by Joan Jonker
‘Not as yet.’
‘Yer’ve got yer head screwed on, then, mate. Girls are nothing but a blinking nuisance. Most of them talk fifteen to the dozen, and it’s always a load of rubbish. Like how high their heels are, or this dress they’ve seen in a shop window which they’re going to save up for ’cos they just know it’ll suit them. Yer can be putting yer whole heart and soul into a dance, really carried away with it, and out comes this silly voice nattering about nothing at all. They’re a waste of space, girls are. I don’t know what God was thinking about when He made them.’
‘I know why He made them,’ Abbie was stung into saying. She knew he was only acting daft and didn’t really mean what he said, but she wasn’t going to let him get away with that. ‘He made them just for you to dance with. I mean, you’d look silly dancing around the floor on your own, wouldn’t you? So girls do have their uses.’
Milly too went to the defence of all females. ‘And what about yer mam? She was a girl once, yer know. Isn’t she the one who puts that sharp crease in yer trousers what yer could cut yer throat on? And doesn’t she iron yer shirts, makes sure yer have a clean hankie in yer pocket, feeds yer and gets yer up for work every morning? And believe me, everyone in the street knows what a holy terror yer are to get out of bed ’cos yer mam’s got a voice that would wake the dead.’
Bobby was shaking with laughter when he looked at Nigel. ‘That’s another thing about girls, they can’t take a joke. Me mam’s the same. Every morning I tell her I’m up but she won’t believe me and keeps bawling her head off. She reckons if she can’t hear the springs on the bed going, then I’m not up.’
‘So all the time she’s bawling her head off, you are up?’ Nigel asked.
‘Well, it’s like this, yer see, Nige, from one man to another. I’m not actually out of bed, but I am giving it careful consideration.’
The shortening of his name brought a vivid memory back to Nigel. It was in the early days of his friendship with Bobby and they were fighting over an ollie. ‘You’ve just had a certain expression on your face, and d’you know what it reminded me of?’ he asked.
‘Ronald Colman or James Cagney?’
Nigel shook his head. ‘We were only about seven, I think, and we were having a game of ollies near St James’s School. You accused me of cheating and an argument broke out. You got yourself in a right paddy, and I can remember the words as though it was yesterday. Your face the colour of beetroot, you shouted, “What sort of a name is Nigel, anyway! It’s a cissie’s name and ye’re getting Nige off me, whether yer like it or not.” And to my mother’s annoyance, whenever you called for me, you always asked, “Is Nige coming out to play?” ’
There was a burst of laughter from the four of them. Then Bobby said, ‘I hope ye’re not going to hold that against me for the rest of me life? Or is that the reason yer looked me up, just to tell me off ?’
Nigel shook his head. ‘No, I really wanted to see you. And anyway, I’ve never really liked my name, so Nige suits me fine.’
‘Well, at last yer got something right. That makes a change.’ Milly’s tongue darted in and out so fast Bobby didn’t know whether he was seeing things.
‘If you keep picking on me, Milly Jamieson, I’m going to tell me mam on yer and she’ll sort yer out. And yer know yerself she’s got a voice like a foghorn. When she tells yer off, yer know yer’ve been told off good and proper.’
‘Look, we’ll be going,’ Nigel said. ‘Otherwise you’ll miss every dance. But is there a night you don’t go out, so we can get together and have a good chinwag about the old days?’
‘There’s nothing doing on a Sunday, so how would that suit yer? Yer could come to ours, ’cos I know me mam would like to see yer.’
Abbie remembered they were going out on Sunday and quickly reminded her brother. ‘Don’t forget we’re seeing Grandma and Granda on Sunday.’
‘I hadn’t forgotten, but that’s in the afternoon. We should be home about six, or seven at the latest. So I’ll give you a knock about eight, Bobby, is that all right?’
‘That’s fine.’ He followed them to the door. ‘It’s been really great seeing yer, Nige, and you, Abbie. I’ve often thought about yer over the years, but I didn’t know where yer’d gone to live or how to get in touch with yer. And it proves how glad I was to see yer, when I’ve missed four dances through yer.’ A cheeky grin on his face, he slapped his friend on the back. ‘But you know me, mate, I’m not one to bear grudges.’ He waved them off and returned to the dance-floor in time for a two-step. Many of the girls’ heads were turned hopefully towards him, as he was very popular. Not only because he was such a good dancer, but his blond-haired, blue-eyed good looks were a great attraction. However, Bobby Neary didn’t choose a partner for her looks. He didn’t care if a girl had a face like the back of a tram, as long as she could dance. Oh, and didn’t talk the ear off him, either.
