MB02 - Last Tram To Lime Street

by Joan Jonker

  ‘Pity he’s leavin’ the street.’ Nellie winked at Victoria. ‘Yer could do with a handyman.’

  ‘He isn’t leaving the street … not yet anyway. I’ve asked him to come back tonight and stay until he gets himself sorted out.’

  The silence was so profound you could have heard a pin drop. Molly and Nellie gazed at each other, wide-eyed. Then Molly asked, ‘Victoria, are yer sure that’s wise? After all, yer hardly know the lad.’

  Victoria’s hand fluttered to her throat. ‘You’re my best friends and I know you both mean well. But give me a chance to explain.’ She smiled nervously. ‘I’ve lived on my own now for over fifty years. They’ve been lonely years, more lonely than anyone could imagine. In fact, there have been times when I’ve prayed for the good Lord to take me. Oh, I know I shouldn’t complain, not when I’ve got friends and neighbours like yourselves. But it’s not the same as having your own family. There’s no sense of belonging. I have neither kith nor kin to call my own, and the wireless is a poor substitute for a real-life, flesh-and-blood companion. The days drag and the nights seem endless.’ She gazed from one to the other. ‘Last night I slept easy, knowing I wasn’t alone in the house … that if I called out, someone would hear. And this morning I had someone to talk to, make a fuss of. So don’t condemn me for being a selfish old woman who wants a little brightness in her life.’

  ‘I’m goin’ to cry.’ The remark was unnecessary as the tears were already flowing from Nellie’s eyes. ‘Look what yer’ve gone an’ made me do … bawlin’ like a flippin’ baby.’

  Molly was silent, lost for words. She hadn’t realised how lonely the old lady was, because Miss Clegg had never bared her soul before. But what she’d said was true … being on your own all the time was a lonely life for anyone. Especially someone like Victoria who was housebound. The neighbours took it in turns to bring her a hot dinner every day, and did her shopping. But that only amounted to an hour a day … the other twenty-three she spent in solitude.

  ‘Nobody is condemning yer, Victoria! You’re the least selfish person in the world.’ Molly finally found her voice. ‘It’s us that’s selfish for not realising how lonely yer were. But we do care for yer, an’ that’s why we want to make certain yer doin’ the right thing.’

  ‘I know that, Molly, and I’m grateful to you. But I know what I’m doing, so you don’t need to worry.’

  ‘Are yer sure he’s coming back tonight?’

  ‘I had a job persuading him … he was worried what people would think about me taking a Bradley in. But in the end he promised, and I don’t think he’s the type to break a promise.’

  ‘In that case yer’ll need some food in. Tell me what yer want an’ I’ll get it for yer when I go to the shops.’ Molly glanced sideways. ‘Will yer stop snivellin’, for heaven’s sake!’

  ‘I can’t help it.’ Nellie lifted the skirt of her dress to wipe the tears away and revealed the elasticated legs of her pink fleecy-lined bloomers, and the six inches of bare leg between the bloomers and her rolled-down stocking tops. ‘I’ve always been a sucker for a sad story.’

  Molly saw the twinkle in Victoria’s eyes and burst out laughing. ‘Have yer ever in yer life seen anythin’ like that? Honest to God, I’m ashamed to take her anywhere.’

  ‘When we go to the shops I’ll walk behind yer,’ Nellie sniffed, ‘then no one will know we’re together. The last thing I would want to do is embarrass yer.’

  ‘Ah, poor little Orphan Annie.’ Molly put an arm across her friend’s shoulders and hugged her. ‘Yer me best mate an’ I love every inch of yer. If yer came to the shops with me in yer nuddy, yer wouldn’t embarrass me.’

  Nellie chuckled. ‘No one would know I ’ad no clothes on, girl! I’ve got that many wrinkles, folds and creases on me body, no one would be any the wiser. They’d just think me coat needed ironing.’

  ‘Oh, she’s in one of her funny moods now, Victoria. I won’t be able to get any sense out of her. Just tell us what yer want from the shops an’ we’ll be on our way.’

  Victoria was smiling as she reached for her purse. It was a long time since she’d felt so light-hearted. These two friends were always guaranteed to make her laugh. But the glow in her heart came from the knowledge that, like the other women in the street, she’d be setting the table tonight for someone coming home from work.

