by Anna King
Stung into action at the outrageous thought Arthur leapt forward, his hand grasping Agnes’ arm in a vicious grip. Ignoring her cry of pain Arthur hissed, ‘I’ve never slept with Ellen now or in the past, not in the way you mean, you filthy-minded bitch.’
Spittle sprayed from Arthur’s lips over Agnes’ face, but she didn’t flinch, for despite Arthur’s murderous countenance Agnes knew she was in no danger. Arthur was, and always would be, a coward at heart, ready to back down if faced with a stronger character, and Agnes wasn’t a woman to be easily intimidated – especially by the likes of Arthur Mitson. So wrapped up in their own private war were they, neither heard the door open, or were aware Ellen and Ted had entered the room until Ellen’s anguished voice cut through the heavy atmosphere like a knife.
‘Arthur… please…’
Releasing his hold on Agnes Arthur whirled round to find the couple staring at him in surprise. But whereas Ellen’s face portrayed hint, the expression on Ted Parker’s face could only be described as triumphant.
And in that moment, Arthur realised his world, as he knew it, was finished. But worse still was the knowledge that he had condemned himself out of his own mouth. Knowing anything he said now would be futile Arthur turned and, stopping only to grab the depleted whisky decanter, he walked with as much dignity as he could muster into the safety of his bedroom, closing the door quietly behind him.
Ignoring the dumbfounded Agnes, Ted took hold of Ellen’s arms, his face alight with excitement. ‘Why didn’t you ever tell me? Don’t yer know what this means? You ain’t properly married. You can walk out now, and there’s nothing Arthur can do. I ain’t no expert on divorces, but I do know yer can get a marriage annulled if it ain’t been… well, you know…’
But Ellen, her face burning with embarrassment at having her most personal and intimate secrets aired in public, had no intention of giving the avidly watching Agnes any further information about her private life. Pushing Ted’s arms away she said firmly, ‘I can’t talk about it now, Ted. No matter how badly Arthur’s behaved, he doesn’t deserve this public humiliation. I want you to go, Ted.’
His face screwing up in bewildered lines Ted said, ‘What are yer talking about, love? Don’t you understand, you’re free. We can be together now. Look…’
Ellen turned on him. ‘I asked you to leave, Ted. This is Arthur’s home, and whatever you say, I am still his wife until the law says otherwise.’
Looking into Ellen’s determined face Ted’s mouth tightened. ‘All right. If that’s what you want, I’m going. But don’t leave it too long, Ellen. I love yer, but I ain’t gonna wait around forever. You get things sorted with Arthur, and soon.’
When Ted slammed out of the room Ellen turned wearily to Agnes. ‘It’s all right, Agnes, I know why you’re here. We met Constable Smith on the way home. You can stay for the night, but I’m afraid you’ll have to sleep downstairs. I’m sorry I can’t offer you a bed, you’ll have to make do with the armchair in the kitchen. I know it’s a bit battered but it’s quite comfortable, and after all, it is only for one night. Now I’m going to bed. I’ve had just about enough for one day. Goodnight, Agnes.’
When Ellen entered the bedroom Arthur was standing by the window, his hands clasped behind his back, his body ridged. But although his body was still, his mind was churning. All he could hear was Ted Parker’s voice filled with glee, mocking him for his inability to be a proper husband to his young wife, and try as he might, Arthur couldn’t get those words out of his mind. But if Ted Parker was gloating over the true state of affairs between himself and Ellen, that old bitch Agnes must be over the moon at the news. No doubt when the fuss concerning the Masters children was forgotten, his one-time lover would waste no time in regaling the whole sorry business to all and sundry – that’s if Ted Parker didn’t beat her to it.
His head drooped in despair. It wasn’t fair. All his life he’d tried to be kind and easygoing, and where had it got him? Ridiculed and despised by all who knew him, that’s where! Even Ellen was turning against him. Oh, she might have sent Ted Parker packing tonight, but for how long? Slowly turning he looked to where Ellen was getting ready for bed. She normally undressed in the adjoining bathroom, immersing herself in the flannel nightdress that covered her from neck to ankle before getting into bed. And the fact that she felt comfortable disrobing in front of him only inflamed his already maddened, whisky-fuelled mind. Did she think he was made of stone? Or maybe she imagined he was incapable of acting like a normal red-blooded man, a man like Ted Parker!
