by Kitty Neale
It saddened her to return home knowing that Craig wouldn’t be there, but she had packing to do. It wasn’t going to be an easy task and she dreaded the thought of going through Craig’s things, but it had to be done. She was still finding it difficult to accept, but she knew he was never coming back and her life would never be happy without him.
Henry’s morning had been relaxing. He’d had a lie-in, was full from a hearty breakfast Audrey had prepared, and had finished reading the newspaper from cover to cover. He thought about going to the pub, but it was bitterly cold outside, and he felt comfortable next to the roaring fire. He glanced up at the mantel clock and noticed an envelope lying against it. He stood up to retrieve it, and as he tore the envelope open, he shouted, ‘Audrey … how long has this letter been sat up here?’
Audrey came rushing into the room to tell him, but by then Henry was too engrossed in what Jenny had written to listen. He smiled happily. They were coming home, all his children except Gloria who was living up town in Holborn.
He looked across at Audrey, who was nervously wringing her hands as though expecting to be told off for not telling him about the letter. Christ, she got on his nerves, but with his girls back, he had no need of her any more. ‘Get your bags packed, you’re leaving,’ Henry coldly told her.
‘But … I … I was going to tell you about the letter. I … I just forgot.’
Henry spoke slowly. ‘Ain’t I speaking English? I said, get your bags packed. My kids are coming home, and I want you out of here by Friday.’
‘But, Henry, if you let me stay, l can look after them. Please, please let me stay.’
‘No, and don’t beg, woman, it won’t change my mind.’
‘But where will I go?’
‘I dunno, back to your aunt’s house where you came from. It ain’t my problem, just get your stuff and go, the sooner the better.’
Audrey began to cry and started to speak again, but as Henry couldn’t be bothered to repeat himself he quickly marched past her. He grabbed his coat off the newel post and went out, heading for Osward Road. In her letter, Jenny had asked his permission to return. He had never been one for writing so thought he’d tell her face to face.
Chapter 28
Gloria pulled on her dressing gown and went to join Hughie in the sitting room. It was early on a Sunday afternoon in December and they’d just finished making love. He’d turned up a couple of hours earlier and had taken her straight to bed.
‘Would you like a drink?’ Hughie asked as he poured himself a straight vermouth.
‘No, thank you,’ Gloria answered and tried to hide her feeling of disgust at the thought. After waking up a couple of weeks earlier smothered in her own vomit and with a pounding headache, she’d vowed never to touch alcohol again.
She sat on the sofa whilst Hughie took a window seat and lit a long cigar. There was only a week to go until Christmas Eve, yet he hadn’t mentioned the coming festivities. She smiled at him and asked, ‘Have you bought me something nice?’
‘I left some money on the dressing table for you,’ he answered as swathes of smoke drifted towards the high ceiling.
‘No, silly, I mean for Christmas.’
‘Oh … I see. Erm … maybe.’
‘You haven’t, have you? Well, you’ve got all of next week to go shopping, and you know what Marilyn Monroe sings …’
‘I’m afraid I don’t.’
‘Stop teasing, Hughie!’ Gloria said, then sang the line, ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.’
‘You’re just as sexy as Marilyn, until you start to sing,’ Hughie said cheekily.
Gloria stretched her legs out on the sofa, allowing her dressing gown to fall open and reveal her slender thighs as she purred, ‘As you know, I may not be able to belt out a tune, but my skills lie elsewhere.’
‘They certainly do.’
‘About Christmas …’
‘What about it?’ Hughie asked.
‘I assume we’re going to your parents for lunch?’
‘We? What do you mean, we?’
‘Me and you, obviously,’ Gloria said and rolled her eyes.
‘Don’t be ridiculous, darling, you’re the hired help.’
Gloria looked at him incredulously. She wasn’t sure if he was joking. ‘I beg your pardon! On paper, maybe, but I’m your girlfriend.’
‘Oh, Gloria … beautiful, sexy, Gloria. I think you’ve misunderstood our arrangement.’
‘What bloody arrangement?’
‘I pay you to be the housekeeper and for your other special services. Nothing more.’
