by Linda Finlay
‘Of course, a good businesswoman would have asked by now how much rent she would have to pay,’ Grandfa Sam pointed out, his eyes twinkling with amusement. ‘I’m going to leave you two to discuss how you propose working together in the future,’ he said, then turned to Eliza. ‘Talking of which, have you spoken with young James yet?’
She shook her head, her heart sinking. ‘I’ve got to sort things out in my mind now and then I need to go and see him,’ she replied.
He stared at her with wise old eyes. ‘Don’t leave it too long,’ he advised, then made his way laboriously up the stairs.
‘This James, I take it that’s the chap who glared at me earlier?’ Amos said.
‘Yes, we were walking out and everything was fine until he volunteered for the rescue boats. Hearing that maroon go off makes me feel sick to the core and I called things off.’
‘Well, it’s a fine institution and he must be a brave man. Even if he has dashed my dreams to smithereens,’ he said, putting his hand on his heart.
‘Oh, Amos, I’m sorry, I do like you but …’
He smiled gently, stopping her from saying more. ‘Come on, let’s talk about our fantastic opportunity then. Aren’t you excited?’
‘Very, although it hasn’t really sunk in yet,’ she replied, shaking her head. ‘Grandfa Sam is so generous.’
‘He is. I couldn’t believe it when he slipped me that envelope the other night. The note suggested I use the money to buy new clothes and then come back for an interview. He didn’t know me from Adam and yet he offered me the opportunity to make my way in life again. He’s truly a good man.’
‘Yes, he is,’ she agreed, thinking the man’s generosity knew no bounds. ‘I’m still having difficulty grasping all he’s done for us,’ she whispered, staring around the little shop.
With its two bay windows and the door in the middle, it afforded them space to run their businesses independently yet together.
‘It’s absolutely perfect,’ she enthused. ‘And running Nan’s business whilst I build up my own perfume side of things will give me the opportunity to earn as I learn. Grandfa Sam has thought it all out.’
‘I’m pretty pleased with my deal, too. What’s in the basket?’ Amos asked, going over to her work table. ‘Ah, Mademoiselle, you have been listening to what I say about the extra notes. Soon you will have the symphony, non?’
‘I hope so,’ she said. ‘I’m going to start straight away.’
Amos frowned. ‘You’d be better off letting those dry out first, too. They’ll be more potent then and you’ll get a better result.’
‘Oh, Amos, what would I do without you?’ she cried, tipping out the leaves and spreading them out to dry.
‘That’s what I was trying to point out earlier,’ he said, sighing and looking so serious Eliza’s chest tightened. Then he gave a wink.
‘Amos, you do tease so. Are you joining us for supper?’
‘No, thanks. Nan’s given me the name and address of a woman who runs a boarding house near here. Sam’s written out a testimonial as my prospective boss, so fingers crossed, eh?’
‘Good luck, and I’ll see you tomorrow then. It’s going to be fun working together again, isn’t it?’
‘Bet you’re only saying that so that you can avail yourself of my superior knowledge,’ he grinned.
As the bell tinkled behind him, Eliza looked around the space that until now had been Nan’s domain, and sighed with pleasure. Her own business – she could hardly believe it. Life was on the up and no mistake.
How she longed to share her news with James. The only cloud on the horizon was her falling-out with him. Tomorrow she would go and see him and tell him she’d really try to overcome her fear of the call of the maroon. She just hoped he’d listen to what she had to say and realize she meant it.
Next morning, whilst Sam was busy in the apothecary with Amos, Eliza replenished her dishes with the soaps, salts and salves Nan had let her buy. The woman hadn’t wanted to take anything for them, but Sam had insisted, explaining Eliza needed to learn about the costs of setting up and running a business. He’d also offered to help manage her legacy and was going to make an appointment for them to see the manager of his bank. In the meantime, he’d suggested Eliza make a list of the equipment and materials she needed.
