The Secret Orphan. Glynis Peters
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Название: The Secret Orphan
Автор: Glynis Peters
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Сказки
isbn: 9780008300944
isbn:
‘Not at the moment, George, thank you. But you will be helping me tomorrow morning. You and I are to distribute food to the men injured in the Great War who can no longer work and feed their families. We have a responsibility to bring a little joy into their lives at Christmas.’
From his neck upwards George went pale. Elenor watched him flounder, then run his finger around his collar.
‘Are you warm, George? Might I suggest as Victoria is busy preparing our meal that you might fill the coal scuttles? Let Victoria relax for the evening. We will sing carols to start off the Christmas festivities, you can play for us. What do you think?’
With amusement she watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed. Not moving, she waited for his response. A beaded row of sweat formed across his brow and she knew he battled with his temper.
Biting into the side of her cheek and clenching her fists to stop an outburst of giggles, Elenor watched him stand up and adjust his jacket.
‘Now, I really must finish writing in my aunt’s card. If you would kindly return my items to my desk, thank you.’
She made a pretend fuss of moving a silver bird from one side of a cabinet to another and watched him return her desk to order.
‘Oh, and please leave the door open, I need to listen out for my aunt.’
She watched him stomp from the room and hesitate, pondering whether he dared slam the door. He left it open.
The afternoon was productive on her part, and the evening turned out to be a jovial affair. Each chose a carol to sing together, and Elenor chose ‘Silent Night’ to sing for her solo. Rose played several tunes, all with perfect precision. Elenor noticed neither parent praised her. They expected nothing but perfection. When the singing was over, Rose fell asleep on the mat beside the fire.
‘Ah, little thing looks like a contented kitten,’ Aunt Maude said. Elenor scooped her up and handed her to Victoria. As she kissed the top of the Rose’s head, she realised she’d never seen Rose’s parents show the same affection.
When the evening drew to a close, Maude called George to her and whispered something to him. He left the room and Elenor looked to her aunt who tapped the side of her nose and grinned back at her.
He returned carrying a large object covered in a sheet.
‘Set it down over there, George. Careful. Gently does it.’
Her aunt pointed to the object on the small table next to the Christmas tree.
‘This belonged to your uncle and now it’s yours. Tomorrow we will be able to listen to King George give his speech. We will be part of history.’
Elenor jumped to her feet and pulled away the sheet. She clapped her hands in delight.
‘A wireless set. How wonderful. Oh, but how does it work?’
‘Fret not. When I couldn’t see it in your uncle’s bedroom, I asked George to look for it and get it serviced. He’s learned how to set it to the right frequencies.’
Elenor could see by George’s face that was not the case and guessed he had hidden it away for his own use.
‘Thank you, George. It was most thoughtful of you, and now my aunt will be able to enjoy it on a day-to-day basis. I suggest after tomorrow you move it to the parlour. After all, that is where she spends most of her days.’
His faced flushed just as she guessed it might. Elenor sensed his intention had been to use it whenever he wanted in the room her aunt rarely entered.
‘If at any time either of you wanted to listen in with us, I am sure you wouldn’t object, Aunt?’
‘Not at all, although it is yours, so maybe your study? That way, if I want to doze, you can still listen to your music. Talking of dozing, it’s time for my bed.’
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