A New Dawn Over Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke

Author:Rosie Clarke [Clarke, Rosie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

17

At the funeral, Sheila clung to Pip’s arm and her father’s as they followed the coffin down the church aisle. Janet saw her distress and wanted to comfort her, to tell her she knew just how awful it felt to lose someone you loved, even when you weren’t sure they loved you, but she’d never been really close to her brother’s wife. She was sorry about that and decided she would try to make up for it while she was staying with them and working on the cottage. She liked Sheila, always had, but they hadn’t seen each other often enough over the years. Perhaps now that would change.

Janet wondered about her own mother, waiting at home in the cottage with the younger children. Maggie and Fay had gone off to their course, leaving the previous day and clearly so excited that even Peggy just smiled and shrugged.

‘We have to let them grow up,’ she’d said. ‘It is only for a short time and then they will be back and ready to take over.’

‘Do you mind that they will have lots of new ideas and think yours redundant?’ Janet had asked curiously.

‘Not at all. I may learn something. Life goes on and it’s good to do something new. I’m looking forward to it.’

Janet tried to concentrate on the words the vicar was saying, but she hadn’t known Sheila’s mother and she’d only come to support her brother and Sheila. She’d offered to stay and look after Jon and Sarah, but Peggy had said it was best if she did. For a moment, Janet’s brow furrowed. Her son was a quiet child, so quiet that you often didn’t know he was there and when you turned to see his reproachful eyes watching, it made you feel guilty that you’d neglected him. Ryan said he thought Jon was missing her and then he’d had to go on a trip for his firm so hadn’t been able to stay with his family in Devon.

Janet felt really cross about that and told him. ‘I thought you were going to try to have some time with us here this summer?’

‘I am – I will but I have to do this first, Janet. Surely you can see that?’ Ryan had sounded as frustrated as she was and tired and she’d relented.

‘I know you have to work. I’m sorry. It’s just disappointing.’

‘I’ll make it up to you,’ he’d promised.

‘You wanted to talk to me about something? Is anything wrong, Ryan?’

‘Yes and no,’ he’d replied with a wry smile. ‘I’ve almost made up my mind, but I’d rather wait until I’m sure. Be a bit patient with me, love – and I truly am sorry that this is just a quick trip for Jon’s sake.’

‘That bit is fine,’ she’d said. ‘He will enjoy himself with the family – but we need you, too, Ryan – both of us…’

‘I know – but be patient,’ he’d reiterated and that’s all he would say on the matter, leaving Janet frustrated and

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