The Wary Heart by Gwen Kirkwood

Author:Gwen Kirkwood [Kirkwood, Gwen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lume Books
Published: 2015-09-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Mike seemed to be out most evenings now and Jan scarcely knew whether she felt relieved or sorry. She knew he was co-producer with Fiona Forsythe, the play-group organiser, for the Westburn drama club. They were working on an evening's entertainment for the senior citizens' Christmas party. Angela had accepted the part of leading lady in a short sketch, clearly demonstrating her intention of remaining at Glenhead for some time yet. Jan tried not to listen for Mike's return but she knew he rarely came straight home from the rehearsals.

She found solace in Tim Greig's cheerful company, although he made no secret of his desire for a closer relationship with her. His open admiration did much for her morale, which had been at a low ebb since John's visit.

One crisp sunny day in November, the children were looking forward to a visit to the swimming baths - another of the treats arranged by Tim as an excuse to see Jan on his afternoon off. They were to have tea on the way home at the Lochside cafe and Jan was amazed at the children's eager anticipation. So it was an awful anti-climax when Tim telephoned to cancel their plans just as they were finishing lunch. His father had cut his hand rather badly during morning surgery and Tim had to attend to his calls. Looking at the three crestfallen young faces, Mike was moved to offer his own company instead, but not without a wary look at Jan. The children were ecstatic in spite of Mike's warning that he had to be back for the evening milking and there would be no time to stop for tea.

However a few hours later, after a hilarious and energetic spell in the well-equipped swimming baths, Julie at least chose to forget that particular warning.

‘I'm terribly, awfully, hungry, Mike.' she announced hopefully, her blue eyes wide and ingenuous. Mike's eyes lifted to the sky and his eyebrows almost disappeared into his hair in a comically exaggerated prayer for deliverance from three rascals. Then he grinned down at them, relenting.

'Didn't I just know it.' he declared.

Much to Jan's relief Mike had almost returned to their former teasing friendship during the afternoon's capers and she made a tentative suggestion.

'How about fish and chips - eaten as we go along - no time wasted. Of course the driver will not want any...' she added innocently. Mike shook his head in mock despair.

'You are worse than the bairns. Cruel with it too. You would starve a poor man to death.' He grinned boyishly and pulled in at the first open fish and chip shop. He dumped the delicious smelling package on Jan's lap and she felt her own enzymes begin to work overtime. 'And you will find a packet for me too,' Mike informed her as she carefully unrolled the wrappings. 'For your sins you can feed me as we go.'

By the time they were driving up the road to Shamlee everyone, including Mike, was replete. Jan licked her own fingers in childish delight.

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