Meadow Lane

by Maureen Reynolds

  She felt like screaming again but realised she would get thrown out. She took the letter from her pocket and read it again. How dare Ed do this to her? She planned to get the law on to him. So he was going to send her money to join them, well he could go to hell. She would fight to get her son back.

  She had another drink and suddenly felt so tired. The barman who served her mentioned to Thomas about the good-looking woman in the snug. ‘It’s usually just those three old women from across the road who come in for their glasses of stout. I’ve never seen this one before.’

  Thomas was curious so he had a quick look and was astonished when he saw Sadie. However he didn’t speak to her. By closing time she was still there so he decided to walk her home. By now she had drunk three gins and she was swaying as she left the pub.

  Thomas hurried out and said he would see her home. She squinted at him before saying, ‘Oh, Thomas, that’s very good of you to help a damsel in distress. Did you know my darling husband has taken my son behind my back?’

  Thomas was amazed. ‘No, Sadie, I didn’t know that.’

  She was slurring her words. ‘Well he has but he’s not getting away with it as I’ll take him to court to get Eddie back.’

  Thomas was glad when they reached home and he quickly asked Anna if she could take Sadie into Maryanne’s house. Luckily Tommy was in bed asleep. Anna helped her neighbour to negotiate the step at the door.

  ‘Get yourself to bed, Sadie, and get a good night’s sleep. Things will look better in the morning.’

  Sadie began to shout about her scoundrel of a husband when she saw Maryanne. Anna was glad to leave her with her mother as she didn’t know how to cope with her. As she sat and had some supper with Thomas, they both said how sad it was that such a good-looking young woman was slowly disintegrating in bits.

  Maryanne felt weary about the vision of another row but Sadie went into the bedroom and when her mother looked in later, she found her lying fully clothed on the bed. Her mother placed a blanket over her and retired to her own bed which, since Sadie’s arrival, was the settee.

  The next morning as she got ready for her work there was silence from the other room. When she looked in she heard Sadie snoring so she let her sleep off her drunken night.

  It was noon when Sadie wakened up and she felt ill. Shuffling to the sink she filled the kettle to make a cup of strong coffee. She was too late to go to work but she would explain the reason for her absence tomorrow when Hal and some of the locals would no doubt agree with her having to cope with a rotten husband.

  By now all the residents had heard about the matter and although there was some sympathy for her, most people knew she was at fault for her broken marriage. Martha was one of the latter. ‘A marriage is for life, not for picking and choosing the bits you like or dislike,’ she told Eliza, who kept her thoughts to herself. She remembered there was a time when her father must have wished Martha would leave him. As if she knew these thoughts, Martha went on, ‘Your father and I were like two peas in a pod and we always got on with one another. Not like that warring pair.’ Eliza couldn’t believe her ears.

  39

  While Sadie was recovering from her hangover, Ed and Eddie were boarding the SS Wiltshire on their way back to America. They weren’t feeling jubilant as they both wanted Sadie to be with them but once on board Eddie’s mood lightened. His father had told him it was just a matter of time before his mother joined them and he was filled with pleasure at the thought of going back to the corn farm and seeing his grandfather and Esther, not to mention his school friends from the neighbouring farms.

  They were sharing a cabin and as he watched the shores of Scotland slowly recede, he was filled with a mixture of sorrow and excitement.

  ‘Will you send Mum the money as soon as we get home?’ he asked, and Ed said he would. It meant having to borrow the money from Joel and he explained that having to come over to Scotland hadn’t been cheap but he meant every word he said.

  Sadie knew she couldn’t sit in the house all afternoon so she dressed quickly and went into the town. She did a lot of window shopping, especially at Grant’s the house furnishers. She went in and looked at all the lovely new furniture and a salesman came over. ‘Can I help you?’ he asked and Sadie said she was interested in furnishing her house. The man showed her the selection of dining, bedroom and three-piece suites.

  ‘This sideboard has a built-in cocktail cabinet,’ he said, opening a flap to show a space for drinks and glasses. ‘It makes for great entertaining at home.’

