The Constant Heart

by Dilly Court

  It worked like magic and two small, tearstained faces looked up at her as if she had said something wonderful. She placed the paper bag in between them and they fell on its contents like ravening wolf cubs.

  Caddie let out a low, agonised moan. Rosina rose to her feet and paced the floor, wringing her hands. She resisted the temptation to cover her ears and shut out Caddie's cries as she tried hard not to panic. She wished that there was something she could do to ease her friend's pain, but she simply did not know what. After what seemed like hours, but could only have been minutes, she heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs. 'Bebe. Up here – come quickly.'

  But it was Walter who came through the door. He paused for a moment, taking in the scene. In two strides he was at Caddie's side, and, taking her hand in his, he held it, speaking to her in the soothing tones he might have used to calm a terrified child. 'Don't be afraid, Caddie. Bertha has gone to fetch Mrs Wilkes, the midwife. They'll be here soon.'

  'I can't afford to pay her,' Caddie whispered. 'Just take care of me little ones.'

  'You mustn't worry about anything, Caddie.' Walter lifted her up in his arms, ignoring her feeble protests, and he carried her into the adjoining bedroom. Through the open door, Rosina saw him lay her gently on an iron bedstead covered with a patchwork quilt. He perched on the edge of the bed, holding Caddie's hand and keeping up a one-sided conversation. The boys were too busy stuffing cake and sandwiches into their mouths to take much interest in what was happening to their mother, and for that Rosina was grateful. Caddie's groans were muffled and it sounded as though she was growing weaker. Rosina had never felt so helpless in her whole life, and she could have cried with relief when Bertha and Nora Wilkes hurried into the room. Bertha's face was crimson with exertion and she was breathing heavily, but she went straight to the bedroom with Nora following close on her heels. They sent Walter out and closed the door.

  He looked down at his blood-stained jacket with a rueful grin. 'It looks as though I've murdered somebody.' Stripping it off, he laid it over the back of a chair.

  'You were wonderful, Walter,' Rosina said sincerely. 'I was so frightened, but you seemed to know exactly what to do. I hope Caddie will be all right.'

  Walter bent down to separate Ronnie and Alfie who were fighting over the last iced bun. He broke it in two and gave them a piece each. 'You mustn't worry. She's in good hands now.'

  'She was in such pain. What happens if she . . .?'

  Rosina could not bring herself to put her fear into words.

  He gave her an encouraging smile. 'She's young and strong and she's borne two children already. She'll be all right, you'll see.'

  Between them they managed to keep the small boys entertained for more than an hour, despite the sound of Caddie's anguished moans coming from the bedroom. Walter was on all fours pretending to be a horse and giving the boys turns at riding on his back when they heard a faint, mewling cry. Rosina leapt to her feet, waiting for what seemed like an eternity, and then the bedroom door opened and Bertha emerged holding a tiny scrap of red-faced humanity wrapped in a strip torn from a sheet. 'It's another boy,' she said, smiling tiredly.

  The door was slightly ajar and Rosina could see Nora bending over the bed. Cold fingers of fear clutched at her heart as she sensed that all was not well. 'What about Caddie? Is she all right? May I see her?'

  Bertha thrust the baby into her arms. 'Best take the nippers home, Rosie. Caddie's in a bad way.'

  Rosina stared down at the wrinkled face of the baby. 'She won't – she's not going to . . .'

  'Not if we've got anything to do with it she won't, but she needs rest and quiet. She won't be in a fit condition to feed this one for a while. We'll need to find a wet nurse for him.'

  Rosina shot a sideways glance at Walter, feeling the blood rush to her cheeks. Such intimate subjects were not usually spoken of in mixed company, especially if the man was unmarried.

  Walter did not seem at all embarrassed. 'Gladys Smilie has a new addition to her brood,' he said in a matter-of-fact tone. 'Maybe she'd look after the baby until Caddie regains her strength.'

  Gladys laid her own infant down in its cradle, and she took Caddie's baby in her arms. 'Well now, of course I'd be glad to look after the baby until his ma gets better. I've enough milk for two hungry mouths, heaven knows. Has he got a name?'

  Rosina shook her head. 'I don't think so.'

  'Well, never mind.' Gladys sat down on the sofa, holding the baby and soothing his cries by allowing him to suck on her finger. 'You can tell poor little Caddie that I'll look after her baby, but as to the two older ones, I'm sorry, dear. I got me hands full with me own nippers. We're cramped enough living behind the shop and the kids sleep top to toe as it is. I really can't take the boys in as well, even though I'd love to oblige.'

  Rosina felt the two small hands tighten their grip on her fingers and she smiled down at Ronnie and Alfie. 'No matter, Mrs Smilie. The boys can come and stay with me and Bertha until their mama gets better.'

  'Well said, dearie.' Gladys began to unbutton her blouse as the baby, apparently realising that there was no milk issuing from her finger, began to roar its disapproval.

