Wishes and Tears by Dee Williams Page B

just in case you said ...’ His voice trailed off.
    Janet felt so sorry for him. He look humiliated, but, trapped in the garden with the Slaters, he’d have to see it through to the end. What if her father refused? Her hope of getting away could be dashed and she would have to wait till she was twenty-one. Three more years.
    â€˜So, if I do give my consent, where are you thinking of living?’
    â€˜At the moment I share a flat with my boss, Danny, but he’s moving and I’m taking over the tenancy.’
    â€˜I see,’ repeated the Reverend. ‘And where is this flat?’
    â€˜London, sir.’
    Janet smiled at Mark.
    â€˜And when were you thinking of getting married? Providing, of course, I give my permission.’
    â€˜Next year. When Danny moves out I’ll have to get the flat decorated and furnished.’ He looked at Janet and grinned.
    â€˜Next year. Well, at least you sound as if you’ll be taking your responsibilities seriously. I will have to give this some serious thought. A lot can happen in a year. And as your mother said, you, Janet, are very young.’
    Janet felt deflated. Was he doing this deliberately? ‘I’ll be nineteen next year.’
    â€˜I still think it’s very young to take on such responsibilities.’
    â€˜I’m sure Mark is very level-headed,’ said Mrs Slater hurriedly.
    â€˜We shall see.’ Her husband moved away.
    â€˜Tea, Mark?’ asked Mrs Slater.
    â€˜No, thank you. Janet, can we go for a walk?’
    â€˜I’ll get my bag.’ Janet was pleased to get away from any more questions.
    When they shut the gate Mark let out a loud sigh. ‘D’you know, I think that was the longest half-hour of my life?’
    Janet held on to his arm and laughed. ‘You should have seen your face.’
    â€˜Why? What was wrong with it?’
    â€˜Nothing, but you looked ever so worried.’
    â€˜I was, and we didn’t get an answer, did we?’
    â€˜No, I dare say I’ll get a grilling when I get back.’
    â€˜What d’you think our chances are?’
    â€˜I don’t know.’ Janet was worried in case her father brought up the past. Would he?
    â€˜What if he says no?’
    â€˜I don’t think he will. He’s just making sure you squirm a bit.’
    â€˜I certainly did that. If he says yes perhaps we could get you a ring next Saturday.’
    â€˜I’d like that.’
    â€˜Will I have to wait till we’re married for ... you know?’
    â€˜Most definitely yes.’
    â€˜Thought you might say that.’
    â€˜Do you mind?’
    â€˜No, not really. It’s nice to think that I’ll be the first.’
    Janet couldn’t meet his eyes as she didn’t have an answer to that. But she knew she had to tell him about Paula soon.

Chapter 8
    Mark kissed Janet gently. ‘I’ll see you later.’
    She watched him drive away then slowly made her way back into the house.
    â€˜Janet? In here.’ Her father was calling from his study. ‘Sit down.’
    She did as she was told.
    â€˜This business with Mark Scott has come as rather a shock to both your mother and myself.’ He looked at her quizzically. ‘You’re not in any kind of trouble again, are you?’
    Janet felt her face flush with anger as well as embarrassment. ‘No, Father. I made one mistake and I won’t be repeating it.’
    â€˜Very good. He’s a nice lad and comes from a well-respected family.’ He gave her a rare smile. ‘I think we can say you have my permission.’
    â€˜Thank you.’ She left the room. It was so formal.
    Her mother was waiting outside. ‘Janet, come with me.’
    She followed her mother into the drawing room and sat in an armchair opposite her.
    â€˜We have to have a little talk.’
    Janet wanted to laugh. Surely she wasn’t going to tell her about the birds and bees?
    â€˜Are you