CHAPTER 8
ENTERPRISE
When Lillian returned to Montague Road that Sunday, still sulky at being unable to attend the festive picnic with Catherine and her friends, baby Stephen was no longer there.
She held out the small Christmas pudding Mrs Menzies had given her. ‘Here, Merry Christmas,’ the cook had said brusquely, leaving Lillian standing at the foot of the steps not knowing what to say, so surprised was she by the woman’s unexpected kindness. Finally Mrs Menzies reverted to her usual scolding: ‘Off you go and don’t be late back.’ Lillian had found her voice at last and thanked the cook, pleased to have something delicious to be able to present to her sister.
She peered into the dimly lit parlour. ‘Where’s Stephen?’
Patricia received the gift and closed her eyes as she held it to he
