Read Online Under the July Sun by Barbara Jones - Free Book Online

pushed it across the table. ‘Read it.’ Cat studied his face as he picked it up and opened the envelope, then unfolded the paper. After he had read it he folded it in half and handed it back to her.
    Without saying anything he ambled to the doorway, took a cigarette stub from behind his ear and lit it. He stood with his back to her, blowing smoke into the yard.
    â€˜I’m not against the man, ye know that. I’m just worried for ye.’
    â€˜I’ll not be intimidated by gossips, or the likes of Paddy Hogan.’
    â€˜No, I’m not suggestin’ ye should be. ’Twas the best day’s work gettin’ rid of him. ’Tis just that I hear title-tattle and I don’t like what I hear. I think he still hankers after ye.’
    â€™Ha! Well he can hanker on. I’m not interested.’
    Ned decided to change the subject. ‘Oh by the way, I almost forgot,’ he said, ‘Auntie Nellie could do with a hand in the bar tonight.’ He flicked the butt into the air and when it landed, stubbed it out with his boot.
    â€˜I’ll go up to Auntie Nellie’s after tea. But Dada, ye know I like gettin’ the letters, they’re interestin’.’
    â€˜I can see that, Pet, he writes nicely.’
    â€˜Anyway, what sort of tittle-tattle d’ya hear?’
    â€˜Ugly talk from people with ugly minds. Now c’mon, ’tis time for the cows and Tom’s already made a start.’ He picked up the milk bucket and walked across the yard. She heard the familiar sound of his boots clashing across the cobbles, the gate creaking open then closed, followed by silence as his footsteps were softened by the grassy boreen.
    Cat stopped eating, pushed her dish to one side, slid the letter in front of her and read it. She thought Louis could certainly pen an eloquent letter and though a lot of it was innuendo, she sensed he was always in danger. Why shouldn’t he write to her?
    She read it again, savouring every word, looking for clues as to his feelings. Her lips mouthed each word as she read.
    Dear Cat
    The days are absolutely endless! Though full of people; there is a solitude that is unbroken amidst all the chaos. I miss your green fields and the people of your homeland who were so kind to me .
    Thank you for the cigarettes they were much appreciated. Should you ever find yourself in England please feel free to contact my sister, Eliza. I have written to her about you, so this would come as no surprise. The address is on the back of this page .
    Give my regards to your parents, brother and sisters. I have very fond memories of their hospitality, which I hope to be able to return one day .
    Yours very sincerely, Louis
    She pressed the paper over her face and breathed in, trying to capture his scent, then folded it up and put it in her pocket before following Ned to the barn.
    When she opened the door to the barn, Tom and Ned were milking the cows but she heard Tom’s annoyed voice above the noise.
    â€˜That Paddy Hogan should keep his feckin’ mouth shut or I’ll shut it for him.’
    Then Ned spoke, sounding just as angry. ‘If he harms a hair on her head he’ll have me to answer to. So he will!’
    â€˜Keep an eye on her, Dada. I think he’s turned into nasty piece of work.’
    â€˜I agree. I thought I’d settled it that day in the hotel but it seems it wasn’t enough. Maybe I should have hit him harder!’
    Cat stepped over the straw careful not to disturb the new litter of kittens huddled next to their mother. ‘What’s goin’ on, Dada?’
    â€˜Nuthin’, Pet. Nuthin’.’
    â€˜Aw c’mon both of ye. Somethin’s goin’ on, Don’t take me for a fool!’
    â€˜Leave it Cat.’ Tom said sharply. ‘Ye don’t need to know.’
    â€˜Know what ?’
    The men continued milking in silence. She heard the milk squirting into the buckets as the cows munched on