Chapter Twenty Six
Victor has been more than true to his word - he promised he could recruit a couple of folks to put on their gardening gloves and he’s delivered in spades - no pun intended!
It’s only been a few days since we spoke on the doorstep, but word has clearly got out. In the garden this morning, we’ve got about eight volunteers - including Victor himself, Bill and even David has come along to lend a hand. He brought a huge hamper filled with fresh sandwiches, flasks of hot coffee and tea, fruit and a large Victoria Sponge cake for us all to enjoy at lunchtime. But until then, we’ve got lots of work to do.
I have to admit, it’s a bit odd having so many people in what was once a secret place for us, but I grow accustomed to their presence and after an hour, we’re all having a right laugh. George, the village vet, is aiding me in carrying the salvaged statues out from the shed and back to their original places, and his hilarious tales of his furry clientele have got me cracking up.
Max, owner of Lily Vale’s gym, is of course doing the heavy lifting. Barely breaking a sweat, he hauls bags of fresh soil over both shoulders and drops them down with a thud next to Victor and Bill, who are currently planning out the new flower borders.
It takes hours of hard work under the sweltering hot sun with just one pause for a break, but finally, we’re done. If Shaun and I had to do this all on our own, it would take weeks - not to mention, cost a fortune - but thanks to our trusty volunteers, the lost garden is ready to open its freshly painted gate to the public.
Beaming with joy, I drag my gaze over the garden - now bursting with life and magic. Just as I wanted, the chaotic beauty of the foliage remains, but it is tamed to a manageable level, new flowers of all hues stand proud and strong in colourful lines, the poppies sway in the gentle wind and the swing is all repaired and ready for a rider. And thanks to Alex’s efforts, the collapsed wall is now fully fixed. Even Colin has come to take a look, chirping atop the brick, as if appraising our work.
My heart swells and unexpected tears spring to my eyes. It’s magnificent.
‘Hey, Ruth.’ His chin dipped to his chest, Shaun speaks softly, almost shyly. ‘I’ve got a surprise for you.’
Bemused, I jerk my head in his direction. ‘Surprise?’
Shaun nods, and gestures to George and Max, who promptly leave the garden. Several minutes later, they return, heaving an ornate wooden bench between them. They place it in the centre of the garden, choosing the perfect spot to take the lush, green beauty from all angles.
Stunned, I come closer and notice a glimmer of gold on the wood. It’s a plaque, engraved with the words: Through the harshest winters, the snowdrop prevails.
It’s my favourite quote from Rosemary’s journal. I can’t believe Shaun remembered that, I must have only mentioned it in passing, and yet, it stuck in his mind enough to do this for me.
‘Oh, Shaun …’ I swallow hard, my throat tight and dry. ‘It’s - it’s beautiful.’
‘I thought you’d like it.’ He extends a hand, but I’m too afraid to take it. ‘Have a seat, try it out.’
‘I … I can’t.’
Shocked, he blinks. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I just … it’s all too much , Shaun.’ Frantic, I shake my head, pivoting on my heel. ‘I’ve got to go.’
I make it out of the gate before Shaun catches me by the wrist, his grasp gentle but firm.
‘Ruth, stop.’ He spins me around so I have no choice but to face him. ‘Did I do something wrong?’
‘No, it’s perfect.’ You’re perfect. I sigh. ‘That’s the problem.’
‘I don’t understand.’
‘Nor do I, not really. All I know is I can’t let myself get hurt again. I can’t … open myself up to that.’
Shaun’s face softens. ‘Hey, I get it. I’ve been repressing my feelings so long, I’d hidden them even from myself. But you helped me, Ruth, and I want to do the same for you.’
‘You can’t.’ I bite my lip so hard, I taste blood. ‘I don’t think I can stay in Lily Vale, I think I’m just digging myself into a deeper hole. One I’m scared I won’t be able to get out of.’
‘What are you running away from, Ruth?’
‘Everything.’
