Desperate Measures. Kitty Neale

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ you didn’t desert him. He more or less forced you out.’

      ‘I know, but with no other choice I had to find my own solicitor.’

      ‘Well, I hope he took Richard to the cleaners.’

      ‘No, I’m afraid not. Our house was mortgaged to the hilt, along with the business, and on paper Richard had little to show in assets. I felt sure that the business was doing well, that Richard had money, and my solicitor thought he might have hidden it in offshore accounts. The trouble was it would have taken years to unravel and I couldn’t afford to retain a solicitor for that long. The children were grown up and had left home, so in the end all I got was a settlement.’

      ‘It sounds like your husband was very clever.’

      ‘Yes, but you probably think I’m a fool for letting it happen.’

      ‘Of course I don’t. You couldn’t prove that your husband had money and if you ask me you were treated badly, but how did you end up in London?’

      ‘After the break-up and then the divorce, I felt lost. My life had been centred round my home, my husband and children, but now I had no purpose. I couldn’t bear to think about Richard and Mel, about all I’d lost, and sank into depression.’

      ‘How awful for you.’

      ‘Yes, it was, but my son, John, was supportive, cutting his father from his life, and, when he wanted to buy his own house, I knew he wouldn’t go to Richard for help. I didn’t want him taking on a huge mortgage, so stepped in to give him a large deposit. John didn’t want to take it, but I insisted, and though it bit into what money I had, I didn’t care. In fact, I didn’t care about anything any more and just lived off my settlement for about two years. When I realised that the money was almost gone, I knew there was no choice. I’d have to pull myself together, get a job. It was then that I moved to London and, well, you know the rest.’

      ‘Oh, Betty,’ Val murmured.

      ‘What’s worse is that Richard is now living the life of Riley and Mel wants for nothing. Unlike me, she has every luxury, whereas I’m alone now and have to struggle to pay the rent every week.’

      Val knew she still had to be careful, but took the opportunity to hint at revenge. ‘It’s so unfair and I wish there was some way to make him pay for what he did to you.’

      ‘Me too, but there’s nothing I can do.’ She scrubbed at her face with a handkerchief and then sighed heavily. ‘Compared to what happened to poor Paula, this all sounds rather pitiful, and I suppose it is really.’

      Val’s thoughts turned. Betty had been treated badly, so badly that – instead of harbouring doubts – she now felt a surge of glee that the woman could be recruited. She leaned forward, saying softly, ‘We’ve both had a rotten time of it, but yes, I think Paula has suffered the most. She’s coming round in an hour and I hope she’s feeling better. It was lovely to see how she took to you. In fact, she thinks you’re really nice.’

      Betty’s smile was faint, but she looked pleased. ‘Does she?’

      ‘Yes, and if you don’t want to be on your own, why don’t you join us?’

      ‘You could bring her up here. I need something to take my mind off Richard and, as you made lunch yesterday, I’ll do it today.’

      ‘You’re on, but I’d best pop downstairs just in case Paula arrives early.’

      ‘Thanks for listening, Val – it really has helped.’

      ‘I’m glad,’ Val said, thinking about Betty’s husband as she went downstairs. He had been so cruel; instead of living in comfort, he should suffer for what he’d done.

      Betty fought to push thoughts of Richard away as she looked for something to make for lunch. Val hadn’t been shocked; in fact she had been sympathetic and Betty was so grateful for her friendship.

      There wasn’t a great deal in her refrigerator, but enough eggs to knock up omelettes. She would wait until they arrived before cooking them, but they could be mixed in advance. That done, she then buttered some bread. Betty then hurried to the bathroom, appalled when she looked in the mirror to see that her eyes looked awful. She splashed her face with cold water, ran a comb through her hair, and hoped that a dash of face powder would make her look marginally better.

      In what felt like no time there was a knock on her door. Forcing a smile, Betty opened it to let Val and Paula in.

      ‘Oh, this is nice. It’s cosy,’ Paula said as her eyes swept the room.

      ‘Compared to Val’s flat, I’m afraid mine is rather old-fashioned.’

      ‘Well I like it,’ the young woman insisted.

      ‘Sit down, the pair of you, and I’ll get on with lunch. It won’t take long, but would you like something to drink first?’

      ‘Have you got any booze?’ Paula asked eagerly.

      ‘No, I’m afraid not.’

      Paula looked disappointed, but Val said, ‘Anything cold will do, Betty.’

      ‘Yeah, for me too.’

      Betty made them both a glass of orange squash and then returned to the kitchen. She could hear them chatting, the subject someone called Cheryl and plans to meet up with her the following weekend. It was strange really: she had thought Val lonely, but now friends seemed to be popping up from all over the place. Val and Paula’s friendship was strange; the pair of them seemed like an unlikely couple, and Betty was intrigued about Cheryl. Would she be another one like Paula? Was Val the type who liked to help waifs and strays?

      The omelettes were met with appreciation, Paula eating every scrap. ‘Fanks for making lunch, Betty. It was great.’

      ‘Yes, it was delicious,’ Val agreed.

      Betty smiled with pleasure as she began to stack the plates. ‘It’s all right, dear, I can manage,’ she protested as Paula took them through to the kitchen. ‘Shall I make us all a drink?’ she called.

      ‘It’s all right, I’ll see to it.’

      ‘Let her do it. She likes to muck in,’ Val advised.

      Betty nodded. ‘All right, Paula, you can make the drinks and you’ll find what you need in the cupboards. I’ve got some decent coffee now so Val might like that.’

      ‘Yes please,’ Val called and then patted the seat beside her. ‘Come on, Betty, sit yourself down and tell me, are you feeling better?’

      ‘Yes, a little. Having you two for lunch has kept my mind off things, but please, let’s change the subject. I don’t want to think about Richard.’

      ‘Sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up. It’s just that I’m worried about you.’

      Betty lowered her eyes. Was this why Val had made overtures of friendship? Did she see her as another waif and stray to take under her wing? Oh stop it, she chided herself. Val had known nothing about her when they’d met in the park and, instead of going on the defensive, wondering why Val sought her СКАЧАТЬ