Free Living a Lie by Josephine Cox Page B

Georgie all the more for her naughty sense of humour, Kitty began:
    “Dearest Kitty …”
    Georgie made a loud sighing noise.
    “See that? Uncontrollable passion right from the start!”
    “Do you want me to read it or not?”
    “Go on then.”
    Kitty cleared her throat and started again. This time Georgie was silenced by the soft tremor in her voice:
    Dearest Kitty, It’s been a whole month since I came to see you. I don’t mind telling you, it has been the longest month of my life, and I can’t wait to see you again.
    I hope everything is well with you? I’ve been thinking about our last meeting, and all the things we talked about. I hope your Aunt Mildred has been to see you, and put your mind at rest, and I hope Georgie hasn’t left yet. She’s a good friend, Kitty, and I know you will miss her when she’s gone.
    “Nice to know I’m appreciated,” Georgie muttered. Exasperated, Kitty warned, “One more interruption and I’ll put the letter away.”
    “Sorry, gal. Go on.”
    “Right…” Returning her attention to the letter. Kitty prepared to read.
    “Go on! Go on!”
    “I’ve lost my place now!” Scanning the lines she found the point at which she was interrupted. With a wary glance at Georgie, she carried on:1 never realised Wales was so beautiful. This morning we went mountain-climbing. Two of the blokes got into difficulties and we had to make a detour.
    We’re shifting base soon. While I write this, my tent is being pulled down round my ears! I should be back home next Thursday, then it’s the first train Friday to London. and the dreaded interview at university. Keep your fingers crossed!
    Kitty paused here, her face hot with pleasure, “Why have you stopped, gal?” Georgie demanded. Peeking out of one eye she teased, “Ah! This is where he goes crazy to throw you on the bed, eh?”
    “Don’t be daft!” Curling into a little ball and hiding her face from Georgie’s prying eyes, Kitty recommenced:
    hope I get a place, Kitty, because I have big plans for the future, and you shouldn’t be surprised if I say they include you.< p>
    Take care of yourself. I’ll see you Saturday week. Miss you.
    Harry
    XXX
    They were both subdued by the warm tone of the letter.
    74 I
    After a while Georgie told Kitty she was lucky to have someone like Harry; Kitty assured her she knew that already.
    In fact, Harry’s letters brought her a deal of comfort. She kept them close; a small bundle tied with pretty pink ribbon, never too far away that she couldn’t reach out her hand and touch them. She read them over and over, until they were dog-eared and creased. After a time she didn’t need to read them because every word was etched on her heart.
    Kitty was summoned to the office.
    “It’s all arranged,” Miss Davis informed her.
    “From the time you’ve already spent with the Connor family, we are satisfied you will fit in very well. There are just a few loose ends to be tied up before you move in with them altogether.”
    She saw the light go from Kitty’s eyes and sensed the struggle inside her.
    “I realise it will be hard at first,” she acknowledged, ‘but I hope you’ll soon come to see them as family. Please, Kitty, for your own sake, give it your very best. “
    “I’ll try hard.” She had already promised herself that much.
    “I do know how difficult it will be for you,” Miss Davis had seen it all before, ‘and I know you don’t really want to go, but think how it would feel if no one wanted you, Kitty. Think what it would be like if you had to spend another two years in this place. You’re being offered a real home. ” Her voice softened.
    “I don’t think I need to tell you, there are children here who would give anything to be part of a real family.”
    Ashamed, Kitty recalled what Georgie had said: “You might as well give it a damn’ good try, gal.” Taking a deep breath she declared, “I’ll try not to let you down.”
    Relieved, Miss Davis gave her some other