When I come back, my arms full of silk wrapped in brown paper, my feet want to take me upstairs, to put the package in his room so I can smell the air.
No.
I stop at the bottom step and turn around. Leave the package on the sofa, that’s more appropriate. Honestly! What’s the matter with me? I can’t be missing him already; he’s only been gone three days, yet I keep looking for him in the empty house. He has been gone before, sometimes overnight to Jersey to buy things, and I’m not a little girl who can’t manage without her friend.
???
Tuesday morning.
Brandon’s audition is today.
I keep imagining him in his tux, crisp white shirt, his hair combed back, and that look of concentration on his face.
I get up and wash the breakfast things. Better to keep busy. Perhaps I’ll go next door to chat with Elodie and buy more of her honey things.
But the honey shop isn’t open. There’s a sign on the door saying,
WORKSHOP 10AM, HELEN HEMINGWAY HOUSE OF HOPE.
As I turn to go back, I almost collide with a woman. Philomena Hill and her friend, the woman with the rosette hat.
Great!
Instead of Elodie who is very nice and fun, I get to see the two women who hate me.
“The shop is always closed on Tuesday.” Rosette lady informs me unnecessarily.
I nod and sidestep them to walk home.
“Actually, Mrs Hazelwood, if you have a moment.” This from Philomena Hill.
What now? Today of all days, I’m feeling too delicate for a confrontation, I have half a mind to tell her to relax because I’m leaving soon. Instead, I stop and wait politely.
“I wanted to a quick word with you,” she says in a tight voice, as if a word with me is going to cost her £600.
“I heard you’ve been encouraging Doris to listen to your husband play music.”
Ah, so there it is, she’s about to scold me for endangering Doris.
She takes a deep breath and goes on. “There’s not lot of people who’d bother with someone like Doris. That was very kind of you both. She’s been enjoying the music so much.”
Surprise leaves me speechless.
“Yes, poor Doris.” Rosette lady adds. “She’s had a terrible time, but lately she’s been so much better, almost reminds you of her old self. We’ve even seen her smiling, didn’t we?”
“She can’t stop talking about the music.” Philomena swallows and seems to gather her determination. “That was a very good thing you did. And I’m sorry we got off on a bad foot. George Du Montfort happened to mention you were interested in our work. If you want to come and visit the Lady Isobel Centre, I’d be very happy to show you around.”
Just then the door opens and Hal steps out. He’s dressed in a wax jacket and is carrying a couple of large backpacks. “Hello.” He beams at us. “Are you coming to the workshop?”
“We are, yes.” Rosette lady says, then looks at me, so I shake my head. “I was just looking for Elodie.”
“She’s already down at Helen House,” Hal explains. “Why don’t you come?”
“There’ll be a few of our women there, too.” Philomena adds encouragingly. “You could meet them.”
When I don’t answer right away, she steps back, and her mouth thins.
I realise I’ve not really said much to her, and this is my own fault, my shyness and unease around strangers makes people think me standoffish and aloof. She offered me an olive branch, the least I can do is accept it.
