by Kitty Neale
‘I wouldn’t want anything.’
‘I can’t expect to stay with you for nothing.’
‘Well then, let’s call the room a perk of the job and it’s yours for as long as you need it.’
Lucy wasn’t sure how she felt about living in someone else’s home, but there was no getting away from the fact that Pearl’s offer would solve her immediate problems. ‘All right, Pearl. I’d love the job and the room.’
‘Great. When can you start?’
‘As soon as I’ve arranged to have my furniture and things picked up for storage. Then it’s just a matter of packing our clothes.’
Pearl looked happy as she rose to leave, pausing to look at the T-shirts again. ‘You said you’re selling them. Have you got an outlet?’
‘I’m going to offer them to a stallholder, Eddie White.’
‘If he turns them down, hang on to them. I think they’d be just right for the shop.’
‘Pearl, they aren’t second-hand.’
‘I know, but you see I’m going to turn the shop into an arts and craft outlet. I think those T-shirts would fit in really well, and may act as an inspiration for other people to have a go at tie-dyeing.’
Lucy wasn’t sure how well that sort of business would go down in the area and hoped Pearl knew what she was doing. It sounded interesting though, and maybe when Nora settled down there might be an opening as a sales assistant.
For now she walked Pearl to the door, and as she closed it behind her it felt as though a huge financial burden had been lifted from her shoulders. She’d be earning a wage, living rent-free, and at the moment, that seemed perfect.
Chapter Nineteen
Two weeks had now passed and Derek was painting the shop, but he’d just been given the news he was hoping for. The pitch was his. He wasn’t going to keep it as a fruit and vegetable stall – there were a good few of those already. Even if a bit rusty, he’d go back to what he knew, and that was selling china and glass. He might even add a few other bits for kitchens that could sell well, small things that would be simple to display.
Derek stretched his back. Pearl was checking out a few wholesalers and needing a break he went upstairs, where Lucy immediately offered to make him a cup of tea. He liked Lucy, and her son was a nice lad, but he wasn’t too happy that Pearl had invited them to move in without consulting him. The flat had seemed large when they moved in, but in just a short time it seemed to be bursting at the seams. Still, at least it kept Nora from trailing after Pearl, who was busy with the refurbishments, along with sourcing stock, and thankfully seemed a bit happier in Battersea now.
‘Is there anything else I can get you before I go to collect Clive from school?’ Lucy asked as she placed the drink beside him.
‘Lucy, I don’t expect you to wait on me hand and foot.’
‘I don’t mind, and as Nora isn’t any trouble it gives me something to do.’
‘I’ve got a bit of news,’ he said grinning. ‘I got the stall.’
‘You did? That’s smashing! I bet you’re dead chuffed.’
‘Yes, I am,’ he said, still smiling as Lucy left the room. He’d been unwilling to acknowledge it, but since Pearl had inherited this lot, along with the jewellery, he’d felt like a kept man and it didn’t sit well with him. Now, at last, he’d be the breadwinner again, and as Pearl’s ideas for the shop might not take off, he should be able to make enough money to support them.
Derek found his mind turning to his gran. She had at last agreed to see Pearl and he was taking her to the retirement home on Sunday. It was something he had wanted for so long, and was looking forward to seeing Pearl and his gran reconciled.
For Lucy it had been so hard to leave her flat and to watch her furniture being loaded into a van for storage, but for Clive’s sake, she had managed to appear cheerful. It helped that she found Pearl and Derek so easy to live with, but the lack of privacy, of having her own sitting room, with her own things around her, was already making her wonder if she had made the right decision.
Thankfully there was a light at the end of the tunnel. She’d had another interview with the housing association, explained that she and Clive only had temporary accommodation, both sharing one room, and had been thrilled to be put on the top of their list. They were modernising terraced houses in nearby streets, and from what Lucy had seen, some were nearing completion.
‘Come on, Nora, leave that now and get your coat. We’ve got to collect Clive from school.’
‘All right,’ she said, reluctantly putting her duster down.
