by Jonker, Joan
The conductor passed the tickets to Bessie before smiling at the young girl. ‘You wouldn’t like it, love, not when the novelty wore off. In the winter months yer’ve got to fight against the wind to get up the stairs, and yer hands get so cold yer expect yer fingers to fall off.’ He leaned towards her and lowered his voice. ‘And yer get some ruddy awkward passengers, as well. I had one this morning. Some bloke fell asleep and missed his stop. He blamed me, said I should have woke him up, and now he was late for work he’d have his pay docked. Anyone could see why he’d missed his stop, he’d been out boozing last night and was bleary-eyed. He was so bad-tempered and shouting the odds, everyone on the tram could hear him. But we all had a laugh when he went to punch me ’cos he wasn’t quite sober. He could see three of me and missed by a mile.’ The conductor was chuckling at the memory. ‘To top it off, I went to help him off the tram ’cos he wasn’t capable of walking straight, but he pushed me away and fell down the ruddy step! It had passed the time away for other passengers, and they all jeered and clapped. I don’t know where the bloke worked, but this is one day his boss won’t be getting his money’s worth. It brightened my day, though, it’s not often I get a drunk taking a punch at me.’
Bessie and Rita were shaking with laughter. The man was a good storyteller; doing all the actions as he told the tale. Milly had a hand over her mouth while her eyes glistened with happiness. Oh, this was going to be the most exciting day of her life!
While her daughter was sitting on a rickety tram, swaying with each movement and shudder, Evelyn was sitting back in Philip’s luxurious car with a travelling rug covering her knees. She was revelling in the smell of its leather seats and the comfort all around her. It was over eight years since she’d been in a car, and without warning she remembered the last time. It was in Charles’ car that she’d become pregnant with Amelia. She shivered at the memory, and Philip was quick to lean sideways to tuck the rug closer, thinking she was cold. ‘Tuck it in the other side, my lovely, I can’t have you catching a chill.’
‘I’m not cold, my dear, it’s very warm and comfortable in here. It was just someone walking over my grave, as the saying goes. I’ve no doubt it has happened to you at some time. No one seems to know the reason for it.’
They were driving down country lanes, and some of the properties they passed were lovely, beautiful big houses with large, well-kept gardens. ‘How peaceful it is here compared to the city,’ Evelyn said. ‘The only problem would be shopping. We haven’t passed any shops to speak of.’
‘My darling Evelyn, everything in the way of foodstuffs and coal is delivered. The only shopping local residents do is for clothes, and then they drive to the city, either by car or horse-drawn carriage.’ Philip turned his head briefly. ‘I remember my father having a horse and carriage when I was younger, before automobiles became fashionable. I actually prefer to ride in a carriage because I love horses and am glad there are still so many of them on the streets of Liverpool. They’re loyal, trustworthy and hard-working, and it would be a sad day indeed if man ever forgot their strength, loyalty and courage.’
Evelyn patted his arm. ‘I can’t see horses disappearing, dear. Without them there would be no milk or coal deliveries, and of course no furniture removals. That’s apart from the haulage companies down at the docks, who wouldn’t survive without horses and carts.’
Houses were becoming more frequent now as they drove through the lush areas leading into Southport. There were no streets of two-up-two-down houses here; only people with money could afford to live in this affluent area. Every property was large, and built to accommodate maids, housekeepers, gardeners, and cars or carriages. Although she couldn’t see them, Evelyn was sure there would be stables at the back of the houses.
‘I’ll drive into Lord Street and park the car in front of the hotel,’ Philip said. ‘Then we’ll have some refreshment, I feel quite peckish.’
‘Yes, I would appreciate a drink myself, I’m thirsty.’ Evelyn was never free from the fear of bumping into someone from her past, if not Cyril or Matilda Lister-Sinclair themselves then one of their acquaintances who would be only too eager to spread the news that she had surfaced and been seen on the arm of a man. Worse still, they could accost Evelyn while she was with Philip, then the truth would come out and he would be so horrified he would walk away. She had altered her hairstyle in an attempt to make herself less obvious, but there was little else she could do except pray.
