The Vintage Bookshop of Memories

by Elizabeth Holland

  Once back at the manor Prue made herself a cup of tea and took her book into the library. The worn sofas may not have looked very pretty but they were comfortable and so she grabbed one of the fur throws and curled up with her book. She was ready to immerse herself in someone else’s life.

  As she opened the book a piece of paper fell out, expecting to see her mother’s handwriting Prue picked it up and unfolded it. However, to her surprise it wasn’t her mother’s handwriting that she was looking at. She wasn’t quite sure whose it was and so she began to read the letter.

  Dear Dottie,

  I wonder how long it’s taken you to find this note. I suspect it won’t take you long to realise there’s a rogue book on your shelves. You live and breathe those books.

  I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused. I hope your mother can forgive you one day for falling in love with a ‘commoner’ like me. I thought you would appreciate the irony of me placing the note inside of this book - it’s a forbidden romance set in the eighteenth-century between a princess and one of her servants.

  There’s no work for me here, the villagers have made sure of that. Nobody within a 50 mile radius will hire me. They all think I’m stepping out of line and trying to better myself. They don’t realise that it’s as simple as having fallen in love with the wrong girl.

  I’m rambling and I know you hate it when I do that so I’ll get to the point. I have to leave for a while. I’m going to try and find some work, hopefully nearby. Once I have something permanent I’ll be in touch and we can be together again.

  I love you Dottie, even though I shouldn’t.

  I’ll love you forever.

  Yours always,

  Robert

  Tears fell from Prue’s eyes and hit the piece of paper in her hands, so much for losing herself in someone else’s world. This letter had been written by her father to her mother. Prue turned the paper over in her hands, it looked as though her mother had never found the letter. It broke Prue’s heart to know how much her father had loved her mother and yet he had been driven away because the village’s archaic views on life. No wonder Prue’s grandmother had been so harsh, having to sit back and watch her little girl’s heart be broken beyond repair. Prue’s grandmother had always hidden her emotions, it was what made it so difficult to feel close to her. However, Prue had never doubted that she was loved and it was clear from her grandmother’s actions that she had loved her daughter.

  With a sudden jolt, Prue realised she could read her mother’s diary to discover whether she had ever read the letter. She needed to know what had happened and whether her mother had ever been in contact with her father again. The note from Robert was dated and so Prue flicked through the diary to the date and began reading. The closest entry was dated the following day.

  ◆◆◆

  18th April 1995

  He’s gone. I’ve looked everywhere for him but there’s no sign, his belongings have gone from the B&B he was staying at and nobody has seen him. Although I doubt anyone would tell me if they had. I hate this village and everyone in it, how dare they try to control my life like this. They view us as a different class of people just because we own land, it’s utterly ridiculous.

  I will never forgive them.

  I tried to go to the shop today but I couldn’t even open the door. I knew that as soon as I went in my mind would be flooded with memories of us. The bookshop will never be the same.

  Oh diary, I don’t know what to do without him. I feel as though I’ll never smile again.

  ◆◆◆

  19th April 1995

  He’s definitely gone. What am I going to do without him? Robert understood every part of me and I thought we had our lives planned. In two weeks time we’re suppose to be going travelling. Nobody knows about our plans, perhaps he’ll be back and he’ll take me away with him. Away from all of them.

  Mother is furious. She said I never should have fallen for him. I’ve been promised to the Devon’s son since birth and I’ve ruined it all. She thought it was just a phase that I was going through but I think tonight she realised just how much I love Robert.

  ◆◆◆

  Prue had to put the diary down for a second as she processed everything that she had just read. It was difficult to read her mother’s heartbreak and to know how pointless it was. To separate two people who were in love just because of a perceived class. It had also shocked Prue to read her mother’s reference to an arranged marriage. Prue knew of the Devon family, the land that wasn’t owned by the Clemontes was owned by them. The arranged marriage must have been a business deal to merge the families and to own all of the surrounding land. No wonder her mother had wanted to fall in love with whoever she pleased. That was why the villagers had been so angry that she and Robert had fallen in love. The Devons had been trying to poach Ivy Hatch’s land for years and so a marriage between the families would signify an alliance. Despite this, Prue knew it didn’t make any of their actions right. How selfish they had been to expect her mother to marry for the benefit of the village.

  As Prue opened the diary again she noticed that there was only one more entry from 1995. She took a deep breath before she read her mother’s last words.

  ◆◆◆

  5th May 1995

  Well diary, it’s true he’s gone for good. Our plans to go travelling must have meant nothing to him. I waited at the end of the gate for him, just as we had planned. I was sure he would still come and we would make our way to France. By the time I went back inside I was shivering from the cold and with tears running down my face. He’s moved on with his life and mother says I must too. How can I move on though when I’m having his child? Mother doesn’t know yet, I’m dreading telling her. The village will no doubt have something to say about it but it’s not their baby, it’s mine.

