Union Belle by Deborah Challinor

Author:Deborah Challinor [Deborah Challinor]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780730445012
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Ellen took extra care getting ready for the dance. There was no money to have her hair done, so she set it in rollers, then brushed it out in a full, shining sweep that sat softly at the base of her neck.

She chose her blue dress, and under it her nearly new bra that gave her such a good contour. And although she didn’t normally use much make-up, she paid special attention to her powder and lipstick. She took a final look in the mirror, put on the pearl ear studs Tom had given her as a wedding present, then removed them in favour of small gold hoops. Then, grabbing her good coat, she hurried out into the kitchen.

Tom whistled. ‘You look nice, love. Should I go and change into my suit?’

‘Don’t be silly. Is Mum here yet?’

‘She’s in the sitting room. Oh, sorry, I mean the lounge.’

Ellen gave him a look. He’d already had a few beers at the Blue Room, and was in fine form—cheerful but cheeky, a combination she knew Gloria didn’t appreciate, especially not from Tom. She said it reminded her too much of Alf

They set off down to Frank and Milly’s where the four of them were to be picked up by Frank’s brother, who owned a car and had offered to drive the short distance to Rotowaro. Ellen thoroughly enjoyed the ride: she didn’t often get the opportunity to swan about the countryside in a car. The hall was already crowded and noisy when they arrived. As they found themselves seats at a table with some of the Pukemiro crowd, Ellen noted that Jack was already there, although there was no sign of Andrea Trask.

He greeted Tom companionably, and pulled up a seat next to Ellen.

‘You’re wearing that dress again,’ he said, his voice low. ‘And your hair looks pretty.’

‘Thank you,’ she said, deliberately not meeting his eye. Her shoulders felt tense, and she made an effort to relax them. ‘Did Andrea not come?’ she asked, and instantly regretted it.

‘She’s in the ladies’, I think.’ He bent forward so no one else could hear. ‘I’m sorry, Ellen, I couldn’t get out of it. She’s asked me out four times now and I couldn’t keep putting her off.’

‘How persistent of her.’

The corners of Jack’s mouth twitched. ‘Did you just miaow then?’

Ellen felt suddenly ashamed of herself. ‘Oh, look, I should be saying sorry, not you. It’s none of my business who you go out with.’

Jack looked disappointed. ‘I was hoping you’d think it was. I thought we had an understanding.’

Her heart began to thump wildly, and she felt her face growing hot. ‘Do we?’ she asked.

‘Yes, and you know we do.’ He moved even closer. ‘So what are we going to do about it, Ellen? What do you want? Do you know?’

He was watching her intently, waiting, but before she could answer Tom turned around in his seat, and she almost passed out because she thought he might have heard them.

‘What are you two whispering about?’ he said.

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