by Rosie Clarke
‘Your husband acted heroically, Mrs Ashley. To try and stop a knife attack is dangerous and brave – you must be proud of him.’
‘Yes, I am,’ Peggy said and bit her lip, because her emotions were all over the place. She was upset and relieved that Laurie was not dead, and she was grateful to him for doing what he had to help Maureen – but it all contrived to make her feel guilty. ‘He – he is a good man…’
‘Yes, Mrs Ashley, he is,’ the doctor smiled at her. ‘Now, go home and get some rest. I understand you have young twins and they take a lot of looking after.’
Peggy thanked him and left. She hadn’t realised how late it was until she left the hospital and saw it had grown dark. All she’d been able to think of was Laurie fighting for his life and it had torn her apart, because once she’d been a young and loving wife and they’d shared so much. Those things didn’t just go away, even if there were quarrels later in life – and Laurie had acted so bravely, without a thought for his own safety.
Remembering that she’d wondered if he might try to harm the twins when he first came home, Peggy was ashamed. She’d allowed her judgement to be coloured by Rose’s tales of her father’s brutality. Laurie had helped her with the twins and he was trying to be a good husband… it was her duty to be a good wife.
Peggy lifted her head proudly as she waited for the bus to come. Laurie had proved who he really was deep down and she had to put her pride aside, she had to accept that they’d both hurt each other and get on with her life. When Laurie came home, she would let him see that she was prepared to be a proper wife to him again.
*
‘Mum, you look so tired,’ Janet said when her mother walked into the kitchen. ‘Do you want something to eat – a drink?’
‘I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea, love,’ Peggy said and smiled. ‘A nurse brought me one at the hospital but it was awful, besides, I couldn’t have swallowed more than a sip. I thought he was goin’ to die – and I felt terrible.’
‘Dad was very brave,’ Janet said. ‘Maureen would almost certainly have died and Anne might have been injured as well, if that madman had had a go at her too.’
‘What happens to turn a man’s mind like that?’ Peggy was almost too exhausted to drink the tea that Janet gave her.
‘Maybe it was something to do with the war,’ Janet offered. ‘Killing the way the soldiers have to must brutalise a man – and yet it doesn’t change all men or doesn’t seem to…’
‘Perhaps Peter Morris was always that way…’
‘Maureen says she’s been told he may have been involved with an attempt to kill Sid Coleman the other night and she’s convinced he murdered Mabel Tandy.’
‘Is Maureen all right?’ Peggy asked. ‘I was so stunned by what had happened to Laurie that I don’t think I asked her.’
‘Yes, she managed to avoid his first attack and then Dad went for him from behind. Apparently, he put his arm round Peter’s throat and forced him to turn on him. He tried to get the knife from him, but Peter is young and stronger. Dad would undoubtedly have been killed if Tom hadn’t gone for him.’
‘Tom was brave,’ Peggy said with a shudder. ‘He could’ve been killed too. Once a knife goes into vital organs, it causes a lot of trauma and often results in death. Even if Laurie gets over this, Jan, he may not recover fully…’
‘Oh, Mum…’ Tears trickled down Jan’s cheeks. ‘I know I quarrelled with him and I was cross with him for upsettin’ you – but I don’t want him to die…’
‘Nor do I,’ Peggy said and held out her hand to her. ‘I don’t think I could bear it if he died without our havin’ made up properly. We fell out of love, Jan, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still care for him. I care for him as the man who gave me years of a good life and two beautiful children – you and Pip…’ She lifted her head. ‘We have to tell Pip. He ought to come home and see his father. They quarrelled last time they spoke and they need a chance to make it up.’
*
It was a long night and the next day seemed to drag. Peggy phoned the hospital first thing and was advised not to come in but to ring again later. Next, she rang the number Pip had given her and spoke to Sheila.
‘Pip needs to come if he can get a pass,’ she told the young woman her son was planning to marry. ‘Can you get word to him, Sheila?’
‘Yes, I shall go up to the airfield and ask to speak to him,’ Sheila said. ‘I’m really sorry this has happened – and I know Pip will be upset. He’s been in a bit of a mood ever since we left London, and I know it’s because he quarrelled with his father, even though he won’t admit it.’
