by Jonker, Joan
The girl didn’t argue, for she saw the sense of talking to her doll in bed. ‘All right, Auntie Bessie, I am beginning to feel a bit tired.’ She held the doll close to her face. ‘I’ve still got a lot to tell you, though, before we go to sleep.’
‘Don’t forget to tell her about the conductor on the tram,’ Rita reminded her. ‘I know she’ll enjoy that. I told my family and they were in stitches.’
Milly’s childish giggles rang out again. ‘I was saving that until the last, Auntie Rita, so me and Daisy could go to sleep with a smile on our faces. She does know what I’m saying, you know, I can tell by the way she looks at me.’ She kissed the two woman, but Bessie was also given a special hug and a whispered, ‘I love you, Auntie Bessie.’
‘And I love you, sweetheart. But poppy off now so me and Rita can talk about the day, too! Ye’re not the only one who enjoyed themself, yer know. It was a treat for me and me mate, for we don’t often get the chance to go into the city.’
The two women listened as Milly scrambled up the stairs, and when they thought she was out of earshot, Rita said, ‘I’d give anything for a daughter like her, she’s a little gem.’
‘Same here, girl.’ Bessie heaved a deep sigh. ‘She’s a beautiful child to look at, and her beauty doesn’t stop at looks, she’s got a beautiful nature too. I’d be the happiest woman alive if she was mine.’ She gave a few shakes of her head to clear away such longings. ‘What’s the good of wishes and dreams? We should be thankful we’re alive and have got our health. There’s many a one would swap places with us.’
‘Ye’re right there, sunshine, that goes for half the people in this street. All they’ve got to look forward to, week after week, is scrounging enough money to keep body and soul together. We’ve nowt to complain about.’ Rita slipped her shoes off and swung herself round so she could stretch her legs out on the couch. ‘Anyway, don’t let’s start feeling sorry for ourselves, not after having such a nice afternoon. Tell me about the idea that came to yer in bed last night? If it’s any good, I’ll tell yer what came to me in bed last night. The trouble with that, though, is yer might be too embarrassed to look Reg in the face again.’
‘Rita Wells, I’ll have yer know I have no interest in what happens in your bedroom.’ Bessie feigned disgust, but she was chuckling inside. ‘I wish yer’d remember I am a spinster, as innocent and as pure as the driven snow.’
‘We’ve only got your word for that, sunshine, but once again we’re getting away from the matter in hand. What is this idea yer’ve come up with? If it means a better Christmas for the kids, then I’m all for it.’
Bessie leaned back in the fireside chair, her fingers gently tapping on the wooden arms. ‘Well, yer know I changed me working hours when I started minding Milly? I go in at seven now so I can finish at four, whereas I used to go in from eight till five. They’re always asking me to work longer hours, ’cos although I say it as shouldn’t, I’ve been doing the job so long I get through twice as much work as the younger ones. I used to work all the hours they wanted me to until Milly came on the scene. But what I was thinking, which will help out with the money, is that if you and Aggie have Milly for an hour each night, so I can work until five, it would give yer a few extra coppers every week. It would only be a tanner a week each, but if you and Aggie did help me out, I could put that shilling a week to the two bob I get off Mrs Sinclair, and that would be three bob a week I’d put away until Christmas. I’d still give Milly her tea every night, so it wouldn’t cost you or Aggie any money, and we’re just into October now which means we’ve at least twelve weeks to Christmas. That would be enough for a party for the kids and a present each. There might even be enough over for a few drinks for us grown-ups.’ Bessie took a deep breath and blew out slowly. ‘Well, sweetheart, what d’yer think?’
Rita swung her legs around and put her feet on the floor. ‘And what do you get out of this, sunshine? Sweet bugger all from what I can see. Yer’ve got no kids, while me and Aggie have four between us, and yer’ve got no family! No, I wouldn’t be happy with that, it wouldn’t be fair. It would be you doing all the giving, and us doing all the taking. No thanks, Bessie, I couldn’t go along with that. I’ll mind Milly for an hour every night for yer, but I don’t want paying for it. I’d be tickled pink to have her, I’ve always wanted a girl in the house.’
