Free The Glenmore's: Caught by Susan Horsnell Page A

walked away and Justine followed with Lucy. “Are ya just visitin’ or can I do somethin’ for ya?” Jenny asked as she put the water on to boil.
    “Both actually; I thought I’d come and talk to ya about somethin’ that’s been puzzlin’ me. I was talkin’ at Joe and Ginny’s yesterday about bein’ all scarred and sayin’ no man wants someone who is ugly and marked. I told them I’ve accepted that I’ll always be on my own”
    “Oh Justine” Jenny interrupted. “Don’t you dare give up. I’m sure there’s a man that will see past it just like George did with me”
    “Ben began mentionin’ somethin’ about ya but then said it wasn’t his place and if ya wanted me to know about ya then ya’d tell me. I’ve been real puzzled ‘cause ya don’t have anythin’ to put a man off. Why, yer beautiful Jenny”
    “Put Lucy down on the blanket with Linda, she’ll just have to fuss” Justine put Lucy down while Jenny took the water off the stove. Jenny then took her by the hand and led her down the hallway to the bedroom. She undid her robe and laid it on the bed. She then pulled her night gown over her head and turned her back to Justine so she could see. Justine raised her hands to her mouth and gasped. She was shocked by the thick ugly scars that criss-crossed Jenny’s back.
    “Oh Jenny, whatever happened to ya?” Justine asked with tears in her eyes.
    “Sit down and while I dress I’ll tell ya”
    Justine sat down on the bed and Jenny began to explain what had happened to her while she got dressed. Justine could hardly believe her ears.
    “So ya see, without the Glenmore’s, I’d be dead. I was convinced no man would ever want me when he knew about my back but I also knew he’d have to be told before I could marry. I thought as soon as I say somethin’ he’ll head for the hills. I believed, like you, that I would never marry or have children. George saw my wounds when they found me and Justine he fell in love with me anyway. It was like he didn’t see ‘em, to him I was perfect. He loves me so much Justine and I love him with all my heart. There I was makin’ plans to spend my life alone but here I am now with the most wonderful husband and family”
    “I cain’t believe what you’ve been through and yer poor back! I thought I’d suffered in the fire but nothin’ like what you’ve suffered. Yer better off though Jenny ‘cause you’re scars can be hidden by clothes and away from the stares. I don’t think a man would ever get past my ugly scars” Justine hugged Jenny close.
    “I don’t believe it” Jenny said firmly. “For one thing, I’ve seen the way Ben looks at ya!”
    The girls headed back to the kitchen and Jenny put the water back on to make tea. The twins were happily rolling around and kicking their legs.
    “Ben would never look at me like that Jenny. He’s so handsome; his wife will be so beautiful. She’ll be someone he’ll be proud to have on his arm when he walks down the street not someone who is ugly and attracts stares and whispers like me. Thank you for sharing your past with me though” she said sadly.
    “Give it time Justine; now how about that tea?”
    “Yes please” Justine sat down at the table and watched the girls on the floor. She sighed and thought to herself ‘if only”
    Jenny placed the tea and a plate of oatmeal cookies on the table and began to chat. “I have a favour to ask” Justine told her.
    “What is it?” Jenny asked.
    Justine explained how Josh wanted to ask Millie to marry him the following day and how he wanted to do it at lunch at the Glenmore’s. He had wanted to do it while they were alone but Justine had convinced him otherwise. She needed Jenny and Virginia’s help but couldn’t ask when Millie was around. She explained to Jenny what she needed her to do and Jenny agreed immediately.
    “It will be so romantic” Jenny sighed.
    “I must go Jenny, I promised Millie I’d be home in time for lunch and she’ll worry