by Carl Leckey
Surprisingly the pawn broker remembers me as he greets me with. “Ain’t you the ‘alf starved lad that came in here a year or so ago I recall you had just been demobbed and you bought some clobber off me?” Surprised I exclaim. “By Jove you have a good memory it was about two years ago I sold you some sovereigns.” He smiles with pride and says. “It pays to ‘av a good memory in this profession my boy. We ‘av some right shady buggers comin in ‘ere trying to flog all kinds. Now what can I do for you, got some more sovereigns have we?” I inform him. “No on this occasion I would like to redeem this.” I hand him the ticket he examines it and enquires. “Where did you get this, did you nick it?
I’ll ‘av to contact the law lad I’m sorry but we are talking real money ‘ere.”
Angry that he is questioning my honesty I retort. “You can contact the law if you like er Mr Bentley but I can tell you it’s legitimate. The tiara is my Mothers and I want her to have it back.”
He replies with a sneer. “Pull the other one lad.” He calls to someone at the back room of the shop. “Isaac nip over to the station and get Percy will you we’ve got a live one ere.”
I attempt to explain. “Now hold on a bit, if you care to look out of the window you will see my Mother is in the cab. I’m sure you will recognise her you mustn’t get many Ladies of distinction in here by the look of the place.” He looks through the window recognises Mother and grudgingly agrees I am legitimate after all. He instructs in a bad tempered voice. “Wait a minute I’ll have to get it out of the safe. Before I do are you sure you’ve got the money to redeem the bloomin thing it’s quite a sum you know?”
I pull my wallet out and count the notes onto the counter. Muttering to himself he heads into the back of the shop. The young boy Isaac sidles close to the counter and whispers. “Me Uncle was hopin nobody would redeem it. The skinny old bugger had a buyer for it, some jeweller fella. I ‘eard them planning they was gonna break it up and sell the jewels and gold separate like.”
Amazed by his admission I exclaim. “Break it up? No they wasn’t surely?” He confidentially informs me. “Yis they was Mister, there isn’t much call for Tiaras around ‘ere you see?”
I slip him a sixpence he gives me a wink as his Uncle returns.
The old man places the tiara on the counter with ill grace just out of my reach. He scoops up the bank notes holds them one at time up to the light while counting them. Satisfied at the amount and the authenticity of the bank notes he grudgingly pushes the tiara across the counter. Retrieving it I thank him, leaving his shop happy that we are now in possession of her tiara, much to the regret of the pawn broker who had plans for the item. Norman is outside looking into the window at the goods for sale when I emerge from the shop. As it is about twelve thirty I instruct him. “Take us to Angelo’s now will you join us for lunch Norman?” He looks astounded. “Er you’re not taking your Mother there are you Adam?”
“Why not?” I question with a smile. He replies with conviction. “Well I thought you would be taking her somewhere posher to be honest?”
I answer with a laugh. “Ah I have had my fill of posh nosh Norm.
I want my Mother to experience the taste of real food my old mate.
You have got to admit Norm Angelo’s are the best pies and gravy in the world. I’ve dreamed about the buggers all the time I have been away.” He still looks dubious. I continue to reassure him. “Don’t worry she is not a snob and I guarantee she will enjoy the food and the experience.” Norman still looks reluctant to comply.
Impatiently I enquire, “What’s up now Norman?” Hesitantly he answers. “It’s the fur coat she wearing. Can imagine what the lads down there will think. Angelo’s is down by the docks Adam for goodness sake? You know it will be full of Sailors, Dockers and lads from the slaughterhouse.”
I urge him to reveal his reluctance to explain. “What about the fur coat Norm for God’s sake, tell me?”
He replies scornfully. “I thought you had been around Adam?”
I shrug my shoulders. Norman blushes and explains. “Haven’t you heard the expression fur coat and no draws?” I must have looked blank because he adds with a rush. “They will think she is a high class whore you silly bugger. Oh well if you insist on going to Angelo’s on your head be it.”
