The Runaway Children by Lindsey Hutchinson

Author:Lindsey Hutchinson [Hutchinson, Lindsey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

27

Mary had spoken to Edith only when necessary since the old woman had broken Dora’s arm. Harsh words could be ignored but the vicious attack on Dora was unforgivable.

The strained atmosphere was beginning to tell on Edith, who knew she had gone too far that day. Deciding it was time to try to make amends and garner some sympathy, Edith waited for Mary to bring her breakfast.

‘That looks nice,’ Edith said as the plate of bacon and eggs was laid on her table. ‘Before you go, I thought you should see this.’ Edith pulled out a little folded card from her cardigan pocket. ‘I’ve paid sixpence a week since I was a girl, so when I die my funeral will be all paid up.’

Mary took the card and glanced at it before handing it back without a word.

‘We can’t go on like this, Mary! You have to talk to me because I’m going mad!’

‘After what you’ve done, you’re lucky I’m still here.’

‘I know. I didn’t mean to break the child’s arm, Mary, I swear!’

Mary bridled. There was no apology and Edith still could not bring herself to call Dora by her name. ‘You shouldn’t have hit her at all! I’m still of a mind to fetch a constable and report you for assault and battery!’ Mary’s anger rose again as she spoke.

‘I’m your mother!’

‘And Dora’s my child!’

‘We can go over this a thousand times and it won’t change anything.’

‘It already has. It’s altered how I think of you. I’ve always known you had a sharp tongue but hurting my daughter proves you to be a bully as well.’

‘It was an—’ Edith began.

‘Don’t you dare have the audacity to say it was an accident!’ Mary thundered.

Edith’s handkerchief slid from her sleeve and she dabbed at dry eyes.

Unbeknown to either of them, Dora had crept to stand behind the open door and was listening to every word.

‘You wouldn’t speak to me like this if your father was here.’

Mary barked a laugh. ‘Dad left us because of your nasty ways and foul temper! The poor man led a dog’s life with your constant nagging. It’s no wonder he fled and I, for one, hope he’s happier wherever he is!’

‘He’s dead and gone! I read his obituary in the paper,’ Edith struck back.

The statement hit Mary like a slap. So her dad had passed on as well as her husband. ‘Why didn’t you tell me this before?’

‘What difference would it have made?’ Edith answered.

‘None, I suppose,’ Mary said quietly.

Edith smiled inwardly, feeling a spark of triumph.

That spark was extinguished in an instant when Mary said, ‘I’ve seen your will.’

Dora drew in a breath and her hand covered her mouth.

‘You’ve been poking around in my room!’ Edith snapped.

Mary shrugged her shoulders. ‘Not exactly. I knew where to look.’ There was no use in denying it.

‘How? When?’

‘It doesn’t matter. What’s important is what is written in it.’

Edith’s eyes narrowed. Was Mary telling the truth? Had she found the will? If so, how would she react now?

‘And what’s that, then?’ Edith asked with a self-satisfied look on her face.

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