by Val Wood
‘That’s all right then,’ Angelina said languidly. ‘Could I have a glass of wine?’
Lily shepherded her to the parlour. Kendall was there and his eyes lit up as he rose to his feet to introduce himself. But then Sally came down and greeted him warmly so he took her arm and was led upstairs.
The bell rang again and Lily went to answer it. A youth was almost hidden behind an enormous bouquet of flowers. ‘For Alice,’ he said, thrusting them at Lily. Then he bent down and picked up a box. ‘Where do you want this? It’s heavy.’
‘What’s in it?’ Lily asked, frowning a little. ‘And who are ’flowers from?’
‘Dunno,’ he said. ‘I’m onny ’delivery lad.’
The box was filled with fruit, a jar of honey, two bottles of wine and a box of candy.
Lily smiled. I know who’s sent this, she thought. Someone with a conscience and a lot of money. She took the box and the flowers in to Alice. ‘Look, Alice. You’ve got an admirer.’
Alice’s mouth parted. ‘No,’ she said huskily. ‘Of course I haven’t!’ She looked into the box and saw the gifts, and was astounded. ‘Who would send me all this?’ A smile brightened her face. ‘Who would do such a thing?’
Lily shook her head and said she had no idea. She’d let Alice dream for a while; let her think that she had stolen someone’s heart and not tell her that an old man who dispensed justice had discovered a still small voice of conscience and recognized his own failings.
Jamie arrived to collect money from Lily. ‘Have you made much tonight? You seem busy.’
‘We are,’ she said, handing over some of the takings. ‘I’ve not added it all up yet. I’ll give you ’rest in ’morning when I’ve paid ’girls.’
‘Who’s upstairs?’ he asked.
‘Mary, Sally and Angelina. She’s very classy,’ she added.
‘Where’s Lizzie – and Alice? What ’they up to?’ His eyes narrowed and Lily quaked a little, hoping he wouldn’t lose his temper.
‘Alice is using my room.’ She implied that it was for illicit purposes, ‘and Lizzie has left.’
‘Left! What do you mean, left?’ His eyes flashed. ‘Has she set up somewhere else?’
‘No. She’s found other work, and accommodation.’
‘With a man?’ he asked suspiciously. ‘One of our customers?’
She knew what he was thinking. If Lizzie was living as a customer’s mistress, Jamie would want a part of her earnings. ‘Not with a man,’ she said. ‘She’s working in a shop. She’s finished with this trade.’
‘Ha! Pull ’other leg. That’ll not last long.’
‘I think it will,’ she said quietly. ‘Lizzie’s expecting a child.’
He stared at her. ‘Lizzie!’
‘Yes,’ she said sarcastically. ‘It does happen, Jamie! Did no one ever tell you?’
His face was full of venom. ‘Damned women! Why don’t they tek more care?’
‘And why don’t the men?’ she spat out. ‘Women can’t!’ She recalled her conversation with Dr Fulton. ‘We should have ’means to supply ’men with prevention.’
‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ he snarled.
‘It wouldn’t cost much,’ she said, knowing that he wasn’t listening. His face was working furiously, his eyes flashing, and she realized that she had touched on some raw and sensitive spot. He turned away, crashing out of the front door.
The following Saturday was Betty and Henry’s wedding day. They had all had fittings for new outfits, except for Lizzie who had said she would borrow something from Rena’s and then she could put it back into stock after she’d had the baby. Lizzie looked well. Her hair shone, the plumpness suited her and there was a sparkle in her eyes.
Cherie was dressed in her gown as maid of honour and the only difficulty was going to be getting Alice to the church, for she was very weak, her legs hardly able to support her.
‘I can’t go, Lily,’ she whispered. ‘I won’t be able to walk to ’church.’
‘I’ll slip out and hire a sedan to tek you there and back,’ Lily said. ‘It won’t cost much, cos ’church isn’t far.’ Betty and Henry were to be married in St Mary’s church in Lowgate, a fiveminute walk away.
‘Oh,’ Alice said. ‘Would you really? I do so want to see them married.’
Lily stroked her hair. ‘We wouldn’t go without you.’
But fifteen minutes before they were due to depart, a carriage rolled up to the door and a coachman got down. Removing his top hat, he said to Mrs Flitt, who answered the door, ‘Transportation for Miss Lily, Misses Cherie and Alice, and Mrs Flitt.’
