by Joan Jonker
Maude swallowed hard. ‘Yes, of course we will. I just wanted to make sure they both know what they’re doing. They’re very young and have a lot to learn.’ Then came what was the nearest to an apology they were likely to get. ‘I only want what’s best for my son.’
‘That’s understandable,’ Betty told her, not wanting to cause friction when things seemed to be going well. ‘That’s exactly what I want for my daughter. So if you and your husband are agreeable to Margaret and Greg getting married, perhaps we can get our heads together now and see if we can agree on when and how?’
‘It can’t be done as quickly as they seem to want,’ Maude said. ‘They haven’t put the banns up yet, that’s going to take at least a month.’
‘We weren’t thinking of a church wedding, Mam,’ Greg told her. ‘We’ve decided that under the circumstances a register office would be better.’ He saw dissent written on his mother’s face and quickly added, ‘Father Kelly would lecture us something rotten, and he probably wouldn’t marry us at the altar anyway.’
Bert waved his hand as though to brush aside what had been said. ‘What difference does it make where yer get married, as long as it’s legal and binding? It could be done in a week at Brougham Terrace, and that would cut out the expense of a reception and new clothes.’
‘Although it goes against everything I believe in, and I don’t know how I’ll face the priest, I have to agree with Bert,’ Betty said. ‘A short ceremony at Brougham Terrace and then back here for a drink and a bite to eat. I’ve two friends I’d like to invite, if that’s all right, but that’s it. What about you, Maude? Anyone you’d like to invite?’
She shook her head. ‘No, I’ll tell the neighbours about Greg getting married, but the less they know the better. And we’ll help with the food and a bottle of port.’ Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. ‘Who are the two friends ye’re going to ask?’
‘You wouldn’t know them, they live at the back of us. I told them about Margaret because they’re not janglers and I know they won’t spread it around.’ Betty caught her daughter and Greg smiling shyly at each other. She’d bet her last penny that this marriage would be a good one. The path leading up to it may have been rough, but they were over the worst now. ‘Have you anything yer’d like to say, Greg? Or you, Margaret?’
‘No, Mam, except I’d like it to be a nice wedding, even if it is in a register office. I don’t need to buy a dress, I’ve got a couple in me wardrobe to choose from. But I would like a posy of flowers, and a few photographs to remember the day by. I could borrow a camera off one of the girls in work.’
‘There’s no need to do that, love,’ Greg said, feeling more confident now his mother had come around to the idea of his getting married. ‘I’ve got a decent camera, and me dad’s pretty good at taking snaps. At least he doesn’t chop people’s heads off.’
‘It’s no use you taking a day off work to go to Brougham Terrace for details of what yer have to do, Margaret, ’cos yer need all the money yer can get,’ Betty said, beginning to feel quite excited at the prospect of a wedding. ‘I’ll slip down tomorrow for yer and get all the information.’
Interest was stirring in Maude’s breast too, and she wasn’t going to be left out of anything now. ‘I’ll come with yer, Betty. And I’ll buy some wool while we’re out, to start knitting for the baby. I think it’s best to stick to white to be on the safe side, don’t yer agree?’
Betty nodded. ‘I’ve already knitted two matinee coats, they only take a couple of hours. Yer can borrow the pattern, if yer like, ’cos I won’t be using it for a while. I’m going to make some pillowcases for the cot next, and sheets and blankets.’
‘Ooh, that’s an idea! I’ve got an old sheet I could cut up for pillowcases and sheets. But I’ll borrow the knitting pattern off yer, Bet, so I can get me hand in. It’s years since I knitted anything so I’ll be slow at first.’
‘Yer’ll soon pick it up. It’s like riding a bike, once yer learn yer never forget.’ Betty was feeling light-headed with relief. All her worries seemed to be slipping away from her, and it was like having a weight lifted from her shoulders. ‘What time shall I meet yer tomorrow?’
‘Make it early,’ Maude said. ‘How about ten o’clock?’
‘Could we say ten-thirty, ’cos I’ve got to go on a message at ten?’
Greg’s mother nodded. ‘I’ll meet yer at the tram stop at ten-thirty. It’s a date.’
