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Book: Welcome Home Read Online Free PDF
Author: Margaret Dickinson
Tags: Fiction, General, Romance, Historical, Sagas, 20th Century
understand Edie’s objection to the blossoming love story, if it was indeed serious. She
thought it was wonderful news. And now, knowing that Irene was with Frank and would be seen home safely, there was no longer any need for her to sit up into the early hours waiting for her
daughter. She began to get ready for bed, a small smile playing on her mouth. Just as she was about to fall to sleep, she heard the back door close softly and Irene creep up the stairs.
    Oh how wonderful it was, she thought, to be young and in love. Her only sadness this night was that Tom was not here to delight in how his daughter had grown into a wonderful young woman, loved
by a fine man.
    If only, she thought, Edie comes round.
    But her friend remained adamant. ‘They’re more like brother and sister,’ Edie persisted, picking up on what Shirley had said. ‘There can’t possibly be that same
excitement of meeting someone and falling in love. They know too much about each other already. Where’s the thrill?’
    ‘It’s different, I grant you,’ Lil said, ‘but surely there’s something to be said for the fact that they
do
know each other.’
    The two women discussed the matter endlessly over the next few days but said nothing to Irene or Frank and swore Shirley to silence.
    ‘I’m telling Beth, though,’ the young girl said. ‘She’ll agree with us, Mam. And Laurence.’
    But Beth did not agree, as she made clear in her letter.
    What marvellous news
, she wrote.
We’ll still be one big, happy family. And they’ll be able to live with Aunty Lil and when the little ones come along . . .
On and on
her letter went, rambling over four pages; she was obviously ecstatic to think that her best friend would become her sister-in-law.
    ‘Well, your dad won’t agree,’ Edie said, tossing Beth’s letter to one side in disgust.
    But to Edie’s surprise and disappointment, Archie did agree with his elder daughter.
    ‘Oh, I might have known you’d side with Beth,’ Edie snapped. ‘Whatever she says’ll be right with you, won’t it?’
    ‘Now, now, Edie, love,’ Archie said placidly, glad to be back home from sea. This last trip had been difficult and he’d been grateful to think he’d have a few days
respite, but he hadn’t expected to walk into a storm at home.
    ‘So,’ Edie said, folding her arms over her ample bosom – a sure sign that she was spoiling for an argument, ‘you’re in favour of it, are you?’
    ‘I’m not
against
it, love. I can’t see any harm. Let’s see how it goes, shall we? I mean, it’s not as if they’re talking about getting married yet, is
it? They are too young for that, I’d agree with you there. And it might all fizzle out anyway, given time. And just remember, Edie, the more you try to separate a young couple, the more
determined they’ll be to stay together.’ He caught her eye and winked at her, silently reminding her of the opposition their own courtship had faced and, eventually, overcome.
    With that, Edie was unable to argue.

Three
    It was Laurence who finally won Edie over, though it took him several months. When he came home on leave the following May, he slapped Frank on the back and kissed Irene on
both cheeks. ‘When are you getting married, because I want to be your Best Man?’
    ‘What about me? I want to be a Best Man too,’ Reggie piped up. He idolized both his older brothers and didn’t want to be left out.
    ‘You’re too young, Shrimp,’ Laurence teased, tweaking his nose. ‘But you can be an usher.’
    ‘What’s one of them?’
    ‘They show the guests to their places in the church. It’s a
very
important job. We don’t want anyone sitting on the wrong side of the church, now do we?’
    Edie hid her smile; she could always rely on Laurence to make everyone feel valued, but aloud she said, ‘Now steady on there, who’s talking of marriage? They’re far too young
for one thing and for another—’ Edie repeated yet again her misgivings about their
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