There had been a time when the trust they once shared had been swept away like wheat before a scythe.
He paused as he sought the right words. Then he held her hand. ‘You’re a special person, Lily, to the school, to the village … and to me.’
Chapter Twenty
Changing Times
In the thin light of the pre-dawn, Lily woke to her last day as a teacher at Ragley School. As the morning sunlight lit up the distant hills with golden fire, she knew this was the day of endings. It was Friday, 24 July, the final day of the school year … time to say goodbye. The air seemed heavy, promising another day of summer heat, and she chose her lightest summer dress.
During the drive to school she recalled a journey long ago when she had cycled to Ragley and Stan Coe had forced her off the road. Scratched and bruised, she had been rescued by Tom Feather, then the local police sergeant. That’s when it began and for the second time in her life she had fallen in love. Now she was following Tom to the north-east and a new life.
Beyond the hedgerows the fields of barley swayed in the gentle breeze. The cycle of life and the rhythm of the seasons had been the heartbeat of her world. She had enjoyed her days in the Yorkshire sun, but they were over now. Ragley School would go on without her. She smiled, but with a hint of sadness.
When she arrived in the car park she paused and looked up at the school that had become her life. The echoes of silent music were around her as she recalled happy times. So many experiences, so many memories.
Her reverie was broken when a familiar voice called out, ‘G’mornin’, Mrs Feather.’
It was Ruby Smith. ‘Good morning, Ruby, and how are you?’
‘Fine, thank you. Hope you enjoy y’las’ day.’
‘Have you any plans for the holiday?’
‘Well, ’part from me an’ Mrs Trott givin’ t’school a good clean, Ronnie reckons we can afford t’go t’Scarborough in a caravan … but then again, pigs might fly.’
‘Well, I hope it works out for you, Ruby.’
‘So do I. M’kiddies need a ’oliday.’
On the far side of the village green Deirdre Coe walked by on her way to the Post Office and gave Lily and Ruby a withering glance. Ruby shook her head. ‘She’s a reight flibbertigibbet is that one. Never a kind word.’
‘Oh dear,’ said Lily.
‘An’ that brother o’ ’ers is a proper barmpot an’, come t’think of it, ’e’s not been seen since ’e got drunk in t’Pig an’ Ferret t’other night. It were all round t’village … prob’ly sleepin’ it off.’
Lily remained silent.
‘Anyway, mus’ get on,’ said Ruby. ‘No rest for t’wicked.’
Her chestnut curls waved in the gentle breeze and her cheeks were red with the effort of sweeping the entrance steps, but Ruby’s unflagging enthusiasm had always impressed Lily. As she walked away with her yard broom, Lily wondered what would become of this hard-working lady.
It was a busy morning in Lily’s class and she was pleased with the children. She pondered on the fact that all of them were to experience change and wondered how they would cope with a new teacher.
At morning break Lily volunteered to do playground duty, mainly because she wanted to watch the children at play in the sunshine. She leaned against the school wall, while her heart felt like the fluttering of butterflies. It was a strange sensation as the world she knew so well was coming to a close.
Suddenly Henry Tonks was at her side. ‘Miss, ah’m lookin’ forward to this afternoon. Colin’s brought his Scalextric.’
John Pruett had agreed to a games afternoon and the children had brought in their toys, dolls and comic books.
‘It should be fun,’ agreed Lily.
Henry looked thoughtful. ‘Ah move up after the ’oliday, Miss, an’ Colin said y’get caned in Mr Pruett’s class.’
Lily sighed. She wasn’t in favour of corporal punishment and had never used it, yet behaviour had always been excellent in her classes. ‘Well, only if you’re naughty – and you have always been a good boy, so don’t worry.’
‘Thanks, Miss, an’ ah’m sorry y’leavin’. Ah’ve enjoyed being in your class.’
‘That’s kind of you to say so, Henry.’
He nodded phlegmatically. ‘Thing is, Miss, it’s like our cows.’
‘Your cows?’
‘Yes, Miss, they all grow up an’ ’ave t’move on.’
Lily smiled. From the mouths of babes … even if the analogy wasn’t ideal. ‘Very true, Henry.’
