Something was different tonight, however. She was glad to hang her coat on the hook in the hall, grateful to kick off her trainers and pad out onto the still-warm balcony that overlooked the river, with a glass of cold white wine in her hand.
She sat for a few moments, stretching her tight calf muscles and gazing across the rooftops to the peeping spires of the Minster, twinkling against the darkening sky in the distance. Perhaps this little shoot of contentment was a sign that York was beginning to feel like home, she thought as she sipped her wine. Perhaps she could carve out a fresh start, one where she actually lived instead of simply getting through each day. And perhaps Iris might turn out to be part of what Hope was missing – a friend to make new memories with.
On impulse, she raised her glass towards the Minster. ‘Here’s to starting over,’ she said softly, picturing the Ever After Emporium and Blooming Dales nestling in its shadow. Then she remembered something both Fleur and Iris had said. ‘And here’s to being kind.’
Chapter Four
The Emporium already had its first visitors when Hope arrived the next morning. Mr Young was leaning against the counter, chatting to Will, and Hope wasn’t at all surprised to see the puzzle box in Brodie’s hands as she perched on a rose velvet armchair nearby.
Mr Young glanced across the shop with twinkling eyes. ‘Ah, and here’s Hope. Good morning.’
‘Hello,’ she replied. ‘How are you today?’
‘We’re grand,’ Mr Young said. ‘Will was just telling me about the puzzle box his mother owns. They were popular in the Victorian era and around the turn of the century, so the older ones do pop up as family heirlooms.’
Will smiled. ‘I’m not sure I’d call ours an heirloom. My brother and I weren’t exactly delicate in our efforts to open it.’
Hope eyed the little girl, who was methodically testing every inch of the cedarwood box. ‘Luckily for us, Brodie is more careful.’
‘She is,’ Mr Young said approvingly. ‘I’m afraid I don’t know much about the provenance of the box, other than to say it’s probably from Morocco rather than Japan or Switzerland. It came in from a house clearance some years ago and we’ve all spent hours trying to work out its secret.’
‘I think Brodie has similar plans,’ Will admitted dryly. ‘She practically dragged me in here today.’
‘She’s very welcome to spend as long as she likes – I’d love someone to work out its secret,’ Mr Young said. ‘But you’ll have to excuse me now, I’m afraid. The dreaded paperwork beckons.’
He nodded at Will and Hope, then bent to catch Brodie’s eye. ‘Do you know, I’ve got a feeling you’re going to solve the mystery. Keep going!’
The little girl’s hands stopped moving for a moment as she glanced briefly up at him and Hope thought her mouth curved into the faintest of smiles before she bowed her head again.
‘Thank you for letting her try,’ Will said.
Mr Young shrugged as he straightened up. ‘No need to thank me. Puzzles are made to be solved, after all.’
With a final amiable nod, he made his way along the aisle and out of sight, leaving Hope and Will standing together in a slightly awkward silence. She was just wondering whether to offer him a cup of tea when Will spoke. ‘Iris told me you’re new to the city as well as the Emporium. How are you settling in?’
‘I’m not exactly new,’ Hope replied, uneasily wondering how her name had come up in conversation between Will and Iris. ‘I grew up on the outskirts of York so I know it pretty well. But a lot has changed – I’m still getting reacquainted with some things.’
He tipped his head. ‘It’s a lot busier, I expect. Especially in the high season.’
‘I don’t remember quite as many visitors,’ Hope conceded, thinking of the packed public gardens that lined the River Ouse and the crowds spilling out around the Minster. ‘But I’m used to London, which is always full of tourists. High Petergate hasn’t reached the terrifying heights of Oxford Circus in the sales yet.’
A pained look crossed Will’s face. ‘Let’s hope it never does. I know tourism is a huge part of the local economy but it brings plenty of challenges too.’ He paused and seemed to mentally change tack. ‘Look, I know you’re not a stranger to York but if you ever need someone to show you round, I’d be happy to help. There are a few new places you might enjoy that the tourists haven’t discovered yet.’
The offer caused a pleasing fizzle of excitement in Hope’s stomach even as her brain reared up in panic. Was he asking her out? Or just being friendly? Had Iris put him up to this? What had been said? And how should she respond? ‘Thank you,’ she managed, after a momentary tussle with her suddenly jumbled thoughts. ‘I don’t know many people here now so that’s a very kind offer.’
Will opened his mouth to reply but whatever he’d been about to say was interrupted by the merest of clicks and a sharp intake of breath from Brodie. Hope looked down to see her holding the puzzle box out in front of her. Its lid was open.
‘You did it!’ Hope gasped. ‘That’s amazing!’
Will crouched down beside her, tilting the wood so he could see inside. ‘There’s something in here.’
Carefully, he tipped the box sideways until a small package wrapped in yellowed tissue paper tumbled into his palm. He glanced up at Hope. ‘Over to you, I think.’
He placed the package in her hand. It was heavier than she expected and the temptation to peel back the aged paper was strong. Reluctantly, Hope forced the urge down. ‘Over to Mr Young, I think,’ she corrected. ‘I’ll call him down from the office.’
Moments later, the antique shop owner was standing
