Free Dream a Little Dream by Joan Jonker

his lips and patted his tummy. ‘Very enjoyable, as always.’
    ‘I’ve kept the kettle on the boil on the hob, so there’ll be a nice cuppa ready for you in just two minutes.’
    Robert watched as she picked up a knitted square to cover her hand before lifting the heavy kettle. ‘I wish you would allow me to pay to have that grate removed, Maureen, and a smaller one put in its place. Not only would it save you blackleading that huge thing all the time, it would also give you more space in the room. I could have the work done by a skilled fitter who would be quick and efficient. The room would be a mess for about three days, but think of the advantages. And it would make me very happy if you would accept my offer.’
    Maureen put the kettle back on the hob and returned to her chair. ‘I am very fond of you, Robert, and I treasure the few hours we have together each month. My life would be empty if I didn’t have them to look forward to. You know I am happy to be your confidante when you feel the need to talk, and that my shoulder is here for you to cry on. And when you need comforting, my arms will always hold you. I have no one else in my life, and I value what we have together. But I will never take, or allow you to spend money on me. I would feel like a kept woman, a mistress, and I couldn’t live with that. My parents bought this house at a time when it was unthinkable for working-class people to own their own home. They scrimped and scraped, went without to raise the money so that when they died, I would have some security. So I don’t have to worry about paying rent, and my wages buy me what little I need. I don’t possess many worldly goods, but I have no need of them. What I do have need of, is my independence and my pride. I would lose both if I accepted money from you. I know you mean well, and I do appreciate your thoughtfulness, but it would spoil what we have, and I don’t want that.’
    Robert reached across and covered her hand. ‘If I have hurt or insulted you, it was unintentional, I assure you. You are one of the most open, honest and kind people it has been my fortune to know and I have the greatest admiration for you. A short while ago you said I was like a little boy, and there’s nothing a little boy likes better than to give and receive presents. But I will never again make a suggestion that displeases you if you will, just once, humour me.’
    Maureen’s blue eyes twinkled as she raised her brows. ‘Humour you? I thought that was something I often did! What about the plate of chips you’ve just eaten? They weren’t on the menu today, I only made them to humour you.’
    ‘What I have in mind is far more serious than a plate of chips, my dear. It’s something that has been nagging in my head for quite some time. I have great affection for you, and I believe you return my feelings?’ Robert waited for her nod, then continued, ‘Yet if anything happened to stop me coming here, neither of us have a single thing to remember each other by. No photograph or memento to remind us of the happiness we’ve shared for the last three years. That saddens me, because you have given me so much joy. You filled a void in my life and helped me keep my sanity.’
    ‘And don’t you think you did the same for me? We have helped each other, Robert, and please God, we will continue to do so for a long time. So no more talk of anything happening to prevent you coming – you are making me sad.’
    ‘Are you not prepared to humour me, then?’
    ‘I’m not saying yes until I know what it is. Otherwise I might find a man at my door tomorrow morning with a toolbox, come to take my grate out.’
    Robert grinned. ‘I think you’ve taught me the error of my ways on that one, my dear. No, what I had in mind, and what I would dearly love, is for us to buy each other a gift. Something we can use every day so our thoughts are always with each other.’
    Maureen looked doubtful. Everything he had was expensive