Page 54 of Snowflakes Over Micklewick Bay

‘I do my best.’ Birdie treated her to a wide grin.

Only last week Hannah had thought she had no one left in the world. No one to love her, or care about her. But she couldn’t have been more wrong. In fact, she found herself feeling guilty for forgetting that Birdie, a tiny scrap of a woman with the biggest heart, cared about her, and that she needed to be cared for in return. And that wasn’t to be sniffed at.

THIRTY-FOUR

WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH

Hannah and Birdie had enjoyed a jam-packed day. They’d had a chatty drive over to Micklewick Bay where they’d viewed Seaview Cottage in the morning. Birdie had been besotted by it in an instant. The cottage had recently been vacated and Hannah was relieved to see that the property management company had done an excellent job, ensuring the building was in a good state of repair. She was aware that a professional cleaning company went in after every tenant had left and cleaned the house from top to bottom. She assumed it would be the company owned by Stella’s mum. Whoever it was, they’d left it gleaming like a new pin.

‘You could walk straight into this, Birdie, it’s that spick and span.’

‘Aye, that I could,’ Birdie had agreed wholeheartedly.

Following that, they’d enjoyed a refreshing wander along the pier before heading to The Jolly for the much-anticipated fish and chips that Birdie declared to be delicious. They’d sat there a while, chatting over a pot of tea before Hannah drove them up to Victoria Square where they’d had a mooch around the shops. Before they knew it, it was time to head over to the bookshop. Florrie had told Hannah they could pop over before the author reading started and join them for a cup of tea, rather than hang around in town. That way they’d be sure to get a good seat in the reading room where the author events were held.

It struck Hannah, as she pushed open the door and the little bell gave its cheery jingle, that the anxiety which usually made itself known when she was in Micklewick Bay or facing anything new had retreated into the background and was barely discernible. She hadn’t expected it to release its grip so quickly. Just goes to show, the power of the mind should never be underestimated.

She stepped inside and inhaled the inimitable smell of books.

‘Ooh this place is lovely,’ Birdie said in awe.

‘Hello, lovey, it’s good to see you again.’ Jean rushed over to Hannah and gave her a welcoming hug. She was dressed in her usual Happy Hartes Bookshop hoodie. ‘And who’s this, then?’ she asked once she’d released her. Hannah caught sight of Florrie talking to a tall man with a floppy fringe who she recognised as Ed.

‘This is Birdie, my friend and neighbour from Beckinthwaite. Birdie, this is Jean Davenport, she works here at the bookshop. She’s also Jack Playforth’s mum – remember I told you about them?’

‘I’m very pleased to meet you, Birdie.’ Jean beamed at her.

‘And I, you, Jean.’ Birdie smiled back. ‘’Course I remember, and how lovely that you have such a talented son.’

‘Thank you.’ Jean glowed under Birdie’s praise. ‘And have you both been having a good day? Florrie said you were having a look around the town.’

‘We have, thanks, Jean. We arrived earlier so Birdie could have a viewing at Seaview Cottage. I’m very pleased to say she’s going to live there.’

‘How wonderful! I’ve always thought it was such a sweet little cottage with the most stunning view,’ Jean enthused.

‘It is.’ Birdie beamed. ‘It’s perfect.’

It wasn’t long before Birdie and Jean were deep in conversation. Anyone would think they were long-lost friends. It had taken Birdie less than ten minutes to find someone to have a conversation with, and a complete stranger at that. Though she’d come a long way in a comparatively short space of time, Hannah couldn’t imagine ever having Birdie’s confidence, but she was definitely someone she could aspire to.

‘Hi there, Hannah, it’s good to see you again.’

Hannah turned to see Florrie, a large hardback book in her hand. ‘Hi, Florrie, s’good to see you, too. Are you all set for the reading?’

‘Aye, pretty much. Here, let me introduce you properly to Ed.’ She waved the tall man over and he strode across the room, a cheerful smile on his face. ‘Ed, this is Hannah, who you met when we were FaceTiming. She’s here for the reading and has brought her neighbour, Birdie. Hannah, this is Ed, my fiancé.’

‘Pleased to finally meet you properly,’ said Hannah, as the pair shook hands. She noted he had a kind face and happy eyes.

‘Aye, you too,’ said Ed, laughing. ‘I think I’ve just seen Birdie chatting with Jean. You’d never guess they’ve only just met. They’re like a pair of kindred spirits.’

‘That’s exactly what I thought,’ agreed Florrie. ‘I reckon there’ll be no air left in the room by the time they’ve finished.’

‘I think you’re right.’ Hannah looked over at her neighbour. It warmed her heart to see her looking so at ease. Birdie could fit in anywhere.

‘If you’ll excuse me, Hannah, I just need to take this book over to the counter,’ said Florrie.

‘And I need to get back to the reading room; a bulb’s just gone in the table lamp. Nice to meet you, Hannah.’

‘You too.’