THURSDAY 11TH DECEMBER
Lark was unpacking a delivery of crystals at the shop when her phone rang. She was surprised to see Louisa’s number.
‘Hey, Louisa, how’s things?’
‘Hi, Lark. I’m good, thanks, how about you?’ Lark picked up on the happy note in the curator’s voice. She wondered if it had anything to do with her new friendship with her father.
‘I’m good, too.’ Lark held back from sharing how her heart was aching and her soul was filled with sadness. Or that she was layered up with crystals in various guises, from beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings to chunks in the pockets of her dungarees, hoping they’d help rid her of the disconsolate feeling that had hung over her since Nate had left her house last Saturday.
‘So, the reason I’m calling is because my friend, the one I mentioned who’s an expert on old documents, has had a look at the ledger you found in the Crayke’s Cottage suitcase.’ Louisa’s excitement was building by the second.
‘Did she manage to get it opened okay?’
‘She did, and it’s… well. Oh, my goodness, Lark. I think you and Nate should really come and take a look for yourselves. It’s utterly amazing! It’s even better than we expected and it’s fullof so much fascinating information, including names – actually, quite a few familiar local surnames feature. You can call around after work tonight, if you like? I don’t mind hanging back.’
Lark’s stomach lilted at the thought of taking a look at the ancient book. She was desperate to see it. ‘If you’re sure you don’t mind, I’d love to take you up on your offer. I’ll head to the heritage centre straight after I’ve closed the shop.’
‘Wonderful! Can I leave it to you to contact Nate? I assume you’ll be calling here together.’
Lark’s heart sank and she hesitated a moment before she answered. ‘I’ll do my best. He’s been hard to get hold of for the last few days. He’s bogged down with work, so it might just be me. If I can’t track him down, or if he can’t make it, I’ll get the bus that leaves here at five-fifteen and passes Old Micklewick – a friend gave me a lift here this morning.’
‘Yes, of course, that’s fine. Looking forward to seeing you then.’
With the call ended, Lark wondered if her father had discussed hers and Nate’s friendship with Louisa. Her dad was a private person, so she very much doubted he’d go into detail, other than to say they were good friends. And she’d be amazed if he’d mentioned anything about sensing that things weren’t right between them.
With nothing to lose, Lark called Nate’s number. It didn’t come as a surprise when it rang out and the voicemail message kicked in, but it left her heart feeling heavy. All the same, she knew he’d be keen to see the ledger, so she decided she’d send him a text, keep her tone breezy, and just mention Louisa’s call, see if that would generate a reply from him.
Hi Nate, hope you’re okay. Just heard from Louisa. She says the expert has managed to open the leather ledger. L says it’s full of fascinating stuff! She thought we’d like to see it so has asked if we want to call at the HC tonight after we shut up shop. I’m heading down just after 5pm. Maybe see you there? Lxx
Her heart rate took off as she pressed send. How had her friendship with one of the best people she’d ever met come to this? Her hand went to the amethyst crystal pendant he’d given her, her eyes misting with tears. The idea that had been circling around her mind gradually took centre stage.
Maybe her mum’s suggestion of going to stay with her and Elfie over in Koh Samui for a while wasn’t such a bad idea after all. At least if she was there, Nate wouldn’t have to hide himself away in order to avoid her, which seemed to be what he was doing right now. In Lark’s mind, she was the one who’d caused this situation, so it was only right she should make herself scarce and leave Nate to get on with his life. He was always saying how happy he was living in Micklewick Bay.
The idea of holding meditation classes on a beach with the sun warming her back was suddenly rather appealing, especially with the weather being so bitterly cold in the UK, and likely to remain so for quite some time if the forecasts were to be believed. She could do a refresher course, bring her Reiki skills up to date. Help out with the well-being classes her mum and Elfie ran. It would be positive vibes all the way. Which she thought would be rather nice after all the weird energy she’d been bombarded with recently. She still didn’t feel fully recovered from it. In theory, relocating to Thailand and working at the well-being retreat couldn’t have sounded more perfect for her.
‘That’s all well and good, Lark, but what about your dad?’ she said aloud, just as a customer walked in and gave her a questioning look. She was what Lark would describe as a typical customer in her outfit of vintage clothing, with makeup and a hairstyle to match, and clearly favoured the nineteen-fifties era.
‘Just talking to myself,’ Lark joked.
‘Oh, I do that all the time, not that I talk much sense, mind,’ the young woman chuckled.
‘I know the feeling.’ Lark gave a light laugh. ‘Just shout up if there’s anything in particular you’re looking for.’
‘Will do.’ The customer smiled as she made a beeline for the rail of fifties-style evening dresses.
Lark got back to her thoughts as she distractedly checked through her crystals order.
In practice, relocating to Thailand would mean closing Lark’s Vintage Bazaar and not seeing her dad for ages. And not just that, she worried how it would impact on his budding relationship with Louisa. Where would he stay until he’d bought somewhere to live in the town and moved there permanently? She was pretty sure Elfie would want to put a long-term tenant in Seashell Cottage if Lark was with them in Koh Samui. That would leave her dad high and dry, unless he booked into a B&B, or rented Seashell Cottage until a more permanent tenant was found. A thought struck her like a lightning bolt. He’d stay with Louisa! Of course! If their relationship developed then it was only natural he’d do that – not that she wanted to dwell on the reasons why, that would be way too weird!
And could she really go to Thailand knowing her dad was only just shaking off his grief? Lark couldn’t bear to think of him having a bad day when she was so many miles away. Would it be selfish of her to go?
She knew her dad would encourage her all the way, saying she was a young woman with a life to lead. That she should takeopportunities by the horns and go for it. He’d add the proviso that it had to be whatshewanted and not what anyone elsethoughtshe wanted. And she’d know it was her mum he was referring to. They both knew that when Serena got an idea into her head, there was no stopping her. As Lark was proof.
Lark scrubbed her face with her hands, her bracelets chiming away with the motion.Ugh!It was all so confusing. And it was all her fault.
‘If you don’t mind me saying, you look like you’re torturing yourself over something.’ A voice cut into her thoughts. Lark looked up to see the young woman in the nineteen-fifties clothes standing at the counter, a garment in her hands. She had kind green eyes and her lips were pushed into a sympathetic smile.
Lark blew her hair off her face. ‘I don’t mind at all, and I am.’
