“Another Cognac?” Slurred Peter, waving the bottle at Oliver. The lunch at the Fernway’s had been over for hours. After Basil and Diana had left, Peter and Oliver had retired to the library, knowing Clarissa maintained a well-stocked drinks trolley there. The ladies had remained at the table, discussing next season’s plans for the … Continue reading Clara’s Coffee – Chapter 7
Lifestyle
Unfinished
A hand grabbed his shoulder and a cheerful voice shouted above the din, “Tom, you young dog, what do you mean by skulking into corners and not advising your friends where you are?” Before Tom could answer, his fellow artist Ned Richardson, had whipped out his sketch book and with a few quick satirical strokes, … Continue reading Unfinished
Clara’s Coffee – Chapter 6
The monthly Sunday lunch at the Fernway’s had always been popular amongst a group of Clara’s shareholders. In days’ past, these occasions had been far bigger affairs, including children and grand-children and, in summer months, had spilled out onto the lawns, with the inevitable, impromptu games of cricket and croquet. Today’s occasion was a far … Continue reading Clara’s Coffee – Chapter 6
Clara’s Coffee – Chapter 5
Melissa sat back into the deep leather armchair, took a sip of the large gin and tonic and began to relax. It had been a hectic day with a very early start but a great deal had been accomplished. The offer for the premises in Chester had been accepted (so she had made a call … Continue reading Clara’s Coffee – Chapter 5
The River
She sat still, her hands gripping the blade, trying to get her breathing and her mind under control. How did she ever get into this situation? Jean stared out into the garden. So much to do. They had only moved into the house last year. They had both agreed that her suggestion to give up … Continue reading The River
Duty (Clara’s Coffee – episode 2)
The low slanting sunlight caught the silver tea service, sending glistening reflections dancing around the room as a smiling Kate, the maid, brought the tray into the drawing room. The view, across the rose gardens and to the moors beyond was always one that Nigel had loved. It brought back so many memories, especially of … Continue reading Duty (Clara’s Coffee – episode 2)
Clara’s Coffee
Nigel was early in entering the old, oak panelled board room. This was his first meeting since taking over as chairman and he was well prepared; in terms of his planning... The business had been founded by Nigel’s great grandfather Cornelius Emanuel Havering and had remained a 100% family controlled and run business ever since. … Continue reading Clara’s Coffee
Thud
We fell in love at first sight with the imposing old stone house on the side of the valley in the small Yorkshire town of Hebden Bridge and came to live there as soon as we could. It had been built to last until the end of time by a wealthy Victorian mill-owner and had … Continue reading Thud
What lies Beyond?
He wanders along the footpath by the river, enjoying the sunshine and the views. Being on his own in the countryside has always been one of his purest pleasures since childhood. The fells, the river and the woods with only nature as his companion were always sheer delight. The wind murmuring through the trees, the … Continue reading What lies Beyond?
Exile
The little New England town of Rockport was a favourite of Ross’s. He’d managed to finish a meeting early in nearby Gloucester and taken the opportunity to make the short detour up to this little fishing port. Early evening, midweek in Fall was a dream. Famous for its granite from the nearby quarries and then … Continue reading Exile
