A Sister's War by Molly Green (the reading strategies book txt) 📕

‘It was nothing,’ Ronnie said. ‘I only wish I’d found her sooner – that I’d known she’d disappeared sooner, and maybe …’ She broke off, choking with tears.

‘You mustn’t upset yourself,’ Mr Webb said. ‘But she did want to make sure you were looking after the cat.’

Dora swung round to Ronnie. ‘Why weren’t I asked about yous lookin’ after it?’

Ronnie felt her cheeks flush. ‘We were worried you’d be annoyed and not allow it on the boat.’

‘I like cats,’ Dora said, surprisingly. ‘I like all animals, matter o’ fact. What d’ya think keeps me goin’ on the cut if it weren’t for the love of nature?’

‘So it’s all right, then, if I take care of Lucky?’

Dora gave a short bark of laughter. ‘So that’s its name. I suppose I can only agree to let it stay with a name like that.’ She glanced at the other girls who had silently gathered. ‘One of yer, go in and get Margaret’s bag.’ She turned to Mr and Mrs Webb. ‘Margaret’s bike is under the cratch’ – she nodded towards the motorboat – ‘but it’ll only take a moment to get it.’

‘The cratch?’ Mrs Webb sounded puzzled.

‘It’s at the foreend of the motor,’ Dora said impatiently. ‘Margaret kept it underneath as it’s nice and dry.’ She turned to Ronnie. ‘You’d better get it, miss.’

Mr Webb wiped his eyes again and trumpeted into his handkerchief. ‘Please don’t,’ he said. ‘My wife and I already discussed it.’ He looked at Ronnie. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name, my dear.’

‘Ronnie … Ronnie Linfoot.’

‘Then if you could use Margaret’s bicycle we’d like you to have it.’

Ronnie startled. ‘Really? Are you sure?’

‘We’re very sure,’ Mrs Webb joined in. ‘Margaret loved that bicycle. We gave it to her on her eighteenth birthday. She hasn’t used it that much as she takes … took such pride in it. We bought her the very best. She deserved it. She’s always been a good girl but we never thought she was strong enough to do this sort of work. We were so relieved when she telephoned to say she was leaving – coming home to us. And now she never will.’ Mrs Webb broke down in sobs.

‘Hush, now, love,’ Mr Webb said, seeming to gather himself and putting his arm around her broad shoulder. ‘We’ve used up enough of Miss Dummitt’s time already.’ He looked at Dora. ‘We’ll be on our way.’ He picked up the bag with Margaret’s belongings and nodded to the little group. ‘Thank you for everything.’ His eyes fell on Ronnie. ‘Especially we want to thank you, my dear, for your kindness to Margaret and we hope you make good use of her bicycle.’

‘I will,’ Ronnie said, her cheeks warming with embarrassment. ‘And I promise I’ll look after it. But anyone would have done the same for Margaret.’

‘But you were the one who did,’ Mr Webb said emphatically, ‘and we’ll never forget it.’

‘Well,’ Dora said crisply when they’d gone. ‘I’m sure yer didn’t expect that, miss. I think different to Margaret’s ma and pa. I think it should be the bike any one of yous can use when we need shoppin’ or walkin’ on a long pound to the next lock.’ She stared at Ronnie. ‘So what do you say to that?’

‘I say no,’ Ronnie said, surprising herself under Dora’s piercing eyes. ‘It will be up to me if I lend it to anyone. Margaret wouldn’t ever lend her bicycle because it was her pride and joy, and her parents gave it to me so I’d keep it in perfect condition the way Margaret did. I bought my bicycle at home for half a crown from a jumble sale and it’s a heavy uncomfortable old thing to ride.’ She stared challengingly at Dora. ‘I can’t wait to try Margaret’s.’

‘No good will come of bein’ so selfish,’ Dora said. ‘Mark my words.’

Chapter Twenty-Three

Although Margaret’s untimely death hung like a cloud over Ronnie and the others, apart from Angela who never actually referred to her, except to say how silly she was to take such a risk in the dark, Bob’s meat and vegetable pie was a great success that evening. Ronnie had told Jessica on the quiet what had happened.

‘I’ll disguise it,’ Jessica chuckled. ‘I guarantee Angela won’t notice the difference.’

Although the potatoes had run out, there was plenty of cabbage, making a hearty meal. Ronnie was so hungry she forced herself to put all thoughts of poor Margaret to one side and enjoy it. She’d think about Margaret when she was quiet and on her own. She grimaced. Whenever that would be possible.

‘Such a treat having pastry,’ Jessica said, licking her lips after she laid down her knife and fork. ‘I’d make it in the boat if there was room.’

Ronnie couldn’t help a smile. If Angela knew the dinner had fallen into the snow she’d have thrown a fit. Dad used to say, when they were on that one and only camping holiday, what people didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. He was referring to Maman though he was too loyal to say so. She looked at Angela, who was eating slowly and, judging by her satisfied expression, savouring every mouthful, even though she’d made no comment at all. Suddenly, Ronnie felt the devil in her.

‘Are you enjoying it, Angela?’

‘Best meal I’ve had since we’ve been on this trip,’ Angela said, concentrating on her fork where a small piece of meat and carrot clung to the prongs.

‘Good job Constable Scott saved it.’

Angela’s head shot up. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘Oh, I dropped the basket and the pie fell out of the dish into the snow. But he came to the rescue and picked it all up again and shoved the broken pieces back together. It was so thoughtful of him.’ She gave a peal of laughter. ‘Jess had to make some extra gravy so you couldn’t tell when she dished up.’ She winked at Jessica who gave a surreptitious nod.

‘You mean