The Heart Will Lead
Page 32
Billy held Rita’s trembling hand tightly as they left the church. Of the padre and Jimmy there was no sign. Even as they smiled for the photographs, Margaret asked William what had Jerry done to Jimmy.
‘I’m sure we’ll get to know before we leave tomorrow.’ He smiled reassuringly.
That night in the new double bed, Billy was telling Rita the same thing. They had not long finished making love. As her husband fell asleep in her arms she relived the moment when his lips had fastened on hers with a fierce hunger that had matched hers. He had kissed her all over and it was so much nicer than she had imagined. Her body seemed to have had a life of its own when they made love. His gentleness had washed away the memories of what she had experienced at Jimmy’s and Mr McGinty’s hands, and she looked forward to repeating the experience.
The next day the whole household was up early. Rita and Billy were seeing William and Margaret off on their delayed honeymoon before going off for a few days on their own. Mrs Richards was Being very well paid to take care of Jonathan and the house, and would have a well-earned holiday on their return.
But first the Brodies called in at the Sailors’ Home to be informed by the padre that Jimmy had been accepted as a deckhand on a cargo ship going to Australia. ‘It’ll be some time before you see him again,’ he said with a gleam in those dark eyes of his.
Rita guessed Jimmy wasn’t going to have an easy time of it, but maybe he would settle in Australia and find some scope for his talents in the New World, rather than make the long voyage back to England.
Then it was time for Margaret and William to take ship, and the four of them made their way to the landing stage. Rita hugged her aunt. Never would she have believed when she discovered that she was the pawnbroker’s niece that such a day as this would be theirs.
As the liner sailed towards the open sea with its orchestra playing, Rita and Billy continued to wave until the figures blurred into one. Then, hand in hand, they headed for the ferry that would take them to Anglesey and a honeymoon of their own.
Look out for
A Place to Call Home
A tale of loss and the healing power of love
After suffering the loss of her family, the last thing Greta Peters needs is to discover a young man has broken into her home, and is rifling through her possessions.
But there is more to Alexander Armstrong than meets the eye. When it becomes clear his intentions are pure, she is determined to help him on his quest. But will the looming threat of the Second World War ruin everything... or will Greta finally find love?
If you enjoyed A Place to Call Home, then you‘ll love June Francis’ The Victoria Crescent Sagas – heart-breaking, unforgettable tales from 1900s Liverpool about the difficult choice between following your head or your heart…
Step by Step
A Dream to Share
When the Clouds Go Rolling By
Tilly’s Story
Sunshine and Showers
First published in the United Kingdom in 2002 by Allison & Busby Limited
This edition published in the United Kingdom in 2018 by
Canelo Digital Publishing Limited
57 Shepherds Lane
Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2DU
United Kingdom
Copyright © June Francis, 2002
The moral right of June Francis to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN 9781788631723
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places and events are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Look for more great books at www.canelo.co