  Sadie spent a lovely hour walking around the large store then said she would come back later when she got her own house and had her son back with her. She had always got what she wanted even when she was a child and she expected that this latest drama in her life would be settled in her favour.

  She hoped that Thomas hadn’t mentioned her being in the pub and she was kicking herself for not asking him to keep it to himself. She would find him later and give him her wide-eyed look and he would do as she asked, of that she had no doubt.

  Sadie never knew that her visit had been discussed by Anna and Grace and at that moment Anna was being grilled by Mrs Bell in the baker’s shop.

  ‘I heard that she was screaming when she heard her husband had scampered with her son, did you hear that, Anna?’

  Anna said it was true but she quite understood the reason for it. ‘I would do the same if Thomas went off with Tommy and I would probably end up drinking in the Windmill as well.’

  This was news to her colleague. ‘Was she drinking in a pub?’

  Anna immediately was sorry to have divulged this titbit but now it was out there was nothing to do but say it was true. Mrs Bell’s ears were twitching and she couldn’t wait to spread it around her close friends, telling them of course to keep it to themselves which was like trying to hold back the waves.

  Grace had a visit from Bella. She was worried about both Sadie and Maryanne. ‘I think there’s going to be a lot more anguish in that house.’

  Grace agreed but said there was nothing anyone could do. She decided to change the subject. ‘Bill, Evie and I are going away for a few days. We’re taking my mother to a caravan in St Andrews and we hope the good weather will last.’

  Bella said a break would do them all a world of good. ‘When are you going?’

  Grace said it was next week and they were all looking forward to it. After Bella left, she wondered if Bill would enjoy her mother’s company for three days as she always managed to rub him up the wrong way. She hoped she wouldn’t mention Elsie and her big-spending son.

  Evie was still upset about Eddie’s departure but she at least she had the holiday coming up.

  ‘We might be just going away for three days but the rest of our holiday will be a day here or there so I’m looking forward to it.’

  Tommy was excited about her visit to Ireland and she said to Evie, ‘We’re going away for two weeks so it’s a proper holiday.’ Evie took her friend’s statement with good humour.

  Sadie arrived home after her trip to town and decided to have an early night as she didn’t want to sleep in for work tomorrow. After all, if she didn’t work then she would never realise her dream of having her own house filled with furniture from Grant’s emporium.

  Martha was still talking about last night’s argument. ‘I wonder what she’ll do to get her son back. Do you have any idea, Eliza?’

  Eliza was tired of her mother’s fixation with Sadie and her family so she just shook her head and offered to make the cocoa.

  The weather was remaining good which boded well for the Gows’ holiday and Grace was busy washing, ironing and packing for their time away at the caravan. She had paid a visit to her mother and Evelyn had packed a huge suitcase. Grace was worried.

  ‘We’re only spending three days in the caravan, Mum, why do you need so many clothes and shoes?’

  Evelyn was adamant that everything was essential and would be needed. ‘I like to be prepared because it might
be rainy and cold.’

  Grace had walked down to Ann Street in her dress and cardigan as the sun was warm and she didn’t think the weather forecast would be any different. However, Evelyn wasn’t convinced.

  ‘Well, I’m not taking any chances, Grace.’

  As Grace went home, she wondered how Bill would view the large case and she knew he wouldn’t be pleased.

  On the morning of their departure he ordered a taxi to take them to the train station. This was an extra expense but he said it was too much hassle to carry cases down to the station and when he saw Evelyn’s luggage he almost blew his top. It was a warning look from his wife which held his tongue but when they had a moment alone on the station platform, he erupted.

  ‘What on earth has she brought? I bet Queen Elizabeth doesn’t take as much luggage as your mother.’

  Grace shushed him as her mother came towards them. She started to complain about the toilet, saying the queue was huge. ‘You’d think they would make better facilities when there’s crowds like this waiting on the train.’

  Bill turned away and it was only Evie who heard him mutter, ‘Three days of this will make me go mad.’

