Divided Loyalties by Helga Kaye

Author:Helga Kaye
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mill City Press

Chapter 11

Betty found, to her relief, that David was sound asleep. She was too exhausted to expose herself to another emotional crisis, so she quietly slipped off her gown and crept into bed.

As soon as her head touched the pillow she was wide awake. Every muscle ached with fatigue, but her mind was alert to every sound and movement. What was she to do? Pretend she didn't know? No, she must confront David with it - for Penny's sake, as well as her own. Tell him about Francis? Heavens, no, on no account! With his temper, there would be no knowing what he'd do to the child. She was tired of all the subterfuge and deceit. She would have to play-act again until the evening, when her mother and the children were in bed. Whatever happened, they would all have to be out of earshot when the bomb exploded.

She got out of bed, straightened her crumpled sheets, turned her pillow over and lay down again, but sleep would not come. Pictures of her husband in the arms of 'that woman' grew clearer and more disturbing.

"I wish I had the guts to put an end to the whole damn business," she muttered. "Let her have him, and good luck to them. Marriage is a much over-rated undertaking, anyway."

At dawn she fell into a heavy sleep. She woke with a start to feel David's kiss on her forehead. He was bending over her, very concerned.

"Are you ill, dear?" he asked. "It's seven o'clock and the children are still asleep. Shall I wake them?" "No, thanks. I'm fine. I'll see to them." "Is your head better?"

"Yes, thanks," she said, and went to wake up the boys.

"Surely Penny can help you in the mornings. What was the matter with her last night?" he demanded when she returned.

"I can't discuss that now. Penny's not well. I told her to stay at home today. I'll tell you about it when you return this evening."

"Another mystery," grumbled David. "How I hate all this secrecy."

When David and the boys had left, Betty skimmed through her chores and prepared a breakfast tray for Penny.

"Who's that for?" asked Rita, coming into the kitchen. "For Penny."

"Is she ill? I hope it's nothing serious."

"No, Mom, only growing pains, I hope. But I must have a heart-to-heart talk with her and gain her confidence. She's so confused and unhappy."

"What about?"

"I can't tell you now. She's had a shock and a great disappointment. I said she needn't go to school today; I want to drive her out into the country where she can relax and we can discuss her difficulties."

"You spoil that child, giving in to her the way you do," declared Rita. "She won't thank you for it. Surely the best way to get over her disappointment is to take her mind off it by concentrating on her work at school."

"Leave that to me, Mom." I'm sorry you'll be alone for lunch. Why don't you invite Mrs. Cousins to have lunch with you at the pavilion? It'll make a pleasant change for you.

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