Winners and Losers

by Linda Sole

  Dan had his shirt sleeves rolled up, his head bare. He looked every bit as attractive as he had during the war, and so like her son that her heart turned over. She loved her son, even though it had been a struggle to bring him up alone. Maura smiled inwardly as she watched the tug-of-war begin. It was impossible to approach Dan for the moment, but her son was being looked after for the afternoon and she had plenty of time.

  Alice stood with some of the other women, watching as the tug-of-war began. She was proud of Dan as he took his place in the line-up, because he looked strong and she knew the other members valued him. It wasn’t often that he got a chance to take time off for something like this, because he worked so hard for his family. Alice knew that he wasn’t happy struggling to wrest a living from his fields. He wanted more – he wanted that garage he’d set his heart on before the war – but money was tight and he had to content himself with doing up a few cars when he got the chance. The extra money came in handy, and things were better at the moment because he’d got a hundred pounds for the last car he’d sold. True to his word, he had given Alice half of the money, which she suspected was the whole of his profit.

  Alice knew he meant her to spend some of it on herself, but as yet she hadn’t felt able to buy anything. She really did need a new dress, but her mother had promised to buy some material from the market when she visited Ely next. Alice could make a couple of dresses for herself and also her daughters, Sally and Jean, at half the cost of ready-made. She wasn’t bad at sewing and she could borrow her mother’s sewing machine. Her hair needed cutting too. Alice was lucky enough to have a natural wave and she managed it at home most of the time, but it was looking dull and she was wondering if she should have a rinse or something. She wasn’t sure where to go. She had asked Mary about the local hairdresser, but Mary said she always went to Ely.

  ‘There’s a place in the High Street,’ Mary said. ‘I had a permanent wave there last month. I hate the way they string you up on those things, but my hair is so straight. You’re lucky – all you need is a good cut. There’s a man there who cuts really well.’

  ‘A man?’ Alice looked uncertain. ‘I’m not sure I should like a man doing my hair, Mary.’

  ‘He is really nice,’ Mary told her. ‘If you want to make an appointment, I’ll ring up for you – and I’ll have the children while you go.’

  ‘Thanks, that’s good of you,’ Alice said. ‘I’ll think about it and let you know.’

  ‘Your hair could do with a beer rinse to get rid of the grease and put some life into it,’ Mary said. ‘If you don’t want to go to a hairdresser, I could get you a special rinse.’

  Alice had agreed to try it. Mary was meeting her here this afternoon and had promised to bring the sachet with her. Seeing her sister-in-law, she waved and walked over to meet her, pushing Sally’s pram. Danny had the younger two with him. Her eldest son had taken the others on the swings. He had two shillings and sixpence in his pocket to treat himself and his siblings, and he wouldn’t be back until it had all gone.

  Turning away from the tug-of-war, Alice met her sister-in-law who was standing by the toffee apple stall.

  ‘I want to get a few of these before I go home,’ Mary said. ‘Jimmy is here with his friends, but he loves these – and so does Vera. The older ones don’t bother these days. They all used to come to the feast but they grew out of it after they left school.’

  ‘Danny is looking after my two. I might buy some toffee apples later, but I don’t want them just yet. I could do with a cup of tea – how about you?’

  ‘Just the ticket,’ Mary said. ‘You look nice today, Alice.’

  ‘I thought I would make an effort, but this dress is a bit tight on me now. I’ve got bigger up top since I had the children. I’m going to make a new dress when Mum gets the material next week.’

  ‘Why don’t you buy one? I saw some lovely ones on the market this week. You should have a trip into Ely, get your hair done at the same time.’

  ‘The shop in Stretton High Street has some pretty ones, too,’ Alice said. ‘I look every time I come up the village, but they are expensive – twenty-five shillings is the cheapest. I could get two and one each for Sally and Jean with that sort of money if I make them myself.’

  ‘I saw a lovely one for ten bob on the market,’ Mary told her. ‘It would really suit you, Alice.’

  ‘It will probably be gone,’ Alice said. ‘It sounds cheap, though. I should like a dress that was ready made for me, though I’ve made my own since I got married.’