  'We'd best go then,' Rosina said hastily. 'Come, Walter. We'll take the boys home.'

  'Of course.' He took some coins from his pocket and laid them on the kitchen table. 'To help with expenses, Mrs Smilie.'

  'Ta, ducks. I won't say no.' Gladys beamed at him. 'We does quite nicely in the shop, but there's always something wanting with six growing nippers in the house.'

  As they went out through the shop, Sam Smilie gave the boys a small bar of chocolate to share between them. Walter broke off two pieces and gave them one each.

  'Ah,' Sam said, smiling. 'I see you got a way with young 'uns, Walter.'

  'Not really,' Walter replied. 'It only takes a bit of commonsense.'

  'Don't be so modest.' Rosina took the boys by their sticky hands. 'Walter has been marvellous, Sam. I don't know what I would have done without him today.'

  Sam nodded. 'I hope young Caddie gets well soon. Poor little thing, there's nothing of her at the best of times. She ain't as robust as my Gladys.'

  As soon as they were outside the shop, Ronnie began to whimper, and Walter lifted him onto his shoulders and strode on ahead, making Ronnie laugh by bouncing him up and down. Not to be outdone, Alfie clamoured for similar attention, and Rosina lifted him up in her arms. Walter was already far ahead, and she searched for something to distract Alfie, who was beginning to grizzle. The Curlew was making ready to sail and she walked to the edge of the wharf. 'Just look at that fine boat, Alfie,' she said, pointing. 'That barge belongs to Captain Barnum, but your papa will be coming home tomorrow on a boat just like that one. Won't that be exciting?' She was about to move on when Ham Barnum looked up and saw her.

  He came thundering along the deck, shaking his fist. 'I want a word with you, young lady.'

  'What is it, Captain Barnum?'

  'Don't put on that innocent air with me, girl. You keep away from my daughter, d'you hear me?'

  Rosina shifted Alfie to her other hip. 'I hear you, Captain. And so does everyone else in Black Eagle Wharf.'

  'Then hear this. I'll not have you leading my girl into bad ways and keeping her out until all hours. I've only just found out that she went off gallivanting to Cremorne Gardens with you and that counting-house clerk. I won't have her reputation sullied by the likes of you. I've kept things friendly with you up till now, but I can see that you're as bad as that father of yours.

  Keep away from Sukey, or it will be the worse for you.'

  Chapter Seven

  Walter might not have heard what Barnum was saying, but he could not have been deaf to the angry pitch of his voice. Retracing his steps, he hurried to Rosina's side, setting Ronnie down on the ground. 'That's no way to speak to a lady, Captain Barnum.'

  'Are you addressing me, mister?'

  'If you have anything to say, you'd best say it to me. Permission to c
ome aboard, sir?'

  'I've got plenty to say to you, scribe. Although it's a sound thrashing that you deserve. But it will have to wait.'

  'I don't know what you're talking about, Captain Barnum.'

  'Bah! It's her I blame for all this trouble, the little trollop. I haven't got time for this right now. We're sailing on the tide.' Barnum turned on his heel and stomped along the deck, shouting instructions to Barker.

  Walter looked as though he was about to leap on board the barge, but Rosina laid her hand on his arm. 'Ignore him, Walter.' Despite the fact that she was trembling with suppressed anger, she was not going to let Walter see how much Barnum's words had confused and upset her. Her main concern at this moment was for Caddie's children, and she caught Ronnie by the hand. With a huge effort she managed to keep her voice calm. 'Come away, Walter. He's all bluster and hot air. Don't stoop to his level.'

  'I won't allow him to speak to you in that manner.'

  'Thank you, but I can stand up for myself. I'm just sorry that Sukey is in trouble because of me.'

  'If anyone is to blame, it's Harry Gostellow, for taking you to a place like Cremorne Gardens. I'll see you safely home. My business with Barnum can wait.' Walter took a wriggling Alfie from her arms and hitched him onto his shoulders. 'It's your turn for a ride now, matey boy.'

  'How did you know we went to Cremorne Gardens?' Rosina stared at him nonplussed.

  'You told me so yourself.'

  'I'm sure that I did not.'

  Ronnie tugged at Rosina's hand. 'Daddy not coming.' His small face had puckered up again as though he was about to cry.

  'Daddy's coming home tomorrow, Ronnie,' Rosina said gently. 'But for now you and Alfie can come back to my house and Bertha will make you a nice dinner.'

  'Mummy,' Ronnie whispered anxiously. 'Want my mummy.'

  Rosina shot a worried glance at Walter. 'What on earth do you say to two little fellows in these circumstances?'

  'As little as possible, Miss Rosina.' He bounced Alfie up and down on his shoulders, making him chuckle. 'Let's get these two home.'

