by Kitty Neale
Dorothy giggled, then the giggle turned to a laugh, which grew louder and had her doubling over as she gasped, ‘Oh, Nelly.’
‘You don’t have to apologise to me, Nelly.’ Adrian said. ‘I won’t say that was very ladylike, but you’ve made Dottie laugh and that sound is music to my ears.’
Dorothy managed to pull herself together, feeling guilty that she could laugh on the anniversary of her mum’s death, then was reminded of something Nelly had said. Her mother wouldn’t have wanted to see her unhappy. Maybe that was true, but with her father in hospital and Robbie back on the scene, she wasn’t sure how long she could keep up her façade.
Chapter 29
‘Hello, love, this is Robbie, a good friend of mine. Do you mind if we come in?’ Cynthia asked the young woman, who looked unsure of the two visitors at her door.
Robbie eyed her up and down. Cynthia was right, the girl was pretty, but she looked very young too.
‘I suppose,’ she answered timidly and opened the door wider.
‘I bet you’re wondering what we’re doing here, especially so early on Christmas Day,’ Cynthia said as she sat on a sofa that had seen better days.
‘Well … yes,’ Yvonne said.
Robbie sat next to Cynthia, noting that the only window was covered in muck, making the room dim and dingy. It was the same size as Cynthia’s, yet it appeared much larger as, apart from the sofa, the only other items were a small double bed and a few clothes stacked neatly in the corner. There wasn’t even a stove next to the tiny sink.
‘Well, love, I know it’s none of my business, but how do you get by? I mean, I don’t see you going out to work so how do you pay the rent?’ Cynthia asked as she lit a cigarette and puffed on it, leaving bright pink lipstick on the filter.
Yvonne rummaged in a cupboard under the sink and pulled out a small china bowl which she handed to Cynthia for her ash. ‘I’ve got a job. I pack pencils in boxes at Stanford’s. You ain’t seen me going out ’cos I’ve been laid off, but it’s only for a bit, just until Mr Stanford gets a big order in, then he’ll have me back. He says I’m one of his best girls and he don’t want to lose me to no other factory.’
‘Oh, I see. So how long have you been waiting for him to get this big order?’
‘I think it’s been about seven weeks now. That’s why I took this room, ’cos it’s cheaper than my last place.’
‘Seven weeks? Are you mad or something?’ Robbie asked.
Cynthia shot him a warning look as she stubbed out her cigarette, and then said, ‘What he means is, Mr Stanford is having a laugh if he expects you to wait around for all that time with no wages. What does he think you’re living on, fresh air?’
‘I … I … don’t know. I ain’t got no savings left. My mum and sister moved to Clacton, and Mum said I had to stay here ’cos she says I’m a lia-lia-liability, but honest, I don’t ever tell lies. She said when it’s Christmas I could go to see her, and it’s Christmas now, but I ain’t got my train fare.’ Yvonne’s bottom lip pouted and her eyes filled.
Neither Robbie nor Cynthia were ones for sympathy, but they were both good manipulators and Yvonne was playing right into their hands. She’s not that bright, thought Robbie, but he didn’t need a girl with brains. Look where that had got him with Gladys. She’d been capable of earning her own money without him and had left him high and dry. He doubted he’d have the same problem with Yvonne. From what he could see the girl had trouble looking after herself, and that was perfect for Robbie’s requirements.
‘Don’t upset yourself, Yvonne. I can help you,’ Robbie said softly. ‘You can work for me and before you know it you’ll have all the money you need to get to Clacton. You’ll even be able to buy something nice for your mum and I bet she’d love that.’
Yvonne’s face lit up. ‘Really? What sort of work? I can do packing. I’m good at that.’
‘I’m sure you are, but I’ve something else in mind. There’s no need to worry your pretty little head about it for now, just leave it all to me. One question, how old are you?’
‘I’m seventeen,’ Yvonne answered, ‘and do you really think I’m pretty?’
‘You certainly are,’ Robbie told her and looked at Cynthia.
‘I told you,’ she mouthed.
Robbie smiled. Yes, Yvonne was perfect, and soon he’d put her to work.
