Read Online Rhiannon by Carole Llewellyn - Free Book Online Page A

the same as seeing you every day.’
    â€˜It may be even better. You know what they say: “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. As soon as she said it she wished she hadn’t. It was wrong to give him false hope. He was her friend and that was how she wanted it to stay. But the damage was already done.
    He beamed a broad smile, ‘Well, I’m definitely coming to see you off at the railway station.’
    â€˜I’d like that,’ Rhiannon said, and meant it.
    Minutes later Ethel and everyone returned from the garden, Mair dutifully carrying the folded washing.
    â€˜Glad to see you two smiling. All sorted out then, eh?’
    Rhiannon nodded. Although she wasn’t at all sure that it was.
    â€˜Good. Now, if you plan to leave tomorrow, it’s time we got you both sorted out. Have you packed? Can I help?’
    â€˜We’re not taking much – only the bare essentials. We were hoping you could store some of our things, furniture and stuff?’ Rhiannon asked.
    â€˜Of course, my parlour’s almost empty. Frank? How about you get some of your butties to move it in tonight. Rhiannon, Mair, you two come for supper with us tonight.’
    â€˜N—’ Rhiannon was about to protest.
    â€˜I’ll not take no for an answer.’
    â€˜Thank you,’ Rhiannon said, genuinely touched by her neighbour’s help. ‘We’d like that. And Mrs Lewis, I just want to say how grateful we are for all that you did for Dad and us over the years.’

    â€˜Get away with you. What are neighbours for, eh? Now off you go, you’ve a lot to do. Frank, what are you waiting for?’
    â€˜Has anyone ever told you what a good sergeant major you’d make, Mam?’
    They all laughed.
    Â 
    â€˜I’m so glad you both like beef stew and dumplings.’ Ethel Lewis smiled as she watched the two girls tuck into their meal. ‘Can’t beat a nice piece of brisket, that’s what I say. It’s my Frank’s favourite and his father’s before him. Any girl setting her sights on my boy would do well to remember that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’
    Frank looked across the table at the two girls and blushed. Sadie and Martha giggled.
    Rhiannon, sensing his embarrassment, made to change the subject. ‘Thanks for moving our stuff, Frank. We really appreciate it.’
    â€˜That’s all right, Rhi. It was nothing’
    â€˜No! Not for a strapping lad like him and he’s so handsome with it. He’ll be a good catch for the right young girl and that’s for sure.’ Ethel bristled with pride.
    Shaking his head in despair at his mother’s blatant attempt at matchmaking Frank looked towards the girls. ‘What time were you thinking of leaving tomorrow?’
    â€˜We thought we’d catch the eleven-fifteen train in the morning. Your mother said that it’s a bit of a walk to the Empire Theatre from Cardiff station and we’d like to get there in good time for the matinée performance.’ Rhiannon stood up from the table. ‘Come on, Mair. If it’s all right with you, Mrs Lewis, we’ll head next door? We’ve a long day ahead of us tomorrow.’
    â€˜Do we have to? I’m that excited. I know I’ll not sleep a wink tonight,’ Mair begged; then, looking dreamily across the table, ‘I’d much rather stay here with Frank.’
    Mair’s forward comments won her a glare of disapproval from Rhiannon.
    Frank pretended he hadn’t noticed the look of adoration from the twelve-year-old. ‘Rhiannon’s right. An early night would do us all the world of good. If it’s all right with you we’ll aim to leave at around half past ten in the morning?’
    â€˜That’ll be fine. As long as you’re sure about coming to see us off?’ Rhiannon asked.
    He flashed a smiled. ‘Honestly, Rhi, I’d not have it any other