by Cathy Sharp
‘Of course. I’m always willing to do that, Sister. Adderbury is a good man. I should trust his instincts if I were you.’
‘I do, of course I do – but you have so much experience dealing with troublesome children. You’ve devoted your life to them.’
‘I’ll visit them this morning. If the boy trusts me he might tell me what is troubling him, but I can’t promise anything.’ He patted her hand.
He smiled to himself as he saw Sister’s slight frown at his familiarity. Joe was well aware that he was taking a liberty, but he understood Sister’s calm, practical and slightly stern manner covered up a great deal of tenderness and pity, and her feelings for the children ran deep.
‘You think they may have been treated extremely badly, don’t you?’
Her eyes met his frankly. ‘I fear it, yes. The boy had obvious signs of a beating, but the girl … there’s something very defensive about her. She closes up whenever I speak to her, but my gut feeling is that she has been sorely mistreated.’
‘And if they have, what then?’
‘In most cases it would be up to the police, but this time … well, I would rather avoid that for the moment. I want to help them, not cause them more harm. I have to be alert to a problem, because the safety and care of all my children might depend on it. If Billy Baggins’ brother had set this place on fire …’ A shudder ran through her. ‘Well, it doesn’t bear thinking about. I misjudged Billy, thought he was a troublemaker and I was wrong. This time I have to be sure. I thought he might trust you …’
‘I have the knack with some of them,’ Joe said. ‘I’ll not do anything that would harm him.’
‘I’ve always known that,’ she said, and smiled. ‘You’re a good friend, Joe, and a good man.’
‘I’ll be away and see what young Terry has to say for himself,’ he said, and smiled as he rose to his feet.
FIFTEEN
Alice came in from the yard that morning, still tasting the bitterness of the vomit in her mouth. She went to the sink and ran the tap, filling her glass and sipping it to take away the awful taste. Her mother was standing behind her when she turned, red work-worn hands on hips as she glared at Alice.
‘What’s the matter with you, girl?’ she demanded. ‘Don’t tell me it’s a bug you picked up at work, because I’ll not believe it. I want the truth – you’re up the duff, ain’t yer?’
Alice knew there was no point in lying. She was putting on weight and in a few weeks her clothes would be too tight and need the seams letting out. Her mother would notice then even if she hadn’t already.
‘Yes, I am,’ she admitted, feeling the hot tide of shame wash into her cheeks. ‘I shan’t lie to you, Ma – he promised to marry me but then he cleared off and I haven’t heard from him.’
Her mother’s hand snaked out, hitting her three times in succession across her face, the first blow cutting her bottom lip. ‘Yer filthy little slut,’ she cried. ‘What kind of a girl are yer? Bringing shame home to yer family like this – how could yer!’
‘It wasn’t supposed to be this way,’ Alice said, crying as the blows rained down on her. She took them without fighting back because she was ashamed and thought her mother had a right to punish her. ‘Jack was going to take me away and we were to have married but he had to leave town in a hurry and I think he might have died in that factory fire …’
‘Don’t make excuses, girl. You knew what yer were doin’.’ Her mother looked at her in disgust. ‘Well, you go out of this house this mornin’ and you’ll not come back while I’m breathin’. You can pack yer things and think yerself lucky I let yer take anythin’ …’
‘Ma …’ Alice caught her breath, staring at her mother in dismay. ‘Please, don’t throw me out yet. At least let me stay until I find somewhere to live – please.’
‘Yer don’t deserve I should let yer take yer clothes, let alone give yer a bed for another night. You’re a filthy slut, Alice Cobb, and I want yer out now – before yer father realises what a viper he’s harboured in his house.’
‘Ma …’ Alice’s eyes stung with tears. She turned away from the harsh look on her mother’s face and went through to the next room. She pulled a battered old case from beneath the bed and placed it on top before proceeding to empty her possessions from the chest of drawers she’d shared with Mavis. Her sister came in as she was trying to cram everything she owned into the case.
‘What are you doin’, Alice?’
