Read Lauren's Dilemma for Free Online Page B

would.
    “Is this
your first ride, Miss?” the grip man asked.
    “Yes, I love
it.”
    All too
soon the ride ended. Danny helped her alight with a hand under one elbow. She
put her hat back on and ran her fingers through her hair to give it some
semblance of order before slipping her arm through his.
    Inside the
small tearoom they sat on a red velvet seat positioned against a wall. All the
tables were covered with lacy white cloths, adding to the atmosphere of quiet
refinement.
    “How about
a pot of tea and some scones with jam and cream?” he asked
    “Thanks,
sounds nice.”
    When the
food arrived they ate hungrily. “Beautiful.” She wiped a dab of cream from her
lips with a red serviette.
    “I'm glad
you enjoyed it. Would you like to browse around the shops, or we could go back
to your aunt's place, maybe take a stroll along the beach before it gets late.”
    “A stroll
along the beach, I think.” She gave an excited giggle.
    Danny
picked up the docket and paid their bill on the way out. Once more they found
themselves jammed between throngs of scurrying people. As far as she could see,
Melbourne
people rushed everywhere. Such clatter and noise was terrible.
    In the
motorized cab she sighed with pleasure as they reclined in comfortable seats.
    “I'm being
spoilt, cable trams, motorized taxis. Blair and Helen picked me up from the
station in a Ford. Dad won't believe all the things I’ve done. Are you really
happy?” She bit her lip. “I mean in the army and everything.”
    “Yeah,
don't worry about me.” He draped his arm across her shoulders and she rested
her head on his chest. The coarse material of his jacket tickled her skin.
    As they
alighted the sun shone, having successfully chased the clouds away. The trees
were breaking out in their beautiful spring blossom, and the cool air smelt
faintly of the sea.
    Danny paid
the driver and they stood together without speaking until the motorcar
disappeared. Holding hands, still without speaking, they ambled towards Uncle
Richard's house.
    Two bangs
of the heavy brass knocker summoned a maid.
    “We only
called in for a moment to let you know we've arrived back from town. Oh, and to
give you our hats. We want to go for a walk along the beach,” Laurie said.
    “Very good,
Miss, I'll tell them inside.” The girl took their headgear.
    They ambled
towards the back garden and the picket gate giving them access to the beach.
“This is fun,” Laurie said.
    “Yeah, best
day I've spent in ages,” Danny agreed, holding the gate open.
    They
wandered along for a time, the golden sand soft against their feet. Without
speaking, they stared out across the blue water trying to find a ship, but the
horizon was strangely empty. Seagulls flew all around them, and she could
scarcely believe how tame they were.
    “I'm glad
you wear your hair down. I like it all flying loose. Lots of women put it up,
but it wouldn't suit you. You'll write to me when I let you know where to send
the mail, won't you? It’s awful not getting anything at mail call.”
    “Of course
I'll write—twice a week, at least,” she vowed.
    “Good. I
knew I could depend on you. Think I'll have a paddle in the water.”
    “Your
uniform might get wet.”
    “No, it
won't.” He sat down and started unwinding his cloth puttees. She watched with
interest as he removed his boots and socks before rolling up his trousers.
    “Come on,
take your shoes and stockings off and have a paddle with me.”
    “But I, I
couldn't,” she spluttered, feeling embarrassed.
    “Why not?
I’ll turn my back like a true gentleman.” He laughed, and under his teasing she
decided it would be rather nice to have a paddle in the sea. Most unladylike,
but there was still some of the tomboy left in her, even if she had turned
seventeen.
    “Turn your
back and don't peek,” she instructed.
    He turned
away and she rested one hand on his shoulder for support, hopping first on one
foot, then the other. Rolling her stockings