Another Man's Child

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

  ‘It’s a wonder you didn’t suggest someone. One of your family or a friend, perhaps?’

  Doris grinned. ‘I did. And we’ll see. Perhaps it’s a daft idea of mine, but it’s worth a try.’ And she began to talk aboutelse.

  For information about the factory Molly pumped Jimmy. It was he who informed her Mr Braithwaite was going downhill, weight just falling off him each time they saw him. The day came when he told her that Nathan’s partner was dead. Molly wondered who would take charge of the Leeds factory now. Mr Braithwaite’s daughter, perhaps?

  She was to find out on her next visit to Blundellsands. The streets were shrouded in fog when Molly set out on a cold November’s day. George was buttoned up inside her coat, so that only the tip of his nose was exposed. But by the time they arrived at their destination the sun had managed to break through the mist, casting trees and the last of the Michaelmas daisies and chrysanthemums in a golden glow. She was feeling more relaxed these days, less threatened. Even so she was not prepared when Nathan came into the kitchen. Molly’s first instinct was to get up and flee. How could she stick to her decision if he was to get her alone and come closer?

  Jessica danced over to him, mouth ringed with crumbs of gingerbread. ‘Moll’s here with her baby, Daddy. We don’t like babies, do we?’

  He swung her into the air, his eyes on Molly’s face. ‘How are you, Mrs Payne?’

  ‘Fine, thank you.’ Her voice sounded breathless. ‘Yourself?’ She realised she found him as attractive as ever.

  ‘I’m well. But I’m afraid Mr Braithwaite died.’

  ‘I know. Jimmy mentioned it.’

  They could have been two business acquaintances, she thought.

  He set Jessica down. ‘I should have written to you. I intended to but things have been hectic.’ He turned to Doris. ‘I’m lighting the bonfire soon. Jessica can come and watch. Wrap her up, though. The wind’s sharp.’

  ‘Yes, Mr Collins.’ Doris did not look at Molly as she took Jessica by the hand and left the kitchen.

  ‘You’re welcome to watch, too, Mrs Payne. If you don’t think it’s too cold for the baby?’ he said politely. Before she could answer, he added, ‘I know! Cook can look after him. It’s nice and warm in here. We don’t want him catching cold.’

  Molly realised she wasn’t getting the option of refusing. He was already lifting her outdoor clothes from the hook on the back of the door and helping her on with them.

  They were both silent as they stepped outside, Molly aware of him staring at her. She rushed into speech. ‘So poor Mr Braithwaite’s dead?’

  ‘I thought we’d agreed on that.’ He seized her hand and ran with her along the side of the house until they were out of sight of any windows. Then, before she could protest, he drew her into his arms and kissed her with a thoroughness that took her breath away.

  ‘What d’you think you’re doing?’ demanded Molly as soon as she was able to speak.

  ‘I thought it was obvious. Reassuring myself that you’re really OK.’ He kissed her again and this time she had to bang on his chest to get him to stop. ‘What’s the matter now? There’s nobody here to see us.’

  ‘What’s that to do with it?’ she said weakly. ‘I’m a married woman!’

  ‘But your husband’s not here.’ He smiled lazily down into her eyes. ‘And, as I said, there’s no nosy neighbours to go telling him.’

  ‘Nathan, we agreed to keep our distance.’ Molly struggled to free herself. ‘I’m very grateful – you saved my life and George’s – but I have to go now.’

  She pulled away from him but he yanked her back into his arms. ‘Not yet. Let’s talk business and then that conscience of yours will feel better.’

  ‘I’ll come to the factory. We’ll talk there. It’ll be safer. I must fetch the baby and go,’ she gasped.

  He shook his head slowly, grey eyes twinkling with amusement. ‘And what’ll Doris think then? And Cook and Flo? Only that I’ve done something to upset you.’

  ‘Doris’ll understand.’

  His expression froze. ‘You mean, she knows about us?’