  I’ve decided that I have to try and move on with my life. It’s too painful for me to keep the bookshop open and so after writing this I’m going to lock the doors for the last time. Life will continue on the outside but our relationship will be trapped in these four walls, the memories of our meeting and our short-lived dates will forever stay in this building.

  Perhaps our child will discover the shop one day.

  Goodbye Robert.

  ◆◆◆

  Prue almost felt as though her mother was sat beside her as she read the words she had written all those years ago. It was heartbreaking to read how upset her mother had been. Prue was also confused as to what had happened. Why had her father never tried to get in contact again? It looked as though her mother had never found the letter that he had left in the bookshop. There were so many unanswered questions. Prue needed to know the truth and she wanted to know it soon. There was only one person that could help her, he was the last person in the world she wanted to see but Prue knew she had to be brave and talk to him. Prue had to go and see Arnold Harrington.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  The following morning Prue took her time getting ready, not because she wanted to make the effort but because she was dreading going to see Arnold. She had no way of contacting him and so she had decided her best option was to just turn up at the farm and hope that Elliot wasn’t there, it was unlikely but she was still worried. Prue opted for a pair of navy waist high sailor trousers and a matching stripy top. Prue would have to be quick as she had to get back in time for an online book auction. She knew she had to leave soon and yet she was still dragging her heels.

  With a resentful sigh Prue left the manor and began the short drive to the Harrington’s farm. She hadn’t ever been there and yet she owned it. Prue still found it a little strange that she owned all of the land that she could see, it was somewhat surreal. Thankfully the farm was signposted off of the main road. Prue turned onto an unmade road and crossed her fingers as her Mini struggled over all of the potholes. Finally, Prue pulled up outside a farm house and breathed a sigh of relief. The house looked inviting with an orange light glowing through the window, smoke billowing from the chi
mney and the sound of cows mooing in the background. It looked real and homely, something that Prue was yearning for right now.

  ‘What do you want?’ Prue whirled around to see who was shouting at her. The man had just emerged from one of the barns on the other side of the courtyard. Prue’s heart gave a little thud as she took in the man’s appearance, he was Elliot’s double.

  ‘I’m looking for your father.’ Prue replied, standing up taller, she refused to be intimidated by her own tenants.

  ‘He doesn’t want to see you.’ The man started walking across the courtyard towards one of the fields, indicating that the conversation was over.

  ‘I suggest you go and get your father. He’s yet to sign the new contracts and I’m well within my rights to terminate the agreement. Unless he wants to lose the farm you best go and tell him that Miss Clemonte wants to speak to him.’ Prue saw the flash of anger across the young man’s face. She knew what she had just said would only anger the family but she didn’t know how else to get through to them that she wanted to speak.

  ‘Go and wait inside, my mother’s there.’ With that the man stalked off into one of the neighbouring fields.

  The last thing Prue wanted was to sit in a small room with Elliot’s mother and so she edged towards her car, she would sit in there until Arnold came. However, just as Prue’s hand landed on the car door’s handle the farmhouse’s door opened and Elliot’s mother stood there staring at her.

  ‘You better come in.’ She said, holding the door wide open for Prue. Rather reluctantly Prue made her way into the house and found herself in a large kitchen with a huge solid wooden table in the centre. The aga was on with a kettle in pride of place on the top, with steam pouring out of it. On the other side of the room was a roaring fire and a heap of dogs lying in front of it. There was something very inviting and cosy about the room, despite the icy reception that Prue had received. A fleeting thought passed through Prue’s head, she could live here if she wanted. The Harringtons hadn’t signed the contract yet. It wouldn’t be the same though, she would be on her own in the middle of nowhere with a million cows to look after. Well, maybe not a million but still she could barely look after a succulent let alone an entire farm.

  ‘Would you like a tea or coffee?’ Elliot’s mother broke the silence as she gestured to Prue to sit down at the table.

  ‘Could I have a cup of coffee please?’ It came out as a question as Prue found herself feeling a little out of place in the presence of such a motherly figure. There was something about the woman that made Prue feel five years old again.

  In a flash the woman had made a coffee and had sat opposite Prue with her own mug in her hand.

  ‘What are you doing here Prudence?’ Prue was taken aback slightly at the woman’s use of her full name, she had become accustomed to the village referring to her as ‘Miss Clemonte’.

  ‘I’m sorry for imposing myself on you without any notice Mrs Harrington. I’ve just come to ask your husband a few questions.’

  ‘Please call me Maggie. Are these questions in relation to the farm?’ A worried look flashed across the woman’s face and Prue immediately felt guilty about using the farm as ammunition to get Arnold to speak to her.

  ‘No Maggie, I promise you I won’t be forcing you into any decisions about the farm. This is your home and if you choose to sign the new contract and stay here then that’s completely up to you. I don’t want to throw anyone out of their home, I just want to be a part of village life and walk down the street without constant hateful glares.’ Prue was taken back by the sudden rush of emotion as she spoke to Maggie. She really just wanted to feel at home in the village again.

  ‘Your mother was just the same as you, until…’ Maggie broke off mid sentence and a strange look crossed her face.

