by Joan Jonker
When Ada went to pick up another pillow to change, John took it out of her hand and threw it on the bed. ‘Will the world collapse if you don’t do the ironing until tomorrow? And will I die of starvation if I have to wait half an hour for my dinner? No, my love, those things are not important. What I have to tell you is something that I think will please you enormously.’
As Ada allowed herself to be led out of the room by the hand, she still protested. ‘You know I won’t leave until all me work is done an’ I don’t want to be late gettin’ home on account of Joey.’
‘You really are the most stubborn woman, Ada. You know I wouldn’t care if the dirt was meeting me at the door.’
‘I would, ’cos I get paid to keep it clean. We’ve been through this a dozen times, John, and yer know how I feel. I will not take your money unless I earn it.’
‘All right, my darling, have it your own way.’ John sat on the couch and pulled her down beside him, keeping her hand fast in his. ‘Now, don’t you want to know about my very successful morning?’
There was fondness in Ada’s smile. ‘You look like a little boy who’s been given a present. So out with it before you burst.’
‘First things first, eh? Charles and Victoria are delighted with the invitation to Polly’s party and accept with pleasure. What is more, Justin insists that as he’s a friend of the birthday girl, he too should be invited.’
‘Oh dear!’ Ada anchored a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. ‘I don’t think that’s a very good idea at all. I’d be worried stiff every time me friends opened their mouths! I know Justin’s a bit older than Steve and Polly, but they’re used to bad language, and he’s not.’ A look of defiance crossed her face. ‘If he comes he’ll just have to put up with it ’cos I’m not ashamed of me friends an’ I’m not goin’ to spoil the party for them by asking them to mind what they say. If the Denholmes don’t like it, I’m afraid it’s just too bad.’
‘Ada, my love, don’t start worrying about something that may never happen. I’m sure the party will be a huge success and everyone will have a whale of a time.’
‘I wish I could share your optimism, John, but as I can’t I’ll just spend the next few days worrying meself sick. You don’t know what Dolly Mitchell’s like when she’s had a few drinks down her. She doesn’t care what she says or who she says it in front of. She’s me best mate, I’m very fond of her and think she’s hilarious. But then I’m used to her an’ a bit of bad language doesn’t upset me.’
John put an arm around her waist and drew her close. ‘Then the Denholmes are in for a lesson on what life is all about, and I’m quite sure it’s a lesson they’ll have fun learning.’
Ada sighed. ‘I just hope yer right. Now, can I get back to me work or is there something else yer have to tell me?’
John nodded. ‘Sit back and relax, my love, and enjoy what I have to say. I’ve been to Coopers and ordered everything for the party. It will be delivered on Saturday afternoon. And I’ve been to see Agnes to ask if she’ll come on Sunday afternoon and give Fanny a hand to set the table.’
Ada gasped. ‘Yer had no need to do that! I can see to the table meself, I don’t need any help. Oh, fancy you doin’ that, John! Agnes and Fanny have been invited as guests – I can’t expect them to help with the work.’
‘They won’t be just helping, my love, they’ll be doing it. You see, you won’t be here.’
Ada pulled her hand free. ‘Why won’t I be here? It’s me daughter’s party so of course I’ll be here!’
John took both of her hands and held them tight. ‘You won’t be here, my lovely Ada, because you’ll be giving Polly the best birthday present you could ever give her.’ When her deep brown eyes widened as they gazed at him, John couldn’t resist the temptation to lean forward and kiss her cheek. ‘I got the name of Tommy’s doctor off Charles, and I rang and spoke to him. He was very understanding and has agreed that Polly can go in and see her father for a short visit on Sunday.’
‘Oh, my God!’ Ada’s face drained of colour. ‘Oh John, are you sure? They told me they don’t allow children in the isolation wards.’
‘They don’t normally, but this is a special dispensation. Tommy will be moved out of the ward into a side room for the visit. I will drive you both there and wait outside for you.’
Ada closed her eyes as she tried to come to grips with what John had told her. He was right, it was the best present Polly could ever have. She could see her daughter’s face now, alive with excitement when she heard the news. After two years she was going to see her father again; she’d be able to talk to him and touch him. It was too much for Ada and with a cry, she turned to John and put her arms around his neck, seeking the comfort only he could give her.