  Molly gazed around the table. She’d never known her family be so quiet. Mind you, with Doreen having a face on her like a wet week, it was enough to put a damper on anyone’s spirits. She was dying to tell Jack about Miss Clegg’s lodger, but was afraid to mention Phil’s name in case it brought on another crying match. She’d just have to bide her time and hope her daughter was going up to Maureen’s.

  Jack wiped a piece of bread over his plate to soak up the gravy. ‘I really enjoyed that, love.’ He pushed his chair back and undid the top button of his trousers. ‘I’m bloated now … me eyes are bigger than me belly.’

  ‘I feel full meself.’ Molly patted her tummy. ‘It’s the suet dumplings that do it, they don’t half fill yer up.’

  ‘I’ll wash up, Mam,’ Jill started to stack the empty plates. ‘Steve’s not coming till eight o’clock.’

  ‘Yer a pal an’ a half, sunshine.’ Molly smiled her appreciation. ‘I’ve had a busy day, with one thing an’ another, an’ me feet are givin’ me gyp.’

  ‘I’m goin’ up to Ginger’s,’ Tommy said. ‘I won’t be late, Mam.’

  ‘See yer not! It was all hours when yer got to bed last night.’

  ‘Okay, boss!’ Tommy took one look at Doreen’s glum face and couldn’t get out of the house quick enough. Flippin’ girls! They could be a right pain in the neck sometimes.

  Jack puffed on his newly lit cigarette, then in all innocence asked, ‘How did Miss Clegg get on with young Phil?’

  Doreen’s chair crashed back as she sprang to her feet. ‘I’ll help Jill with the dishes.’

  Molly gave Jack daggers and tutted. ‘Have yer not got the sense yer were born with?’

  ‘I never thought,’ he grimaced. ‘Anyway, his name is bound to crop up sometime, she’ll just have to get used to it.’

  Molly kept her voice down. ‘He’s bound to crop up in person, never mind his name! Victoria’s asked him to stay with her until he can find himself digs.’

  ‘Go ’way!’

  ‘Yeah, honest!’ Molly briefly related all that Victoria had said. ‘An’ after listening to her, I don’t blame her for wanting company. I wouldn’t be in her shoes for a big clock, sitting on yer own day an’ night, it’s enough to send yer round the bend. Yer should see the difference it’s made to her, knowing he’s coming tonight. She’s over the moon … runnin’ around like a spring chicken.’

  ‘Let’s hope she doesn’t live to regret it.’ Jack watched a smoke ring rise to the ceiling. ‘If she gets used to him being there, it’ll come as a blow when he finds himself digs.’

  ‘Well, that’s a bridge we’ll cross when we come to it. In the meantime I’m all for her bein’ happy. And I know it sounds daft, but I’ve got a feeling it was meant to be … you know, like fate stepping in.’

  Jack chuckled softly. ‘You an’ your romantic notions. A happy ending and you’re in yer applecart.’

  ‘I just hope he doesn’t let her down … but yer know, I don’t think he will. From what she says, he should be working overtime tonight until ten o’clock, but he told her he’ll finish at eight so she won’t have to stay up late.’ Molly glanced towards the kitchen then leaned forward. ‘I’m slippin’ over about nine o’clock, just to make sure.’

  ‘Don’t yer think you’d be better keeping yer nose out of it? Miss Clegg might think yer interfering.’

  ‘No she won’t … I told her I’d slip over and she seemed quite pleased. I won’t stay, just make sure she’s managing.’

  Jack was about to say something when Doreen came into the room and put an end to the conversation. She plonked herself down on the couch and reached for the unope
ned Echo, a sure sign that she had no intention of going out. Normally, Molly would have asked, but the look on Doreen’s face told her questions wouldn’t be welcomed.

  Even Jill was affected by the heavy atmosphere. Combing her long blonde hair in front of the mirror, her eyes met her mother’s and she pulled a face. ‘I think I’ll go up to Steve’s, save him calling for me. We’re going back to his house anyway, to have a game of cards with his mam and dad.’

  ‘Well, keep yer eye on that mate of mine or she’ll rob yer blind.’

  ‘I’ll tell her you said that,’ Jill replied with a grin. ‘Not that it makes much difference, seeing as we only play for matches.’

  When Jill had left, the air hung heavy and the minutes seemed to drag. Molly tried a few times to engage her daughter in conversation but it was such heavy going she gave it up as a bad job and sat watching the hands of the clock creep slowly around to nine o’clock. Another night like this and I’ll be telling her to pull her socks up. We can’t have the whole family suffering because of a romance that never got off the ground in the first place!

