The Bonbon Girl

by Linda Finlay

  ‘Thank you so much,’ the mother said, smiling wearily and ushering them out of the shop.

  She’d just finished serving two elderly gentlemen with their twist of Nelson’s buttons and humbugs when Garren returned.

  ‘I have something for you,’ she greeted him. She was about to ask him if he would mind the shop whilst she went and got Jago’s receipt books when he held out a letter.

  ‘And I have something for you too,’ he replied. ‘Apparently, it’s been forwarded from Marazion. It was the name scrawled on the top that made the man in the post office ask if I knew who it might be for,’ he added, holding out an envelope. Recognizing the writing, her heart began thudding wildly, demanding to be freed from its cage.

  ‘Thank you,’ she stuttered.

  ‘I can see from your face it’s important, so why not take it to your room to read? I’ll mind the shop,’ he added, solemnly.

  Chapter 29

  Colenso sank onto her bed and stared at the envelope. It was addressed to her c/o Hawkins Fair but Marazion had been crossed out and Penzance written in its place. Goodness, she hadn’t even known Big Al’s name was Hawkins. Beside her name, the question ‘Bonbon?’ had been added in another hand. With trembling fingers, she tore open the flap.

  Dear Colenso

  I was really happy when I received your letter. Forgive the delay in replying but so much has happened since then.

  It grieves me to have to tell you that Mother and Wenna met with a terrible accident when the drayman’s horses reared out of control. Sadly, they are both now buried in the churchyard.

  The good news is that Alys has secured her position at Bochym Manor while Daveth has been taken on by the seining company and is lodging with Mrs Trevallis. Which means, Cali, that at long last I am free from responsibility and can follow after you. I leave with the carter first thing in the morning. He has agreed to take me as far as Helston, after which I will head for Marazion and be with you as soon as I can.

  Love

  Kitto xx

  Poor Mrs Rowse and Wenna. What a terrible thing to happen. She let out a long sigh as she remembered how kind Mrs Rowse had been and the pranks mischievous Wenna had delighted in playing. Then her heart flipped. Kitto still loved her and he was on his way to Marazion. Only she wasn’t there. However, if his letter had been forwarded to Penzance, then surely the post office would direct him here too, she reasoned.

  She couldn’t wait to see him again. But when would he arrive? Snatching up the envelope she saw it was postmarked 30th October, the date they’d left Marazion. Why, that was nearly a month ago. If he’d secured a lift as far as Helston, what could be keeping him? Perhaps he’d had an accident on the way? Been hijacked even. Her imagination ran riot until another thought hit her. Perhaps he’d changed his mind, she thought, her spirits sinking.

  Remembering she’d left Garren taking care of the shop, she returned the letter to its envelope and placed it in her basket. As she did, she noticed Jago’s books and snatched them up.

  ‘Everything all right?’ Garren asked, staring at her intently when she joined him behind the counter.

  ‘Yes. It was a letter.’

  ‘Well, I gathered that,’ he grinned. ‘The postmaster asked if I knew anyone by the name of Bonbon, what with me having the confectioners. I remembered you saying you used to be called that at the Panam. Of course, the envelope also had your full name on, but he didn’t know anyone called Miss Carne.’ He looked at her quizzically.

  ‘It was just from an old friend,’ she murmured, not wishing to pursue the subject. ‘Anyway, talking of the Panam, you remember me telling you about Jago the journeyman? Well, these books here contain his grandmother’s receipts, some of which are for Christmas confections.’ Garren’s eyes lit up as she placed them on the counter.

  ‘It’s nearly noon so let’s shut up shop and take a break. We can peruse them in peace while we enjoy a cuppa,’ he said excitedly.

  As they sat at their customary seats at the table in the workshop, exclaiming with delight as they leafed through the pages, Colenso felt her earlier tension draining away. Of course, she’d have known if anything bad had happened to Kitto. Realizing Garren was talking, she pulled herself back to the present.

  ‘Jago’s grandmother must have been talented to pen such detailed illustrations,’ he marvelled, pointing to candied orange peel that looked as if it was shimmering with sugar.

  ‘And those sugar mice and jellied pigs look positively real,’ Colenso smiled. ‘I’m sure they’d sell well so shall we make some?’