After dealing with a couple of customers, she settled at her work table behind the counter and began sorting the partly dried plants, impatient to get distilling. She became so absorbed in her task, the sudden bang from the maroon made her jump so that she nearly toppled from her stool. Stomach churning, she walked over to the door. She couldn’t see the water, of course, but she could hear the familiar pounding of feet on the cobbles and knew James would be amongst the men racing towards the lifeboat. Heart heavy, she returned to her work but couldn’t settle. Even the encouraging scent coming from the alembic didn’t help. She got up and prowled around, rearranging the soaps and changing the displays around.
Then the shop door flew open and Nan stood there, white with shock and shaking her head.
‘It’s Luke,’ she gasped. ‘He absconded from school when the Sisters weren’t looking and he’s taken one of them little boats out.’
39
Eliza ran over and put her arm around the trembling woman.
‘Come and sit down, Nan,’ she urged, leading her towards a chair.
‘What’s going on?’ Amos asked, thundering down the stairs, followed more slowly by Sam.
‘It’s Luke,’ Eliza cried. ‘The little fool’s taken one of the boats and he can’t swim.’
‘That’s not all,’ Nan said, having regained her breath. ‘The lifeboat’s gone out after him, but the wind’s now gusting to gale force and the waves are sweeping Luke towards the rocks.’
‘Oh, no, I must go down to the harbour; make sure they’re safe,’ Eliza cried, making for the door.
‘I’ll come with you,’ Grandfa Sam said.
‘No, let me, sir,’ Amos insisted.
The harbour wall was crowded with people, all silently peering out to sea and waiting. Amos elbowed their way through until they reached the lifeboat station.
‘Any news?’ he asked. The watch-master frowned and lowered his telescope. ‘The boy in the rowing boat is Eliza’s brother,’ Amos explained.
The man’s frowned deepened. ‘Silly little fool should have been in school,’ he muttered.
‘He was,’ Eliza cried. The man raised his bushy brows. ‘I mean, he ran out of class.’
The man’s expression softened slightly and he raised his telescope to his eye. ‘Rescue boat’s nearly alongside but that little craft’s almost onto the rocks. Hang on.’ There was a pause. ‘One of my men’s tying a rope round his waist. Yep, he’s gone over the side. He’s swimming towards the boat.’
There was another pause and Eliza felt Amos grip her hand.
‘He’s got the boy and the crew’s dragging them back to the lifeboat. Now the men have hauled the boy over the lee side.’
‘Thank heavens,’ Eliza whispered.
‘Oh, no,’ the man gasped. ‘Rope’s snapped. Christ, that were a huge swell. Where’s my man, where’s my man …’ he muttered. ‘My man’s been swept away,’ he cried, turning an ashen face towards them.
‘Oh, dear Lord, no. They’ve got to save him!’ Eliza cried, wringing her hands.
They’re doing their bloody best!’
‘Easy, mate,’ Amos said, patting the man’s shoulder.
The watch-master nodded and raised his telescope again. There was a mu
rmur amongst the crowd.
‘Lifeboat’s trying to row between the breakers, circling; surfing towards the rocks. Look-out is signalling they have to head back out to sea. Nothing! Damn.’ The man fell silent.
‘Can you see who’s in the water?’ asked Eliza, almost fainting with fear.
‘This is only a blinking telescope,’ the man muttered.
‘Best be quiet,’ Amos whispered in her ear. ‘He won’t tell us anything if you upset him.’
Eliza nodded but the wave of sickness was growing stronger, her insides heaving and churning like the sea before them. It was James in the water, she just knew it. Please God let him be saved, she mouthed silently. How could she have been so selfish, worrying about her own petty fears when he was risking his life to save others?
‘Ah, something’s bobbing up now. Yes, it’s my man,’ the watch-master cried, pointing towards the sea, some yards from the rocks. ‘’Tis that cork lifebelt what done it. Good job he had one on. Come on, boys, heave, heave,’ the watch-master cried.