  ‘D’yer want some of the Echo?’ Jack lowered the paper Doreen had finally relinquished in exchange for a magazine. ‘I’m finished with the first few pages.’

  ‘No, ta, I think I’ll go up to Nellie’s for half an hour, stretch me legs.’ When she saw Jack’s brows shoot up, Molly stared at him until he got the message.

  It was Phil who answered the door to Molly’s knock. He looked embarrassed and uncertain, so she just stepped into the hallway. ‘It’s all right, son, Miss Clegg knows I’m coming.’

  It was a comfortable, homely scene that met Molly’s eyes. Two armchairs were drawn up to the hearth and a fire burned brightly in the grate. ‘Well, this is nice and cosy.’ Molly planted a kiss on the wrinkled cheek. ‘Ooh, yer all warm and cuddly.’

  ‘Me and Philip have been having a good conversation.’ Victoria pointed to the couch. ‘Sit yourself down, Molly, but take your coat off first or you won’t feel the benefit of it when you leave.’

  ‘A real bossy-boots, isn’t she?’ Molly smiled at Phil as she handed him her coat. ‘Put it on the hall stand for us, there’s a good lad.’

  ‘He was asking me if I knew a young girl called Doreen.’ There was a mischievous glint in the faded eyes. ‘She’s slim, got long blonde hair and is lovely to look at. Do you know anyone answering that description, Molly?’

  Phil hung his head, but not before Molly had seen his face turn the colour of beetroot. ‘He knows who she is, ’cos you’ve already told him, haven’t yer?’

  Victoria nodded. ‘I didn’t think it would do any harm.’

  ‘The harm has already been done.’ Molly looked at the bowed head. ‘You’re not very popular in our ’ouse, son.’

  ‘I didn’t expect to be.’ There was a cynical smile on Phil’s face when he looked up. ‘It’s the story of my life.’

  ‘You lied to her, and that’s what’s upset her.’

  ‘I don’t know why I lied to her, it was on the spur of the moment. I knew if I told her the truth she’d have sent me packin’ and I’d never have seen her again. It would have had to come out in the end, but I never expected her to find out the way she did.’ Phil looked down at his clasped hands. ‘I don’t blame her for bein’ upset and not wantin’ to see me again, Mrs Bennett.’ He raised his head and gazed into Molly eyes. ‘I don’t suppose she’d see me, just so I can explain, would she?’

  ‘Right now your name is muck in our house, son.’ Molly saw the hurt on his face and groaned inwardly. She couldn’t help feeling sorry for him. He was everything Doreen had said he was … tall, handsome, and nice. And she’d swear he was as honest as the day was long. To condemn the lad just because his name was Bradley wouldn’t be fair. ‘She might come around when she’s had time to think it over, but I wouldn’t bank on it. She’s as stubborn as a mule, is our Doreen.’

  ‘Would yer put in a good word for me, Mrs Bennett?’

  ‘Not yet, son, not with the mood she’s in. If I mentioned your name she’d clock me one.’ Molly grinned. ‘But who knows what the future holds? She could change her mind tomorrow for all I know. After all, she’s only a kid.’

  ‘She’ll be sixteen soon,’ Phil said softly, ‘I remember her telling me.’

  ‘Well, I wouldn’t be shining me shoes if I were you. Apart from being stubborn, my daughter’s got her pride. She thinks yer’ve made a fool of her, and even if she wanted to, she wouldn’t give in.’

  ‘Perhaps if I had a word with her?’ Victoria had been listening intently, her face sad. ‘She might take notice of me.’

  ‘No, Victoria, leave things as they are for now. If she’s goin’ to come around, she’ll do it in her own time. If I see any sign of her having a change of heart, I’ll stick my twopennyworth in. More than that I can’t promise, so yer’ll have to wait and hope for the best, Phil.’

  Chapter Twenty-One

  While Jimmy Cookson untied the knot at the back of his leather apron he kept a watchful eye as Phil Bradley hammered into shape a rod of molten iron. Rivulets of sweat ran down the lad’s face as he brought the hammer down time and again, determined to finish the shaping before the rod cooled. He was a real grafter was Phil, the best apprentice Jimmy had ever had. He never downed tools the second the dinner hooter sounded, like the rest of the workers in the furnace room. In fact, he seemed to thrive on hard work, and he turned out as good a job as many of the skilled workers who’d been in the trade for years.

