He brought in a cup from the scullery and poured tea from the pot. ‘Young Dermot seems keen on you. Not a bad looking lad.’ He sat down again. ‘You should come home, Aileen.’
She milked her tea. ‘I don’t know, Da. I don’t fit in here anymore.’
‘Don’t talk daft, Aileen. Lizzy’s all right. Just cut her a bit of slack. She’s overwrought with the new business and all.’ He shifted in his chair. ‘You could work here in the shop if you’ve definitely decided not to continue your secretarial course.’
She knew he meant it, but after what Lizzy had said, there was no way she could live here. ‘I won’t be finishing the course, Da.’
He nodded. ‘I’m sorry, love. Everything changed when I discovered your ma had been keeping secrets.’
‘She might have had a valid reason, Da. Can you remember anything else she might have said? I’m trying to make sense…’
He shuffled back his chair and stood up, and she could tell he regretted mentioning her ma.
‘Da, please!’
At that precise moment, her aunt decided to enter the room. Aileen closed her eyes and sucked in her breath.
Lizzie placed the shop keys on the table. ‘It’s been non-stop out there this morning.’ She placed her hand on Jonny’s arm. ‘When you’ve finished your lunch, we have an hour to sort out some of those boxes. Most of it is probably rubbish.’ She glanced at Aileen as she spoke.
‘Sure, will you sit down a minute, woman, and have something to eat.’
‘No, I’m grand. I had a snack earlier. We’ll eat later.’ She turned back to Aileen. ‘Are you going to be here for tea?’ Tea? Aileen hadn’t seen a decent meal being cooked in the two days since she had been back home.
‘No, thanks! I’m going out later.’
‘Well, while you’re here you can give us a hand upstairs.’
* * *
‘You might like to keep your mother’s jewellery,’ her da said, handing over the jewellery box.
‘Thanks, Da. That’s grand.’
He glanced down at the floor and pushed a box towards her with his foot. ‘This stuff belongs to you. What you don’t want, leave in the yard, and I’ll get rid of it.’ Her aunt was busy rummaging through some of her own belongings.
An hour later, they could see the brown-patterned lino on the bedroom floor, and most items had found a home in the other two bedrooms and elsewhere around the house. Aileen pushed her case underneath the bed to make more room.
‘Good idea,’ her aunt said. ‘We don’t want the place cluttered up again.’
Her da folded the empty boxes. ‘I’ll take these down to the yard and then open the shop.’
Aileen pushed shoes and slippers underneath the bed then glanced up at her aunt who appeared to be supervising her every move.
‘Don’t get too comfortable,’ the older woman said, opening a cupboard on the landing and placing an armful of blankets inside.
Her aunt’s snide remarks had been delivered as soon as her da was out of earshot. Aileen knew she should ignore her, but this time her tongue preceded her reasoning.
‘You think you’ve landed on your feet with my da, but he’ll soon realise what a vindictive bitch you are.’ Once she started, she couldn’t stop herself. ‘My ma was ten times nicer than you, and I’m glad you’re not her real sister.’
Lizzy’s mouth dropped. ‘How dare you! I can make life very difficult for you. So watch your tongue.’
‘And what do you suppose my da will say once he finds out what you say to me behind his back?’
Swallowing her anger, she went back to the bedroom and closed the door behind her. Damn the woman. She was determined to spoil things between Aileen and her da. If only she hadn’t come home. But she was here now, and all she could do was to hope that her da would tell her what he knew before she went back to Birmingham. It was the only way she was ever going to find her brother.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Aileen removed her ma’s wedding and engagement rings from the jewellery box, along with some gold earrings. As she fingered the pieces, a tear dropped onto her cheek. She slipped the rings onto her finger; they fit perfectly.
Her mother’s oval-shaped topaz dress ring wasn’t in the box, and she wondered if her da had given it to Lizzie. As a child, Aileen had loved to see her mother wear it as it meant her ma and da were going out to celebrate something special, and she would be staying with her Aunt Bead and Uncle Paddy. At least, she had the two rings that she would treasure. Removing them from her hand, she wrapped them in a tissue and placed them in the corner of her case.
