Josephine Cox Sunday Times Bestsellers Collection. Josephine Cox

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СКАЧАТЬ the next few moments while Vicky was clattering about in the kitchen, Barney and Lucy sat together as they often did, talking and planning and wondering what the future held.

      ‘I’ll really miss you, Barney,’ Lucy told him shyly. ‘I know I shouldn’t say it, not when you’re all so excited and looking forward to it, but sometimes I wish Mr Maitland had never asked you.’ She was instantly mortified. ‘Oh, that’s a terrible thing to say! I’m sorry, Barney, really I am.’ She almost hero-worshipped this man, and didn’t want him to think badly of her.

      Instead, he said kindly, ‘I wish you were coming too, you and young Jamie. You’re part of the family now. As you know, I even asked Mr Maitland if there might be a place for you, but he’s already altered the contract of sale on your account.’

      Lucy understood. ‘He’s done a generous thing in leaving me secure with a job and a home. You’re not to concern yourself about me,’ she said. ‘I’ll be fine. I’ve got Bridget, and I’ve got little Jamie, and to tell you the truth, I’ve never been happier – though it will take some getting used to, not having you Davidsons just up the road.’

      Reaching forward, she slid her hands over his. ‘I’m really glad for you, Barney … all of you. It’s wonderful what’s happening!’ She allowed herself a little daydream. ‘I don’t know anybody who’s gone to start a new life in America.’ Feeling the warmth of his hands through hers, she drew away.

       It was strange, the way she sometimes felt a thrill when he looked at her; and unforgivable, how she had come to think of Barney as more than a friend.

      Just then, Barney felt the pain beginning in his chest. When he tried to take a deep breath it sounded like a strangled cough, and now the pain was spreading, like two mighty hands squeezing the life from him. Bending forward, he got out of the chair, his face drained and his mouth half-open as though he was having difficulty breathing.

      ‘My God, what’s wrong?’ Lucy was quickly on her feet and helping him. She would have shouted for Vicky, but Barney gave her a warning glance.

      As quickly as he could before Vicky came back into the room, he brushed past Lucy and stumbled outside. Frightened by what she had witnessed, Lucy ran after him; thankfully, Vicky neither heard nor saw them as they went out through the front door.

      Lucy found Barney in the wood-shed; leaning over the pile of stripped saplings, he was still gasping for breath, but seemed to be recovering by the minute. ‘I’m sorry, lass.’ He afforded her a smile as she came rushing in. ‘It were a raisin or summat out o’ the fruit-cake. Went down the wrong way, I reckon.’

      ‘Don’t lie to me, Barney,’ she warned him. ‘I’ve seen you like this before. You’re ill, aren’t you? Tell me, Barney … what’s wrong? What’s happening to you?’ Fear struck at her heart. She could just about cope with the idea of him going to America, but if anything bad should happen to him … no! The prospect was unthinkable.

      ‘It’s summat and nowt,’ he wheezed, trying to sound casual. ‘It’s just an upset. It comes and goes.’ Another spasm gripped him and he gasped.

      ‘Have you seen the doctor?’

      ‘I have, yes. And if you don’t believe me, ask Adam Chives.’ A thought occurred to him; he must remember to warn his pal not to let Lucy know the truth. ‘You mustn’t mention any of this to Vicky,’ he wheezed. ‘She’s got enough on her plate at the minute, without worrying about me.’

      Lucy came closer. ‘You’re not lying to me, are you?’

      Barney appeared shocked. ‘Good God, woman! Why would I do that, eh?’ He stretched his arms out either side, inviting her to, ‘Look at me, Lucy. I’m fit and strong, and like I said, it were summat and nowt.’ Taking her by the arm he turned her round and walked her back to the house. ‘Any minute now there’ll be a houseful. Happen you’d best give Vicky a helping hand with the dinner, eh?’

      Over dinner, Lucy watched Barney closely; he laughed and chatted and played with young Jamie and she began to wonder whether she’d imagined it all. In the end she gave up the worrying and joined in the excited chatter about the forthcoming adventure.

      ‘I mean to be a millionaire before I’m thirty,’ Thomas declared.

      ‘Not before me,’ Susie butted in. ‘Miss Dandy showed me a map. She thinks I could have at least ten shops in Boston, before I start on New York.’

      ‘Lucy, will you dance with me at the party?’ Ronnie asked. ‘I’ve been let down and now I’ve nobody to partner me.’

      ‘Well, thank you, I’d be honoured, sir.’ Lucy laughed. She was thrilled. It was a long time since anyone had whisked her round the dance-floor. She thought of Edward Trent with a familiar flash of anger. All along she had loved him, and all along he had told her how much he loved her back. Like a fool she had believed him, and he let her down badly.

      Now, though, because of what he had done when she lay injured, she could walk by him in the street and not even turn a hair. Gently, unconsciously, she fingered the scar by her hairline where she had smashed her head against a rock.

      ‘That reminds me!’ Barney had completely forgotten. ‘First thing tomorrow, I need the pair of you lads to help me set out that wooden floor in the barn. It hasn’t been used since me and your mam had our twentieth wedding anniversary. With all the invites that have gone out, I’ve an idea we might need to make a couple or more extra squares.’

      The excitement mounted. ‘Christenings, birthdays and sailing off to a new land … whatever next!’ Vicky raised her wine-glass for the umpteenth time. ‘To the future!’ And everyone drank heartily.

      Everyone except Barney, who touched the wine against his lips and pretended to drink; Lucy, who saw him do it, wondered if he was hiding something after all.

      In that worrying moment he glanced up and smiled at her; and the smile was so beautiful and easy, it took her breath away. She smiled back and raised her glass. ‘All right, Barney?’ She mouthed the words. He nodded, raised his glass and took a sip. Soon he was laughing, and all seemed well.

      The christening went even better than planned.

      The sun came out to brighten the day and the service was simple, yet awe-inspiring. Even when the sacred water was poured over his forehead, Jamie did not flinch. He seemed to enjoy the whole thing.

      Barney picked him up and held him; Bridget and Adam swore to be godparents, and the child was blessed.

      ‘Now, how d’you feel about it?’ Barney asked afterwards, and Lucy told him she felt it had been the right thing to do.

      Vicky said he was now a child of God, and they drank to his future.

      Then, in all the excitement, Jamie wet his pants. Lucy changed him and he promptly fell asleep, exhausted from being the centre of attention, while family and friends held a simple little lunch. ‘We’ve still got the birthday party tomorrow to look forward to,’ Ronnie said, and Susie ran upstairs to check that nothing had happened to the pretty dress Vicky had bought her for the occasion.

      Later that afternoon, Adam was tidying up his porch when he caught sight of someone going across the headland. Convinced it was Barney, he put on his coat and climbed the hill towards him.

      When СКАЧАТЬ