‘James described you to me, and I hope you are going to ask more intelligent questions than that,’ he said drily. ‘You would hardly get lost in a crowd.’
‘I suppose not.’ Bob grinned, liking the teacher already.
‘What do you prefer to be called, Robert or Bob?’ He urged Bob in and led him to a room set up for teaching.
‘Bob, sir.’
‘Mr Jackson will do. Sit down and I’ll go through the rules with you. I will expect you here twice a week to begin with. I know your working hours are irregular, so we won’t set days. You will let me know each week when you will be able to come. Each lesson will last for two hours, and I shall expect you to work hard. I will set you homework and you will bring it – completed – with you at each lesson. If at any time you fail to keep up with the workload, or show any sign of disinterest, then I shall terminate our arrangement.’ His gaze was direct. ‘Is that clear?’
‘Perfectly, Mr Jackson. I can assure you that I’m not going to throw this chance away. Where else will I get private tuition for only a penny a week?’
William Jackson smiled and sat on the edge of the large desk that dominated the room. ‘Indeed!’
‘Do you and Professor Morgan consider me a charity case?’ The paltry fee still rankled with him. He might not have much, but he was fiercely independent.
‘We consider you a special case, and don’t be offended. I do take pupils who can’t afford to pay anything. I happen to believe that a good education is the right of everyone, not just the rich. I told James that I would be happy to take you on without a fee, but he said I must charge you something or you probably would not come. Your pride would not allow you to take charity. I believe he summed you up correctly?’
Bob nodded his head in acknowledgement; satisfied with the answer he had been given. ‘Thank you for that explanation, Mr Jackson.’
‘Now we understand each other, Bob, let us begin straight away.’
Twenty-Four
It was bitterly cold and Ruth stamped her feet and flapped her arms to keep the circulation going. 1923 had arrived on a blast of cold air, and hadn’t let up. In fact March was even colder. How she longed for spring! There were a few hardy people walking round the market, but generally most people were only venturing out when absolutely necessary. Once it warmed up a bit trade would, hopefully, pick up again. Her takings had dropped terribly, but that was the same for all the traders. Not only was it cold, but also the unemployment queues were long and many people were having a hard time keeping warm and fed. Those who could manage it were helping the old and frail in their street. Mr Hunter and her dad were also doing what they could for the unemployed ex-servicemen with young families. Everyone would breathe a sigh of relief when this winter was over.
‘Don’t think we’re going to do much trade today, Ruth.’ Mrs Law was wearing so many clothes her face was hardly visible.
‘No, you’re right. We must have been crazy to even turn out today.’ Ruth gazed around at the empty stalls. ‘Most of them have got more sense than us. We might as well pack up.’
‘Good idea.’ Hannah Law began to clear her stall when she looked up and frowned. ‘Your brother Eddie’s in a tearing hurry.’
Ruth followed her gaze to see Eddie running towards her, waving his arms frantically. She could hear him shouting but he was still too far away to understand. From the way he was running it was clear that something had happened. She began to hurry towards him.
When they reached each other, Ruth was alarmed. Eddie was gasping for breath and tears were streaming down his face. Fear gripped her. ‘What’s happened?’ she demanded.
Her brother doubled over trying to catch his breath, and then he straightened up, distress showing clearly in his eyes. ‘There’s been an accident at the docks, and Dad’s hurt bad. Mum said you must come home at once.’
Without saying a word she ran back to the stalls. ‘Mrs Law, can you pack up the stall for me, please? There’s been an accident and Dad’s hurt. I’ve got to get home!’
‘Off you go, Ruth. I’ll see to everything, and you let me know if there’s anything I can do.’
‘I will, and thank you.’ Grabbing her distressed brother’s hand, they ran all the way home, tumbling through the scullery door out of breath and worried sick.
Sally and John threw themselves at her, their faces wet with tears, and eyes wide with fright. Ruth gave them a quick hug, told Eddie to stay with the children and put the kettle on. Then she climbed the stairs, feeling faint with fear, and praying that it wasn’t as bad as Eddie believed.
