The Bonbon Girl

by Linda Finlay

  Heart pounding, she unlocked the door just as he hurled himself through it. Then she was in his arms and he was hugging her as though he’d never let her go.

  ‘I thought you were dead,’ she gasped when he finally released her.

  ‘So did I. And for a long time, I nearly was,’ he murmured, pulling her close and kissing her hard on the lips.

  ‘Kitto,’ she began but, unable to resist, gave herself up to his embrace.

  Lost in the wondrous moment, they didn’t hear Garren come in. It was only when he coughed that they realized he was there and sprang apart.

  ‘Oh Garren, Kitto has come back,’ she cried, tears of joy coursing down her cheeks.

  ‘So I see,’ he said quietly.

  ‘I need some time with my girl, sir. Would you excuse her for a while so we can catch up?’

  ‘Yes, of course. Take as long as you need, Colenso,’ he told her, his eyes grave.

  ‘But it’s time to open the shop,’ she began, suddenly aware of where her loyalties now lay.

  ‘I’ll see to the customers. You go with Kitto. I’m sure you will have much to discuss,’ he told her.

  Hands tightly clasped, as if by tacit consent, they made their way down to the beach. The sun was rising, bathing the bay in its rosy glow while the light early-morning breeze carried the tang of salt. Everywhere suddenly looked so vibrant, smelt so fresh.

  ‘God, Cali, I’ve missed you so,’ Kitto murmured, enfolding her in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and even through the material of her scarf, she could feel the warmth of his lips. ‘I’ve dreamed of this moment so often over the past months, although I must admit I never envisaged you swathed in white,’ he chuckled. Colenso stared down at her apron and grimaced.

  ‘In all the excitement of seeing you again, I quite forgot to take it off.’

  ‘Don’t worry, it suits you. Oh Cali, you could be wearing anything or nothing for all I care.’ Realizing what he’d said, he stopped. ‘I was going to apologize but that conjures up such a wonderful vision, I’m not going to,’ he told her. Too happy to object, she contented herself with giving him a playful nudge in the side, which led to more kissing and cuddling.

  It was sometime later that they became aware of people watching and so they reluctantly broke apart. They wandered along the shoreline, not speaking, just savouring the pleasure of being together again. Only when they neared the hustle and bustle of the harbour at Newlyn did they seek the shelter and privacy the rocks afforded. He spread his jacket and made a sweeping gesture with his hand.

  ‘If my lady would care to take a seat.’

  ‘Why, thank you, kind sir,’ she responded, entering into the spirit of things. They sat staring at each other for a long moment.

  ‘How are you?’

  ‘How have you been?’ As ever, they spoke at the same time. Laughing, he took her hand in his, running his thumb over her palm in the way she loved so much. ‘Good to see we’re still in tune, Cali. These past few months have been hell.’

  ‘I know,’ she agreed. ‘When I heard you were dead I wanted to die too. I was told that your ship had gone down with all hands lost,’ she told him, her words breaking on a sob. He pulled her close.

  ‘It’s true the barge sank in a heavy swell. Never seen waves like it before and never want to again,’ he shuddered. ‘All I can remember is the water covering me, filling my lungs until I thought I’d burst. Next thing I knew I was waking up in some strange bed. Apparently, I’d been unconscious for quite some time.’

  ‘And did they tell you what had happened?’ she asked.

  ‘Only that when the boat broke up on the beach I was dragged onto the sands by fishermen who’d been watching from the shore. I’d busted my leg, fractured ribs. I was a sorry sight, I can tell you. If it hadn’t been for the care of those wonderful strangers I would have been a goner.’ He let out a long sigh, his eyes on the distant horizon, lost in another world, another time. She snuggled into him, revelling in the warmth of his chest, the familiar smell that was him.

  ‘Then I am grateful to those strangers for nursing you back to health,’ she told him.

  ‘And you, Cali? How have you fared? Are you cross that I have taken so long to return?’ he asked, dark eyes turning their gaze on her.

  ‘No,’ she sighed, remembering her accusations of the previous year. ‘I’m just thankful you are alive and have come back.’ He smiled and pulled her tighter.

