All That Glitters Read Online Free PDF

pauper-style short-back-and-sides haircut. She’d had a few dealings with boys in the school in Church Village. Enough to know that they expected only one thing from ‘Homes’ girls. She had no illusions about her looks. Even without the drab grey dress, austere workhouse haircut and clogs, she was plain by any standard. Mousy hair, brown eyes, thin face, fat lips, and a figure like a broom handle. But then boys were never particular about the appearance of girls they thought they could take liberties with.
    Now she was finally out, she intended to stay out of the workhouse, and the unmarrieds’ ward. But she knew if she was going to succeed in her intentions she’d have to keep one step ahead of everyone. The workhouse guardians, the Master, her new employers – and especially boys like that counter hand.
    ‘That’s a pretty shawl.’
    ‘Haydn gave it to me.’ Bethan folded the square of blue and green crêpe de Chine, and left her chair. ‘Would you like tea?’
    ‘I asked the girl to bring it in. You have help in the house, remember?’ Andrew pressed her gently back into her seat.
    ‘How did Haydn get on with the family?’ she asked, her mouth dry with apprehension.
    ‘Fine. I told them you were resting, and they all send their love.’ He pulled a newspaper out of his briefcase and settled into the chair opposite hers. He looked up, the paper unopened on his lap. A frown creased his forehead as he noted the dark shadows beneath her eyes. She hadn’t been able to take proper care of herself during her last pregnancy, but he was determined that it would be different this time. ‘I don’t know what you said to Haydn, but he certainly seems to be trying with Phyllis and Brian.’
    ‘In what way?’
    ‘He asked me to run him down High Street so he could buy presents for them. He brought something back for everyone else, but of course not knowing about Phyllis and Brian he’d left them out. And I’ll say this much for him, he’s not stingy with whatever he’s earning. He bought the big toy lorry out of Edwards’s window for Brian and a large box of chocolates from the café for Phyllis.’
    ‘Then he won Brian over?’
    ‘I didn’t stay long, but you know Haydn. He can charm the birds off the trees when he wants to.’
    ‘Or the knickers off a showgirl.’
    ‘Mrs John!’ He lifted his eyebrows in amusement.
    ‘He warned me that he won’t tolerate any interference in his private life.’
    ‘Nor should he. He’s a grown man. It’s time big sister left him to get on with it.’
    ‘I suppose you’re right.’
    ‘You know I am. Come on, let’s go.’
    ‘Where?’
    ‘Upstairs. I’ve got some reading to catch up on and you need a rest.’
    ‘Andrew it’s the middle of the day. What will Annie think?’
    ‘She’ll think we’re resting before going out tonight.’
    ‘We’re not going out tonight.’
    ‘We are now. I’ve booked dinner in the New Inn. Everything’s arranged. You don’t have to do anything except look beautiful, which you always do very well. Trevor and Laura are picking up William, Eddie and Diana in their car. We’re taking your father, Phyllis and Haydn in ours. Mrs Ronconi is having Brian for the night and Charlie and Alma are meeting us there.’
    ‘When did you arrange all this?’
    ‘When I took Haydn into High Street.’
    ‘Can we afford it?’
    ‘Have to welcome the star home. And as he’ll be working every night next week, tonight seems to be the logical choice.’
    ‘That was kind of you, but you don’t have to keep trying quite so hard with my family. They’ll come round in their own good time.’
    ‘For purely selfish reasons, like your peace of mind, I’d prefer “their own good time” to be sooner rather than later.’ He left his chair, and held out his hands. She took them, and he helped her to her feet.
    ‘I love you, Mrs John.’ He kissed her on the lips.
    ‘I love you too, Doctor John.’
    ‘Now we’ve cleared that up, let’s