Dropping into a chair, Flash covered his face with his hands as fear and loneliness enveloped him. Unable to help himself – he cried like a baby.
*
After an hour of scrabbling around on the floor of the market, Peter and James had gathered a few rotting vegetables and potatoes. Frozen to the bone, they ran home hoping their mother had a fire lit.
Sure enough Minnie had a blaze roaring up the chimney and a kettle boiling over the flames. The boys fell in through the back door and dropped their goodies on the table. Only then did they see the policeman sat warming his hands.
‘This is Constable Philby lads,’ their mother said before either of them could utter a word. ‘He’s come to ask about Polly and Adam running away.’
‘Oh!’ James muttered from pure relief the bobby hadn’t come to arrest him for the murder of his father.
‘I’d best be on my way,’ PC Philby said as he got to his feet and eyed the produce on the table.
‘Scavenged,’ James said almost as a challenge.
‘That all you’ve got?’
Minnie nodded. ‘It’ll do us.’
Reaching into his pocket the copper pulled out a pound note and gave it to James. ‘Get yourself off to Hollingsworth butchers and tell him I sent you.’
James took the note and with a quick ‘thanks’ over his shoulder, he shot out into the snow once more dragging his brother with him.
‘That was a very kind thing to do,’ Minnie said as tears pricked her eyes.
‘Mrs Fitch, you’ve had more than your fair share of hardship. First your kiddies in the orphanage and now God knows where they are. Your youngest passed over then your husband freezes to death.’
‘You seem to know an awful lot about me and my family,’ Minnie said feeling suddenly uneasy.
‘It’s my job, Mrs Fitch. Now, between you me and the bedpost, Miss Prudence Kenton was under suspicion of poisoning her mistress Mrs Bellamy. O’course now we can’t prove it, as she was found floating in the canal,’ the constable said brushing a hand over his helmet.
‘Bloody hell! They said as how there was a funeral when I called about Adam and Polly being there!’
‘That would have been Mrs Bellamy being laid to rest,’ the policeman acknowledged.
‘Christ A’mighty!’ Minnie muttered.
‘Indeed. I’ll see myself out,’ the bobby said as he left Minnie pondering what she’d been told.
41
Adam and Polly had no notion of what was happening to the people they had left behind. Neither could spare a thought, so busy were they endeavouring to keep body and soul together.
The little group had settled well in the cottage, each having jobs to do collecting food or coal picking. Adam knew it was becoming more difficult to scavenge as so many youngsters were doing the same thing.
Also, now the snow had come, the slag heaps were harder to scramble over for coal nuggets. Adam spent many hours fretting about how they could manage; so far they had, but for how much longer? What if one of them took sick? There was no money for a doctor or medicine. It was a constant worry to him that the others looked to him as leader of their group. It was not a position he had sought but had found himself in charge nevertheless.
There were times he had considered returning them all to Reed’s; at least they would be well fed there. He’d also thought about going home but his father being there had chased that idea out of his head.
All Adam could do was try his best to look after his sister and their friends to the best of his ability.
Polly and May had quickly learned how to cook their meagre meals and never once complained about being hungry or cold any more.
Matt and Arthur gathered firewood and went coal picking every day. Joe and Rodney scavenged food and sometimes came back with a little money. Adam never asked how they managed that – he really didn’t want to discover it may have been something illegal.
Echo had secured himself the odd few hours here and there as a chimney sweep’s assistant, coming back covered in soot but happy with the few pennies hard earned. These he gladly turned over to Adam to be spent wisely on second hand clothes or boots for whoever was in need.
Despite all that, Adam knew they could not go on this way forever, and there was only one person he could think of to approach for help.
Dragging on his coat Adam told the others he was going out for a while and he wouldn’t be long. The address he was about to visit was imprinted in his memory. He just hoped that when he arrived, Billy Marshall would be at home.
*
Standing in front of the house, Adam’s courage wavered. Large snowflakes settled on his flat cap as they fell silently from the heavens. His feet were cold but he hardly noticed, and his hands were shoved deep into his trouser pockets.