  ‘I’ll not return to the Wherrytown works after this. Word has it they’re in a pretty bad way anyhow. Shall we return home to Cadgwith? I’m sure I can get another start at Poltesco,’ he asked. She smiled happily for, with the Ferret gone and Father existing in a stupor, there was no reason not to go back. Then, as if someone had thrown a bucket of icy water over her, she remembered her promise.

  ‘Oh Kitto, I can’t,’ she wailed. ‘If only you’d come back sooner.’

  ‘So you are cross that I’ve taken this long getting back,’ he sighed.

  ‘I’m truly pleased you’re safe and it’s wonderful to be with you again but …’ her voice trailed off and she stared helplessly at him.

  ‘But what?’ he frowned.

  ‘I’m promised to another,’ she whispered.

  ‘You what,’ he shouted, his voice echoing as it bounced off the rocks. ‘Hell’s teeth, I’ve not been gone that long. Who … oh, don’t tell me, it’s that confectioner, isn’t it?’

  ‘Garren’s been very good to me, Kitto. He and his father looked after me while I was grieving for you. If they hadn’t I don’t know what would have happened to me.’

  ‘What you’re saying is, he’s taken advantage of your helpless state. Well, in case you’ve forgotten, I’m your betrothed.’

  ‘But I thought you were dead, Kitto. Please understand that I was trying to get over you. I’ve been so unhappy, desolate even. When I thought I had nothing to live for, he offered me comfort and hope for the future.’

  He let out another long sigh. ‘It’s been hard on us both, I can see that. Come on, let’s go back and speak with him. Ask him to release you from a promise made under duress.’

  ‘But it wasn’t. I like and respect him.’

  ‘But do you love him?’ he asked, gazing at her intently. Slowly, she shook her head.

  ‘Well then?’

  ‘I’m sorry, Kitto, I promised and I could never go back on that,’ she mumbled, tears welling as she got to her feet. ‘No, please don’t,’ she added as he made to follow. ‘I’ll go back by myself.’

  ‘God, you’re stubborn,’ he muttered. ‘But know this, Colenso Carne. I love you and will not rest till you are mine.’

  Hot tears coursing down her cheeks, she stumbled back along the beach. How could the day that had seen her deepest dream come true end like this? Because you made a promise to a good and kind man, she told herself. A good, kind man who looked out for you in your hour of need and you will not renege on your promise to him.

  By the time she got back to the shop, it was lunchtime. Garren took one look at her face and ushered her straight through to the workshop.

  ‘You need tea,’ he said, pushing her gently into a chair and pouring hot water into the pot. Unusually, there were no sweets set out on the cooling tables and she realized he must have spent the whole morning serving customers.

  ‘The shop’s been busy then?’ she said.

  ‘Yes, thank heavens. Nothing like keeping occupied to stop you from thinking,’ he muttered, his hands shaking as he set down a mug in front of her. ‘You were obviously delighted to see Kitto. So, what happens now?’

  ‘You saw us earlier then?’

  ‘Hard to miss with you all over each other.’

  ‘It was a wonderful surprise to find he was still alive, and naturally I was pleased to see him,’ she admitted.

  ‘Was?’ he asked, staring at her in disbelief. She nodded and took a quick gulp of her tea, hardly noticing that it burnt her mouth. ‘I will release you from your promise if you
want, you know.’

  ‘Thank you, but my word is my bond, Garren,’ she told him, staring him straight in the eye then looking quickly away when she saw the hurt there. ‘When I was getting ready to open this morning, I noticed we’re almost out of cones. As I had the devil’s own job getting you to agree to them in the first place I’d better get on and make some more. Thank you for the tea,’ she said, her voice cracking as she took herself back to the shop.

  ‘You’ve hardly drunk any …’ he began but, needing time to compose herself, she ignored him. While her hands automatically formed the paper into the cones that had become so popular, her thoughts span wildly around in her head.

