‘Yes, Miss,’ Adam replied feeling full of dread.
Una nodded and with a glare at Rodney, she strode away.
‘What you done, Ad’?’ Polly asked, a worried look crossing her face.
‘I haven’t done anything wrong, Polly, so don’t you be fretting,’ he assured her.
Thanking Mrs Elliot as he did after each meal, Adam made his way to Miss Reed’s office. Knocking on the door he waited.
‘Enter.’
Adam turned the knob and walked in closing the door quietly behind him. Standing by the large desk, he was still wondering why he had been sent for.
‘I have something for you,’ Una said as she picked up an envelope and waved it in the air. ‘Who, may I ask, has been writing to you?’
‘I don’t know, Miss,’ Adam answered softly.
‘I think you do, young man,’ Una snapped.
‘I will, when I open it – Miss.’ Adam was careful to be respectful. He didn’t want to antagonise the woman for fear she would keep or even destroy the letter. He guessed it was a reply from Billy Marshall and he was eager to see if he was right.
‘It’s very rare for children in my orphanage to receive letters, Adam,’ Una said without a care for his feelings.
Adam stood quietly his eyes never leaving the envelope as Miss Reed played out her little game of trying to make him feel uncomfortable.
Locking eyes at last with the woman who was now tapping the envelope with her fingers, Adam said nothing.
‘Should you wish for any help with reading this, I will be here all morning,’ Una said. Passing the letter over the desk to Adam she added, ‘You may go.’
‘Thank you, Miss Reed.’
Una watched the boy leave and then she sat back in her chair. She knew perfectly well who that letter was from, for hadn’t she spent many hours as a girl helping that person with his writing? She smiled as she thought how the spidery scrawl had not improved much over the years. But then Billy Marshall used his hands in a very different way now.
Adam walked slowly back to his room, the letter tucked in his trouser pocket. He recalled asking Miss Brock if she could see her way clear to posting his short note to Billy. She had agreed but extracted a promise from him to tell no-one as she could be hauled over the coals by Miss Reed.
Making his oath, Adam had cleaned the school room until it shone, and his teacher was delighted.
Sitting on his bed Adam stared at the envelope and read his name. Master Adam Fitch. His fingers traced over the letters and then unable to wait any longer he opened it.
Dear Adam,
Thank you for writing to me. I was sorry to hear about your dear brother, but be assured he’s happy in heaven now.
Adam felt the tears sting his eyes and he brushed them away with his sleeve before returning to his correspondence.
You will be pleased to know I won yet another fight against a fellow called McKay, and have nothing planned for the near future.
I hope you and your sister Polly are both doing well and that bully is staying out of your way. It’s my guess you will have given him a hiding already.
Adam smiled as he thought back to when he gave Rodney a taste of his own medicine.
Look after yourself my young friend, and maybe we can meet again once the weather improves.
Your friend forever, Billy.
Adam lay the letter on his lap as the words, friend forever sounded over and over in his mind. Placing the letter back in its protective covering he looked around for somewhere safe to hide it. Hearing the bell calling all to lessons, he laid his precious letter beneath his flock mattress. It would have to do for now; when he had more time, he would find a better place.
With a smile on his face and new energy in his limbs, Adam ran from the bedroom, down the stairs and into the classroom. The others looked at him with concern as he entered, but when they saw his wide grin all their worry disappeared. Adam was happy – so they were too. All that is except Rodney Dukes, who sported a constant scowl.
The children watched the snow melt over the next few days leaving the gardens a soggy mess. Puddles of cold water lay here and there and the boys had fun jumping over them. Polly and May stayed in their ‘home corner’ where the old dolls were kept.
Early one morning as the sun struggled to peep through the clouds, the older boys were seen leaving, their few meagre belongings tucked under their arms. Adam watched them go, after all, before he knew it, he would be thrown out too. What would he do then? Where would he go? Would he go home to his parents? In his mind Adam crossed off that notion – he would never again visit that house whilst his father was in residence.
