Riches to Rags

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘Now look here, Ma, I’m not going to Mayfair where he works,’ she protested. ‘I’ll tell his mother that you want to see him, and that’s all!’ She left quickly as a scowl darkened Ma’s face.

  There was a spring in her step as she approached the hall. The thing that struck her was the difference in the place. The outside had been cleared of rubbish and given a coat of whitewash. It had brightened the building beyond recognition. A large notice on the outside said that all unemployed were welcome to a free hot meal. The front door wasn’t open, so she went round to the side door and let herself in.

  ‘Hello, Jen.’ Jimmy called as she walked into the main hall. ‘What do you think of the old place now?’

  ‘My goodness, what a difference.’

  The main hall was filled with wooden tables and chairs; there was new lino on the floors; and every wall and ceiling had been painted. The kitchen had been opened up with a serving hatch that went along the entire wall, so food could be served straight into the dining area. Jenny could see Ron’s carpentry skills had been put to good use here. There was a smaller room just off the hall, and she looked round with a gasp of pleasure. There was a good fire burning in the grate, bathing the room in a warm glow. Again the lino was new, and there were plenty of comfortable chairs to sit on. These were all second-hand, but they were in good condition.

  ‘Nice, eh, Jen?’ Ron came and stood next to her, gazing at the room proudly. ‘The mums can bring their kids here, and in that cupboard in the corner there are books and toys for them to play with.’

  Mrs Stannard joined them. ‘Hello, Jenny. Everyone has worked so hard, and we’re ready to open tomorrow. Our committee’s made Ron the manager, so he’ll look after the place for us, with Jimmy’s help. Unfortunately we can’t afford to pay much.’

  ‘It’s better than the dole,’ Ron said. ‘Me and Jimmy are right grateful for the chance to do something useful.’

  ‘Does that mean a permanent job for both of you?’ Jenny grabbed Ron’s arm and knew it was when she saw his smiling face.

  ‘For as long as the place is needed,’ Ron said.

  ‘That’s just wonderful!’ Jenny was so pleased. ‘Does Ivy know?’

  ‘Not yet. I’ll tell her tonight.’

  Jimmy tumbled into the room. ‘Have you heard about our jobs?’

  ‘Yes.’ Jenny held out her arms and the three of them hugged each other in delight. Then she turned to Mrs Stannard, who was watching with a smile on her face. ‘Thank you so much for doing this for them.’

  ‘They are the best men for the job. I only wish we could employ more.’ She looked downcast for a moment.

  Seeing how much she cared, Jenny leant forward and kissed her briefly on the cheek. ‘Every man who is given a job makes one less for the dole queue, and to employ two is doing much. That’s two families who don’t have to worry where the next meal is coming from.’

  ‘Of course you’re right. Now we can probably find you something as well.’

  ‘That’s very kind of you, Mrs Stannard, but Ma takes a lot of looking after at the moment.’

  ‘I’m sure she does. How is she now?’

  ‘Getting bossy. That’s why I’m here. She wants to see your son Matthew, so could you please let him know?’

  ‘Of course I will. He often comes along in his lunch break. I’ll let him know as soon as I see him.’

  ‘Thanks. Now I must get back.’ She ran home buoyed up by the good news about Ron and Jimmy, but she mustn’t say anything until their families had been told.

  ‘Did you find his mother?’ Glad asked when she arrived.

  ‘Yes, she said she’d tell him, though I can’t understand why Ma’s set on seeing him.’

  Giving a shrug, Glad picked up her bag. ‘Goodness knows what’s going through her head at the moment. I’m off, then.’

  Jenny set about heating up the vegetable stew and popped in a few dumplings. Ma wasn’t eating as much as usual, but Jenny was determined to see that the meals were as inviting as possible.

  As soon as she walked into the bedroom, Ma held up her pad: ‘Is he coming?’

  ‘I’ve left a message.’ Jenny sat down on the edge of the bed and began to feed Ma. ‘He’ll come as soon as he can. He does have a job and can’t leave when he likes.’

  Ma seemed to accept that and chewed thoughtfully on a fluffy dumpling. I do wish you could talk, Jenny thought, as she put the empty bowl back on the tray. She’d dearly love to know what this sudden urge was to see Matthew. And why the hurry?