  ‘You’re good at it,’ Mary said. ‘But you’ve got enough to do – and the dresses I saw on the market are lovely. There were several at that price when I looked.’

  ‘Well, I might . . .’ Alice turned her head as there was a burst of cheering. ‘It sounds as if the first tug has been won. Oh, look, it was our men who came out on top!’

  ‘They will be at it for ages. Men! They are more like small boys if you ask me,’ Mary said scornfully. ‘Come and look at the flower-arranging tent and then we’ll have that cuppa . . .’

  Dan laughed and joined in the general celebrations as the Stretton men won the second bout. They were the champions again this year, and it was a satisfying feeling.

  ‘Coming for a beer?’ Jack Gregson asked. ‘I think we deserve it after that, don’t you?’

  ‘Yes, I think we do.’ Dan looked round for Alice. He was a bit disappointed to see that she hadn’t waited for the end of the competition. Most of the wives, sisters and mothers had been cheering them on all the way through, but it seemed Alice had got bored and gone off somewhere. ‘I’ll see you in a minute, Jack.’

  Dan had seen his three youngest children. They were eating candyfloss and looked as if they were having a good time. He felt in his pocket and found a half-crown. He knew that Alice had already given them money, but the feast only came once a year and he had the rest of the money from that car. He needed to keep most of it so that he could buy another car to do up, but he could afford a few bob.

  He walked up to Danny and ruffled his mop of dark, curly hair. ‘Having a good time, son?’

  ‘It’s great, Dad. I’ve spent all the money Mum gave us.’

  Dan produced the coin from his pocket and smiled as the boy’s eyes lit up. ‘Here you go, then. Don’t tell your mum I gave it to you or she will have my guts for garters.’

  Danny grinned and grabbed the coin. He called to his sister and brother and they all ran off, back to the swings or the coconut shy. Daniel stood for a moment in the sunshine, thinking how good life was. Maybe he didn’t always have enough money to go round, but he was blessed with a loving family and that was what really counted.

  ‘Hello, Daniel. Long time no see . . .’

  Dan turned in surprise as he heard the soft Irish lilt of the woman’s voice behind him. It took him a while to make the connection in his mind, but it was a memory he had deliberately buried. He didn’t like to remember that he had been unfaithful to Alice that night during the air raid in Liverpool. He hadn’t meant it to happen and now, as he looked at Maura, he wished it hadn’t. She was an attractive girl, but there was something in her eyes that made him run cold.

  ‘Maura . . .’ He tried but couldn’t recall her second name. ‘Sorry, I’m not sure . . .’

  ‘Maura Jacobs. I got married.’

  ‘I didn’t know. But wait, I remember . . . you had been drinking because you couldn’t bear what had happened to your fiancé.’

  ‘I married someone else,’ Maura said, her mouth hard. ‘I didn’t have much choice after that night – the night we spent together, Dan. You do remember what happened, don’t you?’

  Dan looked at her warily. A little pulse was flicking at his temple and he was afraid he knew what was coming next. ‘It was down to you,’ he reminded her. ‘I told you I wasn’t free . . .’

  ‘I’m not asking you to marry me,’ Maura said. ‘I have a son – you have a son, David; your eldest son. It was all right while I had a husband
, but he ran out on me last year. I have to work long hours and it isn’t fair on David . . .’

  ‘Are you saying he’s mine?’ Dan looked at her hard, praying that she was lying. ‘Why should I believe you? Our Danny is my eldest son.’

  ‘Alice’s eldest,’ Maura said. ‘My son has a prior claim on you.’

  ‘Why should I believe you? If you did have a child, why have I never heard about it before now?’

  ‘I came here during the war to bring your handkerchief back. Your young brother told me you had gone away. I gave it to him instead.’

  ‘Connor never told me.’ Dan’s gaze narrowed. ‘What do you want, Maura? If you are going to make trouble . . .’

  ‘I want money – two thousand pounds should do it,’ Maura said, giving him a hard look. ‘If you pay up, that is the last you will hear of me. If not, I might have to tell your wife. Or even your son . . . do you think he would like to know he has an older brother?’

  ‘Damn you! Breathe one word of this to either of them and I’ll—’

  ‘Break my neck.’ She threw him a look of scorn. ‘Do you imagine you would get away with it? A dozen people have already noticed us, Dan. Just think of what you could lose.’

