Fraser's Line Read Online Free

won’t,’ said Sarah firmly. ‘If he’s a naughty boy, Grandpa, you’re to tell me straight away.’
    ‘I’m quite sure he’ll be as good as gold from now on,’ said Fraser. ‘Come on, children. Let’s go and get the things out.’
    They three of them absorbed themselves in setting up the track and watching the little trains chug under tunnels and through stations. To his amazement Fraser realised that for a short time he had forgotten the heavy ache in his heart. He was grateful for his grandchildren who had the gift, without any awareness of it, of bringing him comfort. He hoped perhaps he had brought them a little happiness too – for they did seem to have to function within the confines of a tight regime.
    Sarah came to tell them it was time to start packing away. She thanked Fraser for keeping them so busy, as it had given her the chance to get some important jobs done.
    ‘I’ve enjoyed it as much as they have,’ he said. ‘Perhaps more!’
    As soon as Sarah had left the room Kate asked, ‘Grandpa, is it alright for girls to play with trains?’
    Fraser was taken aback. ‘Of course! Why ever shouldn’t it be?’
    ‘Mummy says trains are a boys’ thing,’ said Kate, ‘and I ought to like something more feminine.’
    ‘I think anyone can enjoy playing with them when they’re little.’ Fraser tried to be tactful. ‘Perhaps what Mummy means is that when you grow up you probably won’t want to drive trains, which at the moment is what George thinks he wants to do. You might find something more interesting that appeals especially to girls. Anyway, trains are supposed to be children’s things – and look at me, an old man, and I still love playing with them!’
    ‘So it’s alright now when I’m not grown up? I don’t actually like dolls much.’ The little girl looked so anxious Fraser felt sorry for her.
    ‘Of course it is. And I hope I can watch you as you get a little older and see what things you like then.’
    At that moment Michael arrived back home, smiling and in a very good mood. Fraser heard him greet his wife warmly, and then he came in to see them.
    ‘Had a good time, children?’
    ‘It was great!’ said George. ‘Really, really great! Will you come again soon, Grandpa?’
    ‘Yes, I certainly will.’ Fraser knew it was his cue to go now. The children both hugged him warmly, and he left for home feeling a little easier – until he remembered what he had agreed to do that evening.
Chapter 3
    Gloomily Fraser rang the doorbell of Marion’s house. Why on earth had he agreed to come to this party? He hated parties! He always had, and only went, as a young man, because Margaret managed somehow to bully him into it. It was different when he was married. Then, party going had become, if not actually enjoyable, quite acceptable. He had been proud to enter a room with Edie on his arm. He would watch the faces light up when she appeared, and he would smile smugly to himself, knowing what would happen.
    As he sat in a quiet corner with a glass in his hand he would watch the frenzied activity in the centre of the room. Edie, standing there, poised, hand on hip, eyes glowing, would be the focal point of a circle of men busy jostling for prime position. Her laugh would frequently break through the buzz of conversation, as she appeared to find each man who sought to interest her utterly fascinating – for a time, until another claimed her attention. She dazzled with her smile, her hand frequently resting gently on an arm, or shoulder. She would look round the little group and ask ingratiatingly for another drink, heaping praise on whoever supplied it.
    Then suddenly she would move away, bored with the present company, and seek fresh excitement. The men would fall back, each feeling an acute loss of self esteem, as she moved off in another direction and began her entrancing routine all over again.
    Occasionally she would come over to him and exclaim, ‘Fraser, darling, do find my handbag