Changing Times

by Jack Sheffield

  Sam looked a little crestfallen.

  ‘Oh, hello Mrs Feather. We came back last night. There was an accident. I was just ringing the hospital in York.’

  ‘An accident? Not Freddie I hope?’

  Sam was confused. ‘No, Phil Tomlinson. He tripped up at Malham Tarn and broke his wrist. So we drove back.’

  ‘Did Freddie come back with you?’

  ‘Freddie?’

  ‘Yes, is he still in the Dales?’

  ‘But Freddie didn’t come with us. I dropped him off at York station early on Monday morning.’

  ‘York station?’

  ‘Yes, I presumed you knew.’

  ‘Where was he going?’

  Sam was beginning to feel uncomfortable. ‘I don’t know, Mrs Feather. He didn’t say.’

  Lily ran across the road, unlocked the front door of the school and ran into the office. She telephoned Tom.

  ‘I’ll come home straight away,’ he said.

  As she hurried back across the village green to her car, she saw Vera sitting on the bench under the weeping willow tree. She looked up from her Woman’s Own and the pictures of the Queen’s fourth child and third son.

  ‘Lily,’ she called out, ‘you look concerned.’

  She patted the seat beside her.

  Lily paused, breathing deeply, and shook her head.

  ‘Please, sit down and tell me.’

  ‘It’s Freddie. He’s gone. This time it’s more serious. I’ve just discovered he didn’t go camping with his friends. He was last seen at York station.’

  Vera considered her response and held Lily’s hand. ‘You must remember he is a young man now and he can be impulsive. But much more than that, he is intelligent. He will have thought this through and is clearly doing something that he feels is important.’

  Lily said nothing.

  ‘Where is Rose?’ asked Vera.

  ‘In Scarborough with her parents.’

  ‘Perhaps that’s a possibility.’

  Lily looked up with new hope. ‘Maybe,’ she said. She glanced at her wristwatch. ‘Tom is coming home. I had better get going.’

  Vera stood up and gave her a hug. ‘Lily, all will be well.’

  ‘Thank you, Vera.’

  As she drove home Lily reflected that Vera had a spiritual armour that had protected her through the years. She wished she had the same.

  It was Tom who found the note in Freddie’s bedroom. It was under his alarm clock on the bedside table. He called out to Lily.

  ‘You read it,’ she said nervously.

  Tom unfolded the sheet of paper, torn from one of Freddie’s notebooks.

  Dear Tom and Lily,

  If you find this note you will know I didn’t go camping.

  I wanted to find my father so I’m taking the Harwich ferry to Hamburg.

  I will be back before Easter so please don’t worry about me.

  It’s something I have to do.

  I’m sorry for the deception but I knew you would not want me to do this.

  Freddie

  ‘Well, at least we know what he’s doing,’ said Tom. ‘It’s a big step.’

  ‘Hamburg,’ said Lily. ‘He must have been planning this for some time.’

  Tom nodded. ‘Tickets, currency, the Easter holiday. It all adds up.’

  Lily looked up at him. ‘How do you walk away from memories?’ she asked quietly. She took the letter from him and stared at the words. ‘There never seems to be a forgiving pathway.’

  ‘When he gets home you need to talk to him,’ said Tom.

  Lily stood by the open door and stared into the distance. Wind-tears streaked her cheeks and she felt the pain of a fractured soul.

  Freddie arrived in Harwich early on Thursday morning and caught the train to London, then at King’s Cross boarded another for York. Eventually the familiar countryside of Yorkshire appeared and he thought of what he might say to Lily. Perhaps she still thought he was in the Dales with Sam.

  Once he had arrived in York, he managed to catch a bus back to Easington, then another on to Ragley. When he arrived at Laurel Cottage he said nothing and Lily asked no questions. In the evening she prepared a meal for Tom, Freddie and herself. As they sat down to eat, you could have cut the tension with a knife.

  It was Tom who spoke first. ‘We know about Hamburg. We appreciated the note. Even so, it was a concern.’

  Freddie looked at Lily. ‘He wasn’t there.’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ said Lily quietly.

  ‘I needed to meet him, to get to know my father.’

  Lily took a deep breath. ‘I’ll help you find him.’

