by Anna King
Maude’s face creased into lines of greedy anticipation at the thought of her favourite food, but anxious not to appear to be too eager she simpered fawningly, ‘Oh, no, Jimmy. I couldn’t put you to that trouble, you’ve done enough for us already. Look, why don’t you come back here and keep me company? Rebecca can go; I mean, she’s had a good sleep, and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind, would you, love?’
Although Jimmy’s face remained amiable, a cold glint came into his eyes as he surveyed the obese figure lying propped up in the large bed. ‘I don’t think that would be wise, Miss Fisher. After what happened today, I’m sure the last thing your cousin needs is to have to go out on the streets at this time of night.’
Maude saw the look of dislike in Jimmy’s eyes and swallowed nervously. Aware she had let her true colours show and eager to ingratiate herself into this striking man’s good books, she replied with empty sincerity, ‘Oh, dear. What must you think of me, Jimmy? Of course you’re right. When I think of what could have happened to my Rebecca, and Amy… Well, it makes me go cold all over.’
‘Don’t distress yourself, Miss Fisher. I can see how fond you are of the girls, so you can rest easy knowing she’ll be staying here where she’ll be safe.’ Nodding his head curtly, Jimmy, still holding Rebecca’s arm, left the room.
Hitching herself further up in the bed, Maude called after them, ‘Thanks, Jimmy, that’s a weight off my mind. And, Jimmy, never mind all that Miss Fisher stuff, my name’s Maude, you—’ The door closed firmly behind the couple.
Her face settling into grim lines of frustration, Maude slumped back against the pillows, cursing herself for a fool. It was true she cared what happened to Rebecca, but only from a selfish point of view. If anything happened to her cousin, then who would there be to look after her? Certainly not her brother, who had left the house with indecent haste the moment their newly found family had been installed. And she doubted very much if Richard would be prepared to fork out for a live-in nurse again. There was still Phil and Amy, but she couldn’t see that selfish young man giving up his life to care for her, which left only Amy to fall back on if anything happened to Rebecca. The worried frown left her face as she thought of her youngest cousin. Amy wouldn’t leave her to fend for herself. She wasn’t as capable as Rebecca, of course, but she was such a pretty young girl, she wouldn’t stay unattached for long. No! Rebecca was her lifeline, and now she had befriended a man like Jimmy Jackson, life could become a lot easier for all of them, and, she, Maude, would have to watch herself when he was around in future, and he would be around. She’d seen how he had looked at Rebecca, and the protective way he had led her from the room. Oh, yes, Jimmy Jackson would be around for a while. A satisfied smile tugged at her lips as she lay down and waited for her supper to arrive.
*
Sitting at the kitchen table, her hands wrapped gratefully around a mug of steaming tea, Rebecca shyly said to the man sitting opposite her, ‘Thanks. It was good of you to stay, especially after the way I spoke to you earlier. I feel very ashamed of the way I acted and—’
Jimmy held up a warning hand.
‘Don’t be daft. You’d just come through a terrifying ordeal, it was only natural you’d want to lash out at someone. Fortunately I’ve a strong back; I don’t get offended easily.’
Rebecca shook her head, a wan smile pulling at her lips. ‘I wish I could put my rudeness down to shock, but I would have acted just the same if we’d met at a dinner party; not that I’ve ever been to one.’ The smile wavered a little as she saw the man’s gaze fixed strongly on her face. Clearing her throat, she stumbled on quickly, ‘It was nothing personal, believe me. It’s just that… Well…’ She shrugged her shoulders tiredly. ‘When you’re waiting on a Friday night for the bread-winner to come home, praying and hoping that he hasn’t gambled all his wages and worrying yourself sick that there’ll be no housekeeping money to get you through the week, I’m afraid it can make a person very bitter. But as you pointed out earlier, no one forces people to gamble, and if my brother didn’t place his bets with your runners he’d only find somebody else to do business with. He’s addicted, you see, he can’t help himself, but… but it’s very hard living with a gambler. Yet when all’s said and done, Phil’s my brother, and I know he doesn’t hurt us deliberately, he’s just weak, he always has been. It doesn’t stop me loving him, even though I could cheerfully strangle him at times.’
