The Girl from the Docklands Café

by June Tate

  ‘What is it?’ Larry asked, seeing the devastation in her expression.

  ‘I can’t have children. Conor and I tried, but I never became pregnant.’

  ‘Did you consult a doctor about this ever?’

  Shaking her head, she said, ‘No. We just thought it wasn’t meant to be. I wanted a baby so badly but, in the end, I just accepted the fact that it would never happen.’ She looked at him. ‘I’m so sorry, Larry. I would understand if this made a difference to our getting married.’

  He looked shocked. ‘I can’t believe you just said that! I love you and I’m going to marry you. I told you, your problems will be my problems. We’ll go to a doctor after we’re married and see what he says, but if we can’t have a family, it doesn’t matter.’

  She was overcome and couldn’t speak. Being a mother was the one thing in her life at which she’d failed, and it hurt her deeply. But there were no words that could convey just how she felt.

  Larry caught hold of her hand. ‘Now, how about we find somewhere to get a bite to eat? This evening we could go to a show; there is a variety show on the pier that should be fun. What do you say?’

  Relieved that the conversation had changed, she agreed.

  They found a cafe serving fish and chips, and ate. The fish caught locally was in good supply, which made up for the shortages of food on offer. They tucked in with relish, then went back to the hotel to freshen up, but stopped in the residents’ lounge for a drink first.

  ‘I’d better hide my left hand,’ Jessie said.

  Frowning, Larry asked why.

  ‘In case they notice I’m not wearing a wedding ring,’ she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

  ‘You’re wearing an engagement ring, I’m sure no one is going to be that interested; besides, I’m sure we’re not the first unmarried couple to share a room.’

  They finished their drink and took the lift to their floor. The room was on the front overlooking the sea. It was tastefully furnished and Jessie looked it over very carefully, then she inspected the bathroom. When she returned to the bedroom, Larry had removed his overcoat and was sitting in one of the easy chairs.

  ‘Well, Mrs McGonigall, did it pass muster?’

  She started laughing. ‘Sorry, I can’t help it. I’m still a hotelier at heart and yes, it does pass muster!’

  He pulled her onto his knee and kissed her.

  ‘Ever the perfectionist.’

  ‘Well, when it comes to business; other than that, I’m just a normal person with failings like anyone else.’

  He started laughing. ‘Believe me, you certainly are unlike anyone else! You are totally unique and that’s part of your charm. Failings maybe, but we all have those – that’s what makes you human.’

  ‘Oh my, Mr Forbes, are you admitting that you have faults?’

  ‘One or two,’ he said with a broad grin. ‘Now, let’s freshen up or we’ll be late for the show.’

  By the time they reached the pier, they had time to play on the various slot machines like a couple of children, laughing with delight when they won a few pennies. Then they made their way to the theatre.

  The variety show was good, with a man on a unicycle, followed by a sword swallower who made Jessie cringe as she watched the sword slowly lower into the man’s gullet. In the end, she hid her eyes until he finished, much to Larry’s amusement.

  ‘Not always brave, then?’ he teased.

  A singer was the final act, and they sat and listened to the man who had a fine voice and sang all the latest songs, but when he sang, ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’, Jessie found tears in her eyes as she thought of the many troops who sang this song as they marched off to war.

  Seeing her distress, Larry caught hold of her hand and held it until the show ended. They walked slowly back to the hotel and sat in the residents’ lounge, where they ordered drinks and some sandwiches as they were not hungry enough for a meal after their lunch.

  Eventually, Larry said, ‘Time for bed, I think. Are you ready?’

  Jessie looked at him and saw the expectancy mirrored in his eyes and she suddenly felt shy. Conor had been the only man she’d slept with and now she was about to be bedded by another. ‘Yes,’ she said quietly and rose to her feet.

  They waited for the lift to descend, and then opened the gates and stepped inside. Larry pressed the button for their floor, then slowly drew her into his arms and kissed her softly. ‘Relax, darling. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. You can just sleep in my arms, if that’s all you want.’

