Emma Read Online Free Page B

rate we’re going it will never get built.’
    A roll of thunder sounded overhead and the sky opened, sending down the rain in torrents.
    ‘It was just as well I happened along,’ he said. ‘You would have been soaked to the skin in this.’
    ‘Yes, I’m very grateful. But you’re right about that bridge,’ I said, feeling confident because this was something I knew about. ‘Gran says it has always been like that – arguments, disagreements. When they were first building the railway they couldn’t agree on who should build and own various bits of the line. It was almost abandoned at one stage. Gran says it was a wonder they ever sorted it out.’
    He shot an amused look at me, then indicated to turn right. ‘You’re fond of your grandmother, aren’t you?’
    ‘Yes. She’s special. I visit her every Wednesday and most Sundays. I like talking to Gran. She knows everything.’
    ‘Does she indeed?’
    The look in his eyes made me blush. I suspected he was laughing at me. Of course, he must think I was very unsophisticated, just a common shop-girl, not educated or glamorous like the girls he was used to meeting in his world.
    ‘Well, not everything. No one could, of course – but she knows a great deal about the railways. Her husband worked for them all his life. And she knows a lot of other things – about plants and herbs.’
    ‘She’s a wise woman.’ Paul Greenslade nodded. ‘She sounds interesting. I should like to meet her.’
    ‘Would you really?’ I stared at him a little suspiciously. ‘You’re not saying it just to please me?’
    ‘No, I mean it. I’ve been told she’s quite a character.’
    I frowned, not sure I liked the way he’d said that – as if Gran were an oddity. I didn’t mind him laughing at me, but I wouldn’t let anyone make fun of Gran.
    ‘I’ll have to ask her,’ I said. ‘She won’t have you in her house unless she likes the look of you.’
    The rain had eased slightly by the time we reached the isolated cottage. I hesitated, then turned to look at Paul, my hand on the car door handle.
    ‘Do you want to come in if she says yes?’
    He glanced at his wristwatch, which was gold-cased and obviously expensive. ‘Perhaps not now. I have an appointment. What time will you be leaving here?’
    ‘About four – why?’
    ‘Why don’t I pick you up? It looks as if it may rain all afternoon. I could take you home.’
    ‘Wouldn’t that be a lot of trouble?’ I was doubtful, unsure whether to take up the offer or not. Why should he go to so much bother for my sake? ‘It would be out of your way.’
    ‘I’ll be here at four,’ he said, giving me a smile that made my stomach lurch. ‘Have a nice visit, Emma.’
    ‘Thank you.’
    I stood watching as he drove away, then turned and walked up the garden path to Gran’s front door. The brass knocker was polished so bright you could almost see your face in it and the step had been scrubbed fresh that morning.
    Gran must have been watching from her window, because she opened the door as I approached, eyes lively with curiosity.
    ‘Who was that, then?’ she asked. ‘Not local. I don’t suppose he’d be that architect from Cambridge? They tell me he drives a fancy car sometimes.’
    ‘Oh, Gran,’ I cried and hugged her. That afternoon she smelled of lavender and herbs, as if she had been making up some of her cures and poultices. ‘You do know everything! Who told you about Paul Greenslade?’
    ‘Paul, is it?’ Her eyes were bright and curious, studying me from beneath her sparse lashes. ‘That sounds as if you know him. How did you meet him – and what are you doing accepting a ride in his car?’
    ‘It was raining and he offered me a lift,’ I explained and Gran nodded, looking thoughtful. ‘He wants to meet you. He’s coming to fetch me later.’
    ‘Bring him in,’ she said. ‘I’d best have a look at him. If he’s interested in my girl, I want to see what sort of a man he is.’
    ‘Oh, Gran,’ I