by Dilly Court
‘It looks as if I’m stuck with you,’ Ginnie said, smiling. ‘And I’ve just seen Laurence off on his way to the sanatorium. Don’t you think it would be better for him if we worked together? He’ll have to start all over again when he’s discharged from the hospital, and if we’re on the same side it would be a plus.’
‘You are the most extraordinary person I’ve ever met.’
‘I’ll take that as a compliment. Now, Miss Mallory, if you’d like to shadow Jimmy I’m sure he’ll be good enough to show you how things work.’
‘You gave that hateful creature a job?’ Shirley stared at her sister in disbelief.
‘She’s working for nothing,’ Ginnie said with a casual shrug of her shoulders. ‘Free labour. I’d be crazy to turn that down.’
Mildred slapped a plate of food down on the table in front of her. ‘I wouldn’t trust her an inch. That girl tried to ruin the business.’
‘And now she’s making up for it, Mum.’ Ginnie picked up her knife and fork. ‘She might prove useful because she’s got contacts. If she puts her mind to it she could bring in the class of trade we’ve never had.’
Mildred took her seat, eyeing her snoek fishcake with distaste. ‘Your dad told me all about their sort. They come in all high and mighty, demanding this and that and thinking they’re something special, but when it comes to paying that’s another matter.’
‘It’ll be cash on the nail, Mum. I’m not allowing credit to anyone.’
‘That’s right, dear. But you’ll have to keep an eye on that Olivia. I don’t trust her.’
‘She’s my sister-in-law, Mum,’ Shirley said, pushing her plate away. ‘I’m sorry, I can’t eat this, it’s making me feel sick.’ She jumped up from the table and ran from the room.
Mildred frowned. ‘What did I say?’
‘She used to think that Livvie was her friend, Mum. It must be hard for Shirley with Laurence in hospital and his family refusing to have anything to do with her.’
‘I could say that she brought it upon herself, but I wouldn’t be so unkind.’ Mildred stared down at her plate. ‘I’d give anything for a lamb chop and garden peas. I’m glad that my Sidney isn’t here to see us living like paupers. He was a good provider and I miss him . . .’ She broke off and left the table without finishing her meal.
Left alone in the dining room Ginnie looked disconsolately at the empty places and sighed. Their future was in her hands now and it was up to her to make a success of the business. She glanced at the photograph of her father in pride of place on the mantelpiece. ‘I’ll do it, Dad. I won’t let you down, I promise.’
The next few months were not easy. Livvie was a reluctant member of the team and Ginnie had to have several words in her ear concerning the way she spoke to Jimmy and her off-handed treatment of Fred Chinashop and Ida. Arrogant and full of her own self-importance, Livvie brought her Monk Avenue sense of superiority to Collier Lane, but she soon discovered that this attitude would get her nowhere. Neither Ida nor Fred was prepared to put up with a prima donna and they were quick to put her in her place. Jimmy was sullen and suspicious at first but after a blazing row one Saturday morning when the shop was busy, Ginnie took them both aside and made them apologise to each other. She would have liked to bang their heads together but as that was not an option she had to content herself with making them shake hands, and extracted a promise from each of them to work together in harmony.
Things were not much better at home. Shirley was not having an easy time with this pregnancy. She suffered from morning sickness which occasionally lasted all day and she seemed to be permanently tired. She took care of Colin but did little else, leaving all the housework to her mother and lazing in a deckchair in the garden when it was fine, or sitting on the sofa with her feet up when the weather was bad. Mildred did not complain about the extra chores but she did admit to being worried about Shirley’s constant state of lassitude. The doctor shrugged it off, putting it down to the fact that she was worried about her sick husband, although Ginnie thought privately that it went deeper than that. She knew that Shirley had never come to terms with Tony’s death, but there was nothing she could do or say to ease the pain of loss. Her own emotions had jagged edges that were still raw and ached miserably if she allowed herself to dwell on the past, but she forced herself to concentrate on the future. For her there was no going back, only forward.
