Читать книгу The Remnants - W. P. Osborn - Страница 10

Danny raced through the barn with clear intention. He scampered up the ladder into the storage room slamming the door behind him.

“Did you see them?” He called as he marched over to the small table where Phil was already gorging himself.

“See what?” he mumbled barely audible through a mouthful of tongue and cheese sandwich.

“Those two in the store!”

“Two what?”

“Those two girls. They were spectacular!”

“No, how could I? I was outside on the street, dummy. Why didn’t you call me in?”

“Cause the missus tossed me out for staring at them.”

“Really, that good?”

“Better,” Danny grinned, “and the redhead smiled at me. Not too much of a smile but a really lovely smile. Really…lovely!”

Danny grabbed a sandwich and pressed forward to the tiny window overlooking the street. He scanned around but with no result. Still watching, he tore into the bread and cheese, “the redhead is stunning, a real beauty. I think I’m going to marry her someday.”

“Marry her, you haven’t even met her!”

“Yeah, I know but I will, and then I will.”

“So, I guess her friend is no great catch then.”

“Now that’s the best part, for you, that is. She’s beautiful too. You just wait. I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”

“Yeah, I bet you wouldn’t! Remember the Townsend Fair? You got the little golden filly while I was stuck with that big fat plug. That was some great deal you made for me all right!”

“No sense of humour, that’s you. Can’t you for once just think of all the fun I had instead of worryin’ about yourself all the time!”

Dan turned back to the gritty little window, leaned forward and almost pushed his nose right through it.

“Hey, look, it’s them! There they are. Look!”

Phil jumped up and pushed his head forward to squeeze into the tiny space.

“Well, lemme see, you clod!” he snarled as he pushed Dan aside.

Phil’s jaw dropped almost immediately as he stared without a word, then very quietly, “God, you’re right they’re beautiful, both of ‘em.”

“What did I tell you, Phil, me ole pal. See, you can always rely on me!”

“Mine’s the one in blue?’ Phil muttered in a near disbelieving whisper.

“Yep. This time we both get a beauty!”

“I take it back,” Phil whispered, “there is a God!”

The street was filled, as it normally was on a Saturday mid-day. Small clusters of busy shoppers paraded on either side of the high street and the pleasant weather promoted a spirit of congeniality amongst the crowd.

Maggie and Rose had just left the small dress shop and each carrying a brown paper parcel. They waited for the right moment to carefully cross the road. Determined to go home penniless, they congratulated each other on their respective purchases and began to search for a path to continue their expedition, heading across at the corner to a tiny millinery shop where Rose had spotted a perfect ‘petit chapeau’ in the window.

The traffic seemed much heavier and noisier than when they’d first arrived. A few motorcars slammed and banged their way weaving through the crowd and upsetting the horses. Before the girls reached the boardwalk, Danny and Phil miraculously emerged from a nearby alley and headed straight toward them.

“It’s him, the lovely boy from Jameson’s,” Rose whispered, “Isn’t that convenient?”

“Oh, I like his friend,” Maggie smiled, “tall and blond with lovely great muscles. He’ll do nicely!”

Once on the boardwalk Maggie took charge. She marched straight up to the boys and smiled directly at Phil, “Tell me young man, can you recommend a nice establishment for quick bite and a wee drink? My friend and I are ever-so parched.”

Phil immediately retreated one step back as his face began to soar tomato red, “Well, I ah, yes, well, maybe….”

“The Horse and Crown, Miss,” Danny jumped in and smiled. He turned to speak directly to Rose, “It’s just up the road. We were, ah, just heading there ourselves. Perhaps you’d care to join us.”

“Well, that is very kind. What do think, Rosie dear?”

“Sounds lovely,” Rose dropped her eyes away from Danny’s intensity and he beamed as he pushed the introductions.

“Very good then ladies. My name is Daniel, Danny to my friends, and this is my good pal, Philip - Phil for short.”

“My name is Rose, and this is my dear friend Margaret.”

Maggie stepped forward and took Phil by the arm and smiled coyly, “Oh, Rosie, let’s drop the airs. Please, call me Maggie.”

Danny then reached out for Rose’s hand, nestled it comfortably into his left elbow and caught a quick wink from Phil.

“Well, all set then?”

“Very all set!” Phil smiled as they proceeded to lead the girls down the street.

* * *