A Daughter's Courage

by Kitty Neale

  Tensions seemed to lower and the two couples made their way through to the filled hall, but those niggling doubts that had bothered Dorothy earlier were in her head again. She didn’t want to spoil the evening, but she had to know the truth.

  Half an hour later, Dorothy was finding it difficult to be heard over the loud music in the small hall as she repeated for the third time, ‘I said, tell me the truth, Robbie. Have you been seeing any other girls behind my back?’

  ‘I can’t hear you properly,’ Robbie answered close to her ear. ‘Come outside.’

  Dorothy followed him out and then he led her down an alley between the hall and the church. ‘Now, what were you saying to me?’ he asked as he gently pushed her against the brick wall.

  The alley was dark, the moon being the only illumination, and it wasn’t the sort of place Dorothy would venture alone, though she felt safe with Robbie. ‘I feel silly now, but I need to know. Have you been seeing any girls behind my back?’

  Robbie pressed his firm body up against hers as he cupped her face in his large hands. ‘Don’t be daft, woman. You’re the only girl for me.’

  He kissed her in the way that always made her tingle and slowly slipped his hand up inside her sweater to gently cup one of her small breasts.

  ‘Robbie, stop,’ Dorothy forced herself to say. ‘You know I’m saving myself.’

  ‘Marry me then, Dottie. Be my wife,’ Robbie said breathlessly.

  Dorothy was astounded and could feel Robbie’s excitement rising in his tight drainpipe trousers.

  ‘What?’ she asked. ‘Did you just ask me to marry you?’

  Robbie kissed her harder. ‘Yes, marry me,’ he said, between necking her and rubbing her erect nipple.

  Dorothy tried to answer, but Robbie’s mouth was firmly on hers and his other hand was yanking her skirt up to her hips. Her head was giddy but eventually she managed to whisper, ‘Yes, yes, I’ll marry you, but, Robbie … stop, we’re not married yet.’

  ‘Oh, Dottie, please, why wait? I love you and I’m going to be your husband. Let me get inside you.’ Robbie had his hand at the top of her thigh and was sliding it inside her knickers.

  ‘No, Robbie, we can’t. I don’t want to get pregnant.’

  ‘You can’t get pregnant the first time,’ he husked, while doing things to her that made her gasp.

  She had been dating him for five months and had held out against his advances until now, but he had never mentioned marriage before. Now, Dorothy couldn’t believe she was going to be his wife. It wasn’t the most romantic of venues for a proposal, but she found her body responding to Robbie’s caresses and, with her head spinning, she wrapped her legs around his waist.

  As he pounded her against the wall, she buried her head in his neck, enjoying the pleasure of feeling him pushing into her. He began to move faster, harder, and then threw his head back, letting out a long groan.

  ‘Dottie, yes, yes,’ he quietly moaned and then with a final thrust he finished, leaving her feeling thrilled yet strangely dissatisfied. It hadn’t been like she thought it would, but who cares, she thought, as her head filled with images of herself in a wedding dress.

  He pulled away from her, took a roll-up from his pocket and drew a long breath as Dorothy adjusted her clothing. ‘I can’t wait to get back inside and tell everyone about us getting married,’ she said enthusiastically.

  ‘Whoa, hold up,’ Robbie answered quickly as he blew smoke up into the air.

  Alarm bells rang in Dorothy’s head and she suddenly feared she might have been duped into losing her virginity. ‘What do you mean? You are still going to marry me, aren’t you?’

  ‘Yes, yes, of course. But before you go announcing it to the world, don’t you think I should get you a ring first?’

  Dorothy felt her panic subside and was relieved to hear that Robbie’s reluctance to announce their engagement was only because he wanted to ensure it was done correctly. ‘OK, but you had better get me one soon ’cos I can hardly contain myself. I’m going to be Mrs Ferguson. Mrs Dorothy Ferguson.’ Yet, as she spoke, Dorothy noticed that Robbie’s expression didn’t seem to be as blissful as hers.

  Robbie threw his roll-up to the floor before slinking back inside the hall with Dorothy. He couldn’t believe he’d asked her to marry him, but in the heat of the moment he knew it would persuade her to give in to his lust.