  ‘You haven’t been exactly discreet. Besides—’

  ‘No, I haven’t, have I?’ he said, grimacing. ‘Her mother’ll have told her about me turning up at your house. But I was terrified you’d die like Jess. That girlfriend of Jimmy’s—’

  ‘Cath, Frank’s sister. She’s told me I mustn’t have anything to do with you. She was convinced we’d been carrying on. I’ve told her the truth and warned her you could sack Jimmy if she says anything. But if she were to find out we’d seen each other, she could call my bluff. So, I think I’ll sell my shares and then we must never meet again.’

  ‘You can’t do that!’ Nathan hugged her to him. ‘I would sack Jimmy if she were to say anything.’

  ‘No, I don’t want that,’ said Molly swiftly, resting a hand on his jumper. ‘He’s got no father. His mother needs his money.’

  ‘All the more reason for the pair of them to see they can’t threaten you. I need you in the company. Charlotte wants to be making decisions, having an equal say in how to run the business, and I’m not keen on the idea.’

  ‘Why not? Just because she’s a woman?’

  ‘She has too much to say for herself – numbers Mrs Pankhurst and her daughters among her friends. She says she’ll sell her shares elsewhere if I don’t agree to do what she wants.’

  ‘Let her then,’ said Molly, deciding swiftly she didn’t want Nathan and Charlotte having too much to do with each other.

  His jaw set. ‘I don’t want strangers coming in. It wasn’t the way my uncle and her father saw the business going.’

  ‘So what are you going to do?’ Molly said patiently.

  His eyes softened. ‘You could try and persuade her that she owes a certain loyalty to her father’s business, without necessarily wanting to run the place. Mr Hardcastle, our manager in Leeds, would do better without her constant interference.’

  ‘Me! Why should she listen to me?’ said Molly, feeling a thrill nevertheless at his wanting to involve her.

  ‘You’re a woman and a shareholder. Get her to realise she should be thinking of marriage, not being involved in running factories or this suffragette movement. Would you believe she’s talking of sinking her money in the movement if I don’t let her become a proper partner?’

  Molly hesitated before saying reluctantly, ‘Give her something to do then. After all, where would you be in the Embroidery and Garment room without a woman’s knowhow?’

  ‘Oh, Mrs Arkwright’s different. She doesn’t throw her weight around. And, by the way, I asked her about our mothers and the cousin.’

  His change of subject surprised Molly, catching her unawares. She pulled away from him, the better to see his face. ‘She knew the three of them?’

  ‘Remember my telling you she worked in Colne with a cousin of Uncle William and my mother?’

  ‘You think it’s the same one your mother used to talk about?’

  ‘Probably. His family were originally bargees but he wanted to earn more money so turned to weaving. The interesting thing is that his name was May.’

  Molly felt a stir of excitement. ‘Related to my father?’

  ‘Possibly.’

  ‘Did she mention my mother and yours having babies?’

  He shook his head and smiled. ‘She lost touch with the cousin after she married. It was after she was widowed and returned to the factory she discovered he’d died. So it seems it’s possible we could be distant cousins.’

  Molly’s brow knitted. ‘I wonder why your uncle never mentioned it?’

  Nathan shrugged. ‘We’ll never know. A puzzle, isn’t it?’

  She nodded. They were silent a moment, then he said, ‘Getting back to Charlotte, any suggestions?’

  Molly considered. ‘Perhaps she can start by doing a course in book-keeping then help you with the accounts?’

  He looked amused. ‘Oh, aye! I’ll suggest it to her and see h
ow she takes it. And now we’ve got that sorted out…’ He pulled her back into his arms but Molly hastily pushed him away. ‘Shhh! I’m sure I can hear Doris and Jessica.’

  He froze. ‘Damn! You’re right. Let’s head for the bonfire. At least we can appear to be behaving ourselves.’

  They did just that so that when Doris and Jessica came round the corner of the house, Molly and Nathan were picking up twigs and throwing them on the pile of leaves and cuttings.

  It was a beautiful bonfire and Molly enjoyed the glorious, crackling spectacle immensely, wishing that her life was always so exciting. She also found pleasure in watching her daughter’s enraptured face.

  All too soon the fire died down and Molly knew she must go.

  ‘I’ll be in touch,’ said Nathan. ‘There’s bound to be a shareholders’ meeting sooner or later to sort things out. You will come, Moll?’

