Read Online A Liverpool Legacy by Anne Baker - Free Book Online Page B

day as she taught her how to run the house. It took Millie some time to realise that Peter was avoiding her. She began to think that perhaps, after all, it was a housekeeper he wanted.
    Another month passed, and while Millie believed she was growing closer to the rest of the family, she felt she was being sidelined by Peter and this upset her.
    The conversation at mealtimes tended to centre on Valerie and Helen, as they had both decided they wanted to have careers as teachers. Valerie was the more academic and wanted to go to university and teach history to teenagers, while Helen liked young children and wanted to teach in a primary school.
    Peter smiled at Hattie. ‘Teachers, would you believe it?’ Esme had been a teacher. ‘They’re following in their mother’s footsteps.’
    ‘Don’t you think it’s a good idea?’ Helen demanded.
    ‘Yes, if that’s what you want. You’ve both got time to change your minds a dozen times if you need to, but it’s as well to have something to aim for.’
    ‘It’s essential,’ Valerie retorted. ‘You’d sweep us into the family business if we weren’t set on something else. You’d better watch it, Hattie, or you’ll end up there.’
    ‘I’m looking for less work not more,’ Hattie said. Recently, she’d spoken a lot about her plans and had set a date for leaving. ‘Anyway, it’s too far to come from West Kirby.’
    ‘No it isn’t,’ Peter said. ‘There’s a fast train service.’
    ‘See what I mean?’ Valerie giggled.
    ‘I’m too old and I know what a hard taskmaster your father can be,’ Hattie teased. ‘Now Millie’s showing her mettle and can cope with you all, I look forward to a life of leisure with not a teenager in sight.’
    They laughed together but Millie felt left out. Peter had hardly looked at her throughout the meal. It had been the same at other recent meals. There had been so much passion in that one kiss, it should have shown him that they loved each other, but it had made him less friendly. It had spoilt everything. Of course, she should have realised straight away that marrying a girl like her with an illegitimate baby was a step too far for a Maynard. They were an important family and he was her boss.
    But it didn’t have to be marriage, she’d settle for less. After all, she’d done that with Ryan McCarthy though she sensed that Peter would never treat her as he had done. She loved Peter Maynard and wanted as much of his love as he could give. She spent some time wondering what she could do about it, but this was bringing it to a head. She would have to make an opportunity to talk to him and tell him what was in her mind. Never mind the awkwardness and embarrassment; she’d have to get over that.
    That evening, she fed and put Sylvie to bed a little earlier than usual. Nowadays she made preparations for breakfast before she went upstairs, so she busied herself in the kitchen until she knew the family had gone to bed and Peter was alone in the sitting room. At the last minute her resolve weakened, she felt shy of what she would have to say. Don’t be a coward, she told herself, if he couldn’t do it and she wanted it, then she would have to, so taking a deep breath she forced herself to join him.
    He was slumped in his favourite armchair enjoying a nightcap of whisky. ‘Hello,’ he said. ‘I’m going to miss Hattie and so will the girls, she’s been a real friend to the family.’
    Millie made herself sit down. ‘Nobody will miss her more than me, I’m not at all sure I can fill her place. I’m going to need her, but I don’t want to talk about Hattie.’
    His eyes came up to meet hers and she knew she had his full attention. ‘What is it?’
    Millie forced herself to say, ‘You’re avoiding me and it’s the last thing I want. You showed your feelings and now you’re sorry.’
    He pulled himself upright in the chair, ‘Yes,’ he said stiffly. She waited but he didn’t go on. She couldn’t look at him.
    ‘Why