‘What’s happened?’ Sarah glanced at Louisa.
‘Oh, she had a funny turn when she was bringing thebowl over to the table. I think she should go for a lie-down once she clears it up.’
‘Let me help.’ Sarah stooped down.
Louisa shook her head. ‘I’m fine. It won’t take a minute. Then I’ll be out of your way.’
‘If you’re sure.’
Louisa could hear the hurt in Sarah’s voice because she’d rebuked her. She held back tears she would cry only in private. Her sister was always so kind, but Richard was too powerful for her to stand up for herself. And even if she did, it never went well. She had a few scars to prove that.
No, she wasn’t staying where she wasn’t welcome. After she’d cleaned up the stew, she would leave them in peace. It was better that way. She’d rather go hungry than risk the wrath of Richard once they were alone later during the evening.
Because everything would always be her fault, no matter what.
When Louisa had left the room, Sarah smiled at Richard as they ate their meal together. It was a good job she’d come over straight away. Through the window, she had seen what had happened. Although she couldn’t hear the conversation, she knew it hadn’t gone well for Louisa. Richard could be so cruel at times. She almost felt sorry for her sister…almost.
Still, Louisa needed to understand what it was liketo feel hurt. Just like she had when she’d been abandoned and left to fend for herself. She laughed, recalling the look of rejection on her sister’s face.
‘Something amusing you?’ Richard asked, smiling back at her.
‘No, I’m just happy.’
‘It certainly suits you being here.’
‘It does.’ She threw him a lustful look. ‘And I intend to keep it that way. This stew is delicious, isn’t it?’
‘It is. It seemed a shame to waste it.’
‘You’re such a bad boy,’ she teased.
‘I’ll show you just how much later on. Right here on the table, if you like.’
Sarah giggled as he reached across and laced his fingers with her own. She wondered if Louisa was out of the way and not listening behind the door. Because she would be so upset if she was.
Sarah didn’t care one iota. She was happy with the way things were going with Richard. Well, who wouldn’t be?
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
2018
Sarah woke up to the sound of the alarm going off. Her daughter, Poppy, who was nine months old, stirred in her cot at the bottom of the bed.
Jessie was asleep beside her. She tried to nudge him awake to no avail. He’d been out the night before and had a skinful. Not that that was anything unusual. Since having Poppy he’d been going out with his mates more and more, often returning drunk. Even more worrying she thought he might be taking drugs again.
She’d noticed a difference in him since Poppy had arrived. He seemed to be losing weight, and his mood swings had become quite violent at times. Twice she’d had to stop him from hitting out when he’d raised his hand in the air.
She lay in bed for a few minutes, relishing the time before she had to get up and start another crappy day. It was Jessie’s turn to have Poppy today while she went towork. She’d bagged a double shift at the biscuit factory where she swore she would never work.
‘Jessie, wake up.’ She shook his shoulder and he gave a groan.
‘What?’ he snapped.
‘I have to get ready for work and you need to look after Poppy today. Jessie!’
‘It’s Saturday.’
‘I have overtime. You can’t say we don’t need the money. Wake up!’
