A Sister's Shame

by Carol Rivers

  ‘Are you trying to make him jealous?’

  ‘Course I am,’ admitted Vesta brazenly. ‘I want him to know that he’s not the only fish in the sea.’

  ‘But what Flo Davis said about him might be true.’

  Vesta laughed. ‘It was all lies, as I thought. I asked Teddy and he said he hadn’t heard of her before. I could see he was telling the truth.’

  Marie shook her head slowly. ‘You don’t know for sure.’

  Vesta turned away in a huff. They walked on in silence, and although Marie tried again, Vesta wouldn’t listen. To make matters worse, when they got within sight of home, a familiar figure was standing on the doorstep. Tall and dressed in a smart herringbone overcoat, scarf and gloves, Teddy was unmistakable.

  Vesta ran up the steps and threw her arms around him. ‘Teddy, darling, you’re waiting to take me out after all?’

  Marie saw Teddy disentangle himself, a scowl on his face. ‘I’m afraid not. I’m leaving.’

  Vesta gasped. ‘What? Leaving here?’

  ‘Yes, for good.’ He lifted the suitcase on the steps beside him. ‘The people in this house have finally driven me away.’

  ‘Do you mean Mum?’ Vesta’s voice was a hoarse whisper.

  Teddy’s nod was sharp. ‘Amongst others, yes.’ He glanced bitterly at Marie. ‘I can’t live here any more.’

  ‘Oh, please don’t go, Teddy! What will I do without you?’ Vesta gave a cry of despair as she clutched his arm.

  ‘I’m sorry. I’ll see you at work this evening.’

  ‘But where will you live now?’

  ‘I’ve found other rooms more to my liking.’

  ‘Teddy, don’t go, I love you.’

  Teddy shook her off and hurried down the steps, ignoring Marie. He strode to his car parked in the road and put the suitcase in the back. With a slam and fierce roar, the vehicle sped off.

  Vesta turned on Marie. ‘You see what you and Mum have done? I’ll never forgive you.’

  ‘We haven’t done anything.’

  ‘You hate him, you always have. Well, now he’s gone and I hope you’re satisfied!’ Vesta ran inside.

  Marie followed, wondering what had happened to cause Teddy to leave today. The answer soon came when she found everyone in the hall.

  Wippet held Kaiser in his arms. The little animal was trembling, his leg stuck out at a strange angle. Elsie stood beside them, trying to comfort the frightened creature. Ada faced Vesta, who stood shaking with anger.

  ‘What did you say to make Teddy leave?’ Vesta demanded.

  ‘It wasn’t us who made him leave,’ Ada replied, her face thin and tight as Vesta glared at her. ‘I saw him being cruel to Kaiser, and he left rather than admit it.’

  ‘You’re lying!’ Vesta exclaimed, tears brimming in her eyes. ‘You just want to get rid of him!’

  ‘That’s not true, love,’ Elsie interrupted, laying a hand on Vesta’s arm. ‘Your mother ain’t a liar. She saw what she saw, and so did Wippet. Teddy kicked Kaiser down the stairs, because he was chattering outside Teddy’s room.’

  ‘My poor Kaiser,’ whispered Wippet, his big head and small body crouched on the stairs as he tried to comfort the monkey. ‘He’s hurt your leg.’

  ‘Teddy would never do such a thing,’ shouted Vesta. ‘Your monkey probably just fell from the banister. He’s always doing silly things and everyone encourages him by laughing. Teddy was easy to put the blame on as none of you like him.’

  ‘If you think that, then you’re daft, girl,’ said Elsie sharply. ‘Teddy has got a flamin’ temper on him and took it out on a defenceless animal. Not only that, but he was very rude to your mother.’

  ‘He had reason to be,’ pouted Vesta, ignoring Ada. ‘You don’t know the half, Elsie, so don’t interfere.’

  Elsie’s dark eyes glittered. ‘Ducks, I have known you since you were seven years old and your mother is my best friend. She wouldn’t hurt a fly and she didn’t deserve to be spoken to the way she was. And if you’ve any sense at all, you’ll steer clear of that arrogant bugger, and wake up to reality. All that bloomin’ fame and fortune rubbish has turned your head. And not for the better, may I say.’

  Marie watched Vesta pull back her shoulders and walk away as the painful chattering of the little monkey filled the hallway and Wippet tried to ease its suffering.

  Marie didn’t want to go to the club that night, but at home no one was speaking. Wippet had put Kaiser in his small cage and taken him to the animal hospital. To hear Kaiser’s continual screeches had been very upsetting.

