The Lonely Orphan by Cathy Sharp

Author:Cathy Sharp [Sharp, Cathy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2022-01-20T12:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 27

Ruby looked for Luke on her way to work the next morning. She enjoyed talking to him and she’d packed a couple of extra sandwiches but it looked as if they might be wasted; then, just as she was about to give up hope, he approached from behind and touched her on the shoulder.

‘You made me jump,’ she said and smiled. ‘You look bright and cheery this morning, lad.’

‘I went up the Sally Army and they give me some new clothes and then I had a bath.’ Luke grinned at her. ‘I smell a bit better now, missus.’

‘If you wanted to be clean you could come to mine whenever,’ Ruby told him. ‘In fact, you could live with us if yer wanted. I spoke to my Sid and he said he would give yer a job with him, at least until you found yer feet.’

Luke nodded. ‘Thanks, missus. I might come on Christmas Day – if yer meant it.’

‘Yes, of course I did,’ Ruby said and smiled. She found the young lad’s smile attractive and looked forward to their little chats of a morning. ‘Here’s yer sandwiches and you’re welcome at my house whenever yer like.’

Luke accepted the greaseproof package and smiled. ‘I like your food, missus,’ he said. ‘You’re a nice lady. I wish you’d been my mum.’

As he walked off whistling cheerfully, Ruby felt tears sting her eyes. His saying that had made her feel on top of the world and she quickened her step, ready for the day at work. She enjoyed her work at the Rosie so much, loved the nurses and the patients, particularly the dear little kiddies, lying there in those narrow beds, looking so poorly. But my how their faces lit up with pleasure when she took them ice cream, jelly and fruit – such a treat for the poor little mites. Those who were a little better loved her egg sandwiches or ham when they had it, and a nice glass of cold milk or squash.

Ruby had quite enjoyed looking after the old lady who had given them a home and jobs for a couple of years when they’d first left London, fleeing from the gangsters. She’d been so grateful to them towards the end as she grew frail and they’d taken care of her, which was why she’d been generous to them in her will, but Ruby much preferred the wards of the Rosie.

She smiled as she greeted staff on her way to the kitchens, ready to begin work for the day. The only thing lacking in her life now was a child to love and spoil now that Julia was so grown-up in her ways.

Luke felt good as he left his friend with the packet of food tucked inside his jacket pocket. Things were looking up again of late and he was pleased with himself for stopping that attack on the copper’s wife. He’d distrusted everyone when he first ran away from the orphanage, but he’d learned slowly that some folk were to be trusted and he reckoned Constable Jones was one of them.

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