‘He needs to see him and make his peace, because otherwise he’ll never forgive himself,’ Peggy said. ‘Give him my love – and you too, Sheila. You’re always welcome to visit us.’
‘Thank you. I might come up with Pip,’ Sheila said. ‘I can probably get leave, because I’m due a few days and I haven’t bothered because Pip has been flying almost constantly…’
Peggy finished talking to the girl she had begun to really like. Perhaps Pip was young to think of marriage, but the girl he’d chosen would make a good wife for him and she hoped he could make peace with his father. If Laurie came through this he would surely see the sense of being on good terms with his family.
Pip rang her that evening when she returned from the hospital. Laurie wasn’t yet conscious and he still had an oxygen mask over his face, but they’d allowed her to sit with him for a while. Peggy held her husband’s hand and told him she wanted him to get better and her tears wetted her cheeks. Never had she wanted Laurie to die and this was such a waste. He didn’t deserve to die because he’d done something brave.
She told Pip that the doctors were still saying it was touch-and-go.
‘You should come home if you can, love,’ she said. ‘Your father needs us all and he may know we’re there even if he isn’t fully conscious – that’s what Sister said. Besides, I’d like you both here…’
‘We’re coming on the early train,’ Pip told her. ‘He’s pretty strong, Mum. I think he’ll pull through – if you saw some of the injuries the men get when they’re shot down, and the soldiers… Well, he’s in the right place anyway.’
‘Yes, they’re doin’ all they can for him,’ Peggy agreed. ‘I know his attitude to your gettin’ married made you angry and I think you’d like to make your peace with him.’
‘He was the one that wouldn’t listen,’ Pip said, ‘but I shan’t hold a grudge. I’ll see you in the morning.’
Peggy hung up, closing her eyes as she stood by the phone, her cheeks wet. Sometimes life hurt too bloody much. Pip was blaming himself and grieving because of the quarrel with his father but too proud to admit it – and he really would hate himself if Laurie died in the hospital without making his peace.
Chapter 25
‘Well, the police say we can have the funeral for Mabel,’ Maureen said to Ellie that afternoon, several days after Peter’s attack on her. It was late April now and the weather was a little milder at last, though it had rained in the night, making the pavements dirty and greasy underfoot. ‘Normally, I should ask Peggy to have a little do for Mabel at The Pig & Whistle, but with Laurie still in the critical ward I don’t think I can do that – so I’ve decided I’ll have a few friends back to mine now and then we’ll have a memorial do for Mabel when things are settled…’
‘Yes, that would be much better,’ Ellie said. ‘I’ll help you with the baking if you like. Tom won’t mind if I use his oven. I’ll cook some fruit pies with tinned apples and plums, and make some fairy cakes – if that will do?’
‘Yes, of course, and I’ll do the sandwiches, biscuits and tea,’ Maureen said. ‘I’m happy to do what little I can, because she was my friend.’
‘Who is payin’ for the funeral – buryin’ and that?’ Ellie looked upset. ‘I ought to because she was so good to me, and I’ve got a few pounds that Mabel gave me…’
‘We’ve had a collection in the lanes and ev
eryone was generous, because we all liked her,’ Maureen said. ‘If you could put in about five pounds that should do it, Ellie – but don’t make yourself short, because Mabel must have some money herself somewhere…’
‘I have five pounds,’ Ellie said and went to her purse. She took the money out and gave it to Maureen. ‘This was Mabel’s. I didn’t want to take it, but she insisted. I’m so glad you arranged it all. I don’t think I could…’
‘Mabel Tandy was my friend and neighbour for years,’ Maureen said. ‘As it happens, the lawyers contacted me. Mabel made me her executor years ago and she never changed that, although she did alter her will… but I haven’t been told the details yet. I understand there will be a little money and, of course, the stock – though the shop was only rented; on a long lease, about a hundred and fifty years, she told me once. That’s why her husband put in a bathroom for her; it was like their own house, and the landlord didn’t mind what they did, because he’s not interested in the property.’
