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‘What are your plans for Christmas Day?’
‘Jago, Merryn, little Ivy, a turkey that’s too big which we’ll be eating well into March, and lots of presents to open. I’m keeping it as traditional as possible. We didn’t have any of that last year. I’ve got some making up to do.’
‘Sounds perfect. But don’t forget to put aside a quiet moment to remember your Kenan.’
‘I never forget him. He’s always there, but I know what you mean.’
Brenda clasped a hand across her mouth. ‘I’m so sorry. How tactless of me. Of course you never forget him.’
‘Don’t worry.’ Avril managed a smile. ‘I’d rather you mention his name and risk being tactless than ignore the situation completely. I like to talk about him. We had a very long and mostly happy marriage. I have two incredible children and lots of wonderful memories and that’s all down to him. My Kenan.’ Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears but she was proud to keep her voice steady. To talk about him without breaking down was a recent development in her road of grief.
The women smiled at one another in understanding.
‘It’s an unusual name, Kenan,’ Brenda said, after a pause during which they gathered their emotion.
‘Isn’t it just? I’ve no idea what his parents were thinking. They always did have pretensions. Mind you, they levelled the same accusation at me when I named Jago.’
‘Do you get on with your in-laws?’
‘Oh yes,’ Avril said, blithely. ‘Especially as I don’t live in the same town.’
‘Always helps, I’ve found.’ Brenda giggled.
‘It was another reason not to move back to Fowey. Here, I’m in striking distance should they need me but not so near they can pop in unannounced. Every day.’ Avril stopped, then gasped. ‘Oh, that makes me sound dreadful, doesn’t it? I mean, I lost a husband, but they lost a son. I should be more charitable. Of course I love them but I needed the space to breathe my own air. Lullbury Bay’s provided that.’
‘Totally understandable and not dreadful at all, my lovely. Pragmatic. Have you much family in Cornwall?’
‘As well as Kenan’s parents, I still have mine plus a brother- and sister-in-law, a few cousins. We’ll maybe see New Year in with them.’
‘A new year and a new start. For you and the children.’
‘Well, I can hardly class Jago as a child.’
‘They’re always your children. He’s a talented boy by all accounts. I hear Maisie Lloyd-Owen was very taken with his glass when she saw it at the Craft Fayre. As well as some bits for the café here, she’s thinking of commissioning him to make a window for her cottage.’
Avril twisted to catch Tracy’s eye. She was desperate for another coffee, she seemed to live on it these days. ‘I’d be delighted if she does. He’s making all these small items, but the bigger commissions are where the money’s to be made. I wish he’d do more but he seems to have lost his way lately. He used to exhibit in galleries in London. He was quite sought after.’
‘I imagine he’s adjusting too.’
Avril sighed. ‘He is. He’s been my rock, but he seems to think he’s responsible for me.’
‘Perfectly understandable.’
‘But, Brenda, he’s my son not my husband. I’m quite grown-up enough to look after myself. I wish he’d get out there, find himself a nice girl, settle down, give me a couple of grandchildren. I don’t need him fussing over me all the time.’
‘Have you told him?’
Avril pulled a face. ‘I don’t want to hurt his feelings. He’s a sensitive boy.’
Tracy came over and pulled up a chair. ‘Going well today, ladies?’ She peered over Avril’s shoulder. ‘What are you knitting there?’
‘It’s a crown for one of the three kings. We’re planning a nativity scene for the little garden opposite the church. It’ll be life-sized. It needs to be finished before the Nine Carols Service.’
‘Never fails to amaze me how those flat scraps of knitting and crochet get turned into something three dimensional. A life-sized nativity, eh? That’ll take some setting up.’
‘We’ll have to do it in the dead of night, I suppose. No letting on, Tracy,’ Avril warned.
‘My lips are sealed.’ Tracy made a dramatic twisting gesture with her fingers against her lips and giggled. She waved her pad. ‘Any orders, ladies? I take it you want a coffee, Avril?’ She wrote down the rest of the orders and then leaned in. ‘Word on the Lullbury Bay prom is Bee in the bookshop is looking to hire. You know, Bee’s Books on the high street. You fancy working in a bookshop, Av? Perks of the job being fairly close proximity to me and my lush cakes and sarnies. Just a hop and a sprint along the front. Won’t have far to go for lunch and a goss.’