  Dan scowled at her. ‘Where the hell do you imagine I can get two thousand pounds from – and why the hell should I?’

  ‘You’re the son of a rich farmer. It should be easy for you. Besides, isn’t your sister a lady or something?’

  ‘Emily couldn’t afford to lend me that sort of money, and I can barely keep my family these days. It is impossible!’

  ‘Well, it’s your choice,’ Maura told him. ‘Either you pay up or your wife will receive a letter in the post.’

  ‘You’re a cold bitch! I didn’t want you. I just tried to help you out.’

  ‘That’s not quite as I remember it,’ Maura said. ‘I should say you were pretty desperate at the time. Maybe Alice wouldn’t sleep with you . . .’

  ‘Shut your filthy mouth or I’ll shut it for you!’

  ‘Threats don’t scare me,’ Maura said. ‘If you lay one finger on me, I’ll make certain the whole world knows what you are, Daniel Searles. I’m not greedy. I’ll take fifteen hundred pounds but I want it soon.’

  ‘I can’t raise that sort of money.’

  ‘A thousand pounds is my last offer. Either I get the money within a month or . . .’ Maura smiled. ‘You know what to expect.’

  ‘Where will I find you?’

  ‘I shall be in touch,’ she said. ‘Enjoy the fête, Dan. I’ll see you around.’

  Daniel watched her walk away. She was a cheating, lying bitch, just like Margaret had been. He had paid his father’s second wife to stop her telling the police what Clay had done to her and it had cost him his dreams. He had almost finished paying his debts off so that he could clear his name of bankruptcy and now he was going to have to borrow money again.

  Daniel frowned as he saw Alice and Mary walking towards him. He prayed that his wife hadn’t seen him talking to Maura. She would certainly be curious if she had and he hated lying to her. He loved Alice and he’d always felt guilty about that night, but he had never entertained the possibility that he might have another child.

  Damn Maura! She was lying – she had to be. Even as he denied it, he was remembering that night and realizing that she could easily be telling the truth. Alice had fallen for their first child on their wedding night. Why shouldn’t Maura have conceived that night? He just wished it were a lie.

  ‘You won, then.’ Alice smiled at him. ‘Why aren’t you celebrating in the beer tent with the others?’

  ‘I was looking for you. Do you want a drink or have you had enough?’

  ‘I’m ready to go home when the kids are. Is something the matter, Dan? You look bothered – angry.’

  ‘No, I’m not angry,’ he lied as he ran his fingers through his hair. He didn’t want to have to borrow money to give Maura. If there was any money to spare, it should be for Alice and his children.

  His children . . . Daniel felt the sickness in his throat. If Maura wasn’t lying, he had another son. One he had never even seen.

  ‘Daddy, you’re home!’ Sarah ran to her father and put her arms about him, hugging him. ‘I miss you when you’re away.’

  ‘I miss you too, sweetheart,’ he told her and kissed the top of her head. ‘You’re getting taller. I shan’t be able to do that soon.’

  ‘Where is Mum?’ Sarah said, glancing round the kitchen. It was all neat and tidy, nothing out of place, but there was no sign of tea or her mother. ‘Are you hungry?’

  ‘Yes,’ he said and grimaced. ‘Your mother is lying down with a headache. How about I run you to the fish shop? I could just eat fish and chips.’

  ‘Me too,’ Sarah said. ‘They are doing chicken and chips too at the shop near Paradise football ground. Mum likes that. Shall I ask her if she wants some?’

  ‘I think she has one of her migraines. Just leave her to sleep it off, Sarah. She will be better in the morning. I think we should have fish and chips in the café on the market place and then I’ll take my little girl to the pictures – what do you say to that?’

  ‘I should like that, Daddy.’ Sarah hesitated. ‘Are you sure I shouldn’t just tell Mum where we are going?’

  ‘She told me she didn’t want to be disturbed. Leave her to rest, Sarah. You know what she’s like. She will be quieter with us out of the house for a few hours.’

  ‘Yes, I know she feels awful when she has a migraine,’ Sarah agreed. She smiled at her father. ‘It will be really nice – just you and me.’