Peering into the distance, they could just make out the white-topped foam where the oars were hitting the water as the lifeboat circled again.
Dear God, please let them rescue him. I’ll never question his volunteering again, I promise, Eliza prayed, peering out over the crashing waves.
‘You’re shivering, do you want to go back to the shop and wait?’ Amos asked.
Too numb to speak, she shook her head.
‘They’ve got him,’ the watch-master muttered. ‘By Jove, they’ve got him,’ he shouted.
A cheer went up from the crowd and Eliza reeled with relief.
The lifeboat slowly made its way back towards them, sometimes disappearing out of sight between the swells, to the gasps of the onlookers. The wait seemed to last for ever. Finally, as they neared the shelter of the harbour, the shore crew rushed down ready to haul the boat onto the beach. As they assisted the exhausted men from the boat, Eliza could wait no longer and sped down the beach towards them.
‘James,’ she cried.
He had Luke in his arms and wordlessly handed her the drowsy boy.
‘Oh, James, I was so worried about you both. I’m so sorry for being difficult. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I promise I’ll never make another fuss when the maroon goes up.’
He looked at her for a long moment, then smiled wearily before a man from the other crew led him away.
‘Come on, let’s get this fellow home,’ Amos said gently, taking Luke from her. ‘Didn’t know you could run so fast, Eliza. That James sure must have something,’ he teased. With a final look at the bedraggled group making its way towards the lifeboat station, she followed after him.
Nan and Grandfa Sam were waiting with warm water, towels and the ever-boiling kettle ready for tea. While Nan fussed over the still half-asleep Luke, Grandfa Sam took Eliza and Amos into the parlour.
‘Now sit down beside the fire and tell me what happened,’ he instructed, handing them their hot drinks. Briefly Amos gave him an outline of the rescue.
‘You should be very proud of your grandson, sir,’ he finished up.
‘I am, of that you can be certain. Did you make your peace with James?’ he asked, turning to Eliza.
‘I just had time to apologize before he was led away.’
‘Had to get out of those wet things, have something hot to drink and then a debrief, I guess. Poor chaps, bet all any of them wanted was to go home and get their heads down.’
‘Would you mind if I turn in early?’ Eliza asked, suddenly wanting to be alone.
‘It’s the best thing for shock. See you in the morning,’ Grandfa Sam said.
‘Night, Eliza,’ Amos murmured. ‘Tomorrow you will find the missing notes to that symphony, non?’ Knowing he was trying to cheer her up, she smiled.
Nan was sitting on the edge of her bed watching Luke.
‘He’s asleep, the young wretch. What a scare he gave us,’ she murmured. ‘Are you all right?’
Eliza yawned. ‘Just bone weary so I’m going to turn in.’
Nan got to her feet and, reaching up, gave Eliza a kiss on the cheek. ‘Sleep tight. I’m just so thankful you’re all safe.’
‘Me too. I’m sorry we always seem to cause trouble, Nan,’ she whispered.
‘’Tis life, my dear,’ she murmured as she left the room.
Although Nan had pulled the curtains, it was still light outside and Eliza lay staring up at the ceiling, the events of the day going round and round her head. Supposing James hadn’t been saved and she’d never had the chance to apologize? How could she have lived with herself? Had she even thanked him for saving Luke? And as for that scallywag, she’d have to be firmer with him; get someone to teach him to swim. Supposing the boat had capsized and he’d been thrown into the sea? It didn’t bear thinking about. Whatever would she have done without Amos’s steadying influence this afternoon? And what about poor Nan and Grandfa Sam? They didn’t deserve all this upheaval and worry at their time of life. It was time she took charge of things, made sure they rested more.
Finally, her eyelids grew heavy and the last picture she had before she slept was that of James smiling at her. Tomorrow she would go and see him, thank him for rescuing Luke and try to make her peace properly.
40
Next morning over breakfast, Grandfa Sam lectured Luke about the previous day’s escapade.
