The Letter by Kathryn Hughes Read Free Book Online Page B

little slow-witted, when actually the opposite was true. A more solid, dependable and thoroughly decent chap it would be hard to find.
    ‘Sorry, Billy,’ said Clark. ‘D’you want another?’
    Billy looked at his watch. ‘Better not, Mum’ll have my tea ready. I’ll see you tomorrow at the Buck, yeah?’
    The Buccaneer Dance Hall was their favourite Friday night haunt. Clusters of girls giggled nervously at the edge of the dance floor, surreptitiously glancing around, hoping for an invitation to dance. There was a three-piece band and the lights were dim enough to create a romantic atmosphere, should it be needed. This was in contrast to the dances at the local Church Hall where the vicar insisted on acting as chaperone and would separate couples who, in his opinion, were getting rather too close to each other. Once, Billy was literally thrown out for letting his hands stray far too low down his dancing partner’s back. Needless to say, Clark had found that episode hilarious. There were no such restrictions at The Buccaneer though, and since their conversation last night, Billy was determined to find Clark a lovely young girl who would take him home to meet her mother, marry him and have his babies. Or, failing that, at least someone willing to dance with him. The band was in fine form and it was difficult to talk above the music. Billy cupped his hands and spoke directly into Clark’s ear.
    ‘Have you seen anybody you want to ask for a dance?’
    Clark rubbed his ear. ‘I’m not deaf!’
    ‘What about those two girls over there?’
    Billy pointed to a couple of girls who had been glancing in their direction all evening. One was tall, rather loud and wore an awful lot of make-up. She tossed her long dark hair back provocatively as she caught Billy’s eye. Her friend was obviously uncomfortable and gazed at the floor. Billy suddenly straightened up and nudged Clark.
    ‘Bugger me, they’re coming over.’
    They both watched as the taller girl sashayed across the dance floor towards them, her friend scurrying behind trying not to slosh her drink all over the place.
    ‘Hello, girls,’ said Billy.
    ‘Evening,’ nodded Clark.
    ‘We noticed you looking over,’ said the taller girl, flicking her hair back again. ‘I’m Sylvia, but you can call me Syl and this is my friend, Chrissie.’
    ‘How do you do? I’m Billy and this is my friend, Clark.’
    Clark nodded again and wiped his sweaty palm down his trousers before shaking hands with the two girls.
    Chrissie smiled sweetly, her blue eyes shining with amusement. Although much more reticent than her friend, she was by far the more attractive of the two. Her blonde hair was neatly curled, her skin glowed and she wore only the faintest smear of pink lipstick. Billy could hardly take his eyes off her, but Syl had other ideas. She pulled Billy by his tie, forcing him to put down his drink.
    ‘Come on, let’s see what you’re made of.’
    Billy made to protest but it was no use. Syl now had him firmly by the arm and was steering him towards the dance floor. He looked back to see Clark and Chrissie settling down at a table and felt an unexpected pang of jealousy. Syl was a great dancer but modesty was not one of her attributes.
    ‘Hey, we make a dazzling couple, don’t we?’
    They re-joined their friends at the table and Clark and Chrissie were so deep in conversation that they hardly noticed. The band had slowed the music down now and couples began to glide onto the dance floor for the slow numbers. Billy knew this was the part of the evening Clark always dreaded - but not tonight it seemed. Without saying anything, he held out his hand to Chrissie who took it shyly and stood up. Billy could only watch as Clark escorted her onto the dance floor and placed his arms around her waist. They swayed to the music as Billy and Syl looked on.
    ‘Aww, make a lovely couple, don’t they?’
    Billy couldn’t answer. He had the terrible feeling that he had just lost