Dickie (Feeney Family Sagas Book 4)

by Sheelagh Kelly

  Belle nodded, still rather mystified as to how her grandmother had come to learn of her relationship with Brian. ‘How long have you known?’

  ‘That question implies that it’s been going on for quite a while,’ answered Thomasin. Belle merely smiled. The old lady tilted her head in shrewd manner. ‘Not going to tell me, eh?’

  Belle gave a half-hearted shrug. ‘I don’t mind. It’s three years actually.’

  ‘Three years,’ mused Thomasin. ‘I really am losing my wits. I only guessed on the morning after you came back from Africa. When you rolled up so early with Brian … well, you were like a married couple. I thought it might have started while you were away. Three years, eh, and still no plans to marry?’ When Belle shook her head, she quizzed, ’Would you marry Brian if he gave you a baby?’ Belle said there was no chance of that. Her grandmother replied that this was not what she had asked.

  ‘No, I wouldn’t marry him.’ For once Belle was at a loss to explain. ‘You wouldn’t understand, Nan.’

  ‘Oh, and why wouldn’t I?’ demanded the old woman tartly. Belle said that things were different in her day. ‘Eh, you young’ns! Every generation thinks it’s the one to discover the difference between men and women. I might tell you, young lady, that I had a good deal of practice before I married your grandfather – good God, I’ve shocked the girl!’ She laughed at Belle’s expression, then whispered, ‘Don’t tell your mother. You’re the first I’ve ever told.’ How remarkable was this new bond! Belle was experiencing it, too. She gripped Thomasin’s hand, feeling for all the world as if she were holding Patrick’s. ‘Your grandfather’d like to see you happy, Belle.’

  ‘For me happiness doesn’t have to mean marriage, Nan.’

  ‘But you are happy with Brian?’

  Belle’s eyes toured the rows of books: red, green, blue spines, some with gold lettering, some with silver, leatherbound, all well-thumbed. ‘Yes.’

  ‘It took you a long time to think about that.’ When her grand-daughter did not respond, Thomasin looked at her carefully. ‘You said earlier that I wouldn’t understand.’ It was formed as a query.

  Belle hesitated, then divulged. ‘I don’t love Brian – at least, not in the romantic sense. We’re just very good friends. You must think me awfully shameless. Sometimes I feel guilty about it.’ She sighed. ‘It’s hard to put into words.’

  ‘You don’t have to,’ said Thomasin. ‘I’ve had such a relationship myself. Well, not quite the same but very similar in that there was no romance. I knew this man … was his mistress as a matter of fact. I wouldn’t have married him even if he’d been free because I didn’t love him in that way, but we did have a very good friendship.’

  Belle gave a disbelieving laugh. ‘I can’t get over this – Nan, you’re outrageous! Mother would never understand.’ Erin had nearly fainted when her daughter had lit a cigarette.

  ‘I’m sure she wouldn’t and I’m sure she doesn’t know about you and Brian so don’t even think of making it public. You’ll only hurt her.’ She gripped Belle’s hand more tightly. ‘But just because I understand, doesn’t mean I don’t worry about you, so do be careful, Belle. I wouldn’t want to see you forced into marriage by pregnancy – yes, I know what you said but opinions haven’t changed that much, Belle. An illegitimate child is still a creature of scorn – not to mention what folk would call its mother. You wouldn’t want to inflict that on a child of yours, would you?’

  ‘You may be right,’ concurred Belle. ‘People set great store by appearances. If I did fall for a baby I’d probably conform like all the rest, much as I’d despise myself. It’s just as well it’s a hypothetical question; I have no intention of bearing a child.’

  ‘That’s what they all say. It might be less of a risk for you with Brian being a doctor and knowing about such things, but he’s only human.’ Thomasin clutched her hand and shook it. ‘I don’t want to harp on about it, love, it’s just that I want you to visualize what it’d be like if you were forced to marry Brian and then someone came along who swept you off your feet like your grandfather did me.’ Her voice trembled.

  The young woman laid her head against her grandmother’s and gave her a loving squeeze. ‘Oh, Nan, I’m sorry about the argument before. I know how upset you still must be –I am.’

  Thomasin patted her. ‘Nay, don’t start burning your soapbox just because you reckon I’ll be upset. You can’t change your nature, Belle, and I wouldn’t want you to. You carry on with your cause … I still think you’re bloody wrong, mind.’