Turning, Adam stared at the building that was the orphanage. Once he would have been scared to leave this place for it offered stability and relative safety, but he was afraid no more. There was only one thing that frightened Adam Fitch, and that was if he should lose his beloved sister, Polly.
On Sunday morning, rather than going to church, the children were told to stay in their rooms. Adam and Joe looked out of their bedroom window to see a carriage roll up the driveway. A fine lady and gentleman alighted and walked into the building.
‘What’s going on?’ Adam asked.
‘Probably supporters of this place come to make their annual donation,’ Joe replied.
The two boys watched the carriage driver pack and light his pipe then pace back and forth in order to stay warm. Then the grand couple emerged from the building and the lady was holding Polly’s hand. The little girl was crying and struggling as she was lifted into the carriage.
‘Polly? Polly!’ Adam yelled hitting the window with his fist.
Ignoring the instruction to stay put, Adam flung the door open and raced down the stairs yelling his sister’s name as he went. Joe was hot on his heels and the two boys ran out to see the carriage disappear down the street.
‘Joe – Joe! What’s going on?’ Adam said breathlessly.
‘Bloody hell, Adam, it looks like your Polly has been sold on!’
‘Nooo!’ The wail that came from the distraught boy sounded like a wounded animal which brought everyone running. All except Una Reed.
Unable to prevent his tears, Adam cried like his heart was breaking. He kicked out at the still open gate yelling Polly’s name as loud as he could, ignoring everyone now standing watching. Eventually Adam fell to his knees on the wet ground and threw back his head. His howl was long and silent but every person heard it in their minds and their hearts went out to the boy they had all come to love.
Surprisingly, the one most affected by this unbidden show of emotion was Rodney Dukes. All the times he had tried to draw Adam into a fight, and suddenly his anger and jealousy of the lad disappeared in an instant. He could not even begin to imagine the hurt Adam was feeling and it tore at his soul.
Going to the boy still on his knees whose body heaved as he sobbed loudly, Rodney helped him to his feet and put an arm around Adam’s waist to prevent him collapsing again.
Shocked looks were exchanged as Rodney helped a sobbing Adam indoors and up to his room, the others following behind.
May Johnson was crying quietly at the loss of her friend and her brother Arthur was doing his utmost to console her.
Mrs Elliot wept bitter tears into the corner of her shawl and was led inside by Dilys the maid.
Ruth Ashby and Celia Brock held tightly to each other. In all their years at the orphanage they had never witnessed anything like it. That young boy’s heart-rending screams would stay with them forever.
Rodney and Adam, along with their little entourage, disappeared into the room the heart-broken boy shared with Joe. The door closed behind them leaving the shocked adults standing in the hallway in a huddle.
15
Across the town in Bank Street, Minnie Fitch had no idea of the torment her youngest son was experiencing. James and Peter had gone off to school and she sat in the cold living room waiting for her husband to emerge from his bed. Thinking about his
actions of the previous day, Minnie’s anger mounted. He was supposed to have been looking for work but had ended up at a cock fight. Admittedly he had backed the winner but what had he done with the money – he’d drunk it all up the wall. His family were starving, they had no coal for the fire and here he was coming home roaring drunk!
The sound of Gerald rousing caused Minnie’s eyes to raise to the ceiling. He would be down in a moment probably still in a drink-filled haze. Hearing his boots on the bare wooden staircase, Minnie steeled herself. Throwing the door back on its hinges, Gerald stepped from the last step and into the living room. Ignoring his wife, he shuffled outside to the privy.
Minnie grimaced at the sight of him. Holding up his trousers with one hand, his braces hanging loose. A vest which had once been sparkling white was now grey and dirty. Gerald’s whiskers were showing signs of age and his hair stuck out all over the place.
Minnie folded her arms and waited. She guessed he would use his hangover as an excuse to go back to bed rather than look for work. Well, he had another think coming if that should be his idea.
A hacking cough and spit told her he was on his way back and Minnie readied herself for yet another inevitable confrontation.
‘Don’t suppose there’s anything to eat?’ Gerald’s voice was a dry croak.
