An Orphan’s Wish: The new, most heartwarming historical fiction novel you will read this year by Molly Green

Author:Molly Green [Green, Molly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780008239015
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2018-11-28T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Six

Four days later Lana collected Mr Clarke from the railway station as Maxine had arranged for him to come and meet Lana and stay for lunch.

The three of them adjourned to the library after lunch and Ethel had brought them in a tray of tea.

‘I hope you understand my concern,’ Mr Clarke said, his bony hand stirring a teaspoon of sugar in his cup. ‘We’ve never had a lady driver before and there were questions at headquarters as to whether you were fully experienced – capable – that sort of thing.’ He gave Lana an apologetic smile. ‘But I trust Mrs Taylor implicitly in her recommendations,’ he added, turning his attention to Maxine, still smiling, ‘and told them so.’

‘I won’t let either of you down,’ Lana said quietly. ‘It’s a big responsibility and I’m very aware of it, especially where children are involved.’

‘Quite.’ Mr Clarke brought out his pipe. ‘Do either of you ladies mind if I smoke?’

‘Not at all,’ Maxine said. ‘I prefer it to a cigarette.’

‘Can’t abide by them,’ Mr Clarke said, lighting the bowl and giving several little popping noises. He leaned back a little in one of the leather seats and looked around. ‘This certainly is a fine library,’ he commented. ‘I could spend a day wandering around these shelves.’

‘You’re welcome to do so any time,’ Maxine said, laughing.

Lana felt the meeting had gone well when she delivered him back to the station a few hours later, his compliment on her driving still sounding in her ears. She allowed herself a small triumphant smile as she switched off the engine. Closing the garage door, she thought how wonderful it would be if she could take the Rover for a good long run. What motors needed every once in a while, but with the strict petrol rationing that was impossible.

Yes, the meeting had gone well, but no one had brought up the subject of her wages. The list of driving duties Maxine had given her definitely didn’t require someone full-time and she wondered how Dr Barnardo’s could afford to pay Harold. She shrugged. It was none of her business what arrangement they had with the chauffeur, but she’d go potty if she had to wait around for hours, or even a day or two, to be given the next driving job. She needed to contribute towards the teachers’ workload. She would speak to Maxine at the first opportunity.

Those first few days the noise level at Bingham Hall after classes were finished had exhausted her and she was beginning to feel lonely in the evenings when she went up to her room. This evening, after supper, she’d find Maxine or one of the teachers to have a cup of tea with in the common room.

The idea flickered across her mind that she might one day be able to give Peter a ride in the car to visit his father. But it would take quite a lot of petrol and she had no idea what the coupon allowance was at Bingham Hall.

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