The summer ended and autumn evolved into winter but Shirley had still not felt able to undertake the journey to the hospital in Shropshire. Mildred had tried to persuade her to visit Laurence, telling her that a change of scene would do her good, but Shirley had always come up with some plausible excuse. She received several letters a week from him, short extracts of which she read out to Ginnie, but she was not a prolific correspondent and sometimes it was left to Ginnie to write and send him news of Colin’s first attempts at sitting up unaided, followed by crawling and his tireless efforts to stand on his own two feet. Laurence’s replies were always cheerful and filled with amusing anecdotes of hospital life, but his recovery seemed to be slower than anticipated. Ginnie urged Shirley to visit him but she refused.
In the end, leaving Livvie in charge of the shop with Ida and Fred keeping an eye on her, and having extracted a promise of good behaviour from Jimmy, Ginnie travelled to Shropshire, taking with her a case filled with Christmas presents for Laurence from all his family. Included in the parcel were studio photographs of Shirley with Colin on her knee. Even in black and white she looked stunning and her advanced pregnancy only seemed to enhance her beauty.
It was obvious that Laurence was similarly impressed as he stared at the photo he held in his mittened hand. ‘She is well though, isn’t she, Ginnie? I mean she’s written many times to tell me that she’s not finding this pregnancy as easy as the first.’
‘The doctor doesn’t seem to think that there’s anything wrong, and she hasn’t long to go now.’ Ginnie shivered, clenching her teeth to stop them chattering as she huddled in her winter coat. The snow was blowing in from the open side of the ward and she had been shocked to find that open air treatment meant exactly that. Laurence and the other patients on the male ward were wrapped up in thick blankets with hot water bottles to keep them warm. ‘How do you stand it, Laurence?’
He grinned. ‘You can get used to anything in time. The fresh air is supposed to kill all the germs, so if we don’t succumb to the cold we should get better.’
‘But I thought there was a new drug that would work miracles.’
‘It’s not widely available, so the quacks here told me. I said I’d be glad to be a guinea pig but so far I’ve just had total bed rest and nourishing meals. At least we’re well fed, but I’d rather be at home.’ His eyes darkened. ‘How is Shirley really? Tell me the truth, Ginnie. She doesn’t say much in her letters.’
Ginnie clasped his hand. ‘You mustn’t worry about her. She’s much stronger than she looks. You’ll be a daddy again soon.’
‘I feel awful stuck here and unable to help or even to support my wife and child. You can’t imagine what it’s like.’
‘No, I don’t suppose I can, but you mustn’t worry. We’re coping well and the shop is beginning to show a profit. You know, of course, that your sister is now my best friend.’ She gurgled with laughter. ‘Well, almost. We rub along pretty well and to be honest I don’t know what I’d have done without her.’
‘Really? I can’t imagine young Livvie serving in a shop, or even turning up for work every day. She was always the spoilt darling of the family.’
‘Her antics with the paint can put an end to that. Your father was determined to make her suffer for her sins, and to be fair that’s exactly what she’s done. I pay her commission on sales; otherwise it would be slave labour. So in reality I’ve got a staff of two, and of course there’s Ida who still bakes us cakes and brings something down for elevenses every day. She’s lonely when Mr Richmond is at work, and Fred Chinashop is always popping in for his cup of sweety weaky milk
y tea.’
‘It sounds like a bit of a madhouse,’ he said, chuckling. ‘But I’m glad that you and Livvie are on speaking terms. She’s not a bad kid.’
‘She’s got quite a talent for window dressing and setting up stands. I think she has a genuine creative side that no one spotted before.’
‘You’re a wonderful girl, Ginnie. I can’t think of many people who would have taken Livvie on after what she did.’ He squeezed her fingers, but she noticed immediately that his grip was weak and a cold shiver ran down her spine that had nothing to do with the freezing temperature in the ward.
She eased her hand free with an apologetic smile. ‘You mustn’t over-exert yourself, Laurence. The ward sister told me not to stay too long, so I think I’d better go.’
‘Must you? Can’t you stay a little longer? I haven’t seen you for months, and I want to hear more about home.’ His voice cracked and he looked away.
She could see tears standing out on the tips of his corn-coloured lashes and she patted him on the shoulder. ‘I’ll come again tomorrow. I’ll check on the visiting hours and I’ll be here as soon as they open the doors.’
