Neale, K [Battersea Tavern 02] A Family Secret by Kitty Neale

Author:Kitty Neale
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781409197652
Publisher: Orion
Published: 2022-08-03T23:00:00+00:00

16

On Monday morning, Winnie woke up with her back aching. After yet another prolonged attack on London throughout the night, once they’d heard the all-clear, she’d slept for a few hours on the lumpy sofa in the front room. Her sleep had been restless and she’d spent much of the time thinking about Harry, who was sleeping just several feet away in the next room. Once again, Winnie chastised herself for having such ridiculous thoughts. But it didn’t stop her checking her reflection in the mirror, something she wouldn’t normally do first thing in the morning. She was sure she could hear Harry in the kitchen.

‘Good morning, sweetheart,’ he greeted her.

Winnie noticed that Harry’s clothes appeared crumpled. She was about to offer to press his suit for him but realised that Carmen’s nose might be put out of joint so, instead, she made a mental note to offer the iron to Carmen.

‘The kettle has nearly boiled. I didn’t wake you, did I?’ he asked.

‘No, of course not. I’m always up early. Is Carmen still sleeping?’

‘Yes. I’m hoping that the shock of it all has worn off now and that she’ll wake up her usual self. Actually, on second thoughts, maybe it would be better for all of us if she stayed in shock.’

Harry and Winnie both chortled but their laughter was cut short when Carmen walked into the kitchen.

‘This is very cosy,’ she quipped. ‘What’s so funny?’

Harry exchanged a quick, guilty glance with Winnie. ‘Nothing, sweetheart,’ he answered. ‘Cuppa?’

‘In all the years we’ve been married, not once have I ever known you to make a pot of tea,’ Carmen scoffed, and then she turned to Winnie, adding, ‘he must be showing off for your benefit.’

Winnie felt uncomfortable and didn’t know where to look or what to say.

Harry seemed to sense the uneasy atmosphere and changed the subject. ‘I’m not happy about you kipping on the sofa, Winnie. It’s not right. Whilst we’re here, you should have your own bed and I can take the sofa. That’s as long as you don’t mind sharing with Carmen?’

‘I’m fine on the sofa, it’s not a problem,’ Winnie fibbed. She’d missed the comfort of her own bed but she didn’t relish the notion of sharing her room with Carmen.

‘No, it’s not fine. I won’t hear of you sleeping on that sofa for another night. I’ve put my foot down, so that’s that,’ Harry said masterfully.

Carmen sniffed incredulously at her husband’s remarks but she kept her mouth shut.

‘All right. But if Carmen prefers her privacy, perhaps Lucy could sleep in with me and Carmen can have Lucy’s room?’

Before Carmen had a chance to say anything, Harry jumped in. ‘No need for any upheaval, but thanks.’

Winnie noticed that Carmen looked at her husband with daggers in her eyes. She obviously didn’t like the fact that he’d answered on her behalf and declined the offer of Lucy’s room.

‘I’m going to put the breakfast on. Scrambled eggs do you both?’

‘Smashing, thanks, Winnie,’ Harry enthused, rubbing his hands together.

‘Let me help you,’ Carmen offered.

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