  Tom looked at her in surprise, while a new light of realization dawned in Freddie’s eyes.

  ‘Thank you,’ he said and finished his meal in silence.

  Mid-afternoon on Easter Saturday, Rose telephoned Laurel Cottage.

  ‘Hello, Rose,’ said Lily. ‘Are you home?’

  ‘Hello, Mrs Feather. Yes, we’ve just got back.’

  ‘Did you enjoy Scarborough?’

  ‘Yes, thank you. I was wondering if Freddie was home.’

  ‘Yes, but I’m afraid he’s out with Sam.’ Lily wondered if Rose had known Freddie’s plans but guessed not.

  ‘Well, could you mention we’re going to church tomorrow for the Easter service and maybe I can catch up with him there – if he decides to go.’

  Lily gave a wry smile. ‘I’m sure he will, Rose.’

  It was when Tom and Lily were watching the end of the BBC Saturday night film, Caribbean Gold, that Freddie came home. The film had been recommended by Vera during a call from Lily bringing her up to date with the news of Freddie.

  Freddie had spent the afternoon with Sam at his home listening to the first broadcast from the pirate station Radio Caroline, which had begun broadcasting from a ship anchored just outside territorial waters off Felixstowe and had caused great excitement. Just after midday they had listened to the Rolling Stones and marvelled at the constant flow of pop music that was suddenly available to them.

  On Easter Sunday morning Lily rose early and wrote a long letter to Rudi. Later she let Freddie drive her car into Ragley. Tom sat in the passenger seat looking thoughtful and Lily stared at the back of Freddie’s head. It had been a traumatic week, but she was pleased they were together on this special day in the Church calendar.

  Gradually she relaxed. The journey into Ragley was always good for the soul at this time of year. On the grassy banks clumps of early daffodils shivered in the cold morning sunshine. They parked on the Morton road and walked towards St Mary’s Church.

  Archibald Pike was leading his team in some complicated bell-ringing and summoning the villagers to their place of worship.

  ‘I’ll see you later,’ said Lily, collecting her choir robe from the car. She hurried through the lychgate and walked up the gravel path. Around her rose the damp smell of new-mown grass and the wind in the trees made a melancholy sound. There were shadows behind the gravestones and Lily shivered at the thought of times past.

  The McConnells had arrived and stopped to talk to Tom, while Freddie and Rose wandered off in their own private world.

  ‘Did you enjoy camping?’ asked Rose.

  ‘I didn’t go. Perhaps another time. What about you? How was Scarborough?’

  ‘Fine. Good weather. Sea air.’ She sighed. ‘Except … you weren’t there.’

  Freddie wanted to hold her and say how he really felt. ‘We could have a day out at the coast,’ he suggested eagerly, ‘if Lily lets me have her car.’

  She looked up at him. ‘I’d like that.’

  Freddie was distracted. ‘Your mother’s waving at us.’

  ‘Time to go in, I think.’

  They headed for the gate and Freddie was pleased he hadn’t needed to say where he had been all week.

  Albert Jenkins was on duty as churchwarden, welcoming parents and children as they entered the church. Minnie Ramsbottom was ushering a cheerful Clint and a reluctan
t Shane through the entrance, followed by her husband, Derek. Albert knew Derek more as Deke the singing cowboy; his rendition of the theme from High Noon was legendary.

  ‘Good to see you, Derek,’ said Albert in surprise. Deke was an infrequent attendee.

  ‘’Ello Albert, well … you know me. Ah’m more C and E if y’know what ah mean … Christmas an’ Easter – not a reg’lar.’

  ‘You’re always welcome and you too, Minnie, and your fine boys.’

  Minnie smiled and gave Shane a final withering glance as they found a pew and sat down.

  Beyond the chancel Vera was lighting the tall candles on either side of the altar. The light flickered on the ancient walls and the stained glass in the East window. Tom, Brian and Mary shared a pew, with Freddie and Rose sitting behind.

  The choir was on form for a change, with Davinia Grint, the lead soprano, singing ‘Christ the Lord is risen today’ at the top of her voice. Lily provided a passable descant while thankfully drowning out Gerald Crimpton’s nasal problems.

