Another Man's Child

by Another Man's Child (retail) (epub)

  Molly eyed Frank, slumped in a chair by the fire, looking like a banger ready to explode. ‘Let’s postpone what you were going to say until tomorrow. He’s sailing tonight,’ she whispered to Cath.

  ‘Not on your Nelly! With our Frank here you’re bound to agree to what I say,’ said Cath in a low voice. ‘Who’s the little girl? Pretty thing.’

  The words were no sooner out of her mouth than the knocker went. ‘I hope it’s that kid’s father,’ growled Frank. ‘It’s like bloody Lime Street station in here with all the goings and comings. Isn’t a man to get any peace in his own home?’

  Molly rushed for the door, only for Frank to seize her by the shoulder and drag her back. ‘Let me,’ he muttered. ‘If it’s him, I want a word with him.’

  ‘Oh, deary, deary me,’ said Cath, raising her eyebrows. ‘He’s definitely in a happy mood. Who’s he expecting?’

  ‘None of your business,’ said Molly hurriedly, seizing Jessica’s hand and following in her husband’s wake.

  She was just in time to hear Frank say, ‘Now listen, mate, don’t be coming it here. I’m not having it.’ His hands were balled into fists on his hips and he stood with legs braced like a bulldog ready to do battle.

  ‘Sorry?’ Nathan raised his eyebrows and shot a glance at Molly over Frank’s shoulder. ‘You’re Frank, are you?’

  ‘Dadda! Dadda!’ Jessica freed her hand and sank to the floor. Seizing a handful of Frank’s trouser leg, she pulled herself through his legs. He yelped, hitting out at her.

  Nathan’s eyes narrowed as he gathered her up in his arms. ‘Don’t you dare touch my daughter!’ he said furiously. Jessica bent towards Frank and aimed a swipe at him.

  ‘I didn’t touch her!’ he yelled, rubbing his leg. ‘She bloody well pinched me and it hurt.’

  ‘Watch your language, man,’ said Nathan. ‘There’s a woman present.’

  There was a deadly silence and Molly could almost see Frank’s hackles rise. His muscular shoulders bunched and he said through clenched teeth, ‘Don’t you tell me what to do in my own house, Mr Collins. Just because you’ve got a bit of money, you think you own the whole of Liverpool.’

  ‘No, I don’t!’ Nathan’s face set in hard lines. ‘You just back off. I’m not looking for a fight. I only came to pick my little girl up.’

  ‘Well, you’ve got her now so you can go.’ ‘I’m going. I just want to thank Mrs Payne for taking care of her.’

  Frank turned his head. ‘D’you hear that, Moll? He’s thanking you. But he should also pay you. You’ve put in a full day’s work for that kid.’

  ‘I’ll pay her.’

  ‘Let’s see the colour of your money then?’

  ‘I haven’t got any spare cash with me but I’ll see she gets it.’ Nathan’s tone was icy. ‘Good night, Mr Payne. Good night, Molly.’

  ‘How’s your mother?’ she called, relieved they hadn’t come to blows.

  ‘She’s gone into a rest home in Formby,’ said Nathan shortly. ‘I’ve asked Doris to come back. Goodnight again.’

  ‘Goodnight, Mr Collins. ’Bye-bye, Jessica.’ She watched him walk away, her daughter’s head resting on his shoulder, eyes staring unblinkingly at Molly as she waved one tiny hand.

  Molly closed the door, relieved in a way that the day was over. As she turned she saw Cath standing in the kitchen doorway. ‘So that’s Mr Collins,’ she said softly.

  ‘And you can go, too,’ said Frank, pushing past her into the kitchen. ‘I don’t know what you’re doing here. I don’t want you here.’

  ‘Molly does,’ said Cath. ‘Don’t you, Moll? She wants me to live with her. Be company while you’re at sea.’

  He looked at Molly, an almost comical expression of horror on his face. ‘What’s this? We can’t have her staying here. She thinks she knows as much as I do. Too hardfaced for her own good.’

  Cath grinned. ‘Molly gets lonely when you’re away. Isn’t that true, Moll?’

  ‘Yes,’ she said woodenly. ‘And Cath’s willing to pay, Frank, and with the baby coming we need every penny we can get.’

  ‘We’re not that short. Anyway we mightn’t stay here. I don’t like that Doris and the rest of those McNallys here every minute of the day. I might just ask Ma to keep an eye open for a place by her for us.’