Mrs Flitt stood open-mouthed, for although she intended to watch the bride arrive she had never expected to travel to the church in a carriage. She flew in to tell Lily and then shot into the kitchen to tidy herself up, whilst Lily dashed to find her a bonnet since she hadn’t a decent one of her own.
‘Borrow my shawl, Mrs Flitt,’ she urged, handing it to her with the bonnet. ‘Go on, do.’ She laughed. ‘What a treat.’
‘Aye.’ Mrs Flitt patted her hair and put on the bonnet, a wide grin on her wrinkled old face. ‘And don’t we all deserve it!’
‘You’re right, Mrs Flitt.’ Lily felt choked and emotional over Alice’s frail state, but very happy for Betty and Henry; they’ll do well together, she thought, and I wonder if Henry knows of the joy he’s given to Alice and Mrs Flitt by this generous act of kindness. ‘We do!’
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
‘Alice should really be in hospital.’ Dr Fulton spoke to Lily in a low voice. ‘Though she’s probably better off under your care.’
‘I promised she could stay here with us,’ Lily told him. Alice had gone to bed after the wedding nearly a week ago, and hadn’t got up except to use the chamber pot, and, holding on to Lily’s arm, to take a look out of the window to gaze down the square. ‘There seems to be a glow over everything,’ she’d said breathlessly. ‘As if the buildings are lit up.’
The late autumn days had been lovely; though there was a mist every morning and they could hear the hooting of ships’ sirens out on the estuary, by midday the fog had lifted and the sun had come out, shining with a warm intensity.
‘Give her whatever she wants,’ Dr Fulton continued. ‘I’ll send you some more medication to ease her cough.’
Lily nodded. Whatever he had given Alice previously had always soothed her and sent her off to sleep.
Lily spent most of her days by Alice’s bedside. Mrs Flitt had taken complete charge of the kitchen, doing the food shopping, cooking every meal, and disappearing into her cupboard or out of the door if she thought Jamie was in the vicinity. Cherie looked after baby Aaron during the morning whilst Mary caught up on her sleep.
‘Tell me about your life, Lily,’ Alice said one day. ‘When you were a child living in ’country, and then meeting your husband.’
‘I was onny a bairn when we met.’ Lily smiled. ‘We went to ’same school in Hollym. There were onny a dozen or so of us and Johnny was already there when I started. Teacher put me next to him so he could look after me, but he was such a harum-scarum I was ’one who looked after him and kept him out of trouble. When I was seven and he was eight, he told me that he’d marry me when we were old enough.’
She blinked. The memory was still so strong. ‘We used to walk across ’fields to ’sea shore and then play on ’sand or paddle in ’sea. Then he left school and started work on a farm and we didn’t see each other so often.’ She gave a shaky laugh. ‘He didn’t like that, me being so near and us not being able to meet. We married as soon as I was sixteen. He told my ma that we didn’t want to wait. Which was just as well,’ she added, ‘as I was expecting Ted.’ She sighed. ‘But he was keen for adventure and wanted to join ’military and because I loved him I let him go. But when he was sent abroad, it nearly broke my heart.’
‘Do you still miss him?’ Alice asked wistfully. ‘Even though you married again?’
Lily nodded. ‘Every day I think of him an
d wonder how he died. And every day,’ she said bitterly, ‘I think of that beggar Billy Fowler who brought me down.’
Alice slipped her hand into Lily’s. ‘But if he hadn’t brought you to Hull,’ she said softly, ‘I wouldn’t have known you; nor would Lizzie or any of ’others. You’ve made a difference to our lives, Lily.’
Lily put her head down and screwed up her eyes. ‘Yes,’ she whispered. ‘And I’d still be living a miserable life out on ’cliff edge, so it was meant to be. But I’ve lost my bairns. Daisy isn’t happy and God knows where Ted is!’
Alice squeezed her hand. ‘It’ll come right for you, Lily. I know it will. Perhaps you were meant to be here, to bring me comfort.’
When Lily lifted her head, her eyes were brimming. Here was Alice offering her support when she herself had no future to look towards. ‘Mebbe so,’ she croaked. ‘Mebbe so.’
Alice searched her face. ‘Will you stay with me, Lily?’
Lily looked puzzled. ‘I’m here, aren’t I?’
