‘How is she?’ he asked Ruth, as soon as he walked into the scullery.
‘She’s fast asleep.’
‘Good, that’s what she needs, but keep an eye on her, please.’
‘I will.’ Ruth took a deep breath, her nervousness showing. ‘Thank you for what you did today. We wouldn’t have known what to do. It was frightening to see Mum in such a state.’
He inclined his head in acknowledgement, slipped out of his jacket and began to roll up his sleeves.
Eddie was immediately on his feet. ‘Oh, are you going to work on Dad’s back? Can I help you, please? I won’t get in the way, but I’d love to see what you do.’
‘All right, but you mustn’t talk. I want Steve to relax.’
‘Promise.’
‘Come on, then.’
The back door burst open and John and Sally tumbled in from school. Ruth shot to her feet. ‘Oh my goodness, is that the time? She hastily cut them a slice of bread each and grabbed jam out of the pantry. ‘There, that will keep you going while I get supper ready.’
‘Where is everyone?’ Sally asked. ‘And why aren’t you at the market, Ruthie?’
‘I’ve been out with Mum so Mrs Law has looked after the stall for me. Eddie’s upstairs, and Mum’s taking a nap.’
‘That leaves us to do the cooking.’ John finished the last of his bread. ‘What do you want me to do?’
She opened her purse and handed him some coins. ‘I want you to run to the butcher’s and get me as much mincemeat as that will buy. It’s nearly closing time so he’ll be selling some meat off cheap. Give him your best smile, John. We’ve got vegetables so I’ll make a shepherds pie.’
‘Lovely!’ John disappeared through the door with Sally tearing after him.
‘Do those two ever walk anywhere?’ Eddie grinned as he came into the scullery.
‘I don’t think so. How’s Dad?’
‘Asleep now, and he does look a lot better. He has a better colour in his face and is more relaxed. He still can’t move his legs, but Bob’s working on those.’
Ruth frowned. ‘The longer this goes on the harder it is to believe he’s going to recover completely.’
‘What did we say a while ago? We mustn’t give up hope. We’ve just got to do the best we can, and whatever worries we have must be kept hidden, because our family needs us, Ruthie.’
‘That’s all any of us can do.’ Bob strode into the room, peered in the teapot and poured himself a cup of tea.
‘That’s stewed.’ Ruth began to fill the kettle. ‘I’ll make you a fresh pot.’
‘This will do just fine.’ Bob thirstily drained the cup. ‘Let me know when supper’s ready and I’ll bring Steve down. I want Daisy at the table as well or Steve will start to worry.’
‘Suppose she doesn’t want to get up?’ Ruth’s voice shook slightly.
Bob studied her for a moment, noting how shaken she was by her mother’s breakdown. ‘Then you call me and I’ll talk to her.’
‘I’ll do that.’ She put the kettle down with a thump and bowed her head. ‘I’m sorry for being so useless, but now Mum’s sick as well, I’m frightened. We are putting a great strain on you, and it isn’t fair.’
He turned her to face him and tilted her head up so she could look at him. ‘I know this is frightening, but these bad times will pass. If there’s anything you can’t cope with you come straight to me. My shoulders are broad enough to take the load.’
Eddie laughed and Ruth managed a faint smile.
‘That’s better. Let’s take it one day at a time and we’ll get through this.’
The back door swung open and the two youngsters ran in with huge smiles on their faces. They were both holding packets. ‘Look what the butcher gave us!’ John put his packet on the table and made his sister do the same. ‘We’ve got loads of mince and he gave us a ham bone to make soup, and some lamb scraps he said would do for a pie. And we’ve still got two pennies left,’ he declared proudly.
‘My goodness, you must have both smiled very nicely.’ Ruth took the change from her brother and put it back in her purse.
‘It was Sally who did that,’ John giggled. ‘She’s prettier than me.’
As laughter filled the scullery, Ruth’s tension drained away. They were a close family with good friends around them. They would be all right whatever the future held for them.
‘What’s all this noise?’ Alf asked when he arrived. ‘I could hear you halfway up the street,’ he joked.