  Belle tutted, and laughed but did not argue. She sat thinking for a time, then ventured a question. ‘Nan … what happened in eighteen-sixty?’

  ‘Eighteen-sixty?’ Thomasin’s white eyebrows puckered. ‘Grandfather once told me it was the year that you and he almost split up – he didn’t go into details, of course … I just wondered what could have happened; it must’ve been something very drastic.’

  Thomasin’s smile had gone. ‘It was, but I’m not sure I want to tell you about it, Belle.’

  ‘Oh, if I’m being nosey …’

  ‘No, you’re not being nosey.’ Thomasin moved her head slowly from side to side. ‘It’s just something I’d rather forget. Let’s just say that he thought I’d betrayed him and I thought the opposite. That was half the trouble. Your grandfather and me, we were too much of opposites, we liked different things, had different values …’ Belle apologised for raking up old hurts. ‘That’s all right, love. It wasn’t all bad. In fact it was quite a passionate year.’ From the look in her eyes, she was far away.

  ‘That’s what Gramps said, too.’

  Thomasin’s mind came back to the room and she smiled again. ‘Tell me, have you decided whether or not you’re going to let Dickie adopt those kids of yours?’

  Belle shook her head. ‘I like him, but I’ll reserve judgement for the time being. It would make it a little easier if they intended to stay in this country.’

  ‘Well, I’m doing my best in that area,’ said Thomasin. ‘But there’s still this insurance thing hanging over our heads. Dickie was all for going back to the United States but his wife persuaded him to stay. She and Dickie want those children badly.’ There was a tap at the door. ‘Oh God, who’s that come to pester us?’

  Belle limped over and twisted the knob. It was Lol who said he was looking for her grandmother. Thomasin called for him to come in and asked what she could do for him. He seemed reluctant to speak in front of Belle.

  ‘Oh, private is it?’ she said airily.

  ‘No, it’s just…’

  ‘Don’t worry, Mr Kearney, I’m not interested!’

  ‘I hope I haven’t upset her,’ said Lol as the door closed on Belle.

  ‘Surely you’ve known her long enough to realise you can’t upset her, Lol.’

  He grinned, but was soon looking awkward again. ‘Mrs Feeney, I thought you should know, well it’s only right … Me an’ Sarah, we’re gonna have to bring the wedding forward … like next week.’

  ‘Been a naughty boy, have we?’ said Thomasin sternly. ‘I was wondering who the culprit would be.’ When Lol hung his head she chuckled. ‘Oh, don’t worry lad. You won’t be the first.’

  He raised penitent eyes. ‘I’m sorry I’ve let you down.’

  ‘Don’t talk daft, Lol! You haven’t let anybody down.’

  ‘Oh, but Mrs Feeney, you don’t…’

  ‘For heaven’s sake, Lol, if you tell me I don’t understand I’ll swing for you! I do know what it’s like to be in love, you know.’ She studied his forlorn posture and said more kindly. ‘Are Sarah’s parents very upset?’

  He nodded. ‘Her dad thumped me.’

  ‘Aw! Still, it could have been a shotgun – and he hasn’t marked your face.’

  Lol managed a laugh and rubbed his sore belly. ‘That’s what he said. Didn’t want me appearing in front of his relatives sporting a shiner.’ His amusement was shortlived. ‘I really am sorry about showing you up like this. You’re not
going to sack me, are you? If I lose me job I …’

  She was baffled. ‘Why should I sack you? And how can it be showing me up?’

  ‘Well … Sarah’s dad, he said it were the way I’d been brought up.’

  ‘He did, did he!’ She feigned outrage. ‘I might have a few things to say about him if he isn’t careful – oh don’t worry, Lol, I’ll wait till after the wedding to sort him out. Next week, you said?’

  He nodded. ‘A week today. Her dad’s goin’ frantic ’cause he had it all worked out how much he needed to save. Says he can’t afford the sort o’ do he’d planned an’ people’ll known it’s a rush job.’

  ‘I’ll speak to him,’ said Thomasin. ‘I understand that he sees it as his responsibility, but as I’m Sarah’s employer I don’t think I’d be out of order in offering to hold the reception here, d’you?’