That evening, for her date with Dermot, she wore a peacock blue woollen mini dress she had bought at C&A’s. It felt warm and snug and clung to all the right places. With a multi-coloured scarf around her neck, she pulled on her jacket, slipped her feet into black high heels, picked up her shoulder bag, and went downstairs. Her da was sitting next to Lizzy on the sofa. He dropped his newspaper and looked round.
‘You look lovely.’ He stood up and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Why not invite Dermot here for his tea before you go back?’
‘That sounds grand, Da. I’ll arrange something.’
His statement re-enforced her view that he had no idea how Lizzy felt.
Outside, Dermot appeared before she had time to close the shop door. He jumped from the van and opened the door. He had on a grey overcoat, and she could smell his aftershave—a new one she didn’t recognise. Underneath, he wore his dark grey suit, white shirt and skinny black tie.
‘Hi, gorgeous.’
Smiling, she got in. The van had been cleaned to within an inch of its life, and a lavender air freshener hung from the dashboard, and another one hooked over the mirror. It made her smile that he always went to so much trouble.
‘Where are we going?’
He leaned across and kissed her. ‘It’s a surprise.’ A mischievous grin creased his rugged face. ‘Are you hungry?’
‘Starving.’
‘Good.’ Dermot put the car into gear and soon they were heading towards Clontarf, along the Malahide Road.
Aileen was intrigued when they bypassed Portmarnock to arrive in Howth village, a popular spot with tourists and couples during the summer months. But it was a dark winter’s evening, and she gave him a puzzled frown when he pulled into a parking bay close to the pier.
He got out and stood with his back against the van. Aileen followed. The sea air was bracing and almost took her breath away. She pulled her scarf tighter around her neck.
‘Why have we stopped here?’ She pulled her collar up around her neck. ‘It’s freezing.’
Dermot smiled. ‘All in good time.’ He wrapped his arm around her, shielding her from the strong wind as they walked towards the wall overlooking the sea. Even in winter, the view was stunning, with lights twinkling along the shore.
Dermot sucked in the fresh air. ‘Come here,’ he said, turning her round to face him. ‘I wanted to have you to myself for a few minutes. Can you smell the sea?’ He took a deep intake of breath. ‘It’s peaceful here, don’t you think?’
‘Yes. But it’s also freezing. Can we sit in the van?’
He turned his face towards the sea. ‘Aileen, when I said you were the only girl for me, I meant it with all my heart. Well, what I’m trying to say is, I don’t want you to feel tied to me because of how I feel.’ He drew a breath. ‘When you go back to England, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll meet someone and want to settle over there.’ He sighed.
Aileen quickly recalled her mistake with Roy, and it made her all the more aware of how much Dermot meant to her. ‘What’s brought this on, Dermot? I can honestly say I’ll never settle anywhere but here, in the Fair City. I just need more time before making any kind of commitment, that’s all.’ She shivered and rubbed her hands together. ‘I thought you understood?’
‘I do.’ He lifted her up onto the low wall and stood in front of her, holding her hands. ‘I can wait, as long as I know you
’ll come back to me.’
She bit her lip. ‘Dermot, there isn’t anyone else I’d rather settle down with. And, of course, I’ll be back.’
He lifted her down and held her close. ‘Don’t stay away too long. Promise?’
‘I promise. Now, what about this surprise?’
He kissed her, then took her hand and they walked back to the van. He drove through the village and turned up Abbey Street, where cars lined both sides of the street. Dermot managed to squeeze into a tight spot between two cars.
Aileen stepped out onto the pavement and glanced up at the bright lights of The Abbey Tavern. Groups of young people and older couples were battling the strong winds as they headed towards the pub’s entrance. With Dermot’s arm around her waist, they joined the queue. She could hear American voices and smell the smoke from their cigars.
‘I’ve heard so much about this place, but I’ve never been inside.’ She arched her eyebrows. ‘What’s the entertainment tonight? Do you know?’
‘I believe it’s the Dubliners. That’s why I bought tickets in advance, and you’ll have noticed the crowd.’ He guided her further inside. ‘I thought you’d enjoy a real Irish night out before you leave.’