‘Mum!’ Eddie saw Daisy first and helped her to a chair. ‘Did we wake you?’
‘Yes, but it’s lovely to hear laughter again.’ She smiled up at Bob and caught his hand. ‘Thank you.’
He smiled at her. ‘You’re looking better.’
‘I am. Everything suddenly became too much for me, but I’m feeling calmer now.’
‘Good. You’re not on your own, Daisy, you must remember that.’
‘Mum, you don’t have to worry about anything now because Bob said his shoulders are broad enough to take the load.’
This sent the kids into shrieks of laughter as they looked at the size of him, making everyone else join in as well.
‘If you’re going to make fun of my size, I’m going back upstairs.’ Bob put on a mock hurt expression, causing more hilarity.
He took the stairs two at a time back to the bedroom.
‘What on earth is going on down there?’ Steve was smiling.
‘They are having fun at my expense. I’ll get you dressed and then you can join in. See if you can manage some of the dressing yourself. You do what you can and I’ll finish the rest.’
Between them the job was soon done, but Steve’s mood had plummeted. ‘Why aren’t I recovering, Bob?’
‘You are making progress, but you have been badly injured and it takes time.’
‘I’ve got to provide for my family.’ Steve thumped the end of the bed. ‘I’ve got to get back on my feet. I must!’
Bob watched Steve rile against his disability, and this was what he had been expecting. ‘Do you want to try and stand?’ he asked briskly. ‘I’ll support you.’
‘Let’s give it a try.’ Steve’s mouth was set in a determined line.
Lifting him off the bed he let Steve’s feet touch the floor. ‘Any pain?’ he asked.
‘A bit in my lower back, but it feels strange to be upright again.’ Steve struggled to take a step, finally admitting defeat. ‘It’s no good, I’m bloody useless.’
When he was back on the edge of the bed, Bob sat beside him. ‘I asked you to do that because I wanted to find out how much pain you would be in when standing. It wasn’t too bad, so that’s an improvement, but we can’t rush things. Don’t look so despondent; smile. They are cheerful downstairs, so let’s keep it that way, shall we?’
Later that evening, Bob slipped next door to have a word with his dad.
‘Hello, son, is Steve asleep?’
He nodded and sat down. ‘Do you know how much money Ruth’s making at the market? The bit of money I brought with me isn’t going to last much longer, and they certainly can’t exist on what Eddie’s earning.’
‘I gather trade is slow, and with so many out of work, that’s understandable. I help as much as I can.’
‘I know, but you can’t support us all. I haven’t said anything to them, but there’s no sign of Steve getting back the use of his legs again.’
‘Oh, damn!’ Alf swore. ‘If that’s the case what the hell are we going to do?’
‘I’m going to concentrate on making him as independent as possible. I’ll do a tour of the pawn shops in the morning and see if I can get hold of a cheap wheelchair.’
‘That might be a help. What else can we do?’
‘We’ll need to fix something over the bed so he can pull himself out and into the wheelchair on his own. And . . .’ Bob paused for a moment ‘The family aren’t going to like this, but we’ll have to turn the front room into his bedroom.’
‘Th
at’s sensible.’ Alf’s expression was grim. ‘But as soon as we tell them this they’ll know there isn’t much hope left.’
‘It can’t be helped. Steve’s got to learn to cope with his disability so he doesn’t have to have someone with him all the time.’
‘If you can help him manage on his own will you go back to your job? I think you were happy there.’
‘I was, and I will go back there, but not yet. The Coopers are in dire trouble, and with the two of us helping we might be able to keep a roof over their heads. I’m afraid all this is going to land on Ruth and Eddie’s shoulders because Daisy’s in no mental condition to be of any use at the moment.’
Alf ran a hand through his hair in agitation. ‘So you’re saying that we’ve got to stop thinking Steve will get better and plan for a future with him in a wheelchair?’
‘I don’t want us to give up hope, but the way things are going, I think it would be wise to make it possible for him to do as much as he can on his own. I’m going to need your help, Dad.’
‘Of course I’ll help.’ Alf’s eyes misted over. ‘Poor devil. When are you going to tell him?’
