Life and Mary Ann by Catherine Cookson

Author:Catherine Cookson [Cookson, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781780360799
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

‘But how will he manage? He’s just starting out, Mike.’ Lizzie’s voice was soft. There was no tone of opposition in it, just helpless inquiry.

‘People have managed like that afore, they’re shown a way.’

‘But if she can’t walk. If she’s in a chair…’

‘Liz!’ Mike walked over to her and put his arm around her shoulder. ‘Listen to me. Things’ll pan out. Just remember that. Whatever you think or do, things’ll pan out one way or the other. But this much I think you’d better get into your head and accept it. Whatever condition Sarah comes out in, she’ll be the only one for him…Now it’s no use saying he’d get over it. Don’t start to think along those lines, because I know this…he’d rather have his life a hell of a grind with Sarah than be on velvet with anybody else…Now don’t cry.’

But Lizzie did cry. She turned her head into Mike’s shoulder, and as he held her and spoke softly to her, he looked across the room towards Mary Ann, but she herself could hardly see him, her vision was so blurred. She felt a weight of sadness on her that she had never before experienced. It sprung, she supposed, from Sarah’s condition. Yet she knew that not all her feelings were due to Sarah. Vaguely she realised that life was opening her eyes wide, stretching them with knowledge, painful knowledge, such as the fact that her mother was crying, not so much because Sarah was crippled for life, but because her son was determined to take on a burden that to her mind would cripple him too.

It was the worst Christmas Mary Ann had ever known. No-one felt like jollification. Presents were given and received without much enthusiasm. Mr Lord bought Mary Ann a portable typewriter for her Christmas box, and although she was pleased with the gift, she simulated delight that she didn’t altogether feel. But Mr Lord was very thoughtful and kind during this period. And she wanted to please him.

The old man had shown great concern over Sarah. Twice a week he sent her gifts of flowers, he had looked at Lizzie and said, ‘There’s no need to inquire if the boy will stand by Sarah. I feel that Michael knows his own mind, and it’s a very good thing. Perhaps it will be very good for both of them. And he can rely on all the help he needs when the time comes.’

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