Mother’s Ruin

by Kitty Neale

  ‘I just do!’

  ‘So why let her, and your parents, think that Patsy has moved in with you?’

  ‘Because it was Sally who told my parents, and they chose to believe her over me. I’m their son and they should know me better than that, but as they’ve made up their mind that I’m the guilty party, sod them!’

  ‘It sounds like your pride talking.’

  ‘Now look, Patsy hasn’t moved in, and I have no intention of letting her. Yet I was condemned without a hearing.’

  ‘You’re still seeing her though.’

  ‘Yes, I am, and so what? Are you jealous?’

  ‘No, I’m not. I only took Patsy out a few times and soon found she wasn’t the girl for me. I still can’t believe you prefer her to Sally.’

  ‘Sally doesn’t want me, and I’m not a flaming monk. Now come on, let’s change the subject.’

  ‘All right,’ Joe said, swallowing his coffee and preparing to leave when someone rang the doorbell. ‘Stay put, Arthur. You need to rest that leg.’

  As Joe opened the front door, Arthur heard a woman’s voice and for a moment his heart leapt. Was it Sally? He felt immediately deflated when Mary walked into the room, and forcing a smile, he said, ‘Hello, Mary. So you’ve come home.’

  If she’d been in better humour Mary might have told Arthur that she wasn’t an optical illusion, but instead, ignoring the other man in the room, she said, ‘Can we talk?’

  ‘Joe, this is Sally’s aunt and she’s just returned from Spain. Though I doubt she’s called round to tell me about her adventures.’

  ‘Pleased to meet you,’ Joe said, as he proffered his hand.

  Murmuring a greeting, Mary shook it, but with Sally’s heartbreak heavy on her mind she hadn’t come here to socialise. She’d come to see for herself if Arthur had another woman, and so far there wasn’t any sign of one.

  ‘Arthur, I’d best be off,’ Joe said.

  ‘Yes, all right, mate. I’ll see you in the morning,’ Arthur replied, and as Joe left the room he added, ‘Mary, do you mind sitting down? It’s making my neck ache looking up at you.’

  Taking a seat, she said without preamble, ‘I can’t believe what I’ve been hearing and I came round here to see for myself.’

  ‘See what?’

  ‘This young woman I hear is living with you.’

  Arthur’s lips curled back into a sneer, his annoyance obvious. ‘As you can see there isn’t a woman here. Yet even if there was, Sally has filed for a divorce so I don’t see that it’s any of your business.’

  ‘Sally only sought legal advice after hearing from your solicitor.’

  ‘Is that what she told you? Another lie – but of course everyone believes precious Sally.’

  Mary was about to ask him what he meant when the living- room door opened. She had her back towards it, and hidden in the wing-back chair, she heard a female voice.

  ‘Thank God that stuffed shirt has gone, I’m fed up with him looking at me like I’m something he’s stepped on.’

  ‘Patsy,’ Arthur said, his voice holding a warning.

  ‘What?’

  Mary stood up, and, startled, the girl’s eyes rounded as she said, ‘Oh, I didn’t see you there!’

  ‘Obviously not. So, it’s true, Arthur. You have got someone else living with you?’

  His voice was thick with anger as he replied, ‘So, just like the others, you’ve jumped to that conclusion.’

  ‘What else am I supposed to think?’

  ‘Think what you bloody well like. Now I suggest you leave.’

  ‘I’m not going anywhere until I sort this out! What do you mean about Sally filing for divorce first? And is this girl living with you or not?’

  ‘Now look here, I don’t have to answer to you, and you needn’t stand there looking like some sort of avenging angel. You’ve already had Sally’s version of the truth, so like everyone else, I doubt you’ll believe mine. Now as I said, I want you to leave.’

  Mary’s jaws tightened, but there was no arguing with the finality of Arthur’s words. She snatched up her handbag and marched from the room, slamming the door behind her.

  It was only when Mary reached the end of Maple Terrace that she began to think logically again. Arthur was under the impression that Sally had filed for divorce first, but why? And what did he mean about Sally telling lies? Of course she wasn’t, and anyway, she had seen Arthur’s girlfriend for herself.

  Though Mary had enjoyed her cruise, and then working abroad, the pain of losing Leroy was still there. For Sally the heartache was still fresh and her heart went out to her niece. In the face of Arthur’s intransigent attitude, she doubted there was any way to save her niece’s marriage and Mary felt utterly helpless.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Another two weeks passed, and Angel became increasingly sulky and demanding, ‘I want to see my daddy!’

