Shameful Secrets on Coronation Close by Lizzie Lane

Author:Lizzie Lane [Lane, Lizzie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

17

Cath Lockhart tucked the bedclothes beneath her chest and made herself comfortable. Next to her, in the double bed that squeaked with every move, lay the person she loved most in life.

Bill was breathing gently, apparently asleep.

Cath stared at the far wall, thinking through the events of the day. The bedroom was plain and the walls were unadorned by pictures. A washbowl and jug sat on the tallboy, the blue and white pattern matching the chamber pot beneath the bed. The bathroom being downstairs at the other end of the kitchen meant that old methods sometimes held sway.

She eyed the rounded shoulders lying next to her.

‘I wonder what Mrs Partridge died of. It was a bit sudden when that hearse drew up.’

‘It’s none of our business,’ grumbled Bill, annoyed to have his sleep disturbed. ‘Anyway, she was an old cow and good riddance, I say.’

‘Bill! You shouldn’t speak ill of the dead.’

‘I ain’t spoke ill, but let’s face it, it’s unlikely she’ll be in ’eaven. More likely going downwards, I shouldn’t wonder. With ’er drawers on fire!’ He chuckled.

Cath frowned. What Bill said was true, but she couldn’t help being curious. ‘I might knock on the door and give the sister my condolences.’

‘Might invite you to the funeral.’

‘She might do, but that won’t ’appen until after the coronation. All shops are closing for the day and that includes undertakers. Ain’t gonna be burying anyone until the big celebration’s over.’

‘Well, that’ll be something else for you to celebrate when the time comes.’

‘I wonder if Mrs Russell’s old place is taken yet?’

Bill grunted a wordless response.

‘I was wondering. Our David is on the council list. He could apply for it – if it ain’t gone yet.’

David Otley was her brother and she loved him dearly. Unfortunately, Bill didn’t like him. He was a police constable and a bit full of his own self-importance. Besides that, he was too straight and upright for his own good. Break the most trivial law and he’d get out his notebook. A summons would ensue even for a close friend or relative.

His wife was a bit common and Cath got on all right with her. Only one kid so far and another on the way. He had to be in with a chance of getting a council house.

‘I could ask Bert. He would know. Might even be able to put in a good word for our David. Wouldn’t that be nice,’ she said with a final sigh.

She sensed a stiffening of the rounded shoulders before he rolled onto his side, his heavily lidded eyes flickering when he looked at her. ‘Why can’t he get a police house? Don’t they have some that come with the job?’

‘Only in villages. There’s not many, if any, in the city.’

Bill sighed. ‘You won’t be popular if Dave moves in, so let’s not mention it again, eh?’

He turned his back to her, determined to get his sleep, but Cath was persistent. She relished the thought of her policeman brother moving into the street.

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