  ‘I shouldn’t,’ she said, fastening the baby into her coat. ‘I can’t imagine what Frank might do if he was to find out about us.’

  ‘Take a chance,’ urged, Nathan. ‘After all, we’re not going to be breaking any of the commandments. Do you think I’d put your life at risk? Or this fella’s?’ He stroked George’s cheek.

  Molly smiled, thinking that it might well be interesting being involved with decisionmaking at the factory. She threw caution to the winds. ‘I’ll be there,’ she promised.

  Chapter Eleven

  It was Jimmy who told Molly there was a rumour going round the factory that Miss Braithwaite wanted the company to expand its church business by making chalices and the like. Apparently she had a friend who was a silversmith.

  ‘And what does Mr Collins think of that?’

  Jimmy took an envelope from an inside pocket and handed it to her. Molly shook her head at him in mock reproof for not giving it to her right away and left him and Cath to their own devices.

  The letter was typewritten so she did not expect it to say anything personal but she was not disappointed by its contents.

  Dear Mrs Payne,

  I am writing to inform you that there will be a meeting of the shareholders of Collins & Braithwaite on 9th January. It would be appreciated if you could be at the Angel Hotel, 22 Dale Street, for 12 o ’clock noon. Luncheon will be served before the meeting.

  It was signed Yours sincerely, Nathan Collins and he had scribbled at the bottom: Put on your best bib and tucker.

  The letter sounded rather officious but the last bit made her smile and she scribbled off a note saying she would be there and gave it to Jimmy. Best bib and tucker, she thought, instantly making the decision that she had to have something new to wear, however reluctant she might be to dig into the little nest egg she was building for George’s future. For a moment she toyed with one of the sovereigns before dropping it back in the jar.

  She bought a length of emerald green woollen serge to make a suit from a pattern of her own design. As she cut out the material she thought of Mr Barnes’s generosity to her and of that time at Blundellsands when Nathan’s mother had come and stood behind her while she sewed.

  Not for the first time Molly thought about her conversation with Nathan on the day of the bonfire. At the time it had felt as if he was talking about two different people when he said they could be second or third cousins. It hadn’t hit home. Perhaps because it wasn’t so unusual in a country district where families seldom moved from their birthplace to marry close neighbours. But why had Mr Barnes and her mother kept quiet about that family tie? The only way of finding out, she supposed, was to ask Mrs Collins and Molly could not see herself doing that.

  She dismissed the matter from her mind and carried on with her sewing, looking forward to the lunch at the Angel Hotel with a mixture of trepidation and excitement.

  But Frank’s ship docked on the morning of the 9th and he arrived at the house not in the best of moods. ‘Do you realise how bloody hard I have to work for the pittance I get?’ he said, handing over some housekeeping to her.

  ‘I’m sure you work very hard, Frank,’ said Molly, spirits sinking.

  ‘And the lousy conditions some seamen have to work in?’ He snapped his fingers in her face, almost catching her nose.

  ‘I’m sure they’re terrible. Frank, I’ve-’

  ‘I tell you, trouble’s brewing and we’re going to have to tighten our belts. The Seamen’s and Firemen’s Union are demanding improved conditions from the shipowners, and if they don’t meet our demands there’ll be a strike.’

  Her spirits plummeted even lower. That meant he would be home with no money coming in! ‘Are you sure about this, Frank?’

  ‘Of course I’m sure.’ He scowled. ‘The shipowners are lining their pockets while we men risk our lives day after day in cramped, filthy conditions. Yer’ve heard about swinging cats? Well, you couldn’t even swing a mouse where me and me mate swing our hammocks.’

  ‘OK, I hear you! But a strike, Frank? Is that wise?’

  ‘We’ve got to do something. And I want you behind me – or right by my side.’ He reached out for her, drawing her into his arms and nuzzling her ear. ‘Let’s go upstairs.’

  ‘What? Right now?’ Molly went rigid, experiencing a familiar fear. He was not going to be careful, the mood he was in. ‘What about George? And I’ve shopping to do,’ she stammered.

  ‘He’s OK in his pram and the shopping can wait.’ He seized her hand, still smiling.

