Christmas on Coronation Street
Page 18
‘He doesn’t know?’
‘Not yet.’ Alice struggled up from the table.
‘Then you won’t tell him?’ Elsie said.
Alice coughed her usual thick phlegmy cough. ‘I won’t have to, you stupid lass. It’ll be there plain as plain, soon as he chooses to see.’
Chapter 27
‘You don’t have to worry,’ Elsie yelled, ‘that’s the last you’ll ever see of me. I can’t wait to get out of this hellhole.’ She could see her father reaching for his belt, but she was determined he had thrashed her for the last time. No matter what she had to do to escape, she wasn’t going to let him raise a hand to her again.
She raced upstairs out of his reach and began to scrabble together her few precious bits and pieces. She blew off the dust from a small cardboard box she’d kept under the bed where she still had the chocolate bar wrapper from her first-ever present, some bits of make-up and the few coppers she’d managed to save from her wages since all her pub tips had been stolen.
Her father had spotted her condition sooner than she had bargained for. Predictably, his first reaction had been to order her out of the house.
‘You’re a bloody whore and no daughter of mine, I tell you.’ He swayed drunkenly as he sneered at her and pointed towards the door.
‘No daughter with half a brain cell would want you for a father! You’ve done nowt for any of this family, just drunk away my hard-earned wages while watching us half starve. You’re not a real man – a real man would take care of his kin.’
‘How bloody dare you!’ Arthur lunged towards her clumsily, but Elsie was too fast for him and dodged out of the way.
‘You’ll never lay a finger on me again. And if you do, Arnold Tanner will thrash the life out of you.’
At this, her father faltered and looked at her unsteadily. ‘What’s that you say?’
‘That’s right – you heard. You’re not the only one who can use his fists, and maybe it’s time you were brought down a peg or two. See how you like it when it’s someone your own size – or bigger.’
‘You’re talking crap,’ he said, but he was wary this time and his belt stayed where it was.
Looking around at the shabby, rundown house that she’d laughingly called home for one last time, Elsie now vowed to no one in particular: ‘I’ll not set foot inside this place again, never you mind.’ Then she grabbed the dress Aggie had put together for her from Amy Tanner’s cast-off and put it with the rest of her prized bits in a paper bag she’d found, tucked it under her arm and ran downstairs.
Her younger sisters were clustered at the bottom of the stairs crying.
‘You can’t go, Elsie! How will we manage without you?’ Iris wailed.
‘Where will you go?’ Connie wept.
‘Now Dad’ll go after us,’ Freda snivelled, while little Polly just howled.
Baby Jack managed to creep in between them all and tugged at Elsie’s skirt, bawling and begging her not to leave him. Only Fay was missing, but Elsie knew she had gone walking with Terry Butler, the young man she’d met at the office. She hoped she was having a good time. Her father was busy searching in the cupboard for another bottle of beer and for the moment seemed to have forgotten her. Her mother was sitting in her usual spot at the table and Elsie saw she was sobbing too. ‘Where will you go,’ Alice wept, ‘with no man to look after you?’
Elsie couldn’t answer that question but still she dismissed Alice’s tears. It was too late for her to be crying over her daughter’s fate now. After years of neglect, Elsie had no time for her mother. It was only the children she hated to leave like this, but it had reached the point where she had no choice. Her father had made that very clear.
Besides, this was what she’d wanted, wasn’t it? The only problem was, now that it had come to the crunch, she didn’t know where she was going to go. She hadn’t heard anything from Arnold since she had fled his flat. And if she had learned one thing from all this it was that, whatever happened next, she was on her own.
‘I’ve told you not to fret about me, Mam,’ Elsie said boldly, expressing courage she didn’t really feel. ‘It’s time I went. I can’t stay here any longer. Then she whispered, ‘I’ll be at Aggie’s, for a short while at least. Tell Fay, will you?’
Her mother nodded. ‘Take care of yourself, chuck. Best you can.’
‘I’ll be all right, Mam.’ And as she watched her father drunkenly trying to detach his belt from his trousers, she used the opportunity to slip out of his grasp for the last time.