‘What can I say to you, John? You’ve been so good to me since the day we met. In fact, I don’t know how I’d have managed without you. But what you’ve done today is something I’ll never forget – and I’ll love yer for it for the rest of me life.’
John held her away from him and gazed into her eyes. ‘I’ll never ask for more than you want to give, my lovely, darling Ada, but would you accept a kiss from a man who deeply cares for you?’
‘Oh yes, John!’ Ada closed her eyes and when she felt his lips cover hers, she wound her arms around his neck and returned his kiss with feeling. She was confused, not thinking straight. All she knew was that this man could give her the strength and the comfort she needed. And all he asked for in return was a kiss. She could hear his heart beating as he held her close, and when his kiss became hard with passion, she responded with passion. It had been so long – too long – and she could feel her body stirring and responding, to his needs and her own. Then John broke the kiss and moved away from her, his breathing heavy.
‘I’m sorry, my darling, I overstepped the mark. Now I should say the gentlemanly thing, that it won’t happen again, but that would be a promise I’m not sure I could keep. I love you, my darling Ada, with every part of me.’ John didn’t face her, but he took one of her hands in his and stroked it gently. ‘I would give everything I possess just to spend the rest of my life loving and caring for you. But I know that is not possible; you have a husband and you love him deeply. So you must set the pace for our relationship. I’ll take whatever you want to give, and you must see that I don’t take more.’
Ada covered the hand that was holding hers. ‘John, there are two of us in this relationship and we are both responsible for our actions. If I didn’t care for yer, there wouldn’t be a relationship. We both need what we give each other and so far we have hurt no one. I do love Tommy, and I always will. But over the last year my feelings for yer have gone through different stages. I liked yer from the minute yer came into my little two-up two-down house and made yerself at home. Then over the months when yer showed me such kindness, my feelings turned from liking to fondness. Now that fondness has turned to love. I never thought it possible to love two men, but it has happened. It may not be the same kind of love, but it’s love just the same.’
John turned to face her. ‘Can I ask you a question, Ada? And I would be grateful for a truthful answer.’
Ada grinned. ‘I don’t often tell porky pies, John, and when I do it’s usually to get someone out of trouble. I will never lie to you, I give you my promise on that.’
‘If things were different, if you were single, would you really consider marrying me?’
‘Yes, John, I would.’
‘Then I’ll have to be satisfied with knowing that, and settle for what I’ve got, won’t I?’ He cupped her face. ‘One little kiss then you can go about your work.’
Ada was halfway to the bedroom when she turned. ‘I’ll never forget what yer did today, and neither will Polly. You’re so kind and caring, and in my book, John Roscoe, you’re a man and a half.’
Polly was relieved of her kitchen duties on Saturday so she could have a lie-in on her birthday. It was nine o’clock when she came down the stairs and she immediately looked o
n the long hall table to see if there were any cards for her. She pulled a face when she found the table bare, disappointed that there was no card from Steve, or her mam and dad. Then she perked up, thinking any post for her would be in the kitchen.
Mrs Nightingale’s face gave nothing away. ‘I haven’t seen no post. I think Mr Charles picked it up.’
Polly knocked timidly at the door of the drawing room and waited until Mr Charles told her to enter. With a sinking heart she pushed the door open and started with surprise to find Charles, Victoria and Justin waiting for her, their faces beaming as they each held out a brightly wrapped parcel and cried in unison, ‘Happy birthday, Polly!’
Feeling shy and embarrassed, Polly remained rooted to the spot. She hadn’t expected anything like this. A birthday card, yes, but not the whole family waiting specially to congratulate her. Well, not the whole family, but then she wouldn’t expect to see Rebecca; the girl avoided her as though she had the plague.
Victoria was the first to move. She kissed Polly warmly and said, ‘Have a lovely day, my dear. I’ll put your present on the couch and you can open them all later.’
‘Thank you,’ Polly croaked. Then her sense of humour came to the rescue. ‘Now I know how Cinderella felt, but where’s me glass slipper?’