Robert looked through his rearview mirror to make sure Nigel was still keeping up with him, then turned his attention back to his daughter. ‘So, you’ve both had an enjoyable evening, my dear?’
‘Enjoyable is only one of the words I can think of, Dad. There’s marvellous, exciting, very emotional and extremely funny. I really fell in love with Grandma and Granda, they’re kind, gentle and very loving.’ Abbie thought for a second before saying, ‘You would think they’d be bitter, the way they’ve been treated, but they’re not. I don’t believe they’ve got an unkind thought in their heads. And Nigel and I are going to make it up to them for the time we’ve all lost.’ Once again she considered the words in her head before she allowed them through her lips. ‘Are you going to tell Mother?’
‘Yes, of course, I’ll have to tell her. If she isn’t asleep when we get home, and I think the timing is right, I’ll tell her this evening. But I must ask that you and Nigel do not say anything that she feels is condemning her. She is what she is, my dear, and recriminations will not serve any purpose. We all have to live in the same house, and it would be better for all concerned if we can at least be pleasant and civil to each other.’
Abbie didn’t want to spoil a perfect day so she brought a little lightness into the conversation. ‘It was really good seeing Milly and her family again, Dad, and we’ve pledged to be best friends for life. You know I’m seeing her on Sunday, don’t you? That’s after we’ve been to Southport with Grandma and Granda. I’m really looking forward to that, it’s going to be a lovely day.’
‘Nigel seemed very happy about meeting up with Bobby again. I bet he got a shock, you turning up at the dance hall.’
‘He didn’t know me at first, he asked if I was Nigel’s girlfriend. Oh, and by the way, he said he’s always called your son Nige, and he’s not going to change now ’cos we’re posh. He is so funny, and he’ll be good for Nigel.’ Abbie repeated the whole conversation they’d had in the darkness of the dance hall, and when Robert was driving through the gates and down the side of the house to the garage, he was laughing loudly.
‘So, you and Nigel are going to learn to dance to keep up with your friends? I think that’s an excellent idea. You find a good teacher, my dear, and I’ll willingly pay for your lessons. And the day won’t be far off when you can take to the dance-floor and give Bobby and Milly the surprise of their lives.’
‘Oh, Milly might get a surprise, but not Bobby Neary ’cos I don’t think anything would surprise him. He’s so easygoing, got an answer for everything. He seems to get on well with Milly, and if I’m not mistaken he’s got a soft spot for her. Even though he said girls are nothing but a blinking nuisance and he doesn’t know what God was thinking about when He made them, I’ve got a feeling he isn’t completely immune to Milly’s charms.’
They were out of the car when Nigel drove up behind them. He slid from behind the wheel and faced them with a grin on his face. ‘What a day, eh? One of the best in my life.’
‘I’m glad about that, son, and I think you’re in for many more. Now, shall we creep through the kitchen and up the stairs
in case the rest of the family are asleep? You two go first and I’ll follow.’ He waited until they were on the far side of the kitchen, then chuckling inside, he said softly, ‘Goodnight, Abbie. Goodnight, Nige.’
There was a look of astonishment on his son’s face until he heard his sister giggling. ‘Oh, she told you?’
Robert nodded. ‘I must say I rather like it. And I think Jeff would, too!’
Nigel grinned. ‘I’m rather partial to it myself, Dad, it sounds more friendly. Goodnight, and thank you for today.’
Chapter Ten
Robert could see a glimmer of light under the bedroom door when he reached the landing, and he felt his heart-rate quicken. He wasn’t looking forward to telling his wife what he was responsible for today, even though he knew he shouldn’t feel guilty about doing something he thought was right for his children and their grandparents. Keeping them apart for seventeen years was unforgivable, and it was she who should feel guilty. Not only for letting it go on, but to lie in the process. Nevertheless Edwina was his wife and he didn’t get any pleasure out of hurting her. Even though she hadn’t been a real wife to him for seventeen years.
