The Abbey books were written by Elsie Jeannette Oxenham. This little story takes place just before "The Abbey Girls Again", in which Mary-Dorothy Devine and her sister Biddy meet the Abbey girls...
"I wish..."
Whatever Biddy's wish was, it went unspoken. She gazed at her sister for a few moments, but Mary seemed to be dreaming over her mending. Mary spent a lot of her time dreaming.
She looks tired, thought Biddy; and indeed, in spite of the relaxed, peaceful expression, and the occasional tiny smile which crossed Mary's lips, there was something worn and weary about her. It occurred to Biddy that Mary looked older than her thirty years. No, not older - faded, as if all the colour was draining out of her. It wasn't surprising, since she sat at home night after night, sewing or reading while she went off into her own little world. It seemed to satisfy her, but it wasn't enough for Biddy.
With a sigh, she snuggled back down in the big armchair and went back to reading her magazine, an old copy of Film Weekly one of her friends from the college had lent her. Going to the pictures was a bright spot in Biddy's life; she knew Mary didn't approve, but she had to have some fun. If only Mary would come with her, sometimes! They'd grown apart over the last few years, as Mary drifted into her stay-at-home life and Biddy found friends to go about with; friends closer to her own age. But how wonderful it would be, if she and Mary could find something to do together!
"Did you say something?" Mary, rousing from her dream, looked across at her little sister.
For a moment Biddy felt like pouring it all out: how much she loved Mary, how little they now had in common, and how deeply she wished they could find some way bridge the ever expanding gulf which separated them.
"Nothing - at least - shall I make us a nice cup of cocoa?" she heard herself say; and the moment was gone.
Mary nodded. "I'd like that. Thank you, Biddy." Mary went back to her mending, and Biddy uncoiled herself and went to the stove to put the kettle on.
She'd never have the nerve to say it. But she could feel herself drifting away from her sister, and if they lost each other, they would break their hearts. All they needed was some little thing they could share, but it seemed as though that little thing would never exist.
"I wish..." Biddy whispered to the teacups; but she knew her wish would never be granted.