Having recently moved into the area Peter had not yet got to know any of the residents. He was attracted to the neighbourhood by the well kept lawns, trimmed privet hedge and age profile of the retirees that mainly populated the area.
He had decided to skip through some of the back lanes on his way home from work having got the evening train. It was a quiet balmy evening and the air smelled of fresh cut grass. He could also just detect the smell of night scented stock as the evening drew to a close.
Passing an old style 1930s bungalow with a wooden veranda and beautifully planted garden he spotted two austerly dressed old ladies. One of the old dears was standing shakely on a small step ladder attempting to raise a heavy old fashioned watering can to water some hanging baskets. He was concerned that she would fall from the veranda and ran to assist.
"Ladies, please let me help you with that," he called as he ran up the flower lined pathway and up the steps to the veranda.
"Oh thank you dear, how kind." The old lady offered him the watering can as he reached out to take the weight from her. To his surprise the can was quite heavy and despite his regular working out he struggled to handle the weight of water and managed to spill quite a bit on his Harris tweed jacket..
He lowered the watering can to the veranda and offered his hand to help the old dear down from the step ladder.
"What a gentleman you are to take the trouble to help. Let me introduce myself, I am Winifred Goodweight and this is my sister Cecilia." Peter shook Winifred's hand and turned to greet Cecilia. "Good evening Winifred, Cecilia, my name is Peter and I have recently moved into the area. I bought number 43 just up the road and you are the first neighbours I have had the pleasure to meet. May I continue watering your plants for you? You have a most beautiful display, like an old cottage garden."
"Well Peter it is a pleasure to meet you. Cecilia why don't' you go and put the kettle on? I'm sure Peter will stay for tea and cake after he has finished watering the plants," commanded Winifred.
While Cecila went into the house Winifred began interrogating Peter as he watered the remainder of the planters. "Aren't you the handsome young man! No doubt you're married and are well settled?" Well no Winifred, I live alone and have not been lucky to meet the right person yet. I've literally just moved here from London seeking a slower, quieter pace of life.
"How interesting," remarked Winifred.
"I note from you dress style Peter that you like your clothes and you dress a little old for you age I might add but very dapper all the same! It's strange to see such taste in one so young."
"Yes," Peter replied "I buy a lot of my clothes in vintage clothing stores. I love the quality of the fabrics and the cut of vintage clothes."
"Well you must come in and see dear papa's clothes collection when you've finished watering the plants. He passed away some years ago and we have been reticent to give away his clothes he loved them so. They are probably just the vintage look you wear. Harris tweed jackets, corduroy trousers, argyle knitted vests and jumpers."
"Wow," Peter remarked "that would be great."
A short while later Cecilia arrived with a wonderfully tray set with bone china cups, scones, clotted cream and tea. She began to pour as Peter finished watering the last of the planters.
They sat and talked for a good half hour with the two ladies interrogating Peter in some detail as to his background and family status.
Having finished her tea Winnifred stood up and took Peter by the hand. "Come along now Peter let's go look at dear Papa's clothes. I am sure there is something we would be happy to give to such a dapper young man".
Winifred was quite forceful as she led Peter by the arm into the house and down a long dark hallway.
They entered a room at the back of the house, Winifred pulled the curtains flooding the room with light. The room looked out over a beautifully planted rear garden with tall trees defining the boundary. It was quite secluded and had great privacy.
As Peter turned back toward the room it looked like it had been left the way it was the day the sisters father died. On the back of the door hung a beautifully tailored heavy grey trench coat. Beside it hung a vintage brown woolen dressing gown with a gold braided belt and braid trimming around the sleeves and collar. The bed was made and turned down and resting on a pillow was an exquisite pair of beige pyjamas with a wine a medallion motif. A pair of brown carpet slippers lay on the floor by the bed.
Peter was taken aback at how spotless the room was and he was drawn to the bed and pyjamas. As Winnifred opened a large mahogany wardrobe Peter sat on the edge of the bed and gently caressed the pyjamas. He was a tad embarrassed by his gesture but he couldn't resist.
Winnifred caught his movements in the mirror inside the door of the wardrobe. "Do you like those pyjamas Peter she asked?" Caught off guard by the directness of her question and the fact that she had seen him touch the pyjamas he mumbled that he was drawn to the old style pattern and loved how soft old flannel pyjamas were.