Page 165 - The Letter By Ann Newhouse

Lilli brought us back to our senses waking from her nap and demanding to be changed and fed. A much happier Sherry sang, and recited nursery rhymes all the way home, much to Lilli delight. Sherry told me she had taken James’ number but promised to give Paul a chance by letting him know how upset she was about Jenny.
I locked myself in my studio to prepare for my first art class from home. Rex had joined a local chess club along with Paul. They were holding it in the Penny Hill. Penny was starting to accept Sherry and Paul dating, she hadn’t mentioned any more about their relationship. I hoped James wouldn’t pursue Sherry, it would make things awkward between us all if things went wrong. But a part of me still worried about Sherry and Paul I couldn’t see her settling for local barmaid or indeed mother hood. She was always very career minded and needed to be independent for as long as I could remember. If pushed I would definitely say that was another big part of the failure of her marriage that and Brian was so domineering.
I know she loves Shalma, in the same way she loves Lilli, as an Auntie. She would sooner have Paul all to herself.
I decided to call to the cottage to tend to the hens and bring old Mrs. Cannon her supply of fresh eggs as Joe the postman informed me of her failing health. I was surprised to see a strange car in the driveway of the cottage. Taking the eggs, I dropped them in my basket and went on my way.
‘Oh Amber! It’s so nice to see you and little Lilli’, Old Mrs. Cannon greeted me cheerfully, I noticed how frail she looked.
‘How are you’? I asked her with a sympathetic smile, ‘Joe tells me you are feeling under the weather’.