by June Francis
She smiled at him. ‘I wish you lots of luck with your love life, Billy. Bye!’
He saluted her before driving off.
She turned and hurried into the station to buy her ticket and catch the train home, wondering about the woman who had captured his heart.
CHAPTER TWENTY
‘Is that a new frock?’ asked Elsie.
Dorothy glanced at her mother who had just come into the bedroom. ‘Yes. Why, is there something wrong with it?’ She gazed down at the pink waffle-weave rayon dress that she had bought last Saturday, especially for tonight.
‘Don’t you think the neckline is a bit low?’
‘No. This deep U-neckline is fashionable.’
‘Fashionable or not, you don’t want to look tarty,’ said Elsie. ‘I don’t know what our Jared will say if he sees you dressed like that, but I do know what Teddy will and I’d rather he didn’t give you the once-over.’
‘You’re not the only one, Mum, and that is why I plan to be out of this house before he comes in. Once our Jared’s home we won’t have to give a damn about Uncle Teddy. He’ll soon be running scared, because if you don’t tell Jared what’s been going on here, I intend to do so.’
Elsie reached for the cigarettes in the pocket of her pinny with a trembling hand. ‘I don’t want to lay this on his shoulders as soon as he gets home. He’s had enough to contend with in Korea. Teddy’s my husband and nothing can change that.’
Dorothy raised her pencilled eyebrows. ‘You could get a legal separation. I’ve heard you arguing and it wouldn’t surprise me if he belts you when we’re not around. Anyway, when are you going to visit our Betty?’ She picked up a lipstick and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. ‘Has Uncle Teddy asked lately if you know where she is?’
‘He’s given up asking,’ said Elsie, straightening the corner of the candlewick bedspread and sitting down to light her cigarette. ‘He knows none of us are going to tell him. You and Maggie are going to have to be really careful about visiting now she’s living in Liverpool. I worry about him following you two and me. That’s why I haven’t been to visit Betty, but I have given you money for her, so I feel a bit better about myself.’
‘That’s all right, then,’ said Dorothy in a tight voice. ‘As long as you feel OK about not seeing her.’
Her mother flushed. ‘At least I’m doing something to help the kid. I did before that friend of hers, Irene’s, stepfather and stepbrother helped her out. I don’t know why they felt they had to interfere.’
‘Because Irene asked them to! I’m grateful to Billy and his father. It was really good of them. Anyway, it’s half-term this week and Betty’s gone up to stay with Emma for a few days.’ Dorothy finished with her lipstick and placed it in her handbag.
‘Good,’ said Elsie, forcing down a cough. ‘Anyway, where are you going wearing a new dress?’ she asked in a croaky voice.
‘I’m going to a dance, if you must know.’
‘With that good-looking policeman?’
‘Yes, as it happens. We both like dancing.’
‘I remember watching you on Coronation Day. Perhaps he’ll ask you to marry him one day.’
‘Perhaps he will,’ said Dorothy, a wistful expression in her eyes. She glanced at the clock. ‘Anyway, I must go or I’m going to be late.’
Dorothy was halfway down the street when she spotted a dark-haired young man with a lean, sunburnt face striding along the pavement towards her. For a moment her steps faltered and then she let out a scream and ran towards him. She flung herself at her brother, catching him off balance. For a moment they teetered on the kerb in danger of falling off the pavement, then he dropped his kitbag and steadied them both.
‘It is you, Dot?’ he said, smiling.
She placed a hand on his shoulder and looked up into his face. ‘Of course it’s me, you noggin! I can’t have altered that much and I recognised you straight away.’
‘Yes, but you were just my plump sister when I left and now you’re a lovely young woman,’ he teased.
Dorothy laughed. ‘I was a young woman then, you idiot. It’s just that I went on a diet after you left.’
‘Well, you look marvellous. The person I remember has gone and instead here’s the new you.’
Her throat felt suddenly tight as she noticed the lines on his face that had not been there before. ‘I’m still the same old me but you’ve changed. You look older. Was it terribly bad? You always made a joke of things.’
