by Cathy Sharp
‘Not brilliant,’ he admitted. ‘I suppose I should’ve gone to bed, but I’ve had enough of hospitals and beds.’
‘Yes, I expect so,’ Sandra smiled. ‘You don’t like being the patient, do you?’
‘Not much …’ His smile was just the same and Sandra’s heart caught. ‘I shall rest though, I promise. Will you forgive me for not letting you know – but I didn’t decide until this morning.’
‘Of course. You don’t owe me an explanation, Ikey.’
‘I think I do.’ He gave her an odd look. ‘I still want all those things we talked of, Sandra. I have secured the lease of a house for us and I want you to go there and get it ready for us; it is yours and I want you to make it your home – whether you wish me to live in it as your husband is up to you …’
‘Ikey, I told you …’
‘In the heat of the moment. I’d been badly hurt; you were afraid I might die … perhaps you’ve thought differently since?’
‘No – have you?’
‘I have realised that it might be selfish for me to marry you. No, hear me out, Sandra. I do love you and I do want you as my wife – but have you thought that I might suffer a relapse that could kill me, and there is a possibility that Connolly will try to have me murdered in the future?’
‘Billy told me that Sergeant Sallis says Mr Connolly is denying that he ordered your murder. He says that it was all Stevie Baker’s idea – but the police are disinclined to believe him. Stevie thought he would get lenient treatment if he gave evidence against his old boss, so he may escape a charge for attempted murder, but Billy says the police are going to charge him with grievous bodily harm and running prostitutes. Someone came forward and gave evidence concerning him and she’d been badly beaten up.’
‘I see …’ Ikey frowned. ‘Connolly is going down for a long time. He’d kept records of money paid to police officers and MPs on his payroll so he’ll be charged with corruption, and interfering with the due course of the law – but the biggest thing they found was his set of private accounts. It seems that our friend has been cheating the Revenue for years, and Jon thinks that is enough to put him away for twenty years. He might be able to wriggle out of some things, but once the tax inspector gets his claws in, he’s had it …’
Ignoring this, Sandra went straight to what was worrying her. ‘Did the doctor say a relapse was likely?’
Ikey saw the anxiety in her eyes and met them steadily. ‘Only a possibility – but I wanted to be fair to you, Sandra …’
‘Do you think it’s fair to break my heart?’ she said and got up, going to kneel by his chair, looking up at him. ‘If I lost you now it would break my heart, Ikey, because I love you – but none of us knows how long we may have. I could die before you … but if the worst happened and one day you were suddenly gone, at least I should have had some happiness …’
‘You’re so brave,’ Ikey said and leaned forward to touch her cheek. ‘You’ve known the bitterness of loss once and yet you’re willing to try again. I wasn’t as brave as you – when Catherine died I went to pieces.’
‘You’re a very brave man,’ Sandra said, ‘but we all have our weaknesses and perhaps Catherine was yours.’
‘She was young, lovely, and she didn’t deserve to die,’ Ikey said, ‘but I’ve come back from the brink – and I am ready to try again, if you can put up with me?’
‘I don’t think I could not marry you now,’ she said and reached up to kiss him. ‘I know you’re still not well, my dearest, but I’ll prepare our home and, when you’re well again, we can marry …’
CHAPTER 32
‘Well, that’s a sight I never believed I’d see when that young tearaway was running through the corridors at St Saviour’s.’ Sister Beatrice turned to smile at Angela who had come up to London for the wedding. ‘Who would have believed that a rebellious lad like Billy Baggins would turn out so well?’
‘Oh, I always thought they would get married one day,’ Angela said and laughed. ‘Mary Ellen was a good influence on him from the start and I think it’s wonderful the way he’s supporting her so that she can better herself and become a teacher.’
‘Rose should have let her stay on at school, of course,’ Sister Beatrice said. ‘But it has turned out quite nicely after all …’
‘Who is that rather odd-looking man sitting on Billy’s side next to his best man?’