‘What?’ Gloria sputtered. Her mind raced. Yes, Hughie always left money for her, but she’d thought he was being generous, not giving her payment for sex!
‘Oh, darling, don’t look so hurt. You can’t possibly believe that I would take a girl like you to meet my parents? I’m engaged to be married to Lord Braithwaite’s daughter. I thought you knew.’
Gloria’s head spun and her stomach flipped. Hughie thought she was nothing more than his common bit on the side. How could she have been so stupid?
‘Be a good girl and fetch me a sandwich, the sliced steak in the fridge would be perfect with a smidgeon of mustard.’
Gloria walked through to the kitchen in turmoil and absently took the steak from the fridge. As Hughie’s words replayed in her mind she felt humiliated, and anger began to fester. She’d had no idea that he was engaged, he’d never mentioned it. If he had, she would never have slept with him. She slammed the plate of steak down and stomped back into the sitting room, hands on hips as she screeched, ‘You bastard. I don’t talk posh like you and I don’t have a rich family, but you’re no better than me. In fact, you’re nothing but a two-timing, lying, conniving wanker and I feel sorry for Lord Braithwaite’s daughter!’
She flicked her hair back and marched to the bedroom, slamming the door behind her. She’d have liked to slap the smug expression off Hughie’s face, to kick him in the groin and ruin his crown jewels. ‘Argh,’ she screamed in frustration, then hurriedly threw on some clothes. She grabbed the bag she’d arrived with and stuffed it with her clothes. She had so many new outfits, it was soon full, so she’d have to leave the rest behind. In her heart, she was hoping Hughie would tap on the door and tell her he was sorry. She wanted him to say that he’d made a dreadful mistake and that he didn’t want to marry his bit of posh totty.
Gloria knew that would never happen and stifled a sob as she finished packing. She then picked up the money Hughie had left on the dresser. It felt tainted, but Gloria swallowed her pride and stuffed in into her handbag, deciding that as she’d kept the place spotless, it was her housekeeping wages. With one final glance around the opulent bedroom, she braced herself and opened the door. Her head was held high as she walked through to the hall, aware of Hughie looking up at her, but he didn’t speak. She forced herself not to meet his eyes as she moved past him, her head still high as she opened the front door. Without a backward glance she stepped outside and, holding on to her dignity, she somehow managed not to slam the door behind her.
Her life in Holborn was over, and with a saddened heart Gloria headed to Balham. She knew that Jenny and the others were there now but dreaded the thought of living with her dad again.
Pamela and her friend Linda had taken Timmy and Peter to see the Nativity scene at the local church. Jenny was pleased as it gave her the chance to wrap some Christmas presents. A week had quickly passed since they’d moved back to their dad’s and, to Jenny’s relief, they’d settled in well. A chicken and potatoes were roasting in the oven whilst her dad had an afternoon doze in his armchair.
Jenny sat on the floor with gifts and wrapping paper around her. As her father slept and gently snored, she looked up at him and studied his face. He was beginning to show his age and his dark hair now had flecks of grey. She had pushed the memories of his violence to the back of her mind. Since losing Craig, what had happened in the past didn’t matter to her any more. She and Crai
g had been robbed of their future, and though it was going to be hard, Jenny knew she had to make a new one. Thankfully, her dad hadn’t so much as raised his voice, and her initial reservations were beginning to subside. Moving back under his roof hadn’t been what Jenny had wanted for her family, but it was the only way she could see of keeping them all together. She now felt assured she’d made the right decision, and it was surprisingly comforting to be back in familiar surroundings.
Her dad had even given her some cash to buy presents for Pam and the boys. She’d added the money her mother had given her, and, looking at the stack of gifts, Jenny realised she’d probably spoiled her family. However, after what they’d endured this past year, she thought they deserved it and looked forward to seeing their faces when she piled the presents under the tree.
