Love Heart Lane

‘Is that…’

‘Yes, that’s Esme,’ said Rona, squeezing her daughter’s hand.

All Felicity could do was stare at the beautiful little girl. Of course, she knew Esme existed and that Fergus was now a proud dad, but over the years she’d tried not to think about it. Esme must be around six years old now, and Felicity could still remember the night her mum had telephoned her in London to tell her the news that Fergus was expecting a child. Her heart felt as though it had been stabbed, it hurt that much. And although it had been her choice to leave Heartcross, she’d never thought that Fergus would move on so quickly. For her it had still been way too soon.

Felicity hadn’t asked her mum for details. In fact, she told her mum that she didn’t want any more updates from Heartcross, and that was when she’d cut herself off from everyone here.

She knew it wasn’t going to be easy coming back. As she finished her drink she spotted Isla and Drew who’d slipped in through the back door and tried to fix a smile on her face. Isla was clutching the hand of a handsome little boy, similar in age to Esme. The second he saw Esme he ran off towards her. Drew weaved his way to the bar leaving Isla to have a look around, and when she spotted Felicity and Rona sitting at the table in the window, she smiled and made her way over.

‘Drew said you’d be here … do you mind if we join you?’

‘Be my guest,’ answered Felicity, gesturing to the empty chair. She watched Isla slump into it.

‘I’ll be glad to get this little mite out, I feel like a barrel.’

Rona smiled. ‘Then the fun really begins.’

‘How’s things?’ Isla tactfully nodded her head towards Allie.

‘A little frosty but I did mention about getting together very soon.’

‘And…’

‘And she didn’t say no.’

‘That’s a start. I’ll catch up with her in a minute and see when she’s free, but with this weather I’m not sure I’m up to waddling very far. Maybe you could both come over to the farm? I’ll get Finn into bed early and cook us something nice to eat.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Absolutely.’

‘Sounds like a plan,’ said Felicity who also didn’t want to venture out too far in this weather.

Drew appeared back at the table with a smile and handed a drink to Isla. ‘Shall I get us some food?’

‘That would be lovely.’ Isla smiled up at him, not wanting to put any more weight on her feet just yet. Drew gave his wife a quick peck on the top of her head then disappeared off towards the table of food.

There was some sort of commotion going on in the far corner of the pub and raised voices could be heard. Rona strained her neck to see what was going on, before standing up and making her way over to the group of villagers that were huddled in the corner. Hamish was trying to calm things down and looked very official standing there with his pen poised against a clipboard.

‘That all looks very serious,’ commented Felicity to Isla. ‘What’s going on?’

‘Urgent meeting, because of the snow. There’s no deliveries scheduled now for a few more days and the bad weather has come early, taking everyone by surprise.’

Felicity knew the delivery trucks into Heartcross ran like clockwork, and everyone relied on them. Usually even in the bleakest mid-winters everything ran smoothly but for a meeting to be held, there must be real concerns.

‘But Heartcross is used to this kind of weather and is usually prepared,’ said Felicity, still looking in the direction of Hamish.

‘Usually, but we all thought we had a couple more days until the weather turned. Hamish had upped the grocery delivery to the shop but with this severe snowfall no more trucks will be able to get through until the snow thaws,’ said Isla with concern.

Drew appeared by Isla’s side and handed her a bowl. ‘Here, eat this.’

‘Thanks. How’s Hamish getting on over there? Have you listened in?’ asked Isla, seeing even more villagers gathering around.

‘Hamish is making it pretty clear he can’t just sell the produce on the shelves to one person, and that it needs to be distributed fairly to each household until the delivery trucks can get through. But people are concerned and they’re arguing amongst themselves, that’s why I’ve escaped for a second … taking a breather.’

‘Any news on the school?’ asked Isla, noticing Jessica, Finn’s teacher, chatting to Rory.

Felicity looked up, Jessica was the woman who’d brought Esme into the pub.

‘Not only is Jessica stranded in the village due to the weather, she’s just announced the school is closed until further notice. She’s had to rent a room with Julia at the B&B. There’s no way she can drive her car down the track and over the bridge.’ Drew placed his hand in the small of his wife’s back. ‘Which means Finn is going to be home from tomorrow but I promise I’ll help out as much as I can.’