  She was pondering this question, wiping Ma’s mouth with a cloth, when there came the sound of someone running up the stairs.

  Matthew appeared, all smiles. ‘Hello, Jen, hello, Ma, how are you today?’

  She waved her right hand for him to come closer, giving a crooked grin of pleasure.

  He bent over and kissed her on top of her head, then turned to Jenny, who was watching the scene in bemusement. Anyone would think these two had known each other for years. When he also kissed her cheek, she was sure she heard Ma laugh.

  ‘Now, Ma, I received your message.’ He turned his full attention to the woman in the bed, and sat on the edge. ‘What can I do for you?’

  The word ‘tea’ was scribbled down and held up for Jenny to see. She was then told to go away with a wave at the door.

  Picking up the tray, Jenny went downstairs and washed up before making the tea. Ma clearly wanted to see Matthew on his own, but it was a puzzle why she was acting like this with someone she hardly knew.

  Feeling she’d given them quite enough time, Jenny made a pot of tea, sorted out a few biscuits and put three cups on the tray. This she took up to the bedroom.

  Ma was settled back on the pillows, eyes closed and holding Matthew’s hand. Jenny put the tray down with a crash on the small bedside table. ‘You’ve tired her out!’

  Ma’s eyes shot open and she shook her head slightly.

  ‘I don’t think so.’ Matthew slipped a sheet of paper into his pocket. ‘Ah, tea. We’re both gasping, aren’t we, Ma?’

  He proceeded to pour them all a cup, popping a piece of biscuit in his mouth as he did so.

  ‘Have you had any lunch yet?’ Jenny guessed he was on his break.

  ‘Haven’t had time. I’ll grab something on my way back.’

  ‘I can make you some toast.’ Jenny was on her feet, but he put out a hand to stop her.

  ‘I’m all right.’ He handed her a cup. ‘Sit down for a while.’

  She did, feeling tired, which was normal since Ma had had her stroke. It wasn’t the extra work she minded – nothing was too much trouble if it made Ma comfortable. No, it was the constant worry and sadness she felt knowing that she could lose the woman she had come to love dearly. Ma was her family now.

  ‘They’ve made a wonderful job of the centre, haven’t they?’ Jenny said, still delighted with what she had seen.

  Matt nodded, taking a mouthful of tea. ‘Mother believes it’s going to be a boon to those with young children, as well as providing a hot meal for the unemployed.’

  Jenny dunked a biscuit in the tea for Ma and, after she’d eaten it, held the cup to her mouth so that she could drink. ‘I must go there when it opens and see how they cope.’

  ‘You do that, Jen. I’m sure there would be a part-time job for you.’

  ‘Not until Ma’s better.’ Jenny wiped Ma’s mouth with a cloth and sat down to drink her own tea, watching as the elderly woman drifted into a peaceful sleep. She seemed to spend most of her time asleep, but at least when she was awake now she was more alert.

  ‘I think you ought to know, Jen, that Greaves is in financial trouble.’ Matt finished his tea and put the cup back on the tray. ‘Our garage bought a Rolls-Royce from him. I believe it used to be your father’s.’

  ‘Really? I suppose mother sold it to him.’ Jenny sat up straight and began to laugh quietly. ‘Aunt Gertrude told me he was rich and I would be wearing the finest jewels.’

  ‘Well, ei
ther she didn’t know or they were both telling lies.’ Matthew raised an eyebrow at her obvious amusement. ‘You don’t seem bothered about it.’

  ‘I’m not. Don’t you see, this is the best news I could have had? I’m much too poor for him to bother with now, and I’m free of them at last. I’m so glad I ran away.’

  ‘It looks as if you certainly did the right thing.’ Matthew stood up and said, ‘I must be getting back to the garage now.’

  ‘Thank you for coming.’ Jenny picked up the tray, only to have it taken out of her hands by Matthew. She followed him downstairs. ‘Ma does like to see you.’

  He put the tray on the kitchen table and paused, watching her put the dishes in the sink. ‘And are you pleased to see me, Jen?’

  She was startled by the softly spoken question. ‘Of course I am.’

