A New Beginning by N/A

Author:N/A
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo Books
Published: 2016-02-04T05:00:00+00:00

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When Daphne told Sophie about her work at the farm, she asked her if she would like to help. Sophie happily agreed, especially since, as she wasn’t yet officially a part of the staff at the school, she was earning no money during the holiday.

‘I’ll have to bring Bertie, will that be a problem? I’ve promised to look after him, remember.’

‘I don’t think Owen would complain. Just come and see what happens. They have to face each other sometime.’

Sophie and Bertie arrived at the farm every morning before eight and she started at once preparing breakfast. Feeding the men with sausages and even bacon once a week was something Sophie found difficult. How could they treat pigs and lambs like pets, admire them, care for them, then eat them? She soon found a way of doing something else, happily leaving the cooking to Daphne. She preferred washing dishes and cleaning muddy floors to watching meat being enjoyed.

She said nothing of her abhorrence to Bertie but noticed that he, too, managed with toast and home-made jams. Perhaps loyally following her lead. He was inclined to copy her and listen to her views, which was why she carefully avoided mentioning it.

Owen worked long hours and Daphne, true to her word, arrived soon after five a.m. and helped with the routine chores before getting breakfast for the men. She was very tired, staying to prepare supper before she left to go back to the pub.

Despite all he had to do, Owen helped when he could, and flattered her frequently, singing her praises in front of Rachel and Tommy.

‘What d’you think of the idea of sending my aunt and uncle for a short holiday?’ Owen asked Daphne one day. ‘Before they get back to work properly, a rest would be a good idea. It’s just that I worry about you. I know it’s been hard for you these past weeks and I know I’m asking a lot for you to continue for a while longer.’

‘Another week wouldn’t hurt me. I’m getting over the tiredness – my body’s used to the work now. Yes, I think that’s a good idea. But can I ask Sophie to continue to help? I don’t think I can manage without her.’

‘I’ll ask her myself,’ he promised. ‘And thank you, you’re a blessing.’

Daphne laughed her loud laugh. ‘Never been called that before!’

Bertie was there when he called at Badgers Brook; he could see the boy near the sink obviously standing on a chair, and he almost turned away, but Sophie had seen him coming and called to him as he hesitated.

‘I wonder if I can ask a big favour, on Daphne’s behalf really.’ He stopped a few feet from the open door.

‘It sounds intriguing, come in.’

‘No, I won’t come in, I’m in a hurry and—’

‘Oh come inside, Owen. Neither Bertie nor I will bite!’

He stepped in, trying not to look at the boy, who appeared to be washing jam jars.

‘I hope to persuade my aunt and uncle to go away for a holiday before getting back to a full day’s work.

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