‘Tomorrow evening. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to do more.’
‘You don’t have to feel like that, son. No one could ask more of you.’
Standing up, Bob laid a hand on his dad’s shoulder. ‘I wish there could have been a better outcome. Goodnight, Dad. Try and get some sleep because we’ve got a rough day in store for us tomorrow.’
Thirty
A search of the pawnshops was fruitless. Bob was unable to find a wheelchair he could afford. The only one he saw would have taken all the money he had left, and that wouldn’t be wise. Frustrated, he returned to the house to find Daisy wandering aimlessly from room to room.
‘Oh, there you are. I thought you’d left us.’
‘I’ve only been out for a couple of hours, Daisy. Steve’s quite comfortable.’ He smiled reassuringly, hoping she wasn’t slipping into her confused state again. ‘What are you going to get us for lunch? Steve will be hungry.’
At the mention of her husband she seemed to wake up, and immediately began to rummage in the larder. ‘There isn’t much here.’
‘I bought eggs and a loaf of bread while I was out, so how about scrambled eggs on toast?’
‘Oh, yes.’ She smiled, nodding. ‘Steve likes that.’
‘I’ll leave you to it then.’ Seeing she was now occupied, Bob returned to the bedroom.
‘How’s Daisy?’ Steve asked as soon as Bob walked in. ‘She came in to see me, but she couldn’t sit still. I’m worried about her.’
Sitting on the edge of the bed he knew it was time for plain speaking. ‘I’m afraid Daisy’s at the end of her strength. She needs plenty of rest, and Ruth has taken over the responsibility for the family until your wife recovers.’
‘Oh, Lord, what a mess.’ Steve looked intently at Bob, distress showing plainly in his eyes. ‘I’m not going to walk again, am I?’
‘I don’t know. I’m not a doctor, but it’s time we made arrangements in case that is so. I want to make you as independent as possible.’
‘How the hell are we going to do that?’
He listened as Bob outlined what he thought should be done, and when he had finished, the man in the bed nodded. ‘Whatever you think is best. Talk this over with Eddie as well as Ruth. He’s a sensible boy.’
‘I’ll do that. There’s one more thing I want to do, but I need your permission. You must have a wheelchair, but I haven’t been able to find one I can afford. Dad told me that Captain Russell offered help but you all refused.’
‘Of course we did. I won’t take charity from a family who treated my daughter so shamefully.’
‘So you’d rather see your wife and kids end up in the workhouse, would you?’ Bob asked bluntly.
‘That won’t happen!’
‘Maybe not. You could always move in with Dad if you can’t keep up with the rent.’
‘What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to frighten me?’
‘No, I’m trying to make you face the facts. Ruth, Eddie and Dad are keeping the family afloat at the moment, but Daisy is incapable of making decisions, and there’s also John and Sally to consider. That’s a lot to feed, and I’m sure you don’t want them to go hungry.’
‘You know I don’t.’
‘Then don’t be too proud to take help when it’s offered. Let me go and see the captain. He’s a good man and wants to help, but I won’t do it without your permission. Swallow your pride for the sake of your family, Steve.’
He was now fighting to keep the tears of despair at bay, but he eventually nodded. ‘Do what you must. But, hell, boy, you can be tough!’
‘Sometimes it’s necessary.’ Bob stood up and pulled back the covers. ‘Now, let’s try and ease your back, shall we?’
‘What’s the use? I’m a bloody cripple and useless to my wife and kids.’
‘You can curse all you like.’ Bob lifted him over. ‘But don’t you dare start feeling sorry for yourself. They all love you very much, so you’re a lucky man, and don’t you ever forget that.’
‘Sorry,’ Steve muttered, and grunted as Bob’s hands began their work. ‘There’s still hope, isn’t there?’
‘There’s always hope,’ he said, quoting Sister again. ‘You just relax and leave everything to me.’
It was seven o’clock before Alf arrived home. Daisy was with Steve and the two youngsters were sitting at the table stuffing toys. Eddie and Ruth were also working on things for the stall.
‘You’re late. I’ve kept your supper hot for you.’