Back in the cab I begin to have second thoughts as I recall some of the characters that used to frequent there in the past. We arrive at the café I am unsure whether or not to take Mother in as I observe men of all descriptions entering.
Luigi.
I have almost decided to go elsewhere when Luigi Angelo a very smart middle aged Italian strolls towards us heading for the café. Before going into the army my mates and I regularly had our midday meals in Luigi’s. We all knew him well, a real gentleman that wouldn’t see his regulars hungry if they were short of a penny or two.
Luigi recognises Norman and he stops for a chat.
Norman enquires jokingly. “What are you doing wandering around all dressed up like a May horse at this time of the day Luigi? Midday is your busiest time isn’t it?”
Luigi explains with a laugh. “Hey Norman you are looking at a retired Italian restaurateur. I am going into Angelo’s as a diner and I shall be waited on by my family like a King.”
Norman replies with astonishment. “Retired! You must be joking? You are not old enough surely?” Luigi laughs again. “My friend you know I have a large family they all work in my business they need the work I don’t. I have enough savings to last me a life time and more.
Besides we are tripping over each other in there. I want to spend some time travelling since Mamma died. I have a desire to see my old country before I am too old to enjoy it. Now the war is over I intend to visit Rome and spend winters in my family’s home town of Sorrento. I have had enough of these cold, cold, English winters, my old bones crave sunshine.”
He peers at me in the back of the cab and asks with surprise. “Is that you Adam? Is that the scrawny boy with the magnificent appetite that used to eat double portions of Luigi’s pies?”
I climb out of the cab and shake his hand. He hugs me like a long lost Son and comments. “Thank God you survived that cursed war, I heard you had been killed in France?” The warmth of his greeting moves me. He looks into the cab again scrutinizes Mother,
Luigi enquires. “And who pray Adam my boy is this beautiful Lady?” Mother emerges from the cab he takes her hand and kisses it gallantly. To his astonishment I introduce her as Lady Angelique my Mother. After Luigi recovers he introduces himself to her as Luigi Fabrissi at your service bella signorigna.” He asks us generally. “Why are you charming people parked by my café on this cold winter’s day come inside? Please come inside.”
I explain “We were about to go in for a meal but..” I hesitate to criticise his clientele. He cuts in. “You were worried about your Mamma amongst all those rough men? Put your cares aside you are my guests we shall dine in the family room. Come, my Lady permit me to escort you to Luigi’s inner sanctum.” Luigi offers his arm to Mother she accepts, linking her he guides her into the café leaving Norman and I trailing behind them. As we approach the door Norman stops and says. “Look Adam do you mind if I give this a miss? One of the kids is not too well.
I was going to have the day off today but the controller told me you had requested me particularly. I’ll nip home and see how she is. I won’t let you down I’ll be back in half an hour.”
Appalled that I have taken him away from a family problem I respond. “Oh God Norman, why didn’t you say? Look how much is it for a full days Taxi hire?” He replies with the price before asking. “Why do you want to know?” I pull out my wallet hand him the cash including a tip and order him. “You take the rest of the day off with your Wife and kid. The hotel manager is ordering two taxis in the morning to take us to New Brighton station I hope to see you then, off you go.” He is reluctant to leave us. Concerned he enquires. “Not that I don’t appreciate this Adam I am really worried about the kid bu
t how will you get back to the hotel?” I inform him. “I have everything in hand Norman don’t you worry. I am taking Mother over to Liverpool on the ferry, from there we will get the New Brighton boat home she expressed a wish to see the sites, what better sight is there than a view from the Mersey. Now off you go for Jesus sake I’m freezing out here. Eh! Norman let me know if I can do anything for the kid, understand?”
He thanks me and hurries back to his cab. I enter the crowded noisy café scan the room to find every table is occupied there is no sign of Luigi and my Mother.
Luigi’s eldest Daughter catches my eye from behind the counter she points towards a door at the rear of the shop. I am unable to hear what she is saying above the hubbub of noise but I reckon if I interpret her signals correctly she is advising me where they are.
