Angels at War Read Online Free PDF Page B

having owned such an item.
    Livia sighed. ‘Why did you want to marry me, Jack?’
    He glowered at her. ‘You know why. I like having family about me, and I wanted one of my own.’
    ‘You miss Jessie and the children.’
    ‘Course I do. It’s like a morgue round here without them.’
    ‘Is that what it was all about? You thought, why not marry Livia and have a few children of our own to give the place a bit of life.’
    ‘You know it isn’t. I want to bind to you, as is only right and proper. But even if it were, what’s wrong with that?’ he shouted.
    ‘Nothing. There’s nothing wrong with that at all.’ Livia was forced to concede that, poor as he was, Jack had always enjoyed a loving, happy home, while with her the very opposite was the case. She’d never wanted for anything save love and care. She could feel emotion blocking her throat, a fear starting up deep inside. They’d always bickered, each being strong-willed people, but never like this. ‘You could have checked how I felt about it. I have dreams and ambitions too. It might not be enough for me to be cooped up here all day with nothing to do but sew curtains and titivate,wash your shirts and wait for you to come home.’
    ‘Most women are happy to do just that, and there’d be childer at yer feet to keep you company.’
    Livia sighed, the chasm between them yawning ever wider. ‘I’ve been at pains to explain how I’m not yet ready to start a family.’
    ‘Aye, you’ve made that very clear.’
    ‘I don’t want to rush into producing babies until I’ve properly sorted out the problems at the store. We’re young, there’s plenty of time for all of that later, if we want it.’
    As if realising he was losing the argument, Jack changed tactics. ‘You realise you’ll be ostracised, considered a fallen woman?’
    Livia laughed. ‘They say that already, don’t they? What other people think has never bothered you before, why should it now? I refuse to bow to gossip.’
    Livia kissed him, but all desire had died in him. She persisted by pressing her breasts against his chest, teasing her fingers through the hair at his nape. She murmured softly against his mouth, which was surely beginning to yield to her teasing lips. ‘Don’t be angry that I have to live in at the store for a while. It will be to our benefit in the end.’
    It was the wrong thing to say. Jack pushedher away, his face darkening with a new anger. ‘Are you suggesting I can’t afford to provide for you in the manner to which you are accustomed?’
    Livia closed her eyes in despair for a second. ‘Of course not. Look, this is a fallacious argument. All I’m saying is—’
    ‘Don’t use your big fancy words on me. Go ahead. You do exactly as you please, don’t mind me. You’re one of the Angel girls, after all, and I’m just the hired help.’
    ‘For goodness sake, Jack, don’t talk stupid! I’ve always supported you, even against my own father that time when you were involved in the rent riots. Now I’m asking you to support me . I’m saying you’ll benefit too in the long run, once the business is more secure. I don’t intend to live in for more than a few weeks. Then we’ll rent a lovely home of our own on Gooseholme or in one of the yards. In fact, I’ve already made a few enquiries and …’
    But he was no longer listening. Snatching up his cap he strode out of the door, and though Livia ran after him, calling for him not to rush off in a huff, he kept on walking. And it was not difficult to guess where he was going.
     
    The next day Livia met her sisters at a small café in the Shambles. They’d arranged to take lunchtogether, and she was positively bursting to tell them her news, but instantly recognised an atmosphere between the two girls.
    Since George had accepted a labouring job on Todd Farm in Kentmere, Livia had held great hopes that Ella’s charm might win over Mercy’s sulks and jealousy, and that the pair might become friends at least.