Philip parked the car in the forecourt of the Prince of Wales Hotel, the grandest in Southport. He opened the passenger door and helped Evelyn from the car. ‘We’ll have something light here, my love, to ease the pangs of hunger. But we won’t dine here. I have ordered a very lavish meal to be delivered to the apartment at eight o’clock. It will be piping hot, served by waiters from the hotel.’ He tucked her arm under his as they walked together into the foyer of the large hotel, and while his eyes searched for the most discreet table he whispered in her ear, ‘I am secretly wishing the time away, my lovely Evelyn. I can’t wait until the afternoon is over, and we have dined in the apartment on a delicious meal accompanied by excellent wine to give you that lovely warm glow. The waiters will be encouraged to clear away quickly then and leave us alone. And I can take you in my arms and show you how much I need you, and what you have been missing by keeping me at arm’s length for so long.’
Evelyn could feel herself colour as she looked around her to see if anyone was close enough to have heard. ‘Really, Philip, see how you have made me blush?’
He chuckled as he led her to a table in an alcove. ‘That is what I love about you, my very dear darling. You are so innocent. And while I hope you do not remain so for ever, I would be very sorry to see you change too swiftly.’ He held her hand as she lowered herself into a chair. ‘Besides, if you look around, people are far more concerned with their own affairs than they are with listening in to ours.’ He sat facing her, ran two fingers down the perfect crease in his trousers, then leaned forward. ‘But none of them have as much to look forward to as I have, especially with such a beautiful woman.’
Evelyn was secretly lapping up the compliments she’d been starved of for so long. To be treated like someone special was boosting her confidence. ‘Really, Philip, I think such talk should be reserved for when we have complete privacy.’
He had never met a woman so retiring before, and found it refreshing. And she didn’t use a lot of make-up on her face either, didn’t need it with her colouring and complexion. Some young women looked like painted dolls, but not Evelyn. Tonight he was hoping to find that she had not been with any man since her husband was killed. He caught the eye of a waiter and beckoned him over. ‘A pot of Earl Grey tea, my good man, and a selection of sandwiches and cakes.’
When the waiter retreated, Philip asked, ‘Tell me, my love, have you ever smoked?’
Evelyn looked surprised. ‘What a curious question, Philip! Yes, I smoked when I was younger, in my late-teens, but it is many years since I’ve held a cigarette. It was quite the rage at one time. I remember one was thought to be quite a frump if one didn’t walk around at parties with an ebony or silver cigarette holder.’
‘I’m glad you don’t, my love. There is nothing so off-putting as kissing a woman who smells of smoke.’
‘You sound as though you are very experienced in the ways of women,’ Evelyn said, crossing her shapely legs to remind him she could compete with the best. ‘I am not a jealous person, or at least I hope not, but I’m wondering whether I should be a tiny bit jealous of you or not? Do I have reason to be?’
‘Good heavens, my love, no! No woman has ever come near to having the qualities you possess. I consider myself very lucky to have found you.’
Conversation ceased then as two waiters appeared bearing trays of tea, a variety of thinly cut sandwiches and cakes. Evelyn sighed, ‘They look delicious.’
While Philip and Evelyn relaxed in the comfort and luxury of the Prince of Wales Hotel, the child he di
dn’t know existed was sitting in a cafe in a little side street with her two new aunties. There were no tablecloths on the wooden tables, and a cup of tea and scone cost only threepence. The customers were all working-class, not used to luxury but quite content with their lot. Milly was more than content. All this was new to her and she was finding pleasure in everything. Her green eyes were wide as she gazed at the people around her, and listened to them talking loudly and cracking jokes. Some of them wore black knitted shawls over their shoulders and their hair was plaited into buns, either at the nape of their neck or one by each ear. They were a few of the well-known Mary Ellens who brought colour to the Liverpool scene as they went about the business of selling their wares. Having sold out of flowers early today, they had nipped into the cafe for a cuppa before making their way back home with their empty baskets balanced on their heads. Milly was intrigued by them. Two had gold teeth, and when they smiled the metal flashed, causing the young girl to stare, mesmerised.
Rita leaned sideways to whisper in Bessie’s ear, ‘It’s to be hoped a certain person doesn’t tell another certain person about what she’s seen today. That would really let the cat out of the bag, and it would be goodbye to future outings.’