He ran off to join Shane Ramsbottom, who, unbeknown to Lily and out of sight, was demonstrating to an admiring crowd how far he could spit up the wall of the cycle shed.
Chris Wojciechowski was chasing Trevor Poskitt when he stopped suddenly. ‘Miss, I’m eight now.’
‘That’s wonderful,’ said Lily, smiling at this eager little boy.
‘It’s great, Miss.’
‘Is it?’
‘Yes, Miss – it’s the oldest I’ve ever been.’ He stared up at Lily. ‘’Ow old are you, Miss?’
Lily considered a suitable reply. ‘I’m in my thirties.’
It was clear he found this difficult to compute. ‘Flippin’ ’eck, Miss, you are old!’
Trevor Poskitt shouted out. ‘You can’t catch me!’ and Chris ran off to continue his game of tag while Lily reflected on the innocence of youth.
It was just before lunchtime that Lily had an idea. She would buy a bunch of flowers for Vera. She popped her head around John Pruett’s classroom door. ‘I’m just going out of school for a few minutes.’
John was writing on the blackboard. He looked across at her and gave a cautious smile.
Lily looked around her as she stepped briskly down the school drive. It was an evocative moment. She had laid a footprint on this village and touched lives. Her memories would echo down the years, but on this her final day, time seemed to slip away like sand through her fingertips.
She walked across the village green and crossed the road. Next door to the Post Office, Muriel Tonks and Diane Wigglesworth were chattering like magpies outside the Hair Salon and gave Lily a friendly wave.
She stopped outside Nora’s Coffee Shop and remembered that first day when she had stepped off William Featherstone’s Reliance bus. The sign above the door had read ‘DORIS CLUTTERBUCK’S TEA ROOMS’. Times change. Now teenagers were drinking their frothy coffees and listening to pop records. Post-war austerity was in the past and the number-one record, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, could be heard through the open doorway.
Timothy Pratt was outside his Hardware Emporium arranging a display of garden chairs with his usual precision and he gave a nervous smile as Lily passed by. In the doorway of the Pharmacy Herbert Grinchley was on duty watching everyone as they walked past. He missed nothing and added Lily’s bright summer dress to his list of topics to be relayed to those villagers eager for gossip. Tommy Piercy, in his butcher’s shop and always the gentleman, raised his straw boater when he saw her through the window.
The bell above the door of the General Stores tinkled brightly as Lily walked in. The shop was empty and Prudence stepped up behind the counter.
‘What a lovely surprise, Lily. Jeremy was hoping to see you before you left.’
Lily looked up at the bear. ‘He’s certainly enjoying the summer weather,’ she said.
Jeremy was wearing colourful striped beach shorts and a pair of sunglasses.
Prudence smiled. ‘Now what can I get you, Lily?’
‘A large bunch of flowers please.’
A dozen bunches were neatly displayed in vases near the window but out of direct sunlight.
Lily considered the selection. ‘Roses, please, Prudence.’
Prudence glanced up. ‘Jeremy says it’s an excellent choice.’
‘Thank you, Jeremy,’ acknowledged Lily.
As Prudence went to wrap the flowers she murmured, ‘Jeremy bought me roses once,’ and Lily knew she wasn’t talking about the bear.
Back in school, Vera was tidying her desk when Lily walked into the office. She handed over the flowers. ‘A small token of my appreciation, Vera.’
‘What a very kind thought,’ said Vera. ‘Thank you so much.’ She gave Lily a hug. ‘I’ll put them in water for now. I told Mr Pruett I would stay on for the afternoon games.’
Lily paused in the doorway. ‘I’ll never forget your support, Vera.’
‘That’s what friends are for,’ said Vera with a smile.
And there are secrets we take to our graves, thought Vera as the door closed. The room was silent and dust motes hovered in a shaft of sunlight. She scanned the row of school photographs on the office wall. For the past decade Lily had featured sitting next to John Pruett and now Vera wondered what the future might bring for him.
