The Mystery Of Macgregor’s Cove – Episode 44
The Mystery Of Macgregor's Cove by June Davies
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- 44. The Mystery Of Macgregor’s Cove – Episode 44
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Penelope slipped effortlessly back into the routine of managing Whitlock’s.
Wintry days were lengthening into spring, and Penelope sensed the mood around the pottery changing. Folk went about their work with a will again. Just like old times.
Yet she never was free of apprehension for Adam’s return, nor the nameless, nagging suspicions she couldn’t quite dismiss.
Work upon the Dorothy design progressed apace, and one evening after coming home from the pottery, Penelope carried a small wooden crate into her father’s room.
“Is that what I think it is?” Elias’s pale face lit up.
Carefully prising open the lid, Penelope revealed a cup, saucer and side plate, together with the sugar bowl, milk jug and teapot from the Dorothy hand-painted floral set.
“It’s beautiful!” Elias mumbled, overcome. He’d hoped to throw the set himself, but illness had put paid to that.
“You and everyone at the pot-works have done a grand job, Penny.”
“We know how much the Dorothy means to you,” she responded, a lump coming to her throat.
“You wanted to surprise Mother on her birthday last year.”
“It can go into full production as soon as fits with whatever else is on the books,” Elias declared, enthusiastic as ever when it came to the pottery. “We’ll surprise Dotty on this year’s birthday. Better late than never.
“She’s getting ready for Adam bringing Dorcas home,” he went on. “Even though they’ll not be here long before they move – to Rishton Place, no less!
“I’m right proud of Adam,” Elias reflected. “I sent the lad off to India with next to nowt in his pockets, but he worked hard and made his fortune.
“It wasn’t fair of me, expecting Adam to give up everything in India to come home,” he admitted, frowning. “I wouldn’t blame him if he resented it.
“But he’s never complained! He’s knuckled down and got on with it. That’s not easy for an ambitious man with his whole life in front of him, Penny. Not easy at all.”
* * * *
“Now the excitement is over and, for the time being, Dorcas and her husband are settled at Haddonsell Grange,” Mathilda Macgregor was telling Amaryllis while they planted shallots in the Bell’s kitchen garden.
“I’ve decided to pay our Manx cousins a long overdue visit. I suggest that you and Betsy accompany me.
“I’ve spoken to Noah,” she concluded. “Passage is arranged aboard the packet’s next sailing.”
Amaryllis stared in astonishment.
“Betsy and I can’t possibly go away!”
“These past months haven’t been the easiest for your parents,” Mathilda countered. “Nonetheless, they’ve kept the family and the inn running like clockwork. I doubt they’ve had any time together to think and take stock.”
“But with Dorcas gone, too,” Amaryllis protested, “however will Ma and Pa manage?”
Mathilda smiled.
“Child, your mother and father ran the Bell long before you and your sisters arrived in this world,” she remarked. “I daresay they’ll muddle along without you for a wee while.”
On the morning the girls were sailing to the Isle of Man, Ethel came from the inn-house, a basket over her arm, and crossed the yard to the stable where Kit was saddling Patch.
“I’ve made a batch of goosnargh for Am and Betsy’s journey. I thought you might like to take some to work,” she began, offering the parcel. “It’s a pity you can’t go with the girls.”
Kit thanked her for the shortbread rounds.
“I’d like to have gone, but I can’t be away from the Cut just now. We’re due to start puddling the wharf.”
“You must go next time. Perhaps take Miss Whitlock with you?” Ethel met his eyes awkwardly, before rushing on.
“Kit, I never did thank you for what you and Miss Whitlock did for our Dorcas. You were a true brother. I’ll not forget it.”
With a smile and bob of her head, she hurried away.
“I’d best make sure the girls are packing what’s needed.”