How thoughtful of him to remember that she loved the Dubliners.
‘Thanks, Dermot.’ She leaned forward and kissed the side of his face. She needed cheering up, and the Dubliners would certainly do that.
‘I’ve booked us a table for the entertainment and something to eat.’
In spite of the stonewalled interior and exposed beams, the place had a cosy feel. A turf fire crackled in the open hearth and smiling Americans already lined the bar.
‘Grab a seat, I’ll see if I can get us a drink.’
Aileen sat down at a small round table by the window and placed her jacket on a seat for Dermot. It was getting noisy, and she knew it would get worse later on once the Dubliners were on. They were very popular, and she loved the ballads they sang. She appreciated now why Dermot had wanted a quiet ten minutes earlier; there would be no chance of an intimate conversation inside the tavern. The Irish entertainment and the craic would be enough to keep them focused and sustain her for the journey back to Birmingham.
Holding a drink in each hand, Dermot made his way through the crowded bar to get to Aileen. He placed a glass of Irish coffee—mixed with whiskey, sugar and whipped cream—down in front of her. ‘It’ll warm you up.’ He sipped his own drink—a large glass of creamy stout—leaving a white moustache across his upper lip.
Aileen laughed. ‘You appear to read my mind, Dermot Brogan.’
‘Oh, I wish I could.’
Aileen gave him a playful nudge before she sipped through the top layer of cream. ‘This is delicious.’
They sat for a while with their drinks, then Dermot said, ‘If you like, we can go through now and take our drinks with us.’ He stood up. ‘I was told the entertainment happens in a room at the back.’
‘That makes sense.’
He picked up his pint and Aileen followed him through the crowded pub. Dermot handed the tickets to the man on the door and he told them they could sit wherever they liked. The room was enormous, and Aileen counted at least twelve oblong tables with four chairs on either side. The only thing that was small was the stage.
The room began to fill up until it was packed to the rafters. Aileen and Dermot sat in the centre of a middle table where they had a good view facing the stage, and other couples joined them. Thick white candles adorned each table, leaving every corner of the room bathed in soft yellow light. The flagged floor and stonewalls gave the place a rustic atmosphere. Chandeliers with candles hung from the rafters.
Aileen felt a frisson of excitement. The chatter of voices became louder as people ordered their food. The waiter came and took their order for more drinks, and told them what was on the menu. Dermot ordered another pint of stout and an Irish coffee for Aileen.
‘I could get used to this,’ she said.
Dermot placed his elbows on the table. ‘So could I…with you, Aileen.’ She reached for his hand.
The food was simple, with a choice of two main meals. Everyone had the same starter—a bowl of potato and leek soup. For her main course, Aileen had salmon with champagne sauce, carrots and mash, while Dermot had corned beef with parsley sauce, carrots and mash. With little time to digest the meal, it was promptly followed by a large portion of apple tart and custard.
When they had finished and the plates cleared away, Aileen felt fit to burst. She sat back in her chair. Couples around them were friendly, and it wasn’t long before they were all singing along to the Dubliners. During the short break, people ordered more drinks, and the show resumed again. By then, they couldn’t hear each other and Dermot’s pretence at sign language made her double up with laughter.
Her night out with Dermot had cemented her feelings for him, and she was almost tempted to take him up on his offer of marriage. When he again told her that she was the only one for him, she regretted her date with Roy Pickering. Sooner, or later she would have to clear her conscience.
* * *
With only one day left of her visit, she knew there was no point in questioning her da for more information, so she decided to find out how her college friend, Helen, was faring. It was nearly three months since they had bumped into each other on Dorset Street, and Aileen had often wondered about the girl, and if her parents had been supportive. She must be six months gone now. Aileen had heard of women binding themselves for months to hide their predicament.
When she arrived at Helen’s house, she was invited in. ‘I’m afraid she’s not here,’ the girl’s mother said. Helen had often mentioned that her parents were quite strict, and Aileen noticed uneasiness in their mannerisms.
‘Will she be long?’
