It's Now or Never

by June Francis

  His hands tightened on the steering wheel. ‘We’ve had a spate of robberies and a couple of them involved nasty attacks on shopkeepers. One of the victims was a woman who was unconscious for over twenty-four hours. Fortunately she came round but was unable to give us a description of her attacker.’ His expression was grim. ‘But we’ll get the swines eventually. They’ll make a mistake and that’ll be it. We do have our suspicions about who could be responsible.’

  ‘Your Hester’s going to miss all the excitement of her job after she’s married,’ said Dorothy.

  ‘Probably, but she’ll have plenty to keep her occupied and will soon get used to a different way of life. She’ll be living close to Myra Jones whom she stayed with when she was evacuated. Myra’s going to help her in the teashop that Emma set up during the summer.’ He glanced at Dorothy as he stopped at traffic lights. ‘I’ve never thought to ask whether you can cook.’

  ‘A bit … simple meals … egg and chips, mince and potatoes.’

  Sam grinned. ‘Plain, simple food, but plenty of it will do me.’

  ‘I like eating out,’ she said.

  ‘Can’t do that all the time,’ he replied.

  The traffic lights changed and they crossed Islington, heading for Scotland Road and the north. ‘You’re never going to believe this but when Dad went to visit Grace the other day, they had pheasant for dinner.’

  ‘Pheasant! What do they taste like?’

  ‘Gamey, whatever that means, but he seemed to like it. Another thing he told me was that Grace is on the board of guardians at a home for unmarried mothers in the Cheshire countryside.’

  Dorothy froze. ‘Are you kidding me?’

  ‘No, the subject came up because it’s Mothering Sunday this weekend. Apparently the building used to belong to her family a couple of generations back and it was given over for that purpose after the Great War. Grace took over as a guardian after her mother died.’

  Dorothy hoped it was not the same place where she and Lynne Donegan had their babies. It would be an unfortunate coincidence if it was and yet the names of mothers and their babies and the adopted parents were supposed to be kept completely hush-hush.

  ‘What it is to have money and to be able to make such a gesture,’ she said casually.

  ‘The family probably had to get rid of it because of death duties,’ said Sam. ‘Anyway, they get a raw deal, some of those girls.’

  ‘You think so?’

  ‘Yeah, one little mistake and pow! We were bloody lucky that it didn’t happen to you,’ said Sam.

  ‘Yes, weren’t we,’ said Dorothy, an edge to her voice.

  He covered her hand with one of his for a moment. ‘I would have married you.’

  ‘I know but we were far too young,’ she said.

  ‘Even so …’

  They fell silent.

  Then Sam said, ‘I know a couple of prostitutes who slipped up and got themselves pregnant.’

  ‘Do you?’

  ‘Part of the job, love. Last time it was due to a stabbing and we had to haul several of them in. Actually it was not that far from where Jeanette’s living now. There’s a Seamen’s Club nearby.’

  ‘Who was it who was stabbed?’

  ‘A pimp. He nearly died,’ said Sam, grim-faced.

  ‘Tell me more! I’m not a wilting lily.’

  He glanced at her. ‘All grist to the mill, is it? You could make a film of it. A tart with a heart of gold gets pregnant. Pimp wants her to have an abortion but she’s scared because she knew a girl who died, so she decides to have the baby and give it up for adoption. Whichever way you look at it, it has to be tough giving up your baby or keeping it and having to struggle to support it.’

  ‘What if in your story she didn’t give it up for adoption but kept it?’ asked Dorothy, her heart beating fast.

  ‘She’d need the help of a family and most prostitutes don’t get such help. She’d have to carry on selling her body, catch a nasty disease and die.’

  Dorothy shuddered. ‘Really cheerful stuff! What happens to the child?’

  ‘He’s no longer a baby and is put in an orphanage and sent off to Australia or South Africa, works like a slave, makes his fortune and returns to England and marries an heiress who is the daughter of the man who got his mother pregnant in the first place.’

  ‘No!’ exclaimed Dorothy, impressed that Sam could make up such a tale. ‘You’re wasted as a detective! But tell me how would he know that he was the father?’