  Evie thought, Poor Granny, it’s not her fault that she’s old and keeps needing to go to the toilet.

  Things began to look up when they reached the caravan park that overlooked the sea. Bill had booked one with six berths although there were only the four of them. He wanted to make sure there was enough room for them all as he planned to have the bedroom as far away as possible from his mother-in-law.

  Evie and Grace were entranced by the view and the fresh sea air but Evelyn complained about the distance to the shower block. ‘How am I going to get there and back, Grace? Especially at night.’

  Her daughter said she would accompany her every time she needed to go even if it meant getting out of bed to do so. Grace had packed food and a hamper of baked goodies and sandwiches so they sat outside and had a picnic. Evie decided to have a trip to the beach and the outdoor swimming pool so she quickly got into her swimming costume. Her parents said they would come with her but Evelyn decided to relax on the deckchair that had been supplied with the caravan. They left her half asleep in the sun and spent an enjoyable afternoon by themselves.

  Because the sun was still shining at teatime they ate their meal outside and by bedtime they were all tired. Bill had allocated the beds and even Evelyn mentioned how comfortable they were.

  It was three o’clock in the morning when Grace was awakened by her mother. Bill was snoring and dead to the world. Evelyn said that she needed to go to the toilet. Grace got up, feeling weary after a busy day. ‘You’ll have to put your shoes on, Mum, as the grass might be wet.’ Evelyn said her slippers were all right so the two women went out into the darkness. There was a slight tinge of light on the eastern horizon and it would soon be sunrise. It was difficult trying to make their way through the caravans but they soon reached their destination.

  Afterwards they had to make the return journey but faced by so many caravans, Grace wasn’t sure which one was theirs. ‘Do you remember which one is ours, Mum?’ she asked, but Evelyn shook her head.

  ‘I thought you knew where we were,’ she said. ‘I hope we’re not lost as it’s cold and my feet are wet.’

  ‘I told you to put on your shoes.’

  ‘Well I didn’t, so don’t lecture me, Grace.’

  Finally after a few false starts, Grace noticed the small table and chairs outside one of the caravans. ‘I think that one is ours,’ she said hopefully.

  ‘What if it’s the wrong one? We can’t barge into someone else’s place.’

  As it turned out it was the correct one and Evelyn retired to her bed, moaning about her wet feet and even wetter slippers while Grace sank gratefully into her bed beside a still-snoring husband.

  The next morning they woke up to torrential rain and there was thunder and lightning as well. Grace groaned loudly and Bill said that was all they needed. ‘Maybe it’ll go off soon,’ she said but one look at the dark clouds and the deep puddles on the grass didn’t bode well for a good day. ‘I saw some board games, jigsaws and playing cards in a cupboard so we can pass the time with those.’

  However there was the difficulty in getting to the shower block through all the puddles. They all made a valiant try although their shoes were soaked. Evelyn moaned that she should have brought her wellies. Bill suggested going into the town and buying some from a shoe shop but Evelyn was horrified. ‘I already have a pair, Bill, I don’t need another pair. After all, what will I do with two pairs of wellies?’

  Grace said as she took the same shoe size as her then she would buy a pair and give them to her mother. ‘Then I can take them home for myself.’

  ‘But you’ve got a pair of wellies at home so that means you’ll have two pairs and that’s a waste of money.’ Evelyn sounded annoyed at this predicament. ‘Let’s hope the rain goes off soon so we won’t need to buy anything.’

  Throughout this conversation, Bill looked like he wanted to throw a brick through the window but he tried to stay calm for the sake of his wife and daughter.

  The rain became heavier and it pounded off the metal roof like gunshots so Evie took out a five-hundred-piece jigsaw and began to put it together while Evelyn read one of the books she had brought with her. ‘Elsie’s son always takes her to a posh hotel on her holiday,’ she said, putting the book aside. ‘Then it doesn’t matter what the weather is like.’

  Bill looked ready to answer her back but once again Grace gave him a warning glance then nodded her head towards Evie who was intent on her puzzle. On hearing her granny mention Elsie, she asked her,

  ‘What kind of hotel does she go to?’