  ‘Mr Scoresby wants to see you,’ Teddy said to Vesta when the twins arrived at the club. He looked at Marie. ‘But not you.’

  Vesta gave Marie a smirk and followed Teddy into the office.

  ‘Where’s Vesta?’ the girls asked when Marie went into the dressing room.

  ‘Mr Scoresby wanted to see her.’

  Shirley, Sal and Rose all looked at one another. ‘Wonder what he wants,’ said Sal, frowning.

  ‘It might be to do with the new room he’s opening up,’ Rose said as she pulled on her costume. ‘It’s for Wally and Leo’s rich friends and private parties. There will be lots going on, like gambling, cabaret and drinking, which is why Wally and Leo have kept it under wraps.’

  ‘But what’s that got to do with Vesta?’ asked Marie as she began to undress.

  ‘She’s Wally’s favourite, ain’t she? Pedro told me things are changing round here.’ Shirley tossed her head, slyly winking at Sal and Rose. ‘He hears all the gossip behind the bar.’

  ‘Don’t take no notice of her,’ muttered Bev, glancing angrily at Rose. ‘She’s winding you up, that’s all.’

  ‘Why don’t you just shut up, face-ache?’ muttered Rose, pushing past Bev’s stool and managing to tip it over. ‘Oops, just look at her,’ sneered Rose as Bev sprawled on the floor. ‘Plastered, like her mate Joanie!’

  Marie could hardly believe what happened next. Bev scrambled to her feet and launched herself at Rose. They fell together on the clothes rail, pulling each other’s hair as blue feathers flew around them and sequins scattered over the floor. Screams pierced the air and Bev’s long nails flew viciously at Rose’s face. The next moment, Bev was on her back and Rose was on top of her. Marie stumbled forward, her feet caught in the tangle of costumes, headdresses, feathers and underclothes. She tried to separate the two women, but at that moment the door opened and Teddy rushed in.

  ‘Look what she’s done to me!’ Rose cried, holding her scratched face. ‘She’s scarred me for life! And only because I was telling her to stop spreading gossip.’

  ‘You bloody liar! You’re the one with a poisoned tongue!’ Once again Bev flew at Rose. Teddy stepped between them and pushed them apart.

  ‘I gave you women a warning, and still you act like a bunch of wild animals. So now you can answer to Wally. You two, go into the office and wait for me there.’

  With her head hanging low, Bev stumbled out of the dressing room, followed by Rose.

  Teddy glanced at Sal and Shirley. ‘Well, what are you two gawping at? You’ve got a job to do. And pick up those costumes. Mr Scoresby doesn’t pay out a fortune to have it trashed.’

  ‘Yes, Teddy,’ they said obediently.

  Teddy turned to Marie. ‘As for you, Mr Scoresby wants you to dance with the girls from now on. He has other plans for Vesta.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Marie asked, her jaw dropping.

  ‘Your sister will be singing before a selected clientele and you won’t be needed. Think yourself lucky that Mr Scoresby has given you a place in the chorus line.’ Teddy’s eyes held a cold contempt as he added, ‘This will serve as an example to anyone who even thinks about making trouble.’

  ‘But you can’t—’ Marie began, only for Teddy to turn his back on her and leave the room.

  ‘See? We told you so,’ said Sal, looking at Shirley knowingly. ‘Wally has taken a shine to your sister. And you needn’t look down your nose at us like that.
You’re lucky you’ve still got a job.’

  Marie stared at them as they giggled and whispered together. She knew that they were enjoying her humiliation and she also knew that Teddy had taken his revenge for this afternoon.

  ‘What happened in here?’ demanded Vesta, as she rushed in. ‘Mr Scoresby has got Bev and Rose in the office. Did they really have a fight?’

  ‘That silly cow Bev attacked Rose,’ nodded Shirley. ‘She went at it hammer and tongs. Rose could be scarred for life.’

  ‘Vesta, did Mr Scoresby tell you he’s separating us?’ Marie asked as Vesta took off her coat.

  ‘Yes,’ nodded Vesta sheepishly.

  ‘What did he say?’

  ‘That he’s giving me a chance in the new part of the club.’ Vesta held out her hands. ‘I’m sorry, Marie, but he don’t like your voice as much as mine.’

  ‘He’s never heard it. We always sing together.’

  ‘I can’t help that.’