As I prepare to enter I hear the sound of Mothers laughter. Opening the door quietly I step inside to be confronted by a room tastefully decorated containing very expensive furniture and fittings. Luigi and Mother are seated opposite each other at a table that would have done the hotel Victoria proud. As Luigi only has eyes for Mother it takes a while before he is aware I am standing in the doorway. When he does he leaps to his feet and greets me and ushers me to the table. I explain Norman has had to go home urgently and will not be joining us. Luigi offers us a pasta meal prepared especially and solely for his family. On behalf of myself I decline explaining. “Luigi my friend I have been away for a long while. There has not a day gone by that I have not dreamed of your magnificent pies chips mushy peas and delicious gravy. How do you think I survived the war? It was only to return for one of your fabulous pie dinners.”
Luigi beams at the praise I shower on his midday special.
Mother says. “In that case Luigi I will have to decline your offer of a pasta dish, even though it is one of my favourites. I shall have to insist on the same order as my Son he has done nothing but talk about it all day.” She adds. “Although I have to admit I have no idea what mushy peas are.” Luigi laughs goes over to a small hatch opens it and speaks rapidly in Italian to an unseen person. He returns to the table with two carafes of wine one red the other white.
While we wait for our meal Luigi explains that his surname is in fact Fabrissi not Angelo. Angelo was his Father’s Christian name. He is the poor Italian ships cook who established the business originally. He had settled in Birkenhead after jumping ship, when he had made a success of the business he sent for his Wife and Luigi to join him. I am surprised to hear him reveal not only does he own Angelo’s he also has four more successful Italian restaurants. One is located in Parkgate on Deeside, another one in Liverpool, others in Chester and Southport with plans for further expansion. All are managed by members of his large family. I have known Luigi and frequented his café since I was a kid and I didn’t know any these facts.
Within half an hour after meeting him, Luigi has confided these details to us.
He explains the room is kept exclusively for his families use for birthday’s weddings and very special guests. When he emphasises special guests he looks directly at Angelique. To my surprise she blushes like a teenager and loses her usual calm.
The lunch goes well thankfully Mother or should I refer to her as Angelique as Luigi does, appears to enjoy Luigi’s lunchtime treat although she only consumes a small portion of the huge meal.
Luigi is the perfect host particularly attending to all Angelique’s needs.
There must be something in the air as Emily and Pamela did last night Luigi and Angelique appear to have instantly taken to each other. She is certainly enjoying herself so much in the company of Luigi. Time is moving on I inform Mother. “If we are to beat the rush hour on the ferries we have to leave soon.”
I also need to visit the bank again before they close at three o’clock.
Before we leave Luigi insists on introducing us to six members of his family employed in the cafe. At the door they bid each other a lingering farewell I make an excuse nip into the toilet then wait outside having a smoke until Mother emerges.
She is delighted with the ferry trip. On the crossing I pull her leg a little over Luigi.
“Well Angelique. Woops or should I call you Mother now. You have hidden talents.”
“What do you mean?” She replies with a coy smile.
“You have certainly charmed Luigi you had him eating out of your hand.”
She confesses. “You know Adam? I have only met Luigi a few hours ago and he has made me feel like a woman again. Do you know he asked me for a date?” She muses almost to herself. “That is the first time in my life I have been asked for a date. I feel like a young girl again, in a way I wish we weren’t leaving tomorrow.” She adds wistfully. “I really would like to meet Luigi again.”
Startled by her statement I reply. “Well if you really want to, you could remain up here.”
I add sympathetically. “You could do with a bit of happiness Mother. God knows you have had enough tragedy and drama in your life.” She informs me dreamily. “He’s ten years older than me you know?” She adds hurriedly. “Not that that makes any difference. Oh I do like him Adam he is so…. Oh never mind we leave tomorrow I wouldn’t want to miss the meeting with your Wife.”
I enquire. “Are you keeping in touch with him Mother?”
