A Simple Wish by Rosie Goodwin

Author:Rosie Goodwin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bonnier Publishing Fiction

Chapter Twenty-Three

‘I

was thinking I might go and see Aunt Hermione this afternoon,’ Miranda told her father casually the following day at breakfast.

Oscar glanced at her in surprise. Miranda had never been that keen on visiting her great-aunt before, but he supposed she was bored.

‘That’s quite a good idea actually,’ he answered. ‘In fact, I might come with you. I’ve got nothing urgent on today and it would be nice for us to spend some time together before you have to return to school. Oh, and I noticed you had a letter delivered this morning. Was it from your mother? And if it was, is she well?’

‘Yes, it was from her actually,’ Miranda answered cautiously. ‘And yes, she’s having a splendid time by the sound of it.’ She still felt quite resentful that her mother had decided to travel abroad without her but she supposed that was because of her new beau. She knew all about her mother’s new boyfriend but wasn’t sure if her father did. ‘I, er . . . suppose you know that Mother has a new . . . friend?’ she said innocently and was surprised when her father smiled and nodded.

‘Yes, I do know and I wish them both all the best.’

Miranda was shocked, but then wondered why she should be. Both he and her mother seemed so much happier apart.

‘Right, so what time shall we set off for Aunt Hermione’s then?’

‘We could go this morning, if you like?’ her father suggested. He was aware that he hadn’t spent nearly enough time with her in the past and was feeling guilty, although looking back, whenever he had suggested they do something she had always made an excuse not to. Still, he thought, better late than never.

And so, just after ten thirty, they set off. It was an awkward journey as despite Oscar’s best efforts to begin a conversation she would merely give a short reply and stare back out of the train window. He was also feeling decidedly uncomfortable now and was wondering if this had been such a good idea. After all, this would be the first time Miranda and Ruby had seen each other for some time and he knew how spiteful Miranda could be.

Even so, Aunt Hermione seemed pleased to see him when they arrived, although she said little to Miranda, who she had never grown close to. ‘You’re just in time for lunch, I’m sure we can rustle something up for you,’ she invited as she pecked her nephew on the cheek. ‘Mrs B has made a panful of her delicious beef broth and some wonderful crusty bread to go with it so there’s more than enough to go round.’ She narrowed her eyes and peered at Miranda. ‘And how are you settling down at your new school?’

‘Very well thank you, Aunt Hermione,’ Miranda simpered. ‘I’m still a little homesick but then as Father said that’s to be expected, so I’m sure I shall be fine.’

‘Hm!’ Hermione was surprised to say the least. Miranda was usually such a surly girl, but then she supposed she shouldn’t complain.

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