Read Online Sing as We Go by Margaret Dickinson - Free Book Online Page A

said.
    Amy turned wide eyes on Kathy. ‘Have you been?’
    She nodded. ‘Yes. Last week.’
    ‘I go every week,’ Jemima put in primly. ‘If not to the cathedral, then to St Mary’s. Anyone who stays with me is expected to accompany me. And tomorrow it’s the cathedral.’
    ‘And did they hear you sing?’ Amy asked.
    ‘Well . . .’ Kathy hesitated, the colour rising in her face. ‘I just sang along with the rest of the congregation.’
    ‘You mean they didn’t ask you to be in the choir?’ Now Amy was teasing, but Jemima took her words seriously.
    ‘Oh, you can’t get into the cathedral choir as easily as that . . .’
    Amy laughed. ‘I know, Aunt Jemima. I was teasing Kathy. But she’s got an amazing voice. Haven’t you heard her?’
    ‘Well, she was standing next to me and I heard her singing – of course I did – but it was nothing special.’
    They were talking about Kathy as if she was not sitting there getting more embarrassed by the minute.
    ‘Then she was obviously singing softly deliberately. You should hear her when she really lets rip.’
    The corner of Jemima’s mouth twitched with barely suppressed amusement. ‘Then, my dear, this week,’ she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously at Kathy, ‘you’d better let it rip.’
    As soon as they were alone in the bedroom, Kathy asked, ‘Have you heard anything about my mother? Do you know if – if she’s all right?’
    ‘Dad went to Thorpe Farm the day you left and saw them both.’
    Kathy pulled in a deep breath and held it, fearing what Amy might say next. But her friend was smiling. ‘Your mam’s fine. Dad said that your dad was furious when he realized what you’d done. He ranted and raved and carried on alarming, but all your mam did was smile and nod. As far as she’s concerned, Kathy, you’ve done the right thing. There was no mistake about that. My dad said.’
    Little by little, Kathy let out her breath, but her anxiety was not yet gone completely. ‘And since? Has your dad been over since then?’
    Amy nodded. ‘Oh yes. He goes every other day or so. I heard him telling Mam that he’s going to keep an eye on your mam. And your dad too, if it comes to that. He knows what he’s like all right and he can’t forgive him for the way he’s treated your mam and you but, like he says, they’ve been neighbours all their lives and he’ll not see him stuck. He’ll let Morry go and help out if he sees your dad struggling with the work.’
    Now Kathy let out the last of her breath in relief. She hugged Amy. ‘Tell him “thanks”, won’t you? And ask him to give my love to my mam and tell her I’m fine.’
    ‘Course I will.’
    ‘I’ve never seen you clock-watching before,’ Stella said at ten minutes to seven when she had seen Kathy glancing at the clock on the wall for the umpteenth time. ‘Got a date, have you?’
    Kathy laughed. ‘Not really. My friend’s come to stay for the weekend and we’re going to the pictures tonight. She’s meeting me outside when the store closes.’
    Stella sighed. ‘Lucky you! My dad’s very strict. He won’t let me go to the pictures on my own. Says it isn’t “seemly”.’
    ‘Don’t you have any friends to go with?’
    The girl shrugged. ‘How can I make friends with anyone if I don’t go out? The only people I ever meet are at work.’
    ‘Well, come with us tonight.’
    Stella stared at her for a moment. ‘Do you mean it?’
    ‘Of course I mean it.’
    ‘But – but you’re going with your friend . . .’
    ‘Amy won’t mind.’
    For a brief second the young girl’s eyes lit up with pleasure at the anticipation of the unexpected treat. Then the joy in her face died. ‘I can’t. I’d have to ask my dad first.’
    ‘Yes, I see,’ Kathy said sympathetically. She knew, if anyone did, about a strict home life.
    ‘Perhaps we could go another time. Just you and me – when you’ve had a chance to ask your dad first, eh?’
    Stella nodded and smiled again. ‘Ooh