As she spoke Rebecca kept her gaze firmly on the table, afraid that this man, this kind man, should see the tears beginning to well up behind her eyes. But when a strong hand gripped hers reassuringly it was nearly the undoing of her. As if stung, she quickly pulled her hand free, stammering, ‘I’d better check on Amy, she’d sleep her life away if I let her.’ Deeply conscious that she was gabbling but unable to get her emotions under control, she carried on, ‘When I first woke up and saw the time, I thought it was morning. Then when I heard the laughter coming from Maude’s room I thought I must still be dreaming; she doesn’t laugh very often and—’
She broke off suddenly. What was the matter with her? Here she was practically on the verge of telling this virtual stranger all of the family’s business. Her of all people. She had never been one to gossip, or confide her personal business to anyone, but there was something about this man that loosened her tongue. If she wasn’t careful she’d be crying on his shoulder next. As she stood up, Jimmy rose from his chair too, and for one awful, heart-stopping moment Rebecca had the oddest desire to throw herself into his arms. She was saved from making a spectacle of herself by a loud knocking at the front door.
‘It’s all right, I’ll get it,’ said Jimmy, ‘it’ll be Charlie with your supper, you sit down and rest.’
Rebecca nodded, grateful for the welcome diversion, and the chance to sit down before she fell down.
The sound of men’s voices carried through into the kitchen, and when Rebecca recognised the familiar voice talking to Jimmy Jackson she let out a soft groan. Then there were loud footsteps coming nearer and, composing herself, Rebecca pasted a smile on her face as Billy Gates entered the room.
‘Becky! Oh Gawd. I got in late from work and me mum’s only just told me what happened, I came straight round. You all right, love?… Bloody Hell! Look at yer poor face, it’s all bruised an’ swollen…’
Rebecca smiled up at the worried man standing in front of her. ‘I’m fine, Billy, really. Amy and me had a nasty fright, but we’re both all right now, thanks to this gentleman.’ She nodded over to where Jimmy stood in the doorway, his penetrating eyes giving Billy the once over.
Jimmy saw a mountain of a man with a shock of unruly brown hair falling over a heavy-set face, the overall impression being one of immense strength, until you looked into the black eyes; then Jimmy was reminded of a puppy, a puppy who was at this moment looking at his mistress with unconditional concern and deep affection. Then there was another knock on the door. This time it was Charlie, his face beaming as he carried a large parcel from which was emanating a tantalising smell of freshly cooked fish and chips.
‘’Ere yer are, miss. Sorry I was so long, there was a bleeding great queue an’—’
‘It’s all right, Charlie,’ Jimmy’s voice spoke crisply. ‘You’re here now, so let’s be on our way and leave Miss Bradford and her family to enjoy their supper in peace.’
Charlie’s face fell in bewilderment. ‘But, Guv, yer told me ter get enough fer us an’ all, I—’
‘Yes, well, there’s been a change of plans. Miss Bradford has a visitor and, besides, I’ve just remembered I’ve got company coming around at eight.’
Rebecca started to rise, saying haltingly, ‘Really, Mr Jackson, there’s no need for you to go, at least not until you’ve had something to eat. You must be hungry after spending most of the day here looking after us. And as Charlie says, he’s already bought enough for us all, it’d be a shame to waste good food.’
Charlie looked eagerly at his governor, his hopes falling at the set look on Jim
my’s face.
‘It won’t be wasted, Miss Bradford. Charlie can take his portion with him; you can give mine to your friend.’
All eyes turned on the unexpected and uninvited visitor, causing the man in question to fidget uncomfortably for a few seconds. Then he straightened his back and moved behind Rebecca’s chair, his hand coming out to rest protectively on her shoulder.
‘Goodbye, Miss Bradford. Please give my regards to your sister, and your cousin of course.’ Before Rebecca could make any further protest, Jimmy turned on his heel and, after hastily sorting out Charlie’s portion of food, both men left the house.
As the front door closed behind them, Rebecca’s body slumped in disappointment. She had almost forgotten about Billy’s presence until he spoke, his voice cheerful now the two men had left. ‘I’ll give Amy a shout, shall I, Becky? And d’yer want me ter get some plates out, or shall we eat ’em outta the paper? I prefer me fish an’ chips better that way. They never taste the same off a cold plate.’