  ‘Well, you can’t,’ Sally said tiredly. ‘I hate you, Mummy.’ With arms akimbo and her hands on her hips, Angel glared at her indignantly and Sally closed her eyes against the sight, no longer seeing the stance with humour.

  ‘You should let her see her father,’ Sadie said. Sally’s eyes widened. ‘What?’ ‘You heard me, Sally. I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again. I know you think you’re punishing Arthur by keeping them apart, but Angel is suffering too and it isn’t right.’

  ‘But he doesn’t deserve to see her.’ ‘Maybe not. However, it’s Angel who concerns me. I’m not condoning what Arthur has done, but he is her father.’

  ‘Mummy, pleeease,’ Angel appealed. ‘Go on, Sally. Let her see him, if only for a little while,’ Ruth urged.

  They were both nagging her now, Sally thought, and wondered angrily whose side they were on. She said curtly, ‘I said no.’

  ‘I hate you, Mummy!’ Angel cried again, running into Ruth’s arms.

  There was a moment of startling clarity as Sally watched the scene. What sort of mother was she? In her desperation to punish Arthur, she had used the only weapon she had – her daughter. Worried that Angel might try to go to Maple Terrace on her own again, she kept her in whenever she thought that Arthur would be at home, and Angel was chafing at the restriction.

  Sally swallowed, sickened by her self-centred behaviour. She held out her arms. ‘Angel, come here, darling.’

  ‘No, I don’t want to,’ the child said, burrowing into her grandmother.

  ‘Oh, Angel, I’m sorry, darling. Of course you can see your daddy.’ The child lifted her head. ‘Really?’ ‘Yes, really, and I’ll give him a ring now to make the arrangements. It’s Sunday so he’ll be home, and if you like, you can go to see him after dinner.’

  ‘Yippee,’ Angel cried, pulling away from Ruth and doing a little jig.

  As Sally rose to her feet, her gran touched her arm. ‘I’m glad you’ve come to your senses.’ ‘I’ve been awful, Gran.’ ‘You’re hurting, love, and it’s understandable, but I knew you’d come round eventually.’

  Sally sighed, dragging her feet as she went into the hall. She didn’t want to talk to Arthur, didn’t want to hear his voice, but for Angel’s sake she had to. There would be one stipulation though, Sally decided as she dialled the number. One she hoped Arthur would agree to.

  ‘Hello.’ On hearing Arthur’s voice, Sally froze for a moment, the pain of his betrayal still unbearable. ‘Arthur,’ she said quietly.

  ‘Is that you, Sally?’ ‘I’ve just rung to say that I’ve decided to let you see Angel.’ ‘I should think so too, especially as you had no right to keep us apart in the first place. She’s my daughter too.’

  ‘I know that and she’s missing you. However, I don’t want her to see you with Patsy.’

  ‘Really, and why not?’ ‘I should have thought that was obvious. Angel is already upset that we’re living apart, and it would only add to her confusion if she sees you with another woman.’

  There was a silence and then she heard a loud sigh. ‘At some point she’ll have to get use
d to it, but for now I’ll make sure that Patsy stays out of the way.’

  Sally’s stomach twisted, still unable to bear the thought of them together. She took a deep breath, steadying her voice. ‘Our Sunday lunch is almost ready, so how about I fetch Angel round for an hour afterwards? Say at three o’clock.’

  ‘An hour! Surely she can stay longer than that?’ ‘All right, two hours, but then I’ll return to pick her up.’ ‘Fine.’

  Sally’s goodbye was clipped, finding as she dropped the receiver into its cradle that she had to fight her feelings. She wouldn’t cry, she wouldn’t, and as she returned to the kitchen Angel looked at her expectantly. Sally forced herself to smile. ‘I’ll be taking you to see your daddy after dinner.’

  Angel ran a little circle around the room, cheering loudly, until Sadie snapped, ‘For Gawd’s sake, pack it in, child. You’re giving me a headache.’

  ‘Sorry, Gamma.’ ‘Why don’t you go out to play?’ ‘Can I, Mummy?’ For a moment Sally hesitated, but Angel knew she would be seeing her daddy later so was unlikely to wander off. ‘Yes, I suppose so, but stay in Candle Lane, or else.’