Another wave of nausea washed over her. She’d been feeling tired and sick all week and had put it down to nerves, but fear of her father had turned out so far to be unfounded. Bile rose in her throat. Leaping to her feet, Jenny held her hand over her mouth and dashed upstairs where she only just made it to the bathroom. After being sick she pulled the chain to flush it away, and then splashed cold water on her face. She looked in the mirror over the sink to see pale skin and dark circles under her eyes. It was then that the penny dropped. She wasn’t feeling poorly through nerves. She didn’t have a tummy bug. She was pregnant.
‘What’s that bleedin’ racket?’ Henry bellowed as he was rudely awoken by the sound of hammering on the front door.
‘It’s all right, Dad, I’ll get it,’ Jenny called as she ran downstairs.
‘It’d better not be another lot of bloody carol singers,’ Henry mumbled to himself, then heard Gloria’s voice. He thought she sounded distressed and pushed himself up from his armchair. As he walked into the hallway, Jenny was ushering Gloria through the door. He could see his daughter looked upset, and then noticed the large bag she was carrying. It didn’t take much working out. Jenny had told him about Gloria’s housekeeping job in Holborn, and about the fella she was seeing. She’d probably lost the job, and looking at the state she was in, maybe her fella too. ‘Are you all right, love?’ he gently asked.
‘Yes, but …’
‘If you’ve lost your job, you can move back in, and as for your bloke, has he knocked you about? ’Cos if he has, I’ll kill him.’
‘No, Dad, but he … he …’
‘If he ain’t clouted you, I don’t need to hear the details. You can talk to your sister about it while I go down the road for a pint.’
His daughters stood in silence as he grabbed his coat and walked past them. ‘See ya later,’ he called, and for once he was pleased that Jenny didn’t flinch as he passed her.
Gloria sat at the kitchen table with a sweet cup of tea, but the look of sympathy on her sister’s face made her want to cry again.
‘Did you tell Dad the truth?’ Jenny asked her.
‘Yes … Hughie never laid a hand on me, but he’s been seeing another woman and they’re engaged.’ She couldn’t bring herself to tell Jenny the whole story, it was far too embarrassing.
‘Oh, Gloria, I’m so sorry. You had no idea?’
‘None. It all came out when I pushed him about going to his parents’ house for Christmas. He was appalled at the idea. Apparently, I’m not good enough for them. This girl he’s marrying is the daughter of some Lord or something. Hugh’s a stuck-up bastard and I’m fuming as much as I’m upset.’
‘Oh, Gloria, that’s terrible, and for you to find out a week before Christmas!’
‘I know. Turns out he was using me … he never loved me …’ Gloria could feel tears pricking her eyes and quickly sipped her tea. She didn’t want Jenny to see how hurt she really felt.
‘If you ask me, it was the other way around. You’re too good for him! I bet his fiancée doesn’t know he was seeing you.’
‘Maybe I should tell her, let her know what she’s letting herself in for.’
‘I’m not sure that’s a good idea. It’s her lookout and you’d be better off staying out of it.’
‘I’ll think about it, but the way I feel right now, I’ve a good mind to find her and tell her exactly what her precious bleedin’ boyfriend has been up to. He wouldn’t like that, would he?’
‘No, I’m sure he wouldn’t but it won’t achieve anything.’
‘Yes, it will … it’ll make me feel better! Anyway, how’s Dad been and where’s this Audrey woman?’
‘Audrey was gone before we got here. I don’t know if he threw her out or if she left of her own accord. As for Dad, he’s been as good as gold. Even Pam is coming out of her shell a bit.’
‘Yeah, but it’s early days yet and I’ve got a horrible feeling it won’t last.’
‘I think you’re wrong, Gloria. I’m sure he regrets what he did. Honestly, I know he’s not perfect but he’s just like he was before Mum left.’
‘He used to give her a few backhanders and I don’t think leopards change their spots. He’s a bully, and you of all people know exactly what he’s capable of.’
‘I do know, but like I said, I think he regrets it. I’m willing to give him another chance, can’t you do the same?’
Gloria drummed her fingers on the table. With nowhere else to go she didn’t have much choice. Hughie had seen to that. The thought of that man left her with a feeling of bitterness. He had no right to treat her like a tart, and now he was living the life of Riley whilst she was back stuck living with her family. Gloria’s lips set in a grim line. She’d only stay as long as necessary. Her mother had found an escape by using men and she could do the same.
