Josephine Cox 3-Book Collection 1: Midnight, Blood Brothers, Songbird. Josephine Cox

to be the right thing to do, Thomas corrected her: ‘Eileen?’

      ‘Yes, Thomas?’

      ‘I just asked you a question, and you weren’t listening.’

      ‘Oh, and what did you say, then?’

      ‘I asked if you and me would be fine on our day out, just the two of us.’

      ‘Yes, Thomas. We’ll be fine.’ She looked up at him. ‘We will, won’t we?’

      ‘We certainly will, m’dear.’ He held her hand fast. ‘There won’t be anyone finer.’

      ‘So, where are we going?’

      ‘To the park, of course. You must remember that we talked about it yesterday.’ He prompted her to think back.

      Eileen gave a frown, then she was smiling, ‘Oh, we’re going to see the ducks . . . and we’ve got a lovely picnic . . .’ She frowned. ‘. . . I think?’ She glanced at Libby.

      ‘Hey! What’s all this?’ Pointing to the bag on Libby’s arm, Thomas chided, ‘Don’t tell me you’ve packed us a meal?’

      ‘I have, yes. Sandwiches and fruit, and orange juice and some plastic cups.’

      ‘You’re too thoughtful,’ he tutted. ‘I know we’re two old ’uns, but we’re capable of finding the tearooms. I’m not short of a bob or two, neither. I’m sure I can afford a sandwich and a pot of tea.’

      ‘No, Thomas. Thank you all the same, but it’s enough you taking Mum to the park, without you having to spend your money as well.’

      A few minutes later, Thomas had secured Eileen into the front passenger seat of the car and they were ready to leave. ‘Right then, Libby, let’s have that picnic bag.’

      When she passed it over, he groaned and made a big fuss over it, as though in agony. ‘Oooh, it’s too heavy for an old fella like me!’ He gave her a wink as he said to Eileen, ‘I reckon your daughter’s trying her best to finish me off!’

      Eileen laughed heartily, ‘You’re a comedian, that’s what you are, Thomas.’

      Satisfied that everything was in order, Libby gave Thomas a little peck on the cheek, then hugged her mother. ‘I’m away to work now, Mum. You have a really lovely day, and I’ll see you both later.’

      ‘And you be a good girl, while we’re gone!’ Eileen told her. ‘Else you’ll have your father after you.’

      Her comment did not surprise Libby, but she felt obliged to remind her gently, ‘Daddy was a long time ago, Mum,’ she said softly. ‘It’s just you and me now.’

      Though Libby’s own memories of her father were very limited, she knew that he was always strong in her mother’s mind. Whenever Eileen talked of him, Libby felt her pain. It was such a sad thing.

      Eileen and Thomas waved her off. ‘That’s it, my beauty.’ He made sure Eileen’s seatbelt was secure.

      Eileen was still waving. ‘Where’s she gone?’

      ‘She has to be at work,’ he reminded her. ‘And now, we’d best be on our way.’

      ‘Where are we going, Thomas?’

      ‘Where do you want to go?’

      ‘I don’t know.’

      ‘Yes, you do.’

      ‘Do I?’

      ‘Think hard, my lovely. We’ve been there before, lots of times. It’s a place you love to be. It’s where you always ask me to take you.’

      Eileen went quiet, almost sulky. Then, with a little shout and a clap of the hands, she cried out. ‘The park! We’re going to the park!’

      Thomas gave a whoop. ‘That’s right, my darling. We’re going to the park. What a clever girl you are.’

      ‘I know.’ She gave a proud little giggle. ‘I’m a clever girl.’

      Her simple joy made Thomas smile. In her declining health, he had never known Eileen be angry or spiteful. Instead she was always thoughtful and caring. Yet, she was often afraid, and occasionally she would jump at either himself or Libby for the simplest things, like forgetting to put the sugar in her tea, or plumping the cushion too much in her favourite chair.

      Somehow, over the years, almost without him real-ising, this wonderful lady had become the light of his life. He never told her, because in the circumstances, it was not the thing to do. But it was a joy to be with her. Considering how very much he had loved his wife, his deep feelings for Eileen in these later years had come as a great surprise to him.

      Corporation Park was not far away – through the back streets then along King Street and up Montague Street, and there, high above the town itself, was the proud, impressive entrance, hiding a secret that would amaze and delight the unsuspecting visitor.

      Built many years ago, amidst great pomp and celebration, this magnificent park was not only a haven of beauty and delight, it was also a treasured refuge from the busy lives and relentless duties of the townsfolk.

      With an impressive stone lion at either side of the tall iron gates, and the first sighting of that wide lane meandering its way up through the heart of the park, the mere act of leaving the mayhem behind, to stroll through that man-made paradise, was a joy in itself. If the heart was heavy when the visitor walked inside, it became lighter after spending precious time within the tranquil beauty of that most exquisite place.

      ‘Here we are!’ Because vehicles were not allowed within the park, Thomas turned immediately left before its gates. It took him but a minute to find a suitable spot for parking. ‘Right then, m’darling, let’s get you out.’

      Just a few moments later they were ready to go, with the picnic bag hanging on Thomas’s arm.

      Eileen was like a child let loose in a sweet-shop. ‘Ooh, can we go to the lake? I want to feed the ducks. I know we have bread, because Libby told me.’

      ‘We can go anywhere your heart desires,’ Thomas promised; and Eileen was content in the knowledge that he would keep his word.

      ‘We’re fortunate to have such a lovely day,’ he said as they made their way down the lane and into the park. ‘June can be a funny month sometimes. Even so, I’d have still brought us here, even if it was raining cats and dogs.’

      ‘I never said it was raining!’

      ‘No, sweetheart, I know you didn’t say it was raining.’

      ‘So, what did I say, then? Tell me what I said!’ She grew agitated.

      Thomas stopped by a rosebed.

      ‘No need for you to get upset,’ he said gently. ‘You’ve done nothing wrong.’

      Unsure, Eileen looked him in the eye. ‘Who said I was upset?’

      ‘No one.’

      Eileen tutted. ‘Oh, so that’s all right then, isn’t it?’

      Thomas was very careful in his approach. ‘Well, yes, everything seems all right to me.’

      ‘So why have we stopped, especially when it’s about to rain?’

      He gave her a peck on the cheek. ‘It’s not going to rain, love. I think we got a bit lost in our conversation just then – about the rain and such.’

      ‘You said it was raining, not me! You’re all mixed up, Thomas.’ She wagged a finger. ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with you.’

      Thomas felt the laughter bubbling inside, and try as he might, he could not hold it back. ‘Do you have any idea how much I love you?’

      ‘I love you too,’ she said sternly. ‘Now stop being silly.’ Then, in a quieter voice, she said, ‘Thomas?’