A Family For Christmas (30 page)

Nan smiled. ‘That's Sam's
domain and this is mine,' she explained, pointing to the pots of salves, dishes of scented
soaps, bath salts and jars of embrocation. ‘Sam attends to the customers' ailments
while I supply their more personal requirements.'

‘And finds out all their gossip,' Sam
added with a broad wink.

‘Well, if you know what's going on in
their lives you can sell them something to help,' Nan chuckled, picking up her broom.
‘I'm off to sweep the pavement.'

‘Here, let me,' Eliza said.

‘You can't do that, you're our
guest,' the woman protested, but Eliza smiled and gently took the broom from her.

‘It's very kind of you to let me stay
when you don't even know me, but I must at least earn my keep.'

Outside the air was cold with a stiff breeze
blowing in from the sea. Eliza inhaled deeply. That smell definitely reminded her of something,
she thought, sweeping the dust into the road then stepping swiftly back as a carriage and pair
swept past. Industrious shopkeepers were pulling down awnings and setting out their wares on
tables in front of their windows. Everywhere people were hurrying about their business and
she'd never seen so many carts and carriages in her life.

This Salting Regis place was all hustle and
bustle compared to the solitude of the moors, she thought, wondering
how Fay and Duncan were. She'd have to write and let Fay
know her new address now she'd moved on – when she had a permanent one, that was.
Spying a smudge on one of the little square windows, she leaned over and gave it a quick wipe.
Then she noticed the pestle and mortar on the sign above the shop and underneath in bold script
‘Samuel Cary, Apothecary'. She smiled: if ever someone was aptly named it was
Grandfa Sam. One window was scripted with ‘Dispenser to Physicians and Patrons', the
other, ‘Purest Powders, Soothing Salves; Scented Salts & Soaps'. Salting Regis
was obviously a thriving place that catered for everyone, including the wealthy, Eliza
thought.

As another gust of wind blew in from the sea, she
shook her head. She wished she could remember where she'd smelled that salty, tangy odour
before. Somehow, she knew it was important.

Despite Sam's protests that Eliza was a
guest, she insisted on helping in the little shop. Seeing her determination, Nan provided her
with a voluminous white apron and soft duster, then set her to work polishing the counters and
display cabinets. Eliza was fascinated by their contents but found herself jumping each time the
shop bell tinkled. Nan soon noticed.

‘He won't think to look here,
dear,' she whispered. Eliza stared at her in surprise. ‘James explained why
you'd left your post and asked us to look out for you. Don't you worry, if that man
dares to enter our shop, I'll chase him straight out again with the poker.'

‘Thank you, Nan. That's very
kind,' she answered, trying not to smile at the thought of this diminutive woman chasing
Monsieur Farrant down the street.

The shop proved to be a busy place. While Nan
dealt with the steady stream of her customers seeking soaps, salts and salves in her cheery,
chatty way, Sam took his clients behind the screen where they were able to discuss their
ailments in private. He would then study the flagons, take down his selection and measure doses
into the glass bowl. Eliza watched as he stirred vigorously then dispensed the restoratives into
little medicine bottles, carefully labelling them in his copperplate writing.

Often he ground ingredients together with his pestle and mortar
and wrapped the powder in little twists of paper. Occasionally, he would melt lumps of waxy
substances, mix with the powders and squeeze in a press to make lozenges. These he stored in
little round cardboard tubs, meticulously penning the names on the lids. He took his job
seriously, ensuring each customer left with strict instructions on how their restorative should
be taken.

The morning passed by in a flash and, come noon,
to Eliza's delight, Nan left her in charge of her precious soaps and salves whilst she
went upstairs to prepare luncheon and have a rest. When she reappeared, declaring she'd
left bread, ham and a fresh pot of tea ready for them, Sam and Eliza took their break.

‘You seem to be taking a great interest in
my work, Eliza,' Sam commented as they tucked into their food.

‘It's fascinating and I'd love
to learn more,' she cried, staring at him hopefully. He nodded but didn't say
anything else, just wrapped his hands around his cup and stared into the fire. Later, as they
made their way back downstairs, Eliza wondered if he'd just been making polite
conversation. After all, she was only here for a week.

Customers came and went all through the afternoon
but as time wore on Eliza noticed Sam wincing as he stretched up for jars he'd had no
trouble reaching earlier in the day. Although he didn't complain, she made sure she was
nearby and could hand him what was required. Surprisingly he accepted her assistance, even
seeming grateful for it.

