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poured out into your captive ears last night is something I normally keep to
myself. Must have bored you to death.'
'On the contrary. I only wish there was something I could do to help.'
Harry sighed. 'You could always drive the getaway car for me when I rob
the bank.'
Frances giggled. 'And a lot better than you, if last night is anything to go by!'
'I shall ignore your cruel jibes,' he said with dignity, then grinned. 'Want to
come out and inspect the damage with me?'
'It's time I started work I'm late enough as it is.'
'Not today, Josephine it's New Year's Day, a holiday, so come and help me
mend the stable doors instead.'
Bundled up in her sheepskin coat, with her woollen cap crammed down over
her curls Frances crunched through the snow with Harry to inspect the
damage, which was less than expected considering the noise the crash had
made. She held nails and screws, and stamped her feet on the snow-covered
ground while Harry repaired the hinges, which had suffered most in the
impact. Some of the wood was splintered as well, but Mason was the chap
for that, Harry told her cheerfully, and challenged her to a snowball fight.
Frances agreed with delight, and gave as good as she got in the pelting
match that followed until one particularly accurate missile from Harry
caught her off balance and she landed on her back in a snowdrift, gasping
for breath and laughing helplessly. He hauled her to her feet swiftly, dusting
her down and demanding whether she was hurt, but Frances assured him it
took more than a mere lucky fluke to put her out of action, then had to sprint
off in hasty retreat as he threatened to renew his attack.
They were still breathless when they got back to the house, but Harry's
headache was gone and Frances felt a hundred per cent better than earlier,
and they both did full justice to the spaghetti carbonara Mrs Bates had made
for lunch.
'I think we're both remarkable,' said Harry, when they were at the coffee
stage.
'Oh? In what way?'
'Well, there's you with your very recently battered heart, and me with my
wounded pride, and look how stiff our upper lips are about the whole thing.'
Frances made a face. 'I wasn't terribly cheerful when I finally got to bed this
morning, I'm afraid. But I know very well there's no point in wallowing in
self-pity, so I'll just have to get on with life and think of Chris as just an old
friend instead of of--'
'Lover ?'
'Not the word I was looking for. I was about to say husband, I suppose. Not
that we had planned to marry for ages. Yet with Isla, the new lady-love,
Chris is in a tremendous hurry, which is a bit hard on my ego.'
Harry leaned towards her and took one of her hands. 'Are you very much in
love with the chap, Frances?'
She looked steadily into the intent grey eyes, then frowned. '"In love"
doesn't seem quite the right way to describe us, either. It's just that it's
always been Chris all my life, ready to fight my battles in school, give me a
hand with my homework, teach me to swim oh, I don't know, it's hard to
explain. I suppose that I'm trying to say that Chris has always been there.
And now he isn't, and won't be ever again, and it's very like losing part of
myself.'
Harry's clasp tightened. 'The feeling will pass, I promise, Frances. I know
it's hard to imagine at the moment.'
'No, I know you're right.' Frances withdrew her hand gently. 'And you're
very kind to listen to my misery and woe.'
'Not a bit of it I subjected you to enough of mine last night.' Harry's eyes
held hers. 'But when the going gets rough, when you feel more down than
usual, don't keep it to yourself. Tell me. I know what it's like, so don't be
afraid to admit you need cheering up.'
She smiled gratefully. 'Thank you.'
'Right now what would you like to do this afternoon? It's stopped
snowing, so we could go for a walk, or we could watch some television, or
play records--'
'You don't have to entertain me, you know. I came back here to work.'
Harry shook his head decisively. 'Work is out for today. And I'd be very
grateful for your company, so what shall it be?'
Frances glanced towards the window. 'I think there's a glimmer of sun out
there. I'd like a walk, only no more snowballs, please.'
'Done.'
They left the warmth of the house for the diamond- bright light outside and
crunched through the snow of the stableyard towards the drive, which
provided a fairly secure surface for walking. Frances could feel the warmth
rising in her cheeks as they kept up an energetic pace, and Harry cast an eye
at the sky and sniffed the air.
'I fancy there's a bit more to come yet good thing I came back yesterday
after all. Might not have made it home if I'd left it much longer.'
'You could have stayed with your friends.'
'I know. But I get restless if Fm away from here for long. I hated being sent
away to school and couldn't wait to get back in the holidays. I used to bring
friends with me sometimes, but I never went to stay at their homes, however
much I was asked. I begrudged every second spent away. Annabel and I
used to argue about it. She wanted a house in town as well. More of the
bright lights and less of the country air.'
Privately Frances considered Harry was well shot of the fair Annabel, but
kept her views to herself as they walked, skirting the house in a great sweep,
but always able to see it as Harry led her along various side paths that
brought them in a rough circle from their starting point. Frances realised that
their route would take them past the church, and her pulse quickened as
unconsciously she accelerated her pace, slithering a little at times on the
slippery surface of the track.
'Hey!' Harry grabbed her arm as she almost slipped. 'You're in a great hurry
all of a sudden. Cold?'
'No, not in the least,' she said breathlessly, and widened her eyes at him in
appeal. 'Could we go into the church? Please?'
Harry stopped, and eyed her quizzically. 'Is that why you wanted to come
out? To visit Hal?'
'No,' she said stoutly, but he grinned, shaking his head.
'Liar! I don't have the keys on me--'
'Could we go back and get them?'
'Oh, very well,' he agreed reluctantly. 'But it'll be as cold as--'
'The grave?' she said, giggling. 'Absolutely!'
They hurried back to the house, where the kitchen smelt tantalisingly of [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]