  ‘Good. I did wonder, after the way you ticked me off last time.’

  Now she felt awful. ‘I’m sorry about that. The chicken was lovely, thank you.’

  A mischievous gleam shone in his eyes as he tried to control a grin from spreading across his face. ‘I accept your apology.’ Then he turned on his heel and left.

  You’re a difficult man to understand, she thought. What was so amusing about my apology?

  When she opened the larder, she understood. Sitting on the marble cold slab was a joint of beef and an array of other food items. He must have brought them with him and packed them away before coming upstairs. She groaned in frustration. You squeezed an apology out of me, knowing all the time I was going to find this! Well, I take it back. You are not responsible for me, but how on earth do I make you see that?

  The next day the beef was cooked. After she’d cut off enough for her and Ma, Jenny sliced the rest thinly and made a pile of beef sandwiches. These were shared amongst Fred and Glad’s family, with a couple left over for Jimmy and his mother. She felt better about giving so many a treat from the gift, but she really was going to have to have a serious word with Matthew. The feeling persisted that he was doing this only because he felt sorry for her, and it rankled. It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate his kindness, but she would prefer him not to do it. She was going to end up beholden to him, and she didn’t want that.

  Jenny frowned, feeling she was stupid to let it worry her so much. But it did.

  27

  Over the next week there wasn’t a sign of Matthew, and Jenny couldn’t decide whether she was pleased or sorry. He was probably keeping out of her way in case she told him off again. Which she had every intention of doing.

  Ma was continuing to improve and was even attempting a word now and again. It was hard to understand, but at least she was trying to talk.

  ‘Why don’t you pop along and see the centre now it’s open?’ Glad said, as she came into the kitchen. ‘I’ll keep an eye on Ma for an hour.’

  ‘I’d love to, thanks, Glad.’

  ‘Off you go. A short break will do you good.’

  Jenny grabbed her coat and hurried up the road. It was the beginning of December now and there was a cutting north wind blowing. This winter was going to be hard for so many people. But this area now had the centre, and she was longing to see it. She’d been told that people were coming from all over the borough, and there were long queues every day.

  The front door wasn’t open yet, so Jenny went to the side entrance. There were already people gathering, hunched up and trying to shelter in the porch from the wind.

  ‘Ask them to open the door, luv,’ one man called. ‘It’s bloody taters out here.’

  Jenny knew enough rhyming slang now to know that meant cold. She waved. ‘I’ll see what I can do.’

  ‘Jenny!’ Mrs Stannard greeted her with obvious pleasure. ‘How lovely to see you.’

  ‘I’m sorry I haven’t been before, but I don’t like to leave Ma alone.’

  ‘Of course you don’t. I quite understand. You go and have a look round. We’ve put a few finishing touches to it since you were last here.’

  ‘How long before you open?’ she asked. ‘Only there are people waiting and there’s a bitter wind blowing.’

  ‘We’re almost ready to serve the food, and then they can stay all afternoon if they like.’

  ‘That will be a blessing for them.’ Jenny started to explore and was more than thrilled. The kitchen was bustling with activity, and there was a wonderful aroma of cooking wafting through the dining hall. Someone had even put bits of greenery in jam jars for the centre of each table. Jenny smiled, immediately guessing that that was Jimmy’s handiwork. He must have pinched them from a park, because there wasn’t much in the way of plants in their back-to-back houses. She gasped in pleasure when she walked into the next room. There was a lovely fire burning in the grate, and chairs set around it. On a small table were newspapers to read, something the men would really enjoy. This place had been almost derelict. What an achievement! The doors were due to open in fifteen minutes, and then those poor frozen people could have a hot meal and linger by the fire to talk or just sleep. One small room was full of second-hand clothes for those who needed warm clothing.

  ‘This is lovely.’ Jenny walked back into the dining hall and smiled her pleasure.

  ‘Yes, it is.’ Louise gazed around with satisfaction. ‘We really feel as if we are doing something to help those who are finding it difficult to feed their families. Can you stay for a while, my dear? We are about to serve lunch.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Mrs Stannard, I must get back to Ma. She’ll be wanting her dinner, and Glad can only stay for an hour.’

  ‘Would you like to take some food back with you for Ma and yourself?’