Adam looked left and right then back at the door facing him. He was desperate to knock but he despised himself for being weak and having to seek aid. Then again it was not for himself he would be asking, it would be for those in his charge.
Drawing a hand from his pocket slowly, he raised it to the knocker. It was now or never. Just as he was about to grab the lion-headed knocker the door opened.
‘Adam!’ Billy Marshall was surprised to see the youngster on his doorstep looking for all the world like a waif and stray. ‘Come in, lad, you look perished!’
Adam stepped into the hall and as Billy closed the door and turned to him, his resolve crumbled completely and Adam burst into tears.
Billy scooped up the sobbing boy in his strong arms and carried him into the living room where he placed him on a chair by a roaring log fire. Adam relaxed in the strong but gentle arms that enfolded him and allowed himself to cry. Released from being forced into being a grown-up too early, Adam gave himself up to being a child once more – if only for a little while.
Billy waited patiently as the frustration and worry fell away with the tears until finally the boy was spent.
Fetching a blanket from his bed, Billy wrapped it around Adam’s shoulders. ‘Cup of tea then you can tell me all about it,’ he said quietly.
Once Adam began to speak, he found he could not stop. He told Billy everything; being sold to Reed’s, Polly being sold on and his daring escape with the help of his friends. Of finding Polly and their encounter with Flash, Digit and Echo. He related how they had left there and were now living out on the heath with him as their designated leader.
‘Dear God above!’ Billy whispered when Adam had finished speaking. ‘I went to Reed’s you know, but Una said you’d run away.’
‘I had to, Billy – I had to find Polly!’ Adam gushed in his own defence.
‘Hey, lad, I know that. I just wished you’d come to me earlier.’
‘I couldn’t, Billy, it took everything I had to come today. I’m – I’m too young for this responsibility – I’m still just a kid myself and now I feel like such a failure!’ Adam said lowering his eyes in shame.
‘You ain’t a failure, you did all you could for your sister and the others. They’re still breathing, ain’t they?’ Billy asked with a grin.
Adam nodded with a matching smile.
‘Well then. Now what we have to decide is where we go from here.’ Billy made a show of rubbing a day’s growth of whiskers which set Adam laughing.
‘That’s better. Firstly, you show me where you’re living. Second, you all come back here with me. Next we get you fed.’
‘Can’t you count to three then?’ Adam asked with a cheeky grin.
Billy made to give the boy a gentle punch but Adam instinctively blocked it. Billy let out a great belly laugh saying, ‘Glad to see you ain’t forgot what you learned.’
‘I had the best teacher,’ Adam replied with tears in his eyes once more.
Billy gave Adam gloves, scarf and a jacket which was far too big for him but it was warm then they set out for the heath. It was growing dark and the lamp lighter was wending his way along the streets. The gas lamps cast an eerie yellow glow on the cobb
lestone roads now covered with a frost which glittered like diamonds.
As they neared the cottage Adam realised there was no smoke from the chimney and his heart sank. Clearly the coal picking had not gone well.
Everyone was sitting waiting for Adam’s return, their last candle burning in its holder on the tiny table.
‘Oh Ad’! I was so scared! I thought you’d left us!’ Polly wailed as she rushed into his arms.
‘Don’t be so soft, o’course I wouldn’t leave you. Everybody this is Billy Marshall,’ Adam announced with pride.
Billy shook hands with each as they were introduced to him. ‘Adam’s told me everything and it’s my thinking you can’t stay here in this place, so gather your things – you’re coming home with me – all of you!’ Billy said with a broad grin.
Dousing the candle, they trudged away from the place that had been a refuge to them for a short while. Billy laughed loudly as they walked and he was regaled with tales of Rodney breaking into Una’s office.
Eventually they arrived at Billy’s house, and while they warmed themselves by the fire, he set about cooking some hot food.
Whilst they ate, the big man made up his spare room for the girls. ‘You lads will have to sleep in here but you can keep the fire in so you won’t get cold,’ he told them.