A shadow darkened Jared’s eyes. ‘It can’t have been any worse than what millions of soldiers put up with during the last two wars. By the time the King’s got there, it was trench warfare and we were up against the Chinese. General McArthur should never have invaded North Korea.’
‘Well, I’m glad you’re home. I feared that you mightn’t make it,’ she said, her voice husky with emotion.
Jared touched his sister’s cheek where a lone tear trickled down. ‘There’s no need for tears. You don’t have to worry about me anymore.’
‘I hope not.’ She hesitated. ‘Mum can’t wait to see you.’
‘And Uncle Teddy?’ he asked, releasing her.
‘The serpent in Eden,’ she said in a hard voice.
‘That’s strong!’
Her eyes glinted. ‘You don’t know the half of it. But you’ll get to know and then we’ll have to do something to get rid of him.’
‘You’re serious,’ said Jared, frowning down at her.
‘Indeed I am! Betty isn’t living with us now, by the way,’ she said lightly. ‘Didn’t tell you at the time because I didn’t want to upset you. She ran away last May. Went up north to live with her half-sister, Emma. Betty’s back living in Liverpool now, but that’s a secret that must be kept from Uncle Teddy.’
Jared’s eyes narrowed. ‘Ma told me that the half-sister was dead! Why did she lie?’
‘What! You knew about her?’ said Dorothy, startled.
‘Aye, but I was sworn to secrecy because Ma said it would upset Betty, knowing about her.’
Dorothy punched him lightly on the arm. ‘You’ve kept secrets from me, you horror.’
He rubbed his arm absently. ‘Sorry. Anyway, tell me what you know.’
‘I haven’t time now. I’ve got a date,’ she murmured.
‘So that’s why you’re all dolled up.’
‘Yes, I’m going dancing. I’d cancel, but he’ll be waiting for me and I can’t have him thinking that I’m the sort of girl who lets a bloke down. His name’s Dougie Marshall and he’s a policeman.’ Her tone was suddenly animated. ‘Mum approves because she sees him as having a steady job, but there’s no way I want to bring him home just yet. She’d embarrass me by asking him all sorts of questions.’ She paused and sighed. ‘Besides, I’m not sure how he feels about me. He was Emma’s friend first and he does go and see her, but I can’t say I’ve noticed anything lover-like in his behaviour towards her. Besides, he has responsibilities. A mother and twin brothers. His dad was killed in the war.’
‘He sounds like an OK bloke.’
Dorothy’s face glowed. ‘He’s blonde and blue-eyed and he’s mad about exercise. He likes the great outdoors, walking on the fells and cycling.’
‘The fells?’
‘You know! Hills up Lancashire.’
Jared chuckled. ‘I can’t see you climbing hills, so what d’you have in common? Besides dancing, I mean.’
Dorothy’s eyes twinkled. ‘I could get to like climbing hills. Just need the proper footwear.’
‘You in walking boots! Don’t make me laugh. You’re a townie.’
Dorothy protested. ‘I can change.’
Jared said, ‘I won’t argue. I’d like to meet him sometime. See if he’s good enough for my sister.’
‘That would be nice. I’m sure you’ll like each other.’ She glanced at her watch and gasped. ‘I’d best be going or I’m going to be late!’
‘I hope you have a good time and I’ll see you later,’ said Jared, picking up his kitbag.
Jared watched her for several moments before slinging his kitbag over his shoulder and heading for the house where he had not felt comfortable in years. It was bigger than the one they’d lived in in Liverpool, but for him it had never had the warm, cosy atmosphere of their previous home. Perhaps that was partly due to his father being so ill when the family had moved in, along with Aunt Lizzie and Betty. Then, what with his father dying and not long after Aunt Lizzie being killed, there had been an atmosphere about the place. And, to top it all, his mother had to go and marry his dad’s brother.
Jared remembered coming home on leave and talking to his mother about Teddy. He’d been convinced that she had been crazy to make such a move. He hadn’t changed his mind, and the little his sister had told him convinced him that he was right. What had happened to cause Betty to go and live with her half-sister? How had that come about?
He decided that instead of letting himself in with the key on the string, he’d best knock on the front door, as he didn’t want to give his mother a shock by walking straight in on her. He knew he’d made the right decision when Elsie opened the door and let out such a screech that several sparrows flew up from the garden.