This is it, she thought as she pulled open the front door, but before she could step outside she felt a sharp pain in the centre of her back as her father’s boot connected and she was catapulted over the front doorstep and on to the slippery cobbled street. Her hand went protectively to her stomach. That was the final straw. From this moment she knew her life would never be the same.
Anxious in case her father decided to follow her out into the street, she picked herself up as quickly as she could. But she needn’t have worried, for he’d disappeared inside and there was a thud as the front door banged shut behind him.
‘Not got much to show for me sixteen years, have I?’ Elsie muttered as she hastily gathered up her few belongings before they got soaked by the drizzle that had started to fall. She gave a wry smile as she patted her stomach again. ‘But I soon will have.’
She pushed the items once more into the soggy paper bag, tucked it awkwardly under her arm and struggled off down the road.
Fay had settled well into working at Talbot and Jones. She had worked for Mr Talbot for a few weeks before she found out that it was his idea that the two names should appear together on the letterhead rather than one, although there was no actual Mr Jones. He thought it looked better that way. The work was extremely demanding and Mr Talbot was a difficult man to please. But to Fay, the harshness of his temper and his attention to detail in every aspect of her work did not compare to the physical beatings she’d received over the years from her father. The worst she experienced from Mr Talbot was a tongue-lashing and she usually managed to let that pass over her head.
‘Don’t mind him, Miss Grimshaw,’ Terry Butler had consoled her the first time it had happened. ‘His bark’s worse than his bite.’
‘I won’t,’ Fay assured him. ‘Believe me, I’ve suffered far worse. A few names and cross words won’t mither me.’ Fay regretted speaking so openly as soon as she saw the concerned look on Mr Butler’s face, so she didn’t elaborate even when he asked her direct questions until thankfully he let the matter drop.
Terry Butler was a quiet, shy sort of man. Over those first few weeks, Fay had taken to having a cup of coffee and lunchtime sandwich with him. When it was just the two of them, she invited him to call her Fay and he insisted she called him Terry. But they addressed each other more formally in the office, having seen Miss Turner’s disapproving frown whenever a Christian name accidentally slipped out. Fay found she enjoyed talking to him, even about such serious matters as all the killings in Europe as the Germans invaded. They talked about the effects of the impending war on Britain such as the shortages and rationing that people were already suffering, but at all costs she avoided discussing her family and home.
On the day that Elsie left home, Fay had no idea about the drama that was unfolding in Back Gas Street. She was late back, having agreed to go for a walk with Terry after work. There was a brass band playing in a nearby park and at his suggestion they strolled arm in arm around the bandstand, enjoying the music and the light summer evening. The earlier rain had cleared the air and Fay loved the smell of the newly opening flowers and the fresh-cut grass.
‘We won’t stay long, as I know you have chores to do at home,’ Terry said. ‘And I don’t want to leave my mother too long on her own,’ he sighed. ‘Though I may soon have to, because it’s a long bus journey from Saddleworth and it really is too far for me to travel in each day. I’ve started looking for lodgings where I could stay during the week and go hom
e only at the weekends.’
Fay wished she could offer him a room. How pleasant it would be to travel in to work together each day. But remembering the chaos caused by the last lodger they had put up in Back Gas Street, she shuddered and said nothing. Besides, she was ashamed of how the Grimshaws lived and she never wanted him to see it.
‘Is there just the two of you?’ she ventured to ask after a moment or two’s silence.
‘Yes. My father had a heart attack soon after my younger sister was born. And then she died of scarlet fever when she was still a child.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ Fay said, thinking how grateful she was that, despite the frightful conditions in which they lived, all her siblings, apart from the stillborn baby, had somehow managed to survive.
Chapter 28
Aggie Farrell lived only a few streets away from Back Gas Street but it might as well have been another town. As Elsie walked down the row of neatly fronted houses she thought how much like Coronation Street it was, and what she would give to be able to live in a house like that herself. She stopped at Aggie’s front door and took a deep breath. She was soaked through, even though the rain had stopped, and she felt wretched. But she was here now so there was nothing for it but to go ahead with the first part of her plan while she thought about what to do next. She rapped at the door with the shiny brass knocker and gazed up at the house. The windowsills were freshly painted, the doorstep freshly scrubbed. Green shoots were pushing through between the cobbles beneath the window in the tiny front yard. They looked so pretty, even if they were weeds.