  Cath looked alarmed. ‘You must be mad,’ she said rapidly. ‘You’ll never have a moment’s rest, trying to keep the peace between her and Moll. They’ll be forever at each other.’ There was silence. ‘But if you want to be a piggy in the middle, go ahead,’ tossed in his sister. ‘I don’t care. I’m only thinking of Moll.’

  There was another silence.

  ‘We’ve no spare bed,’ Frank said at last.

  Cath winked at Molly. ‘No need for you to worry about that, dear brother, I’ll sort it out. And I’ll keep me eye on Moll for you. She won’t be losing this baby if I’ve anything to do with it.’

  ‘OK,’ he said roughly. ‘But you can beat it for now.’

  ‘Anything you say. Have a good trip – and I’ll see you tomorrow, Moll.’ Cath smiled and went out.

  Molly stared after her, wondering just what her sister-in-law was up to. Was it true she only wanted to live here to be near Jimmy? Or was she a liar and her motives much deeper? Did Molly now have Ma’s spy in her camp?

  Chapter Nine

  Cath arrived at seven o’clock the following evening accompanied by Jimmy pushing a handcart containing an old iron bedstead, a mattress and several mysterious-looking bundles. ‘All my worldly goods,’ Cath said, her expression mischievous.

  Molly folded her arms across her bosom, heart beating fast, a mutinous expression upon her face. ‘I don’t want you here. You’ve destroyed my peace of mind.’

  Cath promptly said, ‘Come off it, Moll. You can’t have any peace of mind. You’re deceiving your husband with another man.’ She lifted a bundle out of the cart.

  ‘I am not!’ Molly darted a look at two of her neighbours gossiping on the other side of the street. ‘There is nothing, I repeat, nothing, going on between Mr Collins and me,’ she whispered. ‘And keep your voice down.’

  Cath exchanged looks with Jimmy. ‘D’you believe her?’

  He looked pensive. ‘I suppose I could have got it wrong. Still she’s a shareholder in the factory and your brother doesn’t know about that. And perhaps there was something going on between her and old Barnes instead. You know what they say about old men’s darlings.’

  Molly gasped and her arms dropped to her sides as she clenched her fists. ‘How dare you? What kind of person do you think I am? I looked after Jessica, that’s all, and he knew my mother. And if you really want to know the truth about me and Mr Collins – we came from the same village and went to the same school. That’s why we’re friendly.’ They both stared at her and smiled. ‘We believe you, Moll,’ said Cath. ‘Can we get past now and get this stuff inside?’

  Molly glared at her, exasperated. ‘You’ve got a nerve, you know that?’ She moved a couple of inches to the side. ‘Anyway, I haven’t done anything to either of the back rooms. There’s damp and neither of them have been painted for years and there’s no oilcloth on the floors.’

  ‘Thanks for letting us know,’ said Cath sweetly, motioning Jimmy forward. He picked up two of the bundles and followed her inside. ‘By the way,’ she called over her shoulder, ‘Ma knows about the baby so you can expect a visit. I didn’t tell her, if you’re wondering.’

  Molly groaned, having a fair idea who had. That Bernie! She determined to be out the next few days.

  Contrary to what she’d expected her sister-in-law seemed determined to be pleasant to her, handing over money for her board as soon as Jimmy left and adding that he knew where to get whitewash cheap and would do the walls of both rooms for her. ‘And you don’t have to thank me,’ Cath said with a smile, settling herself in front of the fire with that evening’s Echo.

  ‘I don’t intend to!’ Molly took the kettle from the hob. ‘I suppose you want a
cup of tea?’ she said tersely.

  ‘Love one.’

  ‘What did Ma say about your leaving?’ Molly watched her, hoping to be able to read in her expression whether she was here on her mother’s orders or not.

  Cath lowered the newspaper. ‘Tried to stop me but I’d had enough of her and our Josie. You’ve no idea how they carry on. Stop looking so worried, Moll. I’m sure we’ll get on fine. I want to stay here so unless you go and do something completely shocking, I’ll keep my mouth shut where our Frank and Ma’s concerned about you know what.’

  She could have screamed but was suddenly inclined to believe Cath. Molly didn’t like the methods she’d used to get her feet under table, but she was here now and they were just going to have to make the best of it.