He gulped and swallowed. ‘I’m sorry. I’m being an awful baby.’
‘No, you’re not. You’re a brave man and I won’t let you talk that way. After what you’ve been through it’s not surprising that you feel a bit wobbly.’
‘I doubt if I’ll be able to stand when they let me get out of this damned bed,’ he said with a touch of his old humour. ‘I’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to walk. But you will come, won’t you? I’ll count the minutes until I see you again.’
She stood up, brushing flakes of snow off her coat. ‘I’ll be here even if I have to borrow a pair of snow shoes or skis.’
‘Are you staying with your aunt?’
‘I am, and she sends you her love. She says that as soon as you’re well enough you and Shirley must spend a holiday with her. You’d love the Ferryboat, Laurence. That’s something to look forward to, isn’t it?’
He nodded but he did not look convinced. ‘Sometimes I think I’ll never get out of here alive, Ginnie.’ He held his hand out to her and began to cough.
A nurse rushed up with a cup, which she held to his lips. ‘Visiting time is over, Mr Mallory. I think you’ve had enough excitement for one day.’ She shot a meaningful look at Ginnie who retreated, blowing a kiss to Laurence as she went.
Outside the hospital main entrance Percy was waiting for her with the pony and trap. Hunched up in a greatcoat with his felt hat pulled down over his eyes he gave her a baleful look. ‘Hurry up, miss. I’m bloody freezing and the pony should be tucked up in his nice warm stable at this time of day.’
Ginnie climbed up beside him. ‘Thank you for waiting, Percy. I really do appreciate it. Can we do the same tomorrow?’
‘I suppose so, but you’ll have to wait until I’ve done me bit at the home farm. I can’t afford to upset the boss.’
‘No, of course not.’ Ginnie huddled under the plaid blanket that Avril had thoughtfully provided. ‘Let’s go home.’
The lights of the pub shone out through the swirling snow as Percy dropped Ginnie off outside the door. ‘Thank you again,’ Ginnie said, pulling her collar up above her ears in an attempt to stop the icy flakes going down her neck. ‘I’ll buy you a pint when you’re ready.’
He mumbled something and flicked the whip to encourage Duke to amble towards the stable. Smiling to herself, Ginnie made for the door, slipping and sliding on the hard-packed snow. She let herself in and the warmth enveloped her like a hug. A log fire blazed up the chimney and the familiar scent of burning pine mingled with the smell of beer and tobacco smoke. Avril was clearing glasses from the tables and she greeted her with a wide smile. ‘Come in, darling. You’re just in time.’ With a sweep of her free hand she indicated a young man seated on a stool at the bar. ‘Look who’s come all the way from the States to see us.’
Chapter Thirteen
‘Danny!’ Ginnie flung her arms around him. ‘What a wonderful surprise.’
He gave her a smacking kiss on the lips. ‘Gee, you look like the Snow Queen. It must be pretty bad out there.’
She took off her fur hat and shook the melting snow onto the quarry tiles. ‘It’s practically a blizzard outside. I hope it doesn’t get too deep.’
Avril placed the glasses on the bar counter. ‘You look as though you could do with a snifter, darling. What will it be?’
‘I promised Percy a pint or two for taking me to the hospital and bringing me home.’ Ginnie slipped off her coat and laid it over the back of the chair. ‘I’ll have a ginger ale, please.’
Danny grinned. ‘So you’re still too young to drink in the bar?’
‘I’ll be twenty-one next August.’
Avril opened a bottle. ‘How wonderful it is to be so young. You’ve your whole life spreading out before you like a magic carpet.’
‘Put a shot of Scotch in that, Avril,’ Danny said, putting his hand in his pocket and bringing out a handful of change. ‘There’s no one here to witness the crime being committed, and have one yourself.’
‘Thank you, Danny.’ Avril held a glass to the optic and added the mixer. ‘You look as though you need this, darling. How was poor Laurence?’
‘Still quite poorly, I think.’ Ginnie took a sip of her drink. ‘The ward is open to the elements. Can you believe that?’ She took another mouthful.
