Lizzie Flowers and the Family Firm: The long-awaited third book in the gritty Lizzie Flowers East End saga series. by Carol Rivers

Author:Carol Rivers [Rivers, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Carol Rivers Publications
Published: 2018-07-17T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 34

Lizzie walked with Bert along the hospital corridor, thinking of the plans that she and Jenny had been making only last week. They had set aside a day to visit the women's hostel and offer a job to any soul in need. She and Jenny wanted to help those who, like Jenny and Madge, had had a hard deal in life. Jenny knew only too well what it was like to be battered and abused. She had escaped death by a whisker and found her calling at the bakery. She wanted to help others, as Lizzie did. But their dreams now lay in ruins. The shop was a burning wreck, but it was Jenny, Madge and Elsie who mattered.

Lizzie told the casualty nurse who they were and asked which one of her staff had been rescued.

'Her name is Jenny Maguire.'

'Thank God,' Bert breathed, unable to contain himself. 'Is she alright?'

'No, I'm afraid not.'

'What's wrong?' Bert boomed.

'A number of things. She is in no state to be visited.'

'Can we see her for just a few minutes,' Lizzie begged. 'We are the only family Jenny has.'

The nurse finally gave in. 'Just a short while, then.'

They were shown to a side room and Lizzie tried to hide her shock. Jenny's head and hands were swathed in bandages. A cage was propped over her legs.

'Jen?' Bert whispered as they stood beside the bed. 'It's us. Bert and Lizzie.'

'Please don't touch her,' the nurse warned as he went to take her hand. 'Her skin is very sensitive. Remember, just a few minutes.'

Lizzie forced back her tears. 'Oh, Jenny, my dear. I am so sorry.'

'What happened to me?' Jenny whispered so softly they could hardly hear her.

'Can't you remember?'

'No. Only the smoke and I started choking.'

Lizzie wanted to ask about Madge and Elsie but she knew this was not the time. Jenny's face was red and blotched. Her eyes were red, peering out of their sockets as if through a haze. She began to cough.

'I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave,' the nurse said, gently propping the pillows behind Jenny. 'Wait in the corridor and I'll speak to you.'

Lizzie and Bert left the ward. They waited silently together until the nurse joined them.

'Smoke inhalation has affected her lungs,' she explained. 'And for a while her burns will be very uncomfortable.'

'Will they heal up?' Lizzie asked anxiously.

'It's early days yet. We'll do all we can for her.'

'We'll come tomorrow,' Lizzie said quietly.

'Just one of you, please.' The nurse walked quickly away.

Lizzie looked up at her big, brawny brother with whom she had shared so many misfortunes. She had seen him weep only once before, at their mother's grave.

Now he stood and hung his head as his tears fell.

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