Come Rain or Shine by Pam Weaver

Author:Pam Weaver
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pan Macmillan UK

CHAPTER 19

‘Do you think they’ll let me see Daisy before Christmas?’ Win was doing her best to make her question seem casual, but she couldn’t hide the longing in her voice. They were in the kitchen where Win insisted they have a hot Ovaltine before the girls walked back home.

‘We had a chat with Matron in her office just before we left,’ said Ronnie. ‘She wanted things to calm down a bit before we went back again.’

‘She wasn’t trying to put us off,’ Sheila added quickly, ‘but she was a bit concerned, what with the run-up to Christmas and everything that was going on in the home, that an emotional family visit might be a bit too much for Aunt Daisy.’

Win frowned. ‘I don’t understand,’ she said stubbornly.

‘I think Matron was worried about her mental state,’ said Ronnie.

Their grandmother turned her back to them, but they knew she was crying.

‘You could write to her,’ Sheila suggested. ‘Matron didn’t say anything about that.’

‘And if she thinks Aunt Daisy is happy about having a letter,’ Ronnie went on, ‘she may be more inclined to invite you all the sooner.’

Granny nodded and squeezed the end of her nose with her hanky. The milk had almost boiled over as she whipped the pan from the stove. ‘There now,’ she said, pouring the milk onto the granules. ‘This’ll warm you up. It’s freezing out there.’

The three of them sat at the table.

‘I can’t think where Leslie can be,’ said Granny, glancing up at the clock. ‘He doesn’t usually stay out this long for one of his walks.’

‘He’s looking very much better,’ said Ronnie. ‘It’s done him good staying here with you. You’ve done him proud, Granny. I hope he realizes how lucky he is.’

Granny sighed. ‘He won’t stay much longer,’ she said. ‘I sense the restlessness in him already.’

They finished their drinks and the girls wrapped up for their walk home. Nelson, reluctant to leave the fireside rug and Milly, was persuaded to join them. Hugs and kisses were exchanged and they set off five minutes later. ‘Don’t forget to come to the Archbishop’s Palace for the carol service if you can,’ Sheila called from the gate, ‘and we’ll see you Christmas morning.’

‘Looking forward to it, my dears,’ Granny called as she closed the door.

The pavements were already glistening with frost as Ronnie and Sheila linked arms. Nelson walked beside them.

‘I have a feeling this is going to be a good Christmas,’ said Sheila.

‘About time we had one of those,’ Ronnie said with a chuckle. ‘Have you decided what you’re going to do about Matthew yet?’

Sheila blew out her cheeks. ‘I know I have to make a decision, but I want to go to the Ball first. Is that too awful?’

Ronnie laughed. ‘I’m sure he’ll survive. I often wonder why you still go out with him. All you two ever seem to do is row.’

‘I don’t want to be left on the shelf,’ said Sheila.

‘Don’t be daft,’ said Ronnie. ‘There’s plenty more fish in the sea as my mum would say.

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