by Kitty Neale
‘What do you think of this?’ she asked Tina, holding up a short, dusky-pink dress with a square neckline.
‘Yeah, it’s fine,’ Tina said shortly.
Jenny longed for things to get back to the way they used to be between the two of them, but felt she was fighting a losing battle. So much for Tina saying they were like sisters, Jenny thought sadly, knowing that if it hadn’t been for Marcos she’d feel so alone again. Yet even Marcos couldn’t fill that gap, the feeling that something was missing in her life, and for a while only her feelings of kinship with Tina had been able to do that.
Jenny picked up her present again, holding the necklace against the dress. The tiny pink-tinged beads that looked like pearls were perfect, giving the dress just the lift it needed.
‘Look, Tina, they’re just right. Thanks again. I love them.’
‘You’re welcome. Speaking of new things, what do you think of my shoes?’
Jenny looked at the yellow slingback platform shoes, wondering as always how Tina could afford to buy so many new things. Surely bar work wasn’t that well paid, yet Tina’s wardrobe was bulging.
‘They’re great.’
‘Yeah, they ain’t bad, are they?’ grinned Tina. ‘I’m off to work now. Happy birthday again and I’ll see you later.’
Jenny waved goodbye. With her working days and Tina evenings, they didn’t see that much of each other nowadays, but she was pleased that things seemed a little easier between them. She just hoped it would last, but now turned her attention to getting ready to go out, wondering if her outfit would be nice enough to please Marcos.
The last thing on Marcos’s mind was Jenny’s appearance. He hoped he wasn’t rushing her, but he couldn’t wait any longer. The restaurant offered privacy along with intimacy, soft music in the background adding a romantic touch. He’d ordered champagne and was now waiting for it to arrive, rehearsing his words in his mind. Jenny would be expecting a present, of course, and this one was certain to outshine all her expectations. It should do, Marcos thought, and though from a certain source it had still cost him a pretty penny.
The champagne arrived and Jenny took a sip, her nose wrinkling delightfully. She giggled and Marcos smiled. He adored everything about Jenny, but mostly it was her lack of worldliness, of hardness, that so appealed to him. There was nothing grasping about her and Marcos wanted to keep her that way, gentle and unspoiled. He’d do it now, ask her now. Taking the box out of his pocket, he opened it to show it to Jenny.
‘Happy birthday, my darling. Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?’
Jenny gasped, her eyes wide in wonder as she looked from the large diamond solitaire to him. ‘Oh, Marcos…’
‘I know I’m a lot older than you, twenty-one years in fact, but I promise you won’t regret it. I’ll look after you, cherish you. Please, Jenny, say yes.’
‘Oh…oh…yes, of course yes.’
Marcos took Jenny’s hand, kissed her palm, and then took the ring from the box to place on her finger.
‘You’ve made me the happiest man in the world,’ he said, snapping his finger for the waiter. ‘We have a lot to talk about but, for now, let’s order our meal.’ He looked up at the waiter. ‘We’ll have soup to start, followed by fillet steaks, rare.’
‘That sounds lovely,’ Jenny said.
She was always happy to let him order for her, and as the waiter left Marcos took her hand again.
‘I don’t want a long engagement, so how do you feel about a December wedding? Perhaps just before Christmas, and then we can celebrate the festive season together.’
Startled, Jenny’s eyes widened, but she husked, ‘I…I’d love that.’
‘Darling, there’s one other thing. As you know, I lost my parents many years ago, and as an only child I’ve only distant relatives. I don’t want to disappoint you, but would you mind a small wedding, perhaps in a registry office?’
Jenny was quiet for a while and Marcos held his breath, but then she said, ‘I suppose every girl dreams of a big, white wedding, yet without any real relatives either I’d have few people to invite.’
‘What about the family who adopted you?’
‘I doubt Delia would come and to be honest I don’t think I’d want her there. My father, maybe, but I can’t send an invitation solely to him.’