Lucy had never known anyone who loved housework so much and the flat sparkled with cleanliness. With Pearl busy sorting the shop out, Lucy was happy to do the cooking for all of them and she had taken over the laundry too.
‘I’m ready,’ Nora said. ‘Get Clive and we do a jigsaw.’
Lucy had to smile. Since they had moved in, Nora seemed to love having Clive around. When he came home from school she would sit drawing or painting with him, and she liked simple jigsaw puzzles too. Thankfully Clive didn’t mind and he treated Nora like a big kid who liked to play with him. ‘I’m ready too,’ she said, and with Nora beside her they were soon walking through the market.
As they drew close to Eddie White’s stall she saw that he wasn’t busy, and as Pearl said she’d display the tie-dyed T-shirts in the shop when the refurbishments were finished, she hadn’t needed to approach him.
‘Watcha, Lucy, have you got a minute?’ he called.
‘Yes, but that’s about all,’ she said as he came to her side.
‘Lucy, I’ve wanted to ask you this for some time now … but, well, I wasn’t sure what you’d say. I … I err … err …’ he floundered.
‘Eddie, I can’t hang about. I’ve got to fetch Clive from school.’
‘Do … do you fancy going to the flicks or something?’ he asked in a rush.
Lucy gawked at Eddie, unable to believe her ears. She’d known him for years, since childhood, and he’d never shown the slightest interest in her before. ‘You want to take me out? But why?’
‘Ain’t it obvious? I’ve always fancied you, but as soon as you started going out with Paul Sanderson you didn’t have eyes for anyone else.’
Lucy bit on her lower lip. Yes, there had only been Paul, her first and only love. There wasn’t a man on earth who could take his place. ‘Leave it out, Eddie. I’ve seen what you’re like around the women and I’m sure you’ve got a string of girlfriends.’
‘You’re the girl of my dreams and I’d rather have you.’
‘Eddie, I know you and that’s all flannel. Forget it. I’ve got no intention of going out with you.’
‘You’re breaking my heart.’
‘Lucy, go out with him,’ Nora said. ‘It’s good. You be happy.’
Embarrassed, Lucy flushed pink. ‘Shhhh, Nora.’
‘It’s nice to hear she’s on my side,’ Eddie grinned.
‘Look, Eddie, I’m sorry, but I haven’t got time for this. Come on, Nora, we’ve got to go.’
‘Will you at least think about it?’ Eddie called as they hurried off.
She didn’t reply, and her eyes narrowed as she looked at Nora, wondering if this was one of her strange predictions. ‘Why did you say that, Nora?’
‘What did I say?’
‘That I’d be happy with Eddie.’
‘You will.’
‘How do you know?’
‘Just do.’
Lucy gave up. What did it matter anyway? Eddie might be nice-looking, tall and slim with blond hair and blue eyes, but she wouldn’t be going out with him. He was a terrible flirt and she’d just be another string on his bow.
When Emily arrived home from work that evening, she still found it hard to walk into an empty house. It had only been a short while since they left, yet she missed Pearl so much, Derek too; and though John would be coming to stay at the weekend, it wasn’t the same as having him in the house every day.
It wasn’t just th
at she missed seeing them; she missed the interaction, asking each other how their day went, exchanging views, discussing a radio or television programme, and so much more. She now ate solitary meals, and the kitchen, though it looked the same, felt so empty.
After eating her dinner, Emily sadly washed up just one plate, wondering if instead of remaining in Winchester she should have gone with her family to Battersea. As she was drying her hands there was a knock on her door.
It was Tim, her next-door neighbour. ‘Come in,’ Emily invited.
He followed her through to the kitchen. ‘The amateur dramatic group are performing a play on Saturday night and I’d like to see it. Would you join me?’
‘I’ve got John for the weekend.’
‘He can come with us.’
‘In that case I’d love to see it. Now if you have time, do sit down. I’ve been chewing something over in my mind and could do with a bit of feedback.’
He pulled out a chair. ‘Fire away then. I’m all ears.’