  As the door closed, Sally sank onto a chair again. When she took Angel to see Arthur, she would have to see him again, and she dreaded it.

  When Arthur walked into the living room, Patsy could see that he was fuming.

  ‘What’s the matter, darling?’ ‘That was Sally. She’s agreed to let me see Angel at last.’ ‘Oh, that’s nice.’ ‘You won’t say that when you hear the rule she’s laid down. She’s got a bloody cheek.’

  ‘Calm down, love. What rule are you on about?’ ‘I can see Angel, but only if you’re not around.’ Patsy hid her feelings, saying calmly, ‘That’s not a problem. I’ll just make sure I’m upstairs while the child is with you.’

  ‘Thanks, love.’ ‘Does Sally still think that I’m living with you?’ ‘Yes, I think so, and so do my parents, but I’ve no intention of putting them straight. If that’s what they choose to believe, sod them.’

  With her head lowered, Patsy’s mind raced. She had tried every trick in the book to take the relationship further, but to no avail. Arthur wanted her for sex, and plenty of it, but he still wouldn’t let her stay the night. She had a feeling that, despite his protestations, he wanted Sally back.

  Patsy’s eyes narrowed. She’d have to think of something, some mischief to keep them apart.

  Ruth watched as Angel picked at her food and wondered if Tommy was getting anything to eat. Denis Walters said that he’d stopped drinking and that Laura had too, but Ruth doubted it. When she saw Tommy he still looked neglected, dirty and poorly- fed, and it broke her heart. She longed to feed him, but Denis had taken Laura’s side, telling her not to interfere.

  ‘Angel, eat your carrots,’ Sally said. ‘Don’t want them.’ ‘There are starving children in the world who’d be glad for the food on your plate,’ Ruth said.

  ‘They can have it.’ ‘Angel, don’t cheek your nanny,’ Sally snapped.

  Ruth was unable to help the comparison. When she’d fed Tommy he scoffed it, eating anything that was put in front of him. Angel on the other hand was picky, but with a small shake of her head Ruth knew it was their fault. They had all spoiled the child, but now as her granddaughter gave her a heart-stopping smile, Ruth grinned back. She was adorable.

  Sadie smacked her lips. ‘That was smashing, Ruth. I love a nice bit of lamb with mint sauce.’

  ‘I’m glad you enjoyed it,’ she replied, pleased that her mother was so much better nowadays. Ruth knew that she was happier too, though she had to hide the fact. When Sally and Angel had moved to Maple Terrace, she’d missed them so much. The house had felt empty and desolate without them. Now, though, they were back, and though she played the part of being sympathetic, secretly she was hoping there would never be a reconciliation.

  She had supported her mother in persuading Sally to let Angel see her father, but now hoped it wasn’t a mistake. She didn’t want Sally anywhere near Arthur, not if there was the slightest chance of them getting back together. Ruth lowered her eyes. She shouldn’t think like that, it was selfish, but then with her next thought, she justified her attitude. After what Arthur had done, he didn’t deserve Sally.

  At three o’clock, Sally took Angel’s hand and walked her to Maple Terrace. It was now early May, the temperature warmer, and if she hadn’t been so tense she might have enjoyed the walk; instead her teeth were gritted as she rang the doorbell.

  It was some time before it opened, and despite everything, her heart leapt when she saw Arthur. He stood straight and tall, with no sign of a cane.

  ‘Daddy,’ Angel cried, running joyfully forward. Arthur smiled down at his daughter, and then moving sideways he beckoned her inside. ‘Hello, princess. Come on in?’

  ‘Mummy too?’

  ‘No,’ Sally said hastily, ‘but I’ll be back to pick you up in a couple of hours. Be a good girl.’

  Angel looked bewildered, but stepped inside, and as Arthur closed the door, tears welled in Sally’s eyes. It had been so hard to look at Arthur again, and though she had tried to harden her heart towards him, Sally now knew that it hadn’t worked. She still loved him. She walked away, her shoulders hunched, and with her eyes down she didn’t see Patsy until she nearly bumped into her.

  ‘Hello, Sally, I’ve just been to get a bit of shopping in. Thank you for letting Arthur see Angel. He’s been missing her.’

  Sally said nothing, only struggled to hide her feelings and she was about to walk past when Patsy spoke again.

  ‘Arthur’s been practising for hours to walk without a stick,’ she said, ‘and all because he doesn’t want to walk with a limp when we get married.’