The door to the bedroom was closed so she turned the handle carefully and pushed it open. Her mother was sitting beside the bed, head bowed, and a doctor was bending over the bed.
‘Mum,’ she whispered, moving to stand beside her and placing a hand on her shoulder. The sight of her much-loved father tore her apart, and it took all of her self-control not to cry out. His eyes were closed, his face completely colourless, and his body was cut and bleeding. They waited in silence for the doctor to finish his work.
Finally he stood up, his expression grim. ‘I’ve given your husband something to make him sleep, Mrs Cooper. When he wakes he will be in considerable pain and will need more of the medication I’ve left for you. Don’t touch the bandages, and try to stop him moving around. He should have been taken straight to the hospital, not brought back here, but I can’t take the risk of moving him again. He’s been crushed by the falling machinery, and to shift him now would be far too dangerous.’
‘What are his chances of coming through this?’ Daisy asked, her voice trembling with fear.
‘I’m not going to lie to you, Mrs Cooper. Your husband’s chances of living through the night are not good. I’ll be back in the morning.’
When the doctor left, Ruth stooped down and took hold of her mother’s shaking hands. ‘He will live, Mum. He’s a strong man and he won’t leave us without a fight. Why don’t you go down and comfort the kids? They are very frightened. I’ll stay with Dad, and we’ll take it in turns through the night. He won’t be left alone for a second.’
Daisy nodded and allowed her daughter to steady her as she stood up. ‘Thanks, Ruthie, we must be strong for him, mustn’t we?’
‘We will be.’ She watched her leave the room and sat in the chair. She wasn’t going to cry – he would hate that – so instead she forced a smile. ‘Now, Dad, you didn’t survive the war to lose your life in a silly accident. Do you hear me? We need you, so you’d better make up your mind to get through this. We are all going to help and support you, so you rest now and heal quickly.’
‘He can’t hear you.’ Eddie was standing in the doorway, a cup of tea in his hands.
‘We don’t know that, Eddie, and it might help him to hear our voices.’
‘You think so?’ Eddie handed her the cup, sniffed, and wiped his hand over his wet eyes.
‘Yes, pull up another chair and tell him what you’ve been doing today.’ Ruth didn’t know where her strength was coming from, but her dad needed her and she wouldn’t let him down.
During the long, terrible night, Daisy and Ruth stayed by Steve’s side. They had agreed to take it in turns, but neither of them could bear to leave him. Twice they had given him medication when he’d woken up in pain, and they prayed, willing him to live. When dawn broke he was still with them.
Alf arrived early and took charge. ‘You two are exhausted. You take a break and I’ll sit with Steve until the doctor comes.’
When they started to protest, he said firmly, ‘Daisy, you’ve got three more kids who need you as well. Now, do as I say. I’ll call you if there’s any change.’
They reluctantly left the room, but knew that Alf was right.
During the next week, with Alf’s help, there was always at least one of them beside Steve’s bed. He was in and out of consciousness, but one time he woke up when Alf was there alone with him.
‘I’m in a mess, mate,’ he gasped. ‘What’s goi
ng to happen to Daisy and the kids?’
‘Don’t you worry about that,’ Alf assured him. ‘I’ll see they’re all right until you’re back on your feet. It’s my turn to help you, so just you concentrate on getting better.’
Steve grimaced. ‘I don’t think I’m going to make it, and if I do I’m not going to be much use to anyone. I can’t feel or move my legs. That bloody machinery fell on my back.’
‘Now don’t you go thinking like that! Your legs are numb because of the medication they’ve given you. Once you don’t need it things will be normal again.’
‘You never were a good liar, mate . . .’
‘Dad!’ Ruth came in and hurried to the bed. ‘I thought I heard him talking to you, Mr Hunter.’
‘He was, but he’s gone to sleep again.’ Alf patted the worried girl’s arm. ‘He’s getting a bit better every day.’
There was no way he was going to tell her what Steve had actually said. ‘He just asked if everyone was all right. I told him you were all fine, and he wasn’t to worry because I would be looking out for you until he was back on his feet again. He said, “Thanks mate,” and went back to sleep.’
