Page 55 of The Little Shop on Silver Linings Street
Daisy pointed to the flower head on the page. Her little clay model was an almost exact replica. ‘I think it’s going to be a pendant,’ she said. ‘I just need to work out a way to fix it so that once it’s removed it doesn’t damage the original artwork, that’s if it works at all…’
Amos gently placed the clay against the flower head. ‘Like this?’ he asked, looking at her to check he’d got it right.
‘Yes, you see, I could—’
‘No, I get it,’ interrupted Amos. ‘I’m just not sure why you’re being hesitant.’
‘Because Flora’s prints are so lovely all by themselves and—’ She broke off, aware that Amos was no longer looking at the page but at her, searching her face. ‘Just that I don’t want to ruin them. I wondered if it wasn’t a bit arrogant, seeking to add something to her prints when they’re already beautiful and don’t need any embellishment.’
‘But your jewellery stands on its own two feet just as well as her prints, and what you’re thinking about here is joining two works of art to make a third and that’s something completely different. I don’t think it’s arrogant at all and, for what it’s worth, I don’t believe Flora will either. Inspired collaboration is what it is.’
Daisy smiled. ‘Well, not yet it isn’t but, maybe one day…’
Amos looked at his watch. ‘Well, we could always go and find out.’
‘Sorry…?’
‘I was running errands for the farm this morning,’ he replied. ‘So I’m going back there soon. If you’re not doing anything else, come with me. We can go and ask Flora just what she thinks.’
Daisy’s hand fluttered to her cheek. ‘I couldn’t possibly do that! Not without asking. I mean, it’s Sunday and—’
‘And Flora will be busy selling Christmas floral decorations, and very much working. So, no, you won’t be interrupting her if that’s what you’re worried about.’
‘No, but she still won’t be expecting me.’
Amos grinned. ‘Daisy, the farm is open to the public…’ He raised his eyebrows in amusement. ‘Come on, grab your coat.’
Daisy stood her ground. ‘Erm, we were supposed to be discussing Grace’s present. And I can’t get on and make it unless we do.’
But Amos was just as adamant. ‘What’s to discuss? I think it’s perfect and I would like you to make it exactly as you have described.’ He gave her a warm smile. ‘And I’m not just saying that to get you out of the house. I can’t think of a single thing I would change. I’m not sure how you’ve done it, but it looks to me like a little bit of magic.’
His dark eyes twinkled at her and Daisy knew when she was beaten. She picked up her pieces of clay and closed the sketchbook. ‘Give me ten minutes,’ she said.
* * *
She was ready in half that time, snatching the wreath from the front door on their way out as she remembered that Flora hadn’t seen it yet. Amos insisted that she bring everything, including the design for Grace’s necklace, and minutes later they were on their way back to Hope Corner Farm.
Daisy scarcely had time to think about what was happening to her, something which seemed to be occurring with increasing frequency these days, but with Amos chattering away she didn’t have time to be nervous either. By the time they arrived she was more excited than anything. And it was lovely to be back.
They met Flora’s husband, Ned, on their way in. He was just coming through the gate, almost hidden under a pile of greenery that he was carrying out to a customer’s car.
‘Ho, ho, ho!’ he called out as he passed.
Amos held back to wait for Ned to finish his task. He would need his help to unload his van, currently stacked with the logs that were the result of his earlier errand. But he waved Daisy on with an encouraging smile, suggesting that she should go and find Flora who would be in the old milking shed. Daisy took a deep breath and walked purposefully across the yard.
There could be no doubt what Flora was selling as Daisy approached the shed. Beautiful wreaths and festive garlands lined the route and there were also small trees and a barrowload of mistletoe tied into sprigs with red bows.
Another two people passed Daisy on her way out but, when she pushed open the shed door, she was pleased to find Flora alone, downing a cup of tea by the looks of things. Flora waved when she saw Daisy, flapping her hand as she finished drinking.
‘Sorry,’ she said. ‘Long overdue and nearly cold, but very welcome.’ She puffed out her cheeks which were bright pink and, despite the fact that they clashed rather with her bright red jumper covered in snowy white pom-poms, Daisy thought she looked wonderful. Her eyes were shining with happiness.
‘Have you brought your wreath to show me?’ she asked. ‘I do hope so, I was only saying to Grace the other day that I wondered if you’d finished it, but she thought you’d probably been too busy.’
Daisy smiled. ‘I think she was being tactful,’ she replied. ‘She still thinks I’m making you a Christmas present from Ned, don’t forget.’
Flora tapped her head. ‘Oh, of course… How’s that going anyway?’ And then her eyes lit up. ‘Have you brought that as well? Can I see it?’
‘Well, not exactly. The wreath yes, Grace’s present is still just sketches and a few samples at the moment, but that’s kind of why I’m here. Amos came to see me this morning to see how far I’d got and, well, he suggested I came...’