  ‘Leave the kid alone,’ said Sal archly, slipping her arm through Vesta’s. ‘There ain’t no use taking it out on her. Wally’s chose her out of the two of you and that’s that.’ She narrowed her eyes at Marie. ‘You’ll have to make do with dancing with us.’

  Shirley patted Vesta’s cheek. ‘Congratulations, kiddo, you’re going places. I, for one, wish you good luck.’

  ‘Me too,’ nodded Sal, glancing triumphantly at Marie.

  Marie shook her head slowly. ‘You don’t know anything about this room, Vesta. Or what it will be used for.’

  ‘Blimey, that’s just sour grapes,’ Shirley remarked as she turned to Vesta and smiled. ‘Make the most of it, I say, while the going’s good.’

  ‘I am,’ said Vesta defiantly, looking into Marie’s shocked gaze. ‘It would have helped if you’d been nicer to Teddy,’ she continued in a resentful tone. ‘You’ll have to go home on your own tonight as Teddy is taking me up West to show me a really posh club. He says I’ll be able to learn a lot from watching the cabaret.’

  ‘You lucky cow. What are you going to wear?’ said Shirley, before Marie could reply. ‘You ain’t got nothing for a party.’

  ‘Oh, yes, I have. I brought me new coat, and a dress and shoes. They’re over there behind the screen tucked away.’ Once again she turned to Marie, a sulky expression on her face. ‘I’m sure Mum will have something to say when she knows you’ve let me go off on me own. But you can tell her she might as well get used to it. I’m a big girl now and don’t need you to look after me.’

  The door opened and it was Rose. Her dark hair framed her scratched face as she hurried in. ‘I need a fag,’ she said as she sat down with a sigh. ‘Wally gave me a grilling and was furious when he saw what she’d done to my face. But I had to fight me corner to end up on the right side of him.’

  ‘You know Teddy’ll go mad if he catches you smoking,’ warned Shirley. ‘A place like this would go up in a blink if ever it caught fire.’

  Rose took a roll-up from her bag, lit it and closed her eyes in satisfaction. When she opened them, she looked at Marie. ‘So I hear you’ll be dancing in the chorus line? Well, that’s a turn up for the book!’ A look of contempt filled her eyes.

  ‘Where’s Bev?’ asked Shirley as Rose puffed out smoke into the air.

  ‘She’s got the sack. You won’t see no more of that stupid cow.’

  Marie felt sick. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘She was trouble and they’ve got rid of her.’

  Everyone went silent. ‘But what about her things?’ Marie asked.

  ‘We’re to give them to Wally.’ Rose turned to Sal. ‘Here, get Bev’s things together, will you?’ Rose stretched out an arm and pointed the cigarette at Marie, narrowing her eyes as she spoke. ‘You’d better watch your step or else you’ll be going the same way as Bev. She never knew when to keep her mouth shut and nor, it seems, do you.’ Her eyes were full of triumph as she held up the bag that Sal handed her. ‘Say goodbye to your friend.’

  Marie watched Rose drop the cigarette on the floor and put it out with the tip of her shoe. Swinging her hips, she left the room, taking the bag with her.

  Marie looked back at Vesta, but she was talking to Sal and Shirley. What was going to happen now, Marie wondered. A cold shudder went through her as she thought of poor Bev. Marie knew that Rose had managed to get rid of Bev and take the lead over the girls. Through Rose, Teddy had managed to have his revenge after all.

  Chapter 22

  ‘Oh, no!’ Ada gasped when Marie told her the news that night on her return home. Ada stood in her dressing gown, looking exhausted.

  ‘Mum, she’s a big girl now.’

  ‘No, she ain’t, she’s a baby.’ Ada sniffed back her tears. ‘Where was your father in all this?’

  ‘He was doing jobs for Mr Scoresby.’

  Ada buried her face in her hands and sank down on the hard kitchen chair. ‘I was going to have it out with Vesta tonight; try to make her see that Teddy is the guilty party, not us. I waited up specially.’

  ‘She wouldn’t have listened.’ Marie wearily took off her coat and sat beside Ada. ‘Mum, try not worry.’

  Ada jerked up her head. ‘I should have refused to let her work at that place. I knew it would bring trouble to our door. Vesta can’t be reasoned with and your father is like a stranger. I can’t remember the last time we all sat down and ate a proper meal. The Duke’s has driven us all apart. We ain’t a family no more.’

  Marie knew her mother was right. They hadn’t listened to the warning she had given them and now Vesta was turning against them.

