I look around and see the village with new eyes. Everywhere, frilly window trim, doilies on jars, ribbons tied around candles, even the bookshop is selling recyclable shopping bags made of blue jacquard.
“Surely not everyone was so charitable.”
“No, not everyone, but before long, it became a badge of pride to have some of our fabrics in their homes or shops. Even the few who didn’t want to help, had to be seen to buy some of our fabric. They saved us, those early months, and before long the orders started pouring in for the new designs, and we became a success story. In return, every year, we donate a few pieces to the bazaar.”
The story is oddly moving. So different from anything in my life, I don’t know how to feel about it.
These people care deeply about their island and about their community. I remember last October at the autumn nutting fair: a middle-aged, fat man smiling at me and congratulating us on our ‘good news’ as if we were family. Yet, here I was slagging off their Christmas decorations, which are in fact so much more meaningful than cheap tinsel. No wonder Philomena Hill was angry. I feel ashamed and make my mind up to apologise as soon as I can find her.
“How is it going?” Brandon is back at our table with two steaming takeaway cups that smell of apple and clove. “Millie is across there.” He tips his head toward the fountain where a booth has a long queue. “She’s selling spiced hot chocolate, and I thought the two of you might appreciate a hot drink.”
“How thoughtful, thank you.” Laura takes a cup. “I love her recipes, you should try the chili one, or dark cherry, but this is my favourite.” She takes a long sip.
She’s right, the hot chocolate is rich and warming, and the flavour feels like a sinking into a hug.
“I also got you some of the lemon and ginger biscuits you like.” He offers me the box. It has the by now familiar logo of Blue Sage Café.
“Gosh, you really remind me of Liam. What a thoughtful man.” Then, Laura nudges me with her elbow. “Nice husband.”
This time, I have to blink back tears. Laura has been lovely to me, I hate having to lie to her. I open my mouth but Brandon – no doubt guessing my intention – interjects.
“Why don’t you come and show Millie your berries. I’ll help you.” He grabs one of the bags and takes my elbow in his free hand; I have no choice but to follow.
Once we’re halfway across the square, he whispers. “You looked about to let the cat out of the bag.”
“Aren’t you sick of all the lying?”
“I’d be much sicker if we woke up tomorrow to horrible headlines about you.”
He’s right of course, but that story about everyone coming to the factory workers’ aid filled me with a strange sense of something I can’t really explain. I sigh and Brandon shoots me an enquiring glance.
“Nothing.” I say quickly.
We reach Millie’s Blue Sage Café stand and go to the side to avoid the queue. She and an assistant are busy serving a selection of hot drinks, but she gives me a cheerful nod.
“You alright?” Millie asks while handing someone a cup of hot chocolate and putting the money into a cashbox.
I avoid the question by heaving one of the bags up to show her.
“Don’t do that.” Brandon takes it from me and puts on the table.
“I can manage a bagful of little round things.”
“You could allow yourself to accept a little help once in a while.” His lips twitch, and his eyes twinkle with good humour. “If you don’t need me, I’ll…” He points to the other end of the square and I wave him away.
Millie comes over to look inside the bags and is very excited. “You must have emptied your garden.”
“Far from it, we have a forest of briars.”
“I’ll take all you have. How much are you selling it for?”
“No idea. Whatever you think.”
She finds her wallet and pulls out £200 pounds and hands it to me.
“That’s far too much!”
She presses the money into my hand. “It’s a worthy cause.”
