Josephine Cox Sunday Times Bestsellers Collection. Josephine Cox

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      ‘You never said.’

      ‘Because there would have been no point and I might have hurt your feelings. You see, I didn’t love you back.’

      ‘Do you love me back now?’

      ‘I think so.’ She turned away. ‘You realise I could never love you in the same way I loved Barney?’

      ‘Will you marry me?’

      ‘We’re too long in the tooth for that nonsense,’ she laughed. But secretly she felt quite excited. She had had two children by two very different men – one full of darkness and one full of light – and yet had never been married. Maybe that was the next experience that Fate had in store for her.

      For now, the moment passed and they were quiet again.

      ‘When you get in touch with Vicky,’ Adam persisted, ‘will you tell her what Barney did for them?’ Taking Lucy by the shoulders, he turned her round to face him. ‘I know Leonard Maitland gave you his address. You can get in touch if you want to,’ he said. ‘They won’t have moved from the farm.’

      Lucy patted the tip of her nose in a gesture of secrecy. ‘I might – and I might not.’ Her smile grew mischievous. ‘But that’s another story altogether, don’t you think?’

      Adam knew that when Lucy was in this strange mood of hers, there was no reasoning with her. He kissed her then – not the kiss of a lover, but the kiss of someone who knew her well. ‘Good night, Lucy.’ Smiling resignedly, he shook his head. ‘Sleep tight.’

      For a while after he’d gone, she continued to gaze at the little photograph still lying on the eiderdown. It was the only picture she had of Barney, and it was her treasure. Taken on the day he took delivery of his new tractor, Barney stood beside it, a proud man, while Leonard Maitland recorded the moment forever.

      Taking the photograph into her hands and looking down, she let herself be drawn back over the years, to summertimes and harvests, and picnics and laughter, when Jamie was always at her side and in her heart. Moving pictures in her mind; warm and real in her heart. They were glorious times with the Davidson family, all together and not a cloud in their sky.

      ‘Happy days,’ she murmured. ‘But it’s not the end, my darlings.’

      Replacing the photograph, she glanced again towards the window, where outside, new love was beginning.

      ‘Your father’s story is the most remarkable I’ve ever heard.’ Ben had been deeply shaken by the turn of this night’s events, and if he lived to be a hundred, he would never forget this night nor the man who was Barney Davidson.

      ‘I never knew,’ Mary answered thoughtfully. ‘All these years and I never knew.’

      ‘Your mother said you looked like him.’ Ben observed her small pretty face, and he had an urge to take her in his arms. ‘You have such a calmness about you, I can imagine you must also have inherited some of his character traits as well.’

      Mary smiled. ‘I hope so.’

      ‘I’m glad we met.’ Reaching out he took hold of her hand, and to his delight she did not draw it away. ‘Do you think we might have a future together, you and me?’

      Thrilled by his remark, her answer was to lean forward and kiss him. She looked into those dark, sincere eyes and at the strong set of his jaw and that air of confidence about him, and she thought of all that had passed long ago.

      But that was not her life. This was her life, hers and Ben’s, and suddenly, when she felt his loving arms about her, she knew it was where she belonged, with this man whom she hardly knew, and yet she felt as though she had known him forever.

      ‘You still haven’t answered me, Mary.’ His voice was soft in her ear. ‘You haven’t said if you think we might have a future together?’

      Turning her head, she looked up at him. ‘Yes,’ her smile was content, ‘I really believe we might.’

      Lucy saw it all. She saw them kiss, and she saw the tenderness in his embrace, and it made her think of Barney. ‘I hope you find happiness together,’ she whispered.

      Wearied and content, Lucy climbed into bed. For a while she lay awake, her mind back there where it all took place. It had been an amazing adventure. But it was not yet over.

      For now, though, it was time to reflect, and be thankful.

       ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

      In September 2004, I was honoured to be asked if I would officially open a meadow in memory of all the many generations of Brogborough families. It was so wonderful to see all the familiar faces who came along for the occasion.

      

      This small, estate in Brogborough, where I first came when my parents split up, was a haven for me as a young girl. My husband Ken grew up there, as did many of our friends and members of our families.

      

      For me, Brogborough will always be special. Memories of that magical place will stay with me forever, not least because of the people who have moved on or moved away, and are always remembered in my heart. Brogborough was where I met my Ken; it’s where I grew and flourished; and it’s where every member of every household was family.

      

      I still have family there, and part of my heart will always be there.

      

      I hope the meadow gives the children and families great joy over the coming years.

      

      A big ‘well done’ to everyone involved, and a heartfelt thank you to Tracey, Claire and Madge, for making me part of that very special day.

      

      God bless. Love you loads,

      Josephine

      JOSEPHINE COX

       Journey’s End

       DEDICATION

       This book is for my Ken as always

      CONTENTS

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