Bessie tutted. ‘Don’t be so ruddy quick off the mark, Rita Wells, just wait until yer hear the whole story. I went a lot further in me plans last night before I went to sleep. I’d never drop off unless I had it all sorted. So listen to what I think, and hope, might happen. And I’ve a feeling it’s more likely to happen than not.’
‘Ye’re getting me all mixed up with yer mights and might nots, sunshine, so give it to me in plain English.’
‘Well, I think it’s quite likely that I’ll have Milly over Christmas. I’ll lay odds Mrs Sinclair has got herself a man, and I’ll also lay odds she hasn’t told him she’s got a daughter. If she had, it would be only natural he’d want to see the girl. Even this imaginary school friend of hers, Elizabeth, wouldn’t she wonder why Milly never came with her mother on a visit? No, the whole situation is cock-eyed, and the queer one is lying through her hat and taking me for a sucker. At least, she thinks I’m a sucker, and I’m happy for her to go on thinking so for as long as it suits my purpose. When it gets nearer the time, I can actually see her, in me mind of course, sitting in that chair trying to find the right excuse so as I’ll have Milly and she can spend Christmas with her man friend. And I’ll admit to yer, Rita, that if she gets all flustered and finds it hard to make an excuse that sounds plausible, I’ll help her out! I’ll be as nice as pie and encourage her to go out and enjoy herself. She’s selfish enough to take me up on it.’
Bessie grinned ruefully. ‘I don’t usually think badly of people, Rita, and it’s got nothing to do with me what Mrs Sinclair gets up to. She can walk Lime Street picking men up for money for all I care. It’s what happens to Milly I’m concerned about. What sort of a Christmas would she have if there was nowhere for her to go except be with her mother? Whether it was to the boyfriend’s, or the old school chum’s, she’d have a miserable time because she wouldn’t be wanted. And they wouldn’t be having the same sort of Christmas we have because snobs don’t know how to let their hair down like we do. I can’t stand the thought of Milly sitting in someone’s house, watched over by her mother in case she spoke out of turn or put a foot wrong, and being unhappy. I’d crawl to the stuck-up snob next door rather than have that happen.’ The look in Bessie’s eyes begged for her mate’s understanding. ‘So, yer see, Rita, I might have a child over Christmas after all. I’m going to say so many prayers, God will give in just to shut me up.’
‘It would be wonderful if it turns out that way, sunshine. Milly would have a lot of fun with my two and Aggie’s. But don’t pin yer hopes on it, Bessie, ’cos I’d hate to see yer let down. And it wouldn’t only be you disappointed, it would be Milly, too. I know she’d rather be with you than with her mother.’
‘I’m not even going to consider her not being here, Rita, I’m going to be positive and work on the assumption she’s going to spend Christmas with me. And that’s not because I’m selfish in wanting to keep her away from her mother, it’s because I know she gets more love while she’s in this house than she does anywhere else. So, are yer prepared to help me out if I take an extra hour’s work on? If yer are, yer can mention it to Aggie if yer would, see if she’s agreeable to what I’ve suggested. If it turns out I can’t have Milly, it won’t make no difference to you or Aggie, the kids will still have their party and presents, I’ll make sure of that.’
Rita clicked her tongue on the roof of her mouth. ‘Yer should have had half a dozen kids of yer own, Bessie, ’cos yer’d have made a marvellous mother. And I hope to God things work out as yer want them to. But, that aside, you go ahead and work the extra hour, me and Aggie will look after Milly. It’ll do the girl good to mix with other kids.’ She suddenl
y took a fit of laughing. ‘But I have to say, neither me nor Aggie will take any responsibility if the girl’s mastery of the English language suffers a severe setback. It’s too late in life for either of us to go back to school to learn how to speak properly. I will ask Aggie to try and control some of the more colourful words she comes out with, but I can’t guarantee success.’
Bessie chortled. ‘I’d be more afraid of Milly teaching Aggie some new words. The girls in her class must hear their parents cursing to high heaven.’
