The Passion of Pendragon Farm (Closed)

[MBS1969]

This is a closed thread for MBS1969 and Delicious Maiden, please feel free to read along though.


February 1973

Sam Pendragon walked along the cliff tops with his faithful sheepdog Jess. The wind blew strongly in from the sea and Sam was thankful that the gale was at least now blowing from the warmer air of the south west. The fields around him were covered in a thin layer of frost and the ground was as hard as granite.

The winter had been worse than normal, the wind had seemed colder and the frost harsher than for many years. It had been lonely too, since his parents had decided to make a new life for themselves away from the farm. They had left in September for France and the warmer climate, leaving Sam the farm.

The fields were useless at this time of the year, soon though ploughing would begin and Sam would be busy until the late Autumn. The only jobs he had at the moment were to patch up broken fences and gates and to look after the sheep which grazed in the top fields. The farms only other inhabitants were a couple of dairy cows and a small collection of chickens. Not much company for a man who had spent all his life on the farm with his family. Apart from a couple of friends in the village the farm was now his whole life.

32 years old, Sam was well built from the farm work he had done from an early age. Six foot Two with sandy coloured hair and the striking blue eyes of all the Pendragon men. Sam had attracted the attention of a few of the local girls but had never done more than have a quick fumble behind a hay rick in the summer. Sam was a man of limited intelligence but knew that most of the girls just teased him and would wait until he could no longer control himself before fleeing in a fit of giggles. After the early years of his adulthood Sam had no longer bothered with the female species and concentrated on his work.

Sam wandered along the cliff path and looked out to sea, he took a deep breath and climbed the stile which led to the road. Jumping down he scampered quickly across the road to avoid the oncoming taxi, whilst giving a cheery wave to Pete, the only taxi driver in the village. He crossed the yard of the farm and opened the farmhouse door and settled down for dinner, and after his lunch settled down in front of the fire for his mid afternoon nap......

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

Katherine sat in the taxi staring at the scenery as it passed by her.
She saw it as it was now, but in her mind, she saw it as she had every summer as a little girl; remembered the laughter, the jokes, the walks and now it was no more.
Spring seemed far off, though just aroudn the corner, but the weather was harsher than she remembered it.
Perhaps she had romanticised those childhood holidays, but as she was driven through the village, she realised that in actuality, not much had changed: Church, post office, shops, pub, houses, general store … it was all the same.

Yet it wasn’t.

The shiny metal latchkey burned a hole in her skin.
It shouldn’t be like this.
Mim should be standing there, ready to welcome her, the table spread with tea and scone and clotted cream.
As the taxi moved through the village and pulled out to the more isolated road that ended at the beach, Katherine, bit back a sigh and made her nails bite into the flesh of her palms to stop herself from breaking down.

The taxi stopped, she pressed the fare and a substantial tip into her driver’s hands.
He had been kind, chatty even, but she had been unable to respond and sensing that she was wrestling with something much deeper than standoffishness or a shyness, he had become silent, merely casting unnoticed glances at her in his rear view mirror as she sat pale and solemn in the back of his car.

He carried her things to the gate and offered to take them to the door, but Katherine wouldn’t let him.

”It’s fine, I can manage…”

She forced a smile.

”You’ve been very kind … thank you … “

She knew she would have to get a car of her own, buy or hire one.
Money wouldn’t be a problem now …
But for now, she just had to get inside the house, she had to face it.

She watched the car drive away, making no move to go nearer than the gate where she had been left. Reluctantly she turned her head and walked along the pathway, which wound round the corner to the door at the side. Mim had never used the front door and this seemed the way to do it now.

With shaking hands she put the key in the lock.
Newly cut, it eased in and clicked as she turned causing the door to swing open.
Katherine stepped inside.
The air smelt musty already.
The scent of polish and tea and cooking and flowers and even the sea itself was missing.
Numbly Katherine walked through the house, throwing open doors and curtains as she went.
It was as if Mim had only just stepped out, would be back any minute, but that was not so.
Finally Katherine came to her aunt’s bedroom and stood on the threshold, unable to enter it at first.
Hesitantly she stepped forward and walked to the dressing table.
She looked at the jewellery case, the shell box and the crystal trinket holder that still stood there.
This was Mim. This was as it should be still.
The bed was stripped, but the eiderdown still lay over giving it the impression of being made and ready for its owner to slip into.

Katherine sat down on the stool and stared into the dressing table mirror.
She leaned her elbows upon the wooden surface, put her head in her hands and finally gave way to tears.
How she would miss the elderly, spritely lady.
Mim had left her the house and money enough to get her out of the mess her life was in right now, but how Katherine would have traded that all, just to have her great aunt here again.

Her luggage lay temporarily forgotten, the side door slightly ajar.
Katherine gave way to her grief, her despair.
Perhaps coming back here immediately had not been the great idea it had seemed at first?

 

[MBS1969]

Sam Pendragon

Sam awoke after a couple of hours and noticed that the brightness of earlier had subsided as the afternoon had passed. He stretched and reached for his boots, it was only three in the afternoon but his work for the day was still plentiful. It was hard running the farm by himself but he knew he could not afford to hire any farmhands, at least until harvest time in August. So until then it was early morning starts and late evening finishes for him, with only his nap after lunch to recharge his batteries.

He rose from his chair and stamped the last few glowing embers in the fireplace, the house would now remain cold until he returned late in the evening. He left the farmhouse and trudged up the lane towards the top fields where his sheep grazed. Before reaching them though he turned right into the small valley which separated them from his farm. Either side of the valley spread his crop fields which were the mainstay of the farm. At the bottom of the valley ran a small stream, flowing down towards the sea.

The stream also marked the public footpath which ran all the way from the village to the bleak moorland far inland. The path was quiet at this time of the year but in summer attracted a lot of walkers and ramblers who stayed in the village. Sam spent much of the afternoon repairing the fences on either side of the stream, a chore that had to be done each year. He tutted to himself and wondered why people who were supposed to be here for a walk in the beauty of this part of Cornwall, managed to do so much damage. The broken fences remided him of the summer months and these people who he regarded as little better than trespassers on his land. This was the very reason his sheep had to be fielded so far up the hill, to ensure they came to no harm from the dogs which these people always seemed to allow to run free.

He looked at his watch and saw it was 6 O'clock, he walked along the stream to the small barn. He retrieved two large buckets and filled them with water. He then started the long climb up to the highest fields on his land. It took him a good forty minutes to reach the sheep fields and with a whistle he poured water into the large troughs which were necessary in summer as there was no other water source this high up. The sheep trotted over to the trough and although the frost would have served their needs at this time of the year, they started to drink thirstily. Sam turned towards the valley and began the journey back down the hill.

From this high point he could see all around, from the white crested waves crashing in from the Ocean, right down into the village with it's little harbour and the beach hidden from the village around the rocky headland. The dark of the evening had closed in and Sam noticed that lights were on at the cottage close to the beach. He hadn't noticed anything there since the old lady had died a while since. He hoped the house hadn't been sold to another outsider, people who turned up in summer and then left their houses empty in the winter, robbing the village of it's life for eight months of the year.

Sam returned the buckets to the shed in the valley and made his way home. It was around half eight by the time his chores were finished and as this was an early finish for him he was torn between an early night which would be beneficial for him, or for a couple of pints in the village pub. For some reason he felt restless and decided to have a drink before sleep, and once again left the farmhouse. Although he wouldn't admit it to himself he was also curious about the new village inhabitants and wanted to hear the village grapevine which was best heard in the pub each night..................

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

Two hours after I had arrived, the luggage was stacked in the corner of the kitchen and my suitcase of clothes was unpacked and hung away. I made the bed, set my toiletries out in the bathroom, then moved to the front room to see to the fire. Strangely there was an ample stock of dry firewood piled in the woodbox beside the empty grate, so I easily lit the kindling and watched the flames catch. Shutting the windows I had thrown open to air the place, the room soon warmed and was filled by a cosy glow. I switched on the central heating and hot water and put on the lights around the ground floor and hall, then moved to the kitchen to unpack the small box of groceries I had brought.
I was ready for a cup of tea and a bite to eat.

The house was warm and secure.
I sat with my tea and toast topped with some of Mim’s homemade jam that was still in the cupboards and felt peaceful for the first time since arriving.

Mim had loved her home so much.
I had been overwhelmed when I had learned of the contents of her will and who could have imagined that she had so much of nest egg to bequeath to her surviving relatives?
I sighed thinking of the comments that had been made around the family. My good fortune had been much commented on.
They didn't have grounds for complaint, though.
All had been provided for, it was just that it had been me who had been given the house!

