Read Online The Favourite Child by Freda Lightfoot - Free Book Online

bone-thin and rigid in her grasp.
    ‘There, that’s to prove we’re friends.’
    ‘Eeh, I should never have come here. I’m that sorry to have caused all this rumpus.’
    ‘Don’t apologise. I’m glad you came. I needed a friend, in fact I’ve always longed for a sister. A sister-in-law would be every bit as good.’
    Jinnie’s dark brown eyes opened wide with appeal. ‘But you must see that I couldn’t ever marry your Edward. You know I couldn’t.’
    ‘Whyever not?’
    ‘Because of what I did, of why you took me to that hospital. Edward thinks I had a terrible accident with a horse, fer God’s sake. But we knows different. That nurse said I’d mucked myself up inside and I’d probably never ‘ave another. She seemed to think it were a blessing. So did I, at the time. Now - now it’s anything but. Edward deserves a decent wife, childer of his own to carry on the family name. So how could I marry him? Oh, but you’re right in one respect,’ she gasped. ‘I do love him. I think the world of him but there’s nowt I can do about that.’
    It was the longest speech Bella had heard the poor girl make and pity swelled in her heart to witness the anguish in those bewitching eyes, revealing the pain she felt. Bella took hold of her hand. It still felt too fragile and trustingly childlike clasped between her own. She weighed her words carefully before she spoke. ‘Why don’t you tell him the truth? Why don’t you explain to Edward all about your “accident”.’
    Jinnie was vigorously shaking her head, eyes growing ever wider and darker, were that possible, revealing her terror. ‘Nay, how could I do that without - without telling him everything?’
    ‘Perhaps you should. Tell him everything, I mean. Edward isn’t an ogre. He isn’t a snob like mother, though she’s more hot air and temperament than real malice. And even she would accept you, given time, because of Edward.’
    ‘Sun shine out of his backside, does it? Aye, I thought so.’ Jinnie’s lips twitched and Bella burst into fresh laughter.
    ‘You’d be so good for him. Good for us all. You make me laugh. You could make him laugh, make him happy at last. Edward is far too serious, always trying to please, striving to be the son his parents expect. He was just the same at school. Always far too quiet and retiring for his own good. Withdrawn almost, at times. He’s always felt such a failure, like a square peg in a round hole. Perhaps you can help him to grow into himself and be a person in his own right, instead of what my parents expect him to be.’
    There was a long silence while Jinnie appeared to consider all of this. Then she shook her head. ‘Nay, I’d bring him nowt but disappointment and trouble, like yer mam says.’
    ‘Isn’t it what Edward says that matters? He’s the one you’d be marrying, not my mother. If he asks you, and I’m sure that he will, at least tell him the truth about yourself. Give him the chance to decide.’
    ‘He’d never speak to me again.’
    Bella sighed. ‘That’s the risk you’d take, of course, but at least you’d know, wouldn’t you?’
    ‘Aye.’ Jinnie became thoughtful. ‘I’d know where I stood then right enough. Right in the muck midden.’ And the pair them started rolling about the sofa while Bella mopped up tears from both their eyes, though whether they were caused by joy or sadness, she couldn’t have said, not for certain.
     
    The very next evening Edward took Jinnie out for supper, clearly intending to propose. Simeon and Bella hovered in the front parlour, peeping out through the lace curtains to watch the pair depart. Jinnie looking utterly charming in a borrowed green linen dress that hung in soft pleats about her slender figure, a close fitting cap atop her now carefully washed and shining curls.
      I hope that lad knows what he’s letting himself in for.’
    ‘I’m sure he does Pa. He loves her, and Jinnie is really very sweet. She’ll be no end of good for him.