‘I mean – when ’end comes,’ Alice said in a low voice. ‘I know that it’s coming so there’s no need for us to pretend.’ She licked her dry lips. ‘Do you believe in Heaven, Lily? Do you think there’s a better life waiting?’
‘There’s got to be.’ Lily choked back her tears. ‘This can’t be all there is. And as for Heaven, if there’s such a place then you’ll go there for sure.’
‘Do you think so?’ Alice stared anxiously. ‘Even though I’ve been wicked? I wouldn’t have chosen this kind of life if I’d been offered another.’
‘You haven’t been wicked. We don’t have a great deal of choice, do we? Not when we’re down in ’gutter.’
Alice lay down on her pillow. ‘I’m tired now,’ she said.
‘Too much talking.’ Lily smoothed Alice’s forehead. ‘I’ll give you a dose of medicine and then you’ll sleep.’
‘Yes,’ Alice murmured. ‘But don’t give me too much. I want my life, such as it is, to last as long as possible.’
Lily closed the door quietly and drew the curtain across it whilst she went to eat some supper, though her appetite was flagging. She felt totally drained and not at all in the mood to entertain any customers.
‘Come on, have a drop o’ soup,’ Mrs Flitt urged. ‘It’ll give you strength. And if you like I’ll sit by Alice tonight while you’re entertaining. I’ll fetch you,’ she added, ‘if you’re needed.’
Lily sighed. ‘Thank you, Mrs Flitt. But what’ll we do if Jamie comes? I’ve kept him at bay all this time but he’s getting suspicious. Each time he asks about Alice I tell him she’s busy.’
‘I think ’time has come to tell him,’ Mrs Flitt said. ‘Poor lass isn’t going to last long. Even he won’t turn a dying girl away.’
‘He won’t, will he?’ Lily said. ‘Why would I think that he would? He couldn’t be so heartless.’
She told him about Alice later that evening and he stared at her aghast. ‘She can’t stop here! She’ll have to go to ’workhouse. They’ve got a hospital there for folks who’ve nowhere to go.’
‘She’s too sick!’ Lily couldn’t believe what he was saying. ‘We can’t move her. It won’t be for long, Jamie!’
‘You think I’m a bleeding charity,’ he said venomously. ‘What will ’customers think? They’ll put off coming in case they catch ’disease.’
‘They won’t know,’ she pleaded. ‘We’re hardly likely to tell them.’
‘You’ll have to pay for her room.’ He scowled. ‘She can’t stop wi’out paying.’
‘She’s not eating and she’s sleeping in my bed. But I’ll pay,’ she said angrily. ‘I’d hate to think you weren’t mekking a profit!’
A sudden plaintive squall came from upstairs and Jamie looked up. ‘What’s that?’
‘What?’ Lily said. ‘What’s what?’
‘You heard! Somebody’s got a bairn up there. God almighty! What sort o’ place is this?’
‘It’s onny Mary’s babby. We let her keep him with her last night,’ she invented. ‘I was going to talk to you about it. I was going to ask Mary to tek Lizzie’s place now that she’s gone.’
He leaned towards her, pushing her up against the wall. ‘You’re trying to tek over,’ he said. ‘You’re mekking up all ’rules to suit yourself.’
‘No, I’m not!’ she shouted, thrusting him away. ‘I’m mekking money for you. I’m not mekking it for myself. Who else would do this job and not put money into their own pockets? I’m sick o’ this, Jamie! If you don’t trust me then as soon as – as soon as Alice …’ She felt herself on the point of breaking down. ‘Well – I’ll leave and you can find somebody else.’
‘Just don’t forget you still owe me.’ He leered at her. ‘You’ll not go anywhere till you’ve paid me back.’
‘I’ve paid you,’ she gasped. ‘Ten times over!’
He grinned. ‘No you haven’t. You’ve given me what you’ve earned and that’s paid for your bed and board. You haven’t given me what I paid when I bought you off your husband.’
Will I ever be free of him? she thought as she changed for the evening. I shall have to keep some money back from the customers. But then I’ve also to pay for Alice’s keep. She felt utterly depressed and yet had to maintain a cheerful façade as she greeted the gentlemen when they arrived. She peeked in at Alice and found her sleeping. Mrs Flitt had left her post at the side of the bed in order to put more coal on the parlour fire and Cherie was preparing the wine and glasses.