She confesses. “Hum isn’t it always the way? If only I had met him three weeks ago when I first arrived things could have been so different.” Mother appears to shake herself out of her dreaming and says with a sad little smile. “Just my luck Adam I meet a man I like on the day before I have to leave.” She adds after a moment’s pause. “I did give him my address. I suppose that will be the last I see of him?”
Surprise. Surprise. As we land at New Brighton pier prepared to walk the short distance to the hotel a very smart automobile draws up as we are about to cross the road and head up Victoria Road. The door opens and who appears? It is none other than Luigi.
The delight on Mothers face is a sight to behold. With a huge grin on his face he nods to me takes her arm and says. “Your Carriage awaits My Lady.” Mother takes a seat in the rear of the car Luigi invites me to join them. I decline with the excuse. “You go ahead Luigi. I have to pay a visit to the bank and I need the exercise anyway. I just want a word with Mother before you go.”
Who am I to be a gooseberry?
Luigi stands clear I lean into the car kiss Mothers smiling face and whisper.
“Now you behave yourself Angelique. I’ll see you back at the hotel later don’t forget we are booked for the theatre at eight o’clock?”
It is wonderful to see her blushing but happy face as they pull away.
I conduct my business in the bank ten minutes before closing time. When I arrive at the hotel the desk clerk informs me Mother has not returned. I take afternoon tea alone in the lounge there is no sign of Emily or Pamela. I would like to spend some time with my Son but to be honest I am too embarrassed to go to the suite.
I feel oddly left out. There are three members of my family in New Brighton and I sit alone and bored. Well there is someone I know in the hotel that will glad of my company I retire to the bar have a drink and a chat with the bartender. We have become good friends since I have been a guest in the hotel. Six o’clock there is still no sign of any of my family. I head up to my room and have a bath and change into what I consider is the appropriate clothes for a visit to the theatre. Seven o’clock finds me in the bar keeping an eye on the grand staircase.
First to appear are Emily and Pamela dressed in fabulous evening dresses. Gasps of appreciation are heard from the males in the proximity. The Ladies join me in the bar for cocktails. Mother appears looking equally fabulous. When I have the opportunity I enquire in a stern Fatherly manner. “So Angelique, where may I ask, did you get to this afternoon?”
She smiles and replies. “I’ll reveal all later. But this has been the most wonderful day for me.”
Emily enquires. “What’s all this then? What’s been going on?
What am I missing?” Mother replies with a girlish giggle. “Secrets Darling, your Sister has a secret.” When Emily looks disappointed Angelique informs her. “All will be revealed shortly.”
It is nearly time to leave for the theatre I go to settle with my friend the bar tender he whispers. “If you will pardon me for saying so Sir, you are a lucky bugger. I wouldn’t mind being seen out with any one of the Ladies and you have all three.” He mutters as he turns away to the till. “Some guys have all the luck.”
I feel quite proud as Norman enters and informs me. “The Taxis are waiting.” We head for the door I rebuke Norman. “What are you doing here I told you to have the day off? How is your little girl anyway?”
He replies. “I know you did Adam but Joan is a lot better thanks. My misses thinks it’s something she ate. I came here because I was just in the way at home her Mother and Sister are round at our place.”
He grimaces and adds. “Know what I mean?” When we are out of earshot he whispers.
“Bloody hell Adam you are only going to the Tivoli, why are you all dressed up like royalty?”
His question startles me I enquire. “Why Norman I’ve never been there before what’s it like?” He laughs and informs me. “Well put it this way. I don’t think they will have seen so many posh people dressed up to the nines since they opened, but never mind.” He reassures me when he sees my face. “I’m sure you will enjoy it. I’ve heard it’s a great show. Now who is going in what cab?”
Mother and I travel together of course Pamela and Emily take the other one. When we arrive at the theatre it doesn’t look so bad from the outside. The front is dazzling illuminated with the electric lights. I pay the cabbies and order them back for show ending. We enter the foyer to be greeted by Luigi in evening attire, standing alongside him is a stranger equally dressed in full evening suit.