  ‘Frank, no! Listen to me!’ She dug in her heels; pulling against him. His smile vanished, and ignoring her plea he dragged her towards the stairs. Molly fought against him but he appeared oblivious to the blows she aimed at him, half-carrying her into their bedroom. His handsome face was set in rigid lines as he ordered her to undress. She shook her head, miserable with disappointment, unable to pull herself together, to think and behave sensibly.

  ‘You want me to do it?’ He took a step towards her and with trembling fingers Molly began to undo buttons, staring at him wide-eyed with terror.

  Unexpectedly he sank on to the bed. ‘Don’t look at me like that, Moll.’ His voice sounded raw. ‘I remember the day when you’d come running into my arms as soon as we set eyes on each other. You couldn’t get enough of me then.’

  ‘I’m sorry. Really I am,’ she whispered. ‘But you frighten me when you get angry.’

  ‘I love you! I don’t want to hurt you. It’s not me that’s changed, it’s you!’ He looked so despondent and hurt that guilt almost suffocated her. She could not help but go over to him and put her arms round him, resting her chin on the top of his head. ‘I don’t know what the answer is, Frank. I’m real scared since the baby, you know that.’

  ‘Don’t be scared. I’ll carry on being careful, honest. You’ve been OK so far, haven’t you?’ He put one arm around her waist and pressed his face against her breasts.

  But for how much longer? she thought, stroking his hair, thinking of the green suit and Nathan expecting her. There was no chance of her making the shareholders’ meeting now.

  * * *

  A month passed before Molly received another typewritten letter informing her this time that it had been decided that a small silversmith’s workshop was to be installed in the Leeds factory. There was no handwritten footnote.

  So Miss Braithwaite has got her way and Nathan is angry with me, she thought, throwing the letter on the fire. At least knowing that should make it easier for me to stick to my guns and stay faithful to Frank. She regretted having missed the opportunity to become more involved in the business but it was too late now. She had to put the factory and Nathan out of her mind.

  When Frank returned from his next trip he was hardly in the house before he was out of it again. ‘I’ve got a meeting, luv.’ He kissed her on the mouth and held her against him for a moment before smoothing George’s fair hair with an unsteady hand, telling him to be a good boy for his mother.

  ‘Is it to do with the strike you mentioned last time?’ asked Molly apprehensively.

  ‘Yeah.’ He went b
efore she could ask anything else and she was filled with foreboding. All her savings would soon go if there was a strike.

  Trouble came within weeks, much sooner than Molly had expected. In no time at all the shipowners were refusing to employ men belonging to the union. A strike began at Southampton and swiftly spread to other ports throughout the country. She saw little of Frank because he was out at meetings all the time but to her relief after a few days the shipowners agreed to raise pay, recognise the union and permit delegates on board ships.

  But the trouble was still not over. The seamen and firemen refused to return until the demands of other transport workers were met. There were riots in Manchester, Belfast and in Liverpool as the strikers were joined by a number of railway carters.

  ‘Are you all daft?’ demanded Molly, leaning on the table which was spread with a cold supper.

  ‘I thought you’d understand, Moll,’ said Frank, eyes alight. ‘This is about us workers being brothers together. We can’t allow the bosses to pay other men less than we get.’

  ‘OK, OK!’ she agreed with him but nevertheless worried about keeping a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs without having to resort to the money which she was determined to save for George’s future.

  On Merseyside railway workers stopped work and Lord Sheffield officially opened what was to become the city’s most famous landmark, the Royal Liver Building. But there was little work at the docks because few ships were sailing or arriving. As for the construction of the new Gladstone Dock at Seaforth, that stopped altogether. Sugar and grain mills, tobacco warehouses and breweries, all closed.

  Molly had thought Nathan might punish her for not turning up at the meeting by stopping her work but there was still some for her to do. Even so it was a struggle to make ends meet and she pawned several items of clothing and, reluctantly, one of the sovereigns. The latter she took to a pawnbroker’s along Stanley Road, not wanting him asking questions as the local one in Athol Street might have done. Cath was laid off and Jimmy told both women that if the strikes didn’t end soon then Collins & Braithwaite would be closing as well because supplies of timber and paraffin wax were dwindling fast.