While We're Apart by Ellie Dean Read Free Book Online

concrete steps to the cellar and out into the teeming rain.
    The women shared a knowing smile as the back door slammed, and then Fran became businesslike. ‘I’ll have to dampen your hair again, Auntie Peg,’ she said as she held the brush under the tap. ‘The setting lotion doesn’t work if it’s dry.’
    Peggy sat still and finished her cigarette as Fran placed a towel over her shoulders, ran the wet brush through her hair and then combed in the lotion. This was all too reminiscent of the last time she’d expected Jim home, and she wasn’t at all sure if she should be tempting fate again.
    â€˜I really don’t think I’ll have the face pack this time,’ she said once Fran had finished pinning all the curlers in and started painting her nails a soft pink.
    â€˜Stuff and nonsense,’ declared Cordelia as she looked up from her ruined knitting. ‘It’s time you let Fran spoil you.’ She peered at Peggy over her glasses, her blue eyes stern. ‘You do want to look your best for Jim, don’t you?’
    â€˜Well, yes,’ she admitted, ‘but . . .’
    â€˜But nothing,’ said Cordelia airily. ‘You can’t possibly welcome him home looking so frazzled. He’ll think we aren’t taking care of you.’
    Peggy rather took objection to being described as frazzled, but let it pass. ‘I felt a right fool sitting here with all that green goo on my face and cucumber stuck over my eyes. So, if you don’t mind, Fran, I’d really rather leave it this time.’
    â€˜There’s no cucumber today, Auntie Peg, but cotton wool soaked in cold water will do the same trick. Please reconsider,’ Fran said softly. ‘You’ve been running yourself ragged ever since the wedding, and the face pack will help to make your skin look and feel fresher and lighten the dark shadows under your eyes.’
    Peggy was a bit miffed at all this criticism, even though it had been meant in the kindest way. Yet, as she hadn’t had time to look in a mirror lately, she couldn’t really defend herself, and it was easier to give in than to keep resisting. ‘Oh, all right,’ she sighed as Fran finished her nails.
    She closed her eyes and was actually soothed by the cool paste Fran was slathering over her face. She could feel it begin to harden already, and if it was anything like the last time, it would take ages to wash off.
    â€˜Are you sure this will work, Fran?’ she asked, managing not to move her lips too much.
    â€˜Absolutely,’ she replied. ‘Just don’t talk or move a muscle or you’ll spoil the effect. Now, I’m putting these soaked pads of cotton wool over your eyes, so just relax and think sweet thoughts.’
    Peggy sat there feeling completely foolish as Fran bustled round her. Taking care not to ruin her nail polish, she lit a cigarette and tried to relax, but she could hear Cordelia tittering and the girls giggling. It was clear that everyone else thought the whole rigmarole was much funnier than she did.
    Time dragged and she was getting restless. ‘How long am I expected to sit like this?’ she asked as Fran took the cigarette stub away from her.
    â€˜Ach, I’m thinking it won’t be long,’ giggled Fran.
    Peggy was highly suspicious of what they were all up to while she was unable to see them. She could hear rustling and more giggles and the shuffle of footsteps around her. ‘Don’t you dare leave me like this,’ she hissed through tight lips.
    â€˜Me darlin’ girl, as if I would.’
    â€˜Jim!’ Peggy was on her feet and across the deserted kitchen into his arms before she could take another breath. She clung to him as she kissed his mouth, his face and his neck. ‘Oh, Jim,’ she breathed against his cheek. ‘I can’t believe you’re really here.’
    He kept his arms round her as he leant back and burst out