  He liked her, quite a lot in fact, but she was so prim and proper, unlike the other women he visited around here who were only too happy to open their legs to him. Robbie knew he was good-looking, and he easily charmed women, but usually if they weren’t forthcoming he’d just drop them and move on. It was easy, too easy, and maybe that’s what attracted him to Dottie. She was a stunner, and the fact that he had to try harder made her more of a challenge.

  Then a thought struck him. Dorothy wanted a ring and he was totally broke. He’d only been paid yesterday, but already most of his week’s wages had been blown in a card game. He was in debt to a couple of loan sharks, and he also owed money to his brother Adrian. If he was going to buy Dorothy any sort of ring, he would have to come up with a plan to get his hands on some cash, or be forced to go cap in hand to his brother yet again.

  Dorothy had made a run for the ladies’ toilets when Kimberley sauntered up to him with a knowing look on her face. He glanced around to make sure that Jimmy hadn’t noticed.

  ‘Keep your mouth shut, Kim, and make sure you stick to our story. I don’t want Jimmy or Dottie finding out about us. What happened earlier was a bit too close for comfort.’

  ‘Don’t worry. I don’t want Jimmy to know about us any more than you do, but someone up our street saw you leaving our house and had a word in his ear. He’ll be going out on Tuesday night to darts, but best you come round to the back door. If it’s all clear I’ll leave my bedroom curtains closed, but if they ain’t drawn, you’ll have to scarper.’

  Robbie wasn’t sure if he still wanted to risk it with Kimberley, but then again she did things for him that very few of the others would. She liked to take control and would lead the way in the bedroom, which Robbie found was a real turn-on for him.

  ‘OK, I’ll see you then, and make sure you’ve got that little black lacy number on, the one you told me you wore on honeymoon with Jimmy.’

  When Dorothy quietly closed her front door that night, Alice was waiting in the kitchen for her. She never went to bed before she was sure her daughter was home safely.

  ‘Did you have a nice time? Judging by that big grin on your face, I’m guessing you did,’ Alice asked, pleased to see Dorothy looking so happy.

  ‘Oh, Mum, you won’t believe it. I’m not meant to say anything until it’s official but I’ll burst if I don’t tell you. Robbie asked me to marry him and I said yes!’

  Alice was genuinely pleased for her daughter, but had been secretly fearing that this day would come. Her heart sank. She could help to make Dorothy’s wedding dress, but, suffering from agoraphobia, she doubted she’d be able to get to the church to see her walking down the aisle. These damn stupid fears, she thought, cursing the affliction that would cause her to miss her only child’s wedding day.

  Not only that, but Alice didn’t know how she’d cope without Dorothy. She hadn’t left the house since before the Blitz, not even to take shelter as bombs had dropped around her, razing houses to the ground. Thankfully Dorothy had been evacuated to Devon and Alice’s neighbours had rallied round, getting her shopping and anything else she needed. She had missed her daughter so much, but when the war ended and Dorothy was old enough, the young girl had taken over any outside tasks that Alice had been unable to do.

  She had tried to step over the threshold of her front door on many occasions, but her phobia had always beaten her and she had retreated back into the safety of her home. Though she knew it was selfish, Alice worried how she would manage without Dorothy’s wage. She felt sure that Robbie wouldn’t want to live with his in-laws, especially in this part of Battersea. Their house didn’
t have any of the modern conveniences like an inside toilet, and, from what Dorothy had told her, Robbie lived in the posh part of the borough. Apart from anything else Alice knew that they would want to start a family soon, and then Dorothy wouldn’t be able to work.

  As if sensing her qualms, Dorothy quickly spoke.

  ‘It’s all right, Mum, you won’t have anything to worry about. Me and Robbie will make sure you and Dad are well looked after. We’ll have two salaries coming in, and I reckon he must earn a good one working as a mechanic. Whatever happens, I’ll still get your shopping in, and as for my wedding day, we’ll sort something out, even if it means I have to get married in the back yard.’

  Guilt flared again at her daughter’s words, but Alice was so proud of Dorothy. What a thoughtful girl to be thinking about her mum and dad! Robbie was a lucky man, and she hoped he realised it.

