Dream a Little Dream

by Joan Jonker

  ‘If it’s for their own good, of course they will! Anyway, I’m not likely to repeat what you tell me, am I? So who are the two people involved, and what has it got to do with Bobby getting a job as a driver?’

  ‘Well, it’s Bobby and Abbie. She likes Bobby a lot, Dad, but she said if I told anyone she wouldn’t speak to me again. So to try and get them together, I asked Bobby if he’d make a foursome up to go to the pictures. Me with Doreen, him with Abbie. He turned me down flat, saying he didn’t want to get serious with a girl. So I did a bit of probing, until in the end he told me the real reason he wouldn’t go to the pictures with Abbie. He really likes her, you see, but he said she didn’t want to bother with the likes of him because he could never give her what she’s used to.’ Nigel moved from the desk to the chair opposite his father. ‘It’s not often you see the serious side of him, but I did that night when he opened up his heart. He didn’t want to start getting too near Abbie, because he’d be the one who would end up hurt and miserable.’

  Robert was thoughtful as he tapped the end of his pen on the desk. Perhaps it would be better if he stood aside and let things take their course. Then again, he could interfere in such a way no one would know. ‘When I’ve said what I’m going to, Nigel, we will both forget this conversation ever took place. Agreed?’

  ‘Yes, of course.’

  ‘I know you’re seeing Bobby tonight because it’s dance night. So why don’t you casually mention that I’m going in for a new van. Then you could say I’d be looking for a driver and a second man in the next week or so. Put the idea into his head then leave it up to him. If he’s interested, he’ll soon let you know. And as this conversation didn’t take place, then he won’t think there’s been any conniving.’

  ‘What would your feelings be, Dad, if it did come to pass that they fell in love with each other? Would you have any objection?’

  ‘To Rose Neary’s son becoming my son-in-law? I’d be absolutely delighted! But you will have to tread carefully, Nigel, because the last thing you want is to make Bobby feel as though you’re doing him a favour. The lad has his pride, I wouldn’t want to be party to it being broken.’

  A grin spread across Nigel’s face. ‘Thanks, Dad, I’ll do exactly as you say. Will you still be up when we get home, so I can tell you how it went?’

  ‘I’ll be late in myself, I’m going to see a friend.’ Robert was going to Maureen’s, and he had so much to tell her he knew it would be after midnight when he got home. ‘Anyway, why not tell me over breakfast when Abbie’s present? If she really likes him, we should keep her in the picture without appearing to do so.’

  ‘I’ll do that.’ Nigel put a hand on each of the chair arms to push himself up. But there was something he really wanted to say first, so he stretched over to put a hand on his father’s arm. ‘It must have been a worrying few days for you, Dad, and your mind must be spinning. Yet you still made time to listen to me, and even offer to help. I want you to know I am very grateful.’

  ‘Nigel, I have vowed to myself that I will spend the rest of my life making up to you and Abbie for the missing years of your childhood. Ten long years, and all my fault for not realising what was happening before it was too late. I will do all in my power to make it up to you. And before you go, is this Doreen a serious contender for your affections?’

  Nigel blushed. ‘I like her, Dad, we get on well together. But that is as far as we’ve progressed, so it’s early days yet.’

  Robert wagged his head from side to side, tutting. ‘I don’t know, all this intrigue going on behind my back. My two children involved in affairs of the heart and I know nothing about it! I can only excuse myself by saying I haven’t been thinking straight lately, and walking around with my eyes closed. But that will all be rectified in the near future. While I will never interfere in your lives unless I think it right to do so, I want to be part of them.’

  ‘You will be, I promise.’ Nigel felt like hugging his father to show how much he loved him, but thought it unseemly in a man. ‘I envy Abbie being a girl and able to kiss you. All I can say, Dad, is thank you.’

  Robert waved a hand. ‘Just let me know tomorrow whether thanks are in order. I hope they are.’

  Nigel’s chance came when he and Bobby were waiting for Doreen and Milly to come back from the cloakroom. Abbie was dancing with Eric, so the coast was clear. ‘Did I tell you my dad was waiting delivery of a new van? It’s not to replace one of the older ones, it’s just that business is brisk and a new van is necessary.’ He tried to sound very off-hand and it seemed to work as Bobby showed interest.