  She fell into step beside him, allowing Ronnie to run on ahead. 'Walter, if you don't stop calling me Miss Rosina I'll – well, I'll be very cross. Surely we know each other well enough by now for you to call me Rosie?'

  Alfie chose that moment to push Walter's cap down over his eyes, knocking his spectacles sideways. Walter laughed, setting them straight, and taking off his cap he put it on Alfie's head. 'You young monkey.'

  'Did you hear me, Walter?'

  'I heard you, Rosie.'

  She chuckled. 'That's better. After last night, I feel I owe you so much, and you've come to my rescue yet again. You're a good friend, and you're right about our trip to Cremorne Gardens. I didn't want to lie to you, but I had to convince Bertha that we were dining with the Gostellows.'

  'Which was obviously complete fiction.'

  'I know, and I'm sorry that we involved you.'

  'It's over and done with now.'

  'Harry said I may ask you to join us on our next trip. It will be all above board this time.'

  'You heard what Barnum just said. Would you risk your reputation by going on another outing with Gostellow?'

  They had reached the house, and she stopped, puzzled by the harsh note in his voice. 'I'm not afraid of Captain Barnum, but if Sukey doesn't want to disobey her pa that's up to her. What's the matter, Walter? Don't you approve?'

  'It's not up to me to approve or disapprove.' He did not look at her as he set Alfie down on the ground.

  'Oh, Walter, you're being stuffy again. I thought we could speak as friends.'

  'We can, of course.'

  'I am sorry that I lied to you. It won't happen again.' She opened the door, and without waiting to be told Ronnie and Alfie scampered off in the direction of the kitchen.

  'I'd best get back to work.' Walter was about to enter the office, but he hesitated, turning to her with an anxious look in his eyes. 'Be careful, that's all I can say.'

  Rosina bit her lip. The last thing she wanted to do was to fall out with him. He had proved a staunch ally, and she did not want him to think badly of her. 'Wait a moment, Walter. It's not how it looks. I mean, it is quite proper for me to go out with Harry, providing we are chaperoned. His intentions are honourable: I can assure you of that.'

  His expression was guarded. 'What are you saying?'

  'Harry has asked me to marry him.' If she had slapped Walter in the face he could not have looked more shocked. When he made no comment on her announcement she was torn between disappointment and embarrassment. 'It would be a very good match. Aren't you pleased for me? Say something, Walter.'

  'Did you accept his proposal?'

  The cold tone in his voice chilled her to the marrow. A spurt of anger rose in her throat, almost choking her. She did not know whether she was annoyed with herself for telling him, or cross with Walter for receiving her news in such a cool manner. 'I'd best see to the boys.' Turning on her heel, she left him standing in the hallway.

  It had been a mistake confiding in him. A big mistake. Walter Brown was an old misery – perhaps he wanted to see her dwindle away into a sad spinster? At least Harry wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Maybe she ought to reconsider his offer? After all, she had promised him that she would think it over. She hurried towards the kitchen where it sounded as though the boys were up to no good.

  They had climbed onto the table looking for more food. Rosina knew next to nothing about looking after small children, but she remembered that Bertha used to give her bread soaked in warm milk, sprinkled with a little sugar. She made some for them and was gratified when they demolished it in seconds and asked for more. They seemed to have forgotten about their mother for the moment, and Rosina was relieved not to have to answer any awkward questions.

  As soon as they had eaten, she took them upstairs to her own room and put them to bed. She sat with them until they fell asleep. She smoothed their damp curls back from their foreheads and tucked the sheet up to their small chins. Poor little mites, she thought, sadly. What if they were to lose their mamma now? She went downstairs, praying silently that Caddie would have the strength to survive.

  When Bertha returned, half an hour later, Rosina took one look at her face and was alarmed by her serious expression. 'Oh, Bebe. She's not . . .?'

  Bertha slumped down on her chair by the range. 'She's very weak, but we've done all we can for her. Nora says she's seen worse.'

  'You look tired, dear Bebe. I'll make you a pot of tea.'

  'Ta, love. That's just what I need. As if things wasn't bad enough, we had a bit of a to-do with the blooming rent collector. He come demanding the rent and the poor soul hadn't got a penny to her name. Nora and me sent him off with a flea in his ear, but he'll be back tomorrow.'

  'Papa and Artie should be home by then. Poor Caddie. We can't leave her alone in those dreary rooms, Bebe. We must bring her here and look after her.'

  Forgetting their differences, Rosina went straight to Walter to ask for his help. She did not have to ask him twice. He organised the construction of a makeshift stretcher, using a piece of canvas and two spars donated by Higgins, the sailmaker. With Sam Smilie's help, he dismantled Caddie's bed and they reassembled it in the attic room at the top of the Mays' house. One of the sailmaker's apprentices staggered over with a pile of pillows and bedding and went back to fetch the truckle bed for Ronnie and Alfie. With their combined efforts, Caddie was brought to the house and put to bed.