Minnie shook her head. The remaining food she had hidden away was for her boys.
‘Right, well, I think I’ll just go back…’ Gerald began as he made for the door.
‘Oh no you won’t, Gerald Fitch!’ Minnie said menacingly.
‘Minnie don’t start. I’ve got a banging headache,’ Gerald said as his hand covered his forehead.
‘I don’t give a damn!’ Minnie snapped. ‘It’s self-inflicted and I ain’t got no sympathy.’
Gerald dropped into his chair with a groan. ‘Min’ don’t shout,’ he mumbled.
Lowering her voice a tad, his wife went on, ‘Gerald I’ve had enough. I can’t go on like this. We’re begging and scraping to keep body and soul together and you don’t give a tinker’s cuss!’
‘I was looking for work but…’
‘But you got way-laid at a cock fight!’ Minnie’s voice rose again as she became more irate with the pathetic figure sitting before her, feeling sorry for himself.
‘I know but – it won.’ Gerald’s face cracked a small grin hoping he’d be forgiven. He was mistaken for Minnie rounded on him.
‘Yes, but where’s the winnings? Drinks all round was it? Gerald Fitch – the big man buying beer for all his cronies.’ Sarcasm dripped from each word as Minnie studied her husband.
Not responding to her taunt, Gerald dropped his chin on his chest.
‘I thought so. I know you too well, Gerald, but I’m telling you now – you’ve overstepped the mark this time. I want you gone from this house today!’
Gerald’s head shot up and he groaned loudly at the pain that sliced through him. ‘You don’t mean it, Min’, you’re just angry. It’ll be all right you’ll see.’
‘It will indeed – after you’ve gone. So, get your coat and bugger off. I don’t want to see you ever again!’
Gerald could see his wife meant every word and getting to his feet he grabbed his jacket from the nail hammered into the back door and walked out.
As Gerald trudged away from his home he thought, She’ll calm down and then she’ll let me back in.
Minnie sighed with relief thinking, If he thinks to return later then he’s in for a shock. There is no way I’m taking that man back into my life and hang the consequences!
A ‘yoohoo’ sounded a little while later and Flo’ Spittle walked in to see Minnie sitting staring into space. ‘I hope you ain’t come to gloat,’ Minnie said unkindly.
‘No, I ain’t,’ Flo’ returned.
‘That’s all right then.’
‘I’ve brought you a cup of tea,’ Flo’ said passing over the steaming hot cup.
‘Ta very much,’ Minnie said now feeling wretched at the greeting she’d given her neighbour.
‘I saw your Gerald going out earlier. Gone to look for work again, has he?’ Flo’ asked as she sat herself in the only other chair in the room.
‘I’ve chucked him out, Flo’,’ Minnie said.
‘About bloody time an’ all! I heard him come back yesterday drunk as a lord.’
Minnie nodded and explained about Gerald’s win at the cock fight and his subsequent spending of the winnings.
‘I’ve been telling you for years…’ Seeing Minnie’s warning glance, Flo’ changed tactics. ‘What will you do now?’
‘The lads will still have to beg what they can and I’ll pick the coal. Nowt will change there,’ Minnie said between sips of tea.
‘It’s a damn good job Gerald had the chance to buy this house when he did though, ain’t it?’ Flo’ went on.
Minnie nodded and looked around the room. ‘Such as it is.’ Having drunk every last drop of tea, Minnie stood to wash the cup.
‘Here give it to me, I’ll do it later,’ Flo’ said taking the cup.
Minnie smiled her thanks. ‘There’s only one thing now that could make life better – Adam and Polly coming home.’
Flo’ stood and patted her neighbour’s shoulder gently. She had no words with which to comfort so she stepped quietly out of the house.
A while later Minnie grabbed the pail, bolted the front door and as she left through the back door, she locked it securely and slipped the key into her pocket.
People rarely locked their doors in this part of the town for besides having eagle-eyed neighbours, there was nothing worth stealing. This action was security against her husband’s return; the last thing she needed right now was to have to face Gerald in another shouting match.
