News from Nowhere by Jane Austin

Author:Jane Austin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cinnamon Press
Published: 2017-01-29T00:00:00+00:00

The train sped through a chequerboard of fields in browns and greens and cattle gathered under clumps of trees. Hedgerows and dry stonewalls parcelled out the terrain and every so often an outcrop of hayricks or farm buildings broke up the landscape, unrolling flat as a painting. Home, thought Bronwyn, was rugged and lush by comparison.

Telegraph wires criss-crossed the open spaces and human dwellings congregated at intervals round church spires. As the train sped southward, houses came thicker and faster until almost no green spaces were left, and eventually the skyline was lost to buildings.

Each time the train shot through a tunnel a blast of sooty air rattled the doors and windows as well as her nerves. It felt endless, this journey, sapping the excitement that had fuelled her until now.

At last the guard was passing along the corridor calling out, London Euston, last stop Euston, and she looked over at Maddy, who was on the edge of her seat ready to go. Not so the other ladies in the carriage who flapped round like wet hens packing away picnic baskets before the train pulled in.

‘Here we are,’ Bronwyn said, ‘I hope they’ll find us,’ meaning George’s father and Amelia.

She had no idea what to do if they missed each other at the station. She knew no one else in London and had precious little money if anything should go wrong.

‘It will be fine,’ Maddy reassured her, ‘of course they’ll find us. We can always go to the Station Master’s office if there’s a problem.’

Bronwyn stood to take their suitcases from the rack, and lifted down luggage for her fellow travellers as she was by far the tallest. The train drew to a standstill in an almighty hiss and rush of steam. Bronwyn led the way into the corridor carrying the suitcases and peered through murky windows. Maddy followed, wielding a basket of supplies sufficient to replenish a larder; Mam had insisted on sending provisions, including a dozen bantam eggs.

She half hoped to see George, but he’d stayed home to man the office; business before pleasure, he’d explained. Her skin prickled with anxiety as she scanned the pressing crowd.

There was no mistaking Mr Chisolm, as he strode towards the carriage with a fair-haired Amelia at his side. George had his father’s thick blonde hair, turning grey in the older man.

The doors were open and Mr Chisolm stood ready to help people off with their luggage before porters arrived. Bronwyn waved and he raised his hat, a distinctive homburg. They moved slowly forward inside the train until it was their turn to get off.

His grip was firm as he handed them down. ‘Delighted to meet you, ladies; welcome to London. Meet my daughter Amelia.’ His manner was easy and he smiled with warmth.

‘Hello again,’ Amelia said shyly.

‘I feel we almost know each other already,’ said Bronwyn. ‘George has told me so much about you. This is my good friend Maddy.’

Maddy said, ‘I know we’ll be friends. I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you all.

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