The Hull Home Fire

by Linda Abbott

  Henry took Mary’s hand in his. “The difference between our situation and yours is that your uncle Mike was a practising doctor and making good money at the time.”

  “Let’s get down to it,” Lilah continued. “We’re all family. Will you allow Mike and me to help ?”

  “That’s generous of you,” Henry said. “But I won’t take any handouts.”

  Mary smiled up at Henry. “My husband is a proud man.”

  The door handle rattled. Henry jumped. “A woman’s trying to get in.”

  “All full,” Lilah called, and turned back to Henry and Mary. “You misunderstand. I’m offering both of you a way to earn your own money. Mary, your mother showed me the most exquisite quilt I’ve ever seen. One that you made.”

  “Anyone can make quilts.”

  “Not in Toronto, my dear. I doubt you’d be able to keep up with the orders.” Lilah winked. “And I’m acquainted with the right circle of money people. Henry,” she carried on, to prevent either one from voicing an objection, “you planned on working part-time anyway.”

  “On my own, renting a small room, it would work.” He pulled Mary closer. “A house is another issue altogether.”

  “You could stay with us.”

  “No,” Mary said. “That would be too much of an intrusion.”

  “I agree,” Henry said.

  “You young people,” Lilah sighed. “Always reaching the wrong conclusion without waiting for all the information. We have a furnished apartment over the garage. Our oldest son and his wife lived there until they could afford to buy a house. You can have it rent-free, as they did.” She put up a hand to stall an objection. “If that’s unsuitable, you and my husband can come to a suitable payment.”

  “You hardly know us,” Mary said.

  “In all the time I’ve been with my husband, he’s never been this happy or at peace. Please don’t disappoint him.”

  Henry studied his new aunt. “Tell me,” he said. “How come Uncle Mike didn’t talk to us himself ?”

  “It’s like this, love.” Lilah smiled. “I really do love your Newfoundland expressions. This is my way of proving that I’m one hundred per cent behind the plan.” She unlocked the door. “Actually,” she added, “I thought up the brilliant idea.”

  “WELL ?” MIKE SAID WHEN LILAH rejoined him at the table.

  She turned to the young couple on the floor, who were doing a jig to “All Around the Circle.” Fred and Flora danced next to them, kicking up their heels with the energy of youngsters.

  Mike put a hand on her chin and turned her face to him. “Lilah, what happened ?”

  “Sweetheart, when have I ever not gotten my way ?”

  “Thank you,” Mike said, and kissed her cheek. “By the way, did I ever tell you why I chose you to be my wife ?”

  Lilah raised her eyebrows in mock surprise. “Because I won you over, of course.”

  “It’s because you reminded me of a Newfoundlander.”

  “Did you tell Tom and Alice about the plan yet ?”

  “He did,” Tom said, coming to the table with whiskies for him and Mike. He looked out at the dance floor and sighed. “My son the doctor.” He smiled at Alice. “Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think ?”

  Alice laughed out loud.

  Tom stared at her. “What’s so funny ?”

  She hugged him. “Nothing at all, Henry, love. Nothing at all.

  Acknowledgements

  Thanks once again to Paul Butler for his expertise and guidance. A special thanks to my mother for her first-hand knowledge of the fire and the devastating effect on the community. And thank you to Garry Cranford and Jerry Cranford for giving me the opportunity to share this story.

  LINDA ABBOTT was born in St. John’s, the eighth in a family of ten children. She is a graduate of Memorial University, with a Bachelor of Arts and Education. She holds a Certificate in French from Laval University, Quebec City, and attended the Frecker Institute in St. Pierre. She is a retired French Immersion teacher, having spent most of her career at Holy Trin-ity Elementary School in Torbay. The Hull Home Fire is her second novel. Her first novel was the critically acclaimed bestseller The Loss of the Marion. She resides in St. John’s.