‘Ma knows,’ Alice said, and sniffed. ‘She’s thrown me out and I’ve got to take all I can because she won’t have me back.’
‘She can’t do that. What will happen to you, Alice?’ She flung her arms about her. ‘I don’t want yer to leave, love.’
‘She won’t let me stay,’ Alice said, unable to stop the tears and be brave for her sister’s sake. ‘I can’t take all my things. You have them, Mave. Don’t let her sell them …’
‘I’ll bring them to you,’ her sister promised. ‘Let me know as soon as you’re settled and I’ll bring them round to you.’
‘She won’t let you if she knows. She’ll forbid you to visit me.’
‘She can say what she likes,’ Mavis said stubbornly. ‘I shall visit when I like and I’ll help as much as I can.’ She caught a sob in her throat. ‘I’m goin’ ter ask Dad tonight if I can get married. I shan’t stay here now she’s thrown you out. If he won’t sign for me to wed my lad I’ll run away …’
Alice hugged her tightly. ‘You mustn’t be silly, Mave,’ she said. ‘I want to see you, you know I do – but don’t cut yourself off from everyone for my sake. She’ll calm down in the end, but you must be careful. Wait for a while before you speak to Dad; he’s goin’ to be angry too when he finds out who it was …’
‘I know.’ Mavis looked at her sadly. ‘Anyone but Jack – and Dad would’ve made him marry you.’
‘If it had been Bob’s child he wouldn’t have needed to be forced into it,’ Alice said. ‘Jack told me he loved me. He promised me he would come back for me but it’s been ages now and I haven’t heard a word.’
‘Surely you know he died in the fire?’ Mavis said, looking at her sadly. ‘You can’t keep hanging on, fooling yourself that he’s still alive, Alice …’
‘I know, but I can’t stop hoping …’
Alice broke off as the door opened and their mother entered. She glared at them both and then grabbed Mavis by the arm and thrust her out of the room, even though she struggled and protested.
‘I don’t want yer contaminatin’ yer sister wiv yer filth,’ she hissed, her hand connecting with Alice’s cheek again. ‘You’ve got enough stuff. Get out and never darken me door again or I’ll take a stick to your backside.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll be glad to go,’ Alice said, driven now to retaliation. ‘You’ve made this house a hell on earth, Ma. You’ve ruined my dad’s life and you’ll do the same to us all unless …’
Alice got no further because her mother flew at her in a rage and started hitting her. She might have killed her had her brother, Saul, not come in at that moment and grabbed at her skirt, pulling her back.
‘Leave our Alice alone, Ma,’ he said, and screamed as she turned on him. He kicked out at her and she gave a cry that might have been pain or rage. Saul dodged out of the way. ‘You go, Alice. The old devil won’t hit me again ’cos if she does I’ll tell Dad what she’s been up to wiv that bloke down the Docks …’
As she left the house, Alice heard her mother’s yell of rage as she turned on Saul. She could hear the raised voices of Saul and Joseph behind her and then Mavis joined in. For a moment she almost turned back to defend her brothers and sister, but what could she have done? It would only make a bad situation worse for all of them, too. No, there was no going back now. Mavis had a chance of getting out, but Saul and Joe would have to fend for themselves – the boys were stuck for years.
Tears trickled down Alice’s cheeks as she walked to the bus stop. She rubbed at her eyes to stop them. The gossip
s would only have a field day if they saw her. Somehow she had to find a place to live but she didn’t even know where to start looking. Alice was terrified, because even though it was hell at home, the alternative was worse – and what would happen when she lost her job, which she was bound to when Sister Beatrice found out? She had a few pounds saved and when that had gone she would either starve or end up in the workhouse … No, not the workhouse these days; it would be one of those mother and baby homes. They would make her go there if she was destitute and then they’d take her child away from her. Alice felt sick as she contemplated the future, because whichever way she looked it was bleak.
Michelle saw Alice arrive at the home with her case. It was obvious that her friend had been crying and her face had red patches from where she’d been hit hard. She ran to her in concern.