‘Oh.’ She gave a tremulous smile. ‘That’s good, isn’t it?’
‘Very good.’ Alf didn’t like stretching the truth like this, but this family were exhausted, and nearly out of their minds with grief. He would keep his word if his friend didn’t make it, and he would look after them.
‘You’d better go off to work, Mr Hunter. Mum’s got breakfast waiting for you downstairs.’
‘Shouldn’t you be on your stall, Ruth?’
‘Mrs Law is looking after it for me. There isn’t much trade in this cold weather, and I can’t leave Dad.’
‘She’s a kind woman,’ was all he said, knowing it would be useless at this point to remind her they didn’t have any money coming in. Thank goodness he had a job.
‘Yes, she is.’ Ruth smiled at him. ‘And so are you. I don’t know what we’d do without your help.’
‘He’s my friend.’ Alf looked at the man in the bed, his heart heavy with sorrow. ‘I’ll do what I can for him, and all of you.’
‘And we’re grateful.’ Ruth bowed over her sewing, settling in to keep her vigil.
Before going to work, Alf went to the market. Hannah Law was just setting up when she saw him coming. ‘How are things, Alf?’
He shook his head. ‘Not good, Hannah, but don’t tell any of the Coopers that.’
‘Won’t say a word. Terrible business; he’s such a fine man and loves his family. Is he going to make it?’
‘Only time will tell. I tried to suggest to Ruth that she came back to work, but she won’t leave his side. If Steve does come through this it’s going to be a long job, and it might be better if she has something to keep her occupied.’
‘I agree, but give it a bit longer. She might feel she can leave him when he begins to recover. It will dawn on her quite soon that she’s the breadwinner of the family now and has got to work.’
‘I’ve got a little put aside and will see they don’t go without.’
Hannah looked doubtful. ‘They won’t want to rely on your money for too long, and it wouldn’t be right. If Steve Cooper dies, or lives but can’t work any more, they are going to have to make their own way in life.’
‘I know, but all they can think about at the moment is Steve.’ Alf sighed sadly. ‘Let’s just hope he makes a full recovery.’
Searching through the morning’s post, Ben frowned. ‘Ruth hasn’t written for weeks.’
‘I expect she’s busy, darling.’
‘Not in this weather she isn’t.’ He walked over to the window and gazed out, deep in thought. Although they were into April now it was still very cold, but the daffodils had bravely shown their faces to let them know that better weather was on the way. He didn’t know why, but he had a feeling of disaster, and it was so strong he couldn’t ignore it. ‘I think I’ll go and see if they are all right.’
Emma looked up from the newspaper she was reading. ‘Don’t forget you have an appointment to see that horse you’re keen on. Your meeting is at two o’clock.’
‘I’ll be back by then.’
She smiled at her husband. ‘Make sure you are or he might sell the animal to someone else.’
‘I won’t be late.’ He kissed her and hurried out of the door.
Canning Town was a bleak enough place in good weather, but the low grey cloud seemed to turn everything the same colour. Only the blue of the Coopers’ front door gave a little brightness. He knocked and waited.
When Daisy opened the door he was shocked. She had lost weight, had dark rings under her eyes and looked as if she could hardly stand. He knew immediately that his premonition of disaster had been correct. Something bad had befallen this family.
He reached out to steady her. ‘What’s happened?’
‘Come in, Captain Russell, but keep your voice down, please.’ She led him to the scullery. ‘Would you like tea?’
‘No. Tell me what’s going on, please. Is Ruth all right?’
‘Yes, I am.’
He spun round at the sound of her voice. Ruth was standing in the doorway, and was in the same exhausted state as her mother.
‘Dad’s asking for you, Mum.’
Without a word Daisy hurried from the room and ran up the stairs.
Ben made Ruth sit down and stooped in front of her. ‘Tell me,’ he ordered.
‘There was an accident at the docks and Dad’s been badly hurt.’
‘How bad? And when did this happen?’