I smiled as I looked round contentedly.
Mim had known how much I loved the house and the area.
I never tired of the sea, the views, the village.
Even if I had been still based in London when the bequest had been finalised, I knew that I could never have parted with the cottage!
Not for any amount of money!
At the very least it would have been my holiday home.

But ... as things had worked out, the opportunity to settle elsewhere, to escape, to get away had come just at the right time.
It was as if Mim knew, I mused, then laughed at myself for being fanciful!
Either way, this was a new start for me and I was determined not to brood on the past or grieve the passing of the old woman too excessively.

Mim would have wanted me to move on, to build a new life and that is just what I would do.
I would make Mim proud of me!

Deciding to start immediately, I picked up a notepad and pencil and carried them along with another cup of tea through to the front room.
Kicking off my shoes, I tucked my feet underneath myself and began to make a list of things to do to get the house straight, to get herself settled.

Even before I had written more than three things down, I felt my eyes beginnign to close.
I hardly realised that I had fallen asleep on the comfy chintz sofa.
The glow of the flames played across my face as I breathed softly before the roaring fire…

 

[MBS1969]

Sam Pendragon

The Sailors Arms lived up to it's name more at this time of the year than any other. In February it was a locals pub, in fact there were even a couple of saliors, fisherman who still carried out their trade from the small harbour down the street. The pub was warm and welcoming as Sam entered, a roaring log fire burned in the corner and the landlord gave a cheery greeting.

"Hallo Sam!, how've you been, must 'ave been a couple of weeks since you last called in? What can I get you?"

"Hi there Fred, busy on the farm you know, still lots to do" said Sam. "I'll have a pint please."

"I don't envy you in this weather Sam, how's your folks." said the ruddy faced landlord pouring the drink.

"Very well last I heard, I spoke to them at Christmas but they've been travelling since then. Say, I saw lights on at the old beach road cottage tonight, have we got new villagers Fred?" asked Sam rather too quickly whilst handing over the correct change.

Fred smiled and said "Ah, Sam, what you really want to know is if they're outsiders don't you?"

Sam blushed slightly, "No, just curious Fred, J-Just saw lights and wondered."

"Yeah right, OK Sam, we all know how you feel about townies living here. I think you're out of luck though, Pete was in earlier, says it's a young women, got off the London train at Par." Fred smirked and moved off to serve another customer.

"Meks no difference to me" Sam called after Fred and went to sit by the fire.

"Great" he thought to himself, "another townie and worse still a Londoner too!" He spent the next twenty minutes nursing his pint thinking about how he wished life could stay as it had always been.

There didn't appear to be any of his like minded friends in the pub tonight and he decided to call it a night and head home. He stomped the quarter of a mile home and slumped into bed, dreaming about men in bowler hats running across his land, chasing his sheep whilst women in posh frocks sat on his fences until they snapped.

Sam slept fitfully unaware of how much his life would change due to this particular new arrival.........

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

Katherine groaned as she awoke and tentatively stretched out her limbs.
The fire had only just died, but the room was still warm.
She berated herself for falling asleep in such a manner, but in truth it was the best night’s sleep she’d had for weeks and, although stiff, felt better for it.
The hot water had been on all night and a deep hot bath was just what Katherine needed to ease the knots out of her back.
Pulling on thick brown corduroy trousers, thick socks, a warm long sleeved top and carrying her walking boots and a thick arran sweater, Katherine made her way downstairs for the inevitable cup of tea.

She gathered her discarded list from the front room and sat, musing as the tea mug steamed in her hand. There were small things she had to do like sort out a store of firewood, make plans for the rooms, decide where to set up her computer and internet connection, check that the plumbing, heating and kitchen appliances were all serviced and in good working order. She frowned. Perhaps she could get advise on maintenance men in the village when she went to shop later.

The other things that needed tending to would also need a “specialist” she mused.
Roof, gutterings, brickwork … hopefully nothing would need attending to, but Mim had been reluctant to “waste money” as she saw it on maintaining the structure of her beloved home… “If it was still standing, then it was fine,” she had asserted. Katherine smiled. She could still here the old woman’s indignant voice now.

Draining her tea, Katherine knew that she should get a hot meal inside her. She had brought everything necessary for a good cooked breakfast, but somehow she didn’t want to waste time cooking. She had a list as long as her arm, yet what Katherine really wanted to do now was go down to the beach. She smiled. She had seen the beach so often, walked along it’s rocky tide line time and again, yet it still held a fascination for her, every time it was the same.

She could eat afterwards, she decided and then she’d go to the village to shop and make enquiries. Pulling on the sweater and lacing up her boots, Katherine decided against a coat. She would only go along the path after all and could soon rush home if a rainstorm hit. Katherine closed and locked the door.
”home”
She smiled. It sounded good, sounded "right".
She suddenly realised that this was where she wanted to be.
If only she could make it work out!

Happily Katherine strode along the coastal path.
The wind whipped at her hair and pulled it about her face.
She ran a hand through it, but gave up immediately.
The air was biting and soon her cheeks were pinked with cold.
Katherine stood looking out over the beach.
Her top and sweater provided just enough insulation against the breeze as she watched the waves whipped upwards, their white foam crashing onto the shore.
The sea was wild today, destructive, yet held such a beauty.
Mim used to love this weather even more than the warm summers.
Katherine sighed, wishing she were here now, but forced that thought to the back of her mind.

Katherine eyes the coastal paths that ran along the cliffs, which rose up, on either side of the coastline. The cottage was almost in a plateau between them. Even in this weather, there were people out and about, locals no doubt. She watched the occasional silhouette, which stood out against the skyline.
Katherine knew no one here.
As a “tourist” she had been introduced to Mim’s neighbours, but had forgotten the individuals and been easily forgotten by them.
She had not even given a thought as to how the locals would take to her.
Used to the anonymity of London dwelling, it did not yet concern her.
She was only slowly getting used to the idea that the cottage was now her home, or would be for as long as she wanted it to be.

With a sudden spurt of energy, Katherine picked her way carefully down the slope that led to the shore. She reached the beach somewhat breathless, but did not stop. Instead she scrambled over the outcrop of rocks and made her way, somewhat precariously along them, until she was stood at the edge, elevated enough to look over the swirling sea below.
She giggled as she remembered her aunt and the frequent scoldings she had received for such foolish acts.
The indignant:
“Katherine Tennyson, what do you think you’re doing?”
Or the coaxing;
“Katie, honey, come to Aunt Mim, steady now, no.. don’t keep looking down, you’ll get dizzy ..”
Which was then followed by the scolding and horror stories of what could happen if …

The breeze blew, and Katherine stood looking out, remembering.
She was sure footed enough. She knew she wouldn’t fall or slip.
She had done this so many times, she was careful.
Her eyes, as ever watched the swirl of the sea, it’s movement almost hypnotic.
Her gaze was almost trance like.

 

[MBS1969]

Sam Pendragon

Sam was awake early the next morning, this was not unusual but his early night made him waken even earlier. The hands on the clock at his bedside glowed to show it was four in the morning and normally Sam would have turned over for an extra thirty to forty minutes. This morning though he decided to get an even earlier start than normal, this would mean he had time to nip into the village this afternoon for supplies.

After dressing in his overalls and big hobnailed boots he entered the farmyard and set about his usual early morning routine. The chickens were fed first and eggs collected before the daily cow milking which was one of Sam's least favorite jobs. The oldest cow always eyed him up as he milked her and he was sure one day she would manouvre herself to give him a swift kick in the head, or worse. Sam's breath instantly turned into a sheet of mist as the cold of the early morning air enveloped him and Jess watched from the doorstep of the house as if wondering why his master bothered with these large, cumbersome animals.

Sam rustled up himself a quick breakfast of eggs and bacon and sat down with his large mug of tea and thought to himself that he would really be better off if he bought a few pigs. At least then he wouldn't have to pay for his bacon, and then he could give up the cows and buy his milk instead. Dawn was approaching fast and the first grey slivers of light were beginning to enter the front room of the farmhouse. Sam stretched and silently washed the dishes from breakfast and the night before before grabbing his thick woollen jacket and hat and setting off for the day. He whistled a tuneless song as he left the farmyard and crossed the quiet lane. The lane was quiet now but in the summertime it was full of tourists in their shiny cars and coaches full of noisy children and even noisier pensioners. He shuddered as he thought of the coming summer and the yearly invasion, shattering the peace and quiet. Yes he thought, winter truly is the perfect time of the year. He grinned to himself as he climbed the stile and began the climb up to the cliff path.

