Bulbury Knap Read Online Free Page B

ravenously hungry.
    While the bacon was sizzling in the large frying pan and Kathryn was breaking eggs into a bowl, she filled them in on everything that had happened.
    â€˜This is delicious dear,’ Lady Hewson said as they began to eat.
    Kathryn was touched. ‘I’m glad you enjoyed it,’ she said as she began to wash the dishes. ‘I did too. But now I must tidy up upstairs and then get back to the hospital. I’m so grateful for the accommodation.’
    â€˜You have somewhere else to stay tonight?’
    â€˜Well, no, not yet.’
    â€˜Then you are most welcome to stay here,’ said Lady Hewson.
    Sir Edwin got to his feet. ‘Yes … yes, an excellent idea. But on one condition.’
    Puzzled, Kathryn looked at him as he stood leaning on his walking stick. Sir Edwin’s eyes twinkled. ‘You must cook us another excellent breakfast tomorrow!’ he said.
    He looked so proud of his suggestion that Kathryn couldn’t help laughing. ‘Of course I will,’ she said. ‘I’d love to.’
    The warmth of their invitation washed over Kathryn as she went upstairs to get ready for her drive to the hospital. Tonight’s accommodation had been solved. Great! But, of course, there was still the bigger problem remaining. Where would her mother stay when she came out of hospital that was suitable for someone with a broken ankle?
    In spite of her worries Kathryn enjoyed her drive through grassy-banked lanes dotted with bright celandines and paler yellow primroses. A faint mist was rising from the fields and the sky looked hazy in the distance. She had phoned Helen before leaving Bulbury Knap and she had said they would be up to visit as soon as they could, probably tomorrow.
    Kathryn smiled as she entered the ward and saw Sarah seated on a chair at the side of her bed. ‘You look so much better, Mum,’ she said in wonder as she kissed her and found a chair.
    â€˜That’s because I feel I’m back in the land of the living,’ said Sarah. ‘Zillah will be back here in a minute. She’s going home today as soon as a lift can be arranged.’
    â€˜You’ll miss Zillah,’ Kathryn said.
    â€˜She’s good company,’ Sarah agreed. She looked at Kathryn searchingly. ‘And how are you, my love?’
    Kathryn hesitated. Taking a deep breath, she told her quickly about the split with Nick glossing over the details and glad it was accepted without question. She had to pause, even now, to steady her voice and unclench her hands in her lap before she went on to talk of the accommodation she planned to get near the hospital so she could visit every day.
    Sarah leaned forward in her seat. ‘But what about your teaching work, dear?’
    Kathryn smiled. ‘I’m going to put it on hold for the moment. I need to get right away, do something different. And this is it.’
    Sarah patted her hand and Kathryn was glad to see her face light again as Zillah came into the ward.
    â€˜Am I missing something?’ Zillah asked, her colourful smock swinging as she pulled out a chair and sank down on it.
    Sarah’s cheeks were a little flushed as she looked from one to the other. ‘Kathryn’s giving up her flat in London and is planning on staying in the area for a while,’ she said.
    â€˜So, Kathryn, where’s your mum going when they let her out?’ Zillah’s warm voice seemed to echo round the ward.
    Kathryn looked at her in dismay. She had deliberately avoided that subject and Mum hadn’t raised it herself.
    â€˜You could come to me, Sarah,’ said Zillah, leaning forward in enthusiasm. ‘I’d look after you, I promise.’ She got up from her seat as if to prove she could, gave a twist of pain and then plumped down again. ‘I’d love it. My studio flat’s right on the harbour front and there’s plenty to watch all day long.’
    â€˜Oh but Zillah …’