‘Is it true?’ Poppy asked, her face ashen.
‘Nobody knows but the doctor found the end of his pinky lying in his lap,’ Nellie said.
‘Now you know what Ezra Morton is like, Poppy, so be ruled by us and stay away from him,’ Nancy begged. ‘With a face as pretty as your’n he’d have your head hangin’ on his bleedin’ wall!’
‘Nance, for God’s sake!’ Nellie chastised. ‘You’re frightening her. Poppy, just keep yer distance from him, that’s all we ask.’
‘I will,’ the girl said as she tried to pour herself more tea, but her hand shook so badly it slopped all over the table.
‘Don’t worry, lass, if we all stick together, we’ll be safe enough,’ Nellie said.
‘And tomorrow we’ll have big Fred on our side too,’ Nancy added.
Silence descended as they drank their tea and thought about poor old Mr Pickles and the dastardly Ezra Morton.
17
Jack lay in his bed with his mind in turmoil. For ten years he had thought Nellie was his mother, and now in a matter of moments his world had been turned upside down. He had no idea who he truly was, where he came from, or even who his parents were.
He had been given a name by Nellie but what was his birth name? Did he have one? How could he find out? Would anyone else know? Why had Nellie not tried to seek out his natural family?
Over and over the questions formed in his brain until his head ached with it all. One thing was for certain – he would get no sleep for worrying about it.
The more he thought on it, the more his emotions threatened to betray him, until at last they won out and he burst into tears. Turning his face into his pillow he sobbed at the sudden confusion which had affected his life.
Eventually he began to pull himself together and look at the situation logically. He had a mum, albeit not his birth mother; he had a relatively good home, a bed to sleep in and food in his belly. He should consider himself very fortunate rather than fretting about questions he couldn’t answer.
That being so, the best he could do now would be to get on with life as usual, as hard as that might be.
Down the hall in her own room, Nellie was also having a bad night. All that had been said in the living room rolled through her mind like a set of moving pictures. She knew she should have told Jack long before but somehow day-to-day living got in the way. The longer she had kept her secret, the harder it had become to find the right moment to divulge it.
Now that it was at last out in the open, Jack was clearly mortified. Nellie prayed he would overcome the trauma soon and they could return to some sort of normality. In her heart however, she wondered if the whole structure of their relationship had altered so much that it would never be the same again. In that one moment she had seen the look in Jack’s eyes. Sudden mistrust, disappointment, disbelief – all merged in a confusing jumble. She saw also a pleading for it not to be true, then sad acceptance when she confirmed that it was. Her poor boy was in turmoil, and so was she.
Nellie then thought of the man who was causing all this upset in her family. Ezra Morton! He had made so many people’s lives miserable, and now it was her turn. Was it because she had bested him over repaying her loan? Or was he smarting over being humiliated in her saloon on his visit that day? Whatever the reason, Nellie knew she had to be on her guard. That man was capable of anything and keeping her loved ones safe was her main priority.
Turning over onto her side, Nellie resigned herself to being unable to sleep.
Dolly was sitting by the window looking up at the brightest star she could see. ‘Oh, Mum,’ she whispered, ‘I’ve only just found these lovely people and now it’s all going wrong for them! I want so much to help but I don’t know how!’ The star glittered but it gave her no answers. ‘I thought it was best for Nellie to pay back her debt with the money from your necklace, but now I’m not so sure it was such a good idea. I’m afraid for Poppy and Jack, Mum. Surely there is something I can do to make things right again!’
With a huge sigh, Dolly stared out at the night sky, willing the answers to come, but deep in her heart she knew these were things she couldn’t fix. Only time would tell how it would all work out and Dolly prayed it would be for the best all round.
The following morning, Jack eyed Nellie warily, still wondering why she had kept her counsel for so long about finding him on her doorstep. He was finding it difficult to come to terms with the fact that his real parents had dumped him onto someone else.
He knew the way he was treating Nellie was hurting her but he couldn’t help himself. In a way he felt betrayed – as though she felt that he couldn’t be trusted with the truth and only now, when Nellie felt threatened, had she revealed all.