It proved to be a relaxing afternoon for the staff as they wandered from one group of children to another and discussed the various toys that had arrived. Susan Derwood and Janet Ollerenshaw were playing with a Sindy doll. Tobias Fawnswater was listening to Clint Ramsbottom’s chest with his Dr Kildare stethoscope and assuming a serious expression. Colin Appleyard and Norman Barraclough had pushed some tables together and set up Colin’s Scalextric set and an enthusiastic crowd had gathered to cheer them on. Meanwhile, the Walmsley twins were sitting in the corner of the hall reading their Fireball XL5 annual.
Finally, when the bell rang for the end of school, the children ran out of the school gate excited at the thought of six weeks of freedom, climbing trees, playing hide-and-seek and holidays at the seaside. From her classroom Lily heard their distant shouts as she sat at her desk and emptied the last of her belongings into her shoulder bag. She hated goodbyes. More than anything, she wanted peace, to be alone, away from the noise and clamour around her. She walked into the staff-room and filled the kettle.
It was a subdued Anne Grainger who joined her there. The room was quiet. Vera had said farewell to Lily and had left school, while John Pruett was busy with his logbook in the office.
‘Good luck, Lily. Keep in touch.’
‘Of course, Anne. I’ll miss our orchestra and choir.’
‘And they will miss you and your lovely voice.’
Lily grinned. ‘Remember when you were a student here?’
‘Seems a long time ago. I’ve learned a lot since then.’
‘I’m so pleased you will be doing the deputy’s job.’
‘Well, let’s see how it goes,’ Anne answered cautiously.
‘You’ll be fine.’
‘How did you feel when Tom got the job in Durham?’
‘Mixed to be honest … but it was such a good opportunity for him.’
Anne sighed. ‘Do we always have to follow our men?’
‘Not always. I think Tom would have followed me to a new teaching post.’
‘Really? I’m not sure my husband would have done the same.’
Deep down, Lily knew Anne was right. John Grainger was too set in his ways.
‘Cup of tea?’ she asked.
Anne gave a wan smile. ‘Yes, please.’
When Vera walked down the cobbled drive to the school gate clutching her flowers, she spotted Lily’s car parked next to the village green. Freddie was leaning against the bonnet and looking towards the Morton road. He was thinking of Rose.
‘Oh, hello, Miss Evans.’
‘Freddie, good to see you. Are you waiting for Lily?’
‘Yes, and Tom said he would come here straight from work. We’re going for a bite to eat in The Oak.’
‘A lovely idea. I’m sure Lily will enjoy that. It will give her a chance to relax after an emotional day. We’re all so sad to see her go.’
‘Yes, I understand,’ he said quietly.
‘I do hope you achieve the A-level results you are hoping for.’
Freddie smiled. ‘Yes, fingers crossed.’
‘I hear that Leeds University is your first choice.’
Freddie nodded. ‘The course looks ideal, so I’m hopeful.’
‘I’m sure you will do well there.’
As he pushed his long wavy hair out of his eyes it occurred to Vera that he had changed from a boy into a handsome young man.
‘And good luck in your new home in Durham. Exciting times.’
‘Yes, looking forward to it.’ He glanced at the school entrance but there was no sign of Lily.
Vera wanted to pass on a final message before Lily arrived. ‘Freddie, do be proud of your achievements. Work hard, be true to yourself and don’t shirk from honest toil. Time is precious.’
‘Thank you, Miss Evans, I’ll do my best.’
Vera looked steadily at the young man before her. ‘Remember, these are changing times. You have one life – make the most of it … in all respects.’
As she walked away, Freddie wondered about this perceptive lady and the life she had chosen. She had been Lily’s friend for many years, always in the background as he had moved through his teenage years, but this was probably the first meaningful conversation he had experienced with her. However, the message was clear: one life, one chance – and he was determined to grasp the opportunities before him.
John Pruett was sitting at his desk when Lily walked in. The school logbook was open and he was finding it difficult to write of Lily’s departure.
He stood up and Lily saw the pain on his face.
‘I came to say thank you, John, for your kindness over the years.’
John struggled for words. ‘We shall all miss you, Lily.’
I shall miss you, he thought.
‘Goodbye, John. I’ll write to let you know how things go.’
‘I’m sure you will do well.’