  ‘I don’t know if he’d let you …’

  ‘Just tell him if we have a big posh do then Sarah’s relations’ll be that impressed they’ll have something more to talk about than his daughter’s condition. Besides, I always said I’d like to give you a good send-off. We’re all very fond of you, you know.’

  ‘Eh, Mrs Feeney, I feel so guilty. I mean, a week, it doesn’t give you much time to prepare.’

  ‘Next week or next year, if the caterers are any good they’ll fix it. Tell Sarah not to worry, nothing’s going to spoil her wedding. To let you into a secret, Lol, I’m glad it’s been brought forward. I could do with something to cheer me up.’

  ‘Oh, thanks, Mrs Feeney.’ Lol beamed. ‘She’ll be that relieved.’

  Well, I’m glad somebody is, thought Thomasin.

  12

  In spite of the wedding being a hasty affair, it was an enjoyable one for all concerned, giving the Feeney womenfolk an opportunity to put aside their black for one day. Sonny’s daughters wore the dresses which their aunt had bought them, with black hats and gloves as a token of mourning. Erin was in deep crimson, her mother in grey, both with the obligatory black trimmings. The rest of the women showed similar respect, though of course the family of Lol’s bride had no such commitment. Sarah’s parents had been slightly miffed at not being the providers of what was to them a lavish reception – it made it look as if they couldn’t do right by their daughter – but Thomasin had informed them that for today this wasn’t her home, they were the hosts and she was glad for once to stay in the background whilst they toured the assembly of guests.

  In this pose she was able to take in more of the proceedings than if she were having to entertain, and so was privy to the antics of her elder son. Dickie, resplendent in his morning suit with a totally incongruous purple cravat, had his arm round his brother’s wife, trying to coax her away. ‘Come on, Josie! Have a dance with a handsome bloke for a change.’

  Sonny issued a mocking laugh at this effrontery and said his wife had better be mindful of her feet. However Josie, like almost every other woman in the room before her, allowed herself to be swung around the dance floor. The modest number of guests had removed the need to hire a ballroom; with the furniture pulled back and the big double doors to the hall open, there was ample room for cavorting.

  Dusty, used to her husband’s flirtations, watched placidly, while Erin, from a seat near to Thomasin’s, made acid observations. ‘God, will ye look at Buffalo Bill there. Strutting about like a rooster and all those daft hens clucking round him.’ She tapped her foot to the scratchy music. Her mother had declined to hire an orchestra when she had a perfectly good gramophone. Feen had been placed in charge of this and sat winding furiously, waiting for her uncle to get around to her. ‘He’s even got Josie at it. I would’ve thought she’d have more sense.’

  ‘He is gorgeous though, isn’t he?’ replied Thomasin. ‘I’d think so even if he weren’t my own son.’

  ‘Aye, he’s that all right,’ conceded Erin thoughtfully.

  ‘You’re not still harbouring that grudge, surely?’ said her mother. ‘It’s you who’ll suffer from it, not Dickie.’

  ‘Oh, I realise he couldn’t give a hoot what I think of him.’ Erin looked across the room at Dusty. ‘No, I’m just thinking how hard I’ve been on her. It must be murder being married to my brother.’

  ‘She doesn’t look too unhappy,’ smiled Thomasin. Belle’s children were among the guests and the two girls whom Dusty hoped to adopt were sitting talking to her, though Thomasin could not see Freddie at the moment.

  Erin was still cogitating over her sister-in-law. ‘I think I’ll just go over and sit with her for a while. Ye’ll be all right on your own now?’

  ‘Get away before I clatter you,’ ordered her mother and turned her attention to her grandson and Francis. Nick was apparently trying to convince the older man of something, making gestures and leaning forward intently. It had to be business; Nick didn’t wear that look of enthusiasm for anything else. Poor Sonny, now sitting with them, had a glazed expression on his face.

  The subject of Nick’s eager chat was a profit-sharing scheme. ‘It’s like this, Fran.’ He motioned with his hands. ‘Each month we set aside a section of the profits, dividing it amongst the staff, according to how long they’ve been with us and the hours they work. At the end of the year, say Christmas, we pay it out in a lump sum.’ Here Francis voiced amusement that Nick was actually proposing giving away the company’s money. ‘It’s not a gift, it’s an incentive, Fran. The harder they work the higher the profits to be shared. From the point of view of the factory it’s a more effective scheme than piece work because it improves the quality of their output. On the shop side, it’ll make them more keen to catch pilferers. What d’you say? Will you back me?’