The door bell rang at about eight o’clock and, calling upstairs to Mary and Sally to hurry, she fixed a smile on her face and crossed the hall to open the door. A man was standing on the doorstep with his back to her, looking down the square. When he turned, he lifted his top hat. It was Mr Walker.
Lily put her hand to her chest. ‘Mr Walker,’ she breathed, and a flood of emotions ran through her. Alarm, that Daisy might be ill and he had come to fetch her; shame, that he had found her here in this despicable place; and horror that he might be here for nefarious purposes.
‘This might not be a convenient time to call, Mrs Maddeson,’ he murmured. ‘But daytime is not appropriate for me.’
‘Wh-what was it you wanted, Mr Walker?’ she stammered.
‘Only to speak to you,’ he murmured. ‘It concerns Daisy.’
‘She’s not ill or in trouble?’
‘No. May I come in?’
She apologized and let him in. ‘I, erm, I didn’t realize that you knew where I lived.’
He gave a small smile. ‘I’ve always known,’ he said. ‘I made it my business to find out.’
Mary and Sally clattered down the stairs, greeted him cheerfully and went into the kitchen.
‘I’m sorry, I can’t take you into my room at the moment,’ she said, ‘but please come in here. No one else has arrived yet.’ As she spoke she ushered him into the parlour, where a cheerful fire was burning. ‘Alice is very sick and is using my room.’
‘Is that the girl you asked me about?’
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Dr Fulton is treating her.’
‘I see. Good. I’m pleased to hear it.’
‘No, you don’t understand,’ she said. ‘She’s very ill and won’t get better.’
He looked very grave. ‘And she’s using your room? You must be sure to come to me for carbolic. You can’t be too careful about infection. Many people disregard it, but I’m a great believer in fumigation to kill disease; and you must take care to wash the bed sheets and curtains.’
She nodded. ‘I hate to hurry you, Mr Walker, but there’ll be customers arriving very soon and you might not wish to be seen here.’
He put his hand over his mouth. He seemed uneasy. ‘I have a little difficulty, Mrs Maddeson. Regarding Daisy. My wife, erm, my wife has … well, she’s told me of some plans that she has discussed with you, which apparently you found agreeable.’
Lily eyed him anxiously. He was going to talk about adopting her daughter, perhaps tell her that Daisy would
be better with them than with her brothel-keeping mother. She suddenly felt angry. Well, I’m not having it! They’re no better than me in spite of having money and position.
‘You can’t keep Daisy,’ she said vehemently. ‘I won’t allow it. She’s my daughter and I won’t give her up.’
‘I had no intention of asking you.’ A small frown wrinkled his forehead. ‘My wife is in no fit condition to adopt a young person. She is getting agitated because Oliver will soon be leaving home for medical school. She’ll miss him and will want someone else to take his place. I came to ask you to meet Daisy – not here,’ he added quickly, ‘nor at my home or shop. Somewhere neutral where you can discuss her future.’ He eyed Lily cautiously. ‘I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to take her away from us. I’ll give her a reference, of course, so that she will be able to obtain another position, but I must advise you to find somewhere else as soon as possible.’
Things are going from bad to worse, she thought. I don’t know anyone who would take her on. If I couldn’t find any work, what hope has Daisy? ‘Why so soon, Mr Walker? Has she not been satisfactory?’
‘Very satisfactory,’ he said. ‘But Mrs Walker is becoming obsessed by her. She will soon want her with her all day and all night, and if Daisy doesn’t agree then I can’t answer for the consequences. I hate to say this, Mrs Maddeson, but I’m afraid my wife is becoming deranged. We had a child,’ he murmured. ‘A girl. It was my wife’s fault that she died and she is trying to find another to replace her.’
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Johnny slept on the floor by the Wards’ fire and Ted slept in a chair. Ted said that he was willing to sleep on the floor but his father explained that after being captured by the sepoys he had slept on the ground in a cave without the luxury of a rag rug like the one in front of the Wards’ fire. ‘This is real comfort,’ he said. ‘And I’m in no danger of being shot or beheaded.’
They’d talked well into the night, for there was much catching up to do. Ted was nervous and reticent at first, but he was also keen to know why it was that his father had spent so many years away from home and they had never received a word from him.