The farm's land stretched almost all of the way to the cliff edge and if it weren't for the small sliver of land owned by the National Trust which formed the coastal path it would do so. The coastal path though meant more fences to repair for Sam and that was his job for the morning. He toiled for a good while as the sun gradually rose behind a cloudy sky. At around ten-thirty he stopped for a short break to eat the large chunks of bread and cheese he had prepared himself and looked out to sea. He had always marvelled and the beauty of a sea on days like this, rough and releasing it's power against the granite rocks of the Cornish coastline. He could see gulls swooping and then gliding in the high winds which were raging and though it would be nice when he died to come back to life as a gull here.

His eyes moved down to the harbour entrance and wondered how this small refuge from the ocean could have ever been visualised. Many a small fishing boat knew it as a godsend, an oasis of calm from the stormy Atlantic weather. His eyes moved further around the rocky outcrop to where the golden sand of the the beach glowed in the greyness of the day. He squinted against the wind and swore that he could sea someone on the rocks, perched precariously above the swirling tide. The more he stared, the more incredulous he became, it looked like a women or a stupid surfer. No it was a women, was she out of her mind, she obviously has no respect for the sea, standing there as if she were immune to it's power. He tutted to himself knowing that only a medium sized winters wave could wash her clear away and knew immediately this was no local dicing with a watery grave.

His mind turned to the women in the beach road cottage, if it were her stood on the edge of that watery abyss she wouldn't last long. Part of him hoped someone would arrive to show her the error of her ways and the other part of him watched morbidly waiting for the sea to reach up and take her. What on earth could a Londoner bring to the village other than trouble he thought, and why was she alone. Was a husband and god forbid kids going to turn up on weekends. Or had she a wealthy gent in tow who would arrive to fuck her when his wife was away at her garden parties. He watched for many minutes before turning his back on her and returning to his work.............

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

The wave crashed surprisingly close.
It pulled Katherine back to reality.
She shook her jumper letting the drops of salt water fling free.
She shivered and decided that it was time to retrace her steps.
Carefully she turned and picked her way across the rocks, which now seemed slippier than before. She held out her hands to balance and finally reached the part where she could spring nimbly and land on the damp sand below.

Now she was stood below the outcrop, the beach seemed more sheltered.
She looked up to the cottage seeing it’s outline at the end of the coastal path.
As a child, Katherine had almost fancied that his was her Aunt’s private beach.
She remembered being almost indignant when she had seen others walking along, in the summer. Her aunt had scolded her for being selfish.

”Katie… the sea cannot be owned … it’s wild … it’s for all to enjoy!
Like the air, nature … “

Katherine walked to a rocky boulder that stood jutting out of the sand and sat down on it, her gaze still fixed on the sea, but running along the shore as she remembered, saw herself, those many summers … as Mim taught her the truths of life.

”Katie… the sea is eternal … it lives on … it will be here long after I’m gone … even after you … “

Katherine hadn’t understood at the time.
She’d been young and unimpressed by such morbid talk.
She’d taken to her heels and run off to paddle.
Thinking now, Katherine knew what she had to do … a final duty for Mim… but .. she wasn’t ready for that yet … could not quite bring herself to fully say goodbye to the old lady.
Katherine ran an impatient hand across her cheek, feeling the wind stinging and realised that tears sat there.

”Damn… “

She muttered. She hadn’t intended to get emotional.
It was just …

She put her head in her hands and took a steadying breath.
It wasn’t just losing Mim, she finally admitted to herself.
All of Katherine’s life was upside down.
She had messed up bigtime!
Mim would have been so disappointed with “her Katie”!

Katherine drew a ragged breath, the tears still running unchecked.

Even as she had those thoughts, she knew it wasn’t true!
Mim would never think so harshly of her niece.
It was only Katherine who was being so hard on herself.
Everyone had failed relationships, did the wrong thing, trusted the wrong person, but it was the fact that the timely bequest had bailed her out that made Katherine feel so guilty!
She had benefited so much from Mim’s death.
Katherine knew that Mim would have been pleased to have given “Katie” that lifeline, but to Katherine, it just felt so wrong somehow …

She just felt like she didn't deserve it all ...

 

[MBS1969]

Sam Pendragon

Sam sat back and looked at what he had accomplished that morning, apart from the distraction of the woman on the rocks he'd worked solidly for the whole morning. Although there was many days work left to do on the half mile stretch of his farms border with the coastal path he knew he'd done a good morning's work and decided to quit until after lunch. He strolled back down the cliffside on the coastal path side of his fences, he noticed that the girl had gone now but didn't know whether it was back to dry land or into the sea.

Arriving back at the farmhouse he ate a quick lunch of beef sandwiches and a slice of Mrs Tregarron's famous ginger cake. A quick change of clothes and he was ready to forego his afternoon nap for a visit to the village to stock up on provisions. In his village best clothes he was transformed into a completely different man to the thickset workman he had been this morning. He wore a pair of blue jeans and smart though a little creased blue shirt. With the training shoes his mother had sent him for Christmas he hardly looked like a farmer at all. The only thing to give him away were his weather beaten cheeks and the soil on his hands and in his nails.

He casually walked down to the village, glad to be in the shelter of the hills surrounding the coastal road. He walked past the Sailor's pub and thought about a quick drink but knew he had more work to do that afternoon and that the alcohol would make him sleepy. In any case he was sure if Fred hadn't been poking fun at him the night before and couldn't be bothered with another round of banter, no matter how friendly! He instead headed for the grocery store which also doubled as a post office.

On entering the shop he saw the kindly face of Mrs Tregarron, not only the shop's only full time member of staff but cake maker extrodinair.

"Hello there Sam" she beamed, "How's your mum?"

Edith Tregarron had been his mum's best friend and confidant since they had gone to school together as girls. They had married within months of each other, produced offspring in the same hospital at the same time and never lived more than a mile apart.....until now.

"She's fine, Mrs Tregarron and how are you?" said Sam with a grin

"Not bad Sam, although my athritis is playing up in this weather. Are you well?

"I'm OK, up to my neck in work though, ever thought of home delivery" Sam laughed.

"Ohhh you're OK, you cheeky boy, although you need someone to do your ironing. What you need is a good young women to help you on that farm, a nice young wife.

And so it went on, Edith always thought she was responsible for Sam until she managed to marry him off. Sam listened politely whilst Mrs Tregrarron filled a bag with all his usual groceries, the specials of the week and her latest cakes.

"Now Sam" she said "I hear there's a nice young women moved into the beach road cottage, why don't you go down and ask her out?"

Sam was appalled, "I don't think so Mrs Tregarron!" he said, "I hear she's from London, what use would a Londoner be on a farm"

As the words left his mouth the door bell jangled and opened..............

 

[MBS1969]

OOC - New writer needed!!!!

OOC - As Delicious Maiden has unfortunately had to leave Lit for the forseeable future I'm looking for anyone who might be interested in carrying this thread on.

So go on, have a read and PM me if you fancy the role of Katherine Tennyson who was created by DM and seems too good to waste!!

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Enjoy ...

Hope you have fun with this ... I'll read along from time to time ...

{{{huggiesMBS}}}

DM x

 

[MBS1969]

Bump.

OK last chance for this one, if no-one wants to take over DM's character I'll put this one to bed.....even before it's seen a bed.

PM me if you want to take on Katherine Tennyson.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

Katherine sat at the solid wooden table and tucked in to an impressive cooked breakfast, or rather “brunch”. Her beach walk had made her run late, she observed, then catching herself she laughed as she shovelled the last of the bacon into her mouth.
“Late for what?”
She had no schedule, no time to keep to. No one to please but herself.
It wasn’t as if she’d been lazing. The walk had done her good, cleared her mind, helped her make contact with her roots again; well the roots she felt she had that stemmed back to her childhood.
Katherine pushed the crockery and cutlery to soak in the kitchen and shoved the pans into the oven. There was no observer to see her shoddiness and unlikely to be, but old habits died hard. She would go to the village she decided, as soon as possible. Lots of time for washing up later after all!

Snatching the postcard she had carefully written out, she pulled on her boots and thick jumper and headed out of the back door, round the house, out of the gate and up the road, which led to the main town. The walk was a mere 10 minutes at Katherine’s brisk pace. As he went, she looked round, her mind full of memories. No one seemed to develop here. It seemed to be just the same as when she was little!