‘My kids don’t hear me swearing often, I try to control meself in front of them. Yer can’t expect children not to repeat things they hear in their own homes, they’re not to know some of them are bad.’ Rita slipped her feet into her shoes. ‘I’ll have a word with Aggie in the morning, sunshine, and tell her what yer’ve got in mind. She’ll be more than agreeable to helping, she’ll be over the moon. If it means a halfway decent Christmas for the family, she’d walk to Timbuctoo and back. But, so she doesn’t think we’re making plans behind her back, I’ll come over with her tomorrow night, after Milly’s gone to bed. Aggie will feel better if she’s involved, and it’ll give her something to look forward to. Like meself, she doesn’t get any social life because of lack of money, and this scheme of yours will be just the job to keep the pair of us going. And if it turns out as you think it might, then it will take a lot of the worry of Christmas off our minds and we’ll be yer friends for life.’ She patted Bessie’s arm. ‘We’ll be that anyway, sunshine, ’cos we couldn’t have asked for a better mate over the years. Yer’ve always been there when we were in trouble, and yer know that even if we’ve never told yer, we’ve always appreciated yer kindness.’
Bessie nodded and followed her friend to the door. ‘Make it half-past eight, then Milly will be in bed. I’ll make us a pot of tea, which is more than yer got tonight. I’ve been that busy talking I forgot me manners. It won’t happen again, sweetheart, I promise.’
Rita waved when she reached the opposite pavement. ‘Goodnight and God bless, sunshine, and go straight to sleep, no more laying awake, d’yer hear? Yer’ve given me enough to think about, but it won’t stop me from getting me beauty sleep.’
‘Goodnight and God bless.’ Bessie blew a kiss before closing the door.
As Bessie was closing her front door, Philip was holding his apartment door open for the two waiters to pass through. They were carrying boxes filled with crockery, glassware and cutlery used in the meal they had served earlier. The food had been delicious, and the serving of it faultless. This was much appreciated by Philip who, as they passed him at the door, gave them a pound note each to show his gratitude. Then with the door closed behind them, he rubbed his hands in satisfaction. Now he and Evelyn were alone, and from their conversation over dinner he was sure she was aware he was no longer going to be satisfied with kissing and petting. He wanted to possess her, and teach her the ways in which she could please and satisfy him. That wouldn’t happen in one night, and he wasn’t a cad who would force her into doing things she objected to. But his passion needed satisfying tonight, he could wait no longer.
Evelyn turned her eyes to meet his when Philip entered the room. ‘I must say, dear, that the meal was absolutely perfect in every way. I thoroughly enjoyed it.’
‘I agree, my lovely, it was far better to dine in comfort here than going out to a restaurant. I feel quite full, though, and think we should change into something not quite so restricting. Do you wish to use the bathroom first, or shall I?’
‘You go first, my dear, I’ll relax here until you return.’ Evelyn wasn’t afraid of what she knew was going to happen, it was inevitable if she was to keep him. But she wasn’t quite sure what was expected of her now. What did he mean by changing into something not quite so restricting? She wasn’t about to show her ignorance, nor make a fool of herself by asking, so she’d wait and see what Philip was wearing when he came back. ‘Hurry, my dear, I shall be lonely without you by my side.’
Her words were like music to his ears. ‘I shall be ten minutes at the most, my dearest Evelyn, I am loath to leave you for even such a short time.’ With that he turned on his heels and left the room, humming softly to himself.
Evelyn sat back in the comfortable couch feeling happy and contented. It had been a lovely day and Philip the perfect escort. He had walked with her down Lord Street, stopping when she spied anything in a window that caught her eye. She could have had anything her heart desired, but she refused all the evening and party dresses, saying what she really needed was a coat to wear for work. She only possessed the one, and it needed to be cleaned. So without further ado, and giving her no chance to object, Philip cupped her elbow and marched her into one of the elegant shops. To the assistant who hurried forward to help, he said, ‘My fiancée would like to see a winter coat. Would you bring several out for her inspection while we take a seat?’