She was struggling to get the words out, but finally her mouth set in a grim line, and taking a deep breath, said, ‘He was crushed by crates of falling machinery. His back might be broken or too badly damaged for him to ever be able to walk again. It happened four weeks ago.’
‘Oh, hell, I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you let me know?’
‘Erm . . .’ She looked at him, puzzled. ‘I never thought about it. We’ve had a lot to do.’
‘Well, I’m here now, so what can I do? How are you managing for money?’
‘We’re all right. Mr Hunter is looking after us.’ She raised a ghost of a smile. ‘After the accident the doctor didn’t think Dad would live through the night, but he did. He’s getting stronger and fighting to get better. He really is, and we won’t let him give up.’
‘Can I see him?’
She shook her head. ‘Not yet, wait a while longer. He doesn’t like anyone to see him like this.’
‘Ruthie.’ Daisy appeared again. ‘Sit with your dad while I go for more medicine. I’ve just given him the last.’
‘You’ll forgive us, Captain.’ Ruth stood up. ‘But as you can see we don’t have time for visitors. I’ll write when I can.’
‘I understand.’ He stood up, not wanting to leave, but he wasn’t family and would only be in the way. ‘Promise me you’ll let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.’
Daisy had already left and Ben found he was talking to an empty room. Reluctantly he left, but before catching his train he went to the docks. It was about lunchtime and he needed to talk to Alf Hunter. He was in luck, for men were streaming through the gates and Alf was one of them.
‘Hello, Captain.’ Alf saw him but kept on walking. ‘I can’t stop. I’ve got to pop in on Steve, and I’ve only got an hour.’
‘I’ve just come from there.’ Ben fell into step beside Alf, matching his hurried stride. ‘Tell me what Steve’s chances are – and I want the truth.’
‘The doctor said he’ll most likely live now he’s survived the last couple of weeks. But we don’t know if he’s ever going to walk or work again. Only time will tell.’
Ben swore, hardly able to believe it. Steve had survived the war only to have this happen to him. ‘I offered to help, but was firmly refused. Is there anything I can do?’
Alf stopped. ‘Yes, you can find that bloody son of mine. He should be here to help. I can’t give u
p my job because we need the money, and Daisy and Ruth are wearing themselves out. But, by God, we’re going to get him through this, whatever it takes.’
‘Let me give you some money—’
‘Not your problem, Captain. We’ll manage this ourselves.’
‘This is no time for damned pride, Alf?!’
‘It’s good of you to want to help, but we take care of our own. Now, if you’ll excuse me . . .’
Ben could only watch helplessly as Alf strode away.
He arrived home just in time to buy the horse he wanted so much, but the pleasure had gone now. All he could think about was the struggle going on in that tiny house. He liked Steve Cooper and his family, and knowing they were in such terrible trouble was hard to bear. He wanted to help ease their burden and pain, but they wouldn’t let him, and he couldn’t force them to accept his offer.
Emma was waiting for him when he walked into the drawing room. ‘You were only just back in time. Did you buy the horse?’
He nodded and sat down, closing his eyes.
‘What’s the matter, darling, are you unwell?’
He sat up, opened his eyes again, and began to tell her about Steve. When he had finished speaking she was white with shock.
‘Oh, Ben, what a tragedy, is there anything we can do?’
‘I offered, but was refused. The only thing Alf asked was that I find his son, as they needed him.’
‘Then that’s what you must do.’
He looked at his wife in amazement. ‘And how the hell am I supposed to do that? That boy didn’t give much away while he was here. All he said was that he was living in Surrey. The work he was doing was challenging, and if he told me what it was I would never believe him.’
‘Well, he gave you a few clues, so put your mind to it, darling. I’m sure you’ll discover where Bob is.’
Twenty-Five
‘I’m leaving school now!’ Eddie lifted his chin in defiance. ‘I’ve already got a job at the grocers in the High Street as errand boy.’
‘Why are you doing that?’ Ruth couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Eddie had always liked school, so why this sudden decision to leave early? ‘It’s daft to leave before you have to. Mum, tell him he can’t do it.’
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