Eric Hudspith held her tight, one liver-spotted hand pressing her head to his chest, the other gently stroking her back. He was equally distressed, her grief becoming his with each sob. ‘I will slay him for what he has done to you,’ he said, murmuring the words into her hair. ‘You are too lovely a creature to be so badly treated.’
His jacket was rough against Rachel's cheek, but she did not move. She felt him smooth the lilac jumper which had rucked beneath his consoling hand, one finger accidentally touching her skin. She felt him pull swiftly away, heard his stifled groan. Very slowly, she lifted her face and saw that his eyes were screwed tight, and she knew that her heartbreak was also his. Only then did she realise that he loved her, that his affection was pure and unselfish. By comparison her love for
Eric silenced her by putting a finger to her lips. ‘I want only your happiness, dear girl. I ask no more than that.’
(to be continued)
