by I'll Get By
‘Leo knows that. He might appear easy-going, but he doesn’t bow to that sort of pressure, and we have no intention of staying here permanently. Livia will get used to us not being here. After all, she has plenty to keep her occupied with the boys . . . and she has you, and Chad will be nearby.’
‘Oh . . . I don’t want to live at home, though I love them all to pieces. I want to do something exciting. Perhaps I’ll join one of the women’s services. The Women’s Royal Naval Service has a smart uniform, and I heard someone on the train saying they were reorganizing the service, just in case. Do you remember a time when you were going to be a dancer, and the fuss everyone made.’
‘Yes, there was a bit of a to-do over that, wasn’t there? My sister tends to be overprotective, but she means well. I did give it a try, but I made a better nurse than I’d ever have made as a dancer.’
‘And you might have made a better doctor than a nurse if you’d been given the chance.’
‘Oh, don’t let’s get into this women’s rights thing when you’re hardly through the door. I wanted to be a nurse ever since I can remember. Take your case up then come to the kitchen. I’ll make us a cup of tea. Unless you’d rather make your own, now you’re independent and filled with idealistic notions about improving the world.’
‘It’s called progress, Aunt Es.’
‘There’s not much progress going on as far as I can see. Still, they say that while men are talking they’re not fighting. It’s about time we women were consulted, but don’t tell anyone I said that.’
Meggie smiled. ‘I do love you, Aunt Es. You never talk down to me or think I’m still a child.’
‘You’re not a child, Meggie. You’re a little immature at times, but that’s to be expected since you haven’t been out of the family circle much, and we all have our moments of rebellion. I know you were joking, but being part of the women’s naval service wouldn’t do you any harm. Don’t close your eyes to what’s going on around you, but yes, do look to the future. The world is in a mess. Most people are convinced there will be another war.’
‘Do you think so?’
‘It seems to be heading in that direction. Your generation will have their work cut out putting the world back together again afterwards, and you will need some useful skills. I went into nurses training at your age, and although it was good to get out from under the family scrutiny and experience some independence, I soon learned that I knew very little. Having a family to turn to was comforting.’
Her aunt gave her a hug. ‘But here I am, lecturing you already. No doubt university will broaden your social life and open your mind to new ways of thinking. I just hope you haven’t based your career choice on your need to prove your independence, though. There’s much to be said for being a wife and mother. You only have to look at your own mother to see that.’
Meggie hadn’t based her choice on anything, but now the idea of joining the navy had appeared in her head it was proving to be quite an attractive proposition. The trouble was, she kept changing her mind. She shelved the idea for the moment. ‘I’ve thought it over seriously. I was going to ask you to talk to Mummy on my behalf once I’ve sorted everything out. She always listens to you. Would you mind?’
‘Who’s a little scaredy-cat then? Yes, I actually do mind being used as a go-between now you’re an adult. You owe your mother the respect of discussing it with her, Meggie. You know she doesn’t like me to interfere.’
Meggie sighed. ‘I thought you’d say that.’
‘Then why ask? How are my sister and brother?’
‘Mother is well. She’s helping Uncle Chad redecorate Nutting Cottage, so when he and Sylvia are married, they’ll be able to live in it until they can afford to buy a place of their own. Wasn’t Sylvia your friend at school?’
‘She was one of them. We were part of a small crowd, and we had a lot of fun together. Her parents moved to Bournemouth in our final year at school, and we lost touch when I started my nurses training. Sylvia and Chad should suit each other. She was quiet, but capable, and good at organizing people.’
‘You’ll be coming down for the wedding in September, won’t you?’
‘Would I miss my twin brother’s wedding? I’ve already booked a weekend off and so has Leo.’
‘I’ll miss you when you go to Australia.’
‘And I’ll miss you. Now off you go and unpack. Leo will be home soon.’
‘If he can find his way.’
‘He will. He uses the underground and has got built-in radar. A bit like your policeman.’
‘Do you suppose the sergeant will come for tea on Friday?’
‘I hope not.’
‘Why . . . didn’t you like him?’