‘What’s wrong, Alice, love?’
‘Ma threw me out,’ Alice said, catching back a sob of despair. ‘She wouldn’t even let me stay until I could find somewhere to live.’
‘She knows about the baby?’ Michelle whispered in a low voice and saw the answer in Alice’s face. ‘She hit you?’
Alice nodded, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. ‘Yes. I had to tell her the truth.’
‘What are you going to do?’
‘I’ve no idea,’ Alice said, and caught back a sob. ‘Do I look awful?’
‘Yes, a bit. You’ll need to wash your face but the bruises are going to show whatever you do. Someone is bound to notice.’
‘I can’t tell anyone what happened,’ Alice said. ‘If Sister knew she’d sack me and I’ve got to work for as long as I can.’
‘Of course,’ Michelle agreed. ‘Look, I’m going home now as my shift’s finished. I’ll ask Mum if you can stay for a while. I’ll tell her you quarrelled with your mother. She knows what your mum’s like, Alice. You can share a room with me but it won’t be for very long. My mum is as strict as yours. She wouldn’t have you if she thought you’d got into that kind of trouble.’
‘Oh, Michelle, I’ll only cause trouble for you …’
‘I’m your friend, Alice. I’ll help as much as I can, but Mum mustn’t know the truth or she won’t have you to stay.’
‘I’ll think of an excuse,’ Alice promised. ‘It will only be for a day or so until I find a room somewhere.’
‘Have you got any money?’
‘I’ve got a bit saved,’ Alice said, and forced herself to smile. ‘Jack was generous; he gave me some money to buy things and I didn’t spend it all.’
‘That’s something,’ Michelle said, and gave Alice an encouraging smile though she knew the future didn’t look good for her friend. ‘Look, we’ll find a room for you, Alice. I’ll do my best – and Bob would help if he knew …’
‘No, you mustn’t tell him or Eric,’ Alice said. Alice couldn’t ask Bob for help, because it wouldn’t be right. She’d had her chance with Bob and ignored it in favour of Jack and now she would just have to put up with the consequences. ‘I’ll manage, Michelle. It was just the shock of Ma finding out and the way she attacked me.’ Alice straightened herself up. She’d got herself into this and she’d just have to face up to it. She returned Michelle’s smile with more confidence that she felt. ‘I’ll be all right, as long as Sister doesn’t discover the truth and sack me.’
SIXTEEN
Angela looked at the surprising letter that had just been brought up to her. It seemed that a substantial bequest had been left to St Saviour’s by an elderly lady. Apparently, she’d once been nursed by Sister Beatrice at the Infirmary, and because of her kindness the lady had decided to leave all she had to the children’s home. The letter had been sent on to Angela from the Bishop for her to deal with in her capacity as the Administrator.
She smiled at the terms of the Bishop’s letter, because he’d said that he was confident she would know how to use it to the best advantage of St Saviour’s and she felt pleased because it meant that her past efforts had been noted and approved.
She decided to take the letter to Sister Beatrice and tell her about it. The bequest was a generous one. Sister remembered clearly and told her about the elderly lady who had been brought into the Infirmary suffering from pneumonia and had not been expected to live.
‘She was stronger than the doctors thought and she fought it off,’ Sister Beatrice had told Angela. ‘Before she left she thanked me for caring for her and said she would never forget my kindness, though all I did was listen. She was a widow, you see, and both her sons were killed in the first weeks of the war – it was not long before I came here to St Saviour’s …’
‘And she obviously never did forget you,’ Angela said. ‘Because of what you did, our children will benefit from this wonderful bequest.’
She asked the Warden if she wished to accompany her. However, Sister Beatrice shook her head.
‘I have no wish to become involved matters of money, in fact my order forbids it, Angela. I am quite sure we can leave it safely in your hands and I will write to the Bishop and tell him so.’