Chapter 29
Edith woke up early on Christmas morning, her favourite day of the year. She’d always enjoyed the festivities, especially when her husband had been alive and Lizzie had been young. Cecil had been a rogue but, thanks to his rich pickings, Lizzie had always had an abundant stocking and there’d been plenty of food on the table. Perhaps that’s why her daughter was the way she was. Spoiled. She’d been an only child and had never wanted for anything. Edith thought maybe she and Cecil had made their daughter selfish, and wished she had brought her up differently. Still, it was too late now, but at least Lizzie hadn’t shown her face for a while and wouldn’t be around today to upset the children.
Edith threw the bed covers off, then shoved her feet into her worn slippers. She’d slept in her dressing gown to ward off the cold and now shivered as she walked through to the front room. She flicked on one bar of the electric fire, knowing that by the time her grandchildren arrived the room would have warmed up.
Next, she went into the kitchen and filled the kettle. As it warmed on the stove, Edith checked the Christmas cake. She was pleased. It had been maturing for over a month and it looked moist and rich. She was sure Jenny and the kids would appreciate it.
With a cup of tea in hand, she walked back into the front room and looked at the small pile of gifts on the sideboard. The nice couple upstairs had done the shopping for her and she’d wrapped them in bright paper. She didn’t have a tree but the colourful paper chains that Timmy and Peter had made gave the flat a Christmassy feel.
It would be a few hours until they arrived, so Edith sat in her armchair and pulled a blanket over her legs. In the quietness, her mind drifted back to Christmases past, and she sighed, thinking about how much she missed Cecil.
‘Come on, Jen, wake up … Father Christmas has been!’ Timmy squealed with excitement.
Jenny could feel her brothers jumping on her and opened her eyes to see their eager faces. They must have already been downstairs and seen all the presents she’d placed under the tree last night.
‘I think Father Christmas made a mistake ’cos he only leaves gifts for good boys,’ Jenny teased.
‘But we’ve been good, haven’t we, Peter?’ Timmy protested.
‘Yes, and he’s brought us loads of presents!’
‘Right then, you’ll have to get off me if you want me to get up,’ Jenny said.
The boys climbed down, and Jenny threw the bed covers off. She always found this time of year magical, with her brothers believing in Father Christmas, but now she had a secret reason for it feeling so special. She smiled and took a quiet few seconds to think of the life growing inside her. Then, as she gathered her thoughts and pulled on her dressing gown, she said, ‘Come on, let’s go and see what Santa has brought.’
Timmy grabbed one of her hands, Peter the other, and they pulled her from her room to the top of the stairs. At the same time, their father came out of his room, fully dressed in his best outfit and with his hair greased back. Jenny was surprised to see him looking so smart at this time of the morning and looked him up and down.
‘It’s Christmas so I thought I’d make the effort,’ he said, seeming self-conscious and a little uncomfortable.
‘You look nice, Dad,’ Jenny told him, then added, ‘Merry Christmas.’
‘Yeah, and you.’
‘Come on!’ Timmy urged impatiently and dashed downstairs with Peter close behind.
Jenny followed with less haste and she walked into the front room. Gloria and Pamela were sitting on the sofa, and the boys were standing in front of the tree.
‘Gloria said we had to wait for you … so can we open them now?’ Timmy asked eagerly.
Jenny turned to see their dad standing awkwardly in the doorway. She smiled at him and then said, ‘Go on then, Timmy, but check the names on the labels. They’re not all for you.’
The boys dropped to their knees and began ripping at paper. Jenny enjoyed seeing them so happy, but it didn’t take away the pain of missing Craig. She should have been at home, with her husband, and they should be looking forward to having a baby together. Her hand inadvertedly went to her stomach as she thought about the new life nestled in her belly. It was a time of mixed emotions for her, but at least she still had a part of the man she’d loved.
‘Look, Timmy, I’ve got a Scalextric!’ Peter exclaimed.
