Read A Safe Harbour for Free Online

You can stay with me today.’  
    Suddenly a wave, more forceful than the rest, pulled back and seemed to drag the wet sand away from beneath their feet. Kate stumbled and Jane put her arms about her friend and held her tightly. Then she turned her round and began to lead her away from the shoreline. Never, in all the years they had known each other, had Kate allowed herself to be led by anyone other than Jos. But now, weary with grief, she submitted to Jane’s will. They walked up the gentle slope of the beach together hand in hand like the children they had once been.  
     
    ‘My mother thinks you are neglecting yourself.’ Richard Adamson stood in the living room of the two-storeyed cottage his forebears had once lived in and glanced apologetically at his cousin, who was visiting from America.  
    Howard Munro, who was as tall as Richard himself, and whose careless way of dressing did not disguise the fact that his clothes were of first class quality, pushed a lock of fine brown hair back from his expressive face in a gesture which had become familiar. He smiled. ‘Why should she think that?’  
    ‘Well . . .’ Richard gestured helplessly. He wished his mother had not sent him on this errand. Howard was a grown man with a generous allowance from his parents and quite capable of looking after himself. Surely it should concern no one if he chose to subsist on bread and cheese in his artist’s garret, as village gossip had it, rather than taking up Grace Adamson’s offer of dining with them. ‘Well, she promised your mother,’ he continued, ‘that not only would we let you have this cottage for the duration of your stay but she would also see that you ate regular meals and brought your laundry along to be taken care of at our house.’
     
    Howard looked guiltily at the pile of rumpled linen bundled on the sofa, which also served as his bed. Then he pushed his hair back again and laughed. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said.  
    ‘Sorry?’  
    ‘You are a busy man, Richard. You have a fleet to command. You have better things to do than run around on errands like this.’  
    Now it was Richard’s turn to smile. ‘You make it sound grand . . . my fleet. They’re just trawlers.’  
    ‘ Just trawlers? No, not simple fishing boats, Richard. Your vessels are steam trawlers; your family are pioneers who have revolutionized the fishing industry and provided cheap fish in abundance. You’ve brought added prosperity to the river Tyne.’  
    Richard stirred uneasily.  
    ‘What is it?’ Howard asked.  
    ‘What you say is true. But in doing so we haven’t pleased everybody.’  
    ‘Ah, yes. Not everybody likes change. Especially if it affects their livelihood. The local fishermen resent what you’re doing.’  
    ‘They’ll have to adapt. They can’t stop progress.’  
    ‘No. And now, not only am I taking up your valuable time, I’ve also angered you.’  
    ‘No, not at all.’  
    ‘It’s kind of you to say so. But how can I make amends?’  
    The American’s smile was so open and engaging that Richard relaxed. ‘By putting on your jacket and coming back with me.’  
    ‘Now? So early?’  
    ‘Yes, now – for a substantial breakfast, designed to tempt a starving artist.’  
    ‘I’m hardly starving. I’m just naturally slim.’  
    ‘You’ll have to convince my mother of that. Then, when I depart to go and command my fleet, you can stay and talk to my mother for a while and, perhaps, write a note to enclose in her letter to your mother. That way both our mothers will be satisfied.’  
    ‘Very well. As long as you will honour your promise.’  
    ‘Promise?’  
    ‘To let me paint your portrait.’  
    ‘Ah, you were serious, then.’  
    ‘Of course.’  
    Richard smiled ruefully. ‘I’m no oil painting, as they say.’  
    ‘On the contrary. Your features may not be classical, but those dark intense looks are compelling.’  
    ‘Yes . . . well . . . you can paint the