Later that morning, sick of looking at Cynthia, Robbie went for a walk. Some Christmas this was turning out to be, he thought, but at least he now had the chance to make a bit of money. As he turned a corner, Robbie almost walked straight into Mrs Hart and his eyes widened.
‘Hello, Mrs Hart. I’m surprised to see you in this part of Battersea.’
‘Hello, young man. I’m on my way to spend the day with an elderly relative,’ she told him, while adjusting the knot under her chin that secured her scarf. ‘I haven’t seen you for a while, Robbie. Are you back home now?’
‘I’m in Battersea, but I’m not living at home.’
‘Oh, I see. I suppose that’s because your brother is married now, and I must say I’m surprised you missed his wedding.’
‘It was unavoidable, but they seem happy together, don’t you think?’ Robbie asked, knowing that like most women she probably enjoyed a good gossip.
‘Oh, they are, but such a shame about Dorothy’s poor father.’
‘Mr Butler – what about him?’ Robbie asked, pretending to be concerned.
‘Haven’t you heard? He was taken into hospital. There was an ambulance outside yesterday. Dorothy looked beside herself with worry.’
‘No, I hadn’t heard.’
‘I do hope he’s going to be all right,’ Mrs Hart said.
‘Yes, me too, but I’m in a bit of a hurry so I must go,’ Robbie lied. ‘Bye, Mrs Hart, and merry Christmas.’
‘Goodbye, and merry Christmas to you too.’
Robbie threw her a smile and walked quickly away, his pace increasing to stay warm. If Dottie’s dad was kept in hospital, once Christmas was over and Adrian was back at work, he’d have the opportunity to make sure he bumped into her when she went to visit her dad. He’d have to make doubly sure that Adrian wouldn’t be around, and he knew just how to do that.
Chapter 30
Adrian had seen how close to tears Dottie had been on Christmas morning, but she’d managed to cook them a lovely meal. Then, after going to see her father in the afternoon and finding he was no worse, her spirits had lifted.
They had waited until teatime to open their presents, and Dorothy had loved the Brownie camera, along with the gold locket and chain he’d chosen for her. Having Nelly and Malcolm there had helped, but now the festivities were over and he was back in the office.
It was the twenty-seventh of December, and in a few days they would be seeing in the New Year. He’d hoped it would be a good one, but now with Bill in hospital and his brother back on the scene, worry clouded his mind.
Adrian looked at the watch that Dottie had given him, noting it was nearing lunchtime, then the office door opened, and, seeing who had come in, he looked up, unsmiling.
‘I guessed you’d show your face here eventually.’
‘That’s a fine welcome for your little brother,’ Robbie said. ‘I thought you’d be pleased to see me.’
Adrian snorted. ‘You thought wrong, Rob. After you left, gossip spread about the robbery, and your debts too. No wonder you disappeared, and no doubt you’ve come back from wherever you’ve been because you’ve messed up and run out of money. If you think I’m going to lend you another penny, or that you can move back into my house, you can forget it.’
‘There’s no proof I did a robbery, but you always think the worst of me, don’t you? As it happens, I don’t want your money, or a roof over my head. I’m sorted and I wouldn’t want to intrude on your perfect little life, with your perfect little wife. I just came to say hello, but if that’s how you feel, I’m off.’
As Robbie turned to walk out, Adrian hung his head. From the mom
ent he’d heard that his brother was back, he had feared how Dottie would react. He didn’t want to lose her, but as she’d barely shown any interest in Robbie’s return, maybe he was overreacting. After all, when all was said and done, Robbie was his brother. He took a deep breath.
‘Rob, stop. I’m sorry.’
Robbie swung around again. ‘What are you sorry for? Nicking my girl?’
Adrian instantly regretted his apology. ‘Your girl? The woman you left high and dry, you mean! You didn’t deserve her, Rob. She was always too good for you.’
‘Too good for me! How do you work that one out? She’s from the slums, as common as muck, and without a penny to her name. That’s why she married you, for your money, and surely you know that.’
Adrian seethed, but he wasn’t going to let Robbie see how his words had affected him. Instead he asked, ‘What’s the matter, Rob, are you jealous?’
‘No, I’m not. If you can’t see that she’s using you, you’re welcome to her,’ Robbie answered and sauntered out of the office, leaving Adrian with a bad taste in his mouth.
