Heartbreak at Harpers (Welcome To Harpers Emporium) by Rosie Clarke

Author:Rosie Clarke [Clarke, Rosie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2024-07-02T00:00:00+00:00

17

‘Good gracious,’ Mariah exclaimed as her brother entered the kitchen the Sunday after the General Strike had begun. ‘What happened to you?’

Kitty, who had been ironing a pile of shirts and tablecloths, looked at him in alarm. Larry’s breeches were muddy, his shirt torn and he had a smear of blood on his mouth. ‘You’ve been hurt,’ she cried, putting the iron back on the range to heat and leaving her ironing to go to him. ‘Shall I bathe that cut on your eyebrow?’

Larry put up his hand to touch the cut and winced. ‘I didn’t realise it was bleeding,’ he said with a wry smile. ‘I’ve been delivering food to the hospitals and someone took exception, called me a dirty blackleg, so we had a bit of a tiff.’

‘I told you to stay out of it!’ his father grunted from behind his newspaper. ‘We’re working folk. Daft though it is, you should support the workers or leave it alone.’

‘The hospitals were short of certain supplies, including fresh food, so I volunteered,’ Larry said. ‘I’ve been doing all sorts of things, so have a lot of others round here. Your Arnie was helping unload at the docks, Mariah.’

Because of the strike, there were no newspapers. The BBC was broadcasting news of the strike every few hours, but, of course, many folk didn’t have a wireless set. News was passed on the street and a lot of rumours were flying around, most of them untrue.

‘He’s not my Arnie…’ Mariah muttered but looked interested.

‘He sent you his regards and says he’ll call to see you later today.’ Larry frowned as his father snorted in disgust. ‘I know you don’t approve of the strike breakers, Father, but you’d be the first to complain if there was no milk for your tea. Besides, there’s talk of the Government imposing martial law. Those of us who can are bound to help keep the country running.’

Kitty fetched a bowl of warm water and some cloths. Larry sat down at the kitchen table and allowed her to wipe away the blood. ‘It is only a small cut,’ she told him as she finished. ‘It has stopped bleeding, so I don’t think you need to go to the hospital.’

‘Thank you, it feels fine,’ he said and smiled at her. Kitty’s heart skipped a beat. ‘It’s nice having you here…’

Kitty blushed at his words, but there was no doubting the warmth in his smile. ‘I am lucky to have a home with your family. I am very grateful to Mariah for having me.’

‘You’re a big help to me,’ Mariah informed her. ‘I enjoy your company, Kitty – and I’ve never had such a pretty dress as the one you’ve made me.’

‘Aye and she’s done your hair different too.’ Larry looked at his sister. ‘Any chance that stew you’re cooking will stretch to another one, Sister? I’ve got work to do this morning, but I’ll be back for twelve-thirty if you could save me some.’

‘Working on a Sunday,’ his father grumbled.

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