A Mother's Duty by June Francis Read Free Book Online Page A

was enthusiastic. ‘Although, with one thing and another it isn’t easy.’ She heaved a heartfelt sigh.
    There was a silence before he murmured, ‘You don’t have a husband, Mrs Ryan?’
    She shook her head and said softly, ‘He died a few years back. Influenza. It was what took my mother a short while ago too.’
    ‘I’m sorry.’
    ‘Me too.’ She smiled up at him and reminded herself that she was going to be bold. ‘Do you have family, Mr McLeod?’
    He hesitated. ‘Sort of.’
    She laughed. ‘How do you sort of have a family?’
    ‘They exist but you don’t see much of them.’ A smile lurked in the depths of his hazel eyes. ‘I have a sister in the south who doesn’t approve of me. A brother in Canada whom I haven’t seen since I was four years old. He has a daughter whom I’ve never seen. Then there’s my uncle Donald in Scotland. We correspond. And there’s my grandfather, although he—’ There was an indefinable something in his voice and his smile had vanished.
    ‘He what?’ she said curiously.
    His expression was suddenly less than friendly. ‘Do you always ask a stranger so many questions, Mrs Ryan?’
    For a moment she felt as if she had received an unexpected slap in the face and her cheeks reddened. ‘I’m sorry. I was interested that’s all. You aren’t quite—’
    ‘Respectable?’
    ‘No! Not my idea of a busker.’
    ‘You’ve something against buskers?’
    ‘Did I say that?’ she responded swiftly.
    ‘Words aren’t always necessary.’
    ‘If you wish to play in the streets,’ she said in a hoity-toity voice, ‘that is your business but I could think of more comfortable ways of making a living in winter.’
    ‘I’m sure you could but I like my life the way it is.’ He sounded amused again. ‘Are you sure you want me to come to this hotel of yours?’
    Her eyes glinted. ‘I’m no snob! Perhaps we should change the subject and talk monkeys again.’
    ‘That suits me fine. Just tell me why you’re so interested in Joey?’
    She stared at him, thinking that she did not want to talk about monkeys – she was far more interested in him – but there was nothing for it but to answer his question. ‘Because of Ben, my youngest. He’s missing his uncle who lived with us, and has taken a shine to the creature.’
    ‘You weren’t thinking of buying him, I hope,’ said the Scottie swiftly. ‘I wouldn’t recommend him as a pet. He might look the daintiest thing but he can give a nasty bite and would climb your curtains and tear them to shreds.’
    ‘Not buy,’ she said hastily. ‘I couldn’t have a monkey on my premises. Would it be possible for Ben to see Joey?’
    ‘I don’t see why not.’
    ‘You can arrange it for me?’
    ‘I can arrange it.’
    They had reached the Arcadia by now and both looked up at its frontage which was badly in need of a coat of paint.
    Kitty said, almost apologetically, ‘It was run-down when we took over but I’ve promised myself it’ll be painted after the Grand National this year. I’d also like window boxes filled with flowers.’
    ‘Sounds a good idea.’
    ‘I’m glad you think so.’ She smiled warmly at him before turning the handle of the vestibule door. He moved forward quickly and held it open for her while she stepped inside.
Another tick for nice manners
, she thought.
    Annie was brushing the stairs. There was a cup of damp tea leaves at her elbow to sprinkle on the carpet to help bring up the dust. ‘There’s a family come, Kit. I gave them room three. They’ve gone down the Pier Head, something about emigration.’
    ‘That’s fine. Mr McLeod, my cousin Annie. Mr McLeod helped me with the Potters, Annie. They were doing a flit.’
    ‘Fancy that!’ Annie gaped at John. ‘You’re a big fella if you don’t mind me saying so.’
    ‘I’m used to it. It’s nice meeting you, Annie,’ he said in a friendly way before turning to Kitty. ‘You’ll be wanting this fish in the kitchen?’
    ‘Yes, please.’