  ‘He wouldn’t. Only the cinema-goers would know because they see him at the beginning of the film.’

  ‘They wouldn’t like that. He got the girl into trouble and didn’t marry her.’

  ‘That’s why you’d need a double twist. He isn’t the man but his twin brother, so not the real father.’

  Dorothy groaned. ‘Let’s change the subject. The cottage, is it picturesque?’

  ‘You’ll be able to see for yourself. You do have a decent pair of shoes or boots you can walk in, don’t you?’

  She frowned. ‘You’re not really thinking of walking in the snow?’

  ‘Why not? The inn that Hester’s booked us in is not that far from Pendle Hill of witches fame. If the snow isn’t too bad, it would bring colour to your cheeks,’ said Sam, grinning.

  Her eyes sparkled with annoyance. ‘You have to be joking! I’m not walking up any hills at this time of year and that’s definite,’ she said firmly.

  He said mildly, ‘But it is my weekend. You have a week in London doing exactly what you want but you’re not prepared to put yourself out for me. I wouldn’t take you up the hills if it’s risky.’

  ‘I should think not. Anyway, I don’t have boots suitable for walking up hills.’

  ‘Why didn’t you say that in the first place? I suppose I should have mentioned boots when I first broached the subject of a couple of days away.’

  She felt like saying that it wouldn’t have made any difference but decided best to just nod.

  ‘We can spend the time snuggled up at the inn in front of a roaring fire or go and see a play that some amateurs are putting on at the village if you like?’ said Sam. ‘And if you get really fed up with me, you can spend some time with Hester and Emma.’

  She felt a twinge of guilt. ‘I won’t get fed up with you, Sam. I suppose we can walk around the village if I could buy a pair of walking shoes.’

  ‘That’s the ticket,’ he said, looking pleased. ‘We could also walk along the river or around the ruined abbey.’

  She agreed, although she would have much preferred Blackpool with its hotels and theatres. One thing was for certain, it was obvious that despite his frustration, he was still prepared to wait until they were married before they slept together. Hester was bound to have booked them into separate rooms and rightly so. It was much wiser to play safe. One couldn’t be too careful and she doubted he’d come prepared – and she certainly didn’t want to get pregnant again. If this coming film proved a success there would be another one waiting for her in the wings.

  The two days away could have proved to be just what the doctor ordered if either of them bothered with doctors. Dorothy joked that the inn, the village, the cottage and the surrounding countryside looked just like a Christmas card. Hester and Emma had travelled up by train the day before; Jared and Ally were already staying in the village. The two women showed off the new bathroom and the kitchen which Dorothy admired, despite her preference for modern houses.

  On the Saturday evening the six of them had a meal at the inn and there was plenty for them to talk about what with Hester and Ally’s coming wedding, Emma and Jared’s baby expected the end of June and Dorothy’s role in the film. She did not go on too much about the latter because of wanting to keep the peace between her and Sam. Several times during the evening she was aware of Emma placing a hand protectively over her bump and Jared smiling at her and squeezing her free hand. They were so content in their marriage that it made Dorothy feel depressed and restless, knowin
g that was how Sam would like them to be but she just could not see herself in that role. Sam was gorgeous and she wanted his happiness but could she make him happy? She had hated how she had looked when she was pregnant. She remembered how she had done her utmost not to draw attention to her increasing waistline. She had worn a corset, hoping that would conceal her condition and not only because she was unmarried.

  ‘Hester tells me that you have a lovely frock for the wedding,’ said Emma, rousing Dorothy from her reverie.

  ‘Yes! I bought it in London. That’s where you need to go to get anything really fashionable.’ She reached for her cigarette case and took a cigarette before offering it around the table.

  ‘I’m happy with the gown Lynne’s made me,’ said Hester, after refusing a cigarette. ‘And it’s not costing me a fortune.’

  ‘I’m sure you’ll look sensational,’ said Ally, smiling across at her.

  ‘I’m sure she will, too,’ said Dorothy hastily, accepting a light from Sam. ‘But clothes are very much part of my job. I have to look stunning to get important people in the business to notice me.’

