Read Online The Letter by Kathryn Hughes - Free Book Online Page A

were timid and awkward at first, with Clark clumsily treading on her toes, but as they got used to the feel of each other’s bodies they both began to enjoy the experience. Clark was not much taller than Chrissie, so it was easy for her to look into his eyes. He smiled back and pulled her closer, allowing her to catch the scent of his skin, a fresh citrusy smell, only slightly masked by tobacco. She wondered suddenly if Clark would attempt to kiss her and that caused panic to rise up inside her. She took deep breaths and forced herself to calm down. She was nineteen years old for goodness sake. Her arms were around Clark’s neck now and she pulled him closer to steal another look at her watch behind his head. He bowed into her neck and his arms tightened around her waist. She was astonished to see that it was almost eleven-thirty already and she needed to be making a move, but she was reluctant to break the spell. She silently cursed her father and when the music eventually stopped, she and Clark gently parted.
    ‘I’m sorry, but I really need to be going now.’
    ‘I understand. Would you like me to walk you home?’
    Chrissie glanced over at Billy and Sylvia. She was gently caressing Billy’s face, running her fingers over his scar. He looked decidedly uncomfortable.
    ‘That would be lovely, thank you. I’ll just have to see if Syl minds.’
    Of course, Syl didn’t mind. She was entranced by Billy and was glad Clark and Chrissie were leaving so they could have time to themselves.
    Clark sidled over to Billy.
    ‘I can’t believe it. She’s lovely,’ he enthused. ‘I’ve offered to walk her home. You don’t mind, do you? Looks like you’ve got your hands full here anyway.’
    ‘No, mate. You go ahead. Good luck!’ The words seemed to stick in his throat.
    Chrissie joined Clark and Billy. ‘Are you ready to go?’ she asked. It was already eleven-thirty-five and she was becoming agitated.
    ‘Yes, I am,’ replied Clark, taking hold of Chrissie’s hand.
    ‘Goodbye, Billy. It was nice to meet you.’
    Chrissie held out her other hand to Billy and as he took it, their eyes met for a second. Chrissie felt muddled by what she saw. It was a mixture of incredible sadness and longing. His eyes were such a deep brown you could hardly see his pupils.
    ‘Goodbye, Chrissie. You look after Clark now.’
    He winked as he said it, and she flushed again. She grabbed on to Clark’s arm to steady herself, heady with confusion.
    ‘Err… I… will, bye now,’ she managed.
    Billy held her gaze and her hand for a second too long and then smiled ruefully as he came to his senses. Sylvia pulled Billy to his feet.
    ‘Come on, we’ve got time for another dance.’
    Clark and Chrissie made their way to the exit, hand in hand. Clark opened the door for her and Chrissie fought the urge to look back. Clark was lovely and she felt totally relaxed in his company, so why did she feel she was leaving with the wrong man?
    Although the April evening was somewhat chilly, by the time Chrissie and Clark arrived back at her house the brisk walk had warmed them through and Chrissie was slightly out of breath. Clark looked at his watch.
    ‘Five past twelve. I think we did pretty well.’
    Chrissie was relieved. The house was in darkness so her parents were obviously not yet home. Now came the awkward bit.
    ‘I can’t ask you in, I’m afraid. My parents will be back soon and…’
    Clark put his fingers to her lips. ‘It’s not a problem, but I’d really like to see you again.’
    She hesitated as she thought of Billy and the dejection she had seen in his eyes. She imagined him and Sylvia swaying together in the soporific gloom of the dance hall. Surely he could never be interested in a naïve, innocent girl like her anyway. She suddenly became aware of Clark’s expectant face. She nodded. ‘I’d like that too.’
    ‘Really?’ Clark sounded aghast.
    Chrissie laughed. ‘Yes really. I have Sunday free. Perhaps we could go for a