‘That is Ikey. That shaved head is rather off-putting, but I dare say his hair will grow. He was the victim of a nasty beating, and Billy helped drive the rogues off, assisted by Sergeant Sallis.’
‘Ah, he’s Ikey and the very attractive lady next to him must be Mrs Miller. Mary Ellen did tell me some of it when I popped in to see her before we came to church. She was always one of my favourites, you know …’
‘I remember very well. You took her to see Bambi when I had forbidden her to go to the pantomime with the others.’
‘Yes, I could never forget. How arrogant I was at the start …’
‘I wouldn’t say that – we both needed to learn, if you ask me.’
‘I was sorry I could only get twenty tickets for you this year. Mark told me to buy tickets for all the children, but they just weren’t available.’
‘We offered a choice of the pictures or the pantomime and it turned out very well,’ Sister Beatrice said and sighed as the happy couple went through to sign the register. ‘Can you stop for the party this afternoon, Angela? Archie’s friend Ted Hastings is playing Father Christmas and we have presents as usual. We may have a few carols, but this year we joined in the concert at the church hall. Several schools sent choirs and St Saviour’s was invited to attend and pick a few of our children to sing with them. It turns out that Archie has a rather good voice, though he had to be persuaded to sing solo …’
‘Well, I could drive down a bit later … but no, perhaps I’d better not. I believe Mark has asked some friends for midnight mass and drinks, so I’d better be there to make sure everything is ready. Perhaps next year …’
‘If we’re still here.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Shush now, the bride and groom are leaving …’
Everyone watched the happy couple leave the church and then stood to file out and follow them into the crisp cold air. Thankfully, it was not raining, which was an improvement on the weather of the past few days.
Sister Beatrice threw some confetti and smiled as Billy and Mary Ellen posed for photos and then left in a car for the reception.
‘Ah well, I must return to St Saviour’s.’
‘You’re not coming to the reception?’
‘Oh no. I wanted to see them wed, but I have work to do …’
‘What did you mean when you said if you were there next year?’ Angela persisted. ‘You’re not thinking of leaving?’
‘No, not unless I’m asked. I simply wondered if the Board considered it worthwhile keeping St Saviour’s open – and, of course, there’s always the possibility that the Welfare Department might decide to take us over completely; in which case I do not think I should care to stay on. Besides, you have your big new home, which I know is very modern, clean and efficient …’
‘Yes, it is all those things, but I’m not sure we’ve got it right yet. I’ve heard one or two disturbing stories about one of the male carers. Mark has been investigating …’
‘Is that Mr Gerald Smith – the one who shut Archie in a cupboard and left him there for an hour?’
‘Amongst other things, some of them rather more serious,’ Angela said. ‘He had such excellent references, came from a good private school – a headmaster, retired because it was too much for him. Unfortunately, it appears that he lied to us. He was asked to resign because of a disagreement with their board over matters of discipline. Now that he’s leaving it that means we’re looking for someone to take his place, and it’s not easy. The children either run rings round the staff or they’re scared because they’re ill-treated. I so often think of you and wi
sh that you could be there as well as here. You always seem to know how to appeal to the children, to make them behave as they ought. If we were ever to close St Saviour’s I should press for you to be invited to take over at Halfpenny House …’
‘Well, that is a compliment,’ Sister Beatrice said and smiled. ‘Thank you so much, Angela, for the vote of confidence. I hope to stay on here for as long as the Board allows, but I know that the trend is towards moving the children out to the country. The air must be better for them, of course, but I’m not sure some of them would settle, you know.’
‘I am very sure we need you where you are for the time being. I only wish I had you in Harlow as well …’
‘An impossibility, I fear.’ Sister Beatrice raised her brows. ‘Why don’t you take it on, Angela? The twins will be in school before long and I can’t see you being happy stuck at home for ever. I know you fundraise and that dance you organised in the country this summer raised several hundred pounds – but I think you would make an excellent Warden for Halfpenny House.’