The two fathers sat back in their chairs, laced their hands across their stomachs, lifted their bushy brows and smiled the smiles of men who believe they’ve done a good job and are satisfied. In fact, they were more than satisfied, they were very happy – Jack in particular that he hadn’t had to get too involved, even though there were a couple of times when he had to bite his tongue to stop him from telling Maude, in no uncertain terms, to get off her high horse. He was glad he’d kept his temper because things had worked out fine. He was happy for his wife and daughter, and was experiencing a strange feeling of well-being. Just think, before very long he’d be a grandfather. And a proud one, at that.
On the opposite side of the hearth, Bert’s feelings weren’t very different. For a while he’d thought Maude would put her foot in it altogether and they’d be politely asked to leave. But it hadn’t happened, and looking at her now, smiling and animated, he silently thanked Betty and Jack for their indulgence. Because if the joy of becoming a grandfather had been taken away from him, he didn’t think he could ever have forgiven his wife. Granda and Grandma, eh? My, but it did sound wonderful. Definitely something good to look forward to.
Greg leaned sideways and whispered in Margaret’s ear. ‘See, I told yer everything would be all right, didn’t I? How d’yer fancy being Mrs Corbett, and me coming to live here?’
Her eyes bright, Margaret said, ‘I can’t believe it’s happening. I never thought yer mam would come round the way she has. I’m so happy, Greg, I really am. And when we’re married and yer move in here, I’ll think I’m in heaven.’
Kate waved goodbye to Nancy and Dolly, then turned to hurry back into the house. Billy was being a holy terror this morning, taking his time over everything. She couldn’t get him to put a move on, and if he wasn’t careful he’d be late getting to school, and then he’d be in for it. He played her up every morning without fail, but on a Monday he was hopeless and had her a bag of nerves.
She found her son standing by the dining table with a pained expression on his face and one hand clutching his throat. ‘I haven’t half got a sore throat, Mam, it really hurts. And me head is whizzing around as well. I think I must be in for something.’
Kate didn’t believe a word of it. Her son had tried every trick in the book to have days off school. Nevertheless she felt his forehead, just in case he wasn’t pulling her leg. ‘Yer haven’t got a temperature, sunshine, so open yer mouth and I’ll see if I think it’s inflamed.’ The inside of Billy’s mouth, and what she could see of his throat, looked particularly healthy so she had no qualms about telling him, ‘There’s nothing wrong with yer, son. Get yer satchel and off to school with yer. And if I were you, I’d be smart about it.’
‘But I feel sick, Mam, honest!’ With that, Billy let out a groan and clutched at his tummy as he doubled up. ‘I’m in agony.’
‘Billy, how many times have we gone through this performance? Yer’ve cried wolf once too often, sunshine. Get it through yer head that ye’re going to school this morning if I have to drag yer there. And I mean it!’
The boy knew he was beaten, but he wasn’t going to give in graciously. ‘If I’m not better by dinnertime, I’ll ask teacher to let me come home.’
This was one of his stock answers to what he saw as Kate’s hard-heartedness. She merely nodded. ‘Okay, but put yer blazer on now and start running.’
Billy’s sigh was from the heart. A stranger listening would think the boy was really suffering, and Kate had a heart of stone. With his satchel over his shoulder and his head bent, he went out of the door,
his mother behind him. His mate Pete was standing outside waiting for him, and Kate thought he looked near to tears. But she quickly dismissed the thought and told herself the two pals had obviously planned to play sick so they could both have a day off school.
‘Hurry up, for heaven’s sake,’ she called as they appeared reluctant to put one foot in front of the other. ‘Yer’ll be getting the cane if ye’re not careful.’ But still the boys dawdled, as though they had plenty of time. Tutting, she watched until they were near the top of the street, then turned and put her foot on the bottom step. If they got into trouble it would serve them right, they were asking for it.