Unaware of her husband’s thoughts Ellen said tiredly, ‘Would you mind sleeping in the spare room tonight, Arthur? I think we both need some time alone.’
And those words, spoken without rancour, were for Arthur the final straw, and something inside him snapped.
Not recognising his own voice Arthur answered, ‘Yes, I would mind as it happens. You’ve made a right mug of me today, and I’ve had enough. D’you hear me, I’ve had enough.’
Ellen’s eyes widened in surprise as Arthur advanced towards the bed, and for the first time a flicker of alarm tugged at her chest. Clutching her nightdress close to her breasts she tried to keep her voice light.
‘Don’t be silly, Arthur. Look, we’re both tired, let’s not start an argument now. We can talk properly in the morning… Arthur. Arthur, what are you doing?’
His face grim, Arthur growled, ‘I’m getting undressed for bed. My bed, with my wife.’ Stripped to his undergarments Arthur gave a low, mirthless laugh. ‘Yeah, my wife. And I think it’s about time you started to act like a wife.’
Thoroughly frightened now, Ellen began to rise from the bed. ‘Stop it, Arthur. Look, you’re drunk, you don’t know what you’re doing. Please, Arthur, you’re beginning to frighten me…’
A heavy hand pushed her back onto the bed, then Arthur was on top of her, his heavy bulk crushing her into the mattress.
Tears stung her eyes as Ellen tried futilely to push Arthur away, but it was no use. Feeling as if she were in a nightmare, Ellen could only lie helpless as sweaty hands roamed over her body. But she couldn’t stifle the cry of pain as a red-hot pain seemed to tear her insides apart.
Arthur heard the cry, but he was too far gone to stop. Then it was over, and with it came stark reality.
With a soft moan of despair Arthur rolled off the trembling body. ‘Oh, God! Ellen, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me. Please… please, Ellen, say something.’
But Ellen, traumatised by the violent assault, could only lie still, her face turned into her pillow, while Arthur sat on the edge of the bed, his large frame heaving with sobs of remorse.
And when, some time later, he staggered from the room, Ellen remained still. It was as if she had lost the use of her limbs. Only her mind remained active. And her thoughts were more painful than her bruised body.
All her secret dreams of one day being with Ted, living with him, bearing his children and growing old together were gone forever.
For with that one brutal act, Arthur had bound her to him for life.
Chapter Seventeen
‘Now, Mrs Knight is gonna keep an eye on yer while I go to work. All right? Be a good girl. I’ll be ’ome as soon as I can.’ Sadie rested her hands on Molly’s shoulders as she tried to reassure her that she wasn’t about to run off and leave her behind.
Molly, her blue eyes filling with tears, answered tremulously, ‘I promise, Sadie. I’ll be good. You will be coming ’ome, won’t ya?’
A gruff voice from behind laughed, ‘’Course she’ll be coming ’ome, yer daft little thing. Now, how about getting out from under me feet.’ Waddling over to the open door, the heavily pregnant woman called out loudly, ‘Billy, Charlie. Get yerselves in here.’
Two laughing, scruffy boys raced into the room, almost knocking Molly over. ‘What d’yer want, Mum?’ they cried in unison.
‘Take Molly out ter play with yer for a while. I’ll call yer when yer tea’s ready.’
Before Molly could protest, the boys grabbed a hand each and dragged her out of the door. The last sight Sadie had of Molly was a sad, pleading look from big, blue eyes filled with unshed tears.
‘Don’t worry, Sadie, she’ll be all right with them two.’
Struggling to appear unconcerned, Sadie replied, ‘Yeah, I know, Lil, they’re good lads. You know, I’ve only had ’er a couple of weeks, but it seems like she’s always been ’ere. Anyway, I know I’ve said it before, but thanks for looking after ’er for me. Gawd knows what I’d’ve done without your help this past fortnight, ’cos I couldn’t ’ave left ’er on ’er own, not the state she’s been in. Right then, I don’t know what time I’ll be ’ome, but I won’t leave it too late. After all, I’ve got someone else to think about now; bloody nuisance!’