‘He has charmer written all over him, and he’s too old for you, Meggie. You shouldn’t have encouraged him.’
‘Goodness, how could you tell his age . . . I couldn’t even see him under that monstrous helmet. Besides, I’m not about to have an affair with him. Just give him a cup of tea and a scone to thank him for helping me.’
‘Well, if you do decide to have an affair with him talk to me first so I can educate you about methods of birth control, which will help to avoid unwanted pregnancy and disease.’
Meggie blushed a fiery red and pressed her palms against her cheeks. ‘As if I’d even consider having a love affair! Goodness, my mother would have had a fit if she’d heard you say that.’
‘It looks as though you’re already having one. Believe me, mother nature has her own way of dealing with such matters, and I doubt if your mother would be consulted over it.’ Her aunt caressed her cheek and smiled. ‘Come to one of the clinic lectures run by the alternate nurse tutor. Other women are bound to ask the questions you might be too shy to ask for yourself.’
‘I’ll think about it.’ Picking up her suitcase Meggie headed upstairs, knowing she wouldn’t think about it for long.
Esmé watched Meggie go, a smile on her face. She loved having her niece to stay. The girl looked a little old-fashioned for a seventeen-year-old. Her hair was too long, and a little make-up wouldn’t go astray. She’d also buy a new outfit for her, a classic suit with padded shoulders and a sweet little hat to top it off – smart but not too fussy.
Meggie seemed to have no idea how to enhance her appearance. She vaguely resembled her mother, only was more animated when measured against Livia’s air of calmness. Her curiosity about everyone and everything, along with her smile, came from the Sangster side of the family.
Esmé turned when she heard the key in the latch, smiling when she saw the outline of her husband through the glass. Despite his boast of his navigational ability, she always worried when it was foggy. They worked in separate hospitals and quite often, one, or both of them, would sleep over.
Whipping off his brown trilby Leo went through his ritual of throwing it towards the hallstand. It hit the hook, spun round it and fell on to the floor. ‘Almost,’ he said. Taking off his coat he hung it on the hook, scooped up the hat and set it on top. His mouth crinkled into a smile when he saw her. ‘Ah . . . my favourite woman. Come here and give me a kiss.’
Leo had lost some of his Australian accent in the time he’d lived in England, but he still flattened his vowels a little. He hadn’t forgotten how to kiss her, his mouth travelling in a tease from her mouth to her nose on to her forehead, and then landing on her mouth again, for something longer and more lingering. ‘You taste delicious, like spotted dog.’
‘We’re having it with custard for pudding. I tested it first. How was your day?’
‘The Jenkins’ boy is minus an appendix and out of danger. I do wish parents would bring their children in earlier. Another hour or so and we could have lost him. You?’
‘I had one delivery this morning, a beautiful little girl who arrived just before the clinic began, which was rather convenient of her, since I managed to get back for it. They’re calling her Rosemary.’
They both liked positive days, and rarely discussed the
negatives of their professions. It was wiser not to get involved emotionally with patients. The fact that Esmé loved all the babies she delivered didn’t count, she told him.
‘That’s different,’ Leo had said. ‘It’s the herd instinct. Females protect other females’ babies. It’s a mindless sort of thing, an instinct. Men are physically stronger and more predatory. They protect both, especially if they can get something out of it for the effort. Slaves to till his fields, extra female to see to his comfort . . . a favourite wife to massage his feet . . .’
That statement had earned him a cushion in the face.
Now she returned his kiss and said, ‘I’m still your favourite woman, then.’
‘Always. What’s been happening, anything I should know about?’
‘Meggie arrived. She had a police sergeant in tow carrying her suitcase.’
He raised an eyebrow.
‘She took it into her head to use public transport and then lost her way in the fog. She invited him for morning tea as a thank you, and I suggested he come on Friday, which is your day off. You don’t mind do you, darling?’
‘You want me to babysit Meggie on my day off?’ He groaned. ‘Am I wrong in believing she’s an adult at nearly eighteen?’
‘And still has the smell of the schoolroom on her. Sergeant Blessing is an attractive man . . . and twenty-five at least.’
