by Jane Jackson
‘We enjoy one another’s company,’ Susanna said simply.
‘No. Well, thank you. But that’s not the only reason. You know the truth about me and yet you aren’t … it doesn’t disgust …’
Compassion welled within Susanna. She said softly but vehemently, ‘What happened was not your fault. You were shamefully abused by someone you should have been able to trust. All the guilt is his. Given those circumstances marriage must have been a terrible strain for you. That at least has been resolved. As far as you and I are concerned, I never wanted to add to your pain. I still don’t. Perhaps I am asking too much but I wondered … do you think … would you be willing to continue our relationship?’
‘Do you mean that?’
‘Why not? We are still the same people. All that will change are a few legal details. Over the past six months I have gained many acquaintances but few real friends. To a certain extent that is my choice. I am considered either an object of curiosity or a means of reaching Lowell. I have no family here either.’
She laid one hand protectively over the barely noticeable curve of her stomach. ‘Your friendship means a lot to me. Marjorie, I – would you consider being godmother to this baby? It might be unconventional but,’ she shrugged, ‘our relationship is unconventional.’ She smothered a sudden giggle with her fingertips. ‘Books on etiquette don’t cover situations like ours.’ She leaned forward, suddenly anxious. ‘You’re not offended are you?’
Marjorie looked up. Though her cornflower blue eyes brimmed with tears, her smile was radiant. ‘No, I’m not offended. I’m … overwhelmed. Thank you. I cannot tell you how much … For all your unorthodox behaviour you have a truly Christian soul. What is it? What did I say?’ she asked in bewilderment as Susanna began to laugh.
The End
Published by Accent Press Ltd – 2014
ISBN 9781909335080
Copyright © 2012 Jane Jackson
The right of Jane Jackson to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
The story contained within this book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be copied, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the publishers: Accent Press Ltd, Ty Cynon House, Navigation Park, Abercynon, CF45 4SN
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