The Hidden Village: An absolutely gripping and emotional World War II historical novel (Wartime Holland Book 1) by Imogen Matthews
Author:Imogen Matthews [Matthews, Imogen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781803142944
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2022-01-16T16:00:00+00:00
Next morning, Sofie was awake before dawn, worrying what to wear for her first lesson. Perhaps the reason sheâd slid down the rope yesterday was because of her long skirt, which had wrapped itself around it. She crept out of bed and pulled on her blouse. She only had the one skirt. It would have to do. So she pulled it up from behind, through her legs and tucked the loose material into her waistband.
Tiptoeing to the doorway of the hut, she peered out at the grey light and was surprised to see Karl already limbering up, doing press-ups. He didnât notice her, and she stood watching, impressed by the ease with which he kept doing them without seeming to take breath. When he finished, she walked over in bare feet and clapped her hands quietly.
Karl jumped up, and his face broke into a smile when he saw her. âIâm glad you came.â
âWhy wouldnât I?â Sofie pushed her springy hair back over one ear.
With a little shock, she realised how much she liked the way he spoke Dutch with a German accent.
It was still not quite light, but the birds were already singing in the trees. After he showed her some simple moves, none involving the rope, she noted with disappointment, the sky took on a rosy hue and suddenly a ray of sunshine broke through the branches.
âWe must finish for today,â said Karl after a while, turning his face towards the glow.
âBut weâve only just started,â protested Sofie.
âYouâve been working hard. Weâve been out here for nearly an hour. Unless youâd like to put on a show already,â he joked.
âOf course not,â she said, reddening a little. âI wouldnât want to anyway.â
âYouâre good enough. With a little practice youâll be really good.â
âYou say all the right things, but Iâm not sure I believe you,â said Sofie, embarrassed to accept the compliment.
âSame time tomorrow, then?â
Sofie nodded vigorously and left him to carry on with his own routine.
Every morning, she woke early with a sense of anticipation and every morning Karl was already outside. She wasnât sure he was even waiting for her because he always seemed surprised to see her. Then at the end of one of their sessions, perhaps a week or so after theyâd started, he told her that they would be joined by several others the following day. Sofieâs face must have fallen.
âI spoke to Wouter, who thinks itâs a good idea to give people regular exercise. Iâve seen how much you are benefiting from our classes and Iâm keen for others to take exercise as well,â he said.
âBut I thoughtâ¦â Sofie hesitated, realising her words would sound pathetic. âOf course, itâs a good idea. Who are you thinking of asking?â she asked, more brightly.
âWeâre putting up a notice in the reception hut today. Iâm going to offer daily classes to whoever wants to come. But any more than six people and Iâll have to think about doing more than one class.â
Sofie swallowed hard but managed a smile.
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