Many a Tear has to Fall

by Joan Jonker

  ‘The ambulance is here, Mr Fisher.’ Lizzie started to push the men back. ‘Give the ambulance men room to move.’ When George was being carried out on a stretcher, she touched the boss’s arm. ‘When yer get back, and we know what’s what, I’ll go and see his wife. Better for a woman to tell her than a man.’

  Chapter Eight

  ‘Will you clear the table, girls, your father will be home any time.’ Ann was drying her hands as she came through from the kitchen. She smiled when she saw the concentration on Tess’s face as she was about to flip a tiddlywink into an egg cup. And to prove how hard she was concentrating, her tongue was peeping out of the side of her mouth. ‘Put the game away and get the tablecloth and cutlery ready.’

  Tess flipped the red tiddlywink and held her breath until she saw it sail straight into the small cup. Then she grinned. ‘I’m winning, Mam, by three games to two. And I really did win, didn’t I, Maddy? You didn’t let me win on purpose, did you?’

  ‘Not likely I didn’t!’ Maddy began to pick up the small coloured counters. ‘You’re getting too good to do you any favours. If I could beat you, I would!’

  There came a knock on the door and Ann glanced at the clock. ‘It’s time for your father, but if it was him he’d use his key.’

  ‘I’ll go, Mam, shall I?’ Maddy offered, placing the lid back on the box. ‘It might only be Nita from next door.’

  ‘No, I’ll go, you and Theresa see to the table.’ Ann threw the towel back on to the drainboard in the kitchen and was smoothing her hair down as she walked along the hall. The woman facing her when she opened the door was a complete stranger and Ann thought someone had the wrong address. ‘Yes, can I help you?’

  Lizzie’s heart was beating fifteen to the dozen. She wasn’t looking forward to this, but it had to be done. ‘Are you Mrs Richardson?’

  ‘Yes, that’s my name. But I don’t think I know you.’

  ‘I work with yer husband, George. My name is Lizzie Ferguson.’

  Ann looked at the bright red hair and grinned. ‘I might have known, George often . . .’ Her words petered out as her brain asked what this woman was doing here when George was due any minute. Then she noticed there was no smile, only a look of fear, or was it sadness, in the green eyes. There was something very wrong here. ‘What have you come for? Something has happened to George, hasn’t it?’

  ‘There was an accident at work, Mrs Richardson, yer husband’s in hospital.’

  ‘Oh, dear God!’ Ann let out a cry and fell back on to the front door, sending it crashing against the wall. The noise brought her two daughters running.

  ‘What is it, Mam?’ Maddy looked at the woman standing on the bottom step, then at the white face of her mother. ‘Mam, what’s happened?’

  Ann was in a state of shock, her mouth was working but no sound would come. The girls had never seen their mother like this, she was always calm and collected. So they knew something dreadful must have happened and clung to her, asking tearfully what was wrong.

  Lizzie moved from one foot to the other, not knowing quite what to do. It was no good standing on a doorstep, passing on distressing news to a woman who looked in a state of shock, and two young frightened girls. She couldn’t just blurt it out in a matter-of-fact voice and then leave them. ‘Don’t think I’m being hardfaced, but I do think it would be better if yer let me come in.’

  Ann took a deep breath, held it for a while then let it out slowly. She looked at the scared faces of her two daughters and told herself that for their sake she had to pull herself together. Moving away from the door, she said, ‘Come in, Mrs Ferguson.’

  Tess was shaking inside. ‘What’s the matter, Mam?’

  ‘Go inside, Theresa, you’re blocking Mrs Ferguson’s way.’

  ‘But what has the lady come for? And where is my dad?’

  ‘I’m afraid your father has been involved in an accident at work, and the lady has come to tell us. I don’t know any more than that, Theresa, and I won’t do until you let Mrs Ferguson in. So be a good girl and go into the living room with Madelaine.’

  ‘Come on, Tess.’ Maddy put her arm across her sister’s shoulders. She was afraid herself, but never would she transfer that fear to her sister. ‘I’m sure Dad is going to be all right.’

  Ann was clasping and unclasping her hands as she watched the woman take a seat on the couch. ‘What happened, Mrs Ferguson, and where is George?’