The Bishop had enclosed the solicitor’s letter in his correspondence, which gave the address of the house in South London. A little to her surprise, Angela discovered it was a substantial semi-detached house of red brick with bay windows. Inside, she’d been excited to discover that though most of the furniture was heavy Victorian stuff, and some things worth only a few shillings, there were many small pretty things that she knew would fetch several pounds.
On her return to St Saviour’s she’d given the news to Sister Beatrice, who looked pleased.
‘You do not think it a waste of your valuable time to undertake the clearance and sale of this property?’
‘Not at all,’ Angela assured her. ‘I shall be able to raise quite a substantial sum from the contents alone. However, I think the house is worth more than the one thousand pounds the solicitor suggested and I shall seek other offers for it.’
Sister Beatrice frowned, then, ‘Every penny you can raise is needed, Angela. Please do as you think fit.’
‘The terms of the will said the money was for St Saviour’s,’ Angela replied. ‘We might be able to do some of the work you would like done here …’
‘Indeed, the Lord has provided for us and now the matter is in your hands. You must do as you consider right and just, Angela.’
‘I shall arrange for it to be cleared and the property sold as quickly as possible.’
There was no point in wasting time and so she decided to clear the house immediately, and then put it up for sale.
Angela found the man who offered his services and his van for five shillings an hour through a card in the newsagent’s window, and discovered that apart from a slight limp caused by an injury he’d received during the war, he was young, strong and very willing. She’d packed all the bits and pieces she thought were worth saving, including some wonderful pre-war linen tablecloths, sheets and table runners she’d found in the drawers upstairs; a little yellow now, but nothing that a good soak in bluebag wouldn’t help. There was also a set of silver cutlery that had never been used, some old lace and a few more pieces of jewellery, as well as some very old silk underwear. Downstairs, she’d taken an oak gate-leg table, a couple of Windsor chairs, the pretty needlework box and lots of small bits and pieces as well as a nursing chair, various boxes, brass and copper items.
First of all she asked Ned to help her load all the things she wanted to keep and then cart them up to her apartment, then she telephoned a dealer in second-hand furniture and asked him to meet her at the house. Ned took her back in the van and she made him a cup of tea while they waited for the dealer to call. When he arrived, twenty minutes late, he was a shifty-eyed man with a thin nose and broken teeth. Angela instinctively felt uneasy and was glad that Ned was with her. The dealer looked in all the rooms and offered ten pounds for the lot.
‘Do yer think we’re daft, mate?’ Ned asked before Angela could answer. ‘I know someone who will give us a decent price
for this lot. We weren’t born yesterday, yer know.’
‘I couldn’t pay more than twenty at most.’
‘Don’t choke yerself, mate,’ Ned said. ‘We want thirty quid cash now or we’ll take it to the sale room – I reckon we could get more than double there.’
‘Is he selling this stuff or are you?’ the irate dealer demanded of Angela. She smiled and nodded at Ned.
‘My friend here seems to know what he’s doing so I’ll let him make the decision.’
‘All right, I’ll give you thirty, but I want help with loading the stuff on me van now.’
‘Keep yer hair on, mate. I’ll give yer a hand.’ Ned winked at Angela, forcing her to turn away to hide her smile. She’d taken anything she thought of any value, leaving what had looked like pure junk to her, but Ned was certainly worth his five bob an hour, and she told him so after the rather sullen dealer had driven off with his van filled with the kind of old-fashioned furniture that most people would think only fit for the bonfire these days.
Just as they were about to leave, a ring at the front door heralded the estate agent. Angela invited the man in, apologising for the way the house looked.
‘I haven’t had time to clean it up, I’m afraid.’
‘It’s all right. I like to see it this way – warts and all.’ He grinned at her. ‘May I walk round on my own?’
‘You’re not selling the house too, are you? Only, I know someone who buys properties,’ Ned said as the agent wandered away, making notes on his pad.
Angela laughed. ‘You know a lot of people, Ned?’
‘Well, I clear houses for him, see. Yer get to know people in my business.’
She did a little tidying while the estate agent was making notes. He looked pleased when he returned.
