Storytime

The Recipe Box

Carrie Luscombe stood on the platform of a tiny, rural station, juggling to carry a grip, a handbag and a brown paper carrier all at once.
'Could you tell me where the nearest Taxi Rank is, please?' she called to the dapper stationmaster as he finished blowing his whistle, sending the rumbling carriages on their way.
'That's a bit grand!, he replied, his weather beaten face breaking into a smile. 'There's only one taxi in the village. Come into the office, while I 'phone', and he opened the door with a flourish. 'You going far?', he continued, picking up the receiver, as Carrie perched on a bentwood chair.
'Not very. I need to go to Uphill Lane - Primrose Cottage.'
He dialled a short sequence of numbers on the antiquated 'phone.
'Hello, Ted? Got a young lady here needing a taxi to Uphill...a huh...yes...see you in a bit, then...bye! That Prue Luscombe's house?' he continued, turning back to her and Carrie nodded.
'Yes. She was my Aunt...'
'My goodness me, then you must be young Carrie, all grown up! I do declare! I remember you coming to stay with Pru when you were knee high to a grasshopper.'
'Really? Then you must be...wait a minute, I've got it! Bill Purkiss, the porter. Sorry, Stationmaster, now I see!'
'Fancy you remembering... Well, well, well!', and he chuckled, secretly pleased.
'I'd hardly be likely to forget,' laughed Carrie. She'd last seen Bill as a young lad, pushing a trolley piled high with teetering suitcases on that far off summer day that had brought a drove of eager holiday makers pouring onto the station. He'd wobbled a bit and the cases had avalanched to the ground. Aunt had said, 'Quickly, Carrie. Let's give Bill a helping hand'. They'd laughed over the incident at the time, as they all three huffed and puffed the luggage back into position, as well as giggling any time they remenisced.
'Sounds like the car already,' said Carrie as a horn blared. Bill hoisted up her bags and hurried to put them in the boot.
'Thanks', she added, clambering into the cab. 'See you again soon, Bill' and she waved to him through the window as they got underway.

To be continued...