Wending her weary way to the slag heaps, Minnie pulled her shawl tighter about her shoulders. She had a cold, hard day ahead of her scrabbling through frozen debris looking for coal.
A while later and dithering with cold, Minnie arrived home and saw her boys waiting for her.
‘We couldn’t get in,’ James said huffily.
‘Ar well that’s cos I locked the door,’ Minnie answered as she let them inside, re-locking the door behind her.
Peter carried the bucket inside for her and placed it in the hearth.
‘Get a fire lit, bab,’ Minnie said to him.
Peter nodded and began to rake out the dead ashes to sprinkle on the path to prevent ice forming overnight.
As Minnie knelt to retrieve the two pig’s trotters from beneath Gerald’s armchair James asked, ‘Why did you lock the door?’
Standing by the table now in the kitchen, Minnie took a huge breath. ‘Now you listen to me, both of you. I’ve sent your father packing because I can’t take no more.’ Seeing the boys about to speak she held up a finger. ‘He drinks away every penny we manage to lay our hands on and we’re going hungry because of it. So, he’ll not be coming inside this house ever again. I mean it, boys – you are never to let him in if I ain’t here, do you understand?’
The lads nodded.
‘Right – trotters for tea?’ Minnie asked.
‘Yes please!’ the answer came back in unison.
Minnie smiled at her sons – they were all she had left in the world.
16
The children in the orphanage sat with Adam until he was cried out. No words had been spoken as they watched their friend’s heart break.
Now Adam took a huge shuddering breath and, turning to Rodney who now sat next to him on the bed, he mumbled, ‘Thanks, mate.’
‘I ain’t half sorry,’ Rodney said, ‘for Polly, for fighting you – for everything.’
Adam nodded. Joe’s eyebrows reached his scalp in disbelief at the apology. Then he said, ‘What are we going to do now?’
‘I need to find out where they’ve sent our Polly,’ Adam answered determinedly.
‘We should get back at Old Reedy for what she’s done!’ Rodney snapped.
‘She knew it would hurt Ada
m and yet she still went ahead,’ Matt said tentatively.
‘It’s the most spiteful thing I’ve ever seen,’ Arthur added.
‘I want Polly to come back,’ May wept.
‘We all do,’ Adam replied with a sniff.
‘How are you going to find out where Polly is?’ Arthur asked, his arm still around his own sister.
‘Well Old Reedy is bound to have a record of it in her office somewhere,’ Joe volunteered.
‘Possibly, but how can we find it?’ Matt asked.
‘We’ll have to break in,’ Rodney answered with a grin.
The others looked at him as though he’d gone mad.
‘What! You jest!’ Matt was aghast at the thought.
‘No, I’m serious. I can get in Old Reedy’s office easy.’ Rodney nodded.
Adam studied the boy closely. His arch-enemy had become an ally in a matter of hours. Why? What was he up to?
‘Look, I know we d’aint exactly see eye to eye at first but – well…’ Rodney searched his mind for the words. ‘I hated seeing you cry so badly and I want to help. Besides, that old bat had it in for me from the first day, so this is my way of getting one over on her!’
‘Good on yer,’ Joe said.
Rodney smiled. ‘I can pick the lock on that door. That’s why I was put in here in the first place. I got in with some bad ’uns and they showed me how to do it, so I broke into a few nob’s houses and pinched their stuff.’
‘Get away with yer!’ Arthur said.
‘It’s right. My old lady couldn’t cope no more so she shoved me in here in exchange for five bob,’ Rodney answered.
‘Bloody hell!’ Matt exclaimed.
Rodney frowned saying, ‘The trouble is I don’t read so well which means…’
‘Don’t worry about that,’ Adam intervened, ‘you just get me in that office and I’ll do the rest!’
For the remainder of the day during the time away from lessons, they all plotted and planned at how to get Adam into Miss Reed’s office undetected.
At the lunchtime bell, they trooped into the dining room silently. Collecting their food, they ate without a word being spoken then retired to Adam’s room just as silently to go over their plan once more before returning to the schoolroom.
The Five Shilling Children Page 10