  The lift arrived and they went to their room. Larry took their coats and put them in the wardrobe. ‘You can have the bathroom first,’ he said. ‘I’ll sit on the balcony and have a cigarette until you’re ready.’

  Jessie changed into a simple cotton nightdress and had a wash, then cleaned her teeth. She took the pins out of her hair and brushed it, letting it flow free, then she called to Larry and climbed into bed.

  Eventually, Larry emerged from the bathroom and walked towards the bed. He looked at Jessie, who was trying not to laugh.

  ‘What’s so funny?’

  ‘I was wondering if you were going to be wearing a nightshirt! How stupid of me, I should have known you would have silk pyjamas, they’re much more your style!’

  He climbed into bed. ‘A nightshirt? I think I’m insulted! I thought you knew me better than that. I hope you didn’t picture me in a night cap as well?’

  This was too much for Jessie and she was convulsed with laughter.

  ‘Mrs McGonigall – soon to be Forbes – this is supposed to be a romantic moment in our lives and look at you, tears of laughter on your cheeks! You are supposed to be overcome with love and lust for me!’ But he was smiling, too.

  She stopped laughing and wrapped her arms around him. ‘Oh, my very dear Mr Forbes, forgive me. But laughter is a necessary thing between two people. It’s what will get us through any bad times and, for your information, I am full of love and lust for you, I promise.’ She leant forward and kissed him passionately, undoing the buttons on his pyjama jacket so she could caress the firm chest beneath her fingers.

  Soon they were both naked, exploring each other, finding out how to please one another, enjoying this new experience, taking their time until they lay in each other’s arms, satisfied and complete.

  Larry gathered her to him and kissed her forehead. ‘Oh, Jessie, for a trial run that really was very satisfying.’

  Snuggling into him, she sighed. ‘I know. I can’t wait for the real thing!’

  They both started laughing. ‘You really are a wicked woman! Now, let’s get some sleep or tomorrow we’ll be too tired for anything.’

  Chapter Forty

  They returned to Southampton, having enjoyed the break and their new intimacy, but when they had unpacked and were sitting together in the living room, Jessie turned to Larry. ‘It’ll seem strange to sleep on my own tonight after being able to snuggle up to you in bed.’

  ‘What are you talking about?’

  ‘We have to consider Mrs Jenkins. We don’t want to shock her.’

  ‘Mrs Jenkins is employed by me, she’s not my keeper! She’s been with me long enough to know her place.’

  The note of dismissal in his voice reminded Jessie of the days when they were at loggerheads. It made her realise that there would be times ahead when they would clash, but now she was more at ease with that. It would be part of their lives. Two people with such strong personalities, such a thing was inevitable. But then she and Conor certainly had their moments, yet the making up afterwards had always been spectacular. As they climbed into Larry’s bed that night, Jessie was relieved that they would be gone in the morning when the housekeeper arrived, so there would be no embarrassment on her part, at least. Harry Briggs appeared to be sentenced for abduction and attempted murder. The judge sent him down for fifteen years. It was a great relief for both Jessie and Larry. Now they felt they could move on.

  Six weeks later t
hey were married in Holyrood Church. Jessie wearing a silk gown in a pale rust, which brought out the colour of her hair, worn in a chignon, surrounded by a band of tawny feathers and carrying a small bunch of tea-coloured roses. Larry, sporting a suit with a frock coat in dark grey, with his best man dressed in similar clothes. Daisy was her maid of honour and the two boys, in smart suits, were her pageboys – to their delight and that of Maisie and Percy Williams the proud parents. Nancy and her husband joined a few of Larry’s business partners which added to the small wedding party.

  The bride arrived and was amazed to see a crowd gathered outside the church. She recognised several of her customers from the cafe. The dockers all called out to her, wishing her well. She was overcome by this unexpected show of affection.

  Bill proudly led the bride down to the altar. Larry stepped forward and, looking at her, said quietly, ‘You look beautiful.’

