Daisy's Secret

Daisy's Secret Read Free Page B

Book: Daisy's Secret Read Free
Author: Freda Lightfoot
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learned she wasn’t about to be forgiven for her transgression. She was not even to be allowed home.  
    ‘Why can’t I go home?’ she begged, desperation in her voice as her longing for Percy, for someone to love and care for her, almost overwhelmed her. She imagined him marching in, saying he’d changed his mind and they could get married after all. Then he’d carry her off to the pretty cottage in the country, baby and all.
    ‘Because you can’t. You can’t go back home and shame us all.’
    Nor would she be allowed to speak to her father. Though why should she care? When had he ever cared about her? If her dad wasn’t out on his cart, he’d be in the pub or with his mates. He’d never had much time for a daughter. A son would have been much more use to him. Yet Daisy worried she might never see him again. ‘I want me dad.’
    ‘Be quiet, you silly girl,’ Rita scolded. ‘Anyroad, the exodus has already begun.’
    ‘Exodus?’
    ‘The Great Trek, the evacuation, what d’you think I’m talking about? Stop arguing, girl. My nerves are in ribbons already, what with the war and everything, let alone worrying about you. Like I say, you’re nowt but trouble, just like Florrie.’
      ‘I’m not a bit like Aunt Florrie,’ Daisy hotly protested. ‘I haven’t run off and got wed, more’s the pity. I did as you asked, even though it’s not my choice to have the baby adopted. I want to keep it. And why shouldn’t I? I’ve nobody else to love. No one gives a tinker’s cuss about me.’
    Rita Atkins flicked out a hand and smacked her daughter smartly across her cheek, leaving an imprint of four red lashes where her fingers had made contact. ‘Don’t you dare use such language with me! I’ll have none of your lip, madam. I’ve had as much as I can take. Now then, get your coat and hat on. It’s time to go. I’ll not be responsible for you a minute longer, not with a war starting. The bus leaves at twelve sharp.’
    ‘Bus, what bus? Where am I going?’ Tears stood proud in Daisy’s eyes but she refused to let them fall, holding on to her defiance for as long as she could.
    ‘Stop asking so many fool questions. I’ve told you already, you’re fortunate they’ll take you, great girl like you. Anyroad, I’ve fetched a few things from home what I thought you might need, and your gas mask.’ She indicated a cardboard box and a small brown suitcase whose presence Daisy had taken to mean she was going home, until she’d learned different. ‘Don’t sit there like a lump of soft dough, start packing yer night things and get yerself ready.’
    Having issued this instruction, Rita herself began to fold Daisy’s nightdress, and opening the bedside cabinet began to draw out the few personal items she’d brought with her to the Home. Soap bag and flannel, brush and comb and a small satchel of handkerchiefs which she’d painstakingly stitched for herself, fussy madam. Rita followed this with a book and magazine Daisy had been reading, snapped shut the suitcase and hooked the strap tight.
    ‘Right then. That’s you ready for off.’
    ‘But off where?’ Daisy once more appealed, naked misery in her tone.
    ‘How many times do I have to say it? Evacuated. Off to these pastures new you’ve always pined for. Well, now you’ll get your chance to live in the country, though it’s more than you deserve in the circumstances. You should thank your lucky stars you’ve got off so lightly. And remember, not a word about this business to anyone. Not ever!’
    At the bus stop, Rita handed the case to Daisy, together with a bus ticket and instructions over what time she needed to be at London Road Station where she would be joining dozens of other evacuees, mostly children younger than herself. ‘When no doubt all your questions will be answered and somebody in charge will tell you where it is you’re to be sent.’
    The bus arrived seconds later, the wheels churning through a puddle that splashed Daisy’s

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