‘Thanks, Ruth.’ Alf sat down and started to eat. He gave his son a quick questioning glance, and nodded, indicating they should get this over with.
‘I need to talk frankly with you.’ Bob sat at the table and looked at the four Cooper children. ‘Your dad is not improving as much as I had hoped, and I think it’s time we tried to make him as independent as possible.’
Sally stopped what she was doing and her eyes filled with tears. ‘Isn’t he going to get better?’
‘I don’t know, Sally, but at the moment there is no sign of him getting the feeling back in his legs.’ He looked at each one in turn. ‘I’m not saying a full recovery is impossible, I’m just saying that we should help him to do more for himself. I’ve spoken to your dad so he knows what I want to do. If we move his bed to the front room and I get him a wheelchair, he will be able to move around down here and become part of the family again.’
‘Shouldn’t we be talking to Mum about this?’ Ruth asked.
‘I’m afraid she’s too sick to be able to make decisions. It’s hard, I know, but you and Eddie will have to take on the responsibility until she’s better. Steve is going to explain this to her, as we thought it might be better coming from him.’
‘Well, I think it’s a good idea,’ John declared, sounding very mature. ‘He can then help with running the stall, Ruthie. You know he likes that.’
‘Yes, he does.’ Ruth smiled at her little brother. ‘Dad’s isolated upstairs, and even if he can’t walk he can still help us.’
‘That’s the spirit.’ Alf smiled with relief. ‘Your dad has to feel he’s needed, and that will help with his recovery.’
‘We’d better start making room for the bed.’ Eddie was on his feet, ready to marshal everyone into action. ‘When do you want to move it down, Bob?’
‘Sunday, when we’re all here, but we can push the furniture back before then,’ he suggested, seeing they were all eager to get on with it. ‘If we put the bed by the window he will be able to look out and see people walking by.’
‘We’re going to need your help, kids,’ Alf declared, ‘because we’re also going to rig up something over the bed so your dad can pull himself up and into the wheelchair. Bob knows what we need.’
He nodded. ‘We’re going to have to build a frame over the bed.’
‘You’ll need wood then. The
re’s the Wilson scrap yard. You might be able to get what you need there.’
‘Good idea, Eddie, and they might have some strong rope as well.’
‘Right.’ Alf pushed away his empty plate. ‘Let’s see how much space we can clear.’
‘That went well,’ Bob said to his father as they all trooped into the front room. ‘It hurts them to think that their dad might not recover fully, but they’re a sensible bunch of kids, aren’t they?’
‘And thank goodness for that. Let’s hope Steve has been able to make Daisy see the sense in this move, but I don’t think she’ll mind if it’s for her husband.’
For the next hour they pushed furniture against the wall, carried smaller pieces upstairs, until they had enough space for the bed, frame and wheelchair.
‘Where are we going to get a wheelchair from?’ Eddie asked when they returned to the scullery for a well-earned cup of tea.
‘I’ll find one somewhere. You leave that to me.’
The two youngest were very tired by now so Ruth packed them off to bed, and after deciding that they had done all they could for the moment, it was time for all of them to have an early night.
Before Ruth went upstairs, she turned to Bob and Alf. ‘Thank you – both of you. We really wouldn’t know what to do for Dad or Mum if you weren’t here.’
The two men watched her leave, sadness in their eyes. ‘We’ve got to make this work, Bob.’
‘All we can do is our best. Goodnight, Dad.’
Bob listened to Steve’s steady breathing, wide awake. He hated to see the Coopers suffering like this, and as much as he yearned to be back at his job, he wouldn’t be anywhere else at the moment. After his mum had died, the Coopers did everything for him while he had been too consumed with grief and anger to think clearly. He’d never forgotten that, and this was his chance to repay the debt of gratitude. It was a relief as well to see that Ruth no longer disliked him. That had hurt more than he had shown, because their long friendship meant a great deal to him. As he had said to his Dad, they could only do their best, and he was determined that their best would make a difference to all of them.
The next morning, after he had made Steve comfortable, Bob sat on the edge of the bed. ‘How did Daisy react to the idea of moving you downstairs?’
Battles Lost and Won Page 21