  ‘Why not. Should be easy enough now we have synthetic dyes and colourings. Those natural plant ones were messy and time-consuming and didn’t always give even coverage.’

  ‘Can we make sugar plums and jewelled lollies as well? They’d look beautiful displayed in the window.’

  ‘They would,’ he agreed, snapping the book shut. ‘I’ll see about the ingredients right away and we’ve got plenty of decorative starch trays,’ he said, pointing to the moulds on the shelf.

  ‘I’ll look forward to seeing how those work,’ she told him.

  ‘Good, because you’ll be using them many times between now and Christmas. We’ll also make some cheap jellied sweets. Although sugar’s coming down in price, the orphanages and the workhouse still can’t afford it so we always ensure the children there get a few confections on Christmas morning.’

  ‘That’s nice of you,’ she replied, staring at him in surprise.

  ‘Well, Mother always used to say “there but for the grace of God”.’

  Colenso shivered, knowing the truth of that, for if she hadn’t been taken on by Garren, who knew where she might have ended up. Realizing he was speaking again, she once more pulled herself back to the present.

  ‘If we manage to make all the confections we’ve spoken about, our competitors won’t know what’s hit them,’ he grinned. His enthusiasm was infectious and Colenso found herself fizzing with excitement as she reopened the shop.

  Having made sure the jars were replenished, Colenso perched on the little stool behind the counter, mulling over the confections they were going to make and how she’d display them. They’d never really celebrated much at home, for Father would be propping up the bar in the tap room while Mamm always seemed to be called out to some emergency or other.

  ‘Babies don’t stop coming just cos it’s Christmas,’ she’d say, snatching up her bag and leaving Colenso to finish cooking their meal. She sighed, thoughts of home reminding her of Kitto’s letter. If he really wanted to find her then he surely would have done so by now?

  It had started raining, huge drops splattering against the window panes. The pavements were empty and she knew there’d be no more customers that afternoon. As the aroma of mint wafted her way, she decided her time would be better spent helping Garren in the workshop. Jumping down, she crossed the room ready to turn the sign around when the bell jangled.

  ‘I was just …’ she began, then saw who it was. ‘Kitto?’ she gasped, her heart thudding as she took in the handsome face that had haunted her dreams these past months.

  ‘Colenso, I’ve been looking all over town for you,’ he cried. They both spoke at the same time then gave an awkward laugh as they stood staring at each other.

  ‘Cali, I can’t believe I’ve found you at last,’ he murmured.

  ‘At last is right,’ Colenso replied, the worry and uncertainty of the past months bursting out of her.

  ‘I’ve been going from shop to shop, asking …’ he began. ‘Look, if you’ve finished making your purchase perhaps we can go somewhere more private,’ he added.

  ‘I was just going to suggest closing for the day so feel free to go out with your friend if you wish,’ Garren told her, an unfathomable look in his eyes as he stood watching from the archway.

  ‘Oh Garren, I didn’t see you there. Thank you,’ she said quickly, and without even thinking to introduce the two men, yanked open the door.

  ‘Better t
ake the umbrella or you’ll get drenched,’ Garren called, gesturing to the black gamp in the stand.

  ‘Thank you, sir,’ Kitto said, snatching it up and following her outside. From under its canopy, they stood staring uncertainly at each other. ‘We’ll catch our deaths in this. Come on, there’s a little place by the market that does hot drinks.’

  He set off at a brisk pace and, unless she wanted to get a drenching, Colenso had little option but to follow. They passed the other shops on the higher side of the pavement before crossing the road by the market. A few moments later he opened the door and ushered her into a small room with tables and chairs. She chose one furthest away from the fair-haired young girl behind a huge tea urn, who was eyeing them curiously.

  ‘Usual mug of tea, Kitto, lover?’ she called.

  ‘Yes please, Polly,’ he called cheerfully, shaking the rain off the gamp on the doorstep before joining Colenso. ‘Tea for you too, Cali?’ he asked, using the endearment she used to love hearing. After all this time though, it sounded wrong and far too familiar.

  ‘Er, yes, thank you,’ she replied when she realized he was waiting for an answer. Sliding into the seat opposite, he smiled. ‘So what delights were you purchasing from the confectioners?’

