The Easter Egg Hunt – XXX

Since Ben and Joss Beckett took over The Fair Maid and Falcon, they have had to deal with ghosts, gangsters and well dodgy goings-on. Despite that they have their own family of twin daughters and dogs, and a fabulous ‘found family’ of friends.

December arrived with frosty nights and a great deal of festive jollity, accompanied by a great deal of work. Even with the college students I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, which I privately enjoyed though I’d not want to do it permanently.
It was the Sunday before Christmas and we were just finishing food service when Ed came out to the kitchen wearing a perplexed look.
“Geezer in the bar, begs the favourite of a word with Mrs Beckett. Seems genuine enough. Says you won’t know his name, but you might remember him as the nurse.”
“Chunky guy? Looks like he can handle himself?”
“Yes. What’s to be done?”
“I’ll come and see him. Ask him to please give me ten minutes. And Ed, can you find Ben.”
“Can do.”
With the bulk of the food sent away and only a few desserts to assemble I had no reason not to leave the kitchen, so I washed my hands and face and removed my soiled apron. Neil came to stand beside me.
“Do you think it’s the guy from the shiny Merc?”
“I do.”
“He’s probably come with a message from his boss.”
“Probably.”
In the bar, I found Ben talking to a man I had last seen in the back of a black Mercedes ‘ambulance’. He spotted me as soon as I stepped out of the kitchen corridor and made a sort of half bow. Once I could see his face I knew at least part of what he had come to say and I offered him my hands. He bent his head briefly before straightening his spine.
“Mrs Beckett. My employer passed away on Monday.” He paused and I waited for him to compose himself. “It was a far more peaceful end than I would have anticipated before that strange night in a rain washed orchard. For that I thank you.”
My throat felt a little clogged, so I elected not to speak. He seemed to understand because his somewhat grim features stretched into a surprisingly gentle smile. He reached behind him and picked up a small parcel from the table.
“My old friend chose this small thing and made me promise to bring it to you after his end.”
I took the box from his hands and placed it carefully on the bar before untying the ribbon. With gentle hands I lifted out the tiny cherry tree. It was exquisitely made and yet not ostentatious, being delicately enamelled metal without precious gems or anything that flaunted wealth. I touched a pink enamel flower and felt a tear run down my face.
“Thank you,” I said. “I will treasure this.”
He bent over my hand then left on silent feet.
Ben watched him go before looking at the little tree. “That’s a charming thing. Though scarcely a Joss thing.”
“True. It’s a dust catcher extraordinaire. But I can appreciate the symbolism.”
“Me too. But what will you do with it?”
I was flummoxed at first, but then I knew.
“I shall give it to Roz and Allie. They can have a cupboard of small, beautiful things like Ellen and Sian had when they were winkies.”
“Still do have.” Ellen spoke from behind the bar. “And I even know where there is an ideal cupboard.”
“You do? Where?” Ben was flabbergasted.
Ellen nodded firmly. “Wait here.”
Morgan popped up from behind the bar. “Gin and tonic madam?”
“I think I could do with one. Ben too?”
He nodded his agreement and we had just got our drinks in hand when Ellen reappeared. She was grinning.
“Bloody thing’s too heavy for me to carry so I borrowed Dad.”
Neil came in behind her carrying a miniature library cupboard. It was richly polished dark wood with decoratively paned glass doors. I thought it was probably an apprentice piece.
“Where did that come from?”
Ellen grinned. “Mrs A found it years ago. In one of the many cupboards in the function room. She cleaned it thoroughly, put it in the store, and promptly forgot about it. Dad saw it a few weeks back and him and Sian polished it up. She was going to suggest it as a special cupboard for the twins.”
Ben swallowed audibly. “It’s beautiful and they will love it. Ellen give Sian and Star a shout. I reckon your family needs to give the girls their cupboard. Then Joss can give them the tree. After she and I have had a big drink.”
Which is how a funny little alcove not far from the fireplace in our family room now contains an exquisite miniature library cupboard. One that fits the space so well Ben and I are pretty well convinced it was made to go there.
And the cherry tree? That has pride of place and Roz and Allie clean it carefully once a month, singing to Cherry and her little family as they dust and polish.

There will be more from Joss, Ben and their friends, courtesy of Jane Jago, next week, or you can catch up with their earlier adventures in Who Put Her In and Who Pulled Her Out.