She was about to step inside, her mind now on the washing that was waiting for her in the dolly tub. She’d never know what made her turn her head for one last look at her son and his mate, but what she saw then horrified her and sent her running towards them. For three lads, a few years older and much bigger, had appeared out of the entry and were attacking the two friends. Billy and Pete had their arms up to shield themselves from the blows which were raining down on them from all directions. As she ran, Kate called for the bullies to stop, but they were intent on giving the smaller boys a hiding and didn’t hear. But her neighbour did, and the urgency in Kate’s voice had Monica flying out of her house and hot-footing it after her mate.
‘What the hell d’yer think ye’re doing?’ Kate pulled at one of the bigger boys’ arm, but he shook her off. The clout she gave him around the ear stopped him, though, and he grimaced as he rubbed his ear. He had his hand out to push her away so he could go back to beating the cowering boys, but changed his mind when he saw Monica swinging one of his mates around by the arm in the middle of the street, and the language she was using told him he’d do well to make his own getaway. He ran off without a backward glance. When Kate saw Monica had the second boy in a tight grasp, she shouted for her friend to hang on to him while she grabbed the third. He would have pulled away, because he was a big lad and she was no match for him, but Billy felt safe now. He put his arms around the boy’s waist and hung on for dear life.
‘Now, will someone tell me what this is all about?’ Kate was blazing. ‘Yer should be ashamed of yerselves, picking on kids younger than yerself.’
‘We didn’t pick on them, missus, they went for us for no reason at all.’ This came from the one Kate was holding. He was a nice-looking boy with fair hair who looked as though butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. Looking across at his friend who was being firmly held by Monica, he said, ‘Didn’t they come at us, Andy, and start punching and kicking?’
‘You flaming liar!’ Kate’s face was red with anger. Putting two and two together, she realized this was why her son had been more reluctant than ever to go to school today. ‘I saw yer coming out of the entry, I’m not ruddy well blind! Nor am I stupid. Yer’d been laying in wait for them, hadn’t yer? Well, unfortunately for you, I was watching and saw the whole thing.’ She glanced from Billy to Pete. ‘You both knew about it, didn’t yer?’
Her son nodded. ‘They want Pete’s marble, the big whopper, and they said they’d flay us alive if he didn’t give it to them.’
‘Me dad would kill me if I gave it away,’ Pete said, not far from tears. ‘Anyway, I wouldn’t have given it to them ’cos they’re bullies. They pick on all the kids, especially the small ones.’
‘Oh, is that so? Cowards, eh?’ Monica gave her prisoner a sharp slap across the face. ‘That’s for all the little kids who can’t hit back.’ She glanced across at Kate. ‘What are we going to do with them, girl?’
‘Let them go. I’ll comb me hair and make meself presentable, then I’ll take Billy and Pete to school. We’ll see what the headmaster has to say about three big brave boys who like to pick on little children. I know they go to the same school because I’ve seen them.’
‘They’re in the seniors, Mam,’ Billy said. ‘They leave school at Christmas.’
‘It wasn’t our idea,’ one of the lads said, ‘it was Alex who started it. Wasn’t it, Paul?’
‘Don’t be trying to wheedle your way out of it,’ Kate said. ‘Anything yer’ve got to say, say it to the headmaster. But don’t forget, me and my neighbour saw exactly what happened and I intend to make sure that ye’re punished for it. Now, off yer go. I’ll see yer later in the headmaster’s office. I might even stay for the caning.’
The remaining two boys slunk away, looking anything but happy and blaming each other. ‘Yer shouldn’t have let Alex talk us into it, I told yer not to.’
‘I didn’t twist yer arm, so stop yer whingeing. But I’ll get Alex for this, I’m not letting him get away with it. And if we do get the cane, I’ll batter him.’
Kate jerked her head as the boys rounded the corner. ‘Just listen to them. They were going at it hell for leather when I got here, now each one’s blaming the other. That’s typical of cowards.’ She put an arm across Billy’s shoulders while Monica hugged a very pale Pete.
‘I’ll make us all a nice cup of tea and then yer’ll feel better. I’ll walk yer to school later. And for once yer don’t have to worry about getting the cane.’
‘Don’t forget, Betty’s coming at ten o’clock,’ Monica reminded her. ‘Will yer be back in time?’