I leave him standing there outside the garden wall as I bolt through the woods, my wellies slipping on the muddy ground. I don’t stop sprinting until I’m at the bottom of the Heather Hills, adorned with a couple of new bruises and grazes for good measure.
Bitter tears welling up, I pull my jacket around myself like a comfort blanket and march doggedly through the village, my head held determinedly high. I don’t even realise I’m heading toward the park until I walk through its bottle-green gates. Absently, I follow the path to the bench by the duck pond and take root. The ducks quack expectantly at me, but I open my palms to show them I have no food for them today.
Ashamed and embarrassed, I sob quietly into my hands, scolding myself for my cowardice and my stupid, stupid heart. If I hadn’t fallen for Shaun, none of this would matter, I’d accept his kind gesture like a friend and I’d even consider staying in Lily Vale, because there would be no complications to overcome.
It’s ironic - I told Preet I had nothing to stay for here, but the truth is there’s something - someone - very special that’s keeping me from staying. Because if I do, I’m vulnerable. I can’t be vulnerable again, I just can’t …
‘Hello, Ruth.’
The stony greeting comes from Maude. I hadn’t even noticed her boldly stroll right up to the bench, but here she stands, dressed in a long, grey duster coat and a wide-brimmed hat that makes her look more mysterious than ever. I wipe the sorrow from my eyes, hoping she didn’t catch me weeping.
‘Hi, Maude.’
‘Listen, I’ve given it some thought, and I can see how much Rosemary and her work has touched you and Shaun. I mean, you wouldn’t go through all this trouble to restore her garden if your only intention was to stir up horrid gossip from the past, so … here.’ She reaches into her purse and pulls out a creased and faded postcard. ‘You’ll find all the answers you need here.’
She pushes it into my palm, clasping my hand in hers for a moment before scuttling off, her sharp eyes darting around, as if she’s just exchanged a top-secret government document with me . Despite my bafflement, I can’t help but snicker, maybe she really is a spy, she certainly acts like one!
Perhaps I should wait until I get home to read the postcard, but I can’t resist. The picture on the front is a photograph of a gorgeous beach with pure white sands and an impossibly blue ocean, crested by grassy cliff sides. It looks idyllic, a real paradise.
Curiosity bubbling over, I flip the card and read the message:
Dear Maude,
I’m sorry I left without saying goodbye - I just couldn’t stand to be in that place anymore.
Rest assured, I’m fine and settled in a lovely apartment in Kefalonia, living with some friends of mine. If only you could see how beautiful the island is for yourself, you wouldn’t believe the crystal clear sea and the exquisite views from the mountains! My inspiration has sky-rocketed, and I hope to make my name known in Greece very soon …
I don’t imagine I will ever return to Lily Vale, there are too many painful memories there, but I still want to stay in touch. The truth is, you were my closest friend, my only true friend. I’d hate to lose you over something as trivial as distance!
I know you’ve probably been worried about me, but let this letter assuage your concerns - I’m very happy here and my heart has begun to heal. I will forget him in time, and for now, my great love is my art.
Take care, and let’s speak soon.
Rosemary x
Stunned, I drop the postcard into my lap. So that night after the Spring Festival, Rosemary packed her suitcase and ran away to Greece - wow, what a brave, wild thing to do. I thought I was crazy when I fled across the country to Lily Vale, Rosemary ran clear across the ocean!
I look up to the clouds, counting the years in my head. She’d be in her late sixties now, nearly seventy - I wonder how she’s doing, is she still in Kefalonia? Did she and Maude keep in touch, or was this the first and last time she ever heard from her old friend? Maude claimed this final clue would answer all my questions, but it’s got me buzzing with brand-new ones!
Still, it’s cleared up the most important of all - Rosemary is okay, and the stubborn twinge in my chest I’ve had since I started to unravel this mystery finally feels at peace. She left her heartache behind and found somewhere beautiful to build a new life.
I toy with the frayed corners of the card and press my lips together … I wish I could be brave enough to do the same.