Lizzie's War Read Online Free PDF Page B

made it up.’
    â€˜Serves her right for listening to us,’ Beth said. ‘Did you mean it though – do you really think Sebastian may be caught up in something like that… spying – for us, of course.’
    â€˜I don’t know, but it isn’t regular Army,’ Lizzie said. ‘I know he was concerned before he went away last time, but I’ve no idea what he does.’
    â€˜He hasn’t written to you?’
    â€˜Just postcards, and they don’t say much. I’m sure he would have written, if he could…’
    â€˜Would you hear if…’ Beth hesitated as they paused at the edge of the path, looking for a way through the rubble that had appeared overnight as the result of what might have been a gas explosion. Men were digging in the road, clearly trying to repair the damage. ‘You know…’
    â€˜I’m not his next of kin, but I’m sure he has made some kind of arrangement…’
    Beth nodded. ‘What will happen when the war is over? Will you marry him if he asks?’
    â€˜I don’t know,’ Lizzie said honestly, because of late the doubts had crept in again. Those few days at Christmas seemed so far away now. ‘I know I feel something for him, but until he comes back… I can’t be sure if it’s love.’
    â€˜What is love anyway?’ Beth asked. ‘I thought I was in love with Tony but we fell out and then Mark happened and it was like a thunderbolt; I didn’t know what hit me until it was too late and they told me he’d died. Perhaps we expect too much of life, Lizzie. Mum seems content, but I’m not sure she was ever in love.’
    â€˜Oh, I’m sure she was and probably still is,’ Lizzie said. ‘I’ve seen the way she looks at your father now and then. I know they argue – but I think the love is there beneath the surface. I should like my marriage to be like theirs one day…’
    They had reached her shop and Lizzie gave a gasp of dismay as she saw that the large window at the front had been cracked, the glass falling inward amongst the display of hats; not as the result of an explosion, but from what looked like deliberate malice.
    â€˜I’m so sorry, Lizzie.’ Ed came out to them, looking grim. ‘Someone must have used a hammer on it. I found it when I came back from the pub last night; it was too late to telephone you, because there was nothing you could do. I’ve already made arrangements and they will put a new front in this morning – and this time we’ll have stronger glass.’
    â€˜Who would want to do such a thing?’ Beth demanded angrily.
    â€˜Perhaps the man who followed me last night,’ Lizzie said and went white. ‘Perhaps someone is trying to warn me…’
    â€˜What do you mean?’ Ed asked anxiously as they all went inside.
    Lizzie explained about the man following her to the tram. He listened, his expression becoming grimmer.
    â€˜I can only think of one person who would want to upset you, Lizzie. I knew he was mean and sharp-tempered, but I never thought Harry’s uncle would stoop to this.’
    â€˜We don’t know it was him,’ Lizzie objected. ‘You can’t accuse him without proof, Ed.’
    â€˜Can’t I?’ Ed looked stubborn. ‘I’ve got a gut feeling he’s behind this – and if he is, he won’t stop there…’
    â€˜Oh, don’t let’s talk about it,’ Lizzie was close to tears. ‘I’ll put the kettle on. I could do with a cup of tea…’
    *
    Despite the upsetting start, the day began well for business because one of Lizzie’s best customers came to see her and placed an order for six bespoke hats that she wanted for the spring. The window had been swiftly repaired and it didn’t seem worth worrying about what might just have been someone’s spite.
    â€˜I haven’t been in for a