Crossing the street, she spied the post office/convenience store and pushed the door open. She grinned; even the bell was the same!

Katherine stepped into the shop with a friendly smile at the occupants.
She saw a mischievous smile playing on the lips of the store owner, but imagined it was mere fancy.

”Yes? Can I help you?”

The woman’s voice was friendly and curious.
Katherine looked in confusion at the man who was stood near the counter, not wanting to push in front of the existing customer.

”No rush, when you’re ready … “

She spoke softly with an embarrassed smile at the man who stood by her side.
He was muscular, tall, casually, but smartly dressed for these parts. She wondered if he too was resident, or just visiting. The woman in the shop looked vaguely familiar, but this man brought no previous memory to Katherine.

”Our Sam’s not made up his mind yet, have you Sam?”

She commented smoothly.

”What can I do for you, my dear?”

Reassured, Katherine took out the postcard and proffered it to the smiling woman. She expected the man to move away, but he merely stood and watched.
Somewhat self-consciously, she explained.

”I – I wondered, if I could pay you to display this advert in the window for me. I’ve just taken over the cottage, Aunt Mim’s cottage, I need to get a builder in, plumber maybe, someone local would be best … “

The woman nodded and looked at the card.

”Making alterations are you?”

Katherine turned in surprise at the gruff voice, the tone sounded disapproving.

”Why… err.. yes … I … “

Confused, she turned back to the more affable lady.

”My aunt loved that house, but maintenance wasn’t her thing. I really need someone to look at it and check out what repairs need doing. I need it to be structurally sound, but I don’t want to change the character. I’m sure a local tradesman would know just what I needed.”

Katherine gave an embarrassed laugh and leaned forward, speaking quietly, assuming her male companion had moved away.

”I’m on my own there and need someone I can trust, not to rip me off and not to start knocking that place about for nothing. I don’t want to live in a place where the roof might blow off or the drains block or anything like that … and.. to be honest… by myself … I haven’t a clue… “

The lady smiled.

”I’ll put the card in the window, but I’m sure we could recommend someone local for you… or at least I’ll check them out for you first … “

Katherine smiled.

”That’s very kind of you… “

She commented, reluctant to reject the woman’s advice.

”You’re in Mim’s cottage you say..? She died about 3 months back … ”

The question hung in the air.

”Yes… she was my aunt, well great-aunt, we were … close … “

Katherine blushed realising her words sounded choked.

“It takes a while to uproot and relocate, doesn’t it?”

Katherine commented, rhetorically, not leaving space for comment before adding,

”I’ll just look round for some groceries and pay for it all together if that’s alright.”

So saying she turned looking for a basket to fill.

 

[MBS1969]

Sam Pendragon

Time seemed to stand still for a little while as the young women stood at the door, a smile on her face. Before there was time for the pause to become too embarrassing Mrs Tregarron spoke up.

”Yes? Can I help you?” , she said to the women.

Sam noticed the women throw a glance in his direction and he blushed slightly as he remembered the conversation they had just been having. He busied himself with the bars of chocolate and packets of mints stacked on the counter. This wasn't so much because he wanted these items, it was more because he was always a little unsure of himself when in the presence of a young lady, let alone a beautiful one as she undoubtedly was.

”No rush, when you’re ready … “, he heard her say and was sure she was still looking at him.

”Our Sam’s not made up his mind yet, have you Sam?” Sam looked up as Mrs Tregarron continued. ”What can I do for you, my dear?”

The woman handed over a small postcard and Sam found it hard to avert his gaze now he had set eyes on her properly.

”I – I wondered, if I could pay you to display this advert in the window for me. I’ve just taken over the cottage, Aunt Mim’s cottage, I need to get a builder in, plumber maybe, someone local would be best … “

Against his better judgment Sam blurted out ”Making alterations are you?”. He instantly regretted his tone of voice as the women looked a little shocked at him.

”Why… err.. yes … I … “ a pause again, ”My aunt loved that house, but maintenance wasn’t her thing. I really need someone to look at it and check out what repairs need doing. I need it to be structurally sound, but I don’t want to change the character. I’m sure a local tradesman would know just what I needed.” she laughed falsely and lowered her voice.

”I’m on my own there and need someone I can trust, not to rip me off and not to start knocking that place about for nothing. I don’t want to live in a place where the roof might blow off or the drains block or anything like that … and.. to be honest… by myself … I haven’t a clue… “

Mrs Tregarron seemed to be warming to her, ”I’ll put the card in the window, but I’m sure we could recommend someone local for you… or at least I’ll check them out for you first … “

The women smiled and muttered something that Sam didn't quite catch. ”You’re in Mim’s cottage you say..? She died about 3 months back … ” replied Mrs Tregarron.

”Yes… she was my aunt, well great-aunt, we were … close … “ the women appeared to be either very nervous now or close to tears.

“It takes a while to uproot and relocate, doesn’t it? I’ll just look round for some groceries and pay for it all together if that’s alright.” and with that she grabbed a basket and moved away from the counter.

"Err, miss" Sam said speaking to her in a more even tone, "I saw someone down on the rocks near your cottage this morning, I wonder if it was you." She turned to him with a brief look of panic on her face as if she inwardly knew it was the wrong place to have been.

Sam continued without waiting for a reply, "It's just erm....well, you wouldn't know as an outsider miss...erm...that...well those rocks are dangerous in the best of weather but in this weather and with the swell...erm it would be very foolhardy to walk on them." Sam looked at her and wondered what was going through her mind.

"I.....erm...I... well I just wouldn't want anything to happen to you....erm....and the lifeboat men would have to risk their own lives if you went in the water" Sam could have kicked himself, why did he add that last bit on. As if all he was bothered about was his friends.

"I mean.....erm.....I"

Mrs Tregarron, butted in, "Oooh yes dear, Sam's right it's very dangerous on this coastline in the wintertime, don't you be getting yourself hurt!"

Sam stood quietly, more than a little grateful that the shopkeeper has got him off the hook. "Erm....I best be going, I promised Fred I'd look in on him" he lied.

"What about your groceries?", Edith Tregarron said, turning to him confused.

"I'll be back in a while Mrs T", Sam muttered and made his way gratefully to the door, leaving the two women alone............

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

"Err, miss"

Katherine turned round to look at the man who stood before her.

"I saw someone down on the rocks near your cottage this morning, I wonder if it was you."

Katherine nodded and wondered from where he had seen her and why he had not spoken.
She looked at him puzzled by the fact he had brought the subject up.

"It's just erm....well, you wouldn't know as an outsider miss...erm...that...well those rocks are dangerous in the best of weather but in this weather and with the swell...erm it would be very foolhardy to walk on them."

Katherine had not missed the term “outsider”.
If he had been that bothered, she thought once more, then he could have come to warn her before now.

"I.....erm...I... well I just wouldn't want anything to happen to you....erm....and the lifeboat men would have to risk their own lives if you went in the water"

Katherine’s eyes widened at his words.

"I mean.....erm.....I"

Katherine looked the man up and down.
He had seemed concerned for her safety … initially … she got the impression though that he was merely trying to make her feel that she had been stupid, irresponsible even!
She wanted to tell him that she belonged, belonged to the house at least.
To tell him that she had stood on those rocks many times, although, admittedly not at this time of year …but … still…
But she had no chance.

"Oooh yes dear, Sam's right it's very dangerous on this coastline in the wintertime, don't you be getting yourself hurt!"

Katherine’s indignation subsided at the lady’s kind words.
She was all concern and affability and had been very welcoming.

”I always used to stand there as a child, but I suppose it was always summer then…”

She conceded to the shopkeeper and without turning towards the man who had all but reprimanded her!

"Erm....I best be going, I promised Fred I'd look in on him"

Katherine watched him promise to return in a while for his groceries and leave the shop hurriedly.
She exchanged a quizzical gaze with the shop keeper.

”Oh don’t mind him, dear. He’s a lovely lad, I’ve known him since he was a boy… “

A seasoned local, that figured, Katherine reflected.
She hadn’t found him “lovely”, but he had seemed very awkward, polite at first then … perhaps he was just shy and brusque.
She wasn’t used to “country folk” maybe.

Loading her basket with groceries, Katherine watched the woman pin her card up into the window, chattering conversationally all the while.

”I see you have a phone number on here, are you sure that’s wise dear? And a fax and, what’s this… email? … perhaps you should just write APPLY WITHIN and I can sort them out for you ?”

Katherine bit back a sigh.