Emily smiled. Tim was such a lovely chap, and though in his late fifties he carried his age well. Just under six feet tall, with grey hair and eyes, he had a distinguished look about him that she found attractive. ‘You know that I love my job,’ she said, pulling out the opposite chair to sit down, ‘and that I would find it hard to leave Winchester, but I miss my family. I’ve been wondering if I should move to Battersea to live with them.’
The smile left Tim’s face, his tone urgent. ‘No, Emily, I don’t think you should do that.’
‘But I hate coming home to an empty house, and surely you understand. It must have been like this for you, worse, when you lost Delia.’
‘Yes, it was, but I have a lot to thank you for, Emily. Without your support and company, many evenings would have been unbearable.’
‘I was glad to help, but you don’t really need me now.’
‘It isn’t a case of need, Emily. It’s more that I’ve grown very fond of you and I would miss you terribly if you left.’
‘I’ve grown fond of you too, but …’
Tim leaned across the table to grip her hand, interrupting her as he appealed, ‘I know this is rather sudden, but don’t leave, Emily. Marry me.’
Emily just stared at him, too surprised to speak.
‘I can see how shocked you are, and I know I’m no spring chicken, but we have so much in common and I’m sure I could make you happy.’
‘I … I don’t know what to say.’
‘Please, Emily, say yes.’
She wanted to, but found that doubts flooded in. ‘You … you were so happy with Delia and I don’t feel I could ever replace her.’
‘I don’t want a replacement. I want you: sweet, gentle, kind, lovely you. We’ve seen a lot of each other this past year, shared so many things, and I’ve fallen in love with you.’
‘You have?’
‘Yes, but I must confess I didn’t realise how much until you said you were thinking of leaving.’ Tim stood to walk around the table where he held out his hands. Emily took them and was pulled gently to her feet and into his arms. ‘Stay, Emily, please stay. Say you’ll marry me.’
She pulled back to look up at him and at that moment their lips met. Emily found herself melting, her reply when she was able to give it a breathless whisper. ‘Yes, Tim. I’d love to marry you.’
Chapter Twenty
After giving Rupert the details of a pub, Kevin watched him reading the agent’s blurb before saying, ‘I don’t think it’s any better than the others, but if you’re interested we can go to view it.’
‘The ones we’ve been to look at so far have been dreadful and this doesn’t look any better.’
‘I can’t find anything else and we may have to widen the field. An agent told me about a private club that might be coming up for sale, but it’s in South London.’
‘A private club sounds interesting.’
‘That depends on the price. It isn’t on the market yet, but it might be worth a look.’
‘We can do that now.’
‘It isn’t open during the day.’
‘Tonight then.’
‘All right, but we’ll have to be careful. If the owner’s on the premises and thinks there’s interest in the place before he’s put it on the market, it might encourage him to up the price.’
‘Don’t worry, I won’t say a word.’
Kevin hid a smile, thankful that his ruse had worked. The club he’d chosen wasn’t going up for sale, but of course Rupert didn’t know that. He still had another pressing problem, but hopefully the distance to the club held the key so he said, ‘As the club’s on the other side of the river it’s going to take us quite a while to get there. We may have to change trains and then hop on a bus.’
‘There’s no need for that. We’ll get a cab.’
‘That’ll cost a bomb and what about the return journey?’
‘I hate public transport. It’ll be a cab again and I don’t care what it costs.’
‘Since those thugs set on me, I’m not keen on hanging around late at night looking for a taxi. It’s a shame you haven’t got a car.’
‘I used to have one, but I was such a nervous driver and didn’t enjoy it. In the end I hardly used it so I let it go.’
‘It would have made things so much easier, especially if we end up buying the club. With the distance involved it wouldn’t be practical to come home every night. I’d have to live on the premises or close by,’ Kevin murmured sadly.
‘Can you drive?’
‘Yes, I passed my test many years ago.’
‘Then you must have a car, and this proves how useful it will be.’
‘No, Rupert, I can’t let you buy me a car.’