  Francis agreed it was a sound idea and said he would discuss it with Thomasin. ‘Not today though.’

  Nick threw up his arms. ‘It’s always not today with her! She’s too busy trying to persuade Uncle Dick to take my job.’

  His father introduced a note of optimism. ‘Don’t worry too much on that score, son. He’s more bothered about getting the children. Once the decision’s been made he’ll be away.’

  ‘I wonder if Fred realises how privileged he is.’ Nick tapped his patent leather boot.

  Dismayed at his own lack of tact, Sonny fell silent. Nick caught the implication. ‘Oh no, I didn’t mean it like that, Dad. I’ve told you he’s nothing to me. No, it’s my bloody future I’m worried about, not the past.’

  Sonny examined the young man’s face. Like his brother he found it hard to believe that there was no bitterness present. It was nigh impossible to read Nick, but he tended to favour what his son had said. Nick had little time for emotion of any kind. He wished he could set the young man’s mind at rest over the Chairmanship, but he could never be sure which way his brother would turn.

  Erin made her way through the wedding guests, surprising Dusty with her cordial approach. ‘Ye looked left out, your husband dancing with all the other women, so I thought I’d come and keep ye company.’

  ‘Don’t worry about me.’ Her sister-in-law’s green eyes sparkled. ‘I’ve got these two to keep me on my toes – but come sit down, Erin.’

  Erin did so, smiling at Faith and Julia. ‘I expect you’re getting quite attached to them.’ Dusty was spending more and more time at Belle’s lately.

  ‘We are. I do hope Belle realises that.’ Dusty glanced at Belle who was sitting with Brian, watching the dancers. Dickie was now twirling Feen around the room while one of her sisters took over the gramophone. The young girl’s face was ecstatic.

  ‘I’m sure she does. And I hope it works out for you, Dusty.’

  Dusty offered a surprised smile of thanks. ‘I’m forgiven, then?’

  ‘You are.’ Erin settled back to watch the dancers. After a period of deep thought, she said ‘Dusty … do you think I’m fat?’

  Her sister-in-law spoke kindly. ‘You’re nowhere near fat. Don’t let Dickie nettle you.’ She looked across the room at Thomasin. ‘Your mother’s still very low, isn’t she?�
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  Erin snatched glances of her mother’s frowning face between the milling guests. ‘Aye … still, it’s not three months since Dad died. And she’s worried over this insurance thing. So am I. I can’t say I won’t be glad when you go back to America.’

  Dusty thought about this. Though her husband was keen to be on his way, she herself had no yen for America. With the dilution of Erin’s venom, she had found herself growing used to being part of this large family. ‘Your mother wants us to stay.’

  ‘Ye know that’s not really feasible. That insurance man’s onto Dickie, I’m positive. The sooner you’re gone the better.’

  Dusty had to agree, although it wasn’t just the insurance fraud that worried her, but her niece. ‘We can’t go until Belle’s made her mind up.’

  ‘Ah well, I don’t know if it’ll help but I’ll speak to her in your favour.’

  Dusty thanked her, kissing the top of Faith’s blonde head as the child slid off her lap to romp with her sister. ‘But it’s Dickie who’s the main stumbling block.’

  ‘Isn’t he always?’

  Dusty turned on her. ‘That’s rather unfair. It was you who coloured Belle’s judgement against him in the first place.’

  ‘Expected the big homecoming, did he?’

  Her sister-in-law replied firmly, ‘No, he knew you’d have plenty to say and that he deserved it, but neither of us expected it to be so prolonged. He’s changed a lot since last you saw him, Erin, and he’s as fond of the children as I am.’

  ‘I don’t believe that for one minute,’ replied Erin. ‘But much as it galls me I’ll speak on his behalf. Anything to get rid of this dreadful threat that’s hanging over us.’

  Dusty might have a quick temper, but she lacked Erin’s capacity for bitterness. There was no trace of acrimony on her face now and the thanks she issued were sincere.

  Erin flicked her head. ‘Ye know, I have to admire you, Dusty. Ye’ve managed to hold onto him all these years. How, and more to the point why did ye do it?’

  ‘It might surprise you to know that I didn’t have to do anything. Dickie is the one who’s had to do the holding on. And I stay with him because I’m married to him and I love him, Erin.’