scolded. ‘You’ll have to make a decision soon otherwise I won’t have time to get them made up for you. Please look again. What about this lovely dark green? It’s not too bright and you’ve always liked green.’
More than a little uncomfortable, Molly sniffed, feeling as if she had been backed into a corner. She had been putting off the inevitable but now it must be said and done with.
‘Look, lass,’ she began tentatively, ‘I’ve no wish to hurt yer, you know I’d cut me right hand off rather than do that … but the truth is, I ain’t goin’ to the party.’
‘What do you mean, you’re not coming?’ Amy was appalled. ‘But, Gran, you must come. Mr and Mrs Forrester will so disappointed if you don’t. And so shall I!’
The loose skin that had once formed Molly’s double chin quivered as her head shook slowly from side to side.
‘Disappointed or not, I ain’t goin’. Yer know I’ve never been one fer parties. An’ anyway, I’d just stick out like a sore thumb, as yer well aware. Truth is, Amy, I’m past gallivantin’ about at my age. All I want is a peaceful life an’ me own fireside. I wouldn’t fit in wi’ the sort o’ folks as you’re mixin’ wi’ now. In your case it’s different. I always knew you were destined for better things.’
Amy’s eyes flashed with disappointment as she asked, ‘Oh yes? Then tell me, Gran, just how do you know that?’
Molly shrugged her rounded shoulders. ‘That’s like askin’ how do I know night will follow day. I’ve just always known it, that’s all, an’ right proud I am o’ you an’ all, make no bones about it. But I still ain’t goin’ to no party so yer may as well stop yer naggin’ an’ get used to the idea. I ain’t comin’, an’ that’s that. I’m too old an’ set in me ways to start rubbin’ shoulders wi’ the gentry now.’
As Amy recognised the note of finality in her gran’s voice, her shoulders slumped and she sat down heavily on a chair. Once her gran had made her mind up on something she was as stubborn as an old mule and Amy knew better than to try and change it. It would just be a complete waste of time.
‘If that’s how you feel, then I won’t go either,’ she declared petulantly.
Molly bristled. ‘Oh yes, you will go, my girl – If I have to drag yer there meself kickin’ an’ screamin’. An’ don’t go givin’ me any o’ yer lip now, ’cos you ain’t too big to go across me lap an’ have a slapped arse, so just think on it.’
Amy had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing aloud. Molly had never so much as raised a finger to her, let alone put her across her lap in her whole life. The same thought must have occurred to Molly, for suddenly her eyes were bright and she pulled Amy into her arms. ‘Now then, that’s enough,’ she whispered. ‘That’s about the closest we’ve come to a row in many a long day. But yer know, darlin’, on this one yer have to accept me decision. Yer wouldn’t want me to come an’ feel miserable, now would yer?’
Amy shook her head. ‘No, I wouldn’t,’ she admitted. ‘But I was so looking forward to showing you off, Gran, because you know, I’m just as proud of you as you are of me.’
The words were spoken from the heart and as Molly held Amy tightly to her she was deeply touched. Closing her eyes, she thanked God for bringing this lovely girl into her life.
Chapter Twenty-Two
‘Ah, please say yer’ll come, Amy!’ Nancy’s eyes were imploring. ‘I know yer’d enjoy it an’ my Billy ’ud make sure as yer didn’t fall.’
Amy had grave misgivings and pursed her lips. ‘But I’ve never been ice skating in my whole life, Nancy,’ she pointed out truthfully.
Nancy giggled. ‘Well, then it’s about time yer did. Yer know what they say, there’s a first time for everyfink. Now come on an’ stop bein’ such a spoilsport. What do yer say?’
‘Oh, very well then, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to give it a go. But don’t get blaming me if I pull you over,’ Amy said sullenly.
Nancy threw back her head and laughed aloud. ‘You pull me over? Huh, there’s about as much chance o’ that as a snowball’s chance in ’ell! Yer don’t weigh as much as a bag o’ spuds wet