“No need to run from your father, Maisie,” said Frankie. “Unless, of course, you think I’m hitting the nail on the head.” Frankie turned to watch George, who was leaning forward, concentrating on his maneuver, then brought his attention back to Maisie. “Anyway, just as well I went with you—that old boy thought he could pull a fast one. Always the way—but I just let him talk himself into a hole, and then I let him know what I know.”
She smiled at her father and nudged his arm with hers to signal her appreciation. She had a distinct feeling, though, that he had more to say about her decision to buy a pony.
George stopped alongside the Dower House for Maisie to jump down from the cab of the horsebox. She closed the passenger door, waved, and watched as the lorry rumbled along the graveled driveway. She remained in place until the vehicle turned left just beyond the Groom’s Cottage, and on towards the stables. When Maisie entered the Dower House by way of the kitchen, Brenda, having heard the lorry, had already put the kettle on to boil, and was setting out teacups and saucers on the kitchen table.
“Is Anna still with Mr. Miller?”
“Best to go and get her now, I would imagine,” said Brenda. “I took her up there after lunch. Lady Rowan had found some old children’s books, in case he could get her to read to him, or describe the pictures. He said he’d had a think and there were a few stories up his sleeve, if she didn’t come out of her shell.”
“I’ll go now.” Maisie turned to the door, but stopped when she heard Brenda calling to her.
“Maisie. Maisie, just a minute.”
“What is it, Brenda?” Maisie could see the tension in her stepmother’s stance, the way she held on to the table, as if she needed something strong to lean on.
“Maisie, before you go over there, I want to say something. I’ve come to think of you as my daughter, though I’ve known you from the days when you worked with Dr. Blanche, long before I became your stepmother through marriage to your father. And now I feel I must speak my mind, as one woman to another.”
“I know what I’m doing, Brenda—it’s just something to make her feel more at home, perhaps to bring her out of herself.”
“That’s all very well, Maisie—but what about when they find her family, and when she has to go home? Then what do we all do? What will you do?”
Maisie looked at Brenda without speaking, just for a second, then she placed her arm around the woman’s shoulder. “You and Dad—don’t worry about me. I’ll be all right, Brenda. I’m up in London most of the time anyway. It was just to help things along with the children, not just one of them. I told Dad, I didn’t know two would be leaving. Anyway, Brenda, I’d better get going—they’ll have the pony washed and beautiful and ready for Anna soon.”
Anna was sitting on a chair next to Robert Miller, Emma asleep on the floor between them, when Maisie entered the manor house drawing room. The child looked up at Maisie and gave what now passed for a meaningful smile. Without speaking she clambered down from her chair and looked at Miller, as if he could stare back into her eyes. She picked up the ever-present case and slipped the gas-mask strap over her head, leaving the books in a pile on the chair as she came to take Maisie’s hand, with Emma following.
“I suppose that look I can feel is Anna saying thank you,” said Miller, smiling. He turned his face towards Maisie and Anna. “Thank you, Anna. You’re a very good listener.”
Maisie felt the small hand grip harder.
“It was lovely of you to entertain her, Mr. Miller. Perhaps Anna will read to you next time—I believe she’s a very good reader.”
“Very well,” said Miller. “Oh, and by the way, I’ve spoken to Lady Rowan and informed her that I hope very much to cease being a strain upon the household as soon as I can. My cousin has already secured accommodation for me, and will take on a man to assist me with daily needs—so I won’t be a nuisance for him either.”
“We’ll see a little more of you before you go, then.” Maisie was about to turn to leave the room with Anna, but stopped. “Would you like to come with us, Mr. Miller? We have a little surprise here today.”