  When the time came for the sermon, Lily left the choir stalls and slipped into the pew beside Tom. Joseph took as his theme ‘Forgive without punishment’ and read Colossians 3:13. Lily sat up and listened carefully while Freddie also gave Joseph his full attention.

  Joseph faced his congregation. ‘We live in a broken world,’ he announced in a strong, sombre voice, ‘until we come to our ending in life and love eternal.’ All eyes were on him. It was clear he was speaking from the heart.

  ‘Life is a walk of faith and sometimes the road to reconciliation is long.’ He looked down at Freddie and recalled their conversation in the churchyard. ‘But remember that road begins with one step. In the Gospel of St John, Jesus says to his disciples, “Peace be unto you.”’

  He raised his arms and gestured to all assembled. ‘Easter is a time for rejoicing, so please look around you. We are all friends here. Let us rejoice together at this Eastertide.’

  He stepped down from his pulpit and stood in the aisle. It was an unusual moment of informality. ‘Please take a moment now to shake hands and extend a sign of friendship to those beside you and those nearby across the pews.’

  The congregation began to mingle and peaceful greetings were shared. Tom hugged Lily. ‘Happy Easter, Lily,’ he said quietly.

  ‘And to you, Tom,’ she replied softly.

  Albert Jenkins was standing in the pew in front and he turned to shake hands with Tom and Lily.

  Suddenly there was a tap on Lily’s shoulder. She turned and Rose smiled. ‘Happy Easter, Mrs Feather,’ she said brightly.

  ‘Thank you, Rose.’

  Rose looked up at Freddie and nudged him. ‘Go on then.’

  Lily steeled herself.

  Freddie stared at her. He remembered her words: I’ll help you find him.

  Suddenly he leaned forward and took Lily’s hand. He whispered in her ear, ‘Happy Easter … Lily.’

  Lily clasped his hand tightly. He was back in her life.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Difficult Decisions

  ‘Lily, we need to talk. Something has come up.’ It was Tom ringing from his office. ‘I’ll be home in an hour.’

  It was Friday, 3 April and the Easter holiday was almost over.

  ‘Sounds ominous,’ said Lily playfully.

  ‘No, nothing to worry about. An opportunity you might say … but I need to share it with you.’

  ‘Okay, but I’ll have to ring John. He was due to pick me up at six thirty. I had that in-service course in York tonight, if you remember.’

  ‘That’s why I’m ringing. I’ll be home by seven.’

  Lily replaced the receiver.

  John Pruett could barely hide his disappointment when Lily told him she was unable to join him for the lecture and follow-up workshop in York. An evening with Lily was something to treasure. Instead he was faced with two hours of Professor Dominic Batey discussing the malign effects of the eleven-plus selection process and the problems of rigid streaming in our schools. The learned professor believed that an incoming Labour government would make comprehensive education a reality. So John, as a keen supporter of the eleven-plus, was in for a disheartening night, particularly as his attractive deputy headteacher would not be sitting beside him.

  It was after their evening meal that Tom and Lily had the chance to talk. He picked up his briefcase from the hall and they went into the lounge. Freddie remained at the kitchen table to complete some French translation. Tom found a bottle of red wine in the sideboard and poured two glasses. Then he took out a document from his black leather briefcase. ‘It’s here in the internal police newsletter. I’ve been so busy I almost missed it.’ He sat down in his armchair and placed it on the coffee table.

  Lily glanced down at the page. The words ‘CHIEF INSPECTOR’ were printed in bold type. ‘So, you’re considering a new job?’ she asked, sipping her wine. ‘That’s exciting.’

  ‘Yes, a great opportunity. If it came off I would be in charge of my own division – the next natural step you might say. I need to give it serious thought and wanted to talk it through with you.’

  Lily was curious. ‘You’ve done well here. Does this mean you’re not happy in your work?’

  Tom sat back and nodded. ‘I am, but I really believe I would have a good chance of a job like this. I’m well qualified, have a good record and the authority has a good reputation.’

  ‘The authority? You mean North Yorkshire?’

  When Tom had words of import he always considered them before speaking. There was a long pause.

  ‘No, not North Yorkshire.’

  ‘Oh, where then?’

