Magda's Daughter Read Online Free Page B

back of the chair. ‘Thank you for a lovely dinner, Magda. I’ll look forward to seeing you on Thursday. You too, Alma.’ Bethan hugged and kissed both of them. ‘I’ve had a sudden thought. The farmer sent us two legs of lamb yesterday to thank Andrew for curing his gout. Why don’t you all come for lunch tomorrow, to help us eat them?’
    â€˜I’d like to, but if I do, I’ll have to leave early. I promised Father O’Brien I’d help out at the church. We’ve organised a tea party and prize-giving for the Sunday school.’
    â€˜Of course I don’t mind you dashing off, Magda. We’re family now,’ Bethan answered.
    â€˜In that case, Helena and I would love to come.’ Magda returned Bethan’s kiss.
    â€˜Thank you, Beth,’ said Alma. ‘I’ve been looking for an excuse to postpone a meeting with my accountant.’
    â€˜You work Sundays, too?’ Andrew asked.
    â€˜It’s the only day when the telephone doesn’t ring. Apart from Theo, that is.’
    â€˜He’s coming home from Oxford for the summer?’ Bethan asked.
    Alma’s son, Theo, was a favourite with all his mother’s friends. ‘Soon, no doubt with a mountain of washing.’ Alma looked happy at the prospect. ‘Thank you for a lovely evening, Magda. See you tomorrow and on Thursday.’
    Ned opened the door for his parents and Alma. ‘I’ll be home after I’ve given Helena and Magda a hand to clear up.’
    â€˜Nice try, young man, but it won’t take us a minute to clear the table and put away the leftover food,’ Magda said firmly. ‘And you need your sleep after driving all that way today.’
    Ned knew when he was beaten. ‘Pick you both up tomorrow morning, to drive you up for lunch? We’ll go on up to the house in the afternoon, Helena, and measure for curtains and carpets.’
    â€˜And make a list of what we need to buy,’ she added.
    â€˜Don’t forget I promised you a fridge and cooker as wedding presents.’
    â€˜We remember, Mama,’ Helena assured her mother.
    â€˜You will choose good ones, not rubbish? And don’t turn up too early in the morning, Eddie. Helena and I are going to mass.’ Magda gave Ned a perfunctory kiss on the cheek.
    â€˜I won’t.’ Ned led the way down the stairs and out to the street. He lingered, while everyone said goodbye, then waved his parents and Alma off. ‘Tomorrow,’ he whispered to Helena, kissing her goodnight after Magda went indoors. ‘It’s going to be a long cold night without you.’
    â€˜Don’t remind me.’
    Magda’s voice wafted down the stairs. ‘Helena, don’t stand around out there. It might be summer but it’s cold. You’ll catch a chill.’
    â€˜Coming, Mama.’
    â€˜Sweet dreams.’ Ned gave Helena one last kiss, jumped into his car, started the engine and drove away.

Chapter Two
    Andrew John sat back in his chair at the head of the table set up in his garden. He looked around at those of his family and friends who hadn’t disappeared into the barn after lunch to hear his younger son’s pop group, breathed in deeply and smiled.
    â€˜Feeling just a little bit smug, darling?’ Bethan teased. She set a tray of coffee, strawberries and cream on the table.
    â€˜Why shouldn’t I?’ He refused to rise to her bait. ‘I’ve just eaten an excellent Sunday lunch, my compliments to the chef,’ he nodded to his wife, ‘and I haven’t a blessed thing to do before tomorrow morning. My garden is looking its best, my roses are blooming, and Evan has shut the barn doors so we can still hear the birdsong.’
    â€˜I hate to disappoint you, but you promised to pick Penny up from the stables later on this afternoon.’ Bethan lifted the bowls from the tray.
    â€˜That’s hours and a pleasant drive