  ‘Have you ever driven a van, Nige?’

  ‘No, I’m afraid my job is mostly stuck in the office. I’ve often wanted to try, though, because I fancy it would give you a feeling of power, sitting so high up in the world. I might ask my dad if I can have a go sometime.’

  ‘I’d give my right arm if I had the chance to drive one. I can’t see it, though, so it’s just wishful thinking on my part.’

  ‘Well, my dad will be looking for a driver and a second man in the next week or two, so why not apply for the job as second man?’

  ‘What’s a second man when he’s out?’

  ‘He helps with the furniture, but in most cases they also drive the van occasionally. That’s in case the driver is ever off and they need someone to take over.’

  Bobby’s eyes were bright. ‘And is yer dad going to interview men for the jobs?’

  ‘Sometimes he does, sometimes one of the managers does it. I could find out a bit more about it if you’re interested, Bobby. Would you like me to?’

  His friend dropped his head to gaze down at his shoes. ‘I don’t think so, Nige, but thanks all the same. You asking yer dad for a job for me would put him in an awkward position. He might feel obliged to take me on because I’m a mate of yours, and I wouldn’t want that.’

  ‘You come up with some crazy notions sometimes, Bobby Neary, honestly! And you don’t know my dad if you think that. If he thought you weren’t right for the job, he wouldn’t give it to you. The men handle some very expensive furniture, so he’s very choosy who he takes on. If you’d prefer to stay on at Owen Peck’s, then do so by all means. It was just an idea I had, with you saying you were keen to drive a van and earn better wages.’

  This gave Bobby food for thought. ‘There’d be other men interviewed for the job, so I wouldn’t get preferential treatment?’

  ‘My dad is a businessman, Bobby, and the best man would get the job. I’m beginning to feel sorry I mentioned it now, because if you didn’t get taken on, it might make a difference to our friendship and I don’t want that to happen.’

  ‘Blimey, Nige! Yer said I didn’t know yer dad very well, but you don’t know me that well if that’s what yer think. As if I’d fall out with yer ’cos I didn’t get a flippin’ job! There’d be no fear of that, mate.’

  ‘So I’ll make some enquiries, shall I?’

  ‘Yeah, if yer will. But no special treatment, right? If I get the job it’s got to be on me own merits, not because I happen to be yer mate.’

  ‘I understand.’ Nigel saw Doreen and Milly coming through the door and said, ‘As soon as I find out when the interviews are, I’ll let you know. And just to keep your driving up to scratch, I’ll come down tomorrow night and we’ll go for a run.’

  Maureen was wide-eyed as she listened. Why did this man, who was so kind and caring, have so many troubles thrust upon him? And what a dreadful person his daughter Victoria must be, to bring shame upon the family. ‘I’m so sorry for you, love. You really don’t deserve all these terrible things that are happening to you. And you say your daughter expressed no shame or remorse for the situation she’s got herself into?’

  ‘I didn’t mean to upset you, my dear, but because I intend you to be an important part of my life, it is only fair you know the whole truth. I have had no communication with Victoria, I couldn’t bring myself to look into her face. But from my wife, I gather there is no sh
ame nor remorse. Edwina herself is actually quite delighted that her daughter is to marry the son of one of the richest men in Liverpool. And, of course, it is something for which Victoria has been angling for many months. The reason for the hasty wedding seems not to bother them at all. And I have to say that Victoria and Charles are very suited to each other, both being selfish, arrogant and greedy. Not one word of sorrow nor regret has been uttered, at least not in my presence. It may have been different in the Chisholm house, as George is a very hard-headed businessman who doesn’t mince his words. His son is a weak sort, and I can well imagine him crawling. His mother, Annabel, has always spoilt him rotten, but his father is a very different kettle of fish. I firmly believe both his parents would have forbidden the marriage if I hadn’t reminded George that the child would be our grandchild, and I wouldn’t want it to be born a bastard. So Victoria is very lucky she hasn’t been left to bring up an illegitimate child.’