Secretly, Marcos was pleased at Jenny’s estrangement from her family. ‘Well, then, in that case let’s do something wildly romantic, something just for us. We’ll have a quiet wedding, but afterwards go abroad to somewhere special for our honeymoon. How does that sound?’
‘It sounds wonderful.’
‘Have you got a passport?’
‘No, and I haven’t got a clue how to get one.’
‘It’s all right, darling. Leave it to me. Just give me your birth certificate and I’ll sort the forms out. All you’ll have to do is sign them.’
‘Yes, all right, and I’m glad now that I remembered to pack my adoption certificate when I left home.’
Only one more thing to worry about, thought Marcos. Still, he’d work something out, a way to keep everyone – most importantly, Jenny – in the dark.
Jenny was so thrilled she could hardly eat, though she was saddened at the thought that her father wouldn’t be at her wedding. Yet he wasn’t her real father, she reflected, and so was it any wonder that he couldn’t really love her as his true daughter? Robin wasn’t her brother either, and by now his life would have moved on. He’d be well into his time at university and probably hardly spared her a thought. That left only Tina and Susan but, knowing how Tina felt about Marcos, it was doubtful that she’d want to come to her wedding anyway. Sadly, Jenny realised that she didn’t really have anyone, no real family.
‘What’s wrong, my darling?’ Marcos asked breaking into her thoughts. ‘One minute you looked so happy, but now you’re sad. Please, don’t tell me you’ve changed your mind.’
‘No, of course not. It…it’s just that I have so few people to invite to our wedding and I feel sort of, well, alone.’
‘You have me, Jenny, you’ll always have me. We’ll have children too, many children, and you’ll never be alone again.’
Jenny looked across the table at Marcos and felt tears well in her eyes. Yes, she had Marcos, and the thought of having children filled her with joy.
‘Oh, Marcos, I love you so much.’
‘And I love you,’ he said, picking up his glass to raise it in a toast. ‘To us.’
‘Yes, to us,’ Jenny agreed as they clinked glasses.
‘I know you have never asked, but I’m quite a wealthy man and I’ll see that you want for nothing. We will live in a beautiful house, and you will never have to work in my restaurant again, or anywhere else.’
‘I…I won’t?’
‘Of course not. You will be my wife, the mother of my children, and treasured.’
Jenny smiled. Marcos sounded so masterful, yet his dark eyes were soft with emotion as they gazed at each other. Treasured, she thought, that sounded nice, and now that a new future stretched ahead of her, it was one she was sure would bring her true happiness at last.
Tina had been in for twenty minutes when Jenny arrived home. Something had happened, the look of Jenny’s face enough to tell Tina that, but she was nonetheless completely unprepared for her friend’s words.
‘Oh, Tina, you’re not going to believe this. Marcos has asked me to marry him.’
‘Don’t tell me you said yes!’
‘Of course I did. Look,’ Jenny said, holding out her hand to show off her engagement ring.
‘Impressive, but you must be mad to want to marry that slimy git. I mean, how can you bear to let him touch you?’
‘I love being in his arms, and he is not slimy. I’d thank you not to talk about him like that.’
‘Ooh, I do beg your pardon, your ladyship,’ Tina said, mimicking Jenny’s posh voice. ‘He talks like a toff too, though it’s all put on if you ask me.’
‘Please,
can’t you just be happy for me?’
‘How can I be when you’re making the biggest mistake of your life?’
‘I’m not, Tina, I love him.’
‘Don’t make me laugh. Like me, you’re only eighteen and as he’s the only bloke you’ve been out with, how can you possibly know it’s love? If you ask me it’s more like some sort of daft infatuation. Not only that, you know nothing about him.’
‘Yes I do.’
‘All right then, so tell me where does he live? Has he got a family? Is he taking you to meet them? And more importantly, has he been married before, ’cos if he has, he might have kids.’
‘Tina, if that was the case Marcos would have told me. And as for his parents, they both passed away so he can’t take me to meet them.’
‘So when it comes down to it, all you know about him is that he owns a restaurant. You’ve never been invited to his home – come to that, have you even met any of his friends?’