‘We call her a Superintendent there,’ Angela said. ‘It’s more modern, they say, and in keeping with the way things are moving, but sometimes I think it was so much better here …’
‘You are being sentimental and nostalgic,’ Sister Beatrice said with a shake of her head. ‘Life moves forward, my dear. When St Saviour’s was begun in the war years there was a desperate need for it; the need is still there to a certain extent and there will always be children in need of care – but whether Halfpenny Street is as relevant now as it was then I’m not sure. I believe that the Board was more farsighted than I was willing to admit at the time. One day things will be done in a more formal manner. Sergeant Sallis will not ring me in the middle of the night to admit a child found wandering, but the Children’s Department, and they will take over more and more. We shall be completely state-run, though whether it will be better for it I can’t say. Homes like ours must move with the times or be ignored and forgotten …’
‘How sad,’ Angela said. ‘I didn’t think I would ever hear you say that, Sister.’
‘Neither did I,’ Sister Beatrice admitted. ‘Whatever happens, you will keep in touch?’
‘Yes, of course.’ Angela pressed her hand. ‘I must go to congratulate the bride and groom. You’re sure you won’t come?’
‘No, I have things to do … our children are looking forward to their Christmas as always …’
‘I wasn’t sure you would come,’ Mary Ellen said and kissed Angela’s cheek. ‘I’m so glad you did. Billy and me think of you as part of our family. I shall never forget what you did for us that Christmas when Billy hid in the attic and I was in trouble for helping him …’
‘That is a long time ago,’ Angela said and shook Billy’s hand. ‘I wanted to wish you both all the luck in the world. I’m very happy for you – and if there’s ever anything I can do for you, let me know.’
‘You’re so kind and thank you for the lovely tea-set you gave us. I shall keep it for best …’
‘I’m glad you liked it,’ Angela said and moved on into the hall to mingle with the other guests.
‘It was lovely of her to come all the way up for our wedding,’ Billy said after she’d gone to stand with Staff Nurse Wendy. ‘She was always all right – but she must have loads to do at home as it’s Christmas …’
‘Yes, but she was always special to me,’ Mary Ellen said. ‘I felt so miserable that year, with Mum ill and then dying – and Sister was so horrid at the start.’
‘She’s not now though,’ Billy said. ‘Did you see that lovely lace she sent for us? I reckon that’s handmade …’
‘Her mother used to make it,’ Mary Ellen said. ‘We’ve been lucky and had a lot of nice things, Billy. Ikey gave us a cheque for a hundred pounds. I don’t know if we ought to take so much …’
‘He can afford it,’ Billy said. ‘I know he acted as though he was broke when we met but he’s got enough. He’s not rich, just comfortable, and he’ll have a decent job again when he’s able to work – but he’s got Sandra Miller now and she’ll look after him.’
‘Just like I’ve got you,’ she said and looked at him lovingly. ‘Only you’re the one that looks after me, Billy …’
‘I promised I would, didn’t I?’ he said and bent his head to kiss her softly on the mouth. A little cheer went up from Nipper and some of Billy’s mates and Mary Ellen blushed fiery red. ‘Take no notice of that daft lot. What do you say we pop in to St Saviour’s after this has finished and show them your dress and bouquet?’
‘Oh, could we?’ Mary Ellen asked. ‘Haven’t we got a train to catch to Southend?’
‘It doesn’t go until half past six. I didn’t want to leave too soon, because if there’s one thing they know how to do in the East End, it’s celebrate. I think we should have a real good knees-up, and then pop into the old place before we go home to change.’
‘Yes. Rose is going to be there, because they’ve asked her to help with the children’s tea.’ Mary Ellen glowed as she looked up at him. ‘We couldn’t ask them all to the wedding, but they are family, aren’t they? All the staff and kids … we’re all part of one big family really …’
‘Come on, Ellie love,’ he said and took her hand. ‘I reckon they’re all here now – let’s cut the cake and then they can start on the beer …’
‘Ooh, that’s pretty,’ June Miller said, touching the soft white silk of Mary Ellen’s wedding dress as the children gathered round excitedly. ‘Did you really make it yourself?’