  Evelyn’s face lit up. ‘Oh, it’s usually someplace like Edinburgh or Glasgow and it’s a luxurious hotel with waiters and afternoon tea and grand meals at night and there’s loads of places to visit like theatres and cinemas and art galleries.’

  Grace had heard enough. ‘Well, we can’t afford these kinds of holidays, Mum, but if we could then we would take you on one.’

  Evelyn was pleased. ‘That’s nice, Grace, but I’m really quite happy here even though I moan about it. I just seem to like a good moan.’

  Evie burst out laughing and was soon joined by her parents. Bill said, ‘Let’s go into the town and I’ll treat us all to a meal in one of the hotels.’

  The women jumped up and soon they were walking into the town where they saw a grand looking hotel on the main street. It was quite posh inside and they were soon seated at a table with a snowy white cloth and silver cutlery. For a moment Grace was worried about the cost but then she remembered her husband had got his bonus before coming away. They had a lovely meal and the adults had alcoholic drinks while Evie had a lemonade. Afterwards they sat in the cosy lounge that had a log fire blazing in the large stone fireplace and they had tea and biscuits.

  When they emerged into the street, they were pleased to see the rain had gone off and although it was still cloudy, it was at least dry. Back at the caravan, they played cards until it was bedtime and Evelyn slept through the night without a nocturnal visit.

  Grace was pleased as the holiday had turned out a success. Still, it was with a feeling of relief that the holiday was over and the following day they packed up, tidied the caravan then set off for home. Grace made sure her mother was settled in her flat before the three of them made their way to their own house. Although it was sunny there were some scattered showers that were quite heavy.

  When they got home, Bill sat down with a sigh of contentment in his favourite chair. ‘I’m glad that’s over, Grace, as there’s no place like home.’ Grace looked at Evie and they both gave him an amused glance.

  Tommy had seen their arrival and she came to the door. ‘Did you have a good holiday?’ she asked and Evie said it was super. Bill almost burst out laughing but he managed to stifle his amusement at the thought of this extravagant statement. It had been bloody awful in his
estimation but he wasn’t going to upset his wife and daughter.

  40

  Sadie woke in a bad mood as she had had a dreadful row with her mother the night before. She had said she was going to the police and a solicitor. ‘I have to make Ed see that Eddie’s place is with me and I think everyone will agree with me.’

  Maryanne was annoyed at her. ‘I think you should be going back to live with your husband, then both of you can give Eddie a good upbringing.’

  Sadie was furious. ‘Will you listen to yourself, Mum? Where was my father when I was growing up? Not having him around didn’t do me any harm and it’ll be the same with Eddie. He’ll be happier with me.’

  ‘No he won’t,’ Maryanne said loudly. ‘He’ll run away again just like before and do you want his life to be like that? Also your father died so my situation was different from yours. You have a lovely husband and son and your place is with them.’

  Sadie was taken aback by her mother’s tone of voice. ‘Running away was just something he had to do and he won’t do it again. Anyway, maybe he’ll run away when he gets back to the farm, have you thought about that? As far as Ed is concerned, I don’t love him any more.’

  ‘That makes no difference, you have to stay together for Eddie’s sake. He won’t be a child for ever and when he’s grown up then you can decide to leave.’

  Sadie laughed. ‘Oh, you’re so old fashioned, Mum, people don’t stay together if they are no longer in love with their husband or wife.’

  ‘Well, Ed is still in love with you but you never gave him a chance to discuss your problems. You locked yourself in the bedroom and ignored him.’

  Sadie was fed up with this argument so she put on her jacket. ‘I’m going for a walk.’ She didn’t want to pass Martha’s house as she was tired of the woman’s constant gossiping and she was glad there were two ways out of the lane. She liked Eliza and felt sorry for her and wondered why she hadn’t escaped from her domineering mother. She made her way up the Hilltown towards the licensed grocer and bought her usual half bottle of gin.