‘Thank you for all your help in the past, especially when I first arrived here. There was much to learn.’
‘I think it was I who learned from you.’
‘You’ve been a wonderful colleague.’ She stretched out her hand.
‘Thank you, Lily.’ He took a step closer. I wanted to be more than that.
They shook hands, then Lily turned and left.
John sat down again. On the wall the office clock ticked on. He looked at the time. It was five thirty and Lily had gone. He took a handkerchief from his pocket but he was too late to prevent a teardrop landing on the page.
A word became smudged and would remain so for ever.
Tom had driven into Ragley from Northallerton. He parked his car outside The Royal Oak and walked across the green to join Freddie at the school gate.
‘Hi, Tom,’ said Freddie.
Tom nodded towards the school. ‘So Lily is still in there?’
‘Saying goodbye, I guess.’
‘John Pruett will take it hard. Lily has transformed the place. He’ll miss her.’
They both glanced up. Above the pantile rooftops a flock of swifts were screaming noisily as they swooped up the Morton road towards St Mary’s Church and beyond. It was then that Lily appeared, walking down the cobbled drive. She paused at the gate and looked back at the bell tower. It was a view she knew so well. Then she hurried over to Tom and Freddie.
‘What a lovely surprise.’
‘We thought we would come to meet you,’ said Tom.
Freddie smiled. ‘And go to The Oak for something to eat and a celebratory drink. Rose said she would join us there.’
A few minutes later Tom and Lily walked into The Royal Oak with Freddie and Rose following behind. They sat down at the table in the bay window.
Tom looked at the specials board. ‘It’s fish, chips and mushy peas.’
‘Well it is Friday,’ said Lily.
‘A feast on a summer’s evening,’ said Freddie with a grin.
‘Fine with me,’ said Rose.
‘And me,’ said Freddie.
Lily looked up at Tom and Freddie. ‘You know how to treat a lady,’ she said with a smile.
Freddie followed Tom to the bar, where Sheila shouted the food order to Don and began pulling two pints of Chestnut.
; ‘We’ll miss you,’ said Sheila with an appreciative look at the two tall men before her. ‘Thanks for keepin’ t’peace, Inspector … me an’ Don are grateful t’you an’ Sergeant Dew’irst.’
‘And two glasses of white wine, please,’ said Freddie.
Sheila glanced at Rose. ‘You’ve gorra lovely girlfriend there. Look after ’er.’
‘I will,’ said Freddie.
In the hush of the cool, silent church Vera was content in her work decorating the pulpit with a display of flowers. They were the flowers Lily had given to her and a poignant reminder of their time together in this beautiful building.
She heard footsteps behind her. It was Joseph.
‘God loveth a cheerful giver,’ he said.
Vera put the finishing touches to the arrangement. ‘There are so many beautiful flowers, Joseph. It seems a shame not to share them.’
A beam of light shone down on Vera from one of the arched windows. ‘You have a great gift,’ said Joseph quietly.
‘We all have gifts, Joseph, and yours are very special.’
‘That’s kind, Vera.’ He knew why she was here. ‘You always come here when you need to find peace.’
Vera stood back from the pulpit and considered her creation. Satisfied, she turned towards Joseph. ‘It’s been a day of light and shade. I’ve said goodbye to a dear friend, but life goes on.’ She sighed with a heavy heart.
Joseph looked with deep affection at his sister. Her eyes were soft with recent tears. He put his arm around her shoulder and they walked out of the church and into the vicarage.
‘I noticed the chocolate cake you made, Vera,’ he said hopefully.
‘Yes, shall we have a slice?’
‘Perfect,’ said Joseph. ‘Let’s sit in the garden – it’s a beautiful evening.’
Vera looked at her brother. ‘And a hot drink, Joseph.’ She knew what would surprise him. ‘Perhaps a cup of coffee?’
‘Coffee?’ Joseph was both delighted and astonished.
‘We could get out of the sideboard that delightful Queen Anne coffee set you gave me last Christmas.’
Joseph smiled. ‘A wonderful idea, Vera.’ He had known the delicate rose yellow crockery would appeal to Vera and thought that everything comes to he who waits.
Changing Times Page 26