”If you think that best … “

She agreed.
She had not considered it risky to write her phone number, after all, who round here would take the time to make prank calls?
She put her basket on the counter and saw the woman cover the bottom of the card with all her contact details on and then pin it in the window.
Katherine decided it politic not to comment.
Turning round, the woman began to total up the groceries, making sure she noted just what Katherine had bought, Katherine observed, or was she just becoming paranoid?

”Anyhow, I’m Mrs Tregarron, dear.
Anything you need, just let me know.
We’re all friendly round here and at least the cottage isn’t going to be left empty, is it now?”

Katherine bit back a smile.
The old woman was obviously fishing for information.

”Not whilst I’m there, no … “

Was Katherine’s non-committal answer.
Her shopping packed in two sturdy carrier bags, Katherine left the shop hurriedly.

The cold blast that hit her face was welcomed after the almost claustrophobic feeling of the store.
Hauling the heavy carrier bags along with her, Katherine looked round as she continued slowly along the main street.
She was reluctant to return to the cottage immediately.
She considered going to the pub and indulging in an early afternoon tipple, but judged correctly that this action would scandalise the locals and cause her to be dubbed a “scarlet woman”.

She grinned then sighed.

It was going to be tricky to fit in round here.
For the first time since being here, she missed London.
There was a lot to be said for detached anonymity.
At least no one judged and it was very all-encompassing in London.
What or who you were didn’t matter, you all just co-existed.

Katherine put down her bags and shivered.
Leaning against a lamppost she sighed.
For the first time doubts came into her mind.
Was she really going to be able to make it down here?
He had accused her of hiding, running away, denying reality.
Was that what she was doing?
Was she just staying there, conversing with Mim, in her head?
Was this a positive step?
For once Katherine Tennyson was filled with self doubt.

 

[MBS1969]

March

Sam Pendragon

It had been two week's since he had fled from the store, run like a scolded cat away from her. Sam hadn't gone far, after heading towards the pub he had changed his mind and waited out of sight of the shop's windows. He saw her leave the store and pause for a while as if she had found the whole episode a trauma, before picking up her bags and heading back from where she had come. Sam had wandered slowly back to the store and read the neatly written card which had been altered in Mrs Tregarron's spidery handwriting. Sam had quickly re-entered the shop to collect his groceries, grateful to get in and out with the least amount of fuss. He then hurried back home to the large amount of work he had left himself.

Now time had moved on and with it the season. Spring was here with a vengeance, the winds had changed direction and the warmer air flowing from the Gulf Stream was bringing life back to the farm and the village. The frost had gone too, leaving perfect working land all around the farm. He had seen her once, or at least he thought it had been her, strolling along the beach but keeping well away from the rocks. He was pleased she had heeded his warning, for although their first meeting hadn't gone well, he didn't want to see any harm come to her. In the few seconds he had seen her pause outside the shop, he thought he could see the loneliness in her eyes that he himself had felt throughout the winter. He sensed that they were in a very strange way, kindred spirits alone but feeling that here was where they belonged. Maybe he was being fanciful that they had anything in common, he knew nothing of her really. Maybe the solitude he loved was beginning to play tricks on him and maybe he was beginning to yearn for a little company.

March was a busy time, the fields needed to be ploughed in readiness for the crop planting, the first lambs of the year had been born and needed to be watched carefully. Although Sam had difficulty in expressing himself around his own kind, the animal world was another matter and he would spend hours....even days with a sick or orphaned lamb. Jess accompanied him everywhere on the farm and had done for the eight years since Sam had held him as a puppy. It was only the realisation that he hadn't spoken to another soul since that day in the village that made him decide to have a night out. He decided to sink a couple of pints in the Sailor's Arms and ventured into the village early one Saturday evening.

Sam settled down in his favorite seat in the pub and was half way down his first drink when Harry, one of his friends entered the pub. Harry seemed uneasy to meet his gaze and appeared to be about to settle at the bar until Sam called him over.

"Harry, come join me" he hollered.

Harry sauntered warily across the room, "Listen Sam, if you're gonna have a go at me to you can save your breath. I've already 'ad an earful from Ben and Sarrie!"

Sam was surprised, he didn't know what was going on but usually the four men were as thick as thieves when they met in the pub from time to time. "I don't know what you mean, what am I supposed to be upset at you for?" he asked.

"Oh lord, he we go, listen Sam, I'm only doing a little plumbing work, not creating a whole new botanical gardens an' swimming pool" said Harry, confusing Sam even more.

"Will you bloody well tell me what yer on about Harry!" Sam said beginning to lose his patience.

"The woman at the cottage, she needed some pipes mending that wer' all, and I'm gonna fix a bit of her guttering too. She not changing nowt and I don't see why you'd all rather see the cottage fall to the ground rather than tek her money to fix the place up."

Now it all made sense to Sam, Harry had answered the woman's card and the other two hadn't liked it. "Why would I be bothered Harry?" Sam asked.

Now it was Harry's turn to look shocked, "Come on now, you hate outsiders more than all of us put together. I was expecting a right sermon from you Sam.". He was looking uneasy again as if waiting for the guillotine to drop.

"Naw, Harry I don't know the women, but from what she said she's gonna look after the place, and she's ere in winter so mebbe she's gonna stay around for good. Listen I tell you what mate, I'll come down an help you with the guttering if you want, that winds picking up again, it might not be cold but it'll still blow you off the roof if you're not careful.

Harry looked at Sam incredulously but nodded his head and arranged to meet Sam the next morning, "Thanks Sam" he said "I wasn't looking forward to doing it on me own"

On his way home from the pub Sam shook his head, what was he doing, he was busy enough on the farm without taking a day out to help Harry. Or was he helping the women and using Harry to see her again. Sam fell into a fitful sleep that night, tossing and turning as if wrestling with his mind, troubled by what had gone before and what reaction he would receive if she were there tomorrow.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

Katherine sat at her kitchen table and drank deeply from her mug of tea.
The weather was still cold, the sea wild, but her house was cosy and warm.
Katherine smiled.

…her house …

She realised that in a matter of weeks she had now come to think of the place as her home. It would, of course, always be a part of Mim, but she had braced herself and moved on. The first and most difficult part had been clearing Mim’s bedroom. It seemed sacrilege to cross the threshold, much less begin to open drawers and move furniture out, but she had done it.

The room now contained her own furniture and was newly decorated and looked completely different; different, but right. It was Katherine’s room now. But Katherine felt that Mim would have approved. She had been a strong woman who had always encouraged her Katie to move on and face challenges.

After that, it had been easy. There were two guest bedrooms; one a box room, the other more sizeable. Katherine used the larger of the two as an office, setting up her laptop and desk and books. She had had a second line installed and managed to send emails to friends and family. She kept the smaller room as her “guest room”, but the narrow single bed was still lacking covers, a patchwork quilt was thrown across it, but other than that it was bare.
Katherine was not expecting to have visitors for some time.

Katherine moved to the sink and washed the few breakfast things that lay there. She checked the clock. It was only 08:30, still early enough. She knew that her “handy man” was coming today. Mrs Tregarron’s help had proved invaluable in securing someone reliable and cost effective. The man had been courteous enough, but not talkative or a particulary “warm” character, but that was not what she was paying for, she had consoled herself.

Moving to the oven Katherine removed the steaming tray of biscuits and moved to replace it with the tray waiting to be baked. She had spent much time decorating, baking, walking, organising her own paperwork, yet she had barely met anyone yet. It seemed that the locals kept themselves to themselves. She sighed in resignation. Perhaps those holidaying over summer would prove better company, although it was not what she had intended. She had wanted to become part of the place, but was unsure as to how to go about it. Perhaps it was her fault for being so busy, still …

The heavy knock on the back door pulled her out of her reverie.
She closed the oven door and moved to open it.
She stood in the doorway, looking at the man who stood there.
He was not the man she’d been expecting.
She recognised him vaguely, but …. the shop … she remembered, but could not remember the name.

The wind blew frostily and although she wore her black cords and a red jumper over her white T-shirt, Katherine shivered.

”Look… please come in, it’s freezing out there right now.”

Katherine did not see Sam glancing around the kitchen before sitting down in the wooden chair she indicated to him.
Katherine stood by the door, then crossed to sit beside him.
Her gaze was curious.

”I’m sorry … I don’t remember your name… how can I help you …?”

She enquired.