  ‘I wasn’t. I work there,’ she told him.

  ‘So that’s where you’ve been hiding, I …’ he broke off as the waitress arrived with their drinks.

  ‘Here we are, Kitto, a cup of tea just how you like it, good and strong. And one for …?’ the young girl paused, looking at Colenso expectantly, ‘your friend,’ she finished, when there was no reply. With a raise of her brow in Kitto’s direction, she scuttled off to serve another customer.

  ‘I haven’t been hiding, Kitto,’ Colenso replied, staring at the almost red liquid with distaste. ‘I’ve been working at the shop for nearly a month, which to my mind has given you ample time to find me – if you really wanted to, that is.’

  Kitto’s eyes widened in shock.

  ‘Gosh, Cali, I don’t remember you ever being like this before.’

  ‘Well, I’ve never felt like this before. Your letter saying you were leaving Helston was posted almost a month ago. I thought you were coming by carter not camel.’ The spark of amusement in his eyes didn’t help her mood. Was he laughing at her? ‘And it’s obvious you haven’t just arrived either, being as how you’re well known here,’ she continued, jerking her head towards the young girl who was staring in their direction.

  ‘I have been here a little while, yes,’ he agreed. ‘When I reached Marazion and was told the fair had moved on, I made enquiries at the post office and was told my letter had been forwarded to Penzance. You knew I was coming and could have left me a forwarding address.’ Dark eyes that moments ago had gazed at her lovingly now stared accusingly.

  ‘For one thing your letter only reached me this morning. For another, when we left for St Just I had no idea the fair was disbanding for the winter. Mara, the lady I travelled with since leaving Cadgwith, died and I found myself without a home or job.’ Feeling tears welling, she looked quickly down at her drink.

  ‘That must have been tough,’ he said, his voice gentle as he reached out to take her hand. His touch sent shivers of delight up her arm but, not wishing to show it, she pulled away. Hurt flickered in his eyes but he shook his head. ‘It seems we have both been through difficult times recently,’ he added quietly.

  ‘I was sorry to hear about your mother and Wenna. They were lovely people,’ she murmured. He nodded, his pain evident now. ‘It’s been a distressing year all round. I can’t tell you how shocked I was when I heard what had happened to you. Which reminds me, I’ve kept this safe for you,’ he said, delving into his breast pocket and drawing out her necklace. ‘Carried it next to my chest all these months, Cali, I mean Colenso,’ he said quickly as he held it out.

  ‘Thank you,’ she murmured, taking it and holding it tight. The familiar feel of the metal was reassuring and she felt herself thawing slightly. ‘I suppose nothing has changed with Father and Mamm?’

  ‘Everything’s changed. After Fenton was dismissed, your father took to spending all his time in the alehouse. Seems our dear manager was caught misappropriating the funds. That’s why Mr Quinn, the owner, stayed so long. He got rid of Mrs Grim too, said she was too depressing. Anyway, a new manager’s been appointed and your mother has moved in as his housekeeper. Said she wasn’t prepared to put up with Peder’s drunken rages any longer. At least she’s got a room in that nice house to live in, but he’s lost the cottage and has to sleep in a net loft. Your mother said to tell you she’s sorry for everything that happened and, could you ever bear to return, she’d love to see you.’

  ‘Goodness,’ Colenso gasped, trying to take everything in. She was pleased her mamm was making a new life, but to think she’d been fretting about the Ferret finding her when he had already moved on.

  ‘Just as well Fenton moved on, because when I heard what had been going on in my absence I … well, let’s just say I could have killed Fenton and your father too.’

  ‘And is the new manager agreeable to work for?’ she asked, trying not show she was pleased to hear he cared so much.

  ‘I don’t know. By the time he was appointed, I was busy sorting things out at home. It was a terrible time. Alys and Daveth were inconsolable,’ he shook his head and took a gulp of his tea. Without thinking, she reached out and squeezed his arm. He stared at her sadly.

  ‘I’ve found a job at the Wherrytown works, but I can see that I’ve left it too late,’ he shrugged. ‘That man in the sweetshop seems nice.’