There was no hiding Isla’s sigh, she barely had the energy to put on her own socks never mind entertain a six-year-old.

‘Normally, I wouldn’t mind. I enjoy him being home but it’s just a little tiring at the moment waiting for this one to make an appearance.’ She patted her stomach and felt a kick. ‘He’s being a little live wire tonight.’

‘I can help out while I’m here. I had visions of me working in the teashop to pass some time but…’

‘Give your mum some time, it’s been difficult,’ interrupted Isla. ‘And thank you, I’d love to see as much of you as possible whilst your back.’ Isla smiled at Felicity, meaning every word.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of Hamish raising his voice, ‘If anyone would like to volunteer…’ He looked hopefully at the crowd of people.

No one answered.

‘You can’t all stand here demanding to know how I’ll allocate my produce when no one is willing to help.’ He sounded exasperated.

Felicity stood up and wandered over to the crowd. ‘What is it you need Hamish?’

‘I need another pair of hands. Firstly, we need to concentrate on the perishable goods and make sure it doesn’t go to waste and then we need to come up with a plan for the rest of the stock.’

Felicity determinedly stepped forward. ‘I’ll help you with that, no problem.’ Felicity knew that with her own experience at work, she could easily scan through the stock lists and share out the food as fairly as possible. ‘I’ve got time on my hands while I’m home.’

Hamish’s face lit up. ‘Felicity Simons, are you serious?’

‘Deadly serious.’

‘You are a gem.’ He beamed, looking like a huge weight had lifted from his shoulders.

‘What time do you want me in the morning?’

‘Eight o’clock?’

‘Eight o’clock it is.’ She smiled at Hamish before noticing the proud smile on her mum’s face. ‘Can I make a small suggestion?’

‘Of course,’ answered Hamish, waiting to hear what Felicity had to say.

‘Priority food maybe needs to go to the care home first, the elderly.’

‘Indeed, we can draw up a list and hopefully the next truck will be able to get through as soon as the snow thaws.’

Everyone agreed, and Felicity joined Isla back at the table.

‘Look at you,’ grinned Isla as Felicity sat back down opposite her. ‘Back in Heartcross two minutes and taking control. Hamish will never want to let you go if you can keep that lot in order.’

‘Well, someone had to step in. Otherwise those perishable goods would be even more perishable by the time they sorted themselves out.’

Isla tried to laugh but her face paled. She clutched her stomach before letting out a tiny groan.

‘What is it?’

‘How are you at delivering babies?’ She sucked in a breath and grimaced.

Instantly, Felicity felt her eyes well up with tears and swallowed down the lump in her throat. Her body surged with emotions she’d managed to keep locked away for a very long time, taking her by complete surprise. The guilt always hit first, wondering if she could have done something different – was the miscarriage down to her, could she have done anything else? The sense of loss never left her.

Isla noticed the colour had drained from Felicity’s face.

‘Oh my gosh, Flick, I’m so sorry, I really wasn’t thinking,’ said Isla, immediately reaching over the table and squeezing her hand.

‘It’s okay, really it is,’ Felicity replied, her voice shaky. ‘Shall I get Drew or even Rory?’

‘Rory … he’s a vet!’ Isla laughed, trying to lighten the mood but still clutching her stomach tightly.

‘It’s got to be the same difference, delivery of a baby or a lamb,’ smiled Felicity.

‘Luckily for everyone it’s those Braxton Hicks, nothing to worry about. I’m sorry Flick, I really didn’t mean to upset you.’

‘I know you didn’t. And I can’t hide myself away from every pregnant woman I see,’ said Felicity, even though she knew for a very long time she hadn’t been able to even look at a pregnant woman.

‘Are you going to try and talk to Fergus while you’re back?’

‘Aggie’s already warned me off him.’

Isla rolled her eyes, ‘She’s been under the weather recently; she’s got this cough that she can’t shift so her mood is probably not the best, but you know Aggie from old … her bark’s worse than her bite. Your reasons for leaving were about you. You were grieving and had to do what you needed to do. No one should judge you for it.’

