Starlight by Anne Douglas Page B

Rusty’s eyes rested on Jess’s face. ‘So, there you are. That’s my story. Your turn now.’
    After some show of unwillingness, Jess finally told of her own short life – her father’s early death, her mother’s struggle, how she and her sister had still had a reasonably happy life in Leith – and Rusty listened closely. When she’d finished, he nodded, and for a moment pressed her hand.
    â€˜Sounds to me like you’re a pretty brave family, Jess.’
    â€˜We’ve been luckier than some.’
    â€˜Well, you and your folks made the best of things and that’s to admire. One piece of luck for you, I think, was having a sister. I’ve always been sorry I was an only child.’
    â€˜Oh, yes, I’ve got a sister,’ she agreed. ‘Did we say we were having the fruit tart?’
    They were silent until their puddings were brought, when Rusty said gently, ‘Am I speaking out of turn, or don’t you get on with your sister?’
    â€˜She’s called Marguerite and very beautiful. So’s my mother.’
    â€˜Of course they’re beautiful – they’ll be like you.’
    â€˜No, I’m no’ fishing for compliments. I’m OK. They’re more than that.’ Jess glanced swiftly at Rusty. ‘And I love them both – I do honestly. But . . . well, the thing is . . . Marguerite, being older than me, was always more of a companion to Ma, and a help to her, you see. So, they’re close . . . and I’m . . . no’ quite so close. Don’t think I’m complaining. I mean, they love me, too.’
    â€˜I understand, Jess. I can see how it’s been.’
    They were both silent, concentrating on their fruit tart, until Rusty put his spoon down, pushed back the lock of hair on his brow and made a sign to the waitress.
    â€˜As we can’t have a drink, Jess, let’s at least have coffee and get cheerful, eh?’
    â€˜Rusty, I think anyone could be cheerful when you’re around,’ Jess said sincerely.
    When they had settled the bill, which they did quite amicably with Jess paying her share, they had to face the cold again, and it seemed natural that they should walk arm in arm up the High Street.
    The heart of the city, Jess told Rusty, for he knew little of its history. Apart from the castle, everything that was old and colourful could be experienced here, and the setts on the road, that the tourists called cobbles, had seen so many feet over the centuries – what tales could they have told?
    â€˜Sometime, you’ll have to give me a guided tour,’ Rusty commented. ‘But what shall we do now?’
    â€˜Well, it’s getting late – think I’d better get back home.’
    â€˜Late? Why, the night is young!’ His face had fallen, making her feel guilty, which annoyed her. ‘We could at least go for a drink, seeing as we couldn’t have one with the meal.’
    â€˜You mean, to a pub? Are you joking? My mother would shoot me. You know what pubs are like here – no’ for women.’
    â€˜Sally and Arnold were going to a pub.’
    â€˜Well, Sally can probably do what she likes. Ma keeps tabs on me.’
    Rusty sighed deeply. ‘All right, I’ll take you home, then. Don’t say I can’t come on the train with you, because I’m coming, whatever you say.’
    â€˜I’ll say, thanks very much,’ Jess retorted, repenting of her irritation and laughing. ‘It’ll be nice to have company.’

Eleven
    On the train, he sat close and told her he didn’t know Leith at all. His father had lived in the Old Town and that’s where his own lodgings were, but Leith was a complete unknown. Still, Jess, as a Leither, would be able to tell him all about it.
    â€˜I’m no’ a Leither!’ she cried. ‘I’m an Edinburgh girl. Ma only took the flat where we are now