‘You’re much prettier than Cinderella.’ Charles laid his bulky parcel down before giving her a tight hug and kiss. ‘I hope you have the bestest birthday ever.’
‘Ay, that’s bad grammar, that is.’ Polly shook a finger in his face and kept her own face straight. ‘I’m goin’ to tell Mr Westly on you and he’ll give you a hundred lines to do.’
Justin came up behind his father, a blush covering his face. ‘Happy birthday, Polly.’ He shoved a small square parcel into her hands. ‘Here’s a small gift for you, I hope you like it.’
‘Oh, I know I will, Justin, thank you. And you, Mr Charles and Mrs Denholme, you’re all very good to me.’ Polly laced her fingers and rested her chin on them as her eyes focused on the presents. ‘Shall I open them now?’
‘If you wish,’ Charles said, ‘or would you like your cards first?’
‘Ooh, have I got cards?’
‘You certainly have – about twenty!’
‘Twenty!’ The word came out in a shriek. ‘I’ve never had twenty birthday cards in me life! I don’t know that many people!’
‘You must do, my dear,’ Victoria said, ‘because all the envelopes have your name on.’
‘Ooh, er, what shall I do first?’ Polly was torn. ‘Shall I open me presents or look at me cards?’
‘If I were you, I’d open the presents first,’ Charles suggested. ‘Then you can take your time opening the cards.’
‘Would you like me to take them up to my room and leave you in peace?’
‘Most certainly not!’ Charles said indignantly. ‘I know it’s your birthday, but we want to enjoy it as well.’
‘I should jolly well think so!’ Justin was really enjoying this. He was having more fun than he’d had on his sixteenth birthday two weeks ago. ‘How can we see if you like them if you’re stuck up in your room?’
Polly smiled at him before sitting on the edge of the couch. ‘All right, I’ll open yours first.’ She pulled at the end of the bow of ribbon and when it came away, she put it beside her. ‘I’m not going to throw that away, it’s too nice.’ She undid the wrapping paper and revealed a small square black velvet box. Overcome with shyness, she lifted the lid to find a string of pearls nestling on ivory satin padding. ‘Ooh, er!’
Justin looked anxious. ‘Don’t you like them?’
‘They’re beautiful.’ Her eyes wide, Polly lifted the necklace out and draped it across her palm. ‘I’ve never had anythin’ so beautiful in all me life! But they must have cost yer a lot of money, Justin, and yer shouldn’t have spent so much on me.’
‘They didn’t cost that much.’ Justin looked well-pleased with himself. He just hoped his mother wouldn’t spoil it by saying it was she who had chosen the necklace and his father who had paid for it. ‘As long as you like them, that’s all that counts.’
‘Oh, I do!’ Polly put the pearls carefully back in the box. ‘I’ll wear them for me party tomorrow.’ She then picked up the parcel Victoria had given her. It was soft to the touch and she guessed it would be an item of clothing. But in her wildest dreams she could never have imagined a dress so beautiful it took her breath away. In the softest shade of green, the velvet dress had short puff sleeves, a white collar embroidered in different shades of green and a full flared skirt. In its simplicity lay its beauty.
Polly dragged her eyes from the dress to gaze at Victoria. ‘I don’t know what to say, it’s all too much. Yer shouldn’t have spent so much money on me.’
‘Polly, we want you to have a nice birthday because we’re very fond of you, my dear.’ Victoria could see the tears threatening and hastened to kneel at the side of the couch. ‘I thought the colour would go well with your hair and eyes. And believe me, I got as much pleasure out of choosing it as you will in wearing it. And now, if you will open my husband’s present, it’ll leave you free to open your cards and see who these friends are that you don’t know exist.’
Polly was wishing she had a handkerchief to blow her nose. She was going to cry, she knew she was, and they’d think she was a big baby. Biting on the inside of her cheek, she reached for the heavy parcel. But the tears came before she could open it.
Charles jumped from his chair and came to stand in front of her. He stroked her hair and said softly, ‘Don’t cry, Polly, my dear.’
Justin came to stand beside him. ‘If you don’t stop crying, Polly, I swear I’ll take the pearls back.’