Felicity was grateful that Isla understood.

‘Aggie doesn’t see it like that.’

‘She didn’t like to see her boy hurt but it still doesn’t give her the right to treat you with a lack of respect. You both went through a difficult time. Time moves on, people move on.’

‘Fergus has moved on,’ added Felicity, glancing in Esme’s direction.

Isla followed her gaze. ‘She’s a wonderful little girl, beautiful inside and out. You’ll like her.’

‘Fergus can’t even bear to look at me.’

‘He will, give it time. It’s the first time he’s set eyes on you since then. Even though I do know you’ve sneaked back a few times without seeing any of us.’ Isla tutted playfully.

‘I am sorry about that,’ said Felicity regretfully.

‘It’s okay, honestly it is. There were a few people that were hurt when you upped and left including me and Allie but we knew why. We knew you needed space, we just didn’t think it would be eight years of space.’

‘Time drifted on but I don’t think Allie will be as forgiving as you.’ Felicity blew out a breath and glanced in her direction. She was standing by the bar laughing with Rory but caught her eye for a split second.

‘We both know Allie from old, strong willed, stubborn but whatever she says, she’s missed you like crazy. We all have. Grief is real and however long you needed, your crazy friends are still here. She’ll come round …we haven’t gone anywhere.’

For a time, Felicity’s life had descended into complete darkness. It had taken awhile but she had come a long way over the last eight years. Felicity’s eyes glistened with tears as she felt an overwhelming feeling of love and belonging for her old village. She smiled across the table at her friend knowing that she had missed this place more than she wanted to admit. Everything felt right and familiar.

‘Promise me one thing, Isla.’

‘Go on,’ Isla met her gaze.

‘Just try and hold that baby in until we can get across the bridge and drive you to the hospital.’

‘I’ll try my very best for you. And I’m glad you’ve come home, I for one have really missed you.’

Felicity squeezed Isla’s hand. She knew she had a few bridges to mend but having Isla back on her side gave her an overwhelming feeling of warmth. She’d missed Isla too.

Chapter 6

Felicity was up at the crack of dawn, woken by the chill in the air. She shivered and pulled the duvet up tight around her neck but it was no use, she couldn’t get warm. Her feet felt like blocks of ice and her teeth were chattering. How could her mum live like this? She tossed and turned but it was no use, she couldn’t get back to sleep. Slipping her socks onto her feet and a jumper over her head, she padded quietly downstairs in need of a warm drink. Everywhere was in complete darkness and Felicity looked up at the clock; it was only 6.30 a.m.

After placing the kettle on the Aga she pulled back the curtains and couldn’t believe her eyes, the snow was actually still falling. There was no way the delivery trucks would be getting through until this began to thaw and Hamish had been right to think about rationing the food supplies in the village.

Felicity noticed the light was on in Rory’s living room opposite, but as she watched, it immediately turned off and his front door opened. As Rory stepped outside, his wellington boots disappeared under inches of snow. He didn’t attempt to start his car; instead he clutched tightly on to his bag and with his head bent low, he ploughed through the snow in the direction of the veterinary practice. Hearing the kettle begin to whistle, Felicity made herself a coffee and made up the fire. Hopefully by the time her mum was awake there should be a little more warmth in the cottage. After the fire was lit and she’d drained her mug, she placed the kettle on the Aga once more, so she could use the warm water to have a wash. She didn’t relish the idea of a cold shower in this weather. Before she could forget, she tucked the boiler quote into her bag, so she could arrange for them to come out to the cottage as soon as possible.

Within the hour, and with Rona still fast asleep, Felicity wrapped up warm, sank her feet inside her wellington boots and closed the front door quietly behind her. The whole of Love Heart Lane lay in complete darkness, everyone still fast asleep making the most of not going to school or work. The early morning chill instantly nipped at her face and she buried her chin under her scarf and clutched her bag against her body. Even though her thermal socks swathed her feet they instantly felt frozen. Her footsteps were small, the snow sinking halfway up her boots. It was difficult to walk in such conditions, and her legs felt heavy but she knew with each small step she was getting closer to Hamish’s shop.