  ‘Garren? He is. He and his father have both been very kind to me. I’m learning to make confections as well as serving in their shop.’ Kitto nodded.

  ‘Your eyes light up when you talk about them and I must say, even slightly bedraggled, you’re looking beautiful. That pink puts me in mind of one of those camellias you love so much.’ He gave a tentative smile and she could feel her lips twitching in response for hadn’t they always thought alike?

  ‘How long have you been working at Wherrytown?’ she asked.

  ‘Three weeks or more.’

  ‘And you’ve only just managed to find me?’ she asked indignantly.

  ‘I couldn’t begin looking until I had a job and something to offer you,’ he replied. ‘I always said I wanted to give you something better than a brass curtain ring.’

  ‘Oh,’ she said, jumping up. ‘I’ve just remembered I promised Garren I’d help him make a start on the Christmas confections.’ As she reached for the umbrella, he put out a hand to detain her.

  ‘Before you go, Cali, tell me; is there anything between this Garren and you?’

  ‘What?’ she laughed. ‘Good heavens, no. He’s a lovely man but he’s not …’ She’d been about to say he’s not you, but pride prevented her.

  ‘So it’s not too late for us, then? You’ll come with me and choose a new ring?’ Seeing the love shining from his eyes, she thought her heart would burst out of its cage. Then she remembered that while she’d been fretting, he’d been working nearby for these past few weeks and the cage door clanked shut again.

  ‘I honestly don’t know,’ she murmured.

  ‘Give us a chance eh, Cali?’ he pleaded. ‘Perhaps we could start by walking out again. May I call on you at the shop on Sunday, take you for afternoon tea perhaps?’ As she stood there looking at his earnest expression, the necklace gently prodded her hand. The last vestiges of anger dissipated.

  ‘Very well,’ she replied. ‘But I’ll meet you here. If the weather’s better perhaps we could walk along the seafront.’

  Chapter 30

  Seeing the little shop in darkness, Colenso let herself in through the workshop.

  ‘The wanderer returns,’ Garren said without looking up from the wooden moulds he was working on. ‘Have a good time, did you?’ Although he sounded casual, Colenso had the feeling her answer was important to him.

  ‘I did and thank you for t
he loan of the umbrella,’ she replied, leaving it to dry beside the door. ‘As you might have guessed, that was Kitto who called in earlier.’

  ‘Ah, your follower,’ he said, keeping his eyes averted.

  ‘Yes. Things were a bit awkward at first but I said I’d walk out with him on Sunday afternoon. If that’s all right with you?’ she asked quickly.

  ‘You’re entitled to time off,’ he replied. There was a pause, followed by a thump on the table that made her jump.

  ‘Oh, you’ve started on the mice,’ she cried, seeing the little shapes staring up at her.

  ‘Yes, I’ve made them in white fondant but they’ll need their eyes coloured and strings added for their tails. Perhaps you’d like to do that while I begin on the jelly mixture for the pigs. Unless you’re too tired?’ he said, looking up and studying her.

  ‘No, of course not,’ she frowned. Why would she be tired this early? Hadn’t she spent the previous evenings working with him? But he’d turned away and was already scooping a heap of sugar into the copper pan. ‘Goodness, you have been busy,’ she said, staring at the depleted cone.

  ‘Filing sugar’s therapeutic,’ he muttered. ‘Now, please can you get on with those mice before the fondant sets?’

  Obediently, she began cutting the string into suitable lengths and pressing them into the fondant. Then she took up the food colouring and began painting their eyes. The effect was quite realistic and she giggled at the rows of pink-eyed mice with their curly tails.

  ‘Right, if you’ve finished that, perhaps you’d like to pour those almonds into the shallow wide pan ready to go on the heat when I’ve finished here. While they’re heating you need to melt the sugar and gum arabic to coat them.’

  ‘Oh, can’t I help you make the jelly pigs?’ she asked, dying to see how the starch trays worked. But he shook his head.

  ‘Not tonight. I want enough confections to fill the window tomorrow.’ Although he said it pleasantly enough, she couldn’t help feeling he was keeping his distance. Still, she did as he asked and, once the gum arabic mixture had cooled sufficiently, poured it over the nuts and began working it through with her hands. Who’d have thought sugar plums were actually coated nuts?