Pondering the words Dolly had spoken helped a little and Jack knew he had to pull himself together and get on with life. He might never know who his birth mother was or why she’d abandoned him, but he did have Nellie.
In his way, he loved the woman who had taken him in, despite her harshness with him at times. He was certain she loved him back, otherwise why would she keep him around? He began to realise how unfair he was being to her by keeping his distance. They had barely spoken a word to each other, and Jack reasoned it was now time to grow up and take it like a man.
One by one everyone came in and sat around the kitchen table, bleary eyed from lack of sleep.
‘I’ve been thinking…’ Jack said as he watched the others nod – clearly of the same mind. ‘Dolly said it ain’t no use fretting about something you can’t change. So, as far as I’m concerned, you’re still my mum.’ In a very much out of character gesture, Jack flung his arms around Nellie.
Tiredness and worry saw her in floods of tears as she hugged her boy tight. ‘I love you like my own, you’ll always be my son, sweetheart.’
‘I’ve been thinking as well, Nellie,’ Poppy said gently, not wanting to disrupt the show of familial affection. ‘I ain’t having anything to do with Ezra Morton – ever!’
‘Thank God!’ Nancy said on a breath. ‘Now can we have some breakfast – I’m bloody starving!’
A banging on the door had everyone silent in an instant. Then Nellie said with a grin, ‘That’ll be Frederick Dell if I ain’t mistaken. Best let him in before he bosts the door down.’
A moment later the huge man followed Nellie into the kitchen and plonked his suitcase on the floor. ‘Oooh, just in time,’ he said as he breathed in the aroma of bacon and eggs.
‘Sit yerself down then,’ Nancy said as she fetched more bacon from the cold slab. This big ’un is going to take some feeding, she thought as she saw him tuck into some bread and butter.
Nancy was right in her thinking for after two huge breakfasts, half a loaf and a pot of tea, Frederick’s hunger was finally sated.
‘I’d rather keep you a week than a fortnight,’ Nancy said with a smile.
‘That were the best!’ Frederick said with a boyish grin. ‘Right, Nellie, what’s to be done?’
Led down to the cellar, he was set to work tidying and shifting empty casks, replacing them with full ones. His loud cheerful whistle could be heard all over the saloon.
Around mid-morning a fight broke out in the bar and Nellie yelled for Frederick’s assistance. Striding across to the two men rolling about on the floor, Frederick grabbed each by his collar and hauled them to their feet. Without warning he banged their heads together but held on to them whilst their senses returned. Then he stood them both facing the wall like naughty children and boomed, ‘When you can behave, you can turn around!’
Nellie’s laugh sounded loud across the cheer in the bar. ‘Good on yer, Fred,’ she called as she looked again at the brawlers. Slowly they turned around and shook hands with each other – and with Frederick.
Dolly and Jack giggled at the spectacle as they served diluted rot-gut gin to eager customers.
Frederick smiled shyly at Poppy as he returned to the counter and flushed scarlet when she patted his arm.
Nellie r
olled her eyes – Oh blimey! Another who’s fallen under Poppy’s spell!
Ezra Morton was, at that moment, grinning wickedly at the cigar cutter in his hand, which had brought to mind Mr Pickles.
Poor old boy – and all for a tanner! Had you but known that was all that was left on your debt!
A tap to the door was heard before a head peeped in. ‘Found out what you wanted to know, Guv’. The big man is working for Nellie Larkin.’ The head disappeared and the door slammed shut.
Larkin! That woman again! Ezra threw the cutter on the desk in a temper. Although Frederick Dell had left his employ of his own accord, Ezra felt slighted he had chosen to go to Nellie.
Something had to be done about Mrs Larkin – and soon! At every turn of events that one was besting him and Ezra felt enough was enough. It was time to take action and let her know who the boss was in this town.