‘Well, no, not yet, but I’m sure I will. Marcos is a very busy man and with other business interests I don’t think it leaves him much time for socialising.’
‘What other business interests?’
‘Oh, Tina, I don’t know, but he once mentioned something to do with cars and he told me he’s rather well off.’
‘Is he now? But other than a vague reference to cars, he hasn’t said where his money comes from? I dunno, Jenny. He’s too much of a closed book and I don’t like it.’
‘You’ve never liked Marcos and I think you’re just looking for problems that don’t exist,’ Jenny said crossly. ‘We’re getting married just before Christmas, and no matter what you say I’m not going to change my mind.’
‘But that’s only five months away!’ Tina gasped. ‘Why so soon?’
‘Marcos doesn’t want a long engagement.’
‘He may not, but what about you?’
‘I feel the same and can’t wait to marry him. Please, Tina, please be happy for me.’
Tina looked at Jenny’s face, seeing the appeal there, but despite that, she shook her head. ‘I wish I could, but I still think you’re making a big mistake.’
‘Well, I don’t, and I’d like you to come to my wedding.’
‘No thanks,’ Tina said. Just then an awful thought crossed her mind – this would mean that Jenny would get in touch with her parents. She’d want them at her wedding, she’d need her father to give her away, and they would learn of this address. ‘I suppose you’ll be sending an invitation to your family?’
‘There’s no point in contacting them. Delia wouldn’t come to my wedding and, as I told Marcos, I don’t want her there anyway. That only leaves you and Sue. Please, Tina, please come.’
Relieved that she was still safe from her father, Tina said, ‘I’ll think about it.’
‘Thanks,’ Jenny said, then yawned. ‘Gosh, I’m tired. I’m off to bed, but I’m so excited that I may not be able to sleep.’
Soppy cow, Tina thought. She had no intention of going to the wedding, of watching Jenny being led like a lamb to the slaughter, but had refrained from telling her that. Jenny could stew, Tina decided. She had herself to think about now.
Once married, Jenny would move out of the flat, and Tina wondered how she was supposed to pay the rent without her, let alone the bills? She couldn’t even fiddle a few extra bob now, not when it had become obvious during her weekend shifts that Jack had had a word with the landlord. Eddy had taken to watching her and after dwelling on it for a while, Tina decided that if she wanted to keep this flat she’d better start looking for another job, one where a bit of fiddling might be possible.
However, as she continued to consider the matter, Tina realised that it wouldn’t be easy to find another landlord like Eddy, one who paid cash in hand with no questions asked. She was eighteen now so working behind a bar was legal, but another landlord would take her National Insurance payments, plus income tax and that would leave her wages seriously depleted. Her heart sinking, Tina realised that she’d gain nothing by leaving her present job, but she hated the thought of having bugger all left over once the rent and bills were paid. No, she wouldn’t go back to that. She’d find a way of making a few extra bob somehow, and if it couldn’t come from punters, it would have to come from somewhere else.
Her mind drifted back to Jenny. It was all right for her, she was marrying Marcos, and it seemed he had a few bob. Jenny would be living in clover while she’d be left scraping for every penny. If it hadn’t been for the sickening thought of sleeping with Marcos, she might have been green with envy.
Tina scowled. All she had ever known was living in a council flat and then this pokey place, whereas Jenny had lived in a big posh house with her parents. Yeah, Jenny’s parents were well off – and at that thought, Tina paused. They had money, probably lots of it, and now an idea began to form in her mind, one that changed Tina’s scowl to a grin of satisfaction.
Yes, why not? She didn’t have to stay in Chelsea and a good few bob would go a long way in giving her a fresh start. In fact, with any luck, it would be enough to keep her in clover too for a long, long time.
Chapter Nineteen
Tina posted the letter on the way to work, satisfied that she had given him enough time. Of course there was always the risk that he’d blab, but in such a public place she’d be able to make sure that her instructions had been carried out before showing herself. If he wasn’t alone she’d scarper, Tina thought, shivering at the thought of discovery.
