The camphor-laurel sideboard has been in the shop for years — one of those quiet, handsome pieces that simply belongs. Every so often, someone comments on its beautiful rounded shape - an Art Deco classic- or its scent: sweet, sharp, and comforting, like the ghost of an old perfume. The drawers have always been reluctant, especially the top left one, which hasn’t opened properly since we first moved it in.
Then, last week, it did.
I was rearranging glassware when I heard the faintest click.The drawer had shifted a fraction on its own, as if something inside had grown tired of waiting.
The next morning I eased the drawer open. The smell of laurel was stronger now, mixed with old paper and beeswax.
Inside lay a roll of dress patterns, folded small and tied with ribbon.
Each one drawn in a fine, looping hand.
Each one signed in pencil: E. Wren.
Between the pages I found a letter, the paper thin as fabric:
“The world keeps changing its fashions.
Hold to the cut that lasts.”
I looked over at the Singer; the spool turned once on its own, as if nodding in agreement.
⸻
Later that afternoon, I passed by the sideboard again — and froze.
The pull-down bar was open.
I know I hadn’t touched it. Pete hadn’t either. We’d checked every drawer, every cupboard months ago when we moved it. There hadn’t been a thing inside except the green felt lining and a faint smell of polish.
But now, sitting squarely in the centre, was a small crystal decanter with two matching glasses.
The afternoon light caught on the glass and scattered gold across the timber.
Inside one of the glasses floated a single loop of golden thread.
Beckham padded over, tail up, and sniffed the air — that curious blend of camphor, beeswax, and something sweeter, almost like sherry.
From the wardrobe came a soft rustle, and then the cuckoo clock chimed once — low, approving.
I raised the decanter slightly, a half-toast to the air.
“To Elsie,” I whispered.
For just a heartbeat, the scent of laurel deepened — and I could have sworn the Singer gave one slow, contented hum.
Join us next week for Part Seven💛