‘Thank you, Billy,’ Adam said timidly.
It was later as they sat toasting their toes that Billy explained about Adam and Polly’s father. They were shocked to learn that they were not Gerald Fitch’s children, but then everything seemed to make sense. It all fell into place why Gerald had hated them so much and why he’d sold them to Reed’s. They could hardly believe their mother had had a liaison and with a boxer who was a friend of Billy’s no less.
‘So that’s why you helped by teaching me to box, because our real dad was your friend?’ Adam asked.
Billy nodded, ‘Ronald Flint was my good friend.’
‘Bloody hell!’ Rodney said with a gasp.
‘Hell!’ Echo repeated and everyone collapsed in a fit of giggles.
‘Right I think it’s time for some sleep cos I’ve a busy day tomorrow,’ Billy said. ‘I have to go out but I’d be pleased if you would all stay here and keep warm.’
Each said their thanks and the girls disappeared upstairs. As the boys settled for the night Adam threw his arms around Billy and hugged him tight. ‘I’ll never be able to thank you enough, Billy.’
Billy’s eyes misted over as he hugged back.
It was after breakfast the next morning when Billy pulled Adam aside. ‘Where does your mother live?’
‘Why?’
‘Because I’m going to visit. She needs to know her children are safe and well here with me.’
Giving the address Adam forewarned, ‘Gerald Fitch is a nasty bugger, Billy.’
Billy raised his fists as a reminder of his trade as a pugilist.
‘That’s all well and good but I wouldn’t put it past him to use a knife. Be careful, Billy – please!’ Adam begged.
‘I will, don’t worry. I’ll see you later.’
Adam’s worry returned as he watched Billy stride down the road kicking up the snow as he went. Throughout the morning Adam glanced through the window looking out for his friend’s return.
In the meantime, Billy found the house he searched for in Bank Street. Going around to the back door he banged loudly.
Another door opened and Flo’ Spittle’s head poked out. ‘What you doing, trying to wake the dead?’
‘I’m visiting Mrs Fitch,’ Billy said casually.
‘Well, be a bit quieter about it!’ Flo’ shot back before retreating and slamming her door.
Billy knocked again and heard a voice calling out, ‘Can’t one of you lazy sods see who’s at the door – have to do everything my bloody self!’
The door opened and Billy said with a smile. ‘Hello, Minnie.’
‘My God! Billy Marshall!’ Minnie’s face lost all colour as she gasped.
‘You gonna ask me in then or will it cause trouble for you?’ Billy asked.
Minnie pulled the door open wider to allow her visitor admittance. Closing the door behind him, she followed the big man and bid him sit at the kitchen table.
‘Well I never thought to see you again, Billy,’ Minnie said having found her tongue at last.
‘Nor I, you,’ Billy said in a whisper feeling a little choked at seeing her again after so many years.
‘How did you find me? What do you want?’
‘Adam told me where you lived—’ Billy began.
‘Adam! My Adam? Oh my God – where is he? Is he all right? Is our Polly with him? Billy – tell me!’
‘Woah there, girl.’ Billy grinned. ‘Adam’s at my house with Polly and – a few friends. They’re all well and I thought you needed to know.’
‘Thank you, Billy.’ Minnie’s words were drenched with tears and sobs.
The sound of boots clattering on the bare staircase and boys laughing drew their attention to the door.
James and Peter stopped short to see their mum in tears and a great burly man sat at their table.
‘What’s going on?’ James demanded to know.
Peter went to his mum and put an arm around her shoulder.
‘Boys, this is Billy Marshall and he’s found Adam and Polly!’ Minnie sniffed.
42
‘I’m sorry I can’t offer you tea, Billy, we used the last of it yesterday.’ Minnie could have bitten off her tongue for the lie.
‘It’s all right, Minnie, I have some at home which you’re welcome to share if you’ve a mind.’ Billy’s eyes cast around the shabby room looking for the man he had been warned about. ‘I don’t want to get you into any trouble with your husband you understand, but I thought you’d like to see your children.’
