an unfathomable look in his eyes as he stood watching from the archway.
‘Oh Garren, I didn’t see you there. Thank you,’ she said quickly, and without even thinking to introduce the two men, yanked open the door.
‘Better take the umbrella or you’ll get drenched,’ Garren called, gesturing to the black gamp in the stand.
‘Thank you, sir,’ Kitto said, snatching it up and following her outside. From under its canopy, they stood staring uncertainly at each other. ‘We’ll catch our deaths in this. Come on, there’s a little place by the market that does hot drinks.’
He set off at a brisk pace and, unless she wanted to get a drenching, Colenso had little option but to follow. They passed the other shops on the higher side of the pavement before crossing the road by the market. A few moments later he opened the door and ushered her into a small room with tables and chairs. She chose one furthest away from the fair-haired young girl behind a huge tea urn, who was eyeing them curiously.
‘Usual mug of tea, Kitto, lover?’ she called.
‘Yes please, Polly,’ he called cheerfully, shaking the rain off the gamp on the doorstep before joining Colenso. ‘Tea for you too, Cali?’ he asked, using the endearment she used to love hearing. After all this time though, it sounded wrong and far too familiar.
‘Er, yes, thank you,’ she replied when she realized he was waiting for an answer. Sliding into the seat opposite, he smiled. ‘So what delights were you purchasing from the confectioners?’
‘I wasn’t. I work there,’ she told him.
‘So that’s where you’ve been hiding, I …’ he broke off as the waitress arrived with their drinks.
‘Here we are, Kitto, a cup of tea just how you like it, good and strong. And one for …?’ the young girl paused, looking at Colenso expectantly, ‘your friend,’ she finished, when there was no reply. With a raise of her brow in Kitto’s direction, she scuttled off to serve another customer.
‘I haven’t been hiding, Kitto,’ Colenso replied, staring at the almost red liquid with distaste. ‘I’ve been working at the shop for nearly a month, which to my mind has given you ample time to find me – if you really wanted to, that is.’
Kitto’s eyes widened in shock.
‘Gosh, Cali, I don’t remember you ever being like this before.’
‘Well, I’ve never felt like this before. Your letter saying you were leaving Helston was posted almost a month ago. I thought you were coming by carter not camel.’ The spark of amusement in his eyes didn’t help her mood. Was he laughing at her? ‘And it’s obvious you haven’t just arrived either, being as how you’re well known here,’ she continued, jerking her head towards the young girl who was staring in their direction.
‘I have been here a little while, yes,’ he agreed. ‘When I reached Marazion and was told the fair had moved on, I made enquiries at the post office and was told my letter had been forwarded to Penzance. You knew I was coming and could have left me a forwarding address.’ Dark eyes that moments ago had gazed at her lovingly now stared accusingly.
‘For one thing your letter only reached me this morning. For another, when we left for St Just I had no idea the fair was disbanding for the winter. Mara, the lady I travelled with since leaving Cadgwith, died and I found myself without a home or job.’ Feeling tears welling, she looked quickly down at her drink.
‘That must have been tough,’ he said, his voice gentle as he reached out to take her hand. His touch sent shivers of delight up her arm but, not wishing to show it, she pulled away. Hurt flickered in his eyes but he shook his head. ‘It seems we have both been through difficult times recently,’ he added quietly.
‘I was sorry to hear about your mother and Wenna. They were lovely people,’ she murmured. He nodded, his pain evident now. ‘It’s been a distressing year all round. I can’t tell you how shocked I was when I heard what had happened to you. Which reminds me, I’ve kept this safe for you,’ he said, delving into his breast pocket and drawing out her necklace. ‘Carried it next to my chest all these months, Cali, I mean Colenso,’ he said quickly as he held it out.
‘Thank you,’ she murmured, taking it and holding it tight. The familiar feel of the metal was reassuring and she felt herself thawing slightly. ‘I suppose nothing has changed with Father and Mamm?’
‘Everything’s changed. After Fenton was dismissed, your father took to spending all his time in the alehouse. Seems our dear manager was caught misappropriating the funds. That’s why Mr Quinn, the owner, stayed so long. He got rid of Mrs Grim too, said she was too depressing. Anyway, a new manager’s been appointed and your mother has moved in as his housekeeper. Said she wasn’t prepared to put up with Peder’s drunken rages any longer. At least she’s got a room in that nice house to live in, but he’s lost the cottage and has to sleep in a net loft. Your mother said to tell you she’s sorry for everything that happened and, could you ever bear to return, she’d love to see you.’
‘Goodness,’ Colenso gasped, trying to take everything in. She was pleased her mamm was making a new life, but to think she’d been fretting about the Ferret finding her when he had already moved on.
‘Just as well Fenton moved on, because when I heard what had been going on in my absence I … well, let’s just say I could have killed Fenton and your father too.’
‘And is the new manager agreeable to work for?’ she asked, trying not show she was pleased to hear he cared so much.
‘I don’t know. By the time he was appointed, I was busy sorting things out at home. It was a terrible time. Alys and Daveth were inconsolable,’ he shook his head and took a gulp of his tea. Without thinking, she reached out and squeezed his arm. He stared at her sadly.
‘I’ve found a job at the Wherrytown works, but I can see that I’ve left it too late,’ he shrugged. ‘That man in the sweetshop seems nice.’
‘Garren? He is. He and his father have both been very kind to me. I’m learning to make confections as well as serving in their shop.’ Kitto nodded.
‘Your eyes light up when you talk about them and I must say, even slightly bedraggled, you’re looking beautiful. That pink puts me in mind of one of those camellias you love so much.’ He gave a tentative smile and she could feel her lips twitching in response for hadn’t they always thought alike?
‘How long have you been working at Wherrytown?’ she asked.
‘Three weeks or more.’
‘And you’ve only just managed to find me?’ she asked indignantly.
‘I couldn’t begin looking until I had a job and something to offer you,’ he replied. ‘I always said I wanted to give you something better than a brass curtain ring.’
‘Oh,’ she said, jumping up. ‘I’ve just remembered I promised Garren I’d help him make a start on the Christmas confections.’ As she reached for the umbrella, he put out a hand to detain her.
‘Before you go, Cali, tell me; is there anything between this Garren and you?’
‘What?’ she laughed. ‘Good heavens, no. He’s a lovely man but he’s not …’ She’d been about to say he’s