Wearily Rebecca looked up into the broad, grinning face and sighed. ‘I’m sorry, Billy, I don’t mean to be rude, but would you mind leaving? Here…’ She slowly took out one of the wrapped parcels and held it out to him. ‘You take it home with you, and tell your mum thanks for staying with Maude today, it was good of her.’
His face betraying his disappointment, Billy took the offered parcel, muttering, ‘All right, I know when I’m not wanted. If yer need me, yer know where I am.’
When the door slammed behind him, Rebecca let out a sigh of relief. Of all the times for Billy to show up… Oh! What the hell. It didn’t make any difference. Jimmy Jackson would have left soon anyway. He’d only stayed to keep her company out of kindness. Blinking rapidly, she went out into the hall and called up the stairs to Amy, ignoring Maude’s cries for her supper. She could bloody well wait for a change.
*
‘I thought we was gonna stay and ’ave our tea wiv the girls.’ Jimmy and Charlie were seated inside the carriage, the younger man busily shovelling the hot food into his mouth, his face crestfallen. He had been looking forward to spending some time with the young blonde girl, and he said as much to his governor. ‘She’s a right smasher, ain’t she, Guv? The younger one, I mean. Not that the other one ain’t good looking an’ all, but I sort of took a shine ter Amy. She seems really nice.’
Jimmy glanced sideways at the young man. ‘Forget it, Charlie, a girl like that’s well out of your class,’ he said curtly. ‘And for goodness’ sake, hurry up and finish that, I’d like to get home some time tonight.’
Charlie looked at his governor apprehensively. It wasn’t like Jimmy to be so short with him. Then the penny dropped. It was that other bloke turning up that had put Jimmy in a bad mood. Stifling a knowing smile, Charlie quickly finished his supper and climbed up into the driver’s seat. Well, well! This was a turn up for the books. In all the years he’d worked for Jimmy Jackson he’d never known him to get into a flap over a woman – and his governor had certainly had his fair share of them. Grinning broadly, Charlie directed the horse forward into the late-night traffic, his hopes rising. Maybe he would get the chance to see Amy again, because if Jimmy had taken a shine to her sister, then he wasn’t the kind of man to let any opposition put him off. Whistling tunelessly, Charlie drove on.
Chapter Six
‘Well! Did he say he’d be back? I mean, he must have said something. A man like that don’t go out of his way for just anyone. All right, so maybe he’d have done the same for anyone, like you keep telling me, but he didn’t have to stay with me while you and Amy had a rest, did he? And he didn’t have to pay Ada Gates extra for her trouble either. Oh, no! He took a shine to you, me girl, and if it hadn’t been for that big oaf from next door barging in where he wasn’t wanted, then Jimmy—’
‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, give it a rest, will you, Maude!’ Rebecca snapped angrily. Her cousin’s bed freshly made up, she added shortly, ‘There, all done. Do you want any help getting back into bed, or do you think you can manage to move from the chair to here by yourself?’ The open sarcasm wasn’t lost on Maude, who, with a great deal of huffing and grumbling, heaved herself awkwardly from the high-backed armchair and clambered into the double bed, her large frame dropping onto the feather mattress as if just having accomplished a great ordeal. But if her body was tired, her mouth still had plenty of life left in it.
‘Never mind telling me to give it a rest, madam. I don’t know what’s the matter with you. You get a chance of someone like Jimmy Jackson and you let him get away, then pretend like you couldn’t care less, as if you had dozens of eligible men hammering the door down for a chance to take you out. You mark my words, girl, you won’t get many chances to—’
Rebecca whirled on Maude angrily. ‘No, you’re right there, Maude, I’m not going to get many chances, not while I’m stuck here day in day out looking after you, am I? Then again, maybe I should get out more; in fact, I could even get my own place, and take Amy with me. I could easily get a job, I’m not fussy what doing. After all, I’m used to hard work; I’ve had plenty of practice, haven’t I?’