Adrian took a deep breath to calm down. He’d had his apology thrown in his face, and the things Robbie had gone on to say about Dorothy had overstepped the mark. He was glad to see the back of his brother, but with no idea where Robbie was living, and with a lingering fear of losing Dorothy still on his mind, he hoped he’d stay out of their lives. And for good.
The bus pulled up outside the hospital and Dorothy got off with a heavy heart. She hoped to find more of an improvement in her dad’s health but the doctors had warned her that progress would be slow.
It was a busy building with a throng of visitors coming and going, but as she approached the main entrance Dorothy stopped in her tracks. Despite the cold wind a familiar figure was leaning casually against the wall and her pulse quickened. Her legs felt weak and shaky, but she forced herself to put one foot in front of the other. She’d been dreading this, yet at the same time part of her had been hoping for it. Robbie looked self-assured and as handsome as ever. Her heart hammered in her chest.
‘Robbie, what are you doing here?’ she asked, trying to sound irritated, though inside she was melting.
‘Hello to you too, Dottie,’ he answered, and threw his roll-up to one side as he stood up straight.
‘You haven’t answered my question.’
‘I heard about your dad and wanted to make sure you’re OK. How’s he doing?
Dorothy struggled to keep her composure, but when she looked into Robbie’s eyes, she was captured by his gaze. Like a moth to a flame she was drawn to him, but she didn’t want to get burned again and she hoped Robbie couldn’t read how she was feeling.
‘How did you hear about my dad?’
‘I bumped into Mrs Hart. So how is he?’
‘You’ve no right to be here, Robbie, and since when have you given a toss about me or my dad?’ Dorothy snapped, and not waiting for his response she stomped into the hospital.
Robbie caught up with her and marched alongside. ‘Don’t be like that, Dottie,’ he said, and pulled a sad face. ‘I know I went off without a word, but I had to leave. I didn’t have a choice, but not a day passed that I didn’t think about you.’
Dorothy didn’t want to hear it. It was difficult enough to wrestle with her confused emotions without Robbie trying to pull her heartstrings. ‘In that case, you could have at least written to me,’ she spat.
‘Dottie, please. I’m sorry, give me a chance to explain …’
Dorothy spun around, and with her arms stiff at her side she glared at Robbie. ‘Tell it to someone who cares. Just leave me alone.’ The love she had felt for him was bubbling close to the surface but still mixed with anger. A part of her wanted to melt into his arms and feel his tantalising touch, yet another part wanted to slap his face and run to the security her husband offered. ‘I’m not interested in anything you have to say. I’m married to Adrian now, so don’t waste your breath.’
‘I know that, Dottie, but can’t we still be friends?’ Robbie asked and then with a cheeky grin he added, ‘Come on, after all, you’re my sister-in-law so that makes us family, and I’m sure Adrian wouldn’t want us to be at each other’s throats.’
The comment cut through Dorothy. He had run off, leaving her pregnant, but she didn’t want him to find out. Now that he was her brother-in-law it was too weird. It made her feel sick inside, but she said, ‘All right, for Adrian’s sake I’ll make an effort, but please, keep your distance.’
‘I’ll try, Dottie, but it won’t be easy. I mean, look at you. You’re a beautiful woman.’
‘Robbie, stop!’ Dorothy warned.
‘All right, I get it, you don’t want to be disloyal to Adrian, but it was just a compliment, that’s all. I wouldn’t want to upset Adrian either, but there’s no reason why we can’t go for a coffee and a chat about things, clear the air.’
‘I can’t. I’ve got to see my dad.’
‘I’ll wait. You go and check on him then we can go for that coffee. It’ll make Adrian happy to see that we’ve put the past behind us and become friends.’
Dorothy had always found it difficult to resist Robbie’s pleading eyes and though all her instincts were screaming at her to run for the hills, there was something about him she couldn’t resist. ‘OK, I’ll see you in a bit,’ she found herself saying, but instantly felt a pang of guilt.
I’m meeting him for the right reasons, she told herself, and as she made her way to her dad’s ward, Dottie repeated the words over and over in her head, hoping to make herself believe them.