He had just turned the knob on the door when the light went out, and he knew the action was deliberate. It was her way of saying she didn’t want to talk to him. But, unfortunately for her, he was determined not to be put off. He wanted everything out in the open, and he wanted to do it tonight instead of it lying heavily on his mind for another day. He reached for the wall switch and flooded the room with light. ‘Edwina, I know you are not asleep, so would you kindly sit up as I need to talk to you.’
His wife pulled the bedclothes up to partly cover her face. ‘Whatever it is can wait until tomorrow. I am very tired.’
Robert took a deep breath. ‘I asked you once and you refused; I will not ask a second time. I am telling you that unless you want the whole house to hear what I have to say, you will sit up and listen.’ He waited a few seconds, then when there was no movement he strode to the door and threw it open. ‘Right! If that’s the way you want it, that’s the way you shall have it.’
When a muffled voice said, ‘Give me time.’ Robert closed the door and stood at the end of the bed to watch his wife huff and puff as she pushed herself upright. She was forty-five years of age but looked like an old woman with a lace bed-cap pinned over her hair and an old-fashioned nightdress covering her from neck to fingers and toes. It was when she pulled a sheet up to her chin that Robert lost patience. ‘I know two women your age and compared to you they look like young girls. Even your own mother has more go in her than you do. Well turned seventy, she still does all her own housework and keeps the house like a new pin, while you sit on your backside all day, do sweet Fanny Adams, then have the nerve to complain of being tired.’ He ran his fingers through his thick black hair and sighed. He didn’t want to lose his temper but she really would try the patience of a saint.
Edwina peered at him through narrowed eyes. ‘Then I don’t know why you don’t go and talk to one of your women friends. They would no doubt be more interested in what you have to say than I am.’
‘I have no intention of being put off track by a remark like that. You may think what you wish, it really doesn’t affect me in the slightest. I’ll say what I have to say, then retire and leave you to the sleep you so badly crave.’ Once again he ran his fingers through his hair and asked himself why he was bothering. What he had to say, and what he had done, would have no effect on her and wouldn’t change her one iota. But she had a right to know, and he could live in peace with himself. ‘Today I took Abbie and Nigel to see their grandparents.’ He saw the sheet being gripped by her fingers and he heard her gasp. But he carried on. ‘It was a wonderful experience for all of them and a joyous sight to behold. The only thing that marred the occasion for me was the knowledge that it was something I should have done many years ago. Anyway, the children are delighted that their grandparents are still alive and will be visiting them on a regular basis. Sadly, Victoria has not been included in this rejoicing. I think you know why.’
‘All this just to spite me,’ Edwina hissed. ‘Well, if you think I’m going to let you change my way of life, then you are very much mistaken. So if you have said what you wanted to say, I would like you to leave now and let me sleep.’
‘Oh, I haven’t finished yet, there’s more to come. You see, Edwina, I have had a busy day with my son and daughter. Abbie has been reunited with her schoolfriend, Milly, and Nigel met up with his old mate, Bobby Neary.’
The growl started in Edwina’s chest, came up her throat and out of her mouth. She was seething with anger. ‘How dare you! How dare you bring these people back into our children’s lives! I will certainly discourage them from associating with the likes of the Jamiesons or those Nearys. And none of them will ever cross the threshold of this house. Do you understand?’
‘I haven’t been able to understand you for a long time, Edwina. I think most reasonable people would have trouble understanding why a woman would disown her own parents and friends. But then you are not a reasonable, or rational person, are you? As far as I am concerned you can go your own sweet way, as long as you don’t try and interfere in my life, or my son and youngest daughter’s. They’ve found their true friends again, and are delighted. You put a blight on their happiness and I’ll come down hard on you. And you would be wise to heed my warning.’ Robert spun on his heels and walked towards his dressing-room where he would sleep on the single bed. But as he reached the door, he turned. ‘Oh, by the way, here’s another little item for you to think about. As they never fail to do, your mam and dad asked me how “our Edie and Victoria” are. Sleep on that if you can. Goodnight.’