When she reached the shop the light was on and as she pushed open the door the bell tinkled above her head, alerting Hamish to her arrival. He looked up from behind the counter and smiled. ‘You made it then! There’s tea in the pot.’

‘Thank you,’ she answered, peeling the scarf from around her head and placing her white flaky sodden hat on top of the counter. ‘Where do we start?’ asked Felicity, skimming a glance around the shop before pouring herself a cup of tea.

‘I’ve moved all the perishable goods into these boxes, and somehow we need to get these up to the care home.’

Felicity cocked an eyebrow. ‘That’s a half-mile climb up the hill.’

Hamish blew out a breath. ‘I know – it’s going to be a struggle but they will need the food for the residents.’

‘We can do this, we won’t be defeated,’ answered Felicity with vigour and determination and a smile on her face.

‘That’s the spirit. The things over in that corner—’ Hamish pointed ‘—are the tinned and packet items that go out of date first.’

Hamish had worked out what food was going where to keep the community fed over the next few days until the trucks could get through. All Felicity had to do was help to bag it up and get it delivered. They set to work and within thirty minutes there were carrier bags of food parcels lined up by the door ready and waiting to be delivered.

It was just at that moment the door opened and they both looked up to see a cold, red-faced Rory staring back at them.

‘Good morning, how are the troops?’

Hamish smiled. ‘Just preparing ourselves mentally and physically to begin the deliveries.’

‘Mrs Hughes from the care home has just logged a call at the surgery. Remy the cat is a little under the weather so I’m off up there to take a look at him.’

‘Does that mean what I think it means?’ chipped in Felicity with her fingers firmly crossed behind her back.

Rory grinned. ‘I’ll take with me whatever you have.’

‘You, my good friend, are a life saver,’ said Hamish. ‘Can you manage three carrier bags and this box?’ Hamish looked hopeful while Rory began to juggle the food. ‘If you get the door I should be okay.’

Hamish couldn’t thank Rory enough as he set off towards the care home through nine inches of snow, with more flakes still falling.

‘Are you okay delivering those bags to the residents of Love Heart Lane and I’ll start at the opposite end of the village?’

‘Of course,’ answered Felicity, glancing at the clock. ‘But can I use the landline before I go, I need to ring the plumber to arrange for Mum’s boiler to be fixed.’

Hamish nodded towards the phone and while he bundled himself up in numerous layers Felicity made the call. As soon as she hung up, he noticed Felicity looked a little deflated. ‘You all right?’

‘I never thought, the plumber lives over the bridge in Glensheil, there’s no way he’s getting his van across the bridge and up the hill in this snow, but he’s promised as soon as he can he will.’

‘That’s all you can ask for at times like this.’

Once Hamish and Felicity were ready, they each grabbed a handful of carrier bags and stepped outside into the freezing cold.

Hamish gave Felicity a nod of his appreciation and then they both battled through the snow. Hamish had stapled the names and addresses of the deliveries on to each bag. Felicity looked at the first one labelled Mr and Mrs Smith, an elderly couple she knew had been married for nearly fifty years. From what Felicity could remember they had numerous grandchildren.

The streets were silent and still in darkness as Felicity’s feet crunched through the snow. No doubt by lunchtime the children would be out in full force sledging and building snowmen, enjoying the freedom from school.

As she approached the first house Felicity was relieved to see the light was on in Mr and Mrs Smith’s living room and the second she knocked on the front door she heard a dog bark followed by the sound of keys being jangled. When the door swung open Felicity was met by Mrs Smith’s rosy cheeks and beaming smile.

‘Come on in, out of the cold.’

She wiped her hands down on her pinny and ushered Felicity into the warmth of the kitchen. She was amazed to find six pair of eyes sitting around the table staring back at her.

‘It’s lovely to see you back in Heartcross.’ Mrs Smith patted Felicity’s arm. ‘We are so sorry to hear about Bonnie.’

‘Thank you,’ replied Felicity, touched by Mrs Smith’s kindness. ‘And look at all these little people. You’ve got your hands full today,’ she said, changing the subject in an attempt to stop the tears instantly welling in her eyes at the mention of her grandmother.

