Forgotten Child Read Online Free PDF

when we married and I had to use my inheritance to buy our first house.’
    ‘I didn’t know that. I knew he’d lost his parents during the war and was brought up by his aunt, but I still don’t see why he’d be against you starting up a business.’
    ‘Your father is old-fashioned and I think it wounded his pride when I paid for our first home. So much so that from then on he insisted on being the provider while I stayed at home.’
    ‘I see, but that was a long time ago and surely he’d feel differently now?’
    ‘I hope so, because I’d love to be a successful businesswoman like Marcia.’
    ‘And I’m sure you will.’
    ‘I doubt your father thinks I’m capable of anything other than being a housewife, and oh, Robin, what if I fail?’ Delia cried, pulling out her handkerchief and pretending to dab tears from her eyes. ‘What if I prove him right?’
    ‘Please, Mummy, don’t get upset. I’m sure you’llbe fine, but if you want to chew your idea over with me, perhaps go over the setting-up costs and things like that, I’d be happy to help. I’ve no experience in such things, but as I’m going to study economics at university at least I’m good with figures. I should be able to work out the initial costs and even some profit projections.’
    ‘Robin, that would be wonderful…but I don’t want to take you away from your studies.’
    ‘I’ve caught up now. Actually, it would make a marvellous project and something I’d look forward to getting my teeth into. How about we make a start this coming weekend?’
    ‘Yes, I’d like that, but for now I’d better leave you to get ready for college,’ Delia said, smiling as she left her son’s room. Robin had been sympathetic, had offered to help, and that was a start.
    Jenny had been sitting alone, still upset at her father’s departure. Even though he’d promised to come home for her birthday, she guessed that it would only be for a weekend again. His job involved a lot of travelling, but now Jenny wondered if he preferred to be away – if he avoided coming home. Though she didn’t like the thought, deep down Jenny couldn’t blame him: this was an unhappy house, unwelcoming, full of tension, and laughter was a rare thing.
    She heard her mother’s footsteps on the stairs and tensed. What sort of mood was she going to be in? Jenny didn’t know if she could bear it if it was a bad one. She felt a longing to escape this house, to run from all the unhappiness contained within these walls and to never come back.
    ‘Jennifer, I do not appreciate being woken at the crack of dawn.’
    ‘I…I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.’
    ‘Don’t just sit there, make a fresh pot of tea.’
    Jenny did her bidding, relieved when Robin appeared, smiling at her as he said, ‘Morning, Jen.’
    ‘What would you like for breakfast, darling?’ Delia asked him.
    ‘How about scrambled eggs on toast?’
    ‘Would you like the same, Jennifer?’
    ‘Yes…yes please. Do you want me to make the toast?’
    ‘Yes, and thank you, dear,’ she said, smiling warmly. ‘I know you’re upset that your father has gone, but I’m sure he’ll keep his promise and be home for your birthday.’
    Jenny wasn’t fooled. She knew that this sudden kind manner was all for Robin’s benefit and it seemed to be working as Robin now grinned at his mother and said, ‘When he rings, you’ll just have to nag him, Mother.’
    ‘Yes, and you can be sure I will.’
    Jenny just wanted to get breakfast over with, togo to school and get out of her mother’s way. Twenty minutes later, she picked up her empty plate to take it to the sink.
    ‘I…I’m off now, but I’ll be a little late home as I have to see the careers adviser after school.’
    ‘Oh goodness, Jennifer,’ said Delia. ‘I’m so sorry, I’d forgotten. Still, don’t worry, I’ll be there.’
    Jenny’s eyes widened with surprise. ‘You’re coming?’
    ‘Of course I am. This is an important time for you and