Read A New Day for Free Online Page B

time?’
    ‘Yes. Why?’
    ‘I wondered if you’d like to come dancing with me one Saturday?’
    She stopped walking and stared at him in amazement. ‘Oh, I couldn’t do that.’
    ‘Why?’
    Now she was flustered. ‘Because I’ve never been on a date before.’
    ‘Then it’s time you started.’ He gave an engaging smile. ‘And I’m quite safe to go out with.’
    She shook her head. ‘Why do you want to take me out?’
    ‘I’d like to get to know you. You’re bright, caring and very attractive. Isn’t that reason enough?’
    ‘Er . . .’ Hanna shook her head and started walking again. ‘It’s kind of you to ask, but I couldn’t. I haven’t got any pretty clothes.’
    ‘You look perfectly all right in the clothes you’re wearing.’
    ‘No, it wouldn’t be right. I would feel uncomfortable, and I can’t spend money on clothes because I’m saving up to make a proper home for me and Jack.’
    ‘And how long is that going to take?’ he asked gently.
    ‘Ages, but it’s our dream. I expect that’s hard for you to understand.’
    ‘No, but you can’t deny yourself everything, Hanna. Your brother is making a life for himself in the merchant navy, and it’s time for you to think about yourself for once.’
    They had reached the house and stopped by the gate. ‘I’m sure you are right, but I can’t do that yet. I’ve got to know Jack is really happy first, and then I might be able to consider what to do with my life.’
    ‘All right. I’ll take no for an answer this time, but you haven’t seen the last of me. I’ll keep asking until you agree to come out with me.’
    He seemed to be a nice young man and she was tempted, but she couldn’t – she just couldn’t. There were so many changes going on in her life at the moment, and she didn’t feel able to relax enough yet to go out on a date. Hanna smiled kindly at the policeman. ‘I’m sorry, but thank you for asking.’
    ‘We’ll meet again. You know where I am if you need anything.’
    She watched him walk up the road before going into the house. The boys were already up and with their mother in the sitting room. They were spread out on the floor drawing with coloured crayons. They were concentrating very hard so she sat down with them to see what was keeping them so quiet.
    David turned his head and smiled at Hanna. ‘We’re drawing pictures.’
    ‘So I see. They’re very good.’
    Andrew glanced up, grinned at her compliment and pushed a strand of hair away from his eyes. It was a gesture she had quickly picked up on and marked him out as Andrew. David’s hair always stayed in place, as if it wouldn’t dare disobey him. David was going to be a force to be reckoned with when he was older, and so would Andrew, but he had a more gentle side to his personality than David.
    ‘David’s doing a picture for Daddy and mine is for your brother. Do you think he’ll like it?’
    Hanna studied it carefully, smiling to herself. They had soon given up trying to fool her once they knew that she could tell them apart. Andrew’s picture was of Richmond Park – one of his favourite places, and just like this twin, had a gentle feel about it. ‘He’ll love it, Andrew. You’ve drawn the deer beautifully.’
    He smiled happily and went back to the drawing.
    She was always very careful to treat both boys the same, so she turned her attention to David’s drawing. It was the complete opposite to his brother’s picture. It was of a ship being tossed around on an angry sea, showing all action and movement. It was really very good. ‘Oh, David, your father will love that. I expect he’ll put it in his cabin, and my brother will put his by his bunk. It is kind of you both to do this for them. Thank you.’
    Seeing that they were happy with her response, and completely absorbed in their artistic efforts, Hanna stood up. ‘I got the shampoo, Mrs Harcourt. I’ll put it in the bathroom.’
    ‘Take it up when you go. Sit down for a moment and have a