  Dorothy was far too excited to sleep that night, tossing and turning as she began trying to plan her wedding dress down to every fine detail. She pulled the thin blankets up under her chin and shivered. She wasn’t sure if the tremble was down to the chilly night or the memory of Robbie’s touch and what had happened in the alley. All her good intentions of losing her virginity on her wedding night had gone out of the window, but at least the man who had taken it was destined to be her husband. It hadn’t hurt like she’d heard it would. Actually, looking back she’d found it very enjoyable and couldn’t wait to be living with Robbie, sharing a bed with him every night.

  But that was something to ponder on, and, though she had reassured her mother, Dorothy wondered what she was going to do about her parents. She couldn’t just abandon them. With her mother too afraid to leave the house, her father mentally unstable and no other family to share the burden, it would be down to her to ensure their security. Yet Dorothy was sure that Robbie would be understanding and supportive. He was fully aware of her situation so she wondered if he might consider moving into their home. It was an idea, but when she thought about the house that Robbie shared with his older brother Adrian she feared he wouldn’t agree. It was much larger and grander than this place, and in a better area too. She’d been surprised when she’d first seen the house and met Adrian. He was very different from his brother. Whereas Robbie was tall and good-looking, Adrian was short, tubby and balding, though his face was nice to look at.

  Her mind drifted back to where they would live. If she could persuade Robbie to move in here it would be the perfect solution, at least until they were ready to start a family. They would have to rethink the situation then as there was nothing she wanted more than a child of her own, lots of them in fact – a house filled with little Robbies. Dorothy thought about how gorgeous they would look if they took after their father with his dark hair and big brown eyes.

  She remembered how her dad used to play with her when she was a child. He was always so attentive and such fun to be with. Now, though, her dad’s illness was the only shadow in her landscape, but maybe holding a grandchild in his arms would bring him back to them.

  Dorothy smiled, hoping her dreams would all come true as she pictured her future with the man she was going to marry and loved with all her heart.

  Chapter 3

  Adrian replaced the telephone receiver and turned his attention to Robbie, who was looking agitated as he paced the office floor. Adrian knew they would never be taken for brothers. Robbie was tall, slim and dark with swarthy good looks, whereas Adrian knew his weight detracted from his pleasant face – and they were poles apart in character too.

  Before his younger brother had a chance to speak, Adrian guessed that Robbie would be asking for money again. He took a deep breath, resolving that this time would be different; he wouldn’t be a pushover. He would stand his ground and be firm. It was about time he gave the young man a few home truths. He knew it would be difficult but it needed doing as Robbie’s finances appeared to be spiralling out of control.

  ‘Hello, Rob. Why aren’t you at work?’

  ‘It’s a bit slow today. We haven’t got any vehicles in so Roger sent me off early, not that I’m complaining. He doesn’t dock my wages and I bloody hate working in that greasy pit.’

  Adrian sighed. ‘I told you to continue your education, Rob, but would you listen? No. You insisted on leaving school and in fact you’re lucky to be in your position. Lots of people would love to be a mechanic and earn the money you do. So stop complaining.’

  ‘Yes, but I wish I’d listened to you now.’

  Adrian narrowed his eyes. That remark was enough for him to know that his brother wanted something and he could guess what it was. ‘So what brings you here?’

  ‘You couldn’t see me straight for a few bob, could you?’

  Adrian looked at his brother’s confident stance and couldn’t believe his audacity. He didn’t even look sheepish about asking. He just came straight out with it.

  ‘I’m sorry, Rob, but no. You still haven’t paid me back from last time, or the time before that. I suppose you’ve been gambling again, but it’s about time you knocked that card playing on the head and took responsibility for yourself. I’m fed up with bailing you out all the time. You’re twenty-six years old, a grown man, and it’s time you acted like one.’

  Adrian spoke firmly. He didn’t like being so harsh, but knew it was the right thing to do. Since their parents had died of influenza when Robbie was thirteen, Adrian had become very protective of his younger brother. However, Robbie was trying to take advantage of his generosity one time too many and his patience was wearing thin.

  ‘Don’t be like that, it’s not like you can’t afford it. This business of yours makes you a fair packet.’