  ‘Oh, you poor love.’ Maureen stroked his cheek. ‘Will you ever have peace of mind?’

  ‘Oh yes, my dear. I have vowed many things in the past few months and made many promises. They were all to do with righting the wrongs I allowed to happen to those I love. But this business with Victoria has really hardened my heart against her and her mother. That a daughter of mine would stoop so low to trap a man into marriage, and be aided and abetted by her mother has cleared me of any responsibility I felt I owed them. And in the last few days I have made a resolution concerning myself. I’m not selfish, but I honestly believe I am entitled to some happiness in my life from now on. And you are the one person who can bring me that happiness, along with love, warmth and honesty. That it will happen so quickly is more than I dared hope.’

  Robert stared down into the face he had come to love so dearly. It was an open face, one you knew at once was incapable of deceit or dishonesty. He bent to kiss her forehead before carrying on. ‘Tomorrow I am going to view two properties which George Chisholm believes would be suitable for the newlyweds. You don’t know Liverpool, so you won’t know that both houses are in good areas and fine buildings. One in Percy Street, the other in Rodney Street. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that George and I can agree on a property tomorrow, and if it is in good decorative order, I can get cleaners in right away to clean and polish the place from top to bottom. Then I can start to deliver furniture and other essentials so my daughter and her new husband can move in immediately.’

  ‘You are very efficient, Robert. I couldn’t have coped with half the things you have. Just knowing my unmarried daughter was expecting a baby would have been enough to shatter me and render me helpless. I’m not as strong a character as you, love, so don’t expect too much of me. Not at first, anyhow.’

  ‘All I want is your love and support when we start our life together. And one day I will find enough words to say how much you have come to mean to me, and how you’ve helped me over the past three years to keep my sanity.’

  ‘Good morning!’ Robert entered the kitchen the next morning to find his son and daughter had already started their breakfast. ‘I’m sorry if I’m late, Agnes.’

  ‘Ye’re not late, Mr Robert, it’s these two who are a few minutes early. Anyway, what does it matter if yer are late? Ye’re yer own boss, yer can please yerself. And I’m not ruddy well timing yer.’

  ‘Did you sleep well, Dad?’ Abbie asked, worried that her father was keeping a stiff upper lip for their benefit. ‘You must have been late coming in, I didn’t hear you.’

  ‘I slept like a top, my dear, I’m glad to say. And yes, I was late getting home – it was well after midnight.’

  ‘In a card-game at the club, were you, Dad?’ Nigel was hoping there would be an opening in the conversation where he could bring up a topic without it seeming out of place.

  ‘Something like that,’ Robert said airily. ‘Did you both enjoy the dance?’

  ‘Yes, it was enjoyable, as usual,’ Nigel answered, spreading golden marmalade on to a slice of toast. ‘But me and Bobby were saying we might try somewhere else one night, just for a change.’ He bit into the toast and licked the marmalade which had stuck to his lips. ‘By the way, Dad, I mentioned to Bobby about you getting a new van, and that you’d be taking on a driver and second man. You didn’t mind, did you?’

  ‘Why should I mind? It’s hardly a secret of national importance, son.’ Neither man had failed to notice Abbie’s quick turn of head when she heard Bobby’s name mentioned. ‘Why are you telling me this?’

  ‘Well, I know how much he wants to be a heavy goods driver, so I suggested he apply for the job of second man. He pooh-poohed the idea at first, saying he would be putting you in an embarrassing position because you wouldn’t want to turn him down, with him being my friend. He can be very stubborn at times, and insisted if he went after a job he wanted to get it on his own merits, not on the strength of being pally with me.’

  Abbie nodded her head. ‘That’s Bobby Neary all over. Stubborn as a flipping mule. But you’ve got to admire him for it.’

  ‘Oh, I couldn’t agree more.’ Robert’s face was deadpan as he tapped a finger on his chin. ‘I wonder how we can get around this dilemma? I certainly think he has as much right to apply for a job as any other man, but I see his point in this case. And as you rightly say, Abbie, I admire him for it. The only suggestion I can make is that he goes through the proper channels to apply. And with regards to the interview, the usual procedure is for Mr Seddon to interview the applicants. And as he doesn’t know Bobby from Adam, there can be no suggestion of any favouritism.’