The offhand remark didn’t fool Lily Knight for a moment. ‘Don’t be daft. The boys’ll be looking after ’er more than I will, and besides, I need the money yer pay me after that old git ran out on me as soon as he found out there was another one on the way.’ Lily Knight wiped her face with a grimy cloth, then, her face suddenly guarded, she said hesitantly, ‘Look, mate, I know it’s none of me business, but yer ain’t getting too fond of the kid, are yer? Only yer know ’er brother could turn up outta the blue an’ take ’er away, an’ I don’t wanna see yer get ’urt.’ Lily Knight’s voice trailed off as a flash of anger crossed Sadie’s face. Undaunted she took a deep breath and added, ‘Now don’t yer go giving me daggers, Sadie North. We’ve known each other too long fer playing silly buggers, and I know yer ain’t been exactly breaking yer neck ter find that brother of young Molly’s, ’ave yer?’
Swallowing hard Sadie lowered her gaze. ‘Nah, yer right, Lil, I ain’t. I did fer the first few days, yer know I did. But without knowing where ter look, it was a waste of time. All I know from what Molly told me that first night was that ’er brother did odd jobs in a bakery, then got a job down the market a couple of days a week. D’yer know how many bakeries there are round these parts? Bleeding dozens of ’em. It’s the same with the markets. Yer know ’ow those market traders operate. They go from one market to the next, working different days at each one. Then there’s the fly pitchers, an’ if young Micky’s taken up with one of those shifty bleeders, I’ll never find ’im. Besides, maybe he ain’t the loving brother Molly thinks he is. After all, a lad that age don’t wanna be lumbered with a little sister hanging round his neck. For all I know, he might ’ave pissed off for good, and if that’s the case, then he could be anywhere.’
Yet even as she spoke, the words sounded hollow to her ears. No one could engender the kind of love Molly had for her elusive brother unless that love was reciprocated.
Avoiding her friend’s kindly stare, Sadie, her voice softer, said, ‘I had me whole life mapped out, then I had ter go and find Molly hiding in that filthy hovel. She was so scared, Lil. But even then, when she ’eard me with that punter and thought he was hurting me, she tried ter help me. And I’ve gotta say, I don’t think I could ’ave been that brave in her circumstances. She’s a good kid, Lil, and she’s me last chance of ever ’aving a kid of me own. And I’ll tell yer something else. Tonight’s me last night on the game. I’ve got enough put by ter get a place for the pair of us, somewhere decent. She ain’t gonna grow up like we did. She’s gonna ’ave everything we missed out on. As fer her brother…’
She shrugged. ‘Well, I’ll just ’ave ter take me chances, won’t I? Anyway, I’d best be off. The sooner tonight’s over the better, ’cos ter tell yer the truth, Lil, I ain’t got the stomach for it anymore. Every night before I get into bed with Molly, I scrub meself from top ter bottom. She’s so clean and innocent, and when I think of how I’ve spent the evening… Well! Like I said, I think I’m sort of contaminating her. That’s why I’m giving it up, and I’ll tell yer something else, I ain’t gonna miss it. All these years I’ve managed ter turn off me feelings while some slimy bastard’s mauling me, I can’t do that anymore. In fact I’m in two minds whether ter go out tonight, but seeing as I’ve got me glad rags on I might as well earn as much as I can, ’cos like I said, after tonight I’m gonna become a respectable woman. Can yer imagine that, Lil? Me, Sadie North, hard as nails, going soft over some kid I didn’t even know existed two weeks ago.’ She smiled at her closest friend, her only friend, but the smile held a distinctive air of defiance, as if daring Lily Knight to contradict her.
But that worldly woman knew better than to cross swords with Sadie, besides which she was genuinely fond of the brassy, straight-talking woman she’d been friends with for over ten years. She’d been a good mate to Lily Knight, slipping her a few shillings now and then simply because Lily’s husband was a lazy good-for-nothing waster who’d never done an honest day’s work in the last five years. It had been the best day of Lily’s life when he’d walked out for good, but she didn’t know what she’d have done without the odd shilling Sadie always left on her kitchen table whenever she visited. Now it looked like she was about to lose her dear friend, and she was going to miss her, and not just because when Sadie went, so would the much needed few bob she had come to rely on.