‘Your thoughtlessness affected many people, young man. Firstly, those poor Sisters at the school were going frantic in case you’d had an accident. Then there was the anxiety you put poor Eliza, Nan and Amos through, not to mention the person whose boat you stole.’
‘I never stealed nothing, I only borrowed it,’ Luke argued.
‘Without permission, so that is stealing. Then there’s the question of the lifeboat crew and that man who risked his life jumping into the sea to save you. He could have drowned, had you thought of that?’ Luke shook his head. ‘And whilst the boat was out rescuing you, another vessel might have been in distress and what would have happened then?’ Grandfa Sam asked, looking sternly at Luke.
‘I never thought. Guess I’d better be getting off to school,’ he said, anxious to get away.
‘There’ll be no school for you today, young man.’
‘But you said I had to learn my sums and fings,’ Luke protested.
‘Indeed, that is the reason for going to school. However, you put the Sisters to a lot of trouble yesterday and I’m not sure they’ll want you back.’ Eliza stared at Grandfa Sam in dismay but he shook his head. ‘Amos needs help in the dispensary unloading and arranging new stock. Go downstairs and tell him I said you are to sweep the floors, dust and polish the shelves and then do anything he asks of you.’
‘Yes, Grandfa Sam,’ Luke muttered.
‘And I shall be arranging for you to learn to swim in the very near future. Now be off with you,’ Sam said, waving the boy away.
‘The Sisters haven’t really said they won’t have him back, have they?’ Eliza asked in dismay.
‘No, of course not, but it’ll do no harm to let him ponder on the effects of his misdemeanour. Now, are you all right this morning?’
‘Yes, thank you, but I would like to go and see James during my noon break.’
‘Well, as it’s Saturday and our half day, you will be free to, won’t you?’ Grandfa said, his lips twitching.
‘Oh, Grandfa, there’s no school today anyway,’ she laughed.
‘Don’t let on, and with any luck he’ll be bursting to go to school in
future. There’s nothing like the threat of having something taken away for you to realize you want it after all.’
How right he was, Eliza thought, thinking of James.
‘Now to business. Tomorrow we must go through your finances. Have you made a list of your requirements?’
Eliza nodded.
‘Well, we can go through that tomorrow as well. Now, I’m sure you’re anxious to get back to that concoction you began brewing yesterday,’ he smiled.
‘Thank you again for your generous offer of letting me rent half your shop. I’m still overwhelmed.’
‘You do realize I’m looking to you and Amos to keep Nan and me in our dotage?’ he laughed.
As she made her way downstairs, an idea popped into her head and she decided she’d discuss that with Grandfa Sam the next day as well.
Down in the shop, Eliza donned her apron and began breaking up the partly dried moss. She could hear Luke chatting away to Amos as he carried boxes back and forth and, relieved he was occupied, she settled down to her work.
All morning, between serving her customers, she distilled, inhaled, added, blended and inhaled again. Her glance kept going to the clock, though, as she could hardly contain her impatience to see James. But just before noon, she tested her final blend and let out a jubilant yell.
‘What’s up?’ Amos asked, hurrying over to her work table.
‘Smell this, I’m sure I’m on the right track now,’ she cried, her eyes shining as she held out her mixing glass. He dipped in the paper, wafted it under his nose, inhaled then repeated the process.
‘Well, well, well, that is almost a symphony,’ he proclaimed.
‘Almost?’ she cried.
He grinned. ‘Very almost.’
‘It’s still not quite right, though, is it?’ she asked.
He shook his head. ‘Look, where’s that bottle you’re always on about?’
Eliza scrabbled in her drawer and handed it to him. Taking off the top, he inhaled then went back to the testing paper and wafted it around first under one nostril and then the other to compare. ‘Hmm, yours is close but heavier. The balance is wrong. That freshness needs to be more dominant. Your symphony, it needs to sing with the fresh notes, Mademoiselle,’ he said, throwing his arms in the air as he imitated their old tutor.