Part 28 (2/2)

Being careful not to wake him, she slid out from under the bedclothes, and for a long, precious moment she looked down on his sleeping face. She realized then without a shadow of doubt that she truly loved this man ... this stranger.

She hoped he did not think less of her for being so easily taken.

But, for all that, she did not feel guilty. Instead, she felt unbelievably exhilarated and alive like never before. And to her shame, she wanted more of him. But sadly, for a mult.i.tude of reasons, it could not be. So, very softly, she drew the covers over his chest. Then, going to the desk, she wrote him a heartfelt note.

My dearest Dave, Regrettably, I now have to return to my family. But I so want you to know that although we will probably never see each other again, I will forever cherish the memories of our time together. Thank you, for your understanding, and for the wonderful experiences we've shared, in this beautiful place.

I won't forget you, Stay safe.

G.o.d bless.

Lucy Lovejoy Placing the note beside his pillow, she quietly made her way out of the room, carefully closing the door behind her, so as not to wake him.

In the privacy of her own room, Lucy shed bitter tears. 'Why do I need to go back?' she asked herself aloud. Then she answered her own question. 'You are not a free spirit. You're a married woman, Lucy Lovejoy. You have responsibilities ... children ... a grandson ... a family waiting at home for you. Your place is with them. And the sooner you accept again the responsibility resting on you, the better!'

Feeling kind of lost, she picked up the telephone receiver and dialled '0' for reception.

When the night receptionist answered, Lucy asked, 'Do you have a train timetable at all?'

'We do, yes. Would you like me to send it up to you?'

'No, thank you. I'm on my way down. I just need to get to the station and catch the first available train home.'

'So, will you be wanting a car to take you to the station?'

Lucy was embarra.s.sed to ask, but it was necessary. 'Can I ask how much that will cost?'

She had put money aside for her stay here, and she had a few pounds left over for the train home, and for small emergencies, but a car ... well, that may be too expensive.

'Oh, no, Miss Lovejoy!' the receptionist informed her. 'The hotel runs two courtesy cars. Just tell me when you would like to leave, and I'll arrange a car for you.'

Lucy's mind went back to Dave could she just run out on him like that? Or should she stay and explain further ... face to face? No, I can't see him, or I may change my mind! she decided.

'Sorry,' the receptionist said. 'I'm sorry, Miss Lovejoy, I did not quite catch what you said.'

Lucy told her, 'I would like you to please book the car for me. I'm almost ready.'

'No problem, Miss Lovejoy. And would you like me to send a porter for your suitcase?'

'No, thank you. It's only a small case. I can manage that all right. I'll be down shortly, and if I could have a peep at your train timetable, that would help me.'

'Of course, I'll have it ready for you.'

Half an hour later, after rus.h.i.+ng about before Dave might wake up, Lucy was downstairs in reception.

As good as her word, the receptionist had everything ready: the bill; the train timetable; and the courtesy car was already waiting outside for her.

Lucy was delighted to see that the first train out, at six thirty, was en route for Bedford.

Desperate to be gone, she paid her bill. She then left a modest tip, and climbing into the courtesy car, she was whisked away in good time.

Not long after she'd departed, the telephone rang at reception.

Picking up the receiver, the receptionist put on her greeting voice: 'Lorriet Hotel. Good morning, can I help you?'

She listened patiently to the person on the other end, and then found the need to apologise. 'Oh, no, I'm very sorry, but Miss Lucy Lovejoy has already left ... about twenty minutes ago.'

She listened again. 'Oh, I see ... No, there is no way I can get in touch with her unless I send someone to the station, but that would probably be too late. I understand she's catching an early train. Yes. It leaves in about twenty minutes. Yes, thank you, and I'm sorry I could not be of more help.'

With the short conversation over, she replaced the receiver and set about checking her tasks for the day.

Kathleen replaced her receiver with huge relief but not before wis.h.i.+ng her 'aged aunt' a tender goodbye, saying, 'Thank you, aunt, take care of yourself.'

'What did your aunt say?' Pacing up and down, Anne was growing increasingly anxious.

Crossing her fingers behind her back, Kathleen explained, 'Your mother is already on her way back. Apparently, for whatever reason, she seemed anxious to get home. No doubt she's been missing all of you.'

Anne continued pacing the floor. 'Mum isn't used to staying with strangers. No offence to your aunt, but Mum's a real home bird and, like a mother hen, she worries about us all.' Looking up with a tear-stained face she went on, 'Poor Mum. She doesn't know what she's coming home to, does she?'

'No, she doesn't, and it's just as well. When she learns the bad news, she'll be shaken to the roots.'

'How long will it take for her to get here?'

'It is not a short journey, as you know,' Kathleen cautioned her. 'I don't suppose she'll be here for a few hours yet.'

'Is there a way we can contact her?'

'What would be the point in upsetting her when she can't change anything?'

Anne shook her head, 'Kathleen, I really need my mum,' she said tearfully. 'I need to hold her.'

Kathleen hugged her. 'I know you need her, but she'll be here soon enough.'

Just then, the baby woke up in his buggy and started crying. 'I'd best get home and feed him,' Anne said.

'Okay, but you're always welcome to come back here to be with me. It's fine, and I want to help.'

Anne thanked her. 'I know you do, and I'm so thankful Mum has such a good friend in you. She's going to need you, Kathleen.'

Kathleen smiled. 'I know that, and I'll be here for her ... like she's always been there for me.'

Anne said her goodbyes. 'You will ring me if you hear anything, won't you, Kathleen?' she called back from the street.

<script>