‘What will happen to it now?’ Ellie gave a little shiver. ‘I couldn’t go there again…’
‘I’m hoping the owner will let me take the lease over,’ Maureen said, deciding to be frank. ‘We need that shop in the lane, Ellie, even if I sell other things as well as the wool. Mabel asked me recently what she ought to do, because she was worried about trade, and I told her to expand her stock in whatever she could find – and that’s what I’ll do if I get it. I might take in good second-hand clothes for women and sell them on for the moment, but after the war I’ll make it a complete baby shop with everything a mother could need for her child, including the cot and pram and all the rest…’
‘That would bring more customers,’ Ellie said and a half-smile flickered in her eyes. ‘Mabel would be pleased if you took over the shop, Maureen – but how will you ever have time to do it all?’
‘I’ll find someone to run it for me,’ Maureen said. ‘I’ve got ideas, Ellie, but I can’t do anythin’ until after the funeral – and until the owner lets me take over the lease, if they will.’
‘I don’t understand these things, Maureen – but would the lease belong to whoever she left her things to?’ Ellie asked.
‘That’s a question I can’t answer,’ Maureen said thoughtfully. ‘I shall have to ask the lawyer. He’s comin’ to the funeral and to mine afterwards.’
‘Well, I’ll buy the stuff I need and make the things I promised for the tea,’ Ellie said. ‘I shall be at Mabel’s funeral, Maureen, but then I’m going back to Sid’s sister in the country. He promised to find me a place of my own somewhere as soon as he can and I might set up a little hairdressin’ business if I can find a proper nursery to leave Beth at while I’m workin’. I think I could go to women’s houses and do their hair for them at home. I might even be able to take Beth with me…’ she drew a deep breath. ‘I have to put the past behind me, forget about Peter and what he did – and I can’t do that here where everyone knows.’
Maureen nodded sympathetically. Mrs Stimpson who owned the hairdresser’s had taken over her customers for a short time, but now another young woman was starting work there and Ellie might not have a job if she stayed.
‘I may have to give evidence at the trial,’ Ellie said, ‘but I’ll come up when they tell me…’
‘Yes, I expect they’ll want me to go to court too,’ Maureen agreed. ‘I’m just glad both Tom and I learned to drive. It will make things easier – though it’s his birthday soon and I think the Army will be after him.’
‘You’ll miss him…’
‘Yes I shall,’ Maureen agreed. ‘You should learn to drive, Ellie.’
‘Sid will teach me if I ask him,’ Ellie said. ‘He has this job he can’t leave for as long as he’s needed, but… he’s asked me if I’ll marry him once I get my divorce from Peter.’
Maureen looked at her steadily. ‘Ellie, you do know that Peter may hang for what he’s done?’
Ellie nodded, her face drained of colour. ‘I know and I feel guilty, Maureen. If I hadn’t had Beth…’
‘I don’t think you can blame yourself for what your husband did, Ellie,’ Maureen said. ‘Peter must have had a bad streak in him, don’t you think?’
‘I’ve been told he was into nasty things – but when I married him I thought he was wonderful. I keep thinkin’ it was me that changed him.’
‘I’ve been told that he was in with some bad types before the war from one of the constables who arrested him. He came to see me at home so that I could sign my statement and told me in confidence a lot of things about Peter and his friends, but you don’t need me to tell you…’ Maureen stopped because Ellie was already feeling bad enough.
Ellie nodded. ‘Sid heard the same and he told me a bit of it – but I think I’ll always blame myself for what happened to Mabel.’
‘You may feel better after the funeral,’ Maureen comforted, because she didn’t know what else to say. Ellie hadn’t deserved all that had happened to her, and she wasn’t to blame for Mabel’s death. Had she not run away, Peter might have killed Ellie, her child and Mabel, because Mabel would not have stood by and let him get away with it. ‘No one but Peter is to blame for his crimes, Ellie. In time you’ll understand that.’