Elsie felt a rush of warmth hit her as the front door opened and Aggie stood in the doorway, a look of concern on her face.
‘Elsie!’ Aggie exclaimed. ‘You’re the last person I expected. What are you doing here? What on earth has happened?’
‘Sorry, Aggs. It’s been raining and I’m fair fit to be put through the mangle. But I didn’t know where else to go.’
Aggie’s brow creased.
‘The old man’s finally chucked me out,’ Elsie said, angry that she couldn’t prevent a tear escaping down her cheek.
‘You don’t have to apologize. Come on in, lass, and tell me all about it.’ Aggie welcomed her sincerely and she stood aside to let Elsie into the narrow hallway.
‘If me dad’s anything, he’s a man of his word.’ Elsie tried to make a joke of it. ‘Always one to keep his promises.’
Aggie snorted. She put her hand up to examine Elsie’s face.
‘Nah, no need to fret, he didn’t take the belt to me this time,’ Elsie said. ‘Though he bloody well tried.’ She put her hand to her stomach.
‘He found out?’ Aggie said. ‘I suppose he had to.’
Elsie nodded. ‘He guessed. Mam was right. I couldn’t keep it hid much longer.’
‘Do you need to stop here for a bit, then? Aggie asked.
Elsie looked anxiously at her friend. ‘Could I? It won’t be for long, I promise.’
‘’Course you can. With our Stella gone, there’s room in my bed. I’ll just tell my mam.’ Then she called down the hallway: ‘Mam! It’s Elsie – she needs a bed for a few nights, all right?’
A faint voice mumbled from somewhere at the back of the house. Elsie couldn’t make out the words but Aggie seemed to take it as approval, for she led the way down the passage and into the kitchen. Despite the warmth of the summer’s day, a small fire glowed in the range. A kettle hung over the glowing coals and two flat irons were warming in the side cubbyhole.
‘Thanks ever so much, Mrs Farrell,’ Elsie said. You won’t even know I’m here. And I promise it won’t be for long,’ she added, with a reassurance she didn’t feel.
‘Have you heard the news? About the war?’
Elsie looked at Mrs Farrell in confusion. ‘What do you mean?’
‘It been on the radio and all over the Gazette. The Prime Minister announced that we’re at war with Germany!’
‘Blimey.’ With everything else that had been going on over the last few weeks, with her pregnancy and all the business with Arnold, Elsie had barely been aware of the changes that had been taking place over Weatherfield way and beyond. But she thought of them now and began to realise what it all meant. Some of the bigger houses and parks had lost their railings, big carts came in the night and removed them. Elsie swallowed, thinking about who was going to look after the little ones if there was a raid now that she wouldn’t be there. Thank God for Fay, Elsie thought. She was sensible, unlike her feckless parents. ‘What do you think will happen now?
‘They say there’s going to be conscription, but already some of the men at the factory are queueing to join up.’
It was so much to take in. After the many months of talk about war, it had finally arrived. All Stan’s sacrifice had been for nothing.
‘Anyway, what the ‘ell is going on with you? Is all this because of what I’ve been hearing about you and young Arnold Tanner?’ Mrs Farrell looked down at Elsie’s waistline. ‘Is that what set your dad off?’
‘Depends what you’ve heard.’ Elsie gave a rueful smile. ‘It certainly didn’t help. Things have never been good with him and me. He never thought I was up to much. So whatever I did, he was not best pleased.’
‘I heard that you and Arnold Tanner have been stepping out. Word gets round these parts, you should know that by now.’
‘Bit more than stepping out, I’d say,’ Aggie put in. ‘More like regular courting, eh, Else, wouldn’t you agree?’
Elsie nodded. ‘I was beginning to think so, but you never can tell with men.’
‘And now you’re in the club. Is that it?’ Mrs Farrell raised her eyebrows.
‘’Fraid so.’ Elsie lowered her gaze.
‘And what does young Arnold say about it?’ Mrs Farrell asked.