  ‘No, thank you, we’re all right for today.’ With a wave to Ron and Jimmy and all the other helpers, Jenny went to the side exit as the people began to pour in through the front door. She turned back to Mrs Stannard. ‘My goodness, can you feed all these?’

  ‘We never turn anyone away. Fortunately we are getting funding from the council, and also generous donations from people we know.’

  The tone of devilment in Mrs Stannard’s voice reminded her of Matthew. She grinned. ‘You mean you’re putting pressure on them?’

  ‘Of course, my dear. They can afford it.’ She gave a quiet laugh.

  Jenny headed for home, chuckling to herself. She crossed the road and was almost in her street when she became aware of men walking on each side of her, and much too closely. They were burly, rough-looking men, and she felt uncomfortable. She stopped. ‘Can I help you?’

  One gave a harsh laugh as they both grabbed hold of her arms, lifting her off her feet. Thoroughly alarmed now, Jenny lashed out with her feet, kicking wildly to make them put her down so she could get away. ‘Let me go!’ she shouted.

  ‘You’re coming with us,’ one of them growled, his voice deep and menacing.

  With her feet still not touching the ground, she kicked for all she was worth, catching one of them a good crack on the shin. He grunted and used his free hand to give her a hard slap across the face. Her struggles became frantic now, and she bellowed at the top of her voice. ‘Help me! Help!’ But the street was quite empty, as most people were at the centre.

  ‘Shut up or we’ll hurt you bad. That bloke don’t care what state you’re in, just so long as he gets you.’

  It was the same man who spoke; the other one remained silent and seemed to be enjoying himself. Jenny was terrified and intent on doing as much damage as she could. When they released their grip on her slightly and her feet touched the ground, she managed to pull them for a few yards back to the top of Forest Road, where she felt sure someone would help her. There must be someone around. She was just about to shout again when a car screeched to a halt beside them and Matthew leapt out. He began to throw punches at the two men, but two to one were not good odds, and he was soon receiving the worst of the punishment.

  The man who had spoken still held her arm in a cruel grip and was hitting out at Matthew with his other hand. The silent man now had a knife in his hand, a
nd an evil look on his face.

  ‘No!’ Jenny screamed. ‘Run, Matthew, run!’

  What happened next was a blur to her. The man was stabbing at Matthew, people were running up the street, there was shouting and screaming – or was that her? The grip on her arm was suddenly relaxed, and she fell to the pavement with a bruising crash. She dragged herself away from them and stood up, using the wall of a house for support, sobbing in terror.

  ‘Get the coppers, Jimmy,’ someone shouted. ‘We’ve got them now.’

  Apart from some cursing, the fight was over.

  ‘Are you all right, Jen?’

  Still feeling disorientated and stunned, Jenny gazed up at Stan and nodded. It was only then she took in the scene. The two men were pushed against the wall, hands tied behind their backs with belts and surrounded by her friends and neighbours. And Matt? Oh, dear God! He was being supported by Fred, blood spreading in a dark stain down his sleeve and across his chest. He was a terrible grey colour.

  ‘Oh, you shouldn’t have tried to rescue me on your own.’ She stumbled over to him, but he didn’t seem to know what was going on. ‘Please get him to a hospital!’

  ‘We’ll take him to St Thomas’s.’ Stan got in the front of Matt’s car and Fred in the back with the badly injured man.

  Jenny tried to get in the car as well, but Fred shook his head. ‘No, Jen, you stay here. The coppers might want to talk to you.’

  Glad appeared and put her arm around Jenny. ‘Ma’s asking for you. She’s heard the commotion.’

  Jenny was torn between Ma and Matthew. Who should she be with? Both, but that wasn’t possible. She turned in circles, agitated because she didn’t know what to do. The decision was made for her as Stan drove away.

  She watched them disappear up the street, relieved that they had been around to help Matthew. ‘Why aren’t Fred and Stan at the market?’ she asked Glad.

  ‘Business was slow this morning, so they popped home for a bite to eat. And a good job they did.’ Glad put her arm around Jenny, who was now shaking.

  Jimmy arrived back, gasping for breath after running. ‘The coppers are on their way, and I’ve told Mrs Stannard.’