  ‘The name’s Lizzie, queen, and I’m a bundle of nerves meself ’cos I’ve worked with yer husband for many years and I’ve got very fond of him. It was a sack that was being lowered, and the ropes tying it up must have worked loose and it fell from the top of the building and caught George on the bottom of his back. It all happened so quick, the man who works on top, Vin, only had time to shout a warning when he saw the ropes working loose. George’s mate, Bill, grabbed your husband’s arms to pull him out of the way, and in another second he would have been clear. But the sack landed about here,’ Lizzie put a hand to the bottom of her spine, ‘and it knocked him out.’

  ‘Where is George now?’

  ‘In Walton Hospital. The boss, Mr Fisher, sent for an ambulance right away, and he went with George to the hospital.’

  Tess wouldn’t be held back by Maddy. She ran to stand beside her mother, tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘My dad isn’t dead, is he, Mrs Lizzie?’

  ‘No, queen, yer dad isn’t dead. And he’s not going to die either, yer have me word on that. But he has been injured and they’re keeping him in hospital.’

  ‘Did the hospital tell Mr Fisher what injuries he has?’ Ann asked. ‘Are they serious?’

  ‘They couldn’t say at this stage. Mr Fisher waited and saw one of the doctors, but he said it was too early to tell. George is conscious now, and they’ve given him something to ease the pain, but that’s all I can tell yer. Oh, except he asked that you and the girls be told he was going to be all right and ye’re not to worry.’

  Ann rubbed her forehead. ‘I’m going to the hospital now, I’ve got to see him for myself. Madelaine, the dinner is ready for putting out, so will you and Theresa see to yourselves?’

  ‘I want to come with you!’ Tess clung to her mother’s arm. ‘I want to see my dad and tell him I’m sorry he’s been hurt and I love him.’

  ‘Children are not allowed in, queen,’ Lizzie said, a large lump in her throat. ‘I’ll stay with yer till yer mam gets back, if that’s all right with you, Mrs Richardson?’

  ‘I can’t ask you to do that! You’ve been very good coming out of your way as it is, and you must have a family to see to.’

  ‘There’s only me husband and me now. We’ve got one daughter but she got married and flew the nest last year. I’ve asked one of the men from work to give a knock and tell my feller I might be late, save him worrying.’

  Ann looked relieved. ‘As long as you don’t mind, I’ll be more than grateful. I’d be worried sick leaving the girls on their own when they’re so upset.’

  ‘They’ll be fine with me, I’ll make sure they have their dinner and a drink. We’ll get on like a house on fire, you’ll see.’

  Tess went to sit on the couch and touched Lizzie’s hand. ‘You’re very kind, Mrs Lizzie, and we’ll be good for you. Won’t we, Maddy?’

  ‘Of course we will.’ Maddy wished she could cry her sadness away, as her sister did. But she was the oldest and it was up to her to be strong at a time like this. ‘As soon as Mam leaves we’ll make Mrs Ferguson a cup of tea.’

  ‘D’yer know, I rather like being called Mrs Lizzie. So if it’s all the same to you, Maddy, can we stick to that?’

  Ann came back from the hall pulling her coat on. ‘I don’t know how long I’ll be, but if it gets late, Lizzie, you make your way home. The girls know they can knock next door in case of an emergency.’

  ‘George hadn’t been put into a ward when Mr Fisher left, so go straight to the reception desk, queen, and make enquiries there. Otherwise, it’s such a ruddy big place yer could g
et lost wandering around. And they’re very strict. They won’t let yer stay after visiting time, even if yer’ve only had ten minutes with him. I’ll hang on and wait ’cos I want to know how he is meself so I can tell them all at work tomorrow. And don’t forget to tell him all his mates send their best wishes and they want to see him back at his job as soon as possible.’

  Ann stepped off the tram outside Walton Hospital and began the walk up the long path. Her nerves were shattered, not knowing what she was going to find. And the old building looked so forbidding it didn’t help when she was trying to convince herself that George wouldn’t be as bad as she was thinking. One part of her mind was telling her they’d only kept him in hospital for observation and he’d be discharged the next day. While another part was saying they wouldn’t have taken him to hospital in the first place unless they’d thought it was serious.