Serving behind the bar, Tina’s mind was on her other plans and so she didn’t notice Paul coming up to the bar until he asked for a drink.
‘Sorry, what was that?’
‘A pint of bitter and a chat if you’ve got time.’
As always, Tina found herself drawn to Paul, but her feelings sickened her. He hadn’t been in for a while, and it was annoying that he’d turned up again.
‘A chat about what?’ she asked, handing him his pint.
‘Oh, you know, this and that. How’s the boyfriend?’
‘What boyfriend?’ Tina asked, then flushed. He’d caught her off guard and now she’d given the game away.
‘So, you’re footloose and fancy free again? Does that mean I can take you out?’
Tina was about to say no but then, for some inexplicable reason, she changed her mind. It would be a first date and surely he wouldn’t try anything on? Mind you, if he did she’d kick him where it hurt. Yes, let Paul spend a few bob, take her somewhere nice. At least it would stop her from fretting about the next stage of her plan.
‘Yeah, all right,’ she said, ‘you can take me out on Friday, but make it somewhere special.’
His blue eyes lit up, his smile wide. ‘In that case I’ll have to put my thinking cap on. What do you fancy, a nice meal, or perhaps the theatre?’
‘Both,’ Tina said haughtily.
‘Do you like murder mysteries?’
‘I dunno. I’ve never seen one.’
‘Right, I’ll take you to see The Mousetrap. It’s been running for years so it must be good.’
‘Just make sure you get decent seats. I don’t want to be stuck up in the gods.’
‘Yes, your majesty,’ Paul agreed, smiling as he gave a small bow. ‘With expensive tastes like yours, it’s just as well I’m up for promotion.’
Tina picked up a glass and began to dry it. So far she hadn’t had the money to indulge in expensive luxuries, but that was set to change. Yes, Paul could treat her on Friday night, and if he behaved himself she might see him again. After that, hopefully she’d be off, with her pockets bulging for the first time in her life.
Marcos locked the door behind him, smiling in anticipation of Jenny’s reaction when she saw their first home. It was perfect, a bit pretentious perhaps, but there was no reason to hide his wealth now. He’d show Jenny the house soon and she was sure to be delighted. After all, what girl wouldn’t be?
Marcos smiled wryly. Oh, he knew one, in fact two, who were never satisfi
ed, but Jenny was totally different, a breath of fresh air after years of putting up with ear-bending purgatory. He couldn’t wait to tell them, and what it was going to cost him would be worth it just to see their faces. There wouldn’t be any protests, they wouldn’t dare, for they both knew him too well to risk that. Also, to keep his largesse they would have to keep their mouths well and truly shut, and he’d make sure they understood that too. The threat of what he’d do to them if they didn’t was sure to be enough.
Marcos locked the gates at the end of the drive now and drove off. There were a few people he needed to talk to, ones who had to be told of his plans, and now was as good a time as any. Of course he had nothing to fear from them, but they too would need to keep their lips zipped. However, Marcos was confident that again his reputation would be enough to ensure that they did just that.
The small members’ club was down a flight of stairs and the musty air in the basement was masked by the smell of booze, smoke, and the Jeyes fluid that Denis, the owner, was fond of using liberally to clean the floor and toilets. They were at their usual table playing cards, Bernie shuffling the deck and a fag hanging from the corner of his mouth.
‘All right, boss?’ came his mumbled greeting.
‘Leave the cards, we need to talk,’ Marcos ordered, pulling out a chair. All four of them looked at him expectantly, but to start with Marcos threw a note on the table, ‘Steve, get the drinks in, and chasers.’
He waited until the newest recruit was out of earshot and then filled the others in, leaning back nonchalantly when he’d finished.
Bernie was the only one who had the nerve to comment, ‘Are you sure about this, Marcos? When they find out, all hell will break loose.’
‘No, Bernie, it won’t. I’ll see to that. While I’m away you’ll be in charge, and if anyone comes sniffing around, make sure everyone keeps their mouths shut.’
