The Winter Baby by Sheila Newberry

Author:Sheila Newberry [Newberry, Sheila]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bonnier Publishing Fiction
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

SEVENTEEN

The weather worsened during January, with more snow, and there was not much they could do about the solicitors’ message except write a letter to Messrs Bartholomew and Hartley-Jones in Chancery Lane in London. Doc was asked to advise Kathleen on what she should say.

‘I can spell, you know,’ she said rather indignantly to Jessie when she heard he was willing to help. ‘I had a good convent education back home in Ireland.’

Jessie said soothingly, ‘But this is a business letter, Kathleen dear, and I really think that Doc is the best person to help.’

‘What about Sam?’

‘He’s emotionally involved. Doc isn’t.’

Kathleen went up to the attic, taking the newspaper clippings to show him. They sat side by side at Doc’s desk, and he took notes. When they were both satisfied with the draft, Kathleen dipped her pen in the inkwell and Doc moved aside and took up a ledger. ‘I should get our accounts up to date,’ he said tactfully as she began to write.

Dear Sirs,

Regarding your recent notice in the Times newspaper, I wish to inform you that I am the person you are seeking. I was formerly Miss Kathleen Clancy from County Clare and Dublin, after which I spent a short period in Croydon. I am now married to Mr Samuel Mason; we have two young daughters and reside at the above address in Kent.

I understand there is an important matter you wish to discuss with me. If you could suggest a date that would be convenient for my husband and me to meet with you at your office, I would be grateful. I can provide proof of my identity.

Yours faithfully,

(Mrs) Kathleen Mason

Although it was still cold in February, Sam decided it was time to travel to London to meet Mr Thomas Bartholomew, the senior partner in the firm. When the date and time were confirmed, Mr Bartholomew offered to take them out for lunch after discussing business. To Sam, this appeared unusual, but he kept his thoughts to himself, as Kathleen was already worrying about the journey, which would involve catching the steam train from Westerham station to the main line station at Dunton Green, where they would link up with the London train. When they arrived in the city, they would need to catch a double-decker bus, or a cab, to Chancery Lane.

‘You haven’t been to Westerham village yet, have you?’ Jessie said now, as they watched the children playing on the lawn in the back garden. Sam had brought the swing over from the Barn House and had also made a box on wheels for little Kitty to push along the paths, though she sometimes veered off course and ran over the flower beds. Then the cry would come, ‘Gamma! I’s falled over!’ old Bob sometimes staggered out and sat by the back door. His eyes were clouded over now and he couldn’t see much, but his ears twitched as he carried out his duties of watching over the girls.

‘Sam said the other day that I should go with Daisy next time she’s cycling to the shops.

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