Sweet Memories of You (Beach View Boarding House) Read Online Free Page B

by another. ‘Maybe,’ she murmured. ‘But it won’t be the same.’
    ‘You’re in love with him, aren’t you?’ The words were out before she could stop them, and she felt a pang of guilt for the distress in the girl’s face.
    Sarah took a deep breath, dashed away the tears and sat in silence, either unwilling or unable to answer her.
    ‘It’s hardly surprising,’ Peggy continued softly. ‘He’s an attractive man, with winning ways. No one would blame you for falling for him.’
    Sarah’s fists clenched. ‘But I blame myself,’ she hissed. ‘I knew how dangerous it was to encourage his friendship – and how vulnerable I am with Philip so far away and out of reach. I’m supposed to be engaged to him, Peggy, but here I am, shedding tears over a married man that I have no right to love.’
    She buried her face in her hands. ‘There,’ she sobbed. ‘I’ve finally admitted it, so you can congratulate yourself on being so damned clever.’
    Peggy knew the girl was overwrought and so took no offence at her outburst, but moved to take her in her arms. ‘Oh, Sarah, I can only imagine the sort of torment you must be going through, and I’m certainly not congratulating myself over the dilemma you’ve found yourself facing. But this will pass, believe me.’
    Sarah lifted reddened eyes. ‘But I feel so ashamed, Auntie Peg. Philip’s more than likely in the hands of the Japanese, and probably clinging to the belief that I’ll remain faithful and be waiting for him when the war is over. And yet I’ve let both of us down by—’
    ‘You’ve let no one down,’ Peggy interrupted hastily. ‘And I won’t have you berating yourself over it. This blessed war has everyone’s emotions in turmoil. Not knowing if today is to be our last encourages people to do things they would never have dreamt of in peacetime. And you’re far from home, separated from all those you hold dearest, of course you feel lonely and in need of love.’
    Peggy paused, unsure whether to say more, and then decided it was time to get it all out in the open. ‘Have you and he … you know … been …?’
    Sarah gasped and her eyes widened in shock. ‘Of course not. How could you think such a thing, Aunt Peg?’
    Peggy was unfazed, her own experience with Jim during the last war lending her intimate knowledge of how easy it was to throw caution and sanity to the wind and be swept away in the turmoil of overwhelming emotions – just as Doreen was experiencing now with her Archie. ‘It would only be natural when two people are in love during these uncertain times.’
    ‘Well, we haven’t,’ Sarah retorted. ‘In fact I’ve made sure he doesn’t know I have feelings for him – and even if he did, he’d probably be horribly embarrassed. He’s not the sort of man to even countenance being unfaithful to his wife.’
    Peggy was hugely relieved, but didn’t dare show it. ‘I’m sorry I had to ask, Sarah, and I apologise if I’ve upset you.’
    Sarah flung her arms round Peggy and gave her a hug. ‘And I’m sorry for flying off the handle. I know you meant well, but I’m all at sixes and sevens at the moment.’ She drew back from the embrace and kissed Peggy’s cheek. ‘It’ll be easier once he’s gone and life can get back on an even keel again.’ She reached for her beret and heavy-duty raincoat. ‘Now I must go, or I’ll be late.’
    Peggy watched her running down the garden path and through the gate until she disappeared from view along the twitten that led to the hills. If Sarah was in love with the American then she wouldn’t find it easier once he’d left, but would be beset by regrets over what might have been, and guilt over her perceived betrayal of Philip. It would take time for her wounded heart to heal and to come to terms with it all – and Peggy could only hope that, with her love and guidance and the warmth of the people around her, it wouldn’t be too traumatic.
    Fran had left for the hospital and Rita