  As they emerged after the ceremony, they were showered with confetti. They stood while a photographer took their pictures, then the wedding party walked the few yards to the Dolphin Hotel for the wedding ceremony.

  Holding her hand firmly, Larry looked at his bride. ‘Are you alright, Mrs Forbes?’

  ‘Never better, Mr Forbes.’

  Larry had called in a few favours and so there was food served that normally was in short supply, but as their party was a small one it had been manageable. Fresh crab and prawns on a bed of lettuce was served as a starter, followed by roast beef with all the trimmings, a thing that was hardly seen in the shops these days and much appreciated by the diners. The dessert was a meringue with fresh strawberries, grown locally, served with cream.

  As the waiters cleared the table, Larry rose to his feet. ‘Ladies and gentlemen – friends. Thank you all for coming to share this very special day with us. I’m a very lucky man to have such an amazing woman as my wife. Those who know our history will understand, when first Jessie and I met, or should I say crossed swords’ – there was a ripple of laughter – ‘no one would have envisaged our marriage today. Me least of all! But happily, those days are long gone and I would like you to raise your glasses to an indomitable woman. My wife, Jessie Forbes!’

  They all stood. ‘Jessie Forbes!’

  Larry continued. ‘There will be no other speeches. We both wanted a small wedding with our friends without a fuss. In a moment we’ll cut the cake, but for now fill your glasses and enjoy the moment.’

  The day went well. Everyone enjoyed themselves and when their guests had gone, the married couple retired to their room in the hotel for that night. They had decided not to take a honeymoon at the moment.

  ‘Everywhere is so unsettled. Zeppelins are still bombing London and the war is still going on. If we wait, then we can do it in style,’ Larry had explained.

  Jessie didn’t mind at all. After all, she was now living in luxury after leaving Union Street. Most of her meals were being cooked for her by the housekeeper, all she had to do was work in the office during the day and enjoy being married.

  A month later, Harry Briggs was brought back to court to face the charge of embezzlement. Larry was there to give his evidence. This and the paperwork showing the discrepancies proved his guilt. He was sentenced to a further three years.

  The time seemed to fly by to Jessie and here it was, the end of the year. 1915 didn’t end well as the Allies had to retreat from Gallipoli after ten long months, and in January the government decided to bring in conscription. Single men first.

  Jessie had breathed a sigh of relief on reading this. Only four months married, she dreaded the fact that Larry would have to go to war. But as he explained to her, he was overseeing things in the factory. Conscription meant that he’d had to hire and train new staff to work new shifts to increase the output and as he was working for the Ministry of Defence, he would be exempt, should they call on married men.

  Jessie hadn’t been feeling well, but had insisted that she still go to work, until eventually Larry made her stay at home and rest. After two days he asked the doctor to call on his wife and waited in the living room until he’d examined her. He was concerned as Jessie seemed to have such a strong constitution and this was the first instance, in all the time he’d known her, that she wasn’t fit and full of energy.

  At last, the doctor joined him.

  ‘What seems to be the matter?’ Larry asked with a note of concern. ‘Jessie is usually so well. Did you find out what’s wrong with her?’

  ‘Sit down, Mr Forbes. Don’t look so worried, your wife is still fit and well.’

  ‘I don’t understand.’

  ‘Your wife is pregnant. Congratulations!’

  ‘She is?’ He looked stunned.

  ‘You’re surprised?’

  ‘Jessie didn’t think she was able to have children. She’s a widow and in her previous marriage, she didn’t conceive at all.’

  ‘Yes, Mrs Forbes told me. As I explained to her, her husband may have had a low sperm count, but as they didn’t consult a doctor, they wouldn’t know the cause. Now I suggest you go upstairs to your wife, who is as surprised as you are.’

  Larry shook his hand with some enthusiasm. ‘I can’t thank you enough!’

  ‘I had nothing to do with it, Mr Forbes, apart from my diagnosing the cause. Bring her to see me in a month. I’ll let myself out.’