‘If you knew a certain young person as well as I do, you would give her credit for having more brains than that. I’ve told yer before, sweetheart, Milly has more sense than any of us. And though I shouldn’t say it, she’s got more on top than her own mother gives her credit for. She knows what’s at stake. I am so sure of her, I’m not even going to mention that she should keep today’s outing a secret.’
‘I’m surprised she’s never been into town before, aren’t you? To hear her mother talk yer’d think they were used to living like rich people.’ Rita tutted. ‘I can’t stand people who think they’re better than anyone else, sunshine, they get on me nerves. God made us all equal, and money doesn’t make one person better than the rest.’
Bessie nodded in agreement. ‘Ye’re right, Rita, definitely. Yer hit the nail right on the head. But Milly is going to have the last laugh, for she will have known both worlds by the time she’s older. She’ll never be a snob like her mother.’
Rita sighed. ‘Let’s hope not. Anyway, let’s settle up before we leave here so I know I’m out of debt. How much have yer paid out altogether, sunshine?’
Bessie made sure Milly was still listening to the conversations going on around her before answering. ‘This is my treat, Rita, so don’t be making a fuss. If the truth were known, it’s really Mrs Sinclair’s treat ’cos it’s her two bob I’m using. So she’s come in handy and done us a good turn, after all the times we’ve called her fit to burn.’
‘Yer don’t get the two bob for nothing, Bessie, yer earn it. So don’t forget that, and let me pay me way or I won’t come out with yer again.’
‘I was living all right before Tilly Mint started paying me, and for what it costs to give Milly some tea each day, well, it’s not worth talking about. So I’m really two bob a week better off than I was. And in bed last night, I dreamt up an idea of how you can give me a hand, and in return we’ll make sure all the kids have a Christmas party this year and get a present off Father Christmas.’
Rita folded her arms and leaned her elbows on the wooden table. ‘That sounds just up my street, sunshine, but where do I come into it?’
‘You and Aggie, sunshine, ’cos we can’t leave her out. I felt mean not asking her to come with us today, but I’ll make it up to her. And what I thought up in bed last night was a way to help us all to a better Christmas than we’ve had for the last few years, with so many men out of work. But I can’t tell yer more now, for it’s a well-known saying that little pigs have big ears.’
Milly happened to turn towards them just in time to hear the last few words. ‘Who has big ears, Auntie Bessie?’
Bessie gave her mate a kick under the table. ‘You wouldn’t know her, sweetheart, she’s a woman lives in the next street. But don’t think I was saying anything bad about her, ’cos I wasn’t. And her ears haven’t anything to do with it anyway, that was just a chance remark I made.’ She felt like cupping the lovely little face and kissing it. But she had to refrain from getting too close to the child, or letting the child get too close to her. It could end in heartbreak for both of them. ‘Well, have yer enjoyed yer afternoon in the big city?’
Swinging her legs under the table, Milly gave a big sigh. ‘I have had a wonderful time, Auntie Bessie. All those big buildings, and big shops it would take a week to walk around. And I’ve never been in a cafe before, so I feel like the girl in Cinderella. Except she had two ugly sisters, while I have two lovely kind aunties.’
‘Well, all good things come to an end, sweetheart, and we’ve got to be making tracks for home. If we leave it any longer, we’ll have a devil of a job getting on a tram ’cos the queues will be miles long with women wanting to get home to make tea for their families.’
‘That goes for me too, sunshine,’ Rita said. ‘If my feller doesn’t get his tea by six o’clock, the people down at the Pier Head will hear his tummy rumbling. It’s been known for people in the street to think it was thunder. And one old lady, terrified that thunder doesn’t come without lightning, didn’t she take a chair and sit under the stairs for an hour until her son convinced her it wasn’t thunder at all, only Mr Wells letting his wife know he was hungry.’
Milly had learned many things since spending time with her Auntie Bessie, and one of those things was that it wasn’t bad manners to laugh out loud, like her mother had always told her. When you laughed, you made other people feel happy. So now she let her head drop back and her childish giggles filled the air, causing people to turn and smile indulgently. ‘Oh, you are funny, Auntie Rita, you do make me laugh. I wish I could think of funny things like you do, things that would make people happy.’