‘I doubt it, sunshine, ’cos I’ll have to wait until after assembly to see the headmaster. I’m not going to let those boys get away with it, me conscience won’t let me. Unless someone stops them in their tracks they’ll grow up to be real bullies, always picking on those who can’t fight back. If I’m not home in time for Betty, tell her what happened and she’ll understand. And you can get all the news off her, anyway, and tell me over our morning cuppa.’ Kate sighed. ‘God knows what time I’ll get me washing on the line, but it can’t be helped. I’ll have to move a bit quicker this afternoon, that’s all.’
‘I’ll give yer a hand, girl, don’t worry. We’ll have yer washing out in no time.’
Kate squeezed her son’s shoulder. ‘See, that’s what being a good friend means. Always there to help each other.’ She bent down to look into Pete’s face. ‘Are yer feeling all right, Pete? Yer look a bit pale.’
‘I’ll be fine, Mrs Spencer. I’d been worried about those boys all night, ’cos they said they’d get me and beat me up. Me and Billy said we’d pretend to be sick so we wouldn’t have to go to school, only you didn’t believe him and my mam didn’t believe me. But Billy didn’t have to stay with me when they were beating us, ’cos it was me they were after, not him. He could have run away and left me but he didn’t, he stayed, and that’s like you said. A good friend is always there to help yer. That means Billy’s a good friend, doesn’t it?’
‘It certainly does, sunshine! He’s a good lad is my Billy. But it takes two to make a friendship, and I’ve seen for meself that over the years you’ve always been there for him as well. So that really makes yer true friends, like me and Mrs Parry. We’ve been mates now for over fifteen years, let’s see if yer can beat that record.’
Billy liked the sound of that. After a little mental arithmetic, he said, ‘We’d be twenty-five then, grown men. But I bet yer we beat your record with Auntie Monica, Mam. Me and Pete will still be friends when we’re really old – about forty. That’ll beat yours any day.’
Kate grinned across at her best mate. Neither of them wanted to shatter his illusions by telling him that when he was forty, they’d have been true friends for nigh on forty-five years, so he’d lose his bet. At least they hoped, please God, that they’d still be around at that time. Neither of them had plans to go anywhere.
Chapter Ten
When Kate arrived at the school with the two boys, the gates were closed but not locked. Although she felt as apprehensive as her son and his mate, she wasn’t going to let it show, even though Billy had warned her that the headmaster was the devil in a suit. She opened the big heavy gates, let the boys and herself through, then closed the gates behind them. ‘Ye’re going to have to show me where Mr Sykes’s office is because it’s many years
since I was in here.’
‘Yer turn left when we get through the doors,’ Pete told her as they crossed the playground. ‘Then it’s down a long corridor.’
‘Well, there’s no need to look so frightened, yer won’t be in trouble.’ Kate walked behind them up the two wide steps to the school entrance. And with her own heart hammering fifteen to the dozen, and her mouth dry with nerves, she told them, ‘I’ll make sure of that.’
But her words didn’t help Billy at all. He was a very unhappy boy. ‘You don’t know what Mr Sykes is like,’ he growled, ‘he’s dead mean and has a terrible temper.’
The corridor was long and wide, and there wasn’t a soul in sight. The only sound came from the classrooms they passed. Kate could see pupils at their desks listening intently to what their teachers were telling them. In one classroom, the teacher was writing on the blackboard with a piece of chalk. They could hear him say, ‘Take good notice of what I’m writing, because you’ll be getting asked questions about it later.’
‘This is Mr Sykes’s office, Mam,’ Billy said, wishing he was a million miles away. ‘He won’t be in, though, ’cos the door’s open.’
‘Then we’ll just have to wait.’ Kate kept her hands on the boys’ shoulders, thinking it would give them a little comfort. ‘Although I hope he won’t be too long, I’ve got stacks of washing to go back to.’
‘Here he is now.’ Billy’s teeth were chattering. ‘Be nice to him, Mam, or he’ll take it out on us when yer’ve gone.’
Kate studied the man walking towards them. He was very tall and broad, and walked with his back held ramrod straight. His complexion was healthy, his mousy hair greying at the temples. He was obviously a man used to giving orders and being obeyed. And the stern expression on his face now was enough to put fear into any pupil.
