Dorothy took a sip of tea. ‘I think someone doesn’t want the past staying in the past. They want you to discover the story behind this dress.’
Fern’s pulse quickened. This was no ordinary mystery. After they finished their tea, they thanked Dorothy for her time, and as soon as they stepped outside, Daniel let out a breath.
‘Six grand for a wedding dress. That is unbelievable.’
‘Why would you just discard a dress of that value?’
Daniel shrugged. ‘Maybe you have more money than sense, or you just don’t know its worth.’
‘Someone must know something! By the way, did you notice Dorothy’s brother was the same man that came into the shop and looked at the piano?’
‘I did. She’s never mentioned him, and I don’t think Matilda ever did either. What is the plan now?’
‘We find Eliza Valentine and pay her a visit,’ declared Fern.
ChapterTwenty-One
Fern stirred as the scent of freshly brewed coffee reached her, coaxing her into wakefulness. She opened one eye, then the other, squinting against the early morning light filtering through the mismatched bedroom curtains.
‘Morning, Sleeping Beauty.’ Daniel smiled, approaching with two coffee cups and a folded newspaper under his arm. ‘Coffee, just for you.’ He handed one of the cups to Fern and placed the newspaper on the bed next to her.
‘Why are you always cheerful in the morning?’
‘Because every day is for living and sales have gone up overnight. More of Matilda’s old treasures have been sold online! No. 17 Curiosity Lane has made seven hundred pounds in sales this week so far.’
‘No way!’
‘I told you, the internet loves weird stuff.’
Fern stretched, inhaling the aroma of coffee. ‘That’s actually impressive.’
‘I’m listing more today. I’ve already posted a couple of videos this morning.’ He flipped his phone screen towards her, showing her the growing social media engagement. ‘Comments are wild. Listen to this. “This guy belongs on TV!” and “I’d pay good money to watch a full concert of the singing junkman”.’ He laughed. ‘They love me!’
Fern shook her head, grinning. ‘So it begins. Next, you’ll be hiring a manager, then refusing to get out of bed for less than ten grand. Your ego will be massive.’
‘Fame is a heavy burden,’ Daniel said dramatically, ‘but I’ll bear it.’
Fern rolled her eyes and took another sip of coffee. As she leaned back against the pillows, her gaze fell on the newspaper. The bold front-page headline made her pause.
‘Final Cadence: Composer Nathaniel Loring Retires on a High Note as Ill-health Takes Hold.’
She placed the coffee mug down on the bedside cabinet and picked up the newspaper.
‘That doesn’t sound good, does it?’
‘One of the world’s greats. It’s just been all over the radio. Apparently his health is failing rapidly.’
Fern skimmed the article.
Nathaniel Loring, the legendary composer whose melodies defined a generation, is reportedly living out his final months in seclusion. The 85-year-old maestro, best known for his timeless composition ‘Echoes of the Past’, remains a towering figure in the world of music. Sources close to Loring confirm that his health has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, and he has now finally admitted the need to retire to his countryside estate in Hampshire.
Loring’s impact on the music industry is immeasurable. Rising to fame in the early 1960s with his debut, he became one of the wealthiest composers in history, his music transcending borders and generations. Despite his immense success, Loring never married or had children, instead dedicating his life to his craft. He spent most of his years in Italy, composing masterpieces that cemented his legacy as one of the greats.
In a rare interview a decade ago, Loring stated: ‘Music is the love of my life, the only constant, the only truth.’
As he retires from public life, speculation has grown. Will he release a final composition to mark the end of his extraordinary career? Whether he does or not, his music will endure, forever an echo of the past.
Fern let the paper rest in her lap, exhaling slowly.
