Part 14

After the chaotic tone of Darcy’s formative years, it was both a relief and a very new experience, to feel settled and content with the world. Chris’ music career was taking off in leaps and bounds. They spoke from time to time, catching up on all the news, and their friendship remained strong.

The Cavendish was so busy with the summer season that Darcy’s feet barely touched the ground. Her weekly round of cosmetic factories was a welcome break from the heaving throng of tourists.

Back home, Mrs Judd was abroad visiting her family, so Fortnum and Mason spent all their time in Darcy’s apartment. They soon learned that she would not complain if they crept onto her bed at night and, to their utter delight, it had been known for all manner of titbits to fall from her table when they were around.

Good times are borne of simple things

The joy of smiles and tiny pleasures

Thus solitude cannot take hold

When barred by love of little treasures

Canine dreamer’s twitching feet

Will make the dark night warm and sweet

One afternoon, as Darcy was getting ready for her shift, there was a telephone call. It was Mrs Judd’s son to say that Mrs Judd was in the hospital. She had suffered a stroke. Simon Judd wanted to know if Darcy was willing to continue taking care of things for the time being if he would arrange for her to continue to be paid.  She agreed, of course, but a small seed of doubt crept into her heart. She knew that a stroke was serious and Darcy wondered whether the elderly Mrs Judd would recover enough to come home, and if not, she worried what would happen to her two little dogs.

Life deals a gift of dearest wish

That blooms into a heart’s demand

But when complacence comes about

Fate fast reclaims with withered hand

And echoes of the past shall loom

Squirming free from fragile tomb

Uncertainty can shroud the mind

In fabric, drab as winter sky

Where once were smiles as sure as light

A cloud of unease passes by

Think positive, accept the test

And hope that luck will do the rest

The fact that Darcy’s home was also in jeopardy had not escaped her either. She would be very sad if she had to leave. She had been happy here.