  ‘My sister, Maggie, is mad about clothes,’ said Jared, reaching for his pint. ‘She wants to be a model. What d’you think of that as a career for a young girl today? You’ve lived in London, haven’t you, Dorothy? What advice would you give to her? She might listen to you if you warned her of the dangers she could encounter.’

  Emma leaned forward. ‘When we say anything to her about it, she gets a weed on and says we just want to spoil her fun. Jared is her guardian since their mother died and she left Maggie some money. It would be easier for us if she hadn’t as she keeps saying, “It’s my money. I can do what I want with it.”’

  ‘It’s a heck of a responsibility,’ said Jared ruefully. ‘There’s also my cousin, Betty, who has a weed on at the moment, too. She’s gone and changed her mind about being an artist and going to Italy, which has been her dream for years.’

  ‘We’ve heard a little about Betty,’ said Sam, glancing across at Hester.

  ‘Of course, your sister, Jeanette, shares the flat with her now,’ said Jared. ‘Now Betty’s joking about working in the theatre.’

  ‘Why should she want to do that?’ asked Dorothy, startled.

  Jared and Emma exchanged looks. ‘It’s too complicated to explain,’ he said, ‘even though both her father and mother were involved in the theatre at one time.’

  ‘She’s in a strange mood,’ said Emma. ‘If you could persuade Betty that acting isn’t all it’s cracked out to be, we’d appreciate it.’

  ‘And persuade Maggie that London is a dangerous place for young pretty girls,’ said Jared.

  Dorothy remembered her younger self and the struggle she’d had to become an actress. She had only got where she was today because she hadn’t listened to those who had told her not to do it. She had been single-minded, her heart set on doing what she loved best and wanting success. If it had not been then she would have dropped out years ago. She was aware they were all waiting to hear what she had to say.

  ‘I admire Betty’s courage for daring to tell her family that she’s changed her mind and wants to do something else,’ she declared with a smile. ‘Encourage her and if it’s just a mood, then she’ll soon realize what sheer hard work treading the boards is and give up.’

  ‘You really believe that?’ asked Emma.

  ‘I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t,’ replied Dorothy with a shrug. ‘It’s the same with Jared’s sister. I understand your concern but let her have her chance. Otherwise, she’ll hate you and might just run away. Much better if I were to give you the name of a boarding house in London. It’s run by a woman I know, who gave up her career on the stage and took it over from her mother. She looks after her lodgers like a mother hen does her chicks.’

  Emma glanced at Jared. ‘She sounds a good person,’ she said.

  ‘The best,’ said Dorothy warmly. ‘I’ll give you her full name and address and Maggie can mention my name to her.’

  Jared thanked her.

  Hester changed the subject, mentioning an amateur play that was advertised in the village. It was decided that they would go and see it the following evening and that’s what they did. The others enjoyed it but Dorothy was not impressed by most of the performances and could see where the production could be improved.

  Afterwards, as she and Sam strolled back to the inn, he asked her whether she could see herself getting involved in such a group after they were married. She experienced a sinking feeling in her gut.

  ‘It’s not the first time you’ve mooted that idea. Is it that you believe if you bring it up often enough I’ll say yes? I don’t want to play at acting! I want the real thing and if I can’t have it then that’s the end of it!’

  ‘Don’t be so touchy!’ said Sam, kicking a pebble into the gutter. ‘I was only asking. You spoke so wisely to Emma and Jared about Betty and Maggie. You could teach a group like that to improve their performance.’

  Dorothy felt like stamping her foot. ‘Let’s drop it! I meant what I said.’

  He scowled. ‘OK! No doubt you’ll be glad to get back to the city?’

  ‘To be honest, yes! I’m a townie. I’m glad we’re going home tomorrow and pleased that there’s Hester’s wedding to look forward to.’

  ‘No doubt because once it’s over, you can join your film-making pals down south,’ said Sam.

  ‘I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to the filming.’

  He looked grim and, without another word, strode on ahead.

  She swore beneath her breath, thinking she could catch up with him if she put on a spurt, but she couldn’t be bothered. Although she had enjoyed the break away, it had not really drawn them any closer to reaching an agreement about the future that would make them both happy.