‘I ain’t got a husband no more, he’s dead,’ Minnie said.
‘I’m sorry to hear that.’
‘Don’t be, we ain’t,’ Minnie said then by way of an explanation added, ‘He was a bully and couldn’t keep a halfpenny in his pocket. He won’t be missed.’
‘I see. Right then boys get your coats and get your mum’s.’ Billy’s voice was low and even.
‘She ain’t got one, but I’ll get her shawl,’ Peter said and winced under his mother’s scowl at his divulging they were all but destitute.
‘Never mind,’ Billy said slipping off his overcoat which he wrapped around her. ‘Come on, I’ve hot food waiting for you and a brother and sister eager to see you all.’
Whilst at Minnie’s, Billy had related everything as told to him by Adam. Minnie and the boys had listened intently. A waterfall of tears had flowed from Minnie’s eyes as she heard all that her children had been through.
Now as they arrived at his house Billy opened the door and led them inside.
‘Mum!’ Adam gasped.
‘Mum!’ Echo repeated as he watched Adam and Polly rush to their mother to be smothered in tearful kisses.
‘Oh, my babies! Thank God you’re both safe and well. I missed you so much – I came looking for you but…’ Minnie collapsed onto a chair sobbing her heart out.
Billy and May went to make tea as the Fitch family became re-acquainted. The others stood around gawking, unsure what to do with themselves.
Once tea was made and mutton broth re-heated, everyone found somewhere to sit and eat, chatter ensuing in between mouths being crammed full of food.
Throughout the afternoon and on into the evening each told their tale until Minnie said at last, ‘Now as I told you Gerald is dead, so if you’ve a mind you can come home.’
‘I want to, but what about May? She’s my best friend in all the world, Mum!’ Polly said.
‘Trouble is pet, I ain’t got the room for everybody,’ Minnie explained feeling wretched that she couldn’t take them all in.
‘There’s ten of you all together, sweetheart. Where would everybody sleep? Besides I still ain’t working as yet – I couldn’t feed you all,’ M
innie went on.
‘Some can stay here with me until we decide the best way forward,’ Billy put in.
‘There ain’t a way forward though, Billy, is there?’ Minnie asked sadly. ‘There’s no way this little lot can stay together, much as I’d like them to.’
‘Minnie, I know it will be difficult for you, but if you, James and Peter stay at your house, the others can remain here with me while we sort something out. At least now you know everyone is safe and you can come over every day to see them,’ Billy suggested.
‘I suppose that will have to do – for now anyway,’ Minnie agreed.
Saying a tearful farewell, Minnie and her two boys set off for home promising to be back the following day.
Once all were settled for the night, Billy thought over their predicament. His mind took him back over the years to when he first saw Minnie with his friend Ronald Flint. He had been smitten almost immediately and envied Ronald for having such a beautiful lady-friend.
Billy had known from the beginning that Minnie was already wed but clearly there was no bliss in the marriage. He would have given anything to have had Minnie on his arm and be in a position to take care of her.
Then Ronald had died and Billy lost touch with Minnie. He had searched for her – to no avail. It was as though she had disappeared in a puff of smoke.
The passing years did nothing to cool his ardour and when he saw her today it was like the first time all over again.
Billy knew he could not let her go a second time. Somehow, he had to ensure she stayed in his life and he felt these children would be the answer to his prayer.
It was weeks later and one day Minnie spoke up. ‘Billy, I can’t do this no more!’
‘Do what?’ Billy asked feeling desperately afraid she might vanish from his life yet again.
‘This coming and going! Besides the bad weather, I’m missing my kids something awful!’
‘Then stay here with me – you and the boys…’ Billy said suddenly.
‘You what! Live with a man I ain’t married to? My God, the neighbours would have a bloody field day with that gossip! I thank you for the offer, Billy, but it ain’t possible,’ Minnie said before blowing out her cheeks in disbelief.
The Five Shilling Children Page 24