  ‘Married! You’re getting married?’ ‘Well, yes. Didn’t he tell you?’ Sally shook her head, her voice a croak. ‘No.’ ‘Men!’ Patsy exclaimed. ‘Still, no doubt he’d have got round to it eventually. Of course we’ll have to wait until your divorce comes through and I know all the legal stuff takes ages. In the meantime at least we’re together.’

  Sally felt sick, and while still fighting to hide it, Patsy chirped on, ‘Oh yes, and as you can see I’m keeping out of the way while Angel’s with Arthur. I’ve agreed to that for now, but if you ask me it’s a bit daft. Arthur and I are living together and it would make more sense for Angel to get used to the idea. After all, you can hardly expect me to disappear every time she comes round.’

  Anger dispelled Sally’s nausea. ‘I don’t give a damn if you’re inconvenienced. In fact, the longer I can keep my daughter away from you the better,’ she spat, marching off with her head held high. To think she had once believed that Arthur loved her. Their marriage meant nothing to him – something easily pushed aside – so much so that he could even propose to Patsy before their divorce had come through.

  It was then that a hard shell began to form around Sally’s heart, one that she was determined to keep in place.

  Later that afternoon, Ann turned up just as Sally was due to collect Angel. ‘I hope you don’t mind, but I wanted to see you. Dad dropped me off and he’s picking me up in an hour or so.’

  ‘I’m just about to go out,’ Sally said, stonily. ‘What’s wrong, Sally? Is it that you’d rather not see me?’ ‘No, it isn’t that.’ It was Ruth who offered Ann an explanation. ‘Sally took Angel round to see Arthur. She bumped into Patsy and the girl told her that she and Arthur are getting married as soon as the divorce comes through.’

  ‘No, you must have got it wrong, Sally. Arthur would have told us.’

  ‘I haven’t, but I can’t talk about it now as I’m off to collect Angel. I shouldn’t be long so I’ll see you when I get back.’

  ‘I’ll come with you, and if this is true I’ll have a few words to say to my brother.’

  ‘Don’t bother on my account,’ Sally said. ‘In fact, I’d rather you said nothing in front of Angel. I don’t want her upset.’

  Sally didn’t feel like talking, but answered Ann’s questions as
they walked to Maple Terrace. ‘Yes, I’m sure they’re getting married. I heard it from the horse’s mouth. Patsy was full of it.’

  Arthur’s eyes widened when he opened the door. ‘Well, well, hello, sis. I wasn’t expecting you. Are you both coming in?’

  ‘No,’ Sally said bluntly. ‘I’ve just come for Angel.’ ‘If that tart’s in there, I’m not coming in either,’ Ann said. ‘If you’re talking about Patsy, she isn’t a tart, and I won’t have you calling her one,’ Arthur said, obviously annoyed. ‘Wait there. I’ll get Angel.’

  ‘Hold on a minute,’ Ann said. ‘I hear congratulations are in order.’

  ‘What are you talking about?’ ‘Sally tells me that you and Patsy are getting married.’ Arthur seemed to stretch, his neck rising out of his collar. ‘That’s another of her lies.’

  ‘No, it isn’t,’ Sally protested, about to say what Patsy had told her when Angel appeared, grinning when she saw her aunt.

  ‘Hello, Auntie Ann. Are them boys with you?’ ‘No, darling. They’re with Nanny Elsie.’ ‘Come on, Angel, it’s time to go home,’ Sally urged. ‘I want to stay with Daddy.’ ‘You can see him again next week,’ Sally cajoled, anxious to be away. Arthur had accused her of lying and her fists were clenched into balls, her nails digging into her palms in an attempt not to have this out in front of Angel.

  ‘Well, Ann, it was nice to see you and thanks for the congratulations, even if they are misplaced,’ Arthur said, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

  ‘For the sake of you know who,’ Ann said, nodding towards Angel, ‘I’m saying nothing, but I intend to get to the bottom of this.’

  ‘As long as you listen to her, you never will,’ Arthur countered, ‘but you’re right, this isn’t the time to sort it out. Off you go, princess, and I’ll see you next week.’

  As they walked away and out of Arthur’s hearing, Ann said, ‘Don’t you think it was funny the way Arthur reacted when I congratulated him? He said that you were telling lies and I wonder now if you’ve got the wrong end of the stick.’