‘Ay, I’ve got a nice surprise for yer, sunshine.’ Agnes smiled at Jessie as the girl hung her coat on the hook behind the door. ‘Mr Robert ordered them by phone yesterday morning, and they were delivered half an hour ago.’
Kitty, who had arrived a few minutes earlier, was sitting at the table having a cup of tea. ‘Ye’re going to look proper posh, queen. But if I catch yer looking down yer nose at me I’ll clock yer one.’
‘Are you two pulling me leg?’ Jessie asked, a huge grin on her face. ‘If yer are, I’ll think of something to pay yer back.’
Agnes nodded to the dresser. ‘Have a look at what’s in the parcel over there. If they don’t fit yer, me or Kitty will have them.’
Jessie giggled. She was twice the size of Kitty, and Aggie was three times the size of her, so what could possibly be passed on to either of them if it didn’t fit her? Still thinking she was having her leg pulled, she picked up the parcel and carried it to the table. Gingerly, she parted the brown paper covering to reveal a square cardboard box. ‘I know it’s a joke, so tell me what it is before I open it and have a heart attack.’
‘Pass it over, queen, and I’ll show yer what’s inside.’ Kitty took off the lid and lifted out a white lace pinny which she held out by the waist straps. ‘How about that, then, eh? And look, this is to go with it.’ A matching white headpiece was produced and passed over to Jessie, who looked stunned. ‘She’s lost her bleedin’ voice, Aggie! She’ll probably lay a duck egg when she sees what else is in the box.’
‘Are these for me?’ The girl’s voice was choked. ‘They’re lovely.’
‘Show her the rest, Kitty,’ Agnes said. ‘Don’t be making a meal out of it.’
‘Patience never was one of your virtues, Aggie Weatherby. Making a bleedin’ meal out of it, indeed! Here yer are, queen, a nice black dress and a pair of black stockings.’
It was all too much for Jessie. ‘But why? I mean, why would Mr Robert want to buy these for me?’
‘For the same reason he bought me a new dress, overall and apron. And why he bought Kitty a new dress and overall. Because he’s a good boss, that’s why.’ Agnes nodded to stress how good she thought their boss was. ‘But ye’re not to wear them in the morning when ye’re helping Kitty with the heavy housework. You’ll put the
m on in the afternoon when ye’re helping me in the kitchen, and when they’re expecting guests and you answer the door to them.’
‘They’ll think they’ve come to the wrong bleedin’ house,’ Kitty said, draining her cup before pushing her chair back. ‘Hurry up and finish yer tea, queen, so we can get cracking. I don’t fancy being ticked off by her ladyship. She doesn’t half get up my nose the way she goes around all the woodwork with a finger to make sure we haven’t missed an inch. And the look on her clock, anyone would think she had a rotten egg under her nose.’
‘She’s got nothing better to do with her days, sunshine, so I wouldn’t worry about her.’ Agnes was laying rashers of bacon in the frying pan ready to start the breakfast when she heard movement from upstairs. Sometimes Miss Edwina would let her know she was preparing to come down by pulling a cord in her room. This would set off one of the row of eight bells on the kitchen wall. Most days though, she came down unannounced, hoping to catch the staff doing something they shouldn’t. ‘I wouldn’t swap my life with hers for all the tea in China. What I would like that she’s got, though, is a husband like Mr Robert, and children like Mr Nigel and Miss Abbie. The woman doesn’t know how lucky she is and she doesn’t deserve them.’
‘Ye’re right there, queen.’ Kitty’s nod was emphatic. ‘It’s a pity she can’t be poor for a few weeks. Yer know, without two ha’pennies to rub together. No food in the pantry, no coal for the fire and no penny for the gas meter. Then she might appreciate what she’s got here.’
‘She should have to work as hard as my mam,’ Jessie said, with feeling. ‘See how she’d like scrubbing floors for people, just to buy food so the family don’t go hungry.’
‘Oh, I think she’s probably known what it is to be poor,’ Agnes said. ‘I’ve worked for them long enough to know they haven’t always had money.’ The housekeeper was remembering what Mr Robert had told her about his mam and dad. But that had been told in confidence and she wasn’t going to repeat it. ‘I find that people who are born into money don’t act so high and mighty as those who acquire it later in life. I may be wrong, but I don’t think so.’