 

[MBS1969]

Sam

Sam approached the cottage with mixed feelings, he said he'd help Harry but he didn't rightly know why, Ben & Sarrie would have a fit if they saw him helping out at the womens home and the rest of the village would probably look twice too. This was totally out of character for Sam, folks usually had to be living in the village for at least a year before Sam would even raise his cap to them. Here he was though, less than a month since she'd arrived and he was up bright and early to help mend her house for her.

"Oh Harry" he muttered to himself as he walked, "What 'ave you gotten me into." Sam marched up to the front door and gave a loud knock, not thinking that the cottage would be quiet inside and his knock although loud enough for outside with the wind whipping around his ears, would be a deafening break to the silence inside.

The door opened inwards and the women was stood in front of him with a confused look on her face. If anything she looked more beautiful than before, more desirable and Sam got an overwhelming urge to grin at her. "Pull yourself together man" Sam thought as he admired her curves, which showed through, even though she was only casually dressed. She shivered visibly and Sam hoped that it was the weather that had this effect and not him.

”Look… please come in, it’s freezing out there right now.”, she said quickly and Sam stepped through the doorway into the warm kitchen. He looked around trying to find something to disapprove of, but couldn't. In fact the kitchen reminded him very much of the typical Cornish country kitchen, he didn't know if this was as it had been before or whether she had made it look like this. He noticed only one thing out of place, the telephone......in the kitchen??.....still a women on her own, she probably felt a little isolated here and who could blame her for that.

He sat down on the chair to which she'd ushered him too, feeling a fool, out of his depth again. He always went to pieces with a good looking women, like the village girls who'd made fun of him. She sat opposite him trying to search his face for answers. ”I’m sorry … I don’t remember your name… how can I help you …?”

"Sam.....Erm...Sorry miss, Sam", spluttered Sam, "Harry said he'd need a hand with your guttering, you know with this wind an' all. It's really picking up again out there and he's not good wiv heights you know"

He tried to tell what was going through her mind, he hoped she wouldn't mention their last meeting, Sam had tried to block it out. "Erm........I'm....sorry about last time" damn why had he brought it up, keep your mouth shut Sam he thought. Too late now though, so he continued. "I didn't mean to preach at you miss, 'bout the sea an' rocks an' all, just really dangerous here in winter." He looked for a response in her eyes but as her eyes rested on his, he nervously glanced to the floor.

"You're cookin' sure smells nice." he said eyes rooted to the floorboards, smells just like a proper country kitchen in 'ere" He wished she would stand up or walk around or do something other than just stop to look at him. Talking wasn't one of Sam's strengths and certainly not talking with a girl. "Tsk....I dunno where Harry is, he said he'd be here by now." he said lifting his eyes for a second to see the clock showng 08.45. "'E's never on time that Harry Ross, you mek sure you dock him a quarter hours pay miss, keeping you waiting like this."

Sam was struggling, the women looked at him thoughfully but she seemed to be enjoying seeing his discomfort. "Damn Harry" he thought, "I should've cum for Ten O'clock and blow him" Sam glanced at the women and was sure he could make out a small smile behind her serious face. Sam smiled at her and said "I'm sorry miss, I'm not good with words, cums of living on a farm all my life, can talk to animals but not people. I'll go and have a look at where the guttering needs fixing and you can get on with your business." Sam rose from his seat and made to walk to the door hoping she wouldn't stop him but curiously wishing that she would.......

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

"Sam.....Erm...Sorry miss, Sam.
Harry said he'd need a hand with your guttering, you know with this wind an' all.
It's really picking up again out there and he's not good wiv heights you know"

Katherine looked at him and realised that she didn’t know, but how could he as the other man rarely made conversation. She was about to tell Sam this when he continued.

"Erm........I'm....sorry about last time.”

Last time?
Katherine struggled to think.

”I didn't mean to preach at you miss, 'bout the sea an' rocks an' all, just really dangerous here in winter."

Of course! Katherine remembered.
He had been the other customer, the first time she’d been into Mrs P’s store.
She eyed him curiously, wondering what sort of man he was.

"You're cookin' sure smells nice, smells just like a proper country kitchen in 'ere"

Katherine smiled at the compliment.
She realised already that from Sam it was just that.

"Tsk....I dunno where Harry is, he said he'd be here by now.
He’s never on time that Harry Ross, you mek sure you dock him a quarter hours pay miss, keeping you waiting like this."

Katherine looked at the man again.
He was clearly uncomfortable and babbling.
She looked him over.
Such a great hulk of a guy, yet so ill at ease.
She hid a smile.

"I'm sorry miss, I'm not good with words, cums of living on a farm all my life, can talk to animals but not people. I'll go and have a look at where the guttering needs fixing and you can get on with your business."

Katherine watched Sam stand and walk towards the door.
She found his manner strangely endearing and despite his reticence, this was the most conversation she’d had since she moved in.

”I’m in no rush this morning. I only have myself to please.
I’m sure poor Harry’s been detained somewhere.
I had no idea that he wasn’t keen on heights … he’s not the most… talkative of men … “

She trailed off hoping that he could not hear reproach or even worse loneliness in her voice.

”Won’t you sit down, Sam and have some tea or coffee with me whilst we wait.
I can hardly eat all these biscuits single-handedly.
I really was hoping for some help … “

She dimpled a smile at him and moved to the sink.
She turned to see him hesitate, sensing his reluctance.

”Please, sit. To be honest, I’d be glad of the company.
Tell me about your farm, your animals.
I know so little about my neighbours round here.”

She looked at him curiously and moved to put on the kettle, then remembered that he hadn’t told her what he wanted to drink!

”Tea or coffee, Sam?
Ohh.. and please, call me Katherine, or Kate if you prefer…”

She eyed him shyly and blushed.
She hoped he wouldn’t just brush off her offer or think her too forward.

 

[MBS1969]

”I’m in no rush this morning. I only have myself to please. I’m sure poor Harry’s been detained somewhere. I had no idea that he wasn’t keen on heights … he’s not the most… talkative of men … “

She seemed to lose her train of thought for a moment but Sam just put it down to the awkwardness of the situation.

”Won’t you sit down, Sam and have some tea or coffee with me whilst we wait. I can hardly eat all these biscuits single-handedly. I really was hoping for some help … “

She smiled at him before moving towards the kettle although turning to him with a look of appeal in her eyes. Sam wasn't sure, he'd felt the coldness of outside thaw in his bones and wasn't looking forward to going outside again. He also thought that maybe he mended the damage he'd done last time and didn't want to muck it up again. He was about to make his excuses when she said.

”Please, sit. To be honest, I’d be glad of the company. Tell me about your farm, your animals. I know so little about my neighbours round here.”

She looked at him as she put on the kettle and then seemed to gather her thoughts.

”Tea or coffee, Sam? Ohh.. and please, call me Katherine, or Kate if you prefer…”

Her cheeks pinked slightly and Sam warmed to her weak smile. No-one around here was even remotely interested in the farm. Mrs Tregarron always asked about Sam and he and his mate's talked in general terms about their work but the farm never really came up in particular.

"Well....erm....I'll just 'ave a cup of tea while I wait for Harry....erm....Miss Katherine. I dunno if you'll find my life interesting miss, can't think of anyone else who does." Sam was still struggling but was touched that she'd shown an interest and wasn't going to be rude by leaving now.

"I've lived on the farm all my life, all of my thirty two years miss and like I said I don't have much time left for chatting in the village. About once every two weeks I come down for provisions and occasionally a drink in the Sailors."

He was warming to it now, the farm was his favorite subject, probably because it was his whole life. "We've got a few animals miss, sheep in the top fields and we've got a couple of cows who don't like me an' sum chickens too." He took the steaming mug of tea from her as she walked over and sat down next to him. He could smell her scent, not a strong scent but just a gentle fragrance. He liked it and wondered if she could smell him, he should have had a bath this morning. But then again he hadn't expected to be doing morning tea with the women let alone be sitting so close to her!

"Mostly we grow crops though, wheat and barley and late in the summer blackberries, Mrs Tregarron teks all them and makes jam and pies out of them."

Sam could see Harry's van driving slowly down the road and was a little disappointed. "Harry's here now Miss Katherine, I'd better sup this off and go an' help him with his ladders!" Harry downed the scolding hot tea a little too quickly and burnt his throat. he jumped up and walked towards the door.