  ‘Whether I can afford it or not is irrelevant. I’ve worked hard to build Ferguson Haulage up to what it is today, and to be honest, Rob, it’s not just about the money.’

  ‘What are you on about?’

  ‘I’m always clearing up the mess you leave behind with your reckless behaviour. Christ, man, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to console an upset woman because you’ve led her a merry dance with your lies and philandering. Not to mention the many times I’ve reimbursed the money you’ve swindled out of them. I’ve had it up to here with you.’

  ‘But that’s just it … I’m getting married! I’m going to change, I swear, and that’s why I need some money. I want to buy Dottie a ring.’

  Adrian pushed his chair back from his desk, his thoughts turning. Could it be true? Was his brother really going to settle down? He doubted it, which could only mean one thing. ‘Oh, God, please tell me you haven’t got Dottie in the family way?’

  ‘What do you think I am, stupid? Of course I haven’t, but now I’ve asked her to marry me, I’ll need to get her an engagement ring. So if you lend me the money I promise I’ll pay you back this time.’

  ‘I’ve heard it all now. Does she have any idea about your debts? Just how on earth do you think you are going to support Dottie and her parents? Because from what you’ve told me about them before, they will need looking after too.’

  ‘Don’t you worry about that,’ Robbie answered slowly with a wry grin. ‘It’s going to be a very, very long engagement.’

  Adrian’s blood began to boil. He couldn’t believe how unprincipled his brother could be, and though he’d only met her a couple of times, Dottie seemed such a lovely young girl. It wasn’t as if Robbie had been brought up this way. Their parents had worked hard in instilling in them the difference between right and wrong and, after they had passed away, the boys’ elder sister Myra had taken up the reins. She had cared well for Robbie until her move to Scotland, back to their family roots.

  ‘I don’t suppose Dottie knows that she’ll be waiting a long time before she’s walked up the aisle? No, I suspect not. Another one who’s had the wool pulled over her eyes. Why do you do it, Rob? What are you getting out of her? Because I know it can’t be money.’

  There was a silent pause but the lascivious look on Robbie’s face told Adr
ian all he needed to know. ‘You can be such a ruthless bastard.’

  Robbie just laughed. ‘So are you going to lend me the money or not?’ he asked.

  ‘Not,’ said Adrian.

  Robbie approached Adrian and leaned forward, resting his hands on the desk. ‘Honestly, I’ll never ask you again if you just do this one thing for me.’

  ‘The subject is not open for debate. I won’t be any part of this. If you want to mislead that girl, then you will have to do it without my help. For goodness’ sake, Rob, our mother would be so ashamed of you.’

  Adrian saw a black look come over his brother’s face, the same expression he had seen when Robbie was a teenager and would fly into an uncontrollable rage. Myra had always been able to calm him and he seemed to have grown out of his outbursts, but, seeing that same look now, Adrian braced himself. He was right to do so because without hesitation Robbie swept his arm across Adrian’s desk, sending paperwork and pens flying.

  ‘How dare you bring our mum into this!’ he screeched as he brought his fist down heavily on the wooden desk.

  Adrian sat transfixed in his chair, waiting for his brother’s next move. He knew he’d gone too far with his last remark and instantly regretted it, but it was too late to retract it now. He watched as Robbie kicked a wastepaper bin, sending it soaring into the air, and then pushed over a shelving unit with such force that it skidded across the wooden floor. Then without a glance back his brother stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him. Adrian was left shaken – but glad that Robbie had gone.

  As he surveyed the mess around him, the door opened again, filling him with dread. Much to his relief it was only Joe, one of his drivers, though it was customary for his employees to knock before entering.

  Joe was a burly looking chap yet even he looked shocked at the state of the office. ‘Are you all right, guv? Only I saw that bloke just leave and he didn’t ’alf bang that door.’

  ‘Yes, everything’s fine, Joe. He’s my brother, nothing to worry about,’ Adrian said hurriedly as he scanned the paperwork on the floor, picked up a piece and handed it to Joe. ‘Here you go, this is the ticket for your next collection. You’ll have to get a move on if you’re going to be at the drop-off on time.’