  ‘I’ve been thinking about my little girl while I was away,’ her father said as they went out to the car. ‘What do you want for your birthday, sweetheart – some money or a surprise?’

  ‘I’ve seen a pretty dress I like at the shop, but it is a lot of money.’

  ‘Is it well made – a quality thing?’ Sarah nodded. ‘Then I’ll give you the money to buy it and perhaps there will also be a little surprise on the day . . .’

  ‘You spoil me, Daddy.’

  ‘That is what fathers are for,’ he said. ‘You know I love you, Sarah. I always have. Whatever might happen in the future, that will never change . . .’

  ‘Is something the matter?’ Sarah asked, feeling a chill at the nape of her neck.

  ‘No, of course not,’ he replied. ‘I just wanted you to know. I can’t wait for those fish and chips. I’m starving!’

  Sarah smiled, but she was thoughtful. She had begun to wonder lately what was causing the blinding headaches her mother was having more and more frequently. It was odd but they always seemed to happen when her father came back from one of his business trips.

  ‘You’ve made a really good start; it even smells better,’ Emily said as she looked around the bedrooms in the dower house. Connor and his friends had taken down partitions of wood and plaster, broken up old toilets and basins and thrown them into a cart to be taken off to a tip somewhere. They had even made good some of the holes in the walls. ‘I feel awful, because you’ve spent the whole of your holiday working – and I haven’t even paid you.’

  ‘You gave my mates something for their trouble and that is all that matters. You should get at least three estimates for the restoration work, Emily. If they are all too expensive, I’ll do a bit of decorating next time I come.’

  ‘You have already done more than I could ask or expect,’ Emily said. ‘It depends on those pictures I told you about. The gallery has agreed to sell them, though they say nothing is worth more than a hundred or two.’

  ‘If I were you, I would put them in an auction. You might do a lot better that way – perhaps twice as much.’

  ‘Do you think so?’ Emily looked thoughtful. ‘Well, I did think a couple of them ought to be more valuable. Perhaps I shall sell those at auction, but they may go for nothing – like the farm sale.’

  ‘That was a bankruptcy sale. Dan had no control – but you have. Put a reserve of one thousan
d pounds on each and see what happens.’

  ‘That is a lot of money!’

  ‘If they don’t sell, you can let the gallery have them at another time. You can’t lose either way.’

  ‘I suppose not . . .’ Emily laughed. ‘You’re a bright lad, aren’t you? Why do you waste your time on the farm?’

  ‘Because Dan needs me. It won’t be for ever. As soon as he has paid his debt I’m off. He told me he should be clear in another few months.’

  ‘I wish I could help more. I have some of the money Vane left me . . .’

  ‘You need to keep something in reserve. I’m in no real hurry. I’m not sure what I want to do yet.’

  ‘You could go into building – or decorating,’ Emily suggested. ‘You’re good with your hands, and you could run a business. You are clever enough, Con. You’re not like Henry.’

  ‘Poor devil,’ Connor said. ‘It was too much worry for him, Emily. He should never have had to carry all that through the war. Clay should have helped him.’

  ‘Don’t talk to me about Clay. The last time I saw him we had a row. He treats poor Dorothy like dirt. I do not know why she puts up with it. I wouldn’t stay if I were her.’

  ‘Dan should have let Margaret report him to the police. He would have had the money for his garage then – and Clay deserved it after what he did.’

  ‘It would have upset Frances. I shouldn’t have liked the scandal either, but Frances had to live in the village – and she worried about what her mother-in-law thought.’

  ‘Much good that did her. Sam Danby tried to rape her and then had her shut up in a mental home. If it hadn’t been for you, she might still have been there.’

  ‘Dan had too much on his plate to think about Frances, but I am sure he would have got round to it in time.’

  ‘I’m not certain he would.’ Connor frowned. ‘He gave Sam a bloody nose when he found out, though. If Sam hadn’t killed himself, I’m not sure what might have happened.’

  Emily nodded but didn’t answer. The official line was that Sam Danby had taken his own life while in an unstable state of mind, but Emily had always suspected that his wife might know more than she had let anyone guess.