Free A Family Concern by Anthea Fraser Page B

agreed. ‘Thanks, beloved.’ And, dropping a kiss on his head as she passed the sofa, she went back to her duties, leaving him, had she known it, more anxious than she was.
    Over dinner in Cricklehurst, Catherine also had something on her mind. She’d driven over that morning, but so far there’d not been an appropriate moment to tell her son and daughter-in-law her news. They’d gone out for a pub lunch, then walked across wintry fields that were crisp with frost and crunched beneath their footsteps – ironically enough, how she and Tom had planned to spend the day. And as they walked, hands deep in pockets to keep warm, Daniel had told her about his computer courses and how the scope of his job was changing. Then Jenny had taken over and regaled her with problems at the flower shop that she managed, and how their suppliers had suddenly announced they couldn’t guarantee delivery of their order before Christmas.
    â€˜I played merry hell with them,’ Jenny said, ‘and after a lot of wrangling, finally managed to wring out the promise that it would be with us by the tenth at the latest. Even that’s cutting it fine.’
    â€˜She’s a dragon when roused,’ Daniel said fondly, slipping an arm round his wife’s shoulders.
    On their return home, Daniel, with a token apology, had settled down to watch the post-mortems of the afternoon’s sport, while Jenny disappeared into the kitchen to prepare the evening meal. At dinner, Catherine promised herself; that’s when I’ll tell them.
    She’d gone upstairs, a knot of apprehension in her stomach, and as she turned into her room, her eyes lingered on the closed door at the top of the stairs. Behind it, she knew, was a fully equipped nursery, still awaiting the arrival of the baby that, tragically, had never come home. Nearly six months ago; was it too soon to hope another might be on the way?
    And now they were sitting round the table in the small dining room, two-thirds of the meal behind them and one of Jenny’s delectable desserts on their plates. There were candles on the table, and in their gentle light Catherine glanced at the faces of her family, aching with love for them. Please, she prayed, please let them be happy for me. Don’t let Daniel think I’m betraying his father.
    His voice broke into her musings. ‘You’re very quiet, Ma. Feeling all right?’
    She looked up, bracing herself. ‘Actually, I’m trying to pluck up courage to tell you something.’
    Daniel’s hand stilled, fork poised over his plate. ‘There’s something wrong? Ma – you’re not ill?’
    â€˜No, no, darling, nothing like that. I’ve never been better. In fact, I’m – thinking of getting married again.’
    The silence that followed her announcement seemed endless measured in heartbeats, but could only have lasted seconds. Then, as Jenny exclaimed in delight, Daniel pushed back his chair, came quickly over to her, and put his arms round her.
    â€˜Well,’ he commented, ‘you’ve kept that pretty quiet!’ He bent to kiss her cheek and she caught hold of his hand, her eyes full of relieved tears.
    â€˜You – don’t mind?’
    â€˜Mind? How could I mind? I’m delighted for you. We both are.’
    Jenny in turn jumped up to kiss her. ‘It’s wonderful news, Catherine! Do we know the lucky man?’
    â€˜Daniel does. At least, he’s met him. His name’s Tom Parish.’
    Daniel frowned for a moment, then his face cleared. ‘Oh, the chap who drove you to the hospital when Jenny had her miss?’
    â€˜That’s the one.’
    â€˜And when did all this blow up?’ he asked, returning to his seat.
    â€˜A couple of months ago, but things aren’t exactly straightforward.’ Her hands gripped her napkin. ‘Tom’s still married. He’ll be getting a divorce, but we’re letting