Ellie nodded, though she didn’t look convinced. Maureen felt sorry for her, but she couldn’t stay any longer. She had to call into the shop and see if Tom needed anything. It was his eighteenth birthday in a few days and Maureen was going to give him ten pounds and bake a cake for him. She knew he would get his call-up papers soon and she was going to miss him in the shop and as a friend, but Tom wanted to join the Army with all his heart. Maureen would find someone to take over the shop – until another of her little plans could be put into place. Gordon might never be fully able-bodied again, but he could serve in a shop and talk to the customers, and as he grew stronger they could find other things for him to do – but that was for the future.
Maureen had to talk to Tom, and then she must give Robin his lunch before leaving him with Gran so that she could visit Gordon at the hospital. She was always busy these days, even though she’d stopped helping out at the hospital for the time being. Ellie was right to wonder how Maureen would find the time to run two shops, but the lanes needed Mabel’s shop to stay open, and Maureen was looking to the future. She had two children and another on the way, and she wanted to give them all good lives. Hopefully, she would be able to buy the lease and the stock, though she might have to borrow some money from the bank to get it all. Gordon didn’t have a lot of savings, so he couldn’t help, though he’d split the rent from his house between her and Shirley now, and Maureen had always been good at managing.
She could ask one of her friends if they wanted to share in the business. She wasn’t sure that Peggy would have time to get involved, and she couldn’t ask her at the moment, but Anne might – and Janet had spoken about a little job. It might suit her to serve customers in the shop… or perhaps she would advertise for someone new, if she got the lease.
Maureen refused to worry about her problems when others had so much more to be upset over. Peggy was fretting over Laurie and both Pip and Janet felt guilty because they’d quarrelled with him in the past. Maureen sighed. They’d all had so much to put up with since the start of the war and it never rained but it poured – another of Gran’s favourite sayings. A little smile touched her mouth as she thought of her grandmother, who was as tough as old boots and seemed as if she would live forever.
*
‘He looked so damned vulnerable,’ Pip told his girlfriend when they left the hospital together that evening. ‘I felt as if I wanted to shake him, to make him wake up and get mad at me again…’
Sheila nodded, and clung to his arm, offering what comfort she could. ‘I know, love. He’s your dad and he always will be, no matter what happens between you – but you mustn’t despair. I talked to one of the doctors and he says the signs are good. Mr Ashley is coming out of a deep coma and he should wake soon. Then they wi
ll be able to tell what damage the trauma did to him… and, according to the doctor I spoke to, the signs are that he will recover.’
‘Thank God!’ Pip bent and kissed her on the lips. ‘All I could think about was that I’d fallen out with him and if I died I couldn’t ever tell him that I loved him.’
‘He knows, of course he does,’ Sheila said and smiled up at him. ‘He loves you too, Pip – he couldn’t do otherwise, because you’re very loveable…’
‘You’re biased,’ he said and aimed a kiss at her nose. ‘I haven’t bought you a present for our anniversary yet; we’ve been together for a year next week, properly together. What shall I get you?’
‘I don’t mind,’ she said and looked up at him mischievously. ‘Your mum told me what to buy for you as a present – but I’ve got some ideas of my own.’
‘I think we should have a little party to celebrate our engagement – and Maggie’s birthday was last month, and the twins had their birthdays not long ago,’ Pip said. ‘We should have a party. There’s no point in us all sitting around in deep gloom – and I’ll have to go in two days’ time. I can’t ask for more time off…’
‘I’ll stay on to help your mum for a while,’ Sheila said. ‘I’ve got a couple of weeks’ holiday due and I’ll take them now, so I’ll be with her until we know how your father is so that she can visit him more. If you can get a pass, you can come up for a few hours, if not you can ring me.’
*
‘Janet thinks it’s a good idea to have a small celebration,’ Peggy said when Pip broached the subject that evening as they ate dinner in the kitchen. ‘She thinks it will cheer everyone up a bit – and after Mabel’s funeral, we shall all need it… and it’s good to celebrate your happiness, Pip. And it’s Tom Barton’s eighteenth birthday too. I’ve told Maureen I’ll do something special for him. He deserves it…’
‘Mrs Tandy’s funeral is tomorrow, isn’t it?’ Pip said. ‘I don’t think I’ll go, Mum, if you don’t mind. I didn’t know her well. I’ll man the fort here with Sheila while you all go – if you want to?’