  Fifteen

  It was Easter Saturday and the sun was shining as Lynne came out of Edie’s hairdresser’s next to St Alban’s pub in Whitefield Road. She almost collided with Hester and Jeanette.

  ‘You’re early,’ said Hester, eyeing her hairdo.

  ‘I have to get Nan up and see everything is OK for her and Bobby,’ said Lynne, smiling. ‘They’re both coming to see the wedding. How are you feeling this morning? Not a bag of nerves, I hope.’

  ‘A bit jittery,’ said Hester, pulling a face. ‘Praying that everything goes off smoothly. At least I don’t have to worry about traffic jams from here to Whalley preventing Ally from getting to the church on time. He was staying with my friend Wendy and her husband last night.’

  ‘That’s great,’ said Lynne, ‘and you have the sun, too.’ She held her face up to its rays.

  ‘We could do with the wind dropping,’ said Jeanette, rubbing her arms. ‘It’s still a bit chilly.’

  ‘Give it time,’ said Lynne. ‘By this afternoon, it could be a lot warmer.’ She hesitated. ‘Thanks for dropping my pattern book in the other week, by the way, Jeanette. How is Betty?’

  ‘A bit glum-faced. I told her that she should have got you to make her a couple of frocks, even though she says she’s not going to Italy. I don’t know why she’s allowed what Maggie said to undermine her confidence. She must know she’s got artistic talent.’

  ‘I certainly think she has,’ said Lynne. ‘I love her painting and have it in my bedroom. Bobby’s a bit put out, says she never thought I’d go for modern art. She’s done a rather nice sketch of that singer, Tony.’

  ‘Well, Tony’ll be singing at the do this evening and Betty will be there, too.’ Hester paused. ‘We’d best go inside. Our appointment is in five minutes. See you this afternoon, Lynne.’

  ‘I’m really looking forward to seeing your outfit finished,’ said a smiling Jeanette, fluttering her fingers at Lynne before following Hester into the hairdresser’s.

  As Lynne went on her way, she thought about the outfit she had made for the wedding and prayed that she had not overdone it. She had spent more than was sensible on materials and would ha
te Hester to think she was trying to outshine the other guests. Lynne’s problem was that she needed more customers if she was to continue to be self-employed and she wanted to make an impression that said See how talented I am. As much as she hated to think of Nan passing away, it was a fact of life that when people grew old they died. Without Nan’s pension and small savings, finances would be even tighter than they were now. Perhaps best not to dwell on that at the moment. Today was one of celebration. If the worst came to the worst then she could always pawn her mother’s jewellery and accept her stepfather’s offer to pay for Roberta to go to America.

  To Lynne’s delight and surprise when she arrived home she found a postcard on the mat of the Trevi Fountain in Rome. She turned the postcard over and read the small neat handwriting on the reverse. She slipped it into her jacket pocket and entered the kitchen with a smile on her face. She dumped the shopping she had done on the way home on the table and looked at her daughter. ‘Guess what?’

  Roberta, who was polishing the sideboard, glanced at her mother and did a double-take. ‘Blinking heck, Mam, I hardly recognized you with your hair all wavy. You going somewhere?’ she added with a cheeky grin.

  ‘Very funny,’ said Lynne, her eyes twinkling. ‘Is Nan still asleep?’

  ‘She was when I looked in on her. D’you want me to go up now and see if she’s awake?’

  ‘Take her a cup of tea up and show her this.’ Lynne passed the postcard to her daughter.

  Roberta gazed down at the photograph of the Trevi Fountain and heaved a sigh before turning the postcard over and reading the greetings from Stuart. ‘He wishes we were there enjoying the sunshine with him,’ she murmured. ‘At least this means he was definitely serious about keeping in touch. You did notice that he mentions Betty and how much she’ll enjoy Italy?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Lynne, starting to unpack the shopping.

  ‘Perhaps he’ll send a postcard to her at the coffee bar,’ said Roberta, putting on the kettle. ‘I wonder what Dorothy Wilson will be wearing for the wedding.’

  ‘I guarantee it’ll be something expensive,’ said Lynne, not wanting to think about the actress and her relationship with Sam. ‘D’you think you’ll be able to make a pan of scouse for you and Nan?’