‘Can I ask how you know Helen?’
‘We were at college together a few months back, and–’
‘She won’t be back for a while. She’s staying with an aunt in the country,’ Helen’s father interrupted sternly.
‘Oh, that’s a shame,’ Aileen said. ‘I was hoping to see her before I went back to Birmingham.’ A conspiratorial look passed between Helen’s mother and father.
‘How is she? Is… is she all right?’
‘What do you mean?' her father asked.
'Well… Helen, I mean… we talked.'
'You knew she was?’
‘Yes, she told me.’
‘Just what did Helen tell you?’ her father asked. ‘Do you know who the blighter is? If I get my hands on him, I’ll kill him and gladly go to prison.’
She felt at a disadvantage. ‘I’m sorry, she didn’t say, and I didn’t ask.’ She sighed. ‘Can I write to her, or get in touch?’
‘No.’ Helen’s father looked agitated. ‘That won’t be possible.’
‘I’m sorry, love, you’d better go.’ The mother ushered her towards the door. ‘We have to try and put it behind us now, and get on with life.’
‘Please tell her I called.’ The door closed quietly behind her.
Aileen sighed. They had sent Helen away to hide the shame she had brought on her family. That was what usually happened. Poor Helen! Where had they sent her? Was it one of those homes for unmarried mothers?
She wondered again about her own brother, and where he might be now. Life could be unfair, especially towards women. If it were to happen to her, where would she turn?
Chapter Thirty
Roy Pickering drove from his home towards the city. He had an early appointment with Mr Wainwright, but as he was feeling good today, he decided to miss it. What did that shrink know, anyway?
He straightened his tie in the mirror. He was due in Tamworth and had enough calls to keep him busy all day, yet he couldn’t resist dropping by the mill.
He swung into the cobbled yard and went straight in to reception, where Val was showing a temp how to set the tabs on Aileen’s typewriter. She glanced up. ‘Roy! We don’t often see you on a Friday. I
s anything wrong?’
‘No. Why should there be? I just wanted a word.’ He glared at the young temp.
She looked embarrassed and stood up. ‘I’ll go and see Alan for five minutes.’
Val placed her hands on her hips. ‘There’s no need to be rude, Roy. What is it? I’m up to my eyes here.’ She held up her hands and shifted paperwork around on the desk.
‘When’s Aileen coming back?’
‘Next week, I hope. I’m sick to death of having to train a new temp every other day.’
‘Did she say what day? Only I thought I’d surprise her by meeting her at New Street.’
‘Why? I mean… I assumed that you and she…’ She bit back the rest of her words.
‘What do you mean? What has she said?’
‘Nothing.’ She sighed. ‘Look, Roy, can you send the girl back in, I’ve urgent orders to get out.’
‘What day does she come back?’
‘I don’t know, Roy. The weekend, I guess.’
‘Sure. Thanks.’
In the yard, he gave Alan a cursory wave and slid onto the driver’s seat. Val knew something. Had Aileen been gossiping? He very much hoped not.
As he drove towards Tamworth, Roy planned his line of defence. Aileen wasn’t going to forgive him easily, so he had to get his story straight. He’d grovel if he had to, anything to get her to trust him again. Flowers. Red roses should do it; she could hardly say no to them. He’d offer to take her for a meal and promise to drive her straight home afterwards. Yes, he was sure that would work.
His feelings for Aileen had grown, and he wanted to prove to his mother that he was capable of holding onto a relationship longer than a few weeks. Aileen was sweet, innocent, and she never mentioned a boyfriend. He’d felt sorry for her, losing her mother. Aileen didn’t talk much about her family; too painful, he guessed. She was vulnerable, a bit like him. Perhaps that was why they had been drawn towards each other. She had gone away thinking he didn’t care, and it wasn’t how he really felt.
Anyway, he’d make sure he was waiting for her tomorrow morning, and if not then, the following morning. If she travelled on Friday, she would arrive on Saturday. He’d need to find out what time the boat train was due in and work out the connections from there. Roy enjoyed working things out like that in his head. Top of the maths class at school, he recalled.
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