Within the hour Ezra had a team of men out visiting every brewer and distiller in the town, to inform them it would be in their best interests not to trade with Nellie Larkin. Now he could sit back and wait. The Crown Saloon would soon run dry and with no way to replenish stocks there could be riots. Angry customers would most likely smash the place to bits, then that woman would well and truly be out of business. However, when that happened, he could be on hand to swoop in and offer a paltry sum to take the ruined building off her hands. He had more than enough money to rebuild it and make it grander that it was before.
The look on Ezra’s face was one of pure evil as he pondered on the thought of getting his revenge on Larkin for the humiliation she had caused him.
18
‘Mum, we’re really low on stocks,’ Jack said as he came up from the cellar where he’d been chatting with Frederick.
‘Right. I’ll go around the town and see what’s on offer and compare the prices, then I’ll organise a delivery for tomorrow.’ Nellie said, before calling through the doorway, ‘Poppy! Keep that bar running and take no nonsense! Call on Fred if you need to.’
Grabbing her bag, she hitched up her skirts and set off. Whistling for a cab waiting at the end of Gin Barrel Lane, she tapped her foot impatiently as it rolled towards her.
All morning was spent visiting every distiller and brewer she knew and all gave her the same answer. They could not help her. She had asked the reason and as lips remained sealed and heads shook, she guessed just what was going on. Clearly, they had been threatened – warned off doing business with her, and she knew precisely who was behind it all – Ezra Morton!
By the time she returned home, Nellie was furious. She stomped into the kitchen and threw her bag onto the table.
‘Hey up, Nell, what’s going on?’ Nancy asked.
‘That bloody man!’ Nellie rasped.
‘Who?’
‘Ezra Morton! I can’t get a gin supply from anybody, Nance – he’s put a stop to it!’
‘Christ A’mighty! What will you do?’ Nancy asked as she dropped onto a chair, her hands on her cheeks.
Nellie paced the kitchen and shook her head. ‘I ain’t got a clue, Nance! Once we run out, I’m done for!’
‘Why don’t you ask Dolly?’ Nancy asked.
‘Dolly’s only a kid!’
‘Ar, but she’s a clever kid, and is always ready with an answer of some sort,’ Nancy said with a grin. ‘Anyway, you’ll have to tell the others what’s happening.’
Nellie nodded before yelling for the girl.
‘Did you want me, Nellie?’ Dolly said a moment later as she hobbled in from the bar.
Listening carefully as Nellie explained, Dolly then said, ‘There are distillers in other towns, why not order from them?’
‘Why didn’t I think of that?!’ Nellie said as she slapped a hand to her forehead.
‘I imagine you were too worried. You could visit first and once you’ve made your choice you could have it brought in by canal. You’ll need to bring it from the wharf though so maybe Frederick could help with that,’ Dolly said.
‘If it could come to Snow Hill Wharf, then you’ll just need to shift the barrels from there, up St Mary’s Row and down Loveday Street,’ Nancy said, trying to be helpful.
‘I’ll need to borrow a horse and cart then – or hire one,’ Nellie said, her spirits lifting once more.
Dolly frowned and Nellie caught the movement. ‘What?’
‘We would have to keep it a secret – where the gin is coming from, I mean, otherwise Ezra could threaten them too,’ Dolly warned.
‘Good idea,’ Nellie concurred.
‘Do you think they would use plain barrels?’ Dolly asked.
‘Why?’ Nancy asked, wondering what the girl was getting at.
‘If the distiller’s name or marks are on the casks, anyone could see them and Ezra would immediately be informed – for a price, I suspect. If not, then the barrels and casks should be covered at all times.’
‘Blimey, Dolly, you think of everything!’ Nellie said with a laugh.
‘I’m beginning to know how Mr Morton thinks and the trick is to try and have a plan ready so we can stay one step ahead,’ Dolly answered.
‘If we get this sorted out it will rile the hell out of him!’ Nancy said.
‘Yes, but what will he come up with next?’ Nellie’s face fell at the thought.
‘Nellie, until he leaves you alone, it might be an idea to hire a couple of night watchmen,’ Dolly suggested.
‘Oh, my God! He wouldn’t go that far, would he?’ Nancy asked, suddenly afraid.