Nodding, Lily replied as lightly as she could manage. ‘I don’t blame yer, Sadie. Don’t forget I was on the game meself once, though not as long as you. Anyway, yer get off, an’ don’t worry about young Molly. Me boys’ll take good care of ’er.’
‘Yeah, I know they will. Thanks, Lil, see yer later, or maybe sooner.’ Sadie winked. ‘Yer never know, I might change me mind an’ come straight back ’ome.’ As Sadie walked across the forecourt of the block of flats, she could hear the loud happy sound of children playing. Resisting the impulse of making sure that Molly was all right, Sadie turned and made her way to the High Street.
* * *
‘Come on, Molly, you can do it.’ Billy Knight, his impish face throwing out the challenge, said, ‘Me and Charlie ’ave done it lots of times. We don’t let scaredy girls in our gang. ‘’Course if you don’t wanna play with us, you can always go running back to our mum.’
Molly, her stomach churning as she looked at the planks covering a large hole on a building site, swallowed nervously.
‘I’m not scared,’ she answered defiantly.
Then, tentatively testing her weight on one of the broad planks, she inched her way across to where Charlie Knight was waiting, a huge smile on his grimy face. Halfway across, the planks started to bow and creak, causing Molly to wobble. A loud cry of derision came from both boys and instinctively Molly put her fears to one side. With a look of determination, she made it safely across. With a loud shout both boys slapped Molly hard on the back to show their approval. ‘Well done, Moll, you’re the first gel to have got across without crying.’ Their acceptance of her caused a warm feeling to course through Molly’s slim frame. ‘Come on, Molly, we’ll show you our camp.’
Molly followed the boys happily, finally assured of the knowledge that she was among friends. For a few seconds she stopped and lifted her face to the sun, savouring the feel of the warmth on her skin. It was so good to be out in the fresh air, to be able to run and laugh with children of her own age, even if they were boys. A wistful look flitted over her face as she thought of Micky. Then Billy Knight shouted at her to hurry up, and with the resilience of a child, she ran after the two boys, thoughts of her missing brother pushed firmly to the back of her mind.
* * *
Sadie was sitting at an empty table in the Red Bull public house in Mare Street nursing a gin and tonic and fervently wishing she hadn’t bothered coming out tonight. Apart from one old regular, she hadn’t had one offer in the past two hours. She was about to leave when who should walk in but the punter who had run off that night she had first encountered Molly. Never one to let go of a grievance, Sadie immediately made a bee line for the unsuspecting man.
‘Hello, mate. Remember me?’ She stood directly in his path and had the satisfaction of seeing the look of fear leap into his eyes. ‘Yeah, that’s right, yer mise
rable old bastard. Now then, we’ve got some unfinished business, ain’t we? Like the matter of the five bob yer owe me. I don’t do freebies, at least not fer fat old bastards like you. So come on, hand over me money, ’cos I ain’t leaving ’ere till I get paid what’s owed me.’
The man, accompanied by two friends, floundered for a moment, then, emboldened by the presence of his companions who were watching the scene with great interest, drew himself up and said contemptuously, ‘I ain’t paying you a penny, yer old tart, though hang on a minute, on second thoughts, I will pay yer – here!’ With much laughing from the onlookers in the pub the man took a coin from his pocket and held it out to the furious Sadie. ‘There yer are, one penny. That’s all you’re worth, yer clapped-out old bag.’
Feeling very pleased with himself, the man dropped the coin at Sadie’s feet and with much back slapping from his friends he sauntered to the bar. But he hadn’t counted on a woman like Sadie North. He hadn’t gone more than a few steps when he was spun round and, before he could utter another word, a heavy fist caught him square on the chin, sending him spinning across the room before he landed on the sawdust floor in an undignified heap.
Standing over him Sadie laughed, ‘No one gets one over on me, yer little toe rag. You can keep yer penny. By the looks of yer, you need it more than I do. Oh, and by the way, give my sympathies ter yer wife. I’ve seen bigger fingers than your cock. In fact I didn’t even know you’d done it till yer’d finished, and that didn’t take long either. See ya!’