  Even though it was a warm summer evening, Ann was shivering as she passed through the main door of the hospital. There were several people there, some standing talking and others coming and going through the double doors facing. Everyone seemed to know where they were going except for her. She looked around and saw an arched window with a glass front which looked like an office. Moving towards it, she could see a handle which would open the lower half of the window from the inside. There was a woman sitting behind a desk which was littered with papers and files, and after a slight hesitation Ann rapped lightly on the glass. The woman looked up for a second, then finished what she was writing before coming to the window. ‘Can I help you?’

  Ann cleared her throat. ‘I don’t quite know where to go. My husband was injured at work this afternoon and was brought in here by ambulance. But I don’t know which ward he’s in or who could tell me. Perhaps you can help me?’

  ‘What time was he brought in?’

  ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know. I was told it happened just after their dinner break, so it would be any time after one o’clock.’

  Although it wasn’t part of the clerk’s job, she felt sorry for the poor woman, who looked scared to death. ‘I don’t deal with admissions, dear, but if you’d like to give me your husband’s name I’ll see if I can find out anything for you. Please go through those double doors, take a seat in the corridor and I’ll come to you as soon as possible.’

  As she walked through the doors Ann felt her tummy tightening into knots. It was the strong smell of disinfectant that reminded her she was in a hospital, and hospitals were places they brought people who were sick or dying. But George isn’t going to die, he’s just been injured, she told herself, so don’t be so morbid.

  It was ten minutes before the clerk appeared, and she seemed pleased that she’d been able to locate Mr Richardson. ‘If you go up that flight of stairs and turn to the left, your husband is in the first ward you come to. But you mustn’t go into the ward without first talking to the matron or a sister. Just stand outside the ward and someone will come to you.’

  ‘Thank you, you’ve been very kind.’ Her legs feeling like lead, Ann used the banister to pull herself up the stairs. She was still in a state of shock and couldn’t stop herself from shaking. And the smell and the atmosphere were causing her to feel faint. She found the ward and stood outside, as the clerk had said. Visiting time hadn’t started, so there weren’t many people about. But she could see the nurses moving quietly from bed to bed plumping pillows and straightening sheets, and she wondered which bed George was in.

  ‘Can I help you?’ A nurse appeared from nowhere. ‘It is not yet visiting time, you really shouldn’t be here.’

  Ann’s mouth was as dry as sawdust and her voice came out husky. ‘My husband was injured in an accident at work and was brought to this hospital. I’ve been told he’s in this ward.’

  ‘What’s his name, dear?’ When Ann told her, the nurse nodded. ‘Yes, he’s not long been admitted to the ward. But I’ll take you along to see Matron, she’ll want to have a talk to you before you see your husband.’ With brisk steps she led the way down the corridor, their heels the only sound breaking the silence.

  The nurse came to a halt outside an open door, rapped lightly and waited to be told to enter. She told Ann to wait, and although her voice was low her words could be heard as she explained that Mrs Richardson was outside and did Matron want a word with her before she saw her husband. Then she stepped outside the room and motioned for Ann to enter. ‘I’ll take you to your husband when Matron has spoken to you.’

  The matron was sitting, but she appeared to be small of stature, with black hair swept neatly under the white pleated cap, a healthy complexion and a no-nonsense attitude. Certainly not a woman to cross swords with. Ann guessed she would be in her late forties.

  ‘Mrs Richardson, I was here when your husband was brought in today. He was in great pain, but the doctor has given him something to ease it. He has injured his back, but it is far too early to say how serious the damage is. Perhaps in a few days we’ll know the extent of his injuries, but at present we really can’t tell you anything.’

  ‘He hasn’t broken his back, has he, Matron?’

  Jean Tuffnell had been in nursing since she was seventeen years of age. It was the only work she’d ever wanted to do and it was her whole life. Her dedication and ability had brought her up to the rank of matron, and she was good at her job. Even though the nurses were in awe of her, they had great respect for the woman they said had more knowledge than many of the doctors. ‘He has been seen by two specialists, but the damaged area is too bruised and swollen for them to give a true prognosis. However, they’re pretty certain your husband’s back has not been broken. Badly damaged, yes, but not broken.’

