so is this lovely meal,’ Magnus said. ‘Look, it’s sad news, Astrid, but it sounds like you’re putting Percy first, which is the important thing. Come on, let’s clear away and get these trees decorated.’
But Astrid and Freja couldn’t bring themselves to tidy away; they were too excited. Just like they’d been as little girls. ‘We’ll get the decorations down!’ they offered and they went off, giggling, their big life worries for the time being put to one side – just as it should be at Christmastime.
Chapter Eleven
January 1969
Susan
Mr Jenners recovered from his flu and was soon back in the shop on a daily basis, though it always seemed to be busy when he was in – much to my relief. Every time I thought about what Robin had told me it made me shiver. But then right at the end of January – it was the 29th, I remember – he came in just before closing looking like an over-zealous Jack Russell again, his small eyes darting about in his excitement.
‘It’s happening!’ he said to me, as I counted up the till.
‘What is?’ I asked, confused.
‘The Beatles’ performance! It’s happening tomorrow, in London. We’ve had the nod.’
I felt my legs turn to jelly at what this meant for me. I knew I should just tell him I wasn’t interested or that I couldn’t possibly get away (I wasn’t sure if I could anyway). But then I thought of Penny.
‘So…’ he said. ‘Are you coming? Last chance! My brother’s got a nice car. He’ll pick us up at ten o’clock tomorrow morning. We’ll be back by five. They’re going to play at lunchtime apparently. I’m going to tell school I’m sick again. You can do the same,’ he whispered, as I glanced behind me to check Mr Downley wasn’t about. I thought about how on earth I’d get away with it and then remembered that Mother had a WI outing organised for the following day. I made a split decision.
‘If I can bring my friend, then I’ll come.’
Mr Jenners looked a bit peeved, but in the end he agreed. ‘She can keep my brother company, I suppose. Here comes your boss. I’ll see you tomorrow. Ten o’clock at my house. Don’t be late!’
‘Are you not done yet?’ asked Mr Downley, giving Mr Jenners’ retreating back a suspicious glance.
‘All finished,’ I said.
‘It’s ten past,’ he replied. ‘Off you go, now,’ he said and, as ever, I felt as if he were shooing me away like a stray dog.
***
There was a red telephone box on the street leading to my house, so I stopped there and put a call through to the farm, slotting in four pennies, then pressing the ‘A’ button and Penny’s number. Mrs Wren answered.
‘Can I speak to Penny please?’ I said.
‘Is that Susan? Is everything alright, dear?’ she asked me.
‘Yes thank you, I just need a quick word…’
‘I’ll get her.’
A moment later Penny came on to the phone.
‘Is it happening?’ she asked in a whisper.
‘Yes – tomorrow. We need to be at Number 6 Hartley Street at ten o’clock…’ The pips started. ‘Will you be there? Can you make it?’
‘I promise, I’ll be there,’ Penny said, sounding thrilled. ‘I can’t w—’ she began but the call had ended.
The following day I put my acting to the test, making a big show of coughing away as soon as I heard Father leaving for work. Mother came up and found me in bed when I should have been on my way to Downley’s.
‘Dear, oh dear,’ she said. ‘You don’t sound good.’
‘I think it might be this flu that’s doing the rounds,’ I croaked.
‘You’d better stay in bed. I’ll give Mr Downley a call. Oh dear, I was meant to be going on my WI outing today,’ she said, wringing her hands. ‘We’re supposed to be going to Batemans.’
‘Don’t stay at home just for me,’ I said. ‘You’ve been looking forward to it. And I’m only going to sleep. What time will you be back?’
‘Five thirty, so I’m afraid we’ll have to eat a little later than usual. I hope Father won’t mind too much. I’m not sure if I should go.’
‘Please,’ I croaked. ‘I’ll feel even worse if you don’t.’
‘Well, if you’re sure… You know these outings are a bit of a highlight for me.’
‘Go and get ready,’ I told her. ‘I’ll be fine.’
Five minutes later I heard the ping of the telephone. Mother had obviously given Mr Downley a call. Then, at half past nine, she came into my