Page 57 of A Snowy Seaside Christmas
‘I always find that if something’s really bothering me, you can’t beat a talk with good friends for getting whatever it is off my chest. Someone else’s perspective always helps, while bottling it up and agonising over it never does.’
The young woman’s words struck a chord. ‘You’re right. Thank you, I appreciate your advice.’
Once she’d taken payment, she wrapped the midnight-blue dress with the sequinned bodice and full tulle skirt in plenty of tissue before sliding it into a Lark’s Vintage Bazaar paper bag.
Though she’d sworn Maggie to secrecy when she’d confided in her about Nate, Lark knew it was time to share everything with her friends. The thought sent a mix of anxiety and relief racing through her.
With the customer gone, Lark checked her phone to see the message she’d sent to Nate hadn’t been delivered. He must be somewhere out of range. It offered a glimmer of relief that the reason he hadn’t replied was because he hadn’t received her messages rather than him ignoring her.
By the time five o’clock arrived and Lark was locking up the shop, she still hadn’t heard from Nate, though she’d noted that the text had finally been delivered. She wondered if he’d go directly to the heritage centre, rather than reply to her? Or maybe he wouldn’t be there at all. Maybe he’d choose to go when she wasn’t there. That thought saddened her.
Stuffing her keys into her floral backpack, she made her way to the bus stop around the corner, fairy lights and Christmas trees twinkling in the dark, their cheerfulness at odds with her unsettled mood.
‘Come in, Lark.’ Louisa greeted her with a broad smile. It didn’t escape Lark’s notice that she peered over her shoulder as if looking for someone else.
‘S’just me, I’m afraid. I sent Nate a text, but I haven’t heard anything back so I’m guessing he’s rushed off his feet.’
‘That’s absolutely fine, come through to the back,’ Louisa said in her usual jolly tone.
If she’d guessed things weren’t right between her and Nate, then Lark was grateful she wasn’t letting on. She’d feel too uncomfortable mentioning anything.
‘Right then, if you just want to put your bag and coat over there, then pop these gloves on – we wear them to protect special documents.’
‘Yes, of course.’ The lighting was dim, much softer than it had been when Lark and Nate had called round before. She slipped her fingers into the gloves and followed the curator over to the table where the ledger was set out.
‘So, here it is,’ Louisa said in a reverential tone. ‘And I’m beyond thrilled to say it’s in remarkably good condition considering its age. We’ve taken copies, but I thought you’d like to see the original.’
‘Ooh, I’d love to.’
Louisa took a step sideways, making room for Lark.
Lark instantly noticed the energy emanating from the pages. It was still hard to define, a confusing mix of so many things. Crayke’s Cottage flashed through her mind, sending a prickle of discomfort running over her skin. She pushed it away, intent on seeing through whatever the energy was trying to tell her and focusing her full attention on the book.
She took a moment to take it all in.
‘Oh, wow!’ Looking back at Lark was what appeared to be a list of names, occupations, items, monetary amounts and street names. There was also a list of what Lark assumed to be the names of ships. And though the ink had now faded, it was still clear to see that everything was written in a strong, clear hand. The author was evidently educated and bold.
‘This is incredible,’ Lark whispered in awe.
‘And have you noticed anything about the names?’
‘Um…’ Lark peered closer, her eyes running down the carefully drawn up list, spotting a handful of Crayke’s, including one Jacob. ‘Oh, my goodness!’ She clapped her hand to her mouth and laughed. ‘Denton, Harker – that’s both sides of my family, my mum’s going to be devastated. And there’s a couple, no, three Marsays, that’s Bear’s family, Maggie’s going to have a whale of a time teasing him about that. Ooh, and Ingilby and Appleton are Jasmine and Florrie’s forebears.’ Lark hooted with laughter. ‘Looks like loads of us have a dash of smuggler DNA. Ooh, and I’ve just spotted a few Hartes, so Ed from the bookshop is included, too.’
‘There are a couple of Pearsons, too, and Roberts. I wonder if they could be related to our Betty? Her married name was Roberts.’
‘I’m sure they are.’
‘Speaking of which, I managed to track down Betty’s great-granddaughter. You might know her, actually. She’s called Bethany – her name’s still Roberts – and I’d say she’s a similar age to you. She’s lived in Micklewick Bay all her life – maybe you were at school together?’
Lark twisted her head to Louisa. ‘I know a Bethany Roberts! She wasn’t in my year at school – I think she was a couple of years above – but our paths definitely crossed a fair bit. I haven’t seen her for ages. I wonder if she’d like to hear about the suitcase and her great-grandmother’s clothes?’
‘There’s only one way to find out.’ Louisa beamed at her.
‘Oh my days, this is so incredible.’
‘It is, and I’m so grateful to you and Nate for donating the ledger and other items to the heritage centre. We’re going to have a replica made to put on display, give people a proper idea of what it’s like. I think it’s going to be part of an exhibition in the cottage. Maybe have it set out on an old desk with an inkpot, a character sitting at it with a quill in his hand and the replica leather ledger in front of him.’
Lark could see it in her mind’s eye. ‘What a wonderful idea, that would really capture a feel of the time.’
