.

      Jenny knew that leaving the opportunity of the library job behind would be her only regret and doubted she’d get such a chance again. For a moment she was saddened but then again staying at home would be far worse. Perhaps she’d be able to find a job in a bookshop and that would be some compensation. Cheered by the thought she said, ‘Right then, I’m off home to sort out what clothes I’m taking. I’ll see you in the morning.’

      The two of them retraced their steps and parted outside the flats. Jenny continued on her way, undecided whether to tell her mother she was leaving when she got home or wait until she was packed and ready to go in the morning.

       Chapter Ten

      Delia was upstairs, just leaving the bathroom when Jennifer returned from her walk. She hadn’t wanted to overplay her hand and so had shown nothing but kindness recently towards Jennifer. However, the girl would be sixteen tomorrow and it was time to bait her again – time to strike.

      She followed Jennifer into her bedroom but, not having had a chance to rehearse her words, Delia had to think quickly.

      ‘Jennifer, I’m not happy that you went out without telling me where you were going. I know you were upset, and Robin thinks I was harsh with you, but I’m not prepared to make excuses for your father. He isn’t coming home, accept that and pull yourself together.’

      ‘I…I just went out for a walk, that was all.’

      ‘It was more like you went off in a sulk. You are not a child now and I suggest you stop behaving like one. You’re sixteen tomorrow and thankfully can leave home if you want to.’

      ‘Thankfully? It sounds like you want me to go.’

      Delia smiled sardonically, deciding to move this forward. Going out to the hall she raised her voice to a loud wail. ‘I can’t stand this again. I really can’t. Your behaviour is just too much…too much…’

      As Delia had hoped, Robin came running upstairs. ‘Mother, what’s the matter?’

      ‘I tried to apologise, to explain why I was so harsh, but now Jennifer seems to think I want her to leave home. I don’t, Robin, but…but she was so nasty…so…so rude to me.’

      ‘Mummy, calm down and let me take you downstairs,’ Robin urged, and then shouted at Jennifer, ‘As for you, I’ll deal with you later.’

      Delia clutched her son’s arm as they went into the drawing room. He was making a fuss of her and she enjoyed it, letting him think he had managed to soothe her.

      ‘If you’re all right now, Mummy, I intend to see that Jenny apologises for her behaviour.’

      ‘Thank you, darling,’ Delia said, glad that once again Jennifer had proved no match for her. The girl was too young and innocent to work out what was really going on, and Robin was the same, easily fooled.

      While Robin went to get Jennifer, Delia composed her expression to one of wounded hurt. When the girl appeared, Delia waited for the apology. It didn’t come. Instead when Jennifer spoke it was with defiance.

      ‘I know you planned all this,’ she said, ‘but you needn’t have bothered.’

      ‘What is that supposed to mean?’

      ‘That I’d already decided to leave home.’

      ‘But you can’t, Jenny,’ Robin protested.

      ‘Oh yes I can. It’s just what your mother wants.’

      ‘Don’t be silly. She did once suggest it and had her reasons, but then we agreed that you’re too young. Mother, tell her,’ Robin urged.

      ‘If Jennifer wants to go there’s nothing I can do to stop her,’ Delia said. Then, seeing the expression on her son’s face, she could have bitten off her tongue. She quickly back-pedalled. ‘Of course I would prefer her to stay, and hope we can persuade her to do just that.’

      ‘If you believe that, Robin, you’ll believe anything,’ Jennifer told him. ‘I’ve never made her life a misery. In fact it’s the reverse and I’ve told you how she treats me when you’re not here.’

      Delia knew that she had to stop this, and wailed, ‘It’s you who’s telling lies. You’ve always been jealous of my relationship with my son and now you’re trying to come between us. Oh, Robin…please, I can’t take any more of this.’

      Just as Delia had hoped, Robin rushed to her side, and over his shoulder she saw the look of disgust Jennifer threw at her before she marched out. For a moment Delia was annoyed at her audacity, but then realised that it didn’t really matter. The girl was leaving, and now all she had to do was to convince Robin that she’d played no part in her decision.

      At last her torment was over and she would never have to look at that face again – the tears Delia shed now, ones of relief.

      

      Robin was angry with Jenny for upsetting his mother again, but hated the thought of her leaving home. He would have to talk to her, but with his mother in this state it would have to wait.

      ‘Jennifer really was telling lies, but I don’t know how to convince you of that.’

      ‘I’m not sure you have to. I’ve seen for myself now what Jennifer has been putting you through. I just wish you’d told me before and then I’d have understood why you always seemed rather cold and distant towards her.’

      ‘I didn’t want you upset; I tried to shield you.’

      ‘I’m not a child, Mother.’

      ‘You were when you took your eleven plus exams, followed by grammar school with more to face. I was so proud when you passed and went on to college, but what I feared is now happening. Instead of concentrating on your studies, you’re distracted and worried about me because of Jennifer.’

      ‘I’m still on course to pass my A levels.’

      ‘That’s good,’ Delia said, but then she started to sob again. ‘I dread to think what your father will say. He’ll blame me, I…I know he will.’

      ‘Mother, don’t worry. When he comes home again, I’ll put him straight.’

      ‘I doubt you’ll convince him. Jennifer can do no wrong in his eyes.’

      ‘I must admit I found it hard to believe at first, but I’m sorry now for doubting you.’

      ‘There’s no need to apologise, darling, but oh dear, with all this emotional upset I’m so tired,’ she said, placing a hand over her mouth and yawning. ‘I have an awful headache and think I’ll go to bed.’

      ‘Yes, do that, and don’t worry. I’ll see that everything is shipshape and the doors are all locked.’

      ‘You’re such a comfort to me. Good night, darling.’

      Robin saw how emotionally drained his mother looked as she rose to her feet. It was his turn to protect her now, to shield her from any more distress, and to do that he’d have to make sure she remained calm in the morning. They would both talk to Jenny, persuade her to stay, and hopefully things would get back to normal.

      After he checked all the windows and made sure the back and front doors were secure, Robin went upstairs. The house was strangely silent and his room hot and stuffy as he lay on his bed, his mind twisting and turning.

      Despite the fact that he’d been blind to Jenny’s faults, she was in his system, and he hoped they could talk her round. Yet if there was another scene he doubted his mother could cope. She was already at the end of her tether, and he dreaded the thought of her breaking down again, of having to call the doctor, who might well have her hospitalised. Anger towards Jenny flared once more and Robin began to wonder if