Sniffing up, Polly smiled through her tears. ‘I know I’m daft, but I’m only cryin’ ’cos I’m happy.’ She wiped a hand across her eyes. ‘Anyway, Justin Denholme, yer can’t take a present back when yer’ve given it, so there!’
Victoria smiled as she undid the wrapping on the parcel. Polly was so good for Justin; she brought him out more than anyone ever had. ‘Now do you promise not to cry, Polly, before I take the paper off?’
With a stiffened finger, Polly made a cross over her chest. ‘Cross my heart and hope to die.’
But her promise wasn’t easy to keep when she saw the camel-hair tailored coat. She wasn’t a swank, but by golly it would be very easy to swank in a coat like that. She fingered it lovingly before jumping up and throwing her arms around Charles’s waist. ‘It’s lovely.’ She stood on tiptoe to plant a kiss on his cheek. ‘Thank you, Mr Charles, for the coat and for being so good to me.’ She turned and hugged Victoria before giving her a kiss. ‘Thank you for the most beautiful dress I’ve ever had.’
Justin was feeling emotional as he looked on. They weren’t a demonstrative family, and hugs and kisses had always been in short supply. That is, until Polly came. These things were running through his mind when Polly turned and gave him a hug. ‘I can’t kiss you, Justin, ’cos I know yer’d die of embarrassment. But I do thank you for the pearls, they’re a lovely present.’ She moved away from him with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. ‘Give yer mam a big hug.’
‘What!’ Justin’s brows shot up. ‘It’s not my birthday!’
‘I know it’s not your birthday, soft lad, ’cos I’m the one who got the pearls. But I’m quite sure you didn’t go in the shop and buy them, did you? Come on now, be honest and admit it was yer mam who bought them. Oh, you will have paid for them, I’m not saying yer didn’t, but I can’t see yer going in a shop and choosing them. So yer mam must have done it for yer, and that deserves a big hug. I know I’d give my mam one if she did a favour for me.’
Justin looked as though he wished the floor would open and swallow him up. But Victoria knew what Polly was trying to do and wondered at one so young being so knowing and sensitive. She held her arms wide and smiled at her son. ‘Come on, my dear, give your mother a hug to please the birthday girl.’
Charles had been watching and listen
ing in silence. Polly never ceased to amaze him. She showed her feelings openly, gave her love with warmth and generosity. And she had more nous than the lot of them put together, himself included. ‘Justin,’ he said, ‘if you think you’re above giving your mother a hug, shall I do it for you?’
His son glared. ‘I’ll do it myself, Father.’ He intended a quick squeeze, but Victoria wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. He could feel the warmth and smell her perfume. And he found he enjoyed the contact enormously.
‘There you are,’ Polly said, as mother and son broke apart. ‘That wasn’t so hard, was it?’
‘You are one little minx, Polly Perkins!’ No one was more amazed than the lad himself when he grabbed Polly around the waist, picked her up and twirled around with her kicking and screaming with delight.
Charles looked across at his wife and when their eyes met, his were saying that the young girl who had come here to be given an education was instead educating them.
‘Put me down, you daft ha’porth.’ Polly pummelled Justin’s back with her fists. ‘I’m gettin’ dizzy!’
Justin had never had so much fun in his life. ‘I’ll put you down if you promise to let me look through your birthday cards with you.’
Polly’s hands and feet became still. There might be a card from Steve and she wasn’t going to show that to anyone. So in her mind she reached a compromise. ‘I’ll let yer see them after me.’
‘It’s a deal.’ Justin set her down, his boyish face aglow with an emotion he’d never felt before. But then he’d never been so close to a girl before, certainly not one as pretty as Polly Perkins. ‘Can we open them in here, Mother, or would you like us out of the way?’
‘Don’t you dare leave the room,’ Victoria said. ‘I am as interested in Polly’s cards as you are.’
‘Oh dear,’ Charles moaned. ‘Seeing as I too am interested, it seems you are not to have any privacy, Polly.’
‘I don’t mind, Mr Charles, ’cos you’re three of me best friends. But I’d better take me new clothes upstairs first and hang them up.’
