Page 92 of Boomerville at Ballymegille

‘I do believe it is,’ Jo said as she waved.

‘I’ve no doubt you’ll be needing my services again,’ Lucinda said. ‘And if I’m to split my time between Cumbria and Ireland, I must insist on a pay rise.’ She took a deep drag on her cigarette and exhaled slowly.

Smoke hung in the air above Jo and Hattie’s heads. Lucinda turned away and, ignoring Willie’s frown, pinched the end of her cigarette and climbed aboard the bus.

‘She’ll be lucky.’ Jo shook her head.

‘Lady Lucinda lives very nicely,’ Hattie said.

‘Free board and lodgings, a generous salary for her classes and a regular allowance from her deceased fiancé.’

‘She’s not the only one you’ve given a life-line to.’ Hattie nodded towards Melissa, who was saying goodbye to Alf.

Surrounded by Ness and Bunty, Alf held Teddy in his arms and Melissa was stroking Teddy’s head, nuzzling into his face as his little tongue licked rapidly, tiny teeth nibbling her fingers.

‘Melissa deserves a chance too and I’m happy that I can offer her an opportunity to start a new life.’

‘You’ll have to tear that dog away from her,’ Hattie said. ‘She’s terribly fond of Teddy.’

Jo reached out and stroked Teddy too, then kissed Alf on his cheek and thanked him for all his help over the last few days.

‘Aye, no problem, glad to have been here,’ Alf said.

Bunty, seeing Jo, wandered over to her side. She plonked herself down, her weight pinning Jo’s foot and looked up with pleading eyes, the irises as chocolate as her thick fur. She panted and thumped her tail.

‘Am I to leave the lass with you?’ Alf asked.

‘Yes, of course.’ Jo reached down and stroked Bunty’s head. ‘I can’t bear to be parted from my girl again.’

‘What about this little terror?’ Alf held Teddy out. The puppy’s paws air-walked as he wriggled in his quest to be released from the firm grip that held him.

Jo took Teddy and looked over to where Hattie was standing. Their eyes met and Hattie smiled and nodded her head.

‘I think that there’s one place where this little fella will feel comfortable.’ Jo turned to Melissa. ‘Would you like some company in the cottage?’

Melissa’s eyes were wide. ‘W…what do you mean?’

‘We know that you adore Teddy and the feeling is obviously mutual.’ Jo handed the dog to Melissa and he snuggled into her arms. ‘He’ll be a companion for you and can play with Bunty when she’s here.’

‘But... I’ll be working?’ Melissa stroked Teddy’s head.

‘We’ll sort it all out.’ Jo smiled. ‘Now let’s get everyone on their way, Willie has started the engine.’

As diesel fumes billowed from the back of the bus and the engine fired up, Harry handed his bag to Alf. ‘Stick this on the back seat for me,’ he said. ‘I’ll be along in a moment.’

Another bag lay at Harry’s feet and, with care, he reached down and picked it up. Walking over to Hattie, he handed it to her.

‘This is Bill’s,’ he said quietly. ‘I packed all his stuff up, there wasn’t much.’

‘I’ll look after it.’

‘What will you do with it?’

‘There’s a few things I have to sort out for Bill, don’t worry.’

Harry pulled Hattie into his arms. ‘Look out for Melissa,’ he whispered into her ear. ‘Keep her safe while that bastard husband is in the area.’

‘Don’t worry,’ Hattie said. ‘I’m moving into the cottage with her; Malcolm won’t get near Melissa while I’m on the premises.’