  The matron shuffled some papers on the desk, a sign that she had work to do and the interview was terminated. ‘That’s all I can tell you for now, but come and see me if you have any problems. And although I know it’s natural for you to be worried, try not to let it show. A smile works wonders when someone isn’t feeling on top of the world, and if Mr Richardson sees you looking cheerful it will do him more good than any medicine we can give him.’

  ‘Thank you, Matron.’ Ann left the office feeling a little bit better. At least George wasn’t at death’s door and that was all that worried her. No matter what was wrong with him, she would take care of him. They could overcome anything, as long as they were together.

  There was a group of people waiting outside the closed doors of the ward, shuffling their feet, eager to see their loved ones. The hospital rules were very strict about visiting times and the doors would not be opened until the exact minute. This was to give the nurses time to make the patients comfortable and straighten sheets and covers.

  There was a surge forward as the doors were opened and Ann saw the visitors go off in different directions, straight to the bed of the person they were visiting. It was a long ward, with about ten beds either side, some with the screens around, and not knowing where George was, she felt a little apprehensive. But the nurse she’d spoken to earlier spotted her and came over.

  ‘Mr Richardson is in the fourth bed on the right, I’ll take you to him. You may find him very drowsy, because he’s been sedated to ease the pain.’

  Ann stood at the side of the bed and all the love she had for her husband welled up within her. He was lying flat, except for a pillow under his head, his arms were by his sides on the top of the bed cover, and his eyes were closed. Her hand went out to touch him, but she drew back for fear of wakening him.

  The nurse saw the movement and smiled. ‘It’s all right, I’ll tell him you’re here.’ She placed a hand on George’s forehead and gently stroked his hair. ‘Mr Richardson, you have a visitor. Your wife has come to see you.’

  His eyelids flickered as he focused on the nurse, then he turned his head, saw Ann and a faint smile crossed his face. ‘Hello, love.’ His hand came towards her and she held it between hers, stroking it with her thumbs. ‘Bit of an accident, but I’ll be up and about in no time.’ His voice was a whisper, and he grimaced
as a spasm of pain gripped him.

  There was a table in the centre of the ward, and the many vases of flowers on top helped relieve the heavy atmosphere. There were a few chairs beside it, and the nurse fetched one and placed it behind Ann. ‘You may as well sit down, Mrs Richardson. Visiting is half an hour and the bell will go when the time is up.’

  Ann waited until the nurse had left, then pushed the chair as near to the bed as she could. Before sitting down, she bent to kiss her husband on the forehead, then on the lips. ‘What am I going to do with you? You’re not safe to be let out on your own.’ She kept her voice light, but her heart was heavy. ‘You certainly frightened the life out of me. I opened the front door thinking you’d forgotten to take your key, and there was this strange woman standing there.’ These weren’t the sort of things you talked about to someone lying in a hospital bed in agony. But it was the only way she could cope without bursting into tears. ‘It was your friend from work, Lizzie, and she kindly offered to stay with the children while I came to see you. She gave me a message for you from herself and all your workmates. They send their best wishes and expect to see you back at work soon. And of course Madelaine and Theresa send you their love and a million kisses.’

  ‘Tell them I’ll give two million back, and I’ll soon be home to deliver them. I’m glad it was Lizzie who came to see you, she’s a good woman is Lizzie. A bit rough and ready, but a heart of gold.’

  Ann could see her husband was having difficulty keeping his eyes open. The desire to hold him in her arms and comfort him was like an ache in her heart. But she remembered the words of the matron and tried not to sound unhappy or worried. ‘Lizzie told me what happened, love, it must have been terrible for you. I was out of my mind on the way here, not knowing what to expect. But I feel heaps better after seeing Matron.’

  George opened his eyes on hearing this. ‘What did Matron say? They haven’t told me anything yet.’

  ‘They don’t know much themselves, love, they haven’t had time to do tests on you. And you know what doctors are like, they won’t commit themselves. You also know what I’m like, always looking on the black side and expecting the worst. I was afraid you’d broken your back, but Matron set my mind at rest on that score.’