‘Yes, I had some help cutting it out, but I sewed it myself,’ she said and smiled at the young girl. ‘It’s my job to make clothes.’
‘I should like a pretty dress like this one day,’ June said and looked at her mother. ‘Mum is going to marry Ikey, you know. She’s picked a nice cream dress and jacket with a red hat and gloves and cream shoes, but I wish she would wear a dress like yours …’
‘Well, I tell you what, if there’s time when I get back from my honeymoon, I’ll make you a dress similar to this for your mum’s wedding. When is she getting married?’
‘Not until the spring, so the house is ready and Ikey feels better.’
‘That’s a promise then. I’ll come round and measure you and then I’ll make it for you – as a present …’
‘You’re nice,’ June said and touched the dress reverently.
‘I was lucky when I came here. I made friends and I had people do nice things for me – so why shouldn’t I do nice things for others?’
‘I’m going to tell Mum,’ June said and ran off to find her mother. Mary Ellen turned to her husband as he touched her arm.
‘We don’t want to miss the train …’
‘I’ll just say goodbye to Sister and Rose – and Mrs Miller,’ Mary Ellen said. ‘I shan’t be two minutes …’
Billy nodded, watching as she kissed a few people and received hugs in return from most. Sister Beatrice just smiled, but that was enough. He was just about to hurry his new wife when Ikey came up to him.
‘Billy, you can drive, can’t you?’
‘Yes – did you want me to drive you somewhere?’
‘No, but I shan’t be needing these for a while.’ Ikey held out the keys to a Morris car. ‘You’ll find it outside in the street. Save you bothering with the train, lad. Have a good time and give our love to Mary Ellen …’
Billy thanked him but Ikey had gone and he saw he was talking to Archie Miller. Smiling, he watched as Mary Ellen was surrounded by the children, all of them clutching at her, giving her small tributes, not wanting her to leave. She was as popular with them as she always had been, and that was because she still visited, brought them a few sweets, and read to the little ones when she could. It had been a good thing to come here, because these people were their family, and now that Ikey had loaned him his car, Billy knew there was no hurry to leave …
CHAPTER 33
‘Oh, Billy, this is lovely,’ Mary Ellen said as she g
lanced round their room with delight. ‘Look, there’s a balcony looking over the sea and everything …’
‘Well, I asked them special for the best,’ Billy said and smiled down at her, seeing the excitement in her eyes. ‘We’ve never had a real holiday, Ellie, just a day at the seaside or a trip to the zoo – but this is our wedding and we’re having a proper honeymoon …’
‘It’s wonderful,’ she said and put her arms about him. ‘I’m so happy, Billy. I never thought I would ever have all this … you and a lovely room at the sea and our own home to go back to.’
‘Sam gave me a wad of notes before we left,’ Billy told her. ‘He didn’t know what to buy as a present and I told him we’d got a lot of the stuff we needed so he gave me money – and it’s as much as Ikey gave us. It will set us up proper, love. If you wanted, you could give up work and concentrate on your studies …’
‘I’m happy going on as we are,’ she said and pressed closer to him, looking at him with love. ‘It will be there when we need it – when we have a family or something.’
‘I like the sound of that,’ Billy said, ‘but we’re not going to start one just yet, love. I made you a promise and I shall keep it.’
‘You’re so lovely,’ she murmured dreamily as he held her tight, and then suddenly bent down to sweep her up behind the knees and carry her to the bed. ‘Billy, you wicked man! I do love you …’
‘I know, but I love you more,’ he said, ‘and I’m going to show you just how much, my little angel …’
Mary Ellen gave a gurgle of laughter as he pounced and then she was being kissed in such a way that she could hardly breathe let alone think, her panting in rhythm with his own as their clothes were stripped off and they delighted in the feel of bare flesh, of being close in a way they never had before. As Billy touched his lips and tongue to her breasts, delicately flicking them and then moving slowly downward over her flat belly, making her cry out in pleasure, she was glad they had waited, glad he’d been strong enough for them both, because it was so lovely, so wonderful that their first time was as a newly married couple.
