How To Speak Cat
solo, but I’m not a natural performer.”
“I assumed all teachers enjoyed being the centre of attention.” Archie stopped walking for a moment and adopted a pose, facing a passing group of ducks on the river.
“Come along, now. All eyes on me. Especially you, Jemima!” he said, doing a good Joyce Grenfell impression.
With a groan, Ruby folded her arms and waited for him to return to her side.
“Not all teachers talk like that, you know. As for the oboe, I play to lose myself in the music.
“I love to be wrapped up in the sound, surrounded by all the threads of melody and harmony, knowing I’m a small part of something so much bigger.
“If I get it right, nobody can hear me as an individual and that’s the same with teaching: if I do it well, people don’t see me. They only see what the children can do.”
Archie blinked at her. “People talk about a vocation, but I’ve never understood what they mean until this moment.”
Turning, they continued their walk back to the Old Mill Café.
When they reached the bench, Ruby saw that the roses she’d brought with her still lay where she had left them.
She picked them up and handed them to Archie.
“Maybe your mum can use them on the tables in the café. They aren’t a fitting tribute for Marigold amongst all these.”
She spread her arms wide, taking in the glory of the orange and yellow flowers all around them.
Glancing at her watch, she gasped.
“I need to run, but say thank you to Lily for all her kindness. It’s been lovely to meet you both.”
Unable to decide how to part from him, and conscious of the way time was racing away from them, Ruby gave Archie a peck on the cheek and ran off before she could find out whether she’d made the right choice or not.
She couldn’t risk being late for rehearsals when she needed all the practice she could get.
****
The applause gradually died down and the audience murmured as they waited for the next piece.
Starting their programme with “In The Hall Of The Mountain King” had pleased what had turned out to be a capacity crowd.
It was also one of Ruby’s favourite pieces, and normally settled her nerves.
Unfortunately, that night Grieg hadn’t worked his usual magic for her. Her mouth went dry as the conductor, Iain, turned to face the audience.
“It brings me great joy to announce a small addition to the printed programme this evening.
“There is one piece, which I’m sure you will recognise, that we’ve been practising for months in the hope that one day we would be able to persuade a talented oboe player amongst us to find the courage to play the solo.
“Luckily for you, tonight is the night, so we give you ‘The Watermill’ by Ronald Binge.”
Ruby kept her eyes firmly fixed on the conductor throughout the performance.
The final note died away and Iain insisted that she stand to take the applause.
A whistle rang out across the auditorium and she spotted Archie and Lily standing towards the back, smiling and clapping.
Relieved to have her solo out of the way, Ruby was able to enjoy the concert, which included pieces from stage and screen as well as some classics.
There hadn’t been time to speak to her new friends in the interval, so she was glad to find them waiting at the main entrance when she was leaving.
“You were amazing!” Archie beamed when she appeared in the foyer.
“You need to do more solos in the future – it’s wrong to keep that talent to yourself!”
“I’ve never had the guts before.” She turned to Lily. “I think it was being at the mill today, and talking to you, especially.
“It made me realise that life is precious and we have to grab the opportunities we’re given, no matter how we find them.”
The two women held each other close.
“It’s been a privilege to meet you, Ruby. You’re always welcome at the Old Mill Café. Perhaps you can bring your mum some time.”
Lily moved away, getting caught up amongst the musicians gathering themselves to get ready for the journey home.
It was busy and noisy in the foyer, so Archie and Ruby needed to move closer to each other to make themselves heard. “This is for you.”
She looked down as he gave her a bag. Inside was a square object, with wing nuts in each corner.
“I pressed a marigold in there this afternoon. Something for you to remember her by.”
“That’s beautiful, Archie. Thank you so much.” Once again, her eyes filled.
“Well, my grandmother’s sacrifice has meant that we had a chance to meet. If it hadn’t been for her, we wouldn’t be here now.”
“It’s stunning how one person can affect so many others,” Ruby whispered.
“My phone number is in there in case you want to remember me, too.” He grinned.
****
On the bus, Ruby phoned home.
“Mum, I have loads to tell you.” She snuggled down in her seat, chilly and tired after her exciting day.
“Is there any kind of plaque to mark the spot?” her mother asked.
“No, but there’s something much better. I’ll take you there, Mum.
“I have a feeling it’s a place I’m going to get to know quite well.”
The End.