Elsie shrugged. ‘Not much.’ She kept her head bent forward and refused to look at Mrs Farrell. She couldn’t bring herself to tell anyone about the incident with the woman at the flat.
‘I reckon someone should put a rocket behind him now you’re in this condition. After all, it took two to get you this way. He needs reminding where his responsibilities lie and I’ve a good mind to do it myself.’
Elsie giggled, imagining the older woman doing just that. ‘My dad would love to do it if ever he got hold of him, I’m right sure of that,’ she said. ‘But I still wouldn’t want to go back home.’
‘What did your mam have to say about it all?’
‘Oh, you know how it is. It’s not easy for her,’ Elsie said defensively. Then her face clouded over and she stared into the fire. ‘It’s the little ’uns as I feel sorry for. With me gone, I reckon they’re going to be feeling the broadside of that belt from now on.’
For a few moments nobody spoke.
‘Well, you’re welcome to stop here, lass, long as you need. Till Arnold comes to his senses – with or without help. And to hell with what the other neighbours think,’ Mrs Farrell said.
‘Have you thought what you might do if he doesn’t come to his senses?’ Aggie asked quietly.
Elsie hesitated. Nobody spoke. Then, ‘Yes, I’ve thought,’ Elsie said eventually. ‘But I need to wait a while, not rush in and do something I might regret.’
Fay had had a very pleasant evening and spent the journey home considering the possibility of Terry becoming her new boyfriend. He was far too serious-minded to be thought dashing or exciting, preferring to mull over everything carefully before he made any kind of move. But he was respectful and although he was not always much fun he was very kind and considerate. After Harry, Fay wasn’t sure she wanted someone too exciting, though it did bother her that people like Elsie might find him dull. The important thing was, he was a steady bloke, dependable and reliable, and his looks were agreeable if not handsome. He didn’t set her heart pounding like she’d read about in books, but she found him comfortable to be with. What with all the turmoil at home and the war threatening the country, she had to admit it was good to spend time with some
one as calm as Terry. And amid all the talk of conscription and army training, with his poor eyesight and fallen arches it was unlikely he would be eligible for service.
Above all, she wondered whether it might be possible that Terry could be her ticket out.
As she turned into Back Gas Street she was shocked to see all her siblings swarm towards her, each one wanting to be the first to tell her what had happened to Elsie. And when she entered the front door she was shocked to hear her father muttering, ‘That girl is dead to me,’ and to have her mother confirm that what the children had been telling her was true: her big sister had indeed gone.
‘What happened? Where is she? Fay demanded to know, her boldness bolstered by her fear for Elsie’s welfare.
Her father banged his fist down on the table. ‘I won’t hear mention of her name in this house ever again.’ But when he went off to fetch another bottle from the cupboard, her mother whispered, ‘She told me to tell you she’ll be stopping at her friend Aggie’s for a bit. Till she sorts out what to do … you know what I mean.’
‘What can she do?’ Fay whispered back, horrified by what her mother might be implying.
Alice Grimshaw shrugged. ‘Marriage isn’t the only way,’ she said darkly.
Fay shivered. ‘You don’t mean she should see one of them women – you know – the ones who’ll help … get rid of it?
‘Aye, sometimes that’s the only choice left when a man leaves you high and dry. She wouldn’t be the first.’
‘Oh, Mam, I hope it doesn’t come to that.’
‘Maybe not, perhaps she’ll think of something. She usually does.’ And that was all her mother would say.
Elsie had decided that the one person who might be able to help her was Amy Tanner. There was always a danger that talking to his mam would be more likely to push Arnold the other way, but she didn’t have a lot of choices left to her. What if Arnold wouldn’t do right by her? She could give the baby up for adoption, but she’d still have to go through with the pregnancy and wouldn’t be able to keep it secret. There was no convenient aunt living in the country where she could sit it out till the baby was born and then palm the poor mite off to a local farmer’s wife. The only other option was too horrible to contemplate. She’d heard whispers in the factory; horror stories about women who tried to get rid of their babies with knitting needles and bottles of gin – of the things that could go wrong and invariably did. Elsie was adamant this was not for her – she’d rather have the poor little bugger than run the risk of throwing both of their lives away.