Brides of War by June Tate Read Free Book Online Page A

beautiful,’ she said, ‘just look at the light, look at the buildings, some have lights in their windows, others have not, but see here,’ she pointed to the bridge and the greenery behind it. ‘You know almost what time of day it is by the colour of the sky. I love it!’
    ‘You have no idea how happy that makes me to hear you say that.’ The voice behind them made them turn.
    Valerie turned and looked into the eyes of Max Brennen. She was so surprised she was speechless.
    It was Ross who spoke. ‘Are you the artist?’
    ‘I am.’ He looked at Valerie and smiled but didn’t say a word.
    ‘My wife loves this picture,’ Ross said, ‘she’s looking for something to hang in our living room and I’d like to buy it for her.’
    ‘Oh Ross! Really? Oh thank you, darling, I’m really thrilled.’ She looked at Max. ‘This is remarkable, the way you’ve caught the light. It’s so atmospheric.’
    ‘I’m so glad you like it,’ he said, ‘but would you mind if we kept it in the gallery until the show closes in a week’s time?’
    ‘Of course not! Everyone should see it.’
    ‘Where do I pay?’ asked Ross.
    Max pointed out a desk on the far side of the room and when he and Valerie were alone he said, ‘How lovely to see you again.’
    ‘Well, I can’t tell you what a surprise it is to see you and your work. Max, this painting is exceptional! Why on earth are you working in advertising?’
    ‘To pay the bills. I do display my work at events such as these, but it’s not enough to live the way I like. Simple really.’
    Ross returned at that moment, which stopped any further conversation. Max shook his hand.
    ‘Thank you, sir, if you give me your address and phone number, when the gallery closes, I can arrange to deliver the painting to you.’
    Ross handed him his business card. ‘I’m at the office all day but Mrs Johnson will be at home. Perhaps you could hang it for us at the same time?’
    ‘It would be my pleasure. Goodnight Mrs Johnson. I’ll see you in about a week’s time.’ He didn’t take his gaze from her whilst he spoke.
    Valerie felt a sudden frisson as she looked back at him. ‘I look forward to it. I can’t wait to see your work hanging on my wall.’
    Max left them to speak to other guests and, shortly after, they left the gallery.
    ‘Nice man,’ Ross remarked as they sat in the cab taking them home.
    ‘Yes, and very talented,’ she replied, but she couldn’t help a feeling of guilt creeping into her thoughts. Why on earth hadn’t she told Ross that she and Max had met before? After all, it wasn’t as if they’d done anything wrong. Now she felt as if she’d just left her secret lover and nothing could be further from the truth – and if she told Ross now, it would seem very suspicious.
    However, when they arrived home, she walked into the living room and stared at the large blank wall in front of her, thrilled that soon she would have Max’s painting hanging there.

Chapter Six
    Gracie was becoming more than irritated with her mother-in-law. Once Jeff had returned to work, Gracie had made a great effort to get along with Velda and had asked how she could be of help in the house. The other woman had her cleaning the bathroom and toilet, polishing the furniture and scrubbing the kitchen floor on her hands and knees. This Gracie hadn’t minded until one morning, when she’d gone out to do the shopping, she returned to see Velda cleaning the kitchen floor with a mop and bucket. She was enraged.
    ‘Oh I see! That’s how you clean the kitchen floor, but when it comes to me , I have to get down and scrub it!’
    Velda blushed and looked uncomfortable, not knowing what to say. But Gracie was not lost for words at all.
    ‘I have tried my very best to please you since I arrived. I know you resent me, well I can’t help that, but I will not be used as a skivvy just to satisfy your jealousy.’
    ‘What’s a skivvy and what makes you think I’m jealous?’ Velda