  Taking the stairs two at a time, Larry entered the bedroom. Jessie was sitting up in bed, a broad smile on her face. ‘You’re going to be a father and, at long last, I’m actually going to be a mother!’ She burst into tears.

  He put his arms around her and held her close. ‘It’s wonderful news, darling. Now don’t be upset, it can’t be good for you.’

  Drying her eyes, she said, ‘You have no idea just how much I’ve longed for a child. Every month knowing I wasn’t pregnant was almost more than I could bear at times, until I buried it all in the back of my mind, but now …’

  ‘I know. I’m as thrilled as you are, but now you must give up working in the office.’

  She looked appalled. ‘I certainly will not! I’m not ill, I’m pregnant. Yes, later I’ll stop work, but not now. I’d go mad without something to do.’

  ‘Fine, if you insist, but it’s Thursday, at least take the rest of the week off and rest. Please.’

  To pacify him, she agreed. ‘But I will get up and sit with you in the living room. I fancy some tea and toast.’

  He pretended to look horrified. ‘Strange fancies already?’

  ‘No, darling. I’m hungry, that’s all.’ She beamed at him and threw her arms up in the air. ‘I’m going to be a mother!’

  ‘Excuse me for pointing this out, but you didn’t manage this all by yourself, you know!’

  Putting her arms round him, she whispered, ‘I do know, and I love you even more for the part you played.’

  They sat together eating their toast and trying to come to terms with the change in their lives. ‘I suppose, being a man, you want a son to carry on the family name?’

  ‘Not at all! The sex of the baby isn’t important to me as long as it’s healthy. What about you?’

  ‘I don’t mind, like you, as long as it’s alright, that’s the most important thing.’ She leant back against the cushions. ‘My dream has always been to have my own home with a baby in a pram in the garden and I can hardly believe it’s coming true. Did you have a dream, Larry?’

  ‘Oh, indeed I did. I wanted success, because success brought security.’

  ‘In what way?’

  ‘After my parents died, I was completely alone. If I’m honest, I felt lost. I had the money to begin a business and if I was to be alone, I needed to feel secure, and money gave me that.’ He gave a rueful smile. ‘It sounds a bit cold-blooded putting it into words.’

  ‘No, no, it doesn’t. I can understand. Money was filling the gap in your life left by the loss of your parents. We all need something to strive for, you know. Now you will have your own family to fill that place.’

  He let out a si
gh of contentment. ‘How wonderful is that. But I was an only child and I was lonely, I hope we have at least another to complete our family.’

  ‘Good heavens! Do you mind if we have this one first before you start building a dynasty?’

  He started laughing. ‘Sorry, darling, but you know me, always planning for the future!’

  ‘That’s all very well, but let’s not rush things, alright? In the meantime, just keep your mind on mundane things, like another cup of tea?’

  ‘Certainly, Mrs Forbes. Anything you want, all you have to do is ask.’

  ‘Now that’s dangerous talk. Just give me a moment to think.’

  ‘Oh, Jessie, you are far too clever. I’d forgotten. Here, drink your tea and behave. I’ll take tomorrow off and we’ll spend it together and make plans. Our lives will change and we need to be prepared for it.’

  She looked at her man and smiled to herself. Larry would always be looking ahead, making a plan, but that was his security and now it would be hers. She thought of Conor and hoped that he would be happy for her. She felt that he would be with his love of life and people. How fortunate she’d been in so many ways to have known two such men and now she was starting a family of her own. Her life had been a battle ever since she’d been alone as a young girl, staying in Southampton when her widowed mother had returned to Ireland. There had been so many highs and lows throughout her life. Running the cafe, then seeing it burnt to the ground. Her elevated position as a manageress of a hotel, then its closing. Her abduction. She shivered as she thought of that and hurriedly pushed it out of her mind. But Larry, this man whom she’d hated when first they met, had saved her, and she had ended up being his wife. What a story she’d have to tell their children! They wouldn’t have to battle in life as she’d had to, but she would make them realise that you must appreciate what you have.