He grinned. ‘Ah yes . . . twenty-five. I remember it well.’
She poked a finger in his stomach. ‘Not too well if you value your life.’
‘Does she fancy the bobby then? The last thing I want to deal with is a lovesick teenager.’
‘Not yet . . . but she will if he works at it, because she’s of an age to fall in love for the first time.’
‘Do you want me to see him off?’
‘Men understand the nuances of men much better then women do. When a woman sees an attractive man her brain immediately sizes him up as a possible mate and her hormones begin to rumba.’
‘And I thought it was my Australian accent that made you rumba. Just tell the policeman to bugger off . . . he should understand the nuance in that, whoever delivers it.’
Laughter filled her. ‘Stop grumbling like an old bear. I more or less told you to do the same thing on several occasions. You took no notice.’
He laughed. ‘Your dancing hormones must have deafened me . . . besides I knew you adored me right from the moment we met. You just needed a little encouragement.’
‘You’re encouraging me to beat you up at the moment. Stop being so provocative. Will you keep an eye on Meggie, or not?’
He nodded. ‘I’ll hang around like a bad smell and glower.’
When he demonstrated she kissed his ear and whispered, ‘I adore it when you glower, you remind me of an amiable bloodhound.’
Footsteps clattered down the stairs before he had time to howl, and Meggie burst through the door. Smiles radiated from her like sunshine as she flung her arms around him. ‘Hello, Uncle Leo.’
‘You’re strangling me,’ he grumbled, but he hugged her back and kissed her cheek before they let each other go.
‘Are you pleased to see me?’
He gave her a stern look. ‘Since I value my peace and quiet, certainly not. I understand you’ve been dragging stray coppers in off the streets.’
‘Only one; I’m not going to make a habit of it.’
‘Good answer, Meggie.’ Esmé could have kissed him when he said, ‘I hope he doesn’t stay long because if the day is clear I intend to hire a Tiger Moth and take you flying. It will take us half an hour to get to the airfield.’
‘Oh . . . that’s absolutely wonderful. You’re the caterpillar’s clogs, Uncle Leo.’
‘Good Lord, am I? That takes some thinking about. Thank you, sweetheart . . . I think.’
‘It’s my turn to cook the dinner so I’d better get on with it,’ Esmé said. ‘It’s grilled lamb chops, boiled vegetables and gravy. The vegetables are prepared, so it won’t take me long.’
‘Can I help?’
‘Yes . . . you can set the table if you like, then take Leo a glass of white wine. He likes to relax and listen to the radio before dinner.’
‘Why don’t you relax with him while I cook dinner? I often cook it at home, and that’s for six of us. I’m quite good at it, I promise. Besides, Leo looks as though he needs some company.’
‘Especially the company of a good looking popsie like you, Es,’ he invited.
Esmé bestowed a smile on him. ‘That would be lovely, Meggie. Thank you so much. I’ll fetch the wine.’
Leo gazed from one to the other and grinned, as though he’d realized that having two women in the house looking after him might be good for his comfort.
An hour later, when Meggie went into the sitting room, it was to discover Leo sprawled untidily on the dark red couch, asleep. In the same state, her aunt was hugged against his body, her head resting comfortably in the crook of his shoulder. Two empty wine glasses stood on the coffee table and Victor Sylvester’s orchestra was a melodious low hum coming from the radio.
They looked so sweet and relaxed; Meggie thought it would be a shame to wake them. For a moment or two she wallowed in the love she felt for them.
She closed the door gently, then knocked and called out, ‘Dinner’s ready, you two.’
Two
It was Wednesday.
From the outside steps leading to the basement of the boarded-up house opposite, Nicholas Cowan had watched the man kiss his wife and leave in the green Morris car that had been parked outside the house. An hour later the two women emerged, laughing together. They hooked arms and headed for the underground station around the corner, walking in step.
It had been nice of them to tell him when they’d be out for the day.
Giving them a few seconds to turn the corner Nicholas crossed the road, and stood in the shadows of the porch at number forty-three, Queen’s Road.