  ‘Until what, Maggie?’ Prue questioned, although she suspected she knew the answer. If she were right then Maggie was about to refer to her mother and father’s relationship.

  ‘Oh nothing dear, would you like some breakfast?’ The woman jumped up and began to busy herself with some pots and pans on the aga.

  ‘Maggie, did you mean until my father left?’

  Maggie turned around from her place at the aga and her eyes darted nervously towards the door.

  ‘Yes. Until then. Prue, your mother and I were good friends. Arnold never knew, he wouldn’t have approved of me befriending somebody from above our class. I’m afraid this village is stuck in the past, I only hope you can help to modernise it.’

  Silence fell in the kitchen as the sound of footsteps crossing the courtyard echoed throughout.

  ‘Maggie, come and visit me at the bookshop later in the week. I’d love to speak to you.’ Prue whispered just before the kitchen door swung open and Arnold stood there looking like he was about to burst with anger.

  ‘You’re not taking my farm away from me!’ He shouted, sitting down opposite Prue and slamming his fists down on the table.

  ‘Arnold, I don’t intend to take the farm away from you. I trust you received the new contract, please take your time to read through it and get back to me. I’m here about my father.’

  Arnold looked visibly jumpy as Prue brought up the topic of her father.

  ‘Maggie, go and feed the hens.’ There was no politeness in his tone, he wanted Maggie outside before they spoke. Prue cast a final glance towards Maggie as she slipped out of the kitchen doorway with a basket in hand.

  ‘I assume you’ve kept to your side of the bargain?’ Arnold questioned, getting up from the table and walking over to the mantlepiece above the burning fire.

  ‘I’ve not seen or spoken to Elliot for over a week.’ It saddened Prue to say it out loud but she had to keep telling herself it was for the best. At least this way she would find her father and Elliot wouldn’t have the opportunity to break her heart. Besides, Elliot had moved on already, that had been clear when she had seen him at the pub.

  ‘Here’s his address.’ Arnold handed Prue a folded up piece of paper that he had taken from an envelope on the mantlepiece.

  ‘How do you have his address?’ Prue asked, confused as to why a man who wanted to uphold social status would be in contact with the man who almost brought it all crashing down.

  ‘I have a conscience. As much as I didn’t agree with your mother and father’s relationship a child should grow up with their parents.’ As Prue let those words sink in the cogs in her brain began to turn. Did that mean…?

  ‘Arnold, does my father know about me?’ The silence in the room was deafening as Prue watched a range of emotions flicker across Arnold’s face as he tried to decide how to answer her question.

  ‘He does. Over the years I’ve written to him to give him a little update on your life. It’s been a few years since I sent the last letter but he’s always kept me up to date with where he’s living.’

  Prue didn’t know quite what to do with this new information. If her father knew about her existence then why had he never come looking for her? That meant he must have known about her mother’s death and so why hadn’t he come to meet his daughter? A sinking feeling in the pit of Prue’s stomach began to make her feel sick. Perhaps he didn’t want anything to do with her.

  ‘Thank you.’ Prue whispered, she pushed the folded up piece of paper into her pocket and turned on her heel to exit.

  ‘He did love your mother Prue. It was just unfortunate that this village has a way of doing things and their relationship went against that.’

  Without turning round Prue left the house with Arnold’s final words echoing throughout her head.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Prue was not quite sure how she made it to the bookshop, all she knew was that ten minutes after leaving the Harrington’s farm she was unlocking the door to the shop. A million and one thoughts were buzzing around her head and she didn’t know where to start to process them. Prue decided that a cup of tea was the most logical place to start. She made herself a cup in one of her vintage tea cups and then brou
ght it out into the shop. It was a cold but sunny day and so she opened the door to the shop and left it wedged open slightly, to let some fresh air in, she only hoped that nobody thought she was open. Katie had got hold of a chalkboard sign for her and had painted ‘The Vintage Bookshop of Memories’ onto it, Prue brought the sign inside. The last thing she wanted was to see anyone right now.

  With a cup of tea in hand Prue took her seat behind the counter and began to sift through the endless thoughts in her head. She really ought to be grabbing her laptop from her bag and logging into the online auction, however her mind was too jumbled to focus on anything. It had been quite a bombshell to hear that her father knew of her existence. All along Prue had assumed he couldn’t know about her or else he would have been in her life. This time last year Prue was happy and living her life in Brighton with not a single care about her father, so why did he matter to her now? Perhaps it was the sudden realisation that she had no family left.

  Eventually Prue focused herself and logged onto the online auction. She opted to make herself feel better by buying tonnes of books. Who said retail therapy wasn’t real therapy? Once the auction was over Prue couldn’t face going back home with her thoughts and so she decided to open the bookshop. To distract herself she began to pull books off their shelf to read her mother’s note inside of them. Once read she would replace the note back inside the book and slide them back into their spot. The memories that this little shop held were incredible, Prue only wished that each book could speak and tell her their story, everything that they had seen and heard over the years.