Page 45 of A Snowy Seaside Christmas
‘A walk on the beach? A good idea?’ Lark looked horrified at the suggestion. ‘Won’t it be absolutely freezing?’
‘I can’t deny, it is pretty chilly out there, but there’s no wind and the sun’s shining. And I discovered yesterday that Bobby loves a tear about on the sand and a game of fetch. If you wrap up warm, you should be okay.’
‘Go on, then, you’ve talked me into it. My dad’s got a key, so he’ll be able to let himself in if I’m still out when he getsback.’ Lark found herself suddenly quite taken with the idea of a cobweb-clearing walk along the beach, watching Bobby race around. And just maybe, spending a bit more time with Nate had something to do with it, too…
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 fromthe 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.
