A Daughter’s Courage: A powerful, gritty new saga from the Sunday Times bestseller. Kitty Neale

I doubt she’ll feel much like celebrating.’

      ‘I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?’

      The woman was quiet for a moment before answering, ‘Actually, there is. I can’t get up to the hospital to fetch her home, so maybe you could collect her in that nice car of yours. It really would be a weight off my mind. The thing is, it seems they all know about it round here. It happened at Mr Epstein’s place and, though Dottie’s friend Nelly tried to fob them off, the women in the bakery ain’t fools. Word has spread and I think Dottie could do without any snide comments today. I’d feel much better if I knew she was safely tucked away in your car.’

      ‘Of course I’ll pick her up. What time is she due to leave?’

      ‘In about an hour. There’s something else … don’t mention it to her yet, but Mr Epstein has given her the elbow. Nelly came round to tell me yesterday.’

      Adrian sighed a deep breath. He never had liked Mr Epstein and knew the man treated his employees harshly, though he surmised Dottie losing her job would be the least of her worries. If only he could wrap his arms around her and offer her some comfort. His heart went out to the poor girl, and once again he found himself cursing his brother for the mess he had left behind.

      ‘Don’t worry about that now,’ he said. ‘Let’s get Dorothy home and rested, then I’m sure we can sort something out in the New Year.’

      ‘She’ll need to find another job.’

      ‘Yes, but one thing at a time for now. I’ll be on my way, but before I leave, these are for you.’ Adrian indicated the brown parcels on the table. ‘I hope you don’t mind me bringing you a few gifts. It’s Christmas and I thought with Dorothy having the baby, well, we’re almost family.’

      ‘Oh, Adrian, that’s ever so kind of you. You’ve put me in an awkward position as I don’t have anything for you.’

      ‘I’m glad to hear it. I wasn’t expecting anything. I just hope you enjoy what I’ve brought for you … well, the best you can enjoy anything given the circumstances.’

      ‘You’ll understand if I don’t feel much like opening presents today, but I’m gonna do my best to cheer our Dottie up tomorrow,’ Alice said. ‘I’m sure she’ll love to open them then. What are you doing for Christmas lunch?’

      ‘Me … I’m putting my feet up in front of the television. It’ll be nice to have a day off work.’

      ‘You mean you’ll be alone? On Christmas Day?’ Alice sounded astounded.

      Adrian shrugged his shoulders. ‘Robbie is who knows where, and my sister lives in Scotland, but, as I said, I’ll enjoy the peace and quiet.’

      Alice shook her head. ‘We can’t have that. You’ll come here for your lunch and I won’t have another word said about it. By yourself on Christmas day? Well, I’ve never heard the likes of it. I can’t promise much in the way of a slap-up meal, but you’re welcome to share what we have.’

      Adrian was surprised by Alice’s invitation. He felt a little embarrassed, but at the same time relished the thought of spending more time with Dorothy. ‘Thank you. If you insist, then I would love to accept your invitation. I’ll go and fetch your daughter now, and then I’ll look forward to spending Christmas Day with you tomorrow.’

      Dorothy sat on the edge of her pristine hospital bed. Her small bag was packed and she was dressed and ready to go. She had seen two of the nurses whispering in a corner and passing sidelong glances her way. She knew they were talking about her, which made her feel even more desperate to leave the hospital, but at the same time, home was the last place she wanted to be. She had been pregnant when she’d left her house a few days ago, but now she would be returning with an empty belly and no baby.

      She gently rubbed her stomach, consumed by a feeling of barrenness. Her baby was gone, a part of Robbie had died, but Dorothy had cried her tears and was resolute that there would be no more. Apart from anything else, she knew her mother would have no time for weeping and moping. Alice had always been of the ‘stiff upper lip and get on with it’ mindset.

      Dorothy sighed deeply and prepared to make her way home. Her heart thumped in her chest at the thought of facing the world. She was sure word of her losing the baby had spread by now, and knew not to expect any sympathy.

      ‘Dottie, hello. Your mum sent me to pick you up.’

      Dorothy looked up, surprised to see Adrian. What a godsend, she thought. He has a car. ‘Adrian, you have no idea what a relief it is to see you.’

      ‘I’m so sorry about the … the, err … you know.’

      Dorothy could see the genuine sympathy in Adrian’s eyes and almost burst out crying again, but then reminded herself that she had to be resolute. There would be no more tears and she managed to hold them in. ‘Thanks Adrian, but I suppose everyone is pleased and thinking this is the best outcome. I won’t be an unmarried mother now. It’ll be one less thing for my mum to worry about.’ Dorothy knew her tone sounded bitter and wished she’d kept her mouth shut. She looked at Adrian, who seemed at a loss for words. ‘I’m sorry, Adrian. I shouldn’t have said that.’

      ‘Don’t apologise to me, there’s no need for that. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I for one am most definitely not pleased. Now come on, let’s get you home. Your mother is waiting and I know she’ll be over the moon to see you.’

      Dorothy sat in silence during the journey, peering out of the side window as the car trundled through the streets of Battersea. Everything looked so grey and glum to her, echoing her mood. Even the few Christmas decorations she spotted failed to lift her spirits and she sighed heavily.

      ‘I can see how upset you are, and it’s understandable,’ Adrian said.

      His sympathy brought tears to her eyes, but once again she fought them. ‘I know I’ve got to somehow put this behind me and get on with it. My mum won’t stand for any nonsense and, not only that, I don’t want to ruin her day tomorrow. We haven’t got much, but all the same she makes a real effort every year in the hope of rousing my dad. He used to love Christmas.’

      ‘Your mother has invited me for lunch tomorrow,’ Adrian said, ‘so I’ll help too. I’ll even dress up in my old Santa outfit if you like?’

      Dorothy smiled; it was the first time she had done so since she’d miscarried. ‘You’ve got a Santa outfit?’

      ‘Yes, and I’ll have you know I make a very good Father Christmas.’

      Dorothy smiled again as Adrian patted his stout belly.

      ‘Ho, ho, ho,’ he boomed. ‘See, you’d never guess I’m not the real thing.’

      As the sun broke through the dark clouds, Dorothy felt the glimmer of light on her skin. Though she was bereft at losing Robbie’s baby, she thought maybe tomorrow wouldn’t be so bad after all.

       Chapter 14

      The pub was full of festive cheer as customers celebrated Christmas Eve. Robbie sat at a table in the corner, supping his pint. He’d been surprised and pleased to find the wallet he’d stolen contained twenty-five pounds, a sizable amount of cash. Jumping that bloke and nicking his car had been easy, but it didn’t pay the sort of money he wanted, though he’d enjoyed living the high life for a while. It had paid for fuel to get him to Surrey and afforded him a few nights’ stay in some nice hotels. However, it wasn’t going to last for much longer and Robbie still hadn’t pulled off the big job he was aiming for.

      He squeezed his way through the throng of people to the bar and ordered another pint. When the landlord took his money, Robbie noticed the cash register was bulging with notes. This was probably one of the busiest nights of the year and there would be plenty more cash going into the till yet.