It looked inviting but Keely was on a mission. She moved on around the corner to the stone cottage, dwarfed on either side by newer glass and brick buildings. The little verandah was right on the street and strips of fabric in every colour fluttered from the eaves. Fabric on rolls stood on stands either side of the door and two big wicker baskets overflowed with hats and scarves with a sign declaring Hand knits at bargain prices. This was River Rainbow.

The doorway was low and Keely felt the need to duck her head. A soft chiming sound came from somewhere in the back as she entered. The main room was jammed with more material on bolts and rolls, and old shop mannequins draped in fabric, and the walls were lined with zips, threads, feathers and all sorts of haberdashery items. She stopped to take it all in, captivated by the selection available. Now she understood what Euan had been referring to.

She moved to the back of the room, dominated by a wide wooden counter surrounded by baskets and boxes overflowing with every kind of sewing accessory. The long wall behind the counter was decorated with handmade cards, scrapbook pages, cross-stitch samplers, patchwork cushions and smocked baby gowns. Here the air was filled with the delicate scent of roses.

“Won’t be long,” a woman’s voice called from somewhere further back. Keely looked around. There was a door to the right, with a sign beside it declaring Patchwork. The door leading to the back of the shop had a sign that said Paper crafts, buttons, beads and workroom. She stepped through into a room stacked with shelves of coloured card, papers and stickers and came face to face with a large, ruddy-faced woman.

“Mary?” Keely asked.

“Good heavens no, love. I’m Peg. I’d make two of Mary. She’s not here this morning. I’m minding the shop. Have you come for the card-making? We’re out in the back room.” The woman jerked a finger over her broad shoulder.

“No, I’m just looking for beads,” Keely said.

“Right beside you, love. Do you need any help?”

Keely turned to see a door to another side room, with a sign announcing Buttons and beads. “No, thanks, I’ll be fine.”

“Righto, love. You just give me a yell when you’re ready.” Peg turned her large body in the small space and sailed back the way she’d come.

Keely stepped through the door and stopped. It was as if she had crossed the threshold into another world. The walls were lined with rows of shelves and each shelf held containers of beads or buttons. Every colour was represented, in all shades and patterns. In the centre of the room was a glass cabinet displaying several pieces of jewellery in various stages of construction. The items were draped over driftwood or sat among shells. Some of the finished pieces were for sale.