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12

As the afternoon wore on, Josephine and Marta decamped to the other bedroom, where there was a better view of the route across to the mainland. ‘Any sign of Archie?’ Marta asked as Josephine peered out into the semi-darkness.

‘No, not a thing. Even if there was a boat on its way back to us, I’m not sure we could see it from here. We’ll just have to wait and hope that he’s all right.’

‘I never want to hear the words “Christmas” and “house party” in the same sentence again as long as I live,’ Marta said with feeling, as she put the parcel she had brought with her down on the bed. ‘Still, at least I can finally stop lugging this around. It’ll be your responsibility once you’ve opened it.’ She tried to patch the wrapping paper where it had been torn in transit, but quickly gave up. ‘Go on, you might as well open it now and finish the job.’

Intrigued, Josephine unwrapped the box and took out a black leather case which held an exquisite gold-plated Corona typewriter. ‘This is beautiful,’ she said, lifting it out and trying the keys. ‘What a wonderful present.’

‘I’m glad you like it, because it’s a selfish gift really. I thought if we have to spend some time apart while I’m in America, the least we can do is write to each other. I want a letter from you every day, and I can’t possibly read that much of your handwriting. It’s ruined my eyesight already.’

‘But glasses suit you.’ 277

Marta laughed, then added more seriously: ‘This goes with it as part of the present.’ She handed over an envelope with Josephine’s name typed neatly on the front. ‘I thought I’d better try the machine out before I gave it to you. The bell has a particularly nice ring, I noticed.’ Josephine removed the sheet of notepaper and read the words ‘Come with me’. ‘Consider it an IOU for the air tickets,’ Marta added. ‘The typewriter’s portable, so if we don’t need the letters, you can always bring it with you and write your next book on it instead.’ She sat down next to Josephine and took her hand. ‘You don’t have to decide anything now, and this probably isn’t the best time to discuss it. I know it might not even be possible, but it makes me feel better to think that we have a choice.’

‘Of course we have a choice. I’m not any happier than you are about being on different continents.’

‘So you’ll think about it?’

‘Yes, I’ll think about it. Now, wait there.’

She fetched her bag and handed over the tissue-wrapped envelope. Marta opened it, looking first confused, then astonished. ‘But these are the deeds to your cottage. You can’t just sign half of it over to me.’

‘Why not? It’s always been our cottage, and it would mean nothing to me without you.’ Marta began to object, but Josephine silenced her with a kiss. ‘If it makes you feel any better, the cottage is a selfish present, too. I thought it might give you a reason to come home.’