  Ada looked distraught. ‘What are we to do, Marie?’

  Marie held her mother’s cold, thin hand. ‘We must hope Vesta sees Teddy for what he is.’

  ‘But will she?’

  Marie couldn’t bring herself to tell Ada about Vesta going into the new part of the club. She couldn’t add to the worry that was now heaped on Ada’s tired shoulders. She had to put on a brave face. Ada was unhappy enough.

  ‘It will be all right in the end. Vesta will come to her senses.’

  ‘I only pray she does.’

  ‘Go and get some sleep now. I’ll wait up for Vesta.’

  Ada nodded reluctantly, her face a picture of despair. ‘I used to worry about your father going off the rails and now it’s Vesta. Marie, you won’t ever go the same way, will you?’

  Marie stood up and folded her mother in her arms. ‘We’re going to be a family again, Mum. One day this will seem like a bad dream.’

  ‘I hope so, love.’

  After her mother had gone to bed, Marie waited up, hoping either Hector or Vesta would come in. But neither of them did. Marie went to bed in the early hours and fell asleep listening for Vesta, hoping she would climb into the bed beside her.

  In the morning, Marie woke alone. She hurriedly washed and dressed and went into the front room. Her mother was sitting by the window, looking very pale.

  ‘Mum, Vesta didn’t come home.’

  ‘I know. I looked into your room to see if she had.’ Ada clenched her thin fingers together in her lap. ‘But your father returned, saying that Mr Scoresby had kept him late.’

  ‘Did you tell him about Vesta?’

  ‘Yes.’ She sighed. ‘He was very upset. This morning he went out early for a walk to clear his head.’

  Marie sat quietly with her mother. It felt very lonely without Vesta. Even though Vesta never woke in a good mood lately, at least she was there. But Vesta was always thinking about Teddy and he knew Vesta liked the finer things in life. To keep her under his thumb he gave her what she wanted, and Marie was afraid that his plan was working.

  The hours seemed to go slowly. Marie and Ada kept looking out of the window. When Hector returned, it was almost midday. Ever since he had become a handyman at the Duke’s, he cared less about his appearance. His shirt was crumpled and open at the neck and there were stains down the front of it. His old trousers hung from him, revealing the weight he had lost.

  �
��Where have you been?’ demanded Ada crossly.

  ‘Has Vesta come home?’

  ‘No.’ Ada’s voice trembled as she sucked in a sob. ‘You should have watched out for her at that club.’

  Hector shuffled forward, his shoulders slumped. ‘You don’t understand, Ada. I—’

  ‘I understand very well,’ broke in Ada tearfully as she jumped to her feet. ‘I don’t want to hear any more excuses. I’m going in to see Elsie.’

  The door slammed and Hector groaned. ‘I don’t want to upset your mother. I love her too much to hurt her.’

  ‘Then why don’t you spend more time at home, Dad? She needs you here.’

  Hector lowered his head. ‘Yes, I know. Marie, there’s something I must tell you.’

  ‘Are you in trouble?’

  His eyes met hers. They were filled with the same expression of fear that she had seen in Bev’s. ‘We all are, Marie. This might seem like madness to you, but you must take your sister away somewhere – somewhere they can’t find you – can never find you.’

  ‘Dad . . .’ Marie hesitated. ‘What are you talking about?’

  ‘The Scoresbys. They are evil people and have no intention of furthering your careers. They are opportunists of the worst kind . . .’

  Marie went to him as he wiped his hand across his sweating forehead. ‘Dad, you’re frightening me.’

  ‘I know, and I am sorry. But I should have given up this business years ago and supported you, like a proper father. But I was deluded, my dear, blinded by ambition, and didn’t see the dangers, not even after—’ He stopped and turned away. ‘You would have all been better off without me.’

  ‘Oh, Dad, please don’t say that. And what do you mean about the Scoresbys being evil opportunists?’

  ‘They’re corrupt,’ he said passionately, ‘and will soon draw you both into their underworld.’ He closed his eyes briefly. ‘I dread to think of it. And I blame myself for not seeing the danger before.’ He turned, his eyes filled with tears. ‘But it’s not too late for you and Vesta. Believe me when I tell you the reason I’m absent from home is not because I’m drinking again, but because I’ve been trying to save up a little money. I perform on every street corner, anywhere I can, at all hours, so that I can at least send you away with a nest egg.’ He took her hands, clasping them tightly. ‘The money will provide for you and Vesta to start afresh.’