The Girl in the Scrapbook by Carolyn Ruffles (reading women TXT) 📕

‘My daughter’s been on about me getting a cleaner. She said the house was a disgrace when she last came but I don’t think it’s too bad. I suppose I’m a bit stubborn about these things. We had a bit of a falling out over it, to be honest with you.’

‘Well, why don’t you let me find out what services are available?’ Jennifer persisted. ‘As I said before, you can always say no.’

‘Alright, if you’re sure you don’t mind. I know the garden’s got a bit out of hand. I used to love getting out in my garden,’ Daisy admitted wistfully.

‘There you go. Maybe we could get that sorted for you ready for the Spring. I’ve recently taken up a bit of gardening myself and know how lovely it is to see everything looking tidy. No, don’t get up.’ Jennifer laid a hand on her shoulder. ‘I’ll just sort these tea things and we’ll be on our way.’

‘She’s a right, old bossy-boots, isn’t she,’ Daisy muttered as Jennifer swept out of the room, carrying the tray of empty cups.

Emily smiled. ‘I think she’s used to being in charge. She’s just retired from being a headteacher so we have to make allowances for her.’

‘What about you? Do you work?’

‘Not since I’ve had Alex. I keep thinking I should get a job – maybe later this year …’

‘Well, personally I think it’s good that you're looking after your own child. I don’t hold with all this going out to work and leaving the baby with strangers all the time. It wasn’t like that in my day.’

‘No, times have changed. Nowadays, most women don’t really have a choice. They have to work to pay the bills. I’m very lucky we can afford for me to stay at home.’

‘I suppose you’re right. The world has changed and not necessarily for the better, if you ask me. You’re a sweet girl.’ Daisy reached for Emily’s hand and gripped it tightly. ‘It’s been lovely talking to you. You do remind me so much of Iris. I hope you find her. It would be so lovely to see her again.’ She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, lost in a reverie of times gone by.

Gently, Emily disentangled her hand and lifted Alex off the sofa as Jennifer returned.

‘We’ll be off now, Daisy. Thank you for your help.’ She wrote her name and mobile number on a piece of paper which she left on the table. ‘That’s my number should you find, or remember, anything else.’

Daisy’s eyes snapped open. ‘I have just thought of something,’ she declared. ‘It’s about Willow Farm. I think David Brewer used to live there when he was a boy. Do you know him? He’s a builder – still lives in the village. He might know something.’

‘I don’t think …’ Emily began when Jennifer interrupted. ‘I know him,’ she said flatly. She paused briefly before continuing. ‘Thank you so much for allowing us into your home today, Daisy. It’s been a pleasure meeting you. I’ll be in touch when I’ve found out about some help for you.’

‘Goodbye, my dears, and good luck with your search.’

Daisy’s eyes were already closing again as her visitors departed, Alex complaining loudly about having to give up the iPad.

‘Oh, look at that beautiful cat!’ Jennifer exclaimed, pointing at a small, black bundle of fur with glittering green eyes, sitting on the wall opposite Daisy’s bungalow. She knelt beside Alex and pointed.

‘Cat!’ he repeated, iPad immediately forgotten, as he toddled excitedly towards it. Lazily, the cat stood and stretched, leaping out of harm’s way at the last moment and disappearing around the corner.

‘Did you see it had green eyes, just like your mummy?’ Jennifer commented.

‘Like Molly, or I should say Norah, and Iris too.’ Now she was outside, Emily’s voice fizzed with renewed excitement. She clutched Jennifer’s arm. ‘I really feel we’re getting closer. The photos are becoming real people now I know who they were and have spoken to someone who knew them.’

‘I’m so pleased for you. I only hope that we can find Iris – that she’s still alive.’

‘She will be. I can feel it. I can feel Molly beside me urging me on. We must be getting close.’ Laughter bubbled as she picked Alex up and swung him dizzily around. ‘We’re going to find our family, Alex. What do you think about that?’

Her son giggled in response. ‘More!’ he demanded, lifting up his chubby arms as she deposited him back on the ground.

‘Later,’ she replied firmly. To Jennifer, she said, ‘Shall we head back to the cottage? I feel I need to absorb everything I’ve learnt so I can plan what to do next.’

‘Good idea.’

◆◆◆

That evening, David Brewer joined them for dinner. Upon their return to Horseshoes Cottage, Jennifer had phoned to invite him.

‘I expect he’ll be busy,’ she said dismissively as she waited for him to answer her call but it turned out that he was free and delighted to accept her invitation.

‘There’s someone I’d like you to meet,’ she said, a sharp edge to her tone as she made it clear they would not be a cosy twosome.

‘I’m intrigued. See you at seven then.’

Jennifer ended the call and smiled brightly at Emily. ‘All sorted. I’ll organise something for Alex so you can feed him and get him into bed before he gets here.’

‘You’re so kind.’ Impulsively, Emily gave her a hug. ‘I can’t believe you’re doing all this for me. You barely know me.’

‘Maybe but I’d like to know you better. I felt there was an affinity between us as soon as we met. I’m almost as excited about learning your family history as you are.’

David had arrived promptly at seven dressed casually in a maroon, chunky knit sweater and beige trousers. He handed Jennifer a bunch of yellow roses and a bottle of wine before leaning in and kissing her lingeringly on the cheek.

‘Mm, you smell good. I love that perfume you wear,’ he murmured huskily.  ‘Oh, hello.’ He stepped back