Page 24 of Snowfall Over Halesmere House
She slid the kayak onto the lake, paddling quickly to stay warm, aware of her surroundings but not slowing to stare. She’d done her research and knew Windermere was home to a group of islands, and today she wanted to explore, take in the shores dotted with boathouses and properties with outstanding views. Further north were the towns of Ambleside and Bowness and she’d need to keep an eye on the ferry near there that crossed the centre of the lake on cables beneath the water.
The icy air was slashing at her face and she loved it, feeling the familiar adrenaline rush as her paddle sliced into the water and arced above her head. She didn’t slow down until she neared a large island surrounded by mature trees, through which she glimpsed a large house. Yachts were moored nearby, and she paddled more slowly between them to the far side.
‘Nice skills.’
Ella’s head whipped sideways to see a man hauling a board down to the shore. He lifted his paddle with a grin. ‘I saw you flying along and thought, “now Kev, there’s someone who knows what they’re doing.” And it’s only the hardy ones like us who come out in winter.’
‘I do love being on the water. And thanks.’
Kev was in a drysuit too, probably mid-forties, and she saw a flash of grey hair as he adjusted his hat to pull a helmet over it. ‘You’ve been kayaking a while?’
‘Years.’ Close to twenty. Ella realised how quickly and yet sometimes slowly the time since losing Lauren had passed.
‘Done any qualifications?’ Kev was on the water now and he glided gracefully over to her.
‘Some.’
‘Like?’
‘Level one paddle-sport instructor.’ Ella brought her kayak across and let it drift alongside Kev, far enough away not to be blown into him. She’d already noticed the change in the wind as the water in the distance rippled gently, and the breeze was heading their way.
‘Music to my ears.’ He held up a hand. ‘Sorry, I’m being nosy. I work just there.’ He pointed to a large house set back from the water in parkland. ‘That’s Ashfell Outdoor Centre. We run a lot of courses focussed on young people’s well-being and development, and I’d love to have a volunteer who can paddle like you do.’
‘Sorry, I’m not really here.’ She saw his surprise and grinned. ‘As in, I’m only working up here for the next three months. Cumbria isn’t permanent for me.’
‘Well, I’d still love you to come down, see what we do, and maybe you’d be interested in giving us a few hours while you are here.’
‘Maybe I will.’ And maybe she wouldn’t, Ella thought. She had a feeling Halesmere would be keeping her busy and she didn’t really see herself making many friends or getting too tied down before she left.
‘Okay. You know where we are if you want to get in touch.’ Kev tipped his head, and she lifted a hand as he pushed away, heading north.
She increased her speed, knowing she shouldn’t get cold, and saw the ferry with a few foot passengers and a couple of cars making the crossing. The shore was busier as she approached the towns and she turned back, gliding smoothly across the water. Sheep were grazing the fields and she spotted a few deer leaping through woodland as she drifted beneath low branches. So very different to the rivers she was more used to; and she was still thinking about Kev’s invitation to his centre when she packed up and drove back to Halesmere.
Ever since she had lost Lauren and no longer had someone to share a room with, sleep had been elusive for Ella, and she was used to it. Over the years she’d tried most things to help and occasionally something would work for a while, but then she’d be back to square one, half-awake through the hours of night. The change in her routine while she was at Halesmere was going to take some time to settle into.
She cooked a quick supper in the house, moving a few things around in the new kitchen to make it more intuitive for the guests who would come after her. She’d already explored the bedrooms and found that Max had left her case in the master, which had an en suite with a spectacular roll-top bath and rainwater shower.
When she could no longer ignore the need for sleep, she left the lights on downstairs and placed the Bluetooth speaker playing her favourite tracks beside the bed. Every doorknob squeaked when she turned it, floorboards creaked and shifted beneath her feet and the house itself seemed to be sighing gently. Ella got into bed – and leapt straight back out when there was a smack at one of her windows. A cautious peek round the heavy floral curtain revealed a narrow branch tapping against the glass.
She let out a breath and got back in. The bed was perfect, firm yet soft with pillows to match, sheets warm and luxurious against her skin. She read for a while, caught up on social media and messaged Dylan and her brother. But her mind was still buzzing with uncertainty and there was only one way she could try to settle it.
She pulled on a hat and a coat over her pyjamas and crept back down the wide staircase, grateful for the lights she’d left blazing as she tugged trainers on. She unlocked the front door and stepped out into the icy night. The lime trees edging the drive were still, her breath a thin silver cloud blown into the dark. Frost smothered the cars, glittered on shrubs poised in the garden, as she set off along the drive. She didn’t know the landscape well enough to leave the grounds at this time of night and she walked quickly, resisting the desire to increase her speed to a run.
Not a thing seemed to be stirring when she reached the empty lane; she felt like the only person awake and watching the world at this hour. She took a few steps down the road, then changed her mind. She really ought to go back to bed; midnight would soon be past, and she couldn’t spend the night marching up and down the drive.
She heard Prim before she saw her as she neared the house. The dog was snuffling in the shrubs beside the cottage and a glance revealed Max framed by light from the hall. Ella paused, waiting for him to call Prim and go inside. But neither he nor Prim seemed to be in any hurry and Ella sidled backwards as Prim wandered towards her. She saw the dog freeze, then her tail shot up and she barked once, cautiously, then let out a volley of noise that had Max running after her.
‘Prim, shut up, there’s nothing there,’ he hissed. ‘Be quiet, you’ll wake the kids up.’
Ella had been looking for a tree or convenient spot where she might hide, but it was too late. Prim had found her and immediately swapped the barking for a madly wagging tail and a desperate wish to put her paws on Ella’s shoulders.
‘Who’s there?’ Max called sharply.
‘It’s me.’ She stepped forward, offering a quick smile she wasn’t sure Max would see through the dark. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to set Prim off like that.’
‘Ella! You had me worried for a minute, Prim’s never barked like that before.’
‘Just doing her job, aren’t you, girl.’ Ella stroked the dog leaning against her legs.
