“It’s good. The library is so busy; there are dozens of different activities every week. I’ve been more involved with the literacy training and I’ve set up a cryptic crossword club.”
“Oh, that’s fantastic,” Linda said. “Look who’s come to say hello.”
She nodded toward the door, and June turned around to see Alan Bennett sauntering into the kitchen.
“Alan!” June dropped down on the floor and reached outtentatively toward the cat. He paused and for a moment June thought he was going to swipe out at her, but then he put his head down and nudged it against her hand. “Hey, old friend,” June whispered, and her voice caught in her throat. “I’ve missed you too.”
“Little Lord Fauntleroy has made himself right at home,” Linda said. “I bought him one of those fancy bed things to keep in the lounge, but he likes to sleep on my towels in the airing cupboard. And he loves it when Jackson comes round to play—he lets him stroke him and he’s good as gold.”
“He’s happy here,” June said, scratching behind Alan’s ear. “I’ve never seen him so content.”
“Now, before I forget, I’ve got this for you.” Linda took an envelope off the windowsill and handed it to June. “There’s one hundred twenty-eight pounds from the last car boot sale and what Martin got for your old table and chairs.”
“Thanks so much, Linda.”
“Are you sure you want to give all your mum’s ornaments to the white elephant stall? The fete isn’t until next weekend, so you can still change your mind.”
“I’m sure; I know this is what Mum would have wanted.”
“Good on you, love.”
Before June moved, she and Linda had spent three days emptying the house. The furniture had gone at several car boot sales, and Cherry Tree Retirement Home had been delighted with all the books. June had kept only a few boxes for herself.MatildaandThe House at Pooh Cornernow sat on the bookshelf in her new bedroom, alongside the china girl with the book.
Linda made them both a sandwich and they took them out into the garden.
“It looks gorgeous out here,” June said, admiring the riot of colorful flowers.
“You should see what they’ve done with your old garden next door,” Linda said. “They’ve cleared all the old weeds and put in a swing set for their little one. I hear him giggling over the fence and it reminds me of when you were small.”
“I met him and his mum briefly,” June said. “They seem nice.”
“They’re a lovely family.”
June took a bite of sandwich and sat back, letting the sunshine warm her skin. She’d been dreading seeing another family living in her and her mum’s old home and had put off coming back to Chalcot for that very reason. But now she was here, it wasn’t so bad after all.
“So, you’re going to this library thing, then?” Linda said.
“Yes, I think so. Although I’m a bit nervous about going in there again—I don’t know what to expect.”
June had exchanged e-mails with Mrs.B and Marjorie to begin with, but once the building lease had been sorted, their messages had trickled off and June hadn’t wanted to bother them. She hadn’t heard anything about the library for months, until last week when she received an invitation to the grand opening this afternoon.
“So, have you got any other gossip, then?” Linda said. “What about that guy from work you mentioned?”
“We went out a couple of times, but I don’t think he fancied me.” In truth, it had been June who wasn’t interested, her mind on someone else, but she didn’t want to admit that to Linda.
“But you’re settled in your new place, are you?” Linda asked. “I’ve been worrying about you.”
June smiled. “It’s taken me a while to get used to it, but I feel at home there now.”
“Your mum would have been so pleased, love. She always wanted you to spread your wings and leave Chalcot.”
“I know.”
“And you know you always have a home here too,” Linda said, reaching across and squeezing June’s hand. “Me and Alan Bennett are your family, and don’t you ever forget it.”
•••
The first person June spotted as she walked through the library front door was Mrs.Bransworth, who was standing behind the desk, serving a patron.