Free E for England by Elisabeth Rose Page A

land jutting out into the harbour. Cut into the sandstone years before, the steps wound up between houses and towering trees, with creepers and bushes spilling a profusion of flowers and perfumes over the fences on either side. Coming down was like entering an enchanted glade, going up was torturous and usually took many rest stops.
    Today Floss managed about halfway then sat down on a step and refused to continue.
    â€˜I can’t climb anymore.’
    â€˜Baby.’ Mattie walked up a few more steps and stared down at his sister, hands on hips.
    â€˜I’m not. I’m tired,’ she wailed.
    â€˜You wanted to walk,’ said Annie. ‘And you know how steep it is. I warned you.’
    â€˜It’s too hot.’ The bottom lip began to tremble. Any minute now tears would fall.
    â€˜I can’t carry you. You’re too big.’ Annie sighed. ‘We’ll have a longer rest.’ She should have driven to the park and not been swayed by Flossie’s insistence she could walk both ways.
    â€˜What if I give you a piggyback?’ said Hugh.
    â€˜Oh no! She’s too heavy.’
    â€˜No, she’s not. She’s a featherweight.’ Hugh smiled at the red-cheeked miserable little figure. ‘I’m strong. What do you say, Floss?’
    Floss looked at Annie doubtfully. Annie nodded. ‘If you like. Thank you, Hugh.’
    Floss stood up. ‘Thank you, Hugh.’
    Hugh positioned himself a few steps down so she could climb onboard. He turned and set off, powering past Mattie, leading the way. Mattie scowled but continued bravely, even though his little legs must be weary after running about kicking his football.
    Annie caught him up. ‘Let me carry the ball.’
    He handed it to her and she jammed it into her bag. ‘Nearly there.’
    â€˜Flossie’s a baby.’
    â€˜Her legs are shorter than yours.’
    â€˜I don’t need a piggyback.’
    â€˜I wouldn’t mind one. Whew!’ Annie gave an exaggerated exhalation and Mattie laughed.
    â€˜You’re not very fit, Mum.’
    He stomped on manfully. Hugh and Flossie had reached the top but he hadn’t set her down as they waited. The road still sloped up until it reached the main street at right angles a few hundred metres farther. Then the walk was flat.
    â€˜Floss can walk now.’ Annie paused, panting. Her face would be a lovely shade of puce, toning beautifully with her pastel pink t-shirt. Hugh was barely puffing.
    â€˜I’m still tired,’ Floss announced.
    Hugh grinned. ‘We’re fine. Aren’t we?’ He jiggled Floss up and down and she clung to his shoulders and giggled.
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜Just to the main road then, Floss.’ Annie gave her a firm look.
    â€˜Okay.’
    At the corner Hugh squatted so Floss could slide off his back.
    Mattie was lagging now while Floss skipped ahead.
    â€˜Not far to go, sweetheart.’ Annie slowed for him. ‘We can have a cold drink when we get home and you can have a rest and read your new books.’
    â€˜Is he coming in for a drink too?’ Another scowl accompanied the question. Hugh, walking just ahead, must have heard but he didn’t react.
    â€˜No. Hugh’s just walking with us because we’re all going the same way. It’s lucky he is because otherwise we’d still be sitting on the steps with Floss.’
    Mattie didn’t reply but took the hand she held out to him.
    In the foyer Hugh said, ‘It was nice to see you again Annie, and nice to meet you, Floss and Mattie.’
    â€˜Thanks for carrying Floss, Hugh.’
    â€˜No problem.’
    â€˜Thank you, Hugh,’ said Floss with her best smile.
    â€˜My pleasure. Mattie, maybe we could kick your football around a bit next weekend?’
    Mattie stared at the floor.
    â€˜If you’d like to, let me know.’ Hugh’s eye met Annie’s and lingered. He smiled. ‘See