The Saint John's Fern
“A fine mist was moving in from the sea, and it would soon be time to find shelter for the night.
On the advice of a passing cowherd, whose instruction I sought, I struck out in a south-easterly direction across the Cattedown peninsula that divides Sutton Pool from the mouth of the River Plym.
‘Ferry’ll take you over the Cattewater,’ the man told me, ‘to Oreston, on the other side. There’s a decent inn there, if you’re able to pay your board.’ He looked me up and down, while his cows, anxious to be milked, pushed and jostled one another along the homeward track, leaving him behind. ‘On the other hand, a strapping, good-looking young fellow like you could well get free lodgings if he’s civil to the landlord’s wife. She’s an eye for a handsome youth.’ And with a nod and a wink, he set off in pursuit of his cattle.
I called my thanks after his rapidly retreating back and continued along the path he had indicated. There had been a time, and what an age ago it seemed now – although, in trut...h, it was far more recent than I imagined – when I might have been excited by the prospect of an older woman’s admiration, but no longer.MoreLess
On the advice of a passing cowherd, whose instruction I sought, I struck out in a south-easterly direction across the Cattedown peninsula that divides Sutton Pool from the mouth of the River Plym.
‘Ferry’ll take you over the Cattewater,’ the man told me, ‘to Oreston, on the other side. There’s a decent inn there, if you’re able to pay your board.’ He looked me up and down, while his cows, anxious to be milked, pushed and jostled one another along the homeward track, leaving him behind. ‘On the other hand, a strapping, good-looking young fellow like you could well get free lodgings if he’s civil to the landlord’s wife. She’s an eye for a handsome youth.’ And with a nod and a wink, he set off in pursuit of his cattle.
I called my thanks after his rapidly retreating back and continued along the path he had indicated. There had been a time, and what an age ago it seemed now – although, in trut...h, it was far more recent than I imagined – when I might have been excited by the prospect of an older woman’s admiration, but no longer.MoreLess
Write Review:
Guest
Read Also
8 / 10
User Reviews: