Lauren's Dilemma by Margaret Tanner Read Free Book Online Page A

Danny laughed. It
sounded so happy and spontaneous that she joined in. Their laughter emphasized
Blair's sobriety. Was he worried about something?
    “What on
earth is going on?” Like a ship rigged for racing, Helen sailed out,
immaculately groomed as always, causing Laurie to feel even more disheveled.
    “Really,
Lauren. Your skirt!   As for your hair...”
She grimaced with distaste.
    “Come on,
darling, they went paddling in the sea,” Blair jumped to their defense.
“They're young enough to enjoy such a frolic.”
    “There's no
need to encourage them. I blame you for this.” She turned her venom on Danny.
    “Leave it,
Helen. The boy embarks for overseas tomorrow. Why begrudge him a bit of fun? I
should be going myself soon, once this wretched holdup with the horses has been
sorted out.”
    “Blair, you
can't go overseas. I'll worry every minute you're gone.”
    He smiled
tenderly as he gazed down at Helen. When they came to the house, Laurie felt
even more embarrassed about her bare feet.
    “Maybe I
should use the servant's entrance.”
    “Don't be
foolish, Lauren.” Helen's laugh sounded forced. “If you could only see
yourself.”
    Laurie
dashed upstairs and changed into her travel outfit. Within fifteen minutes she
joined the others who waited in the sitting room.
    “You
weren't long.” Danny grinned.
    The four
course dinner was partaken in a leisurely fashion, and it was nine o'clock
before they retired to the sitting room for coffee. Uncle Richard had rung at
the last minute before dinner, saying he had urgent business requiring his
attention. Laurie was sorry he would not be able to meet Danny, but he did put
his car and chauffeur at their disposal.
    She sat in
a chair with Danny perched on the arm. His long legs were stretched out
straight in front of him, his arm draped across her shoulders.
    “Will you
thank Mr. Cunningham for arranging my transport back to camp?”
    “It’s the
least we could do.” Aunt Jane smiled, the charming perfect hostess.
    The evening
passed pleasantly. Danny laughed a lot, and Laurie knew he was excited about
going overseas.
    “I should
be leaving soon. There's a curfew tonight,” he announced, standing up with a
suddenness that took her by surprise.
    Aunt Jane
shocked Laurie by saying quite warmly. “Good luck, Danny.”
    “Thanks,
but who needs luck. I can't wait to have a go at the Hun.”
    Laurie
watched his eyes sparkle with a frightening, reckless glow.
    “You might
get killed or wounded,” her voice wavered.
    “Don't
worry. I'll be all right. You know something? I'm not frightened of dying. In
fact, I’d rather die than come back maimed. Imagine losing a leg or…”
    “Stop it.
Stop it!” The words were wrenched from her throat. Danny crippled or
maimed?   She began to cry. It was too
awful to contemplate.
    “I'm
sorry.” He dragged her into his arms. “Don't cry, please. I didn't mean to
upset you. It was a stupid thing to say.”
    She sobbed,
brokenhearted, against his chest.
    “Don't cry
anymore. You know I could never stand it when you cried.” He raised her head,
brushing her tears away with his fingertips. “I want to remember you smiling
when I leave.” His thumb caressed her cheek. “That's better.” He laughed when
she gave a watery smile. “See, you can do it if you try.”
    “Take care,
I mean, eat properly and everything.”
    “’Course I
will, and I'll write as soon as I can. Don't forget you promised to write at
least twice a week. Knit me some socks, too, if you like, long thick ones. It’s
sure to be cold in France,”
he teased.
    “You know I
can't knit very well.”
    “I’d better
go now. Thanks for the hospitality, Mrs. Cunningham.”
    “Our
pleasure. Take care of yourself, and God speed.”
    “Well, I
might meet up with you at the war, Captain Sinclair.” Laughter lurked in
Danny's voice once more.
    “Best of
luck. Wish I could sail with you, but I'm sure we won't be too far behind.”
    Danny shook
hands with