By Saturday Eliza had come to know the ways of
the
little shop. The customers were friendly and
she enjoyed wrapping their purchases and replenishing Nan's little dishes. She was almost
sorry when, at the end of the week, Sam locked the shop door and turned the little sign round to
show they were closed.

‘Well, day of rest tomorrow, Nan,
eh?' he said, rubbing his back.

‘For some maybe, but no doubt you'll
be expecting your roast luncheon, and it doesn't put itself on the table,' she said,
wagging her finger at him.

‘You must let me help,' Eliza
offered, as they made their way up the stairs.

‘Thank you, dear. Mind you, I expect Master
James will be on the doorstep first thing, if I know him,' she said, turning and giving
Eliza a wink.

At the mention of his name, Eliza's heart
soared. She couldn't wait to see him again and tell him all about her week. Then her
spirits sank. Tomorrow she'd have to leave Sam and Nan and this cosy home. They'd
been so kind and she'd already become fond of them. Of course, she'd known her stay
here was temporary and hadn't unpacked all her bundle, but she loved her room, its linen
fragranced with Nan's lavender, and didn't want to go.

The little shop, with its perfumed products,
healing powders and coloured bottles, was a delight, while Sam's dispensary was
fascinating. How she'd love to learn more, she thought as the three of them sank into easy
chairs beside the hearth. Nan poked and prodded until the tamped-down fire burst into life, then
held her hands out to the flames.

‘There's nothing like your own fireplace at the end
of a busy day,' she smiled.

Eliza sighed, thinking how wonderful it would be
to have a home like this, filled with happiness and love.

Just then the kettle on the fender began to sing
and Eliza hopped up to pour hot water over the leaves in the ever-waiting brown teapot. As they
sipped their tea in companionable silence, Eliza felt she was being watched and she looked up to
see Sam eyeing her thoughtfully.

‘You've been a real help this week,
Eliza. Still interested in learning more about formulating and dispensing, or have we managed to
put you off life in an apothecary's?' Although he spoke lightly, Eliza could tell
her answer mattered to him.

‘I've loved every minute and would
welcome the chance to learn more,' she cried.

‘The shop doesn't have the glamour of
the perfumery, though, does it?' he persisted.

Eliza thought for a moment. Monsieur Farrant had
taught her a lot and for that she was grateful. She couldn't deny she'd have liked
to have finished her training, but now she was away from his possessive, overbearing ways she
felt nothing but relief.

‘It's fascinating but in a different
way. Monsieur said I had a good nose so I'm sure what I learned before could be put to
good use in the shop,' she finally answered.

Nan laughed. ‘There, Sam, you can see the
girl's keen, so put her out of her misery.'

He nodded, that twinkle in his eye. ‘I had
detected a certain amount of enthusiasm,' he teased. ‘The fact is, Eliza, I'm
not getting any younger and your assistance this
week has made me realize that. If you are agreeable, Nan and I
would like to offer you a permanent position with board and lodging.'

Her eyes widened in amazement.

‘Regrettably we can't pay much in the
way of salary, but you would be guaranteed something at the end of every month.'

How kind these dear people were, Eliza thought,
for in all the time she'd worked for Monsieur Farrant she hadn't received one brass
farthing. He'd furnished her with fancy clothes, but that was so she'd look the part
in the perfumery or out in his fancy carriage. Although he'd agreed to taking her on, Fay
had paid him handsomely for the privilege. Now Sam and Nan were offering her a job and board.
What was it Grampy had said about when one door closes another opens? Perhaps, like a guardian
angel, he was watching over her.

She was jolted back to the present by Nan
talking.

‘And Sam is the best apothecary there is,
so you would be trained well. I can teach you how to make the soaps and fragrance the salts, if
you wish to pursue the perfumery side of things. Why you could even …' She trailed
to a halt as Sam held up his hands.

‘Don't overwhelm the girl, Nan. Mull
it over, Eliza, and you can give us your decision in the morning before that scallywag James
arrives.'

‘Please, I'd love to accept your kind
offer. I'll work hard and learn everything you care to teach me,' she cried, eager
to accept in case the opportunity should be snatched away overnight.

Sam smiled and held out his hand.
‘That's a deal, then.
The only
condition being that nothing dispensed here leaves the shop without my approval.'

‘Of course, Sam,' Eliza agreed.