  Seeing Kitto again had been a shock. One that had only served to prove her strength of feelings for him. She loved him with all her heart, of that she had no doubt. But she was fond of Garren and wouldn’t let him down. And yet could she really marry him now she knew Kitto was alive? Yet she’d have to, for hadn’t she just assured Garren that she wouldn’t break her word? Round and round her thoughts went. It was like being on the dobbies at the fair, she thought, pressing her hand to her throbbing head.

  She didn’t see Garren for the rest of the afternoon and assumed he was busy in the workshop making up for the time he lost this morning. The shop was busy, the incessant tinkling of the little bell making her headache worse. For the first time ever, she cursed her bright ideas of the rainbow window that constantly drew in the excited customers.

  Her brain never stopped processing the events of the morning, and by the time she was able to close the shop she was certain her decision was right and honourable. She was just turning the sign to closed when Mr Goss appeared.

  ‘Oh, I was just shutting,’ she explained.

  ‘Thought you would be,’ he said abruptly. There was no trace of his usual smile as he made his way through to the workshop. ‘I hear Kitto’s turned up,’ he said without any preamble. ‘I’m pleased for him, of course, but need to know what that means for my son.’

  ‘Nothing has changed, Mr Goss. I still intend honouring my promise to marry Garren.’

  ‘Honour, promise, piffle,’ he replied, snapping his fingers after each word. ‘I don’t want my son cheated, Colenso.’

  ‘But I wouldn’t ever do that. I will remain faithful to Garren both before and after our wedding.’

  ‘Honourable words,’ he agreed, then his tone softened. ‘You are young, Colenso, and have the idealism of youth. However, I have lived life, and with age comes realism. Believe me when I say that whatever you might think, you will be cheating on him if you marry him when you love another. He deserves better than that, so please, I urge you, think carefully about your decision.’

  All night, Colenso tossed and turned. Yet no matter how much she thought, it still came back to the fact that whilst she loved Kitto, she owed it to Garren to honour her promise. Whilst Mr Goss had a point, the fact remained that Garren had been good to her and there was no way she could let him down.

  As the grey of morning filtered through the tiny window, Colenso dressed ready for another day in the shop. On impulse, she took her necklace from her basket and held it tightly in her hands.

  ‘This is the right thing to do, isn’t it?’ she asked. But the pentacle remained cold and lifeless. ‘Oh, you’re no help,’ she cried, throwing it back in despair.

  To her surprise, Garren followed her through to the shop. He seemed on edge as he coughed and cleared his throat.

  ‘Colenso, I have spent all night deliberating and …’ He paused and cleared his throat again. ‘I have decided it wouldn’t be fair to hold you to your promise.’

  ‘But …’

  ‘Go to Kitto, Colenso. When I saw the way you were gazing at him yesterday, the love shining from your eyes like diamonds, well, I admit I was hurt. You’ve never looked at me that way and sadly, I know you never will.’

  ‘But I am fond of you and …’ she began but he held up his hand to silence her.

  ‘Fond isn’t love, though, is it? Like I said, Colenso, go to Kitto and be happy.’ She stared at him sadly, knowing what he said was true.

  ‘Thank you, Garren, for everything,’ she whispered, wondering how it was possible to feel so sad and elated at the same time.

  Epilogue

  Cadgwith, The Lizard, Cornwall

  Samhain, the ending of one year – the beginning of the next

  On a late autumn day, as the last red rays of setting sun cast their magic over Mammwynn’s little garden, Colenso and Kitto, silver ribbons binding their hands, exchanged vows of love in front of family and friends. Dressed in a red dress that matched her shoes, a circlet of wild flowers and herbs bound with myrtle adorning her flowing tresses, Colenso had never felt happier.

  ‘Marjoram for love, rosemary to stimulate the heart and parsley for lust,’ Mammwynn whispered in her ear.

  ‘Myrtle for good luck, love and prosperity in marriage,’ Mara added.

  Colenso smiled, content to know the two women who’d meant so much to her were here together on this special occasion. She’d chosen to hold their handfasting on the day when the veil between the two worlds was at its thinnest. Her hand stroked the pentacle that Kitto had mended and, feeling its warmth, she knew all was well.