‘You could have let yourself in,’ the Thornton woman had said to the girl. That meant the key was concealed somewhere. It wouldn’t be on the ledge over the door because it was too high for the women to reach.
A cement pot supported limp vegetation that bore an unsavoury sprinkle of grey berries. It smelled vaguely of cat’s spray, and was the most obvious place. Wrinkling his nose he forced his fingers into the dirt and raked gingerly through it. When he was rewarded with a small slice of metal, Nicholas smiled.
The door opened quietly. Nicholas doffed his hat and for a couple of moments he stood there, his mouth opening and closing as if he was talking to someone who’d opened the door to him. It was a precaution in case a neighbour passed by. He pushed the door wider with his foot, so it looked as if he was being allowed entrance by someone on the other side, and slid through the gap. He closed the door quietly behind him.
He stood in the hall for a couple of minutes and listened. Apart from the tick of the clock, all was quiet. Unlocking the door to the basement he went down the steps to the abandoned kitchen, now turned into a junk room. Some of these roomy houses had been converted into small flats, but this one had escaped so far.
The house wasn’t in bad repair but there was no mistaking the signs of neglect. Bubbles of faded paper disguised the occasional damp patch and the paint and plaster were flaking. Some of the floorboards groaned under his weight. The fire grates had wide chimneys of the type that sucked out the heat rather than allowed it to radiate with cosy warmth into the room.
He turned the key in the lock and pulled back the bolts to the outside door, in case he needed to escape quickly through the basement.
It had been lucky that he’d run into the girl. He’d learned a lot from her. She was a good-looking young woman with fine skin, and dark, astute eyes . . . a little on the awkward side yet, but outgoing.
Her aunt was a corker. He grinned, shaking his head. She was just the type he liked, but he had a rule never to mess with married ladies. He wasn’t about to break it.
Tak
ing the stairs two at a time he went back up to the hall then on up to where the bedrooms were situated. Only two were furnished. The bigger bedroom had a sage green eiderdown. He went to the man’s dresser first, found fifty pounds in a wallet and a pair of gold cufflinks to pocket.
The woman’s jewellery box was on the dressing table and yielded some gold trinkets. He didn’t have time to sort out the dross, so he tipped the contents into his handkerchief, tying it securely. There was also a purse. It had a fiver, and five separate one pound notes in it. He pocketed three of the pound notes and left the rest, mostly because he’d liked the owner. Besides, he’d made a good haul earlier.
A creamy pink satin nightdress hung over the footboard, and a flimsy flower-patterned scarf lay on the floor. He picked up the scarf and held it to his face, closing his eyes as he inhaled the scent. He hadn’t enjoyed a woman for some time! She was the feminine type who wore silk and lace under her clothes. Rifling through the top drawer confirmed it. Her husband was a lucky dog.
There was the swift tock tock of heels on the pavement outside. Fingering the curtain aside a chink, he gazed through it. Damn . . . the women were coming back! While the girl stayed on the pavement, her aunt called out. ‘I won’t be a jiffy, Meggie. I’m sure I left it on my dressing table.’
Nicholas dropped the scarf and purse on to the bed. The nightdress slithered to the floor. Swiftly he moved across the landing to the empty room opposite. The floorboards creaked a couple of times. He held his breath as he gazed through the crack in the door.
She slowed down when she neared the top of the stairs as if she’d heard the floorboards give under his weight, caution in her expression. She was so close he could have reached out and touched her. He experienced a vicarious thrill when she moved through the open bedroom door. His heart began to work overtime when he caught a whiff of her perfume in the current of air she left in her wake.
Through her open bedroom door he watched the woman’s pert little backside as she went to the dressing table. She looked round, gazed at the purse for a moment, then snatched it from the bed and placed it in the brown leather handbag she carried over her arm. She frowned as she bent to pick up the nightdress from the floor, and gazed at it for a few minutes before hanging it back over the foot of the bed. Pulling the bedroom door shut she rattled it to make sure the latch had closed, and then padded off down the stairs, her footsteps as light and agile as those of a cat.
