Chapter 35 #2
‘Yes, of course.’ The lighting was dim, much softer than it had been when Lark and Nate had called round before. She slipped her fingers into the gloves and followed the curator over to the table where the ledger was set out.
‘So, here it is,’ Louisa said in a reverential tone. ‘And I’m beyond thrilled to say it’s in remarkably good condition considering its age. We’ve taken copies, but I thought you’d like to see the original.’
‘Ooh, I’d love to.’
Louisa took a step sideways, making room for Lark.
Lark instantly noticed the energy emanating from the pages.
It was still hard to define, a confusing mix of so many things.
Crayke’s Cottage flashed through her mind, sending a prickle of discomfort running over her skin.
She pushed it away, intent on seeing through whatever the energy was trying to tell her and focusing her full attention on the book.
She took a moment to take it all in.
‘Oh, wow!’ Looking back at Lark was what appeared to be a list of names, occupations, items, monetary amounts and street names.
There was also a list of what Lark assumed to be the names of ships.
And though the ink had now faded, it was still clear to see that everything was written in a strong, clear hand.
The author was evidently educated and bold.
‘This is incredible,’ Lark whispered in awe.
‘And have you noticed anything about the names?’
‘Um…’ Lark peered closer, her eyes running down the carefully drawn up list, spotting a handful of Crayke’s, including one Jacob.
‘Oh, my goodness!’ She clapped her hand to her mouth and laughed.
‘Denton, Harker – that’s both sides of my family, my mum’s going to be devastated.
And there’s a couple, no, three Marsays, that’s Bear’s family, Maggie’s going to have a whale of a time teasing him about that.
Ooh, and Ingilby and Appleton are Jasmine and Florrie’s forebears.
’ Lark hooted with laughter. ‘Looks like loads of us have a dash of smuggler DNA. Ooh, and I’ve just spotted a few Hartes, so Ed from the bookshop is included, too. ’
‘There are a couple of Pearsons, too, and Roberts. I wonder if they could be related to our Betty? Her married name was Roberts.’
‘I’m sure they are.’
‘Speaking of which, I managed to track down Betty’s great-granddaughter. You might know her, actually. She’s called Bethany – her name’s still Roberts – and I’d say she’s a similar age to you. She’s lived in Micklewick Bay all her life – maybe you were at school together?’
Lark twisted her head to Louisa. ‘I know a Bethany Roberts! She wasn’t in my year at school – I think she was a couple of years above – but our paths definitely crossed a fair bit. I haven’t seen her for ages. I wonder if she’d like to hear about the suitcase and her great-grandmother’s clothes?’
‘There’s only one way to find out.’ Louisa beamed at her.
‘Oh my days, this is so incredible.’
‘It is, and I’m so grateful to you and Nate for donating the ledger and other items to the heritage centre.
We’re going to have a replica made to put on display, give people a proper idea of what it’s like.
I think it’s going to be part of an exhibition in the cottage.
Maybe have it set out on an old desk with an inkpot, a character sitting at it with a quill in his hand and the replica leather ledger in front of him. ’
Lark could see it in her mind’s eye. ‘What a wonderful idea, that would really capture a feel of the time.’
‘I’ve printed off a copy of the ledger for you to have for your own records.’ Louisa passed her an A4-sized envelope.
‘Thank you.’
‘And as for the pistol, I’ve locked that away in the safe until my friend can get here. We’ll need to get it decommissioned before it can go on display. But as soon as I have any further information about it, I’ll let you know.’
‘Thanks, Louisa, I appreciate that.’
‘You’re welcome. Now, after all that excitement, can I get you a cup of tea?’
‘Actually, how would you feel about having a cuppa back at my place? There’s something else I’d like to show you.’
‘That would be lovely, and I have to say, after the last lot of stuff you had to show me, I’m more than a little intrigued.’
‘I think you’ll like what it is, but I won’t say anything more. I don’t want to spoil the surprise.’
‘The plot thickens.’ Louisa grinned. ‘I’ll just fetch my coat.’
Moments later Louisa was back, shrugging her bag on her shoulder. ‘Is there any point me driving to your house?’
Lark explained how there was no direct parking but that she could use the small parking area for locals which was closer to Seashell Cottage than the heritage centre, though not by much.
‘But my logic is the less time spent in that savage wind, the better,’ said Lark. Louisa readily agreed.
‘Oh, this is so cosy!’ Louisa stood in the living room of Seashell Cottage as Lark headed over to the wood burner and opened the spin wheels to let more air into the firepit.
Then, she threw on a handful of sticks followed by a couple of eco-logs.
In a matter of seconds, flames were leaping around behind the glass.
‘It’s usually a lot toastier but with me being out most of the day, the fire’s died down a bit. It’ll warm up quickly though.’
‘It’s a good deal warmer than my house at the moment. I think the boiler’s on the blink so I’ll have to get it looked at or replaced. How typical that it starts to act up just before Christmas.’ Louisa gave a resigned shrug.
‘I’ll make us a cup of tea in a minute, but there’s something I’d like to show you first. Make yourself comfy, I’ll just be a tick.’
Lark was back in a flash, a large leather suitcase in her hand. ‘Here’s what I wanted to show you.’ She eased the coffee table out of the way and set the suitcase down on the rug. ‘It’s Betty’s suitcase.’ She flicked open the clasps and lifted the lid.
‘Oh, how wonderful!’ Louisa said, pressing her hands together as she peered in at the items Lark had replaced with care.
After the two women had finished poring over the garments, Louisa sat back and said, ‘That’s a snapshot of Micklewick Bay history captured in a suitcase.
It’s incredibly rare to have so many items of clothing kept together from the same era.
And as for that wedding dress, I’d say it’s definitely made of parachute silk. ’
‘Which is why I’d like to donate them to the museum. It struck me the other day that it didn’t feel right to sell them in my shop. They’ve been together all these years, and they should still be kept together.’
‘I don’t know what to say. You and Nate have already been so generous.’
‘It’s not about being generous. It’s more that if it helps resurrect Betty’s memory, and gives visitors a proper idea of a real person from the town at a particular time in history, with her actual clothes, then I’m more than happy.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘I’m positive.’
‘Goodness, it’ll be quite a draw and increase our footfall. Thank you so much, Lark. I can see why your father is so proud of you.’
The two women drank their tea, chatting about Micklewick Bay, Lark’s Vintage Bazaar, and the museum Louisa had worked at before the heritage centre. Lark kept mention of her father to a minimum, not wanting Louisa to think she was being interrogated.
When she’d gone, with Betty’s suitcase in hand, Lark acknowledged to herself that the more she got to know Louisa, the more she liked her.
And more than that, she was struck by the feeling that her father and Louisa were destined to have a long relationship.
She got a sense of marriage, and contented days with their matching laid-back and genial personalities.
The understanding that her dad was in a pair of kind and caring hands, meant Lark was free to head to Thailand with a clear conscience and without worrying she was leaving her dad on his own.