You’ve already told me that man is dead so there’s no point in my coming back in the hope he might return one day.’
‘Are you telling me you’re not coming back?’
‘Not to live like I was before, Harry, definitely not. I can’t, I’m sorry.’
‘Well, in that case, I want a divorce.’
She felt stunned for a moment, not expecting to be asked that, then she forced a laugh. ‘Oh, so you can make an honest woman of Mrs March, I take it?’
‘I told you, I will not have you speak about her like that, Janet. Mavis is a good woman. She’s as committed as I am to the church and we get on very well together.’
Jan had a vision of them both sitting by the fire at night after returning from distributing food to the homeless in the city or attending a church service, reading passages from the Bible together as they sipped their hot milk. She heaved a deep sigh and refused to think about that any more. ‘Look, Harry, we were very much in love, had a wonderful marriage and were both happy believing we’d end our days together, but unfortunately we had a terrible tragedy to deal with and we’ve ended up going our separate ways. It’s a very sad business. I don’t begrudge you your happiness, Harry, and if Mrs March can be the kind of wife you want for yourself now, then I won’t stand in your way. I’ll sign the divorce papers as soon as I get them. I couldn’t find my belongings at the house – I assume you’ve packed them up ready for me to collect. I’d appreciate it if you’d get someone to bring them here for me when you can. And, Harry, I do wish you every happiness.’
She stepped over to him and gave him a peck on his cheek.
He looked surprised by her gesture. Tears glinted in his eyes momentarily. He flashed her a wan smile and said softly, ‘I wish you every happiness for your future too. Goodbye, Janet.’
She followed him to the door and saw him out. They were both aware it was doubtful they would see each other again. They moved in different circles now.
Jan dashed out to meet Glen the moment she heard his key in the lock. He hadn’t even got through the door before she was saying to him, ‘Give me one of those bottles, I really need it.’ Taking one from his hand, she dashed back to the kitchen with it. Glen followed her, feeling bemused. Something was obviously amiss with her, but considering he’d not been gone more than fifteen minutes he couldn’t imagine what. He watched her snap the cap off the bottle. Not even taking the time to pour it into a cup – they had no glasses as yet, feeling they were a luxury to be afforded when they got paid again – she raised it to her lips and took several long gulps. Then she gave a loud burp, reddened in embarrassment and said, ‘Pardon me.’
Frowning at her, he asked, ‘What’s going on, Jan?’
She took another long swallow from the bottle before she told him. ‘Harry came round. You’ve not long missed him.’
Glen was surprised. ‘Harry Owens was here?’ He couldn’t understand what the man would need to see him about that was urgent enough to pay him a visit at home. How would he know his address anyway as Glen hadn’t told him?
Jan shook her head. ‘No, not him. My husband Harry . . . the last person I expected ever to knock on the door. It’s shaken me up. He told me that one of his fellow church members was visiting someone around here on a mercy mission and recognised me as I came home one night.’ She took another long swallow from the bottle before she continued, ‘He came to tell me he’d forgiven me and he was allowing me to go home.’
Glen was shocked by how much this news unsettled him. Just as shocked to realise he would miss her, and not just a little. Regardless, he wouldn’t be much of a friend if he didn’t show her he was happy for her. He forced a bright smile to his face and told Jan, ‘Well, I wish you the best but I’m sure you won’t need it.’
‘I’m sorry to disappoint you but I’m not going back, so you can take that happy expression off your face.’
He was shocked at himself again when he realised