Part 36

While Darcy sat admiring the shop contents, Hugh was rummaging around in the back room. He had told her that he worked for the dealer who owned the shop, doing furniture repairs and collecting and delivering. She’d often wondered what he did when he wasn’t at the cafe.

Hugh suddenly emerged with a cardboard box and plonked it down at Darcy’s feet. She peered in and gasped in amazement.

Books and trinkets, china too

Odds and ends of household tat

Ashtrays, placemats, picture frames,

Candles, vases, things like that

A timely hoard, a lucky haul

Perfect for a fledgling stall

Mindful of her meagre funds, Darcy wondered what the deal might be and asked Hugh what would be acceptable. He told her that this was just surplus stuff that they found left inside the furniture when it came in and his boss was willing to let her have whatever came, for three pounds per box.

Momentarily taken aback at hearing what was definitely the longest sentence she had ever heard from Hugh, and the generosity of such an offer, Darcy nodded and grinned with delight. He showed her the other boxes, there were half a dozen more there, but Hugh said she need not pay for them all now. She could take what she needed to start with and he would arrange for her to get the others as she wanted them.

Warm inside from kindest gesture

Elated to have found a way

To keep alive her new adventure

And make her new endeavour pay

Light of heart from days events

Pleased with that, which fate presents

Hurried footsteps keeping pace

As Titan transfers Loot to Lair

Little bird suddenly bashful

Awed that gentle giant should care

Turns with thanks she must pass on

Finds her hero’s quietly gone

‘

That night, Darcy laid out her treasure and priced it up, using little labels that Rosalyn had found in a tin under the till. There was plenty for the next market day.