Ive got to tell you what happened to Emily down in Little Hartley, that little Cotswolds village shed been dreaming about ever since she retired. Shed saved up, sold the flat in Birmingham, and finally bought a cosy cottage on the edge of the village, right where the fields meet the woods. It was exactly the peaceandquiet shed wanted a garden, a tiny vegetable patch, and a view that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Shed started fixing up the fence right away, using the old wire and wooden slats that were left from the previous owners. Her neighbour, Annie Clarke, whod been Emilys friend since school, popped over one morning with a cup of tea and said, You might want a new fence soon, Em. Emily laughed, Lets see how long this one lasts. If it finally gives way, Ill put in something sturdier. She swung her axe and drove a metal post into the ground, just like shed done before.
Annie smiled, Youre a proper English lady, Emily! Youll get a lot out of this place. Its a shame there arent many blokes left around here most have moved away, got older, or just passed on. Ive been a widow for ten years.
Emily nodded, Im in the same boat, only Im not widowed I split up with my husband when we both realised we were only staying together for the sake of our daughter. Once she was grown, married and off on her own, it just felt wrong to keep living under the same roof.
Annie added, Well, at least were not driving each other mad. Thats a plus. Still, Id put in a proper fence this autumn something solid.
Spring rolled in, the soil softened, and Emily spent every spare moment in the garden and the woods. Ive never been out in the fresh air this much in my life, she told Annie, pointing to the yew hedges and the pine trees that always gave her a good mushroom haul. The berries and raspberries are everywhere now.
Annie chuckled, Good to see you so happy with the move. Im used to the town, but it suits you.
Summer was a blur of planting, weeding, and harvesting. The cabbage heads grew massive, the potatoes started to sprout, and the harvest looked brilliant. Emily was practically living outdoors, digging up potatoes and munching on the steamy, fragrant veg.
One evening she called Annie, Im heading into town for a few days the old school gang is meeting up for our headteachers birthday. Ill be back soon and finish the harvest.
Annie waved her hand, Enjoy yourself!
The next night at the reunion, Emily bragged about the cottage, showed photos, and talked about the bumper crop. The soils rested these past two years, she said to her old classmate, Martin, and next year Ill get a tractor and a proper spread of manure for the beds.
Martin warned, Dont overdo it, Em. If you need a hand, just shout, Ill come over.
Emily smiled, Im managing for now, but thanks for the offer.
Emily and Martin had once been close back in school, but life had taken them to different cities. They kept in touch now and then, meeting up at the local hall for a toast each year.
Later that autumn, while Emily was out in the garden, she heard a rustle. Someone had been pulling out potatoes, peeling them, and had gathered the biggest one. Her heart leapt. She kept walking and saw that half the cabbage heads were missing almost half the crop gone.
She froze, then spotted the broken fence shed painstakingly set up in spring. The post shed hammered in was lying flat, and there were fresh boot prints in the mud. Panic rose, and she rushed to Annies window.
Whats happened, Em? Annie called, leaning out.
Someones robbed my garden, Annie! Come out, lets see whats left, Emily cried, tears spilling.
Annie threw on her coat and ran out. Blasted thieves they mustve known were alone out here, no dog, the house at the back of the lane. They inspected the scene: a couple of cyclists had slipped past the fence, bent the wire, and scooped up the veg, tossing the potatoes aside and loading the biggest cabbages into sacks before pedalling off.
Emily sighed, I had so much, and now its gone.
Annie shook her head, You cant prove who took it. In these parts, everyones got a plot, and we never know whos watching. She guessed the culprits were a few drunks from the nearby town, recently out of work. Theres not much we can do, really.
Emily sat on the garden bench, feeling defeated. I was so hopeful, like a kid with rosetinted glasses. Everyone seemed so nice.
Annie tried to comfort her. Its not our fault, love. Folks in nearby villages are struggling, but God sees everything. Dont lose heart. Ill fetch Tom, the handyman, to fix the fence. Well sort something out.
Tom, a sturdy seventyyearold, arrived before lunch and replaced the broken post with a solid timber one, patching the gap with old boards. Here you go, madam, a proper fence, he said, and remember, never leave the house unattended.
Emily asked, halfjoking, What about a second fix?
Tom replied, Swap the latch on the front door for a proper lock. If the locks missing, anyonell know the house is empty.
Annie added, A small dog would help too a bark that carries.
Tom chuckled, That makes four fixes.
Annie counted, And a strong bloke to look after the place makes five. They all laughed, and Emily wiped her eyes.
Annie hugged her, Dont worry about the veg. Ive got enough cabbage to see us through winter. Well share what we have.
Later they all gathered for tea at Emilys cottage. She talked about her city meetup, and they planned a few selfdefence steps for the garden.
A week later, Victor Hayes, a friend from the city, drove up with a lock for the door and material for a new fence. Ill help you sort this out, Emily. Well measure everything together, and Ill stay a few days to see the place, he said. Emily started to thank him, but he cut her off with a grin, No need to pay me Im on holiday and have nothing better to do. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and they both laughed.
The village folk started talking, Thats how Emily got her handyman, and now the lads are fixing up the yard. Victor and Emily worked side by side, and within a week a sturdy new fence stood, complete with metal posts and fine boards. Emily cooked a big lunch for the crew, proud that her garden was finally secure.
Victor joked, A burglar cant get through that, but the harvests still there. The real treasure is you, Emily.
Old Tom brought over a little puppy, a floppyeared mutt they named Baron. The pup was more of a cuddly toy than a guard, but Emily loved him instantly. She built a small doghouse next to the garden so Baron could keep an eye on things.
One afternoon at a village tea, Emily, Annie, and Tom were chatting. Hows everything? Is the new fence holding up? Tom asked. And will Victor stay for good?
Annie laughed, Were not blind, we see the spark between you two.
Emily, a bit shy, replied, Im happy as I am. Lets see what the future brings.
Victor returned from a brief trip to the city with a sack of groceries, saying, Ill bring over a stew, some pies, and well keep the garden fed. No need to worry about hunger.
Emily giggled, Alright, you can be my helper and occasional guard while Baron grows up.
Life settled into a gentle rhythm. Emily let out her city flat to a young couple, and Victor would swing by with bags of fresh produce, the two of them sharing laughs and quiet evenings. They missed the bustle of town but found comfort in the villages slow pace, the golden sunsets over the fields, and the sound of Baron chasing crows along the hedgerow.
Every spring theyd drive up to the coastal spa for a short break, but even then theyd return to their beloved Hartley, where the real holiday was simply being home together, with a sturdy fence, a loyal pup, and a garden that kept on giving.