‘Hey, slow down, kid,’ Danny said, grinning. ‘And I’m sorry to hear about your friend.’ He glanced at Avril. ‘Say, honey, d’you think you could rustle up something tasty? I haven’t eaten all day.’
The unaccustomed spirit was having its effect on Ginnie and she placed her glass carefully on the counter. ‘I’ll do it, Avril. I can scramble eggs and make toast.’
‘Sounds good to me,’ Danny said cheerfully.
Avril shook her head. ‘You’re a guest, Ginnie. I’ve prepared a meal and it just needs heating up, so you stay here and talk to Danny.’ She disappeared into the kitchen, closing the door behind her.
Ginnie perched on a bar stool facing Danny. ‘This is a lovely surprise, but what brings you here? I thought you’d gone back to the States.’
‘I did return to LA, but I wanted to check out the London hospitals. I’d like to specialise in reconstructive plastic surgery and there’s a hospital in Sussex I particularly want to visit.’
‘But why did you come to Shropshire? It’s a long way from Sussex.’
‘There was another and more important reason.’ His smile faded and he toyed with the handle of his beer mug. ‘I wanted to find you, kid.’
‘You came all this way just to see me?’
‘It’s not as crazy as it sounds.’
‘But why me?’ Her heart skipped a beat. ‘Is it Nick? He isn’t . . .’
‘Don’t look so scared – he’s recovered from his injuries, or mostly.’
‘I’m sorry, Danny. I don’t understand.’
He met her anxious gaze with a sympathetic look. ‘I know how you felt about each other. He was crazy about you and any other guy would have ditched the girl back home, but not Nick.’
‘I know, and I respect him for that.’
‘Well, as it turned out, it was the other way round. Betsy ran out on Nick.’
Ginnie downed the remainder of her drink in one gulp. ‘She did?’
‘Sure thing.’
‘But why?’
‘There’s no easy way to say this, honey.’ Danny laid his hand on hers as it rested on the bar top. ‘I told you that Nick recovered from his wounds, but the truth is that the poor guy lost his sight. He’s blind.’
The room began to spin in concentric circles and Danny’s anxious voice seemed far away. He was calling her name but it echoed oddly in her head. ‘Ginnie, are you okay?’
She dragged herself back from the edge of oblivion. ‘I – I think so.’
‘I’m so sorry, kid. I didn’t know how to tell you, but you had
to know.’
‘Did he send for me?’
Danny shook his head. ‘No. He doesn’t know that I’m here. I told him that you’d want to know that he was a free man but he wouldn’t buy it. He thinks he’s washed up and he didn’t want you to feel sorry for him.’
Her eyes filled with tears. ‘That’s not true. I mean of course I’m sorry that he’s suffering but I don’t care what state he’s in. I love him, Danny. I always have.’
‘I knew you’d say that, Ginnie.’
‘Is there any hope that he’ll regain his sight?’
‘The head injury caused haemorrhages in both eyes. He was totally blind at first, but he’s regained a little of his sight. It might improve but the doctors say it will take time and he’ll probably always have blurred vision. His career as a surgeon is over.’
Ginnie opened her handbag and pulled out a hanky. ‘I’m so sorry,’ she said, mopping her eyes. ‘It’s just so awful. He must be devastated.’
Danny nodded, saying nothing. He drank his beer in silence, giving her time to recover. She put her hanky away and closed her bag with a decisive snap. ‘Will he see me, d’you think?’ Realising what she had said, she shook her head. ‘That was a stupid thing to say, but you know what I mean.’
Danny’s grave expression melted into a wide grin. ‘He hasn’t lost his sense of humour. He’s still the same old Nick and he needs you.’
‘Was he very upset when Betsy left him?’
‘I think he was relieved, but he wouldn’t have a word said against her.’
The kitchen door opened and Avril beckoned. ‘Supper’s ready. Come and get it while it’s hot.’ She gave Ginnie a curious glance. ‘Are you all right, darling? I suppose you’ve heard Danny’s news.’
‘Yes, and I can’t imagine how Nick must be feeling.’ Ginnie lifted the hatch and followed Avril into the kitchen. ‘I’m just trying to work out how I’m going to raise the fare to California.’
‘Are you sure about this, Ginnie?’ Avril asked, frowning.
