Louise's War (The Trenwith Collection) by Rosie Clarke

Author:Rosie Clarke [Clarke, Rosie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2024-06-02T00:00:00+00:00

Louise finished milking the cows. She skimmed the cream and put it aside for churning into butter, and then wheeled the churn out to the gate where it would be collected later. The spare milk was sold in the village with milk from other farms in the area, and she would receive her share of the proceeds. Sometimes she was given a few coins; at others she would ask for cheese or other foodstuffs instead. It was an easy way of exchanging goods and suited their way of life, which had always been quiet. She carried the jug of milk for her own use back to the house, but as she opened the kitchen door she almost dropped it as she saw Jack.

‘What are you doing?’ she asked, putting the jug on the scrubbed pine tabletop. ‘You should be in bed.’

‘I’m tired of lying there like an invalid,’ Jack said. ‘I saw the dishes needed washing so I heated the water on the range and did them.’

Louise could not hide her surprise. Jacques would never have done such a thing, even when they were first married.

‘It wasn’t necessary. I usually do them when I come back from milking.’

‘I can’t do much else for you yet,’ Jack said. ‘But I’m going to do whatever I can in the house until I can go outside.’

‘Thank you.’ The sting of tears behind her eyes surprised her. She was touched by his thoughtfulness. ‘I still think you need to rest, but it was a kind thought.’

‘I shall rest,’ Jack said and grinned. Louise’s heart jerked and then raced as she felt a tingle of desire shoot through her. Her eyes dwelled on his mouth for a moment as she recalled their kisses in Boulogne. He was handsome, generous and kind, and she would hate it when he had to leave. ‘But I am not ready to move on yet, Louise. If I give myself time I may remember who I am and where I live.’

She knew it was his duty to try and get back, either to his unit or to England. The war was still raging on the Somme and he could be in trouble for deserting if he did not make that effort, but she did not want him to leave. She realised that she was falling in love with him. He was so different from her husband.

‘You can stay here for as long as you wish,’ she said, surprising herself, because she had been anxious for him to go at the start. ‘We can tell people you are my brother. There is no need to go until you are truly well again.’

‘If you are sure?’ Jack looked at her face. ‘I know what a risk you took bringing me here, Louise.’

Louise shrugged and smiled. ‘You have repaid me by washing the dishes,’ she said. ‘It is a chore I have never liked.’

‘I would like to do much more for you.’

There was such sincerity, such meaning in his voice that Louise’s throat went dry.

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