eagerly pulled her towards the door. He was her one consolation in life and she didn’t regret getting him from Battersea Dogs’ Home. He might be a bit naughty, but he was loving and loyal – but then that thought brought him to mind again and her lips thinned.
Val left the flat, crossed the road to the park, her eyes peeled for Betty Grayson. It was still a glorious day and the park was full of people intent on making the most of the brilliant weather. She unclipped Treacle’s lead and the dog scampered off ahead of her, but so far there was no sign of Betty. Val walked the paths, her eyes constantly on the look-out, but it was half an hour later before she saw the woman. Betty was sitting by the duck pond, partly concealed by the fronds of a willow tree.
Val drew in a deep gulp of air, forcing her shoulders to relax. Take it slowly – just be friendly, she told herself. She called Treacle and, knowing that the dog wouldn’t be able to resist chasing the wildfowl that Betty was feeding, she clipped on his lead.
‘Hello again,’ Val said. ‘Treacle wanted another walk, but I didn’t expect to bump into you again.’
‘It was too nice to stay indoors and lovely to have Battersea Park opposite our flats.’
‘Yes, and with a dog but no garden, it’s a godsend. Do you mind if I sit down?’
‘Please do,’ Betty said eagerly, her smile one of pleasure. With Treacle around the ducks had waddled quickly away, and after shoving a paper bag into her pocket, Betty bent to stroke the dog’s head. ‘I’d like a dog too, but as I work full time it wouldn’t be fair to leave it in my flat all day.’
‘Fortunately my employer is a lovely man and lets me take Treacle to work. He even got him a basket to sit beside my desk.’
‘That’s nice,’ Betty said, then raised a hand to wipe it across her forehead. ‘Goodness, it’s hot.’
Treacle had moved to lie in the scant shade of the willow tree, panting, his tongue lolling, and worriedly Val said, ‘Yes, and I think it’s a bit too much for Treacle. I’d best take him home. If you’re ready to go, perhaps we could walk home together.’
Betty stood up, her expression eager. ‘Yes, all right. I’d like that.’
With Treacle beside them, they began to stroll slowly, Betty speaking enthusiastically about the flowerbeds that lined the path. ‘Look at those petunias. What a wonderful display. I used to have a large garden and miss it.’
‘I’m afraid I know nothing about gardening, but they’re certainly colourful.’
Betty indicated another flowerbed. ‘They’ve used red geraniums in that one.’
They continued to chat about the plants, but when they arrived at the flats, Betty sort of hovered at the door, smiling tentatively. Val could sense the woman’s loneliness, and hoped she’d accept her invitation as she said, ‘It’s my birthday today. If you aren’t busy, would you like to join me for tea?’
‘Oh, Happy Birthday and yes, I’d love to.’
‘I expect you want to freshen up first. Give me half an hour to make some sandwiches and then pop down.’
Betty looked delighted as she climbed the stairs, calling, ‘See you soon.’
Val went inside her own flat to make a plate of cucumber sandwiches, and then finding a packet of individual chocolate rolls she arranged them on a plate before gong to the bathroom to refresh her make-up.
Shortly afterwards the doorbell rang and Val tucked a stray lock of hair back into her French pleat as she answered it, a smile of welcome on her face. ‘Come on in.’
Betty stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room. ‘This is lovely – I just love your décor. Youngsters nowadays go for all the modern stuff with bright, garish wallpaper, whereas this is so soothing, so sophisticated.’
‘I prefer soft colours and as I can’t tackle wallpapering, I just gave it all a coat of paint. Would you like tea or coffee?’
‘Tea please.’
‘Sit yourself down. I won’t be a tick,’ Val said, going back to her small kitchenette.
When the tea was made she carried the tray through. ‘I hope you like cucumber sandwiches.’
‘Yes, lovely,’ Betty said, whilst eyeing the plate of chocolate rolls with appreciation.
Val sat opposite, poured the tea into small, delicate china cups and then offered cubes of sugar from a bowl, complete with little silver tongs.
Betty took two lumps, then saying, ‘Well, Happy Birthday again.’
‘Thank you.’
‘My daughter was waiting for me when I came home from the park this morning. She couldn’t stay long as she was off to buy new clothes for a holiday in Spain.’
‘That’s nice. Is she going with her husband?’
‘Anne isn’t married. She’s going with her boyfriend.’
‘Do you have other children?’
‘Yes, a son, and he’s single too.’
Val didn’t want to sound too inquisitive, so said, ‘I’m sure your daughter will love Spain. I once went to Barcelona and the architecture was stunning.’
‘You’re lucky. I’ve never been abroad.’
‘Yes, well, nowadays I’m lucky if I can afford a day trip to Brighton.’
‘Me too,’ said Betty.
So, the woman was hard up, Val thought as she mentally stored this small piece of information. ‘There are some lovely places in England and I’ve always been fond of Dorset. Do have a sandwich,’ she encouraged, whilst fumbling for common ground. ‘I suppose you heard that Judy Garland died on Monday?’
‘Yes, I saw it in the newspaper. It said she died from an overdose of sleeping pills.’
‘I was so sad to hear of her death. Since I saw her in The Wizard of Oz she’s been one of my favourite actresses.’
‘I loved her in A Star is Born,’ Betty enthused.
‘Do you go to the cinema much?’
‘Not really, but I did go to see Maggie Smith in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.’
‘Me too. I was so glad when it won the Oscar.’
Betty just nodded, munching on her sandwich and, when it was finished, Val held out the cakes.
‘Thanks,’ Betty said, taking one and biting into it with obvious relish.
Maybe food could be a common interest, Val thought. ‘I’m not much of a cook. What about you?’
‘I used to be, but as I only cook for myself now, it’s usually something simple.’
‘I
