Karla said moments later. ‘Now we can take a rest while they cool.’
‘That was fun,’ Colenso said as they collapsed back onto their chairs.
‘Don’t know about that, but it’s bloomin’ bakin’,’ Karla groaned, fanning her face with her hands. ‘Want another drink?’
‘I’ll get them,’ Colenso replied, jumping up and refilling their glasses. She handed Karla hers then ran her fingers along the jars lined up in the cupboards. ‘They’re like priceless jewels,’ she murmured.
‘Well, Jago certainly thinks they’re beyond price,’ Karla moaned. Then her lips widened into a broad grin. ‘That’s it. We won’t hand them over until he pays what he owes.’ She jumped up and began hiding the jars in the cupboards. ‘The lollies are set now, so help me pack them into cones then we can hide those away too,’ she said, snatching up a little pile and placing them on the table. ‘Can’t believe I didn’t think of this before.’
By the time Jago came back, they’d cleared everything away and the room was looking neat and tidy.
‘There’s people milling around all over the fairground. Should bode well for selling lots of sweets,’ he grinned, rubbing his hands together. Then he frowned as he took in the clear table and bare work surfaces. ‘Where are they?’
‘Where’s what, brother dear?’ Karla asked innocently.
‘All those sweets you were busy making.’
‘Yer mean the ones yer intend selling for lots of money?’
‘Of course, er … well, hopefully,’ he amended as they both stared stonily as him.
‘Yer’ll get the sweets when we get our money,’ Karla told him, holding out her hand.
‘I haven’t the time to play games,’ he blustered.
‘Best get on with it then,’ Karla countered. He stared at them for a moment then, realizing he was beaten, took out his leather pouch. Slowly he counted coins into their outstretched hands. ‘And the rest, you skinflint,’ Karla urged. ‘Mother helped as well.’ With a muttered oath, Jago handed over a few more coins.
‘Thank you, brother dear,’ Karla said sweetly while Colenso stared at her money with relief. She had enough to give Mara a fair amount for her board and to purchase another card and stamp should she receive a reply from Kitto. Her heart leapt at the thought and she pocketed her money before helping Karla unpack the confection from the cupboards.
By the time Jago had loaded them onto his wagon and Colenso had thanked Karla for the lesson in sweet-making, it was late afternoon.
‘I’d like to stop at the post office, please,’ she told him as they headed down a road of elegant Georgian houses with their splendid walled gardens and on past the newer townhouses that led into the town.
‘Not sure I’ve got the time,’ Jago muttered, still sulking from being outmanoeuvred by his sister.
‘Well, drop me off here then and I’ll walk. Mara told me the green is only just out of the town.’
‘I suppose I could take you, as long as you promise to help me arrange everything in the Panam. This fair’s only on for two days so I’ll need to make the most of every minute if I’m to earn any profit at all. And we’ll need more cones as well,’ he added, letting out a long sigh.
‘I’d be happy to help,’ she told him sweetly. The sooner she could get to the post office the better. She was longing to find out if there was anything waiting for her. As Kitto had never learned to write she couldn’t see how he could possibly reply, but Mara had seemed so sure.
And Mara was right. A letter was waiting for her. Hugging it to her body, she almost danced out of the building and clambered back onto the wagon.
‘Happy now?’ Jago asked, urging his horse on.
‘Very,’ she smiled widely, tempted to open it there and then. Somehow she resisted and happily watched as they made their way out of the town and along the estuary towards Sunny Corner. Seagulls swooped and called, boats bobbed on white-tipped waves. She had a letter from Kitto and she was happy.
They arrived at the green to find it bustling with noise and activity. As ever, burly men assembled the attractions while children ran in and out of the stalls laughing. Flags flew from tent tops and there was an air of anticipation and excitement.
‘Got a good pitch right in the centre this time. Old Taylor’s here but his cart’s up by the road,’ Jago grinned.
‘Good,’ Colenso smiled, relieved he was happy at last. ‘I can see Mara’s little tent over by the water. Oh, and there’s her van under the trees. I’ll see you tomorrow,’ she said, preparing to jump down.
‘You could at least help me unpack the confection,’ Jago muttered.
‘I’ll help tomorrow,’ Colenso called, leaping to the ground as the horse slowed. All she wanted to do was open her letter and find out what Kitto had said.
Heart thumping, she let herself into Mara’s vardo, for once thankful to have it to herself. Slumping down on the cushion, she studied the bold writing on the envelope until, unable to resist any longer, she ripped open the flap and drew out a sheet of paper.
Dear Colenso
I was so pleased to hear from you and to know you are safe.
Mary Anne, the schoolmistress, read your letter to me. When I expressed my disappointment at not being able to reply, she kindly offered to help me.
We have been meeting each evening and she is teaching me my letters. She has been really sweet and patient for I do not find it easy.
As soon as I’m able, I will follow after you, so please let me know where I can reach you.
I am keeping your pentacle safe until we meet.
Miss and love you.
Kitto
As Colenso read the letter through again, her initial elation turned to dismay. Mary Anne was as pretty as she was clever, and Kitto, her betrothed, was spending each evening with her.
‘What’s up with you?’ Mara asked, entering the van and slumping down on the cushion opposite. ‘I’d have thought a letter from your lover would make you happy not sad. That is from him, I take it?’ She pointed to the letter and looked at Colenso expectantly.
‘Yes, it is,’ she sighed, ignoring the woman’s choice of word.
‘Well then?’ Mara frowned.
‘He’s only spending every evening learning his letters with the schoolmistress,’ she cried, throwing the note down on the seat beside her.
‘May I?’ Mara asked, reaching over and picking it up. When Colenso nodded, she scanned the contents, her lips curling into a smile. ‘Well, that’s a nice letter and he’s keeping your necklace safe. He’s
