Always And Forever by Betty Neels Read Free Book Online Page A

‘Now I’ve thought about it, I can see how silly I was. I didn’t stop to think, you see—only that I had to get away because my—my stepfather was going to kill…’ She faltered. ‘And he doesn’t like me.’
    â€˜Your mother? She is happy with him?’
    â€˜Yes—yes, she is, and he is very good to her. They don’t need me. I shouldn’t have come here, only I had to think of something quickly. I’m so grateful to you, Aunt Thisbe, for letting me stay last night. I wondered if you would let me leave Oscar and Cyril here today, while I go into York and find work. I’m not trained, but there’s always work in hotels and people’s houses.’
    The sound which issued from Miss Parsons’ lips would have been called a snort from a lesser mortal.
    â€˜Your father was my brother, child. You will make this your home as long as you wish to stay. As to work—it will be a godsend to me to have someone young about the place. I’m well served by Josh and Mrs Josh, who cleans the place for me, but I could do with company, and in a week or two you can decide what you want to do.
    â€˜York is a big city; there are museums, historical houses, a wealth of interest to the visitor in Roman remains—all of which employ guides, curators, helpers of all kinds. There should be choice enough when it comes to looking for a job. The only qualifications needed are intelligence, the Queen’s English and a pleasant voice and appearance. Now go and get dressed, and after breakfast you shall telephone your mother.’
    â€˜They will want me to go back—they don’t want me, but he expects me to work for him in the garden.’
    â€˜You are under no obligation to your stepfather, Amabel,and your mother is welcome to come and visit you at any time. You are not afraid of your stepfather?’
    â€˜No—but I’m afraid of what he would do to Oscar and Cyril. And I don’t like him.’
    The phone conversation with her mother wasn’t entirely satisfactory— Mrs Graham, at first relieved and glad to hear from Amabel, began to complain bitterly at what she described as Amabel’s ingratitude.
    â€˜Keith will have to hire help,’ she pointed out. ‘He’s very vexed about it, and really, Amabel, you have shown us a lack of consideration, going off like that. Of course we shall always be glad to see you, but don’t expect any financial help—you’ve chosen to stand on your own two feet. Still, you’re a sensible girl, and I’ve no doubt that you will find work— I don’t suppose Aunt Thisbe will want you to stay for more than a week or two.’ There was a pause. ‘And you’ve got Oscar and Cyril with you?’
    â€˜Yes, Mother.’
    â€˜They’ll hamper you when you look for work. Really, it would have been better if Keith had had them put down.’
    â€˜Mother! They have lived with us for years. They don’t deserve to die.’
    â€˜Oh, well, but they’re neither of them young. Will you phone again?’
    Amabel said that she would and put down the phone. Despite Great-Aunt Thisbe’s sensible words, she viewed the future with something like panic.
    Her aunt took one look at her face, and said, ‘Will you walk down to the shop and get me one or two things, child? Take Cyril with you— Oscar will be all right here—and we will have coffee when you get back.’
    It was only a few minutes’ walk to the stores in thecentre of the village, and although it was drizzling and windy it was nice to be out of doors. It was a small village, but the church was magnificent and the narrow main street was lined with small solid houses and crowned at its end by a large brick and plaster pub.
    Amabel did her shopping, surprised to discover that the stern-looking lady who served her knew who she was.
    â€˜Come to visit your auntie? She’ll be