Memories of You Read Online Free PDF Page B

eventually had a child of their own, his wife’s happiness was of supreme importance to him.
    He saw tears welling in her eyes and he pulled her close again. She slipped her arms around his waist and leaned against him for a moment. Then she pulled away just enough to look up into his face.
    â€˜Well, then?’ she asked softly.
    Even though he still doubted the wisdom of it, Hugh capitulated. ‘Very well. You shall have your way.’ He took her face in his hands and kissed her.
    â€˜Oh, darling. You won’t regret this. Just think how wonderful Christmas will be!’
    â€˜Christmas?’
    â€˜Don’t look so puzzled. Yes, Christmas! We shall have holly and mistletoe, and paper garlands and the biggest tree we can find. You shall help decorate it and arrange the presents around the base. And we can build a snowman in the garden and go sledging on the Town Moor!’
    At this Hugh laughed.
    â€˜What is it? What have I said?’
    â€˜I can promise you the tree and the presents, my darling, but only God can send the snow.’
    â€˜Well, then, we shall just have to pray! I am determined that Elise will have the best Christmas she’s ever had.’
    Hugh frowned. ‘I thought her name was Elsie.’
    Selma smiled. ‘Yes, it was. But I have decided to change it to Elise. Elise Partington sounds so much more – well, so much more fitting than Elsie Partington, doesn’t it? I mean, Elsie ! That’s so old-fashioned and just a little . . . well, just a little common.’
    â€˜I don’t agree. My favourite great-aunt is called Elsie.’
    â€˜I know, Hugh darling, but the old girl is positively antediluvian. Elise is so much more modern.’
    â€˜I suppose so.’ Hugh looked doubtful but nevertheless he smiled. Then something occurred to him. ‘What if the aunt doesn’t agree?’
    Selma looked puzzled. ‘We needn’t tell her that we think her name old-fashioned. Why would we?’
    â€˜I didn’t mean that aunt. I meant the child’s aunt. What if she doesn’t agree to the adoption? After all, I suppose she must be the legal guardian if she’s the only remaining relative.’
    â€˜Oh, she’ll agree, all right,’ Selma said. ‘As long as we pay her enough.’
    Hugh looked shocked. ‘Pay her? We can’t buy a child. I’m sure it must be illegal.’
    â€˜No, I didn’t mean we would buy her. We will give Mrs Roberts a nice little sum of money to help her to look after the older girl – and to compensate her for having to do so.’
    Hugh took hold of his wife’s arms and stood back a little as he studied her. ‘Where did you learn to be so cynical?’
    â€˜I’m not cynical, darling. I’m practical. Now, what’s the matter?’
    â€˜If you have such a low opinion of the woman why are you happy to leave the older girl with her?’
    Selma looked troubled for a moment. ‘Do you think I should find her a place with a good family?’
    â€˜You mean, ask one of our friends if they want to adopt her?’
    â€˜Of course not. Helen Norton is fourteen years old. I meant, find a family to take her in as a domestic.’
    â€˜A servant?’
    â€˜Yes.’ Selma frowned. ‘I considered it but apparently the girl is doing well at school and wants to stay on. I couldn’t bear to make anyone unhappy.’ Her brow cleared and she smiled as if she’d solved a knotty problem. ‘So it’s altogether best that she stay with her aunt.’
    â€˜And the boys? Are you sure they’ll be happy at Haven House?’
    â€˜Of course. They’ll be well looked after – especially as you are giving them such a generous donation. It will ensure that they are clothed, fed and educated. Trained to take up some suitable form of employment.’
    â€˜So it seems you have it all arranged.’
    Selma looked pleased with