Blackbirds Read Online Free PDF

to become a good pilot?” Sharon felt anger leaping over logic.
    â€œNo. It’s just her awkwardly uncivil way of saying she admires your flying ability.” Honeysuckle stood, put her hands on her hips, and leaned back with her eyes closed and her face to the sun. “Come on, Harry, you’ve got to do your duty.” She winked at her husband.
    Linda blushed.
    Sharon thought, What was that wink all about?
    Harry and Honeysuckle got up and walked into the house.
    â€œWhat’s got your knickers in a knot?” Linda asked.
    Sharon looked at her friend while cocking her head to one side.
    Linda went to say something, stopped, and then said, “I know! It’s me who’s upset. It’s just that my parents act as though Michael was never here. They seem to think that ignoring his disappearance will make everything all right!” She used a handkerchief tucked up her sleeve to wipe tears away.
    Yes, it is strange .
    â€œIt’s that stiff upper lip! It makes me so furious! I can’t pretend that everything is going to be okay!” Linda stood up.
    Sharon followed as Linda walked down into the garden, along a stone path, and into a stand of trees. She stopped and stood with her hands holding her elbows. The sun dappled her head and shoulders. A breeze shifted light and shadow. Her red hair changed shades.
    Sharon moved alongside her friend.
    â€œMichael and I used to spend hours playing here among the trees. We felt safe here. Now it feels like nothing is safe anymore. Bloody Nazis!” Linda looked up into the branches of the trees. “This oak tree was his favourite. He loved to climb it. He’d try to get me to follow, but I never would.”
    â€œHow come?”
    â€œI’m afraid of heights.” Linda turned to face her. “Isn’t that hysterical?”
    â€œFlying is completely different, actually.” Sharon lifted her chin, tapped it with the back of her hand, and winked at Linda.
    Linda’s laughter was sharp and short. “Come along. Your grandmother will be here soon. She might walk into the house and catch my parents in flagrante delicto .”
    What are you talking about? “What do you mean?”
    â€œMaking the beast with two backs.” Linda looked flustered.
    â€œSpeak English!” Sharon followed Linda back to the house.
    They found Cornelia sitting at the table in the back garden. She stood as the two young women stepped into the open. “Oh, good. I was afraid I’d arrived at the wrong time.”
    Sharon almost laughed out loud.
    â€œNo, not really,” Linda said. “My parents should be out momentarily.”
    As she spoke, Honeysuckle stepped outside, followed by Harry, who carried a tray with tea and sandwiches. Both were smiling and looking a little flushed.
    Within minutes, all were seated around the table with a cup of tea and a pyramid of sandwiches within reach.
    â€œMarmaduke and his family are arriving next week for an extended visit.” Cornelia made no attempt to hide her excitement.
    Honeysuckle sipped her tea before saying, “How nice .”
    To Sharon’s ears, Honeysuckle’s tone said that Marmaduke’s visit was very far from being nice.
    Linda said, “Yes, quite a few people from London are making extended visits to the countryside.” She stuffed a cucumber sandwich into her mouth as if hoping to stop herself from saying more.
    Cornelia carried on as if she hadn’t heard. “I haven’t seen the grandchildren since last summer, when they stayed for a month.”
    Sharon felt a pang of jealousy at the mention of cousins she had never known. They’re nothing to do with me .
    â€œNothing like an imminent invasion to bring a family together,” Linda said.
    Harry glared at her. “It will be good for you to see the grandchildren.”
    Cornelia touched Sharon’s hand. “I hope you’ll be able to visit, so I can introduce them