  ‘Lily … we would have to move.’

  ‘Move?’

  ‘Yes. It’s in Durham.’

  Tom stared into her eyes. He knew her so well and saw the first hint of caution.

  ‘Durham? Not a place I know apart from a visit to the cathedral.’

  ‘It’s a vibrant part of the north of England. Shipbuilding on the Tyne and the Wear, collieries and major construction work in Darlington.’

  ‘Oh,’ said Lily. ‘Sounds busy.’

  ‘Durham is a large police authority with a forward-looking chief constable. Working with him would be special. It could be a stepping stone towards becoming a divisional superintendent.’

  ‘Sounds interesting,’ said Lily. ‘It’s just a lot to take in.’

  ‘As I said, it’s something I can’t ignore. I would be a chief inspector of a division in Durham.’ He paused, judging her mood. ‘I suppose it had to happen one day – a new post for either you or me.’

  Lily cradled her wine glass and sat back on the sofa. ‘This is a big decision, Tom, and I love my job at Ragley.’

  ‘I know that.’

  ‘If John decided to retire at some time I would have a good chance of the headship.’

  Tom sighed. ‘I know that as well, but there are good schools further north. With your experience they would snap you up. There could be a headship for you sooner rather than later.’

  Lily studied his face. There was an eagerness there. ‘If you applied when would the interviews be?’

  ‘Probably in the middle of May up in Newton Aycliffe.’

  ‘As soon as that?’

  He held up the form. ‘I would have to complete my application this weekend in order to meet the deadline. That’s why I was keen to talk.’

  Practical issues began to form in Lily’s mind. ‘What about accommodation?’

  Tom riffled through the papers on the coffee table. ‘I checked this out with a few of the guys I know up there. I’m told there would be the offer of a police house with three bedrooms. Sounds good, by all accounts. Likely to be on the Waldridge road in Chester-le-Street. I’ve been up there for a couple of meetings in the past. There’s lovely countryside to the west.’

  Lily smiled and clasped her hands. ‘Gosh, all this has come as a bit of a shock.’

  Tom stood up and sat beside her on the sofa
. ‘I wouldn’t have brought this home if I didn’t think it might be the best for all of us. Not just me.’

  Lily nodded. ‘I understand.’ Tom had always been honest and true.

  ‘There is a middle road for now,’ he said.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Well, I could complete the application form and then wait to see if I was invited for interview. Then we could talk again. Don’t forget, I may not make the shortlist and, if it got that far, there’s no guarantee I would get the job anyway.’

  Lily breathed deeply. Her world was spinning once again.

  ‘Yes, let’s do that,’ she said simply.

  Tom moved closer and looked into her eyes. ‘There is another reason, of course. We could have a new life up there.’

  ‘A new life?’

  He stretched across and rested his hand on hers. His touch was gentle.

  ‘You know what I mean. A fresh start … where secrets aren’t needed.’

  Lily sat back and drank her wine, her mind racing with decisions but with a hint of sorrow.

  It was almost half past nine when John Pruett arrived back in Ragley. He was alone again and his home was almost back to its normal untidy state following his sister’s spring clean. He poured himself a gin and tonic, slipped off his shoes and switched on the television.

  On BBC1 it was the annual Miss England competition from the Ritz Ballroom in Manchester. This was a popular event organized by Mecca Dancing and the entrepreneur Eric Morley. It occurred to John that watching England’s most beautiful girls parading around in swimming costumes appeared distinctly inappropriate for the headteacher of a Church of England Primary School. However, he watched anyway and celebrated with a second glass when his personal choice, Brenda Blacker from London, was awarded the crown. He took a last look at the shapely winner and decided that she wasn’t a patch on Lily Feather.

  It was late when he went to bed after watching The Sky at Night with Patrick Moore. The quirky and fascinating astronomer had been discussing the problems of celestial navigation that a space traveller might face, whereas the only navigation problem that concerned John was getting up a flight of stairs after a few gin and tonics.

  On Saturday morning Freddie borrowed Lily’s car and drove into Ragley to do his three-hour shift in the Hardware Emporium. He had made a good impression on the fastidious Timothy Pratt and always left the counter looking neat and tidy.