‘You’re here, you’re here!’ she cried, clutching his jacket. ‘I knew it wouldn’t be long once the King’s Regiment disembarked.’
‘Calm down, Ma, and let me in,’ said Jared, grinning.
‘Of course I’ll let you in, son.’ She pulled him inside. ‘You’ve just missed our Dorothy.’
‘I saw her.’
‘What did you think of the frock she was wearing?’
‘She had her coat on, so I didn’t see it. What I did notice was that she’s really grown-up now,’ said Jared. ‘Got a fella, so she told me.’
‘Yes, a policeman, so respectable. But you want to hear the way she speaks to me sometimes.’ Elsie rolled her eyes. ‘She has far too much to say for herself.’ She led the way into the living room, which was deserted.
Jared glanced about the room and his eyes fell on the television in the corner where there had once been a bookcase. He wondered where the money had come from for such a luxury item. ‘Is our Maggie in?’ he asked.
‘No, she’s taken over from Betty doing messages for an old woman. She should have been home by now, but I bet she’s gone off to meet her friend Irene.’ Elsie moved a couple of comics from the best chair by the fireplace. ‘Sit down, son. You look well, got yourself a tan. I’ll put the kettle on. It’s not long boiled, so I won’t be long.’
Jared dropped his kitbag by the door, but instead of sitting down, he prowled around the room, thinking about what Dorothy had said. When his mother returned, he asked, ‘Where’s Teddy?’
His mother stiffened. ‘What’s our Dorothy been telling you?’
‘Not much.’
Elsie placed the tray on the table and looked at her son as if she didn’t believe him. ‘Normally, Teddy and I would be going to the second house at the pictures tonight, but now you’re here, I’ll be staying in so you can tell me what your plans are now you’re home,’ she said.
Jared’s eyes narrowed. ‘Where is he now? Round the pub?’
‘Yes, but at least he’s out the way, so I’ve got you to myself.’ She smiled as she poured the tea. ‘So, tell me your plans.’
Jared sat down. ‘I’m going to call in and see my old boss later. He wrote to me regularly while I was away.’ More than you did, he thought.
‘Then he’ll be taking you back,’ she said, looking relieved.
‘Why shouldn’t he? There’ll be plenty of work around for plasterers with so many houses having been destroyed or damaged during the Blitz,’ said Jared, taking the cup and saucer from her.
‘Good,’ said his mother. ‘Do you want a bite to eat? I could make you a sandwich. If I’d known you’d be arriving today I’d have saved you some dinner.’
‘A sandwich will be fine,’ said Jared impatiently. ‘If I feel hungry later, I’ll drop in at the chippy.’
‘I’ll just be a minute, then.’ She vanished into the kitchen.
When she reappeared with a plate of cheese-and-pickle sandwiches, he waited until she was sitting down before saying, ‘So what’s this I hear about our Betty running away to live with her half-sister up north?’
The cup shook in his mother’s fingers and tea spilt into the saucer and onto her skirt. She muttered beneath her breath and dabbed at the fabric with the sleeve of her cardigan. She stared at him with a wary expression in her eyes. ‘So our Dorothy told you that much? Of course, it wouldn’t have come as much of a surprise to you because you knew about Emma. William told you.’
‘Yeah, but you told me she was dead,’ said Jared, with an edge to his voice, ‘so how did Betty get to know about her and why did she run away to live with her?’
Elsie put down her cup on its saucer and placed it on the table. ‘Her behaviour got out of hand and I had to do what was necessary. Then suddenly out of the blue she disappeared. I had no idea where she’d gone. She’s just like our Lizzie, doing things without thinking about the consequences. The three girls had kept it a secret from me that they’d been meeting Emma Booth. It doesn’t surprise me that our Betty did, because she’s just like our Lizzie, secretive. But my own daughters keeping it from me, I was really angry and hurt.’
Jared said patiently, ‘Aunt Lizzie wasn’t secretive. I could read her like a book.’