Against Philip’s wishes, Evelyn chose one of the least costly coats, and nothing he said would make her change her mind. She would have loved several of them, but she couldn’t walk down her street in a coat that was obviously expensive nor would she feel comfortable wearing it to the office. So she chose one in a deep plum colour, in pure wool, that came with a matching scarf. She was delighted with it, could never have afforded one so fine with the money she had left from the five-pound note. And when she told the assistant she would like to leave the shop in her new coat, Philip was so delighted that she liked it so much she wanted to keep it on, he instructed the assistant to see his fiancée’s wishes were carried out. So they had left the shop with her old coat in a very exclusive shopping bag, and in her purse she still had money left from the five pounds he’d given her.
The opening of the door brought Evelyn’s thoughts back to the present. Although she was surprised to see Philip walking towards her in a deep maroon, heavy satin dressing gown, she didn’t let her feelings show. ‘You have been quick, my dear, and I really have to say you look extremely handsome.’
He bent to kiss her, then took her hand and pulled her to her feet. ‘Thank you, my darling, for the compliment. And I am sure that when you return from doing what women do, you will look very beautiful. Now, make haste, my love. I am eager to hold you in my arms.’
Evelyn took off her dress and hung it in the wardrobe, then stood for a while, not knowing quite what to do. She hadn’t seen any sign of pyjamas under the dressing gown Philip was wearing so presumed he was naked. This brought a blush to her face, and set her heart beating faster. What would he be expecting her to wear? Perhaps she should take herself to the bathroom to wash herself thoroughly with his beautiful perfumed soap, and brush her hair until it shone. She really did want to look her best to please him. Perhaps the red satin nightdress would be the most suitable item of clothing to wear. Or, like Philip, should she just wear the dressing gown to cover her nakedness? She shook her head. No, it would have to be the nightdress to spare her blushes. After all, it would be the first time any man had seen her naked, for her husband never had.
Having decided, she moved a little faster. She knew Philip would be impatient and she didn’t want him to come looking for her. She wanted to go to him, not the other way round.
Fifteen minutes later, a faint smell of the perfumed soap pervading the air, her face glowing and hair shining, she stood framed in the doorway of the lounge. She had no idea how appealing she looked. The satin and lace nightdress did little to hide her firm breasts, slim waist and curved hips. Philip sat drinking in every inch of her, until she became uncomfortable under his gaze. Her voice timid, she asked, ‘Do I pass inspection, then?’
He jumped up from the couch and crossed the room in a few strides. ‘My dearest darling, I have never wanted anyone so much in my life as I want you.’ He bent down, lifted her off her feet and carried her through to the bedroom where he laid her down gently on top of the bed. There was a look of trepidation on her face and her body was tense, which he didn’t fail to notice. ‘It’s all right, my darling, th
ere is nothing to fear. If you don’t want it to happen, then it won’t. Please relax, we’ll lie together under the bedcovers.’
Her eyes averted, Evelyn felt him move his naked body closer. ‘Would you allow me to remove your nightdress, my darling?’ he asked. ‘Or would you rather not?’
She nodded, curious now that they’d gone so far to know what it was that Philip so desperately craved. ‘Yes, please.’ She raised herself from the bed to assist in the removal of the nightdress, and as it slipped over her head could feel her bare flesh next to Philip’s. A tingle ran down her spine. Then he lowered her gently before covering her body with his, whispering huskily, ‘Don’t be afraid, my darling, I want to teach you the pleasure that comes from love making.’
Evelyn could feel her body being caressed, and gradually it awoke in her a passion she had never experienced before. She gave low cries of pleasure as her body arched to meet Philip’s. And when he asked softly, ‘Am I pleasing you, my darling?’ she sighed and murmured, ‘Oh, yes, my love.’
Then she felt the weight of his body leave hers as he rolled away and lay next to her, his breathing heavy. ‘What is it, my love?’ Evelyn thought she had disappointed him in some way. ‘Am I not satisfying you?’
‘I don’t want what we have now to be over too soon, so let me rest a while. But you are the most lovable, adorable creature imaginable, and you possess a passion I was not prepared for. I want this feeling of ecstasy to last, my darling, therefore I must let my passion subside for a short while.’
Evelyn was too inexperienced fully to understand the meaning of Philip’s words, and in her naivety turned on her side and put an arm across his waist. As she was kissing his shoulder, she let her hand stroke his chest and heard him sigh. ‘Please take it easy, my love, I can only stand so much.’