  As the sun disappeared behind the horizon, leaving them bathed in the light of the flickering candles, Kitto leaned forward and kissed her passionately on the lips. He looked so handsome in the new jacket Emily had insisted on making him, a sprig of heather pinned to his lapel, but it was the love shining from his eyes that made Colenso’s pulse race.

  ‘Well, Mrs Rowse, wife and love of my life, are you ready to jump from your old life into our new one?’ he asked, transferring the silver ribbon to the handle of the besom and holding it out to her.

  ‘I am, Mr Rowse, husband and holder of my heart,’ she replied, taking it from him. Then as the assembled well-wishers fell silent, she straddled the broom and made the symbolic leap towards him. Everyone cheered and applauded, but Colenso and Kitto only had eyes for each other as they sealed the magical moment with another kiss.

  ‘We’ve finally made it, Mrs Rowse,’ he murmured.

  ‘Let’s hope the road we travel together will prove less hazardous than the past year.’

  ‘Road? Travel? I’ll have you know we’re not going anywhere, wife of mine. We’re going to settle in our cot and raise a whole brood,’ he told her, eyes sparking with mischief.

  ‘All in good time, husband dear. I have my new sweet-making venture to set up first. Who’d have thought the new baker would want to expand into confections?’ she sighed. ‘And it was nice of Mr Whitelaw to let us have that old cottage next to his house, wasn’t it?’

  ‘It was, but I think he might have had an ulterior motive,’ he grinned, nodding over to where the works manager was smiling lovingly down at Caja. ‘I think another wedding might be on the cards soon.’

  ‘Mamm looks so happy. I’m pleased she’s been given a second chance. She had such a miserable life with Father.’

  ‘Well, she hasn’t got to worry about Peder any longer, has she? I mean, he literally drank himself to death.’ Colenso couldn’t help shivering as she remembered that night at the Devil’s Frying Pan. As if sensing her thoughts, Kitto pulled her close.

  ‘I know, I’ll help things along,’ Colenso smiled, taking the circlet from her hair.

  ‘Hey Mamm, catch,’ she called, tossing the flowers towards her. They watched them sail through the air and land in Caja’s outstretched hands.

  ‘Nice one, sis.’ She looked up to see Tomas giving her the thumbs-up. Alys was by his side, grinning widely.

  ‘Oh, so that’s the way of things, is it? I shall have to have a word with that brother of yours,’ Kitto said as they came over to join them.

  ‘Don’t worry, Kitto, I’ll look after Alys. You just make sure you take good care of Colenso,’ Tomas declared.

  ‘Looks like we might become sisters-in-law again, then,’ Colenso squealed, th
rowing her arms around the girl, who beamed delightedly. ‘And it’s good to see you, Daveth. How you’ve grown up since I last saw you.’

  As the boy blushed, everyone suddenly surged forward, eager to wish them well. Colenso smiled and greeted them all warmly.

  Then, as the silver moon rose in the sky, someone took up an accordion and began to play. As jaunty music filled the air, Kitto turned to her and smiled.

  ‘I believe it’s traditional for us to lead the dancing, so shall we?’ he asked, holding out his hand and leading her into the centre of the little garden.

  His arms tightened around her and she smiled happily up at him as they swayed gently together. The others joined them and there was hardly room to move, but she didn’t mind in the slightest. She was home with her love at last. The ending of one year, the beginning of the next.

  ‘I told you to have faith in the magic of the rock,’ Mara whispered.

  ‘There’s a proper time for everything and everything has its season. This is yours,’ Mammwynn’s voice drifted on the breeze. In the background the rowans gently rustled.

  ‘Blessed be,’ they cried in unison.

  Colenso stared up at Kitto and knew she truly was.

  Acknowledgements and Heartfelt Thanks to…

  Gary Hill at The Serpentine Works at Lizard Point, for allowing me into his workshop and showing me how the serpentine is worked and turned.

  Pem, for his research on the places and dates all the fairs took place.

  Teresa Chris, for her continued encouragement and passion for this story.

  Kate Mills and her wonderful team at HQ, who are always so helpful and enthusiastic.

  My friends at BWC, who continue to listen and give their invaluable feedback.