Chapter 28
TWENTY-EIGHT
Nate was absolutely right, it was cold, but there was a freshness to the air that felt inexorably good for the soul. The winter sunshine and clear blue sky overhead only added to the feeling.
The beach was empty but for a couple of other dog walkers up ahead, the sound of barking in the distance, and the cawing of a seagull up above. Lark’s gaze drifted towards the sea. It looked dark and brooding, salty spray filling the air as the waves crashed onto the shore.
Nate let Bobby off the lead, then threw a ball.
The Labrador shot off like a rocket, kicking up sand as he chased after it, bounding back with it clenched between his teeth.
He dropped it at Nate’s feet, looking up at him expectantly, his tail wagging excitedly.
Nate threw the ball again and Bobby raced after it.
‘Bobby never tires of this game.’ Nate chuckled. ‘I suspect he’d do it all day, or at least until the tide came in and there was no sand left for him to run on.’
Lark smiled as she watched Bobby scoop up the ball with his mouth, the eagerness on his face as he raced towards them, ears flapping.
He was sociable and had a huge zest for life.
It saddened her to think that not long ago he’d been left on his own in the cold for hours at a time.
She took reassurance from the knowledge that those days were behind him now, especially after Nate had told her he’d been shopping and bought Bobby a new “luxury” bed, lined with sheepskin, as well as a red leather lead and matching collar with name disc attached.
He’d also picked up a new food and water bowl and couple of squeaky toys, adding a large bag of dog food and a box of dog treats to the list.
‘Cost me a bloomin’ fortune,’ Nate said, feigning outrage, but the look in his eyes was pure affection.
He’d also made an appointment at the vets for the Labrador to get vaccinated – enquiries made with the Millingtons had confirmed Bobby’s vaccinations hadn’t been kept up to date. While the Labrador was there, he was also getting chipped and having his claws trimmed.
It looked like Bobby was here to stay.
They walked along the wide stretch of beach, taking it in turns to throw the ball and laughing at Bobby’s boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Despite the sun, it was bitterly cold but, unlike Lark, the Labrador didn’t seem to notice.
She looked on, snuggling her chin into her scarf and stuffing her gloved hands deeper into her pockets.
‘Don’t suppose you’ve had a chance to take another look at the clothes in the suitcase with everything else that’s been going on.’ Nate hurled the ball with all his might before glancing over at her.
‘It’s funny you should say that, but I was going to fetch it from the cupboard under the stairs just before you arrived.
I haven’t had time since I first opened it.
But a thought struck me and I…’ Bobby came back and dropped the ball in front of her, his eyes hopeful, tongue lolling.
‘Go fetch, Bobby!’ she said as she reached down and picked up the sand-covered ball before hurling it down the beach. ‘He’ll sleep like a log tonight.’
‘He will, and then the torture by snoring will commence. I’ve never heard anything like it,’ Nate said dryly, shaking his head. ‘Anyroad, you said something struck you about the suitcase.’
‘Yeah, it did.’ She switched her gaze to him, keen to see his reaction. ‘What do you think about us donating Betty’s suitcase and the contents to the heritage centre?’
His dark eyebrows flicked up in surprise. ‘Oh, right… I wasn’t expecting you to say that.’ He turned his face to her, listening as she explained the reasons behind her suggestion.
When she’d finished, he said, ‘I think it sounds like a brilliant idea, as long as you’re sure you won’t regret not putting them in your shop.’
‘I won’t, I’m totally fine with it. In fact, I think it would be a wonderful way to remember such a lively member of the town’s wartime community, especially with Betty’s wedding dress possibly being made from parachute silk.’
‘I agree.’
‘I wonder if any of Betty’s relatives still live here in Micklewick Bay?
And if so, do they know about her singing at the dance hall?
And what a huge deal it was at the time, when morale needed a boost. How lovely would it be for them to see some of the things that actually belonged to her?
That she actually wore.’ Her eyes shone as she felt her enthusiasm for the idea growing.
She hoped Louisa would be as taken with it as she was.
‘I daresay it wouldn’t be too difficult to track down living relatives.’
‘I think you’re right.’ Lark tapped her finger against her lip in thought. Did she have time to pay the records office in Middleton-le-Moors a visit? Though you could probably access them online these days. ‘I wonder where I could start looking?’
Nate let out a laugh. ‘You’ve turned into a right little history geek since you opened those suitcases from Crayke’s Cottage.’
‘I’m evidently my father’s daughter.’ She grinned back at him, his smile melting her heart a little. ‘I’ll speak to Louisa about Betty’s clothes, see if she’s interested.’
‘I can’t see why she wouldn’t be. From what you described, they sound amazing.’
Mention of her father meant she found her thoughts veering away from Betty’s potential exhibition. ‘I wonder how Louisa and my dad are getting along?’
‘Like a house on fire, I reckon.’
‘I’ve got a feeling you’re right.’ The thought sent a wave of warmth spreading through her as she pictured them both smiling and laughing together, the way she’d seen them at the Jolly the night before.
Lark and Nate ambled along, the cold biting at their heels.
Arriving at the pier, the halfway point along the beach, they stopped.
The iconic landmark was a feat of Victorian engineering, as was the nearby funicular which was built to give Victorian holidaymakers easy access to and from the bottom prom without them having to trouble the one hundred and ninety-nine steps or Skitey Bank.
The lift used a system of pulleys and water-filled weights to power each journey and was still in use today.
Seagulls screeched noisily overhead as Nate turned to face her, his cheeks and nose glowing red, his fringe fluttering beneath his woolly hat.
‘What are your plans for the rest of the day?’ she asked, the cold nipping at her cheeks, the breeze that had suddenly appeared lifting her hair.
She took the opportunity to scrutinise his face in the daylight, taking in the shadows under his eyes.
There was no escaping the fact he looked tired.
If it was down to that couple hounding him, then that was just awful.
But, she told herself, rather that than something serious to do with his health, which was what she’d originally feared the weird feelings she’d been picking up were trying to tell her.
‘I’m going to head home, grab a bite to eat, then head back to the workshop, tackle those units, see if I can get them finished.’
‘You shouldn’t let that couple bully you, Nate.’
‘I know, but this break away from the workshop has been good, it’s helped clear my thoughts. I feel ready to get back to work now.’
‘Well, don’t overdo it, will you?’ She knew he worked every day, and often late into the evening, and he rarely had a full day off unless they were on a sourcing trip.
‘I’ll be fine, there’s no need to fret about me.’ He smiled down at her, making her heart melt just a little.
It seemed to be happening with increasing frequency.
‘You’re welcome to join me for some soup before you head off. It’s sweet potato and thyme, I made a batch for my dad’s visit so there’s plenty to go round.’
‘Mmm. That does sound tempting.’ He rubbed his gloved hands briskly together. ‘If you’re sure?’
‘’Course I’m sure. Come on, let’s head back, it’s freezing. I can’t feel my toes anymore.’
‘Yeah, I suppose it is a bit parky.’
‘A bit parky?’ Lark echoed, incredulous. ‘Talk about master of the understatement.’
Nate laughed then whistled for Bobby who came tearing over, thrilled to be rewarded with a dog treat.
That done, Lark linked her arm through Nate’s, who jokingly complained as she tried to hurry him along, Bobby racing around them, eager to join in the fun.
‘Okay, okay! I get the message!’ Nate said. In the next moment, he grabbed Lark’s hand and started running as fast as he could. She let out a squeal as her legs raced to keep up with his long strides, Bobby barking in delight as he ran alongside them. ‘Come on, Lark! Keep up!’ Nate cried.
The breeze scooped up their peals of laughter, carrying them along the sand.