‘We can’t rule anything out, Nancy. To my mind he’s out for revenge for Nellie besting him over that loan and losing his hold over supplying alcohol to The Crown. He’s preventing us buying gin locally by threatening the distillers. He means business, so who knows how far he will go to see Nellie ruined? I just think it would make sense to have someone on guard at night so we can all sleep safely,’ Dolly replied.
‘Thanks, sweetheart. I’m so glad you came to us, it was meant to be,’ Nellie whispered as she hugged the girl.
Dolly smiled warmly then went back to her work in the bar, leaving Nellie yelling Frederick’s name.
Explaining her predicament and Dolly’s suggestion, she asked for his help.
‘I knew Ezra could be mean, but this…? You can count on me, Nellie. I know two young blokes – brothers – who would be glad of the work, I’m sure. I’ll go and see them and ask ’em to come here where you can talk to them.’ Fred’s eyes moved to Nancy and he flushed as she gave him a big smile.
‘Ta Fred, I appreciate it, would you be kind enough to see to it now please?’ Nellie asked.
Fred nodded and Nellie watched the big man walk to the back door. She smiled as she thought, with legs that long he’ll be there and back in no time!
An hour later two young men sat in Nellie’s kitchen listening to her woes. Matthew and Noah Dempster were handsome boys with thick fair hair and twinkling blue eyes. Well-built with bulging muscles from manual labour, they were afraid of no one – not even Ezra Morton’s men.
When Nellie had finished speaking, they simply looked at each other and grinned. No words were needed between them, it was as if they were of one mind.
‘When do we start?’ Noah asked.
‘How does tonight sound?’ Nellie answered with her own question.
‘Grand,’ Matthew said.
Agreeing a wage, Nellie then said, ‘You’ll have a meal with us then settle yourselves either in here or the bar. I’m trusting you to keep us all safe, and that means you an’ all, as well as this place. Now, come with me and I’ll show you around.’
Following their new employer, the Dempsters were agog at the noise that greeted them in the bar. They stared at the people pushing and shoving their way to the counter to be served. Then their eyes landed on Poppy and their grins appeared again.
Bloody hell! Not these two as well, Nellie thought with a shake of her head.
Back in the kitchen, Nellie asked the boys where they lived.
‘We r
ent a doss-hole over in Slaney Street; a pigsty it is but it’s cheap,’ Matthew explained.
‘Our dad was a miner so when he died we were turned out by the pit boss,’ Noah added.
‘Where’s your mother?’
‘She died when we were kids,’ Matthew answered. ‘There’s just the two of us now.’
Nellie rubbed her forefinger beneath her nose as she considered her next words. ‘I’ve a spare room here if you don’t mind sharing, but I warn you now – I’ll kick yer arses myself if there’s any hanky-panky!’ Nellie’s voice was firm and they were under no illusions that she would not carry out her threat if they misbehaved.
‘You don’t even know us and you’re inviting us to live in your house,’ Noah said.
‘True, but I’m offering you a job. Would you repay my kindness by stealing from me?’ Nellie countered.
‘No, we wouldn’t,’ Matt returned.
‘Besides, it will save you the walk to work every day,’ Nellie added. ‘I took Fred in and he ain’t let me down. And another thing – he vouched for you.’
Nodding in unison, the Dempsters spat on their palms and reached out their hand to seal the deal and Nellie shook each of them in turn.
‘Fetch your stuff and you can get settled in right away.’
‘Thanks, Mrs Larkin,’ Noah said happily.
‘Nellie’s the name, use it – don’t abuse it.’
Slapping each other on the back they scrambled out through the door, eager to be ensconced in their new home.
‘It’s a good job I cleaned them spare rooms when I did, ain’t it? Nancy asked.
‘It is. You must have known,’ Nellie answered.
‘P’raps I’ve got that second sight thingy like the gypsies,’ Nancy went on.
‘What, you think you’m a gypsy now, do you?’ Nellie asked sarcastically.
‘You never know, I could be. It might be that my folks way back were and it’s come down through the family line.’ Nancy said, a little excited at the thought of being of Romany descent.
The Children from Gin Barrel Lane Page 10