Kevin then found that Rupert wasn’t without guile as he said, ‘I’m not buying it for you. It’ll be our company vehicle.’
‘That’s all right then,’ he said, pleased that Rupert had taken the bait. This was still panning out perfectly, but he wasn’t going to risk rushing things. He wanted it all to come together at the same time, needing to be sure that he had Rupert’s money in his pocket when he torched Vince’s place. That done he planned to leave the country straight away, to live the good life abroad, but he still had to get to Adrianna. He had Vince’s address now, but he could hardly knock on the door. His only chance to speak to her would be when she left the house alone, and that meant watching the place.
The problem had been that Vince’s house was in an upmarket street, and on foot he hadn’t seen anywhere to keep out of sight. What he’d have now was a car to sit in and that would be just perfect.
‘We’ll be there in about ten minutes now,’ Derek told John on the drive to Winchester. ‘I expect your grandmother is already on the lookout for us.’
‘Great,’ John said, looking happier than he had all week. ‘I’m glad Ginger turned up before we left. I thought he might have run off.’
‘He was only under our bed and cats know where their grub is,’ Derek told him.
‘Will you keep an eye on him while I’m away?’
‘Of course I will,’ he said, knowing that John worried that Clive would tease his cat. He knew that John was still finding it hard to settle in Battersea, but he was beginning to make new friends at school and that was sure to help. Derek’s mind turned to other things. Next week he’d be taking over the stall, and on Monday he’d have to go to the wholesalers for stock.
‘There’s Winchester Cathedral,’ John said as it came into view.
It was a familiar landmark that served to show them that they had almost arrived, and shortly after Derek pulled up outside Emily’s house. He smiled when he saw that the door was flung open before they had got out of the car, Emily’s face pink with pleasure. ‘Oh, it’s lovely to see you.’
She was soon ushering them inside, and Derek was greeted by the familiar aroma of lavender furniture polish, mingled with fresh baking. ‘You’ve been making a cake,’ he said, licking his lips.
‘Y
es, a Victoria sponge.’
As they walked into the kitchen Derek saw the cake resplendent in the middle of the table and soon Emily was placing a cup of coffee in front of him before cutting into it.
She gave a huge slice to Derek and then said, ‘Here’s one for you too, John.’
‘Thanks, Gran.’
‘Well, Derek, have you finished painting the shop?’ Emily asked as she sat down.
‘I couldn’t start until all the second-hand stuff was taken away, but yes, it’s all done, with cream walls and the white woodwork that Pearl wanted. It’s just as well it’s finished because I’ll be opening my stall on Monday.’
‘Now that Mum’s got rid of all that junk, the shop looks huge,’ commented John.
‘It’ll need to be,’ Derek said. ‘No doubt Pearl’s told you what she’s going to sell now, Emily?’
‘She has and I think it’s a wonderful idea. I can just imagine it. Easels to display paintings on, others to sell, along with stocks of watercolour and oil paints, not to mention all the other paraphernalia that both budding and experienced artists might need. And Pearl said that’s just one craft that she intends to cater for.’
‘It’s a far cry from selling second-hand stuff, that’s for sure,’ Derek said, hoping that Pearl knew what she was doing. Buying china for his stall would cost peanuts compared to stocking the shop. With that and the refurbishments it would probably use up most of the money they had left, but as long as Pearl was happy, it was fine with him.
‘I can’t wait to see the shop,’ Emily said. ‘When it’s stocked and ready to open I’ll come down for the weekend. I have something to tell you all, but it can wait until then.’
Curious, Derek asked, ‘Can’t you tell me now?’
Emily smiled, her eyes sparkling as she said, ‘No, and I don’t want to hear another word about it.’
‘Fine, if you can keep it to yourself it can’t be that import ant,’ Derek joked, thinking that with Lucy and Clive using the spare room, Emily would have to sleep on the sofa.
‘I’ll work on her, Dad,’ John whispered conspiratorially when he thought his gran was out of earshot. ‘She’ll tell me.’