Although James arrived early the next morning,
Eliza had already unpacked her things and set out her treasured box, the portrait Fay had
painted, the flower book, the two scent bottles and Fay's receipt book on the dressing
table. She had just taken the stopper off the little black bottle and inhaled the lingering hint
of fragrance, when she heard her name being called. Hastily replacing it, she ran her fingers
through her hair and, remembering Fay's words, promised she'd make a concentrated
effort to find out where the elusive aroma originated.

James was waiting in the parlour and her heart
did a funny flip when he turned and gave his cheeky grin.

‘Think I must have come to the wrong
place,' he teased. ‘Grandfa's just been telling me about some angel
who's been working in his shop. I don't see you sporting a halo or wings, so I
reckon he must have been talking about someone else.'

‘Eliza's been more help than you ever
have, my lad,' Sam snorted.

‘Now, you two, there's a bit of a
breeze blowing but the sun's trying to shine. Why don't you take yourselves out for
a walk?' Nan suggested.

‘But I must help you prepare
luncheon,' Eliza protested.

The woman shook her head. ‘I need to do
some baking first and can't if James is under my feet. He'll pick at this and peck
at that till I've hardly anything left to take to his father,' Nan clucked.

‘We'll wash up afterwards, Nan,' James assured
her.

James helped Eliza into her cloak and they made
their way down the stairs and outside, where the stiff breeze carried the tang of salt towards
them. She inhaled deeply then sneezed.

James laughed. ‘Ozone beats those country
smells any day – if you can take it, that is,' he ribbed. ‘Come on.' He
held out his arm for her to take and they set off at a brisk pace. Before long James turned
right and she could see the waves bouncing off a high, curved wall, sending spray
everywhere.

‘What's that?' she asked.

‘'Tis the breakwater, built to
protect the boats. Those stones sticking out for steps are known as Granny's
Teeth.'

‘You're joking,' she laughed,
but he shook his head.

‘Straight up; and that building's the
lifeboat station. Those things with sails are fishing boats,' he teased, then groaned when
she dug him in the side with her elbow. ‘We'll stroll around the harbour and you can
tell me all about your week.'

Excitedly she told him all her news, ending with
her offer of a job with Sam and Nan.

‘I can't believe how kind
they've been, especially as they hardly know me.'

‘Ah, but you come with the recommendation
of their grandson.' She turned to face him.

‘You mean you knew this would
happen?' she asked, staring at him in amazement.

‘I hoped it might,' he admitted.
‘However, make no mistake, Grandfa's astute and can suss anyone out in seconds. If
he hadn't taken to you he wouldn't have agreed to
you staying one night, let alone for the week. His brain is still
sharp but, as I'm sure you've seen, he needs assistance with fetching and carrying.
Nan's still as nimble as ever, but the truth is neither of them is getting any younger and
although they work hard, they seldom turn much of a profit. Here we are, nearly into December
and whereas other stores are already displaying Christmas stock nothing has changed in their
shop.'

‘Perhaps I can help,' Eliza offered,
thinking back to last year in the perfumery.

He gave her that smile that made her insides
melt. ‘I'm sure you will. We're extremely busy at the tannery ourselves with
orders for new saddles and equipment for the hunts. I've told Guv I'll work on in
the evenings but my Sundays off is sacrosanct,' he assured her. Her insides rippled with
happiness but she wasn't sure how to reply, so she kept quiet. While he seemed nice and
trustworthy, there was no guarantee he wouldn't disappear, like Duncan or Amos had, was
there?

The next morning, whilst Nan and Sam were busy
serving customers, Eliza scrutinized the stock. Bright ribbons tied around the tablets of soaps
and jars of salts would lend a more celebratory air to the displays and encourage people to buy
them for presents. Although the little shop smelled fragrant, it really did need to look more
festive in the run-up to Christmas. She remembered Monsieur Farrant saying one had to tempt folk
to buy. She was just jotting down some notes when Sam called for her assistance.

They were so busy for the rest of the week that
it was
Friday before she thought any more about
Christmas preparations. Nan was upstairs taking her break when a lady dressed in a sapphire
jacket with long, close-fitting sleeves edged with lace came into the shop. Her overskirt was
drawn up at the sides and bunched up at the back with a matching ribbon, while her hat also had
a matching ribbon tied around the brim and under her chin. To Eliza, her whole appearance looked
a trifle overdone. As Sam was busy behind his screen, she moved forward to attend to her.