A Daughter’s Courage: A powerful, gritty new saga from the Sunday Times bestseller. Kitty Neale

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       Chapter 13

      Adrian always closed the office early on Christmas Eve but paid his drivers for a full day. It was his way of offering them a little Christmas bonus, plus he included an extra pound in each of their wage packets.

      At midday, having locked his office door, he climbed into his car and drove around to the Butlers’ house. His back seat was filled with Christmas gifts for them, and a few tasty treats to add to their Christmas dinner.

      He rapped quietly on the door and Alice Butler opened it, but Adrian wasn’t prepared for what he saw.

      ‘Alice, you look awful. Is everything OK?’ As soon as the words had left his mouth Adrian could have kicked himself. What a thing to say, telling a woman that she looks awful, but the truth was that she did. Her hair was unkempt, her eyes were red and she was still in her nightwear.

      ‘You’d better come in,’ she said.

      ‘Thank you, but first I need to unload my car. I’ve got some things for you,’ he said, and hurried to fetch them. He hoped Alice wouldn’t be offended by his gifts as that was the last thing he wanted, but when he followed her through to the small kitchen and placed his items on the table she showed no interest in them.

      ‘If you’ve come here to give me the weekly money for the baby, then you needn’t bother.’

      ‘I don’t understand.’

      ‘Yeah, well, there’s no baby now. Dottie had a miscarriage,’ Alice said and then sighed heavily before adding, ‘I suppose it’s for the best.’

      Adrian felt like he had been kicked in the stomach. He grabbed a chair and sat down. ‘Dorothy … is she OK?’ he asked, dreading the answer.

      ‘Yes, she’s fine. She lost a lot of blood and then got some sort of infection, but they’re letting her home today. Funny, that, just in time for Christmas, but I doubt she’ll feel much like celebrating.’

      ‘I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?’

      The woman was quiet for a moment before answering, ‘Actually, there is. I can’t get up to the hospital to fetch her home, so maybe you could collect her in that nice car of yours. It really would be a weight off my mind. The thing is, it seems they all know about it round here. It happened at Mr Epstein’s place and, though Dottie’s friend Nelly tried to fob them off, the women in the bakery ain’t fools. Word has spread and I think Dottie could do without any snide comments today. I’d feel much better if I knew she was safely tucked away in your car.’

      ‘Of course I’ll pick her up. What time is she due to leave?’

      ‘In about an hour. There’s something else … don’t mention it to her yet, but Mr Epstein has given her the elbow. Nelly came round to tell me yesterday.’

      Adrian sighed a deep breath. He never had liked Mr Epstein and knew the man treated his employees harshly, though he surmised Dottie losing her job would be the least of her worries. If only he could wrap his arms around her and offer her some comfort. His heart went out to the poor girl, and once again he found himself cursing his brother for the mess he had left behind.

      ‘Don’t worry about that now,’ he said. ‘Let’s get Dorothy home and rested, then I’m sure we can sort something out in the New Year.’

      ‘She’ll need to find another job.’

      ‘Yes, but one thing at a time for now. I’ll be on my way, but before I leave, these are for you.’ Adrian indicated the brown parcels on the table. ‘I hope you don’t mind me bringing you a few gifts. It’s Christmas and I thought with Dorothy having the baby, well, we’re almost family.’

      ‘Oh, Adrian, that’s ever so kind of you. You’ve put me in an awkward position as I don’t have anything for you.’

      ‘I’m glad to hear it. I wasn’t expecting anything. I just hope you enjoy what I’ve brought for you … well, the best you can enjoy anything given the circumstances.’

      ‘You’ll understand if I don’t feel much like opening presents today, but I’m gonna do my best to cheer our Dottie up tomorrow,’ Alice said. ‘I’m sure she’ll love to open them then. What are you doing for Christmas lunch?’

      ‘Me … I’m putting my feet up in front of the television. It’ll be nice to have a day off work.’

      ‘You mean you’ll be alone? On Christmas Day?’ Alice sounded astounded.

      Adrian shrugged his shoulders. ‘Robbie is who knows where, and my sister lives in Scotland, but, as I said, I’ll enjoy the peace and quiet.’

      Alice shook her head. ‘We can’t have that. You’ll come here for your lunch and I won’t have another word said about it. By yourself on Christmas day? Well, I’ve never heard the likes of it. I can’t promise much in the way of a slap-up СКАЧАТЬ