Blue Skies Over Wildflower Lock (The Wildflower Lock)

Chapter 11

Following Yvonne, Daisy crossed over the bridge and walked towards the Ariadne, where she immediately saw the issue, and it didn’t lie with Yvonne’s strength at all but her choice of luggage.

Rather than bringing a suitcase or rucksack, as Daisy assumed was normal for someone about to embark on a trip, Yvonne had packed a trunk. An actual trunk, the type in which Daisy could easily imagine a child in the fifties carrying off all their belongings to boarding school.

‘Yvonne, what is all this?’ Daisy asked as she stared at the wooden antiquity that looked like it belonged more in a chapter of Malory Towers than in any modern environment. ‘I thought you said you were bringing a suitcase?’

‘Oh, it’s near enough,’ Yvonne said cheerfully. ‘Besides, this here has stood the test of time. Mark my words, nothing keeps my belongings safe like my case. I’ve taken this across the world. And if this is the last journey I’m gonna be doing on the water, then I’m taking it with me.’

It was hardly something Daisy could object to, but looking at the item, she was having a hard time figuring out how she was going to lift it on her own. It was a miracle Yvonne had got it this far; she would never doubt the old lady’s strength again.

‘Okay, I think you’re gonna need to help me with this,’ Daisy said. ‘Are you okay to grab one end? I think we can manage it that way. Ready when you are?’

Together, slow step after slow step, Yvonne and Daisy heaved the antiquated trunk back to the September Rose. With each step, it seemed to get heavier and heavier. Daisy knew she had gotten stronger since taking up this new life on the canal – the fact she was spending her days on her feet and had to walk or cycle over a mile to the nearest shop had seen to that – but as they reached the other side of the towpath, her arms were already feeling like jelly.

‘What is in here?’ Daisy asked, struggling to believe that simple clothes could weigh that much.

‘Odds and ends,’ Yvonne said. ‘Things I didn’t want to leave in the Ariadne while we’re away. I’ve got some first-edition books in there, jewellery, and so on. Oh, and some brass that my grandmother left me when she passed away. You know, things I couldn’t leave behind.’ The last one explained the weight.

When Daisy and Yvonne reached the September Rose, they placed the trunk down on the towpath, catching their breath.

‘I’ll clear out some wardrobe space for you,’ Daisy said as she rested her hands on her knees. ‘It’s on my list of jobs for tonight.’

‘No, don’t worry about that. I don’t want to put you out,’ Yvonne said. ‘I’ll take the smaller berth too. I’m fine with that.’

Daisy shook her head. ‘Actually, it’s easier for me if you take the main cabin. The second berth opens up onto the coffee shop. The last thing I want to do is wake you up every morning to open up.’

‘Well, as long as you’re sure…’

For a moment, the pair fell silent. Daisy was looking at the September Rose, an amazing vessel that had already done so much in its life. By contrast, Yvonne was staring at the Ariadne. It was then Daisy realised what a big ask she had made of her friend. After all, in all the time Daisy had been at Wildflower Lock, she had never once heard Yvonne mention going away. It was no surprise then that she wanted to hold on to those little bits of home. However heavy they made the trunk.

Daisy lifted her hand and patted her friend gently on the shoulder.

‘Come on, then,’ she said, bending down and taking hold of the trunk. ‘Let’s get this thing inside so we can both get a good night’s sleep. It’s going to be a big day tomorrow.’