‘School’s shut, which means Grandma here gets to look after all these bundles of joy today and believe me it’s like a military operation to get them all fed. It’s like my own little café,’ she chuckled. ‘But I’m not complaining, they keep me young.’

‘This may help, a few supplies from Hamish – eggs, bread and a few essentials.’ Felicity held up the carrier bag.

‘He’s a good one, that man.’ Mrs Smith smiled, taking a quick peep inside the bag before laying it on top of the worktop. ‘Please do thank him from us. Where are you off to next?’

Felicity looked at the name attached to the next carrier bag. ‘Aggie’s,’ she said with a double take. She was sure that was one of Hamish’s deliveries; she must have picked up the wrong bag by mistake. Felicity felt her heart beat a little faster. After Aggie’s outburst in the pub last night she was sure the last person she’d want to see was Felicity, who felt the same.

‘That poor woman hasn’t been well,’ Mrs Smith chipped in without noticing that Felicity’s mood had suddenly slumped.

‘Who, Aggie?’ Felicity had noticed the cough in the pub and her wheezy chest.

‘Terrible chest infection, I think it’s the asthma, you see. She’s not been able to shake it off for a while.’

‘This weather won’t help either,’ said Felicity, making her way to the door after saying farewell to all the children who’d now finished their breakfasts and were busily putting their dirty bowls in the dishwasher.

‘What’s your plan of action for the rest of the day?’ asked Felicity, watching the children pile in front of the log fire with a board game in hand.

‘Keep warm.’ Mrs Smith smiled. ‘But I’m sure there will be an army of snowmen standing proud in the front garden by the end of the day, followed by a heap of soggy gloves and hats drying out on the Aga.’

Felicity said goodbye and after stepping back into the cold she took a deep breath and made her way towards Fox Hollow Cottage. Aggie and her husband Glen had lived in the cottage for all their married life but sadly he’d passed away nearly ten years ago after a short battle with cancer. Aggie had never remarried and as far as Felicity knew, Fergus still lived at the cottage with his new family.

As she trudged through the snow she saw a warm ribbon of smoke rising from the old chimney of the cottage which meant the fire was lit and someone was up. Felicity’s heart pounded a little but, knowing that Fergus would have been up and out at the crack of dawn working at the farm, she knew it was unlikely she’d see him. It would just be Aggie’s sharp tongue she’d have to deal with if last night was anything to go by. All she had to do was be polite, hand the bag over, and get on with the next delivery. She juggled the carrier bags in her hands before opening the garden gate. The way had been cleared and gritted and as Felicity carefully manoeuvred herself up the path, she noticed a pair of bright red wellington boots abandoned under the oak beam porch. She assumed they were Esme’s.

Feeling a little apprehensive, she blew out a breath. Last night in the pub Aggie hadn’t welcomed her home with open arms and Felicity didn’t relish seeing her again so soon, but this was in in aid of the community and she’d offered to help Hamish. Felicity rapped on the lion door knocker and waited, but there was no reply. She tried once more before bowing her head and peering through the front window of the cottage. The fire was roaring and stretched out on the rug in front was Martha, the Campbells’ black and white cat. There was no one else around but Felicity noticed the TV flickering away in the corner. Just at that second, movement caught her eye, and Felicity noticed Esme curled up on the old chesterfield. The little girl was crying, tears running down her cheeks. For a second, Felicity didn’t know what to do. In spite of the past, Felicity couldn’t leave the little girl crying. And where was Aggie? Without hesitation she turned the knob of the front door and immediately it clicked and opened.

Felicity stood in the hallway. The last time she’d been standing in this very spot was over eight years ago and she was surprised to see that everything seemed exactly the same. The wooden beams ran the length of the ceiling, the coat stand in the corner housed numerous jackets and hats and the antique dresser was jam-packed with family photographs.

‘Hello,’ Felicity shouted up the hallway towards the open door of the living room. She stayed rooted to the spot and called out again, then saw two startled, teary eyes peering around the doorway at her.

‘Hello. It’s Esme, isn’t it? I’m Felicity.’

The wide-eyed little girl nodded and gulped back a sob.

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