Dr. Grove slowly pulled off the main road, and past a small sign welcoming them to Afton-By-The-Sea. After endless rolling hills and wide fields, the small congregation of short, sturdy buildings seemed an improvement. Most buildings sported wind-catchers or colorful flags snapping in the brisk sea breeze. Lampposts at equal intervals down the street bore baskets overflowing with pansies and fuchsia. The doctor parked the car in front of the small general store. The profusion of stores with prominent display windows bore testament to the commercial status of this street. Beside the nondescript general store, an antique shop advertised its most whimsical pieces. Further along, a bookstore, and various other cafes and boutiques invited passersby with enchanting sights and cunning hand-crafted slates hanging over doorways.
He stole a glance at the other side of the car. Madi had ceased her passive survey of the land, and now leaned forward, her eyes lighting up for the first time since they had left Chelsea.
“Oooh, look Dad!” Madi cried. “There’s a bakery, and a toy shop! Dad, look! They even have puzzles and games!”
She hopped out of the car as soon as it rolled to a stop.
Dr. Grove laughed at her eagerness. “Wait for me, Madi!” He adjusted the trilby on his head and strode after his daughter.
Madi had already wandered to the other side of the street, where a candy shop had its taffy machine exhibited in a wide front window practically designed for that purpose. She joined a gaggle of wide-eyed children in witnessing the long mechanical arms bending and stretching long ropes of the pastel-colored sweetmeat.
Dr. Ash made his way down the sidewalk at a more leisurely pace. Situated as it was between two other, much larger, towns ending in “By-The-Sea”, Afton-By-The-Sea managed to accommodate the visitors on holiday without fully succumbing to the “tourist trap” atmosphere. Nor yet was the small hamlet as crowded as some of the more famous coastal cities of Great Britain. Tucked away in a little inlet on the border between England and Scotland, this little town offered a space away from the bustle of the rest of the country.
The doctor inhaled a deep breath of the fresh, salted air, tinged with slight notes of savory herbs, the sweet, yeasty scent of baked goods, and hearty roasted meat. The groups of people (and the occasional pet) passing to and fro down the roads in just about every direction were equal parts temporary visitors, and the wealthier, higher class “summer residents.” Representatives from all social levels mingled here, all in equal need of a change of scenery and able to afford a modicum of such—any amount of time, whether hours or months, away from the daily grind of normal life at the beck and call of employers and clients alike.
Dr. Grove observed a pleasant-faced farmer’s wife nodding affably to a young debutante clad all in lace from her chin to her fingertips, and receiving a soft nod in return. Across the way, a young man in a long coat-and-tails waited in a flower-shop queue behind an older, stooped fellow in a coat fairly made of mismatched patches. Ash couldn’t help smiling privately as the two opposites seemed to carry on a pleasant-sounding conversation to pass the time. Afton-By-The-Sea certainly proved effective in bringing people from all walks of life into equal and good-natured footing with one another. He felt reassurance in that fact. Here was the chance to make a fresh start on the journey of single parenting, and rediscover anew things once taken for granted or forgotten.
Speaking of forgotten…
Ash glanced toward the candy shop, but Madi had moved on already. He caught sight of her little brown head down across the street, where she watched a skillful busker set her feet tapping with his lively music.
By the time Dr. Grove arrived, Madi was off again, scurrying across the street in pursuit of some new diversion. He followed his daughter to a stand of brightly-colored kites in a souvenir shop.
“Oh Dad!” she cried when he finally caught up with her. She pulled out a bright-red, strawberry-shaped lantern, “Can we—“
“Oh!”
Dr. Grove winced as Madi’s exuberant movements collided with a stately, well-dressed woman. Her hat and lace trimmings bespoke fine breeding. Lady, girl, and kite crashed to the ground in a tangled, surprised heap. The doctor dashed forward to assist the lady. He held her hand and supported her elbow, apologizing profusely the whole time.
“Dreadfully sorry, ma’am; are you all right? My daughter gets a bit excited sometimes and quite forgets herself—“
The lady secure, Grove turned to help Madi to her feet and out from the tangle of kite string around her legs.
“Be more careful, darling,” he chided her gently. “We don't want you running over people like that—“
The lady raised her hand graciously. “Oh, it’s quite all right,” she said with a smile. “I remember just what it was like to be so young and enamored with pretty things.” She gestured to the slightly-rumpled silk lantern on the ground. Dr. Grove picked it up and began straightening the frame.
Madi, for once, stood stock-still, her eyes glued on the exquisite stranger in the coral silk dress.
“Are you a princess?” she gasped.
“Really, Madi!” Dr. Grove rolled his eyes.
The lady laughed. “How very sweet of you! What is your name?” she reached for the little hand.
“Madi,” replied the young girl shyly, running her fingers over the delicate lace glove.
“I’m pleased to meet you, Madi,” said the lady. “I like your name; it’s very pretty. I wish I had a name as pretty as yours. But no, I am only Agatha Dalton—isn’t
