Always and Forever. Бетти Нилс

out, she dozed off, to wake and find Oscar curled up on her lap, washing himself, and Cyril’s head pressed against her knee.

      Great-Aunt Thisbe spoke before she could utter a word.

      ‘Stay there for a few minutes. Your room’s ready, but you must have something to eat first.’

      ‘Aunt Thisbe—’ began Amabel.

      ‘Later, child. Supper and a good night’s sleep first. Do you want your mother to know you are here?’

      ‘No, no. I’ll explain…’

      ‘Tomorrow.’ Great-Aunt Thisbe, still wearing her hat, put a bowl of fragrant stew into Amabel’s hands. ‘Now eat your supper.’

      Presently Amabel was ushered upstairs to a small room with a sloping ceiling and a lattice window. She didn’t remember getting undressed, nor did she feel surprised to find both Oscar and Cyril with her. It had been a day like no other and she was beyond surprise or questioning; it seemed quite right that Cyril and Oscar should share her bed. They were still all together, she thought with satisfaction. It was like waking up after a particularly nasty nightmare.

      When she woke in the morning she lay for a moment, staring up at the unfamiliar ceiling, but in seconds memory came flooding back and she sat up in bed, hampered by Cyril’s weight on her feet and Oscar curled up near him. In the light of early morning yesterday’s journey was something unbelievably foolhardy—and she would have to explain to Great-Aunt Thisbe.

      The sooner the better.

      She got up, went quietly to the bathroom, dressed and the three of them crept downstairs.

      The house wasn’t large, but it was solidly built, and had been added to over the years, and its small garden had a high stone wall. Amabel opened the stout door and went outside. Oscar and Cyril, old and wise enough to know what was wanted of them, followed her cautiously.

      It was a fine morning but there was a nip in the air, and the three of them went back indoors just as Great-Aunt Thisbe came into the kitchen.

      Her good morning was brisk and kind. ‘You slept well? Good. Now, my dear, there’s porridge on the Aga; I dare say these two will eat it. Josh will bring suitable food when he comes presently. And you and I will have a cup of tea before I get our breakfast.