  The next day, when Molly returned from the Free Library, her next-door neighbour told her she’d had a visitor. ‘Scrawny little woman – said she was yer mother-in-law and that she hopes to find yer in next time.’ I wish she’d said when, thought Molly, but decided Ma might have guessed she would try and avoid her if she’d given a date. As it was Molly didn’t set eyes on her the rest of that week.

  On Sunday Doris turned up in a horse-drawn cart. ‘I’ve brought yer sewing machine, kid.’

  Molly was pleased. ‘I thought Nathan had forgotten about it.’

  ‘Jimmy reminded him. And I’ve money for yer, too, for looking after Jessica.’

  Molly’s smile vanished. ‘There was no need for him to do that.’

  ‘There’s a note with it.’ Doris took an envelope from her pocket ‘I did think of not giving it to yer. I don’t want to be no go-between, you being a married woman.’ Molly snatched the envelope from her and hurried into the house, slitting the envelope with one finger. A half crown fell out and she pocketed it before unfolding the sheet of paper.

  Dear Moll,

  Having met Frank face to face, I can’t say I like what I see. He’s a handsome devil so I can understand why you were attracted to him, but you never said he was violent. I can only presume he’s never hit you. But if he ever was to, you must leave him. What a mess this all is.

  I’ve managed to persuade Cook and Flo to come back as well as Doris, so things aren’t too bad. The doctor reckons Mother’s had some kind of brainstorm which led to a nervous collapse. Anyway it’ll be some time before she’s well again. I’m sending your sewing machine and have asked Mrs Arkwright about work. Jimmy will bring it.

  Yours, Nathan

  What did he mean, Frank violent? thought Molly. It must have been his aiming a swipe at Jessica that gave Nathan the wrong idea. He probably hadn’t ever meant to hit her but would certainly explode if he saw this letter. Molly dropped it on the fire and watched it burn, supposing it proved Nathan still cared about her which was nice to know. Even though they must keep their distance.

  The following morning Jimmy arrived bearing a large cardboard box. It contained cut out hangings and frontals in need of hemming and decorating. There were reels of different coloured cottons as well as embroidery silks and a roll of golden fringe. ‘Four sets,’ he said. ‘Red, green, white and violet to cover the Church’s year.’

  She put aside her annoyance with him.

  ‘You mean green for spring, etc? I’ve been going to church off and on for years but never thought about what the colours meant.’

  He grinned. ‘You’ve got a few things to learn then. Green’s for the weeks following Pentecost and after Epiphany. White’s Easter and Christmas. Red’s Good Friday.’

  ‘Violet?’

  Jimmy’s brow knitted then he clicked his fingers. ‘Lent! Different colours for the different saints’ days too. St James is red. I know that because I’m named after him.’

  ‘It makes for a colourful church,’ said Molly, washing her hands before fingering the material.

  ‘I like a bit of colour meself.’

  She nodded and said casually, ‘How are things at the factory?’

  ‘Not bad. We’ve had a visitor. Miss Charlotte Braithwaite no less. The boss took her round.’

  Molly’s hand paused on a length of purple cloth. ‘What’s she like?’

  ‘Didn’t have much to say to me. But the women seemed to think she was OK, asking about their work and telling them what was going on in the south where that Mrs Pankhurst and her daughter are creating trouble. She’s one of those suffragettes, isn’t she?’ He shook his head uncomprehendingly. ‘Wants to rule the roost – definitely anti men. It goes to show, doesn’t it?’

  ‘It doesn’t go to show that’s true of all women fighting for the vote and equal rights,’ said Molly, eyes glinting. ‘I agree with some of their aims and I’m not anti men. Although I reckon I’m as clever as half of them and quite capable of ruling my roost here.’

  ‘That’s heresy,’ said Jimmy, hands on hips, shaking his head at her. ‘You don’t want to let your Frank hear you.’

  Her eyes glinted. ‘You shut up about my Frank and tell me when these are needed?’

  ‘Next Friday. You’d better have them ready or there’ll be hell to pay. Mrs Arkwright can be a real tartar.’

  ‘They’ll be ready.’

  Molly set to work with enthusiasm. It was a real pleasure handling such lovely fabrics – and all for the glory of God. She enjoyed herself so much she gave no thought to Ma Payne, so that when the knock came she went to answer the door without thinking twice.