Robbie was pleased with himself. He’d seen that a romantic route wasn’t going to wash with Dorothy so he’d played the family card and, bingo, the woman had caved. Not everything he’d said had been a lie, though: she did look bloody gorgeous, but he didn’t plan on bedding her. He reckoned she’d be a softer touch than his brother and, since she had access to Adrian’s cash, he hoped to wangle some of it from her.
He’d left Cynthia busy with Yvonne, showing the girl how to apply make-up and stuff, so Robbie hung around just inside the entrance to the hospital until he saw Dorothy walking towards him. Time for the second part of his charm offensive, he wickedly thought to himself. ‘You look a lot happier. I take it your dad’s on the mend?’ he said, smiling warmly.
‘Yes, he’s a lot better. Well, he’s calmer at least. I’m pretty sure he knew who I was too.’
Robbie felt Dorothy flinch as he took her arm, but he ignored it and said, ‘That’s good. Come on, there’s a nice coffee shop round the corner and we can talk in there.’
‘All right, but I can’t stay for long.’
Robbie led Dorothy to an empty table and sat opposite her. When a waitress appeared he ordered their drinks, and then focused on Dottie again, asking, ‘How did you end up marrying my brother?’
‘It’s a long story. A lot happened when you left, and I had my reasons, but it’s water under the bridge now and I don’t want to dwell on the past.’
Robbie felt that Dottie was fobbing him off. The only reason she’d married Adrian was for his money, but she didn’t want to admit it. Fair enough, he thought as the waitress placed two cups of frothy coffee on the table. He might have done the same if a rich woman had been in his sights. ‘You sound different, Dottie, less common.’
‘Common? Is that what you thought of me?’
‘No, of course not. I found the way you spoke endearing,’ Robbie lied. ‘You dress well too. That outfit you’re wearing looks lovely, and I bet that fur cost a pretty penny.’
‘Adrian’s business is doing well and he likes me to look nice.’
‘I’m sure he does and who could blame him? I popped in to see him this morning, but I think he got the wrong idea about some of the things I said.’
‘Why? What did you say?’
‘He thinks I’m jealous that you’re married to him, and I suppose I am a bit,’ he said. ‘But I’m happy for you too.’
Just bef
ore Dorothy took a sip of coffee their eyes locked and Robbie hid a feeling of triumph. He was sure he’d seen something in hers, and if he was right she still loved him. That would make her easy to manipulate. ‘When Nelly told me you’d married Adrian, it came as a bit of a shock,’ he continued, ‘and to be honest, it’s left me a bit up the creek without a paddle.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘When I came back I planned on moving into my old room until I found a job and sorted myself out. Of course, I can’t do that now so I’m in a bit of a predicament. I’ve got to find somewhere else to live, but until I find work I can’t afford to pay any rent.’
‘Oh dear, what are you going to do?’
‘I don’t know, Dottie. Jobs seem scarce and nobody seems to be taking on mechanics. I had enough money to stay in a cheap hotel for a few nights, but I’m broke now so I’ll just have to sleep in my car until something turns up.’
‘No, Robbie, you can’t do that. You.… you’ll have to move in with us,’ Dorothy said, though she didn’t look pleased at the idea.
‘Adrian has already vetoed that, so it’s the car until I can find some money to rent a flat.’
Dorothy was quiet for a moment, her head lowered as though in thought, but then she took a purse from her handbag and said, ‘I know you’re a proud man, Robbie, but please, let me help.’
‘No, Dottie, before you offer, I can’t take money from you.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ she argued, holding out two pound notes. ‘Adrian is more than generous with housekeeping money, but I’ve been shopping so this isn’t much. I’ve got more at home. Anyhow, if it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be in this predicament. It’s all my fault.’
‘Dottie, I couldn’t …’ Robbie falsely protested.
‘Don’t be silly. As you said, we’re family now, and it’s only until you’re back on your feet.’
Robbie took the money and stuffed the notes into the pocket of his denim jacket. Two quid wasn’t much, but it was a start and better than nothing.
‘Thanks, Dottie. I don’t know what to say. It’s a bit awkward though. Because of the way things were left with me and Adrian earlier, I don’t think he’d be happy about you giving me money.’