  Jimmy rolled his leather apron up and threw it down at the side of the furnace. It was so hot in here, he’d be glad to get out and breathe in some fresh, cool air. ‘Come on, lad, dinnertime.’

  ‘Okay.’ Phil grinned as he wiped the back of his hand across his forehead. ‘I’m coming.’ He had a lot of respect for the older man, who had always shown patience and good humour whilst teaching him the skills of the trade. He was a hard task-master … believed in giving a good day’s work for a day’s pay. But as long as you pulled your weight he was easy to get on with. He was twenty years older than Phil, married, with three children. But despite the age gap, he and Phil got on well together. It was to Jimmy that Phil would have gone to for help if Miss Clegg hadn’t taken him in two nights ago. He had no doubt he would have been made welcome, but was nevertheless relieved that the situation hadn’t arisen. You couldn’t turn up on someone’s doorstep without an explanation, and the whole sorry story would have had to come out. That was the last thing Phil wanted. They were good mates, him and Jimmy, and he wanted it to stay that way.

  Every dinnertime they would go together to the local chippy to buy a pennyworth of chips, liberally sprinkled with salt and vinegar, to eat with the bread and butter they brought from home. ‘It’s a damn sight cheaper than the missus havin’ to buy somethin’ to put on me bread,’ Jimmy had said that first day, and now it was a daily ritual.

  As they turned out of the factory gates, Jimmy was holding forth with his very strong views on Hitler. ‘He’s a bugger up the back, that one!’

  ‘Phil!’

  Both heads turned to see a woman waving to them from the opposite side of the road. She pointed to the small battered suitcase by her feet and beckoned. ‘It’s me mam,’ Phil said. ‘I wonder what she wants?’

  ‘Only one way to find out, son, go an’ ask her.’ Jimmy waved a hand in greeting, then added, ‘I’ll go on ahead.’

  ‘Hello, son.’ Fanny Bradley was wringing her hands, looking nervous and agitated. ‘How are yer?’

  ‘I’m all right, Mam.’

  ‘I brought yer some clothes.’ She touched the suitcase with her toe. ‘I was worried yer had nothin’ to change into.’

  ‘Thanks, Mam! I need a change, I’ve had these clothes on for three days now.’

  ‘Are yer sure yer all right? Have yer got somewhere to stay?’

  Phil looked down at the ground. He was afraid to tell her the truth in case his stepfather came down and created trouble for Miss Cl
egg. ‘Yeah, I’m staying with one of the men I work with. It’s only temporary, until I can find lodgings.’

  ‘I’m sorry for what happened,’ Fanny said, then added defiantly, ‘but yer should have kept out of it.’

  There was sadness on Phil’s face as he gazed at the woman who had brought him into the world. She claimed she was sorry for what happened but laid the blame at his door. There was no pity in her for the old lady whose house would have been burgled if he hadn’t happened on the scene. As far as she was concerned, if Phil had turned a blind eye there wouldn’t have been any trouble.

  ‘No, Mam, I couldn’t have kept out of it. If it happened again I’d do the same thing. That’s the difference between me an’ the rest of the Bradleys.’ He stooped to pick up the case. ‘I’ll have to go now, we only get half an hour for dinner. But I’m grateful to yer for bringing me things. And when I get meself settled I’ll let yer know.’

  Fanny put a restraining hand on his arm. ‘We’re movin’ in a few days to a little house in Huyton. I’ll be glad to get away from that street, the neighbours are a bleedin’ miserable lot.’

  ‘It’s not the neighbours, Mam! Can’t you see, it’s that man you’re married to … he’s pulled yer down into the gutter.’ Phil sighed. He was only wasting his breath. Whatever she saw in the Bradley man was beyond comprehension, but she bowed to his every whim. She agreed with him in everything he did, even the lying, cheating and stealing. He was never wrong in her eyes, and she’d stick by him through thick and thin. Phil switched the case to his other hand. His head and his heart were filled with mixed emotions. You were supposed to love and respect your mother, and he’d tried hard to do that. But now he asked himself how he could love someone who didn’t love him enough to protect him from the evil of the man she’d married. Who blamed him for doing what any self-respecting, God-fearing person would have done.