‘Oh, you do, sweetheart! You make me very happy indeed!’ There was affection in Bessie’s eyes. ‘I lived all alone until you came along, and even though my friends the front door and the grate were company for me, they’re not the same as having someone real who can answer me back. I’m really glad your mother lets yer come to me, yer’ve cheered my life up no end.’
‘Are yer going to tell yer mates in school about coming to town today, sunshine?’ Rita asked. ‘I wonder if any of them have been in this cafe?’
‘I will ask them, Auntie Rita, but the first one I’m going to tell is Daisy. I’m going to sit her on my knee and tell her every little thing that’s happened.’ Milly giggled. ‘I bet she’ll laugh when I tell her about the conductor on the tram, he was very funny.’
‘Yeah, he was a corker, he was,’ Bessie agreed. ‘It’s no joke running up and down those stairs in bad weather, ’cos they’re open to all the elements. It’s certainly not a job I’d thank yer for, not when it’s blowing a gale or snowing.’
‘It’s not the best of jobs,’ Rita agreed, ‘but there’s thousands of men in Liverpool who’d be glad of it. They’d put up with the bad weather and the drunks, just to bring a wage packet home to their wives every Saturday. I feel sorry for the poor buggers who go out every morning and traipse around begging for a few hours’ work.’
Milly’s eyes rolled. ‘You said a bad word, Auntie Rita.’
Rita looked surprised. ‘Did I?’ Then she remembered. ‘Oh, yeah, I did, it must have slipped out.’ Her eyes narrowed. ‘How d’yer know it’s a swear word? Yer mother doesn’t swear, I’m sure, and neither does Bessie. So how come yer know a swear word from any other word?’
‘Because one of the girls in my class got three strokes of the cane for using it in the playground. Teacher sent her to the headmistress, and as well as getting the cane, she had to write out fifty times, “Nice girls do not swear” .’
Bessie bit on the inside of her bottom lip to stop herself from chuckling. This young girl knew far more than she was letting on. And what a shock it would be to her mother if she ever found out! ‘The headmistress was right, sweetheart, �
�cos nice girls shouldn’t swear. It’s bad enough for a grown-up to use bad language, but it’s ten times worse coming from the lips of a child. So don’t you forget that, young lady.’ Bessie picked her bag up off the floor at the side of the table. ‘Come on, let’s make our way to the tram stop in Lime Street. And stay downstairs this time, Milly, ’cos it’s murder climbing those stairs with this wind blowing.’
As Rita slipped her arms into her coat, she said, ‘I might nip over tonight, Bessie, about eight, after the meal’s over. I can’t wait to find out what thoughts yer came up with when yer were in bed.’
Milly took hold of Bessie’s hand as they left the table. ‘Auntie Bessie talks to the wallpaper in her bedroom, Auntie Rita. I know, ’cos I’ve heard her.’
And the three of them walked through the cafe door roaring with laughter.
Chapter Sixteen
Milly was sitting on the couch with Daisy propped up on her knee, telling the doll once again about the wonderful time she’d had in the city and the sights she’d seen. It was half-past eight, way past the girl’s bedtime, but she was still so excited Bessie didn’t have the heart to insist she went to bed.
When Rita arrived, she raised her brows in surprise. ‘I thought yer’d have been in bed ages ago, sunshine, tired out with all the walking yer did?’
Milly smiled at her. ‘I’m telling Daisy about the shops, and the cafe, and she really is interested. She said she wants to come with me next time.’ She looked across at Bessie. ‘Do you have to pay to take a doll on the tram, Auntie Bessie?’
‘No, sweetheart, they don’t charge for a doll.’ Bessie saw the query in her mate’s eyes and shrugged her shoulders. ‘There’s no sign of sleep, she’s wide awake.’ But knowing Rita had come for a purpose, Bessie decided firmness was the order of the day. ‘I think yer should go to bed now, though, Milly. You can talk to Daisy while ye’re laying down, nice and warm, and me and Rita won’t be interrupting yer story.’
