Drew’s actions.

  “Concentrate, girl, turn slowly.”

  “Yes, Aunt,” said Jansy sheepishly and rolled her eyes upward as she grinned impishly at Emma.

  “Oh, that’s not all he’s grieved about. Drew continues to wrangle about the legal aspect of Mum and Dad’s will with regard to the Stores and what Drew feels is his right to a third of the weekly income from the Stores but that’s all in the hands of the solicitor, thanks to Uncle Roy, who continues to handle that aspect of things for us.”

  “I didn’t realise you were still having aggro about all that nonsense Drew brought up when your parents first died.”

  “Unfortunately, it’s still ongoing but Mr Capps-Walker is dealing with it all so Alex and I don’t concern ourselves with it other than pray that Drew will again find peace of heart. I’m just very sad that Drew has become so embittered. It’s unpleasant having animosity between us for no apparent reason.”

  As she watched the dressmaker at work Emma recalled the last conversation she had with her brother Drew over the telephone regarding the sale of the Village Stores. It brought back unpleasant memories of the smooth talking stranger. His visit had obviously been instigated by Drew.

  ‘I’ve received an excellent offer for the shop, flat, bungalow and cottage, Em. Now that you’re getting married, and working at the school, you won’t have time to run a shop. I guess you’ll be glad to be relieved of the responsibility of the Stores and all that entails. The buyer is coming on Tuesday 17th at 11am to view so make sure you’re available to show him round.’

  Drew slammed the phone down as Emma gasped in shock, ‘We are not for sale.’ With shaking knees she staggered out of the office to find Rosalie.

  ‘Can you hold the fort?’

  Concerned by Emma’s pasty face and distressed demeanour Rosalie came around the counter and whispered away from the ears of the customers who were milling in the aisles, ‘Are you OK?’

  Emma nodded, ‘I must go and see Uncle Roy.’

  He, bless his heart, had immediately put the matter into the hands of their solicitor, Mr Jocelyn Capps-Walker, prayed, given Emma a hug and assured her that in time all would be well.

  “I can’t believe your brother’s refused to attend your wedding.” Emma’s mind had been miles away and was brought back to the present with a start when Jansy spoke. She quickly recovered her poise and replied,

  “Well, I assure you it’s true. Drew has no wish to be part of my wedding plans. He simply wanted to snatch all my dreams away from me in one fell swoop and didn’t even wish me happiness for my wedding day,” Emma sighed sorrowfully.

  “Jansy! Do you want to get pricked?” She had begun to vigorously shake her head at Emma’s words.

  “Ooh, no!”

  “Then sta…”

  “I know, stand still.”

  “Well, do it, girl!”

  Emma laughed. “You never could be still for more than two minutes together even when you were a girl you were always on the move.”

  “So, who’s going to give you away, Graeme?”

  “No, we decided to ask Uncle Roy. Since the accident he’s been such an encouragement to both Alex and me. Early on he assumed the father figure role and continues to look after our best interests. We shall be forever in his debt. Roger and I felt this was one way in which we could acknowledge all his kindness to us and one that he would not refuse.”

  “So where will you live? Are you moving away?” Jansy asked.

  “Oh no, for the time being we’re going to live in the little flat over the Stores.”

  “I always imagined you’d venture to foreign climes.”

  “We’re quite content to stay at home where we’re needed.”

  “There now, girl, that’s it. Walk slowly across the room for me, please, Jansy,” Maisie cast a critical eye over her handiwork as Jansy moved in accordance with her instructions.

  “That’ll do, you can get changed.”

  “Thankyou.”

  Within a short space of time the two friends were on their way back to Newton Westerby.

  “What about work?”

  Emma turned to look at her friend in surprise.

  “I shall continue to run the Stores and teach part time at the village school, just as I do now and Roger will be involved in the practice with your Dad.”

  “So, no plans to explore the great unknown?”

  “Hardly, we’re both really happy to put down roots here. We have got plans to expand, though.”

  “Really, what are they?”

  “Well, we intend to move into the cottage that was once Alex and Graeme’s as soon as the renovation and redecoration is complete. I shall finally have my coveted studio and Roger will have a study.” Emma smiled at Jansy with excited contentment.

  “Life will be a bed of roses for you, then” commented Jansy wistfully.

  “Jans, I believe we shall be blissfully happy because we both feel this is the will of God for us at this moment in time but there’s a lot of hard work ahead of us.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “We’ve almost completed the conversion of the main area of my flat into a coffee shop and tea rooms. We think it’s an amenity the village has needed for a long time.”

  “Gosh, that’s an ambitious undertaking, however will you cope?”

  “Well, we have superb staff covering the Stores led by Rosalie, and Jilly and her team is top notch in the catering department, even Mum would approve. We’re also involved in the apprenticeship training scheme being run from Lowestoft College; Rosie Jenner is taking the catering/cooking diploma and young Maxine Cook is due to commence the shop management course. Once they’ve completed their studies I’ve promised them a permanent position. There are also other students who will require work experience and practise in these areas in forthcoming terms.”

  “So the future looks assured?”

  “As well as it can be, with the SOS campaign and possible PO closure constantly hanging over our heads. Melvin Andaman has been a tremendous help. He’s taken to the office side of postal work far better than I anticipated. I think both he, and Rosalie, are relieved h
e doesn’t have to get up at 3am anymore to go to the sorting office and then prepare and do postal deliveries.”

  “I’m surprised you’ve got Maxine Cook working in the Stores, considering what her Dad and Josh got up to. I’m sure her presence in the shop doesn’t go down well with some of the community particularly as the Cook’s actions have left you in this predicament.”

  “Predicament?”

  “Yes, thrusting on you the responsibility of the Stores, unable to fulfil your dreams, because they tampered with your Dad’s car causing your parents’ deaths.”

  “No, that’s not so,” said Emma quietly. “Surely you heard that though Joe and Josh were charged and convicted of the burglaries and assaults nothing was proved against them with regard to the cause of the accident. Case dismissed was the verdict given with regard to Joe’s possible involvement. As far as Josh was concerned, his finger prints were all over the car but so were many others that were unaccounted for, so it was inconclusive.”

  “But…”

  Jansy stopped speaking as Emma shook her head.

  “I was in court and witnessed Joe interrupt proceedings. He addressed the bench and said, ‘Mr Judge, Oi admit to stealen’ from Lord Edmund an’ …’ he went on to list a whole lot of burglaries, assaults and misdemeanours he’d organized. ‘Oi admit to helpen’ stitch up Nicky an’ clobberen’ Mrs Vicar but Oi hen’t killed no one. Mr Kemp’s a good sort, he’s helped me out plenty an’ Mrs Kemp’s bin good to my Michelle with food an’ things so’s Oi hen’t got no reason to kill them. Oi’s a-bin a fewell, an’ Oi’m sorry.’ ”

  “That doesn’t mean a thing.”

  “I tend to believe him. Why would he lie? He’d got nothing to lose and, for all he’s been a scoundrel since he lost his job at Sizewell, I think his inherent honesty came to the fore at the trial.”

  “My word, Emma, you’ve changed. Where’s your cynical zip? You’ve become somewhat trusting and forgiving.”