"Erm Miss" he said turning at the doorway, "Thanks for the drink, I'll pop in for a biscuit once we've finished if that's ok, they sure smell good" he turned to the door again but paused and as an afterthought turned back and said. "If you really want to meet a few of the folks around here you should come into the pub at teatime, there's a bit of a do on for Joshua, he's fifty today and there having a bit of a bash for him, nothing too big mind, just some quiet drinks and a bit of grub." He smiled at her a little shocked that he'd talked so much and already wondering what his friends would think about him inviting her to the pub.

It was done now though and he fumbled with the cottage door, "I'll pop back in when we're done to make sure you're 'appy with the work. Don't pay him til' you're appy miss....erm Katherine. He'll be wanting to dash of to the pub before 'es finished properly but I'll make sure he doesn't...........

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

"Well....erm....I'll just 'ave a cup of tea while I wait for Harry....erm....Miss Katherine. I dunno if you'll find my life interesting miss, can't think of anyone else who does."

Katherine smiled encouragingly as she moved to make the drink.

"I've lived on the farm all my life, all of my thirty two years miss and like I said I don't have much time left for chatting in the village. About once every two weeks I come down for provisions and occasionally a drink in the Sailors."

Katherine moved towards the table holding two mugs of tea, not interrupting as he began to speak more confidently now.

"We've got a few animals miss, sheep in the top fields and we've got a couple of cows who don't like me an' sum chickens too."

She handed him the mug and commented softly.

”I love chickens, one of my other aunts had a smallholding, very small, nothing like your place, but I used to love feeding them and collecting the eggs… fascinating birds…”

She commented reminiscing.

"Mostly we grow crops though, wheat and barley and late in the summer blackberries, Mrs Tregarron teks all them and makes jam and pies out of them."

Katherine opened her mouth to speak again, but he interrupted her.

"Harry's here now Miss Katherine, I'd better sup this off and go an' help him with his ladders!"

She bit back a sigh and watched him bolt down the hot tea and jump up, rushing towards the door. He could not get out fast enough, she realised.

"Erm Miss"

His voice called her attention to where he was stood turned in the doorway.

"Thanks for the drink, I'll pop in for a biscuit once we've finished if that's ok, they sure smell good"

She smiled, pleased that he had not totally dismissed her.
His next words surprised her still further.

"If you really want to meet a few of the folks around here you should come into the pub at teatime, there's a bit of a do on for Joshua, he's fifty today and there having a bit of a bash for him, nothing too big mind, just some quiet drinks and a bit of grub."

She watched as he smiled. His expression was shy, but it was the first genuine expression of pleasure she had seen from him. She was surprised at how handsome it made him look. He rarely had always seemed anxious, rather than carefree in her company.

”I might just do that Sam, thank you.”

She replied softly.

"I'll pop back in when we're done to make sure you're 'appy with the work.
Don't pay him til' you're appy miss....erm Katherine.
He'll be wanting to dash of to the pub before 'es finished properly but I'll make sure he doesn't...........”

And with that final warning, Sam disappeared out of the door.
Katherine sat and finished her tea.
She shook her head in bemusement.
She wasn’t sure just what to make of her neighbour.
He was a strange man for sure’ painfully shy, yet she could imagine him being charming and handsome even if he put his mind to it.

She busied herself during the morning, washing the tea things and continuing with her batch of baking. Outside she could hear the good-humoured banter of the two men as they worked. She noticed that Sam seemed totally different with Harry and the sullen monosyllabic Harry became an entirely different man with Sam. She heard them call to one another and work efficiently until it seemed that the job was done and much more rapidly than she had ever dared hope!

Katherine was sat at the table when both Harry and Sam knocked on her back door and stepped reluctantly through as she called for them to come in. She was sat at the kitchen table a pen in her hand, obviously reading and taking notes from the text in front of her. She bit back a sigh as she saw the men’s demeanour change totally.
It must be me ..
She realised sadly, but turned a smile to them as they stepped forward to explain what they had accomplished.

 

[MBS1969]

Sam

”I might just do that Sam, thank you.”

She said with a surprised look on her face.

Sam then smiled and left the cottage to meet Harry who also had a surprised look on his face to see Sam coming out of the women's door with a grin on his face.

"Morning Harry!" Sam said cheerily, "You're late!"

"Yes, sorry Sam, got caught up with Mrs Tregarron, that women can talk the tail off a mermaid she can" said Harry. "Wotcha grinning at then Sam?

"Me? Erm... just nice to have a day away from the farm, wot else?" Sam was sure he was blushing. He was going to have to be careful otherwise folk would start to think he had a crush on this Miss Katherine.

Sam and Harry got down to work with Harry generally holding the ladder and Sam doing all the work. Sam found himself putting more effort on this job than he did half of the time on his own property. He wondered to himself why that was and even more so when no-one would ever see his handiwork up on the roof of the cottage. Still the women seemed a decent enough sort and he wanted to do right by her.

Sam and Harry chattered throughout the morning with Sam teasing Harry about him just watching from below while he did all the hard work. He even pretended to Harry that he was going to get the miss to pay him instead as he'd done all the work. Soon the job was done and Sam slid down from the roof and helped Harry to reload his ladder onto the van.

They knocked on the kitchen door and entered at her beckoning. Sam instantly felt a little uncomfortable again and Harry was virtualy hiding behind him. The woman was sat at the kitchen table obvously deep in thought and she seemed a little taken aback to see both men in front of her. She recovered quickly though and gave a warm smile which made Sam's heart leap a little.

"We're all done then Miss, if I say so meself miss that guttering should last you fifty years or more now" said Sam with a sheepish grin.

Harry was edging back towards the door as the women rose from her seat and crossed the kitchen. He appeared to be in a quandry as to whether to let Sam deal with the women or stand his ground and actually get paid.

"Erm...I've just got to tie the ladder down Sam" he said appearing to give up all claim on payment for the work. "You don't mind settling up with Mrs Tennyson do you Sam?" and with that he was gone.

Sam looked after him incredulously, and then turned back shyly. "I don't even know how much he's charging you miss." he said with a shake of the head.

The woman seemed to be rooting through her bag and leafing through a wad of banknotes which you had retrieved from her purse. She counted out an amount and handed them to Sam who wondered why Harry had run out of the door. He could even hear the engine of Harry's van start up and saw him reversing to turn around.

Sam eyed the biscuits which were now cooled and sitting on the kitchen worktop. The women followed his eyeline and offered him one. Sam suddenly found his appetite and devoured the biscuit in one go before licking his lips. "That was sure delicious miss" he said, then seeing her frown "Sorry, Katherine" he corrected.

"We've managed to finish a bit earlier than I thought" he said "I suppose I should go and do a bit of work on the farm before Joshua's do, you know you should pop in if you're passing one day and I'll show you the chickens if you'd like, or anything else you'd like to see" He looked at her shyly as if asking her on a date and took another biscuit which had been offered to him.

"So........erm Harry said Mrs Tennyson, is Mr Tennyson joining you soon......?" he asked, eyes to the floorboards.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

"We're all done then Miss, if I say so meself miss that guttering should last you fifty years or more now"

Katherine returned the grin Sam offered her.
She realised how charming and good looking he could be when he relaxed, when he didn’t try so hard.
It was Harry who interrupted her musings this time.

"Erm...I've just got to tie the ladder down Sam.
You don't mind settling up with Mrs Tennyson do you Sam?"

Katherine watched in dismay. Her expression mirroring the look that Sam threw after his friend. She jumped up and made herself busy reaching for her bag.

"I don't even know how much he's charging you miss."

She turned a quick smile and counted out a wad of notes.

”I wish he’d stayed, I was going to talk to him about… oh well.. nevermind… this should cover it, but Sam. Tell him to be in touch if it’s short in any way!”

Placing the notes into Sam’s now outstretched hand, Katherine knew that she’d been more than generous. She didn’t know if she should offer money to Sam, but assumed that any additional arrangement was between Harry and Sam and rightly decided that Sam would be insulted if she suggested offering him cash for his morning’s work.
Seeing his eyes wander to the biscuits, Katherine smiled.

”Please, help yourself, Sam. It’s the least I can offer you, after all your hard work.”

Katherine offered smoothly, ensuring he knew how grateful she was for his efforts.
She watched delightedly as he consumed the offered biscuit.

"That was sure delicious miss, sorry, Katherine"

She smiled at the correction and held out the biscuits once more.
He was a strange man, so formal and unsure.

"We've managed to finish a bit earlier than I thought.
I suppose I should go and do a bit of work on the farm before Joshua's do,
you know you should pop in if you're passing one day and I'll show you the chickens if you'd like, or anything else you'd like to see."

Katherine smiled, her face lighting up at the invitation.

