Page 14 of Eden's Comfort Kitchen
‘Don’t worry. I’m sure we can figure it out,’ the woman continued. ‘Let me just get a card for the seamstress…’
Eden inspected the racks while the woman went to the counter.
A moment later, she was back. ‘Here we go…’
Eden took the card. The name on it was Julia Sims, and for a moment, Eden was certain she’d heard it somewhere before. ‘Is it far to go to take the fabric to her?’ she asked. ‘Only I don’t have a car.’
‘Oh no, she lives in the village. And if you can’t get her at her house, you can always drop it in at the ice-cream parlour on the seafront. Do you know it?’
‘Yes!’ The answer came to Eden in a flash. ‘Julia! She owns the ice-cream parlour? Runs it with her daughter? I know Livia!’
‘That’s Julia.’
‘But if she runs the ice-cream parlour, how does she sew as well?’
‘Search me, but she makes the time somehow. Does a good job too – lovely neat stitching. I wouldn’t recommend her if she wasn’t good.’
Eden reflected for a second on what a strange coincidence it was – yet another one – that the thing she’d decided to buy on a whim that morning would somehow lead her back to Livia and her family. And then another thought occurred to her – just how many jobs did Livia and her family do? Both Livia and her mother had two jobs that she knew of; they seemed to be working every waking hour.
She put her hand on a fresh green fabric with a golden songbird and trellis motif.
‘I think I’ll take this one, if you can help me with the measurements.’
‘Not a problem. Do you want me to work out the price before I cut?’
‘No, that’s fine. I like it – I think I’ll take it anyway.’
The woman looked faintly doubtful but nodded. ‘Right you are then. I’ll go and get my shears…’
There didn’t seem much point in walking all the way to Four Winds Cottage only to go back down to the town again, so Eden decided to go straight to the parlour to see Julia and then get some lunch. She’d noticed a sandwich shop on the way in, a specials board outside announcing rolls containing freshly caught crab, and her tummy growled at the mere thought ofthem. If she was lucky, perhaps Livia would be around and able to spare half an hour to go with her.
Eden was beginning to realise that at any given time there would be a queue outside the parlour window. Today was no exception, and despite not wanting to order ice cream, she waited her turn to talk to Livia’s mum about her sewing.
‘Can’t stay away, eh?’ Livia said, smiling, as Eden reached the counter. ‘What’s it today?’
‘Actually, I was hoping to see your mum. The lady at the fabric shop says your mum can make stuff.’
Before Livia could answer, Julia turned from where she’d been rearranging the tubs in a freezer and wiped her hands on her apron. ‘What’s that, my love?’
Eden held up the carrier bag that contained her fabric. ‘I was hoping you could make some cushions for me out of this. I just bought it in the shop down the road.’
Julia came out of the door and took Eden to one side so that Livia could continue serving ice cream. ‘I’m sure I’d be able to fit it in. When would you want it for?’
‘There’s no rush.’ Eden opened the bag and showed Julia the contents. ‘Does that look all right? She said that was the best material to get.’
‘If Mary sold it, then I’m sure it’s fine. I could have it ready a week today – how does that sound?’
‘That’s brilliant. Thank you so much.’
Julia took the bag from her and gave Eden a curious look. ‘They don’t have furnishings up at Four Winds then?’
‘Yes, some. But I thought…well, as I’m going to be there a while, I wanted something that felt a bit like mine. I know that sounds silly, doesn’t it? But I can take it back with me when I leave.’
‘Not silly at all. If it makes you feel more comfortable, then why not?’
‘I’ll come back next week then? Shall I come here to get them?’
‘You can do. Or I can ask Livia to give them to you when she sees you, if that’s not convenient – you’re going to be working at the Dolphin, aren’t you?’