  A familiar bony figure stood on the step in her long black coat, arms folded across her chest, handbag dangling from one wrist and coal scuttle hat pulled low over her brow. ‘So I’ve caught yer in at last, girl. If I didn’t know better I’d think yer’ve been trying to avoid me.’

  ‘Looks like it, doesn’t it?’ said Molly, hating being disturbed.

  Ma shook her head. ‘Yer getting real hard-faced.’

  ‘You mean because I’m sticking up for myself? Anyway I’m busy right now and who’s to say I have to invite you in?’

  Ma Payne’s jaw dropped. ‘But I’ve walked all this way.’

  ‘More fool you.’

  The older woman pursed her lips, cleared her throat and burst out, ‘Now listen, girl, you’re carrying my boy’s babby and yer gonna need help when yer time comes.’

  ‘Not from you I’m not! I’ve a proper midwife coming. One who’s been recommended.’

  ‘I’m glad to hear it,’ Ma surprised Molly by saying. ‘But yer’ll still need help. And what’s our Frank going to say about all this?’

  ‘All what?’

  ‘You chasing me out when I’m knackered.’

  ‘I doubt he’d be surprised.’ Molly made to close the door but Ma Payne wedged her foot in it.

  ‘Where’s yer Christian spirit? I’m an old woman and I’m weary after that walk.’

  Molly sighed. ‘Why don’t you get your violin out?’

  ‘I would if I thought it’d make a different.’

  Molly couldn’t help it, she smiled and gave in. ‘One cup of tea and then off you go. I’ve work to do.’

  ‘I wasn’t thinking of pitching me tent.’ Ma followed her in, looking about her. ‘Haven’t got much in the way of nick-nacks, have yer? Although that’s a nice vase on the mantelpiece. I’ve got one like it that our Frank brought me. He’s got nice taste has my lad.’

  Molly lost patience with her. ‘He’s not your lad anymore! He’s my husband!’

  ‘OK! Keep yer hair on.’ Ma sat down, pulling up her skirt and baring her knees to the heat of the fire. ‘This is a lovely blaze. How can you afford to keep it going during the day? Our Cath’s money, I suppose. How are yer both getting on?’

  ‘Surely she’s been to see you and given you a report?’ said Molly, throwing a cloth over her work before her mother-in-law could make any comment about that. She also removed the pan simmering on the fire, replacing it with the kettle.

  The older woman sniffed. ‘Something smells good.’

  ‘Bacon bones.’

  ‘Yer don’t want to be spoiling our Cath, yer
know. She’s an ungrateful faggot. Her leaving’s had the neighbours jangling – they’re saying things about me. I’m real annoyed with her. I had to tell lies, say our Frank had asked her to stay and look after yer.’

  Was all this true and there was in fact no scheming going on between mother and daughter? It certainly sounded like it.

  ‘Yer looking better than yer have done. When’s the baby due? I reckon it must be May.’

  ‘Then why ask?’

  ‘Just want to make sure. Yer not very big.’

  Molly stared at her. ‘What are you suggesting?’

  Ma had the grace to look uncomfortable. ‘Boys are big,’ she muttered.

  ‘You weren’t hinting at that. I’m small because I’ve been working blinkin’ hard.’

  ‘OK, OK! I believe yer.’

  ‘So you should.’

  Molly seemed to have taken the wind out of Ma’s sails because she was quiet for a while. But not long enough. ‘I’ve come to tell yer I went to that Burscough place. Not much there, is there? Not like Bootle.’ She shivered. ‘I hate the country. Anyhow, I couldn’t find the poor wee mite’s grave on me own, so I asked the vicar.’

  ‘You what?’ said Molly, having to sit down quickly because her knees went weak.

  ‘I’d bought some flowers, hadn’t I? I wasn’t carrying them all the way home again,’ Ma said pugnaciously.

  ‘So what did he tell you?’

  ‘Showed me the grave. Someone else had been putting flowers on it. He explained it was the woman who’s buried there’s brothers. And her husband occasionally goes, too.’

  Of course! Nathan hadn’t forgotten her as Molly wouldn’t have forgotten Frank if he were really dead. Did Nathan ever see his brothers-in-law? For a moment Molly felt sick with worry, then realised that of course they couldn’t have mentioned the sovereigns to him or he would have said something to her.