”Really? … if you’re not too busy, I’d love to.
Perhaps you’d let me cook for you in return or…”

She faltered, thinking she had seemed too eager.
God he’d be running for cover now.

”Well, at least take some of these biscuits and bakes back with you.
I won’t be eating them all…”

She was relieved when he nodded in agreement and moved to pack a plastic container with a selection of her wares. She felt his eyes watching her and heard him clear his throat and hesitating before speaking.

"So........erm Harry said Mrs Tennyson, is Mr Tennyson joining you soon......?"

She turned fixing the sealed box in her hand.
She thought about what he had said and realised that she had gotten used to old Harry's "ways".

”No there’s no Mr Tennyson. I told Harry I was Miss Tennyson or Kathryn, but is seems he too prefers formality.”

She smiled sadly, not intending to reprimand Sam for always calling her “Miss”.

”People always seemed so friendly down here when I used to come to see Mim, but … perhaps it’s different living in a place.”

She looked up at Sam and watched him carefully.

”I’ve known this cottage since I could barely walk, it feels like home to me, always did.
I never considered myself an outsider, but it seems I am, at least to the folks round here.”

Katherine sighed realising that Sam was probably one of those “folks” and merely being polite out of necessity.
She continued defensively.

”Anyway, there’s no Mr Tennyson and no one joining me, now or in the foreseeable future. There’s just me trying to decide what the hell to do with my life and men do not feature in that in any shape or form.
Once bitten … “

She broke off, painfully embarrassed and surprisingly close to tears.

”I’m sorry.. I.. “

She held out the box of baking to Sam, not meeting his eye.

”I hope you enjoy them Sam, “

She spoke softly, a tremor in her voice.
Part of her wanted to let go, to talk to him, to tell him just how hard it was living there, but she knew he would not sympathise or understand.
Only after having the two men about that morning did she realise just how lonely her life was becoming.
She had to pull herself out of it!

Katherine..”

Despite herself she looked up.
It was the first time he had called her by name.
She didn’t intend to.
She didn’t want him to see she was on the brink of tears.
She didn’t want him to know how she felt.
She didn't speak.
She didn't trust her voice.

 

[MBS1969]

Sam Pendragon

”Really? … if you’re not too busy, I’d love to.
Perhaps you’d let me cook for you in return or…”

Sam was a little shocked at her offer and stood a little stunned

”Well, at least take some of these biscuits and bakes back with you. I won’t be eating them all…”

He just nodded his head in acceptance and watched as she packed up some biscuits for him.

"So........erm Harry said Mrs Tennyson, is Mr Tennyson joining you soon......?" he said quietly

She turned around and looked at him, he thought he could see a little sadness in her face.

”No there’s no Mr Tennyson. I told Harry I was Miss Tennyson or Kathryn, but is seems he too prefers formality.”

Damn, thought Sam, I'm going to have to remember not to call her wrong.

”People always seemed so friendly down here when I used to come to see Mim, but … perhaps it’s different living in a place.”

Sam looked back at her a little ashamed of how he had acted on the first meeting.

”I’ve known this cottage since I could barely walk, it feels like home to me, always did. I never considered myself an outsider, but it seems I am, at least to the folks round here.”

Sam didn't know what to say and was glad when she continued.

”Anyway, there’s no Mr Tennyson and no one joining me, now or in the foreseeable future. There’s just me trying to decide what the hell to do with my life and men do not feature in that in any shape or form. Once bitten … “

”I’m sorry.. I.. “

She passed the box of biscuits to Sam and now she was the one with her eyes averted.

”I hope you enjoy them Sam, “

She looked so miserable and uncomfortable that Sam wanted to give her a hug or at least put his arm around her shoulders in a comforting gesture. He couldn't do that though....he hardly knew her.

Katherine..”

She looked up at him and he noticed the tears in her eyes. He stepped a couple of steps towards her.

"Listen Katherine, you're alone, and now that me mum and dad have gone to France I'm alone too. How about I look out for you now and you bake me biscuits now and again?"

He smiled at her as she blinked her tears back and looked into his eyes.

"I'm rubbish at talking and all and I don't know nowt about girls and things but I can show you round and introduce you to folks. If you're feeling alone you can always come and shovel shit on the farm"

The last sentance said with a big guffaw and he was relieved to see her smile back at him.

"I can imagine you finding it 'ard. You've lost someone you love and I can sort of understand 'ow that feels. This village can be hard to come into because we get a lot of them people buying the homes for eight weeks of the year and then leaving them empty the rest of the time. Once people know you've settled for good they'll come around to you and I'll help them see that for you."

Sam was surprised at the long sentence he'd managed and looked at her bashfully hoping she didn't think he was overstepping the mark. She has said she was finished with men and he was a man wasn't he.

"Erm......only if you want me to that is mi.....Katherine."

He was blustering now.

"Look why don't you cum to the pub this evening, I'll introduce you to the ladies, they make fun of me but there's no reason for you not to have your own company of your own kind.....erm people....erm sex I mean."

Sam was losing it, he started to back toward the door but then checked himself.

"I'd love to help if I can in anyway Katherine"

He smiled meekly at her and watched as she crossed the room towards him.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Katherine Tennyson

Katherine watched Sam walk towards her.
She looked away as he began to speak.

"Listen Katherine, you're alone, and now that me mum and dad have gone to France I'm alone too.
How about I look out for you now and you bake me biscuits now and again?"

Her head raised and she met his eyes.
The offer was totally unexpected.
He had mentioned nothing about his parents.
She smiled. He was offering to look out for her.
He sounded like a surrogate big brother.

"I'm rubbish at talking and all and I don't know nowt about girls and things but I can show you round and introduce you to folks.
If you're feeling alone you can always come and shovel shit on the farm"

Katherine smiled broadly and watched with interest as Sam laughed at his own offer. She was totally taken aback by his kindness. She had not expected it at all.
His offer was so unexpected.

"I can imagine you finding it 'ard.
You've lost someone you love and I can sort of understand 'ow that feels.
This village can be hard to come into because we get a lot of them people buying the homes for eight weeks of the year and then leaving them empty the rest of the time.”

Was the one she’d lost supposed to be Mim or the “man” in her past she’d alluded to?
His explanation of why her neighbours were so hostile made sense.
Perhaps they thought she would set up the cottage, then rent it out to holidaymakers?

”Once people know you've settled for good they'll come around to you and I'll help them see that for you."

He assured her.

"Erm......only if you want me to that is mi.....Katherine."

She nodded acceptance.
His sympathy and understanding touched her.

"Look why don't you cum to the pub this evening, I'll introduce you to the ladies, they make fun of me but there's no reason for you not to have your own company of your own kind.....erm people....erm sex I mean."

Katherine felt the corners of her mouth twitch.
She loved his manner. So open, honest and at times when he struggled and became embarrassed so … endearing…

"I'd love to help if I can in anyway Katherine"

His eyes were on her as he smiled.
She felt an overwhelming rush of gratitude and affection for the bluff farmer.
Without thinking she crossed the room and put a hand gently on his arm, reaching up to kiss him softly on the cheek.

”Thank you Sam. I could use a friend, but I couldn’t think of anyone nicer to show me around… or … “

Her mouth quirked and her eyes danced teasingly.

” … to shovel shit with … “

The laughter was shared by them both, the temporary awkwardness disappearing.

”Do you want another cuppa or…”

Sam declined politely, but picked up the box of bakery before turning to leave.
At the door he paused.
Katherine took the opportunity to ask.

”What time should I be at the pub for, Sam? “

Katherine hesitated, not wanting to sound too dependent on him already.

”I don’t want to be too late, or early…”

She added, her face flushing as she explained.
She did not want to sit amongst a crowd of hostile locals and be ignored, but she couldn’t admit that to Sam!

”I can stop by … on my way past from the farm, t’would be no bother…”

He offered, immediately rewarded by a warm smile of gratitude.

”Thank you… I… I think I’d be a bit nervous going in their on my own … for the first time… “

She found herself admitting, hoping to God he didn’t take it as a slur upon his friends and neighbours.

Exchanging a few words, she moved to the door and waved to him as he moved off along the cliff walk, to return to his farm.
Closing the door, she smiled to herself.
She had one friend now and tonight was going to prove … interesting…
She hoped the locals would not tease him for taking her under his wing.
She knew folk round here talked, but the two of them would hardly give much cause for speculation!
He was just a very kind man, taking pity on her.
She moved through the house and upstairs, wondering for the first time in weeks what she should wear.