Elsie’s eyes darkened. ‘You didn’t know her!’ she shot back at him. ‘If it wasn’t for me, then she’d never have married William Booth. But I made sure that she did or she’d have caused a scandal and been in a right mess.’ She took a packet of cigarettes and matches from the shelf nearby and lit up.
Jared stared at her. ‘What kind of mess?’
His mother took in a lungful of smoke and began coughing. When she got her breath back, she said, ‘Never you mind. Why don’t you go up to your bedroom and unpack your things? You’ll be wanting a wash before seeing your old boss.’
Jared guessed that he was not going to get any more information out of her right now. Still, he would like to know more about Betty’s reasons for running away. No doubt his sisters would tell him. Right now, his mother was right, he needed a wash and change.
Jared’s old boss, Mr Bridges, was glad to see him and, after a short conversation about what had been happening since they had last written to each other, it was decided that Jared would have a week’s holiday before starting work on the following Monday.
Although it would soon be dark, Jared decided he needed some fresh air and so made for the towpath of the Leeds-Liverpool canal, thinking there should be hardly anyone about at this time of day. He was feeling the strain of putting a good face on things. He had made light of his time in Korea to his sister but there had been moments on night patrol when things had got really bloody. He’d been wounded slightly but his best mate had been killed. They had promised to watch each other’s backs, but bullets could seemingly come out of nowhere when it was dark.
He felt the tears on his cheeks and told himself not to be such a bloody sissy. Crying would not bring Harold back. He turned round and began to retrace his steps, oblivious to his surroundings as he relived that night.
‘Jared!’
The sound of someone calling his name caused him to whirl round, but he couldn’t see anyone on the darkened towpath. Then he looked ahead and realised that he had walked further than he had intended and had come to the lift bridge by the Red Lion. The voice came again and he glanced up and saw a girl waving to him. It was Maggie and she was not alone – another girl and two lads accompanied her. He thought of what his mother had said and knew she’d have a fit if she could see Maggie with a couple of lads. He waved and headed for the steps leading up to the bridge.
‘We’re coming down. Stay where you are,’ called Maggie.
The
next moment his younger sister was hanging onto his sleeve and the other girl and one of the youths had stopped a few feet away. The other youth was slowly descending the steps with the aid of a stick.
‘Irene, twins, this is my brother, Jared,’ introduced Maggie. ‘Remember my telling you that he’s been away fighting in Korea and would be home any day now?’
The lads nodded in Jared’s direction. ‘Pleased to meet you,’ they said. ‘I’m Norman Marshall,’ said the one next to Irene, ‘and that’s my brother Pete. Our older brother has a date with your sister tonight.’
Jared looked at them with interest. ‘The policeman?’
‘That’s right,’ said Norman, pulling a face. ‘He’s a good one, though,’ he added hastily. ‘Really conscientious, although he’s inclined to think he knows it all and we know nothing.’
There was a pause.
‘So where have the four of you been?’ asked Jared.
‘Nowhere, really,’ said Maggie, fiddling with a strand of long ginger hair. ‘Just walking and talking. We’re not doing anything wrong.’
Jared said easily, ‘That’s OK, then.’
‘We’d best be going or Mam’ll start worrying about us,’ said Norm.
‘I’ll see you again sometime,’ said Jared, and headed for the bridge.
Maggie called, ‘Will you wait for me the other side?’
‘Yeah!’ he shouted without looking back.
When Maggie caught up with him, he asked, ‘So how did Pete get the limp?’
‘He fell off a wall doing what he shouldn’t,’ she said, slipping her hand through her brother’s arm. ‘He was in hospital for ages. He’s got a job now working in a shipping office. Norm’s at Riversdale College the other side of Liverpool, studying to be a marine engineer.’
‘And what about you?’ asked Jared, gazing down at her. ‘How are you doing at school and what d’you want to do when you leave?’
Maggie said mischievously, ‘You remind me of Irene’s stepbrother, Billy, when he’s making an effort to show interest in what I’m up to and about the family. He always asks after our Dorothy because they’ve met. He left the army not so long ago and brought our Betty and Emma to Liverpool in his car.’ She stopped abruptly and darted Jared a sidelong glance. ‘Do you know about that?’