  ‘I’ll tell him tonight when we go for a run. He can drive as well as I can, but I told him he needs to keep his hand in if he wants a driving job.’ Nigel placed his knife and fork neatly down the centre of his empty plate and pushed it aside. ‘I hope he sees sense. I’d like him to get on, he deserves to.’

  ‘I like the sound of this Bobby,’ Agnes said. ‘D’yer think I’ll ever get to meet him?’

  ‘Without doubt, Agnes, without doubt.’ Robert didn’t glance his daughter’s way in case his eyes gave the game away. ‘And in the near future, too.’

  Robert came out of the house in Rodney Street and nodded his approval to George Chisholm. ‘This would definitely be my choice. It has a warm, friendly feeling to it. It’s about the right size and is near the city centre. What more could you ask for?’

  ‘I agree, Robert, it’s ideal. I’ll go straight down to my solicitor’s now and have all the papers signed today and the money passed over. That is my part done, the rest is up to you.’

  ‘The first thing I must do is engage a couple of cleaners to polish from top to bottom. The house appears clean already, but I will make doubly sure. So if I can have the keys as soon as possible I would be grateful. Once the cleaners are out, I can begin to move furniture in.’

  ‘If you call at my office in the morning the keys will be ready for you to pick up.’ George stretched out his hand. ‘You and I work well together, Robert, we make a good team. Pity it had to be in these circumstances.’

  Robert’s handshake was firm. ‘I have made up my mind that the circumstances you refer to will not spoil my life. I will do what I can to supply my daughter with the material requirements she will have need of, then I believe I will have done my duty. At twenty-three she must now take care of her own life. I will keep up her allowance for six months, as promised, and I will always be there for my grandchild. But with regards to Victoria herself … well, I wash my hands of her.’

  ‘I wish Annabel was as level-headed as you. I don’t think she’s stopped weeping and wailing for days now. Her poor son, she cries, will have no one who understands him as she does. Who is going to make sure he has his favourite food, or his clothes are pressed to his liking? My wife really is beside herself, and I’m beginning to lose patience with her.’

  ‘Would you pass a message on to her for me? Ask her if she’d do me the honour of inspecting the house when I have it fully furnished. Anything she doesn�
�t like, I will remove and replace. That might give her an interest and bring a halt to the weeping and wailing.’

  ‘I shall certainly tell her, Robert, and when you give me a sign I will bring her myself to see what wonders you have been able to perform.’

  Robert chuckled. ‘It’s a while since I performed any wonders, but I’ll see what I can pull out of the hat. And now, before we go our separate ways, can I ask why I’ve always been Bob in the club, but have now been promoted to Robert?’

  ‘You can thank your wife for that. At the dinner party the other week, she said she can’t stand “Bob” – it sounds so working-class. I think she was telling me off in a nice way.’

  ‘From now on, George, I’m back to being working-class because they have a lot more fun. The name is Bob, and I’ll call into your office in the morning for the keys. Until then, take care.’

  ‘Hang on a minute, Bob. Do the working-class really have more fun?’

  ‘Come and sit in my kitchen for a few hours one day, and you’ll find out. They’ve got more humour and a zest for life the toffs will never have. Believe me, George, they live much fuller lives. And I should know, I’ve had a taste of both.’

  Four pairs of eyes opened wide when the back door opened and Robert walked in. ‘In the name of God, Mr Robert, yer gave me the fright of me life,’ Agnes said, her hand to her bosom for effect. ‘I nearly jumped out of me skin!’

  ‘I’m not staying, Agnes, I just have a few little chores to do, then I’ll be off again. I came to have a brief word with my wife, and to tell you that several tea chests are being delivered in the morning. Will you see that three are taken to Victoria’s room, and three to my wife’s?’

  The housekeeper would have liked to say it would give her the greatest of pleasure, but instead she said, ‘Of course I will, Mr Robert. Now, surely yer could manage a cup of tea, if nothing else?’