Looking up into the hard, blue eyes, Maude’s heart skipped a beat, a thread of panic stirring in her chest. This wasn’t the first time Rebecca had threatened to walk out, and she could have at any time over the past few years. Maude knew that Rebecca had stayed this long only because of Amy and Phil, but for how much longer would her cousin tolerate her lifestyle? And as Maude continued to hold Rebecca’s gaze, she realised, as if for the first time, that Rebecca was no longer a young girl, but a strong, independent woman; and a lovely looking one at that. Then there was Amy, who was also growing up fast. What if she were to meet some young man, and, looking as she did, it could only be a matter of time before Amy brought a beau home; then where would that leave her, Maude? Because once Amy married, then there would be no further reason for Rebecca to stay. The feeling of panic continued to rise in the obese frame. She wouldn’t be able to depend on her dear brother, not any more. As far as Richard was concerned he’d done his bit. Oh, no, if Rebecca were to leave, then Richard would shove his only sister into a home, and leave her there to rot.
Her mouth suddenly dry, Maude licked her lips nervously and tried to conjure up what she hoped to be a sincere smile as she said in a conciliatory tone, ‘Now, now, love, I didn’t mean any harm, I just want to see you happy, that’s all, I—’
‘Oh, don’t give me that old rubbish, Maude,’ Rebecca snapped back. ‘You couldn’t give a damn about me, you never have. The only reason you’re so keen for me to get hooked up with someone like Jimmy Jackson is because he’s got loads of money, and your crafty little mind is always thinking of ways to make your life easier. Huh! That’s a laugh. I don’t see how it could get any easier, because you don’t have to lift a finger. You’re waited on hand and foot, day and night, and don’t think I don’t know you could do a lot more for yourself than you let on, because I’m not that much of a fool.’ Moving away from the bed, Rebecca paused at the door, a smile curving her lips. ‘Maybe I will look up Mr Jackson, Maude. Like you say, he’s a good catch, and he has a beautiful home. Though if I were to become the future Mrs Jackson, then Richard would have to make other arrangements concerning you, because I certainly wouldn’t take you with me.’ As Rebecca witnessed the look of sheer horror that passed over Maude’s face she gave a harsh laugh. ‘I think that’s what’s termed “shooting yourself in the foot”. I’ll be up with your dinner at the usual time.’
*
When the door closed quietly behind Rebecca, Maude remained staring across the room, her heart pounding inside her chest like a sledge hammer, her mind whirling frantically as she visualised the future if Rebecca left her. Laying back on the plump pillows, she squeezed her eyes shut, her thoughts travelling back down the years to her youth.
Her parents had married late in life, her mother giving birth to Maude when she was thirty-nine. Edward and Matilda Fisher had been overjoyed at the a
rrival of their daughter, and had lavished all their love and devotion on the child they imagined would be their only one. It had come as a great shock when, at the age of forty-three, Matilda had found herself pregnant once more, for at that age Matilda Fisher had thought she was past her child-bearing years. When Richard was delivered safely, they had both thanked God for their good fortune, though the young, spoilt Maude hadn’t shared in their enthusiasm, seeing the new-born baby as an unwelcome intrusion into her orderly, exclusive world. Her doting parents had quickly recognised their young daughter’s resentment of her brother, but, like most parents, had imagined the years would alter Maude’s animosity towards her younger sibling, and that in time their adored children would form a loving bond. That had never happened, for Richard, like his sister, had been born with a selfish nature, a fact that both parents had recognised, but refused to acknowledge openly. Those who knew the family had often speculated how two good-natured people like Edward and Matilda had produced such unlikable children, declaring that Maude and Richard, both as obnoxious as each other, must have inherited their unpleasant traits from long-dead ancestors.
When Maude was twenty-three, her father suffered a heart attack and died suddenly. Left alone with her quarrelsome son and daughter, Matilda Fisher, who had always been dependent on her husband, quickly deteriorated, and within a year, she too had died. Friends and family, who had paid their respects to the body in the open coffin, had commented afterwards that poor Matilda had looked happier dead than she had when alive. Left to fend for themselves, Maude and Richard had formed an uneasy alliance, each realising that, for the time being, they needed each other. Their parents, although not rich, had been comfortably off, and had left everything they owned to be shared among their offspring; except for the warehouse business Edward Fisher had founded, which had been left to his only son. But while Richard had kept the company going, and had other interests outside his home and working environment, Maude had continued to languish at home, going out only to shop for new clothes, and any other luxuries that caught her eye.
