A Shilling for a Wife by Emma Hornby

Author:Emma Hornby
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781473541689
Publisher: Transworld

Chapter 20

‘YOUR AUNT’S FRIEND came to see thee at work? What did she say, lass?’

‘Mrs Knox was very understanding. She came to tell me …’ Sally blinked as tears welled up. ‘Peggy’s funeral is on Sunday. She said my aunt’s in a bad way. She’s not eating or sleeping. She’s dreading the funeral and … she’s pining for me. She wants me home.’

‘What will you do?’ Maggie asked softly.

It was Friday night and peaceful in the small kitchen. The twins were in bed, Jonathan asleep in his basket. Shield lay by the fire and, for a long moment, his gentle snores were the only sound.

‘I shall have to go and see her. Despite everything, I feel dreadful for leaving, what with Peggy … However difficult seeing my aunt and Stan will be, I cannot miss the funeral. I couldn’t do that to Aunt Grace. It’s too cruel.’

Ellen nodded. ‘Mebbe after, you can talk through matters. It needs airing, lass. Summat needs to give.’

‘What will I say? How can I look her in the face knowing she … they …?’

No one had the answer. Sipping their tea, they jumped when a knock sounded.

‘Who the divil’s that at this time?’

Maggie went to see. When she revealed the visitor, Sally gasped.

‘Con? What are you doing here?’ His smile brought a lump to her throat. She crossed the room and fell into his arms.

‘Easy now, acushla,’ he murmured, holding her close.

Resting her head on his chest, Sally closed her eyes. ‘Have you been to my aunt’s? Did she tell you I was here?’ Feeling him nod, she sighed. ‘How is she?’

‘You and your friend sit yourselfs down. I’ll brew a fresh pot.’

Ellen’s words brought heat to Sally’s cheeks. She disentangled herself from him. ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me. This is Con, a dear friend.’

‘You’re upset, lass, no apologies needed. Come and sit down. And you, lad. You’re more than welcome.’

Inwardly cringing, Sally resumed her seat. She hadn’t thought twice about embracing him – she had missed him since their last meeting. Fleeing here the other night, she’d half expected to see him, having grown accustomed to him appearing when she was in trouble. Of course, he hadn’t, but he was here now.

Though glad to see him, she couldn’t help worrying what Maggie and Ellen thought. She’d told them a little about her marriage; would they believe her to be loose, a wedded woman throwing herself at another man?

Thankful when Ellen handed back her refilled cup with her usual smile, she stole a glance at Maggie. Her friend raised an eyebrow, twinkling eyes flicking to the Irishman, and Sally blinked. Maggie wasn’t disapproving. She was smitten!

For the next hour, they talked quietly. Con expressed regret at Peggy’s passing and each of them shed a tear when, from his jacket pocket, he produced a pale-green ribbon, purchased for her that morning.

Gradually, the mood lightened and Con, Maggie and Ellen chatted easily. Only half listening, Sally fingered the silky strip, which she’d promised to give Grace on Sunday.

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