Tilly's Story

by June Francis

  ‘That’s a bit sarcastic,’ murmured Seb, glancing up from the book he was reading. ‘She is working and probably hasn’t got the money to spare for the fare.’

  ‘I bet she makes the time to see Dad,’ said Alice, wrapping her cardigan tightly round her and wandering over to the darkened window.

  ‘That was her purpose in going over there and he does live within walking distance. I’m sure she’ll come if she can,’ said Seb.

  Alice glanced over her shoulder at him. ‘You always make excuses for her,’ she said crossly. ‘I don’t see why she couldn’t afford to come this time. You did enclose a postal order in her Christmas card, didn’t you?’

  ‘Yes, but perhaps she didn’t receive it.’

  ‘Why shouldn’t she have? You posted it, didn’t you?’

  ‘I gave it to Freddie to post.’

  Alice glanced at him. ‘Freddie! What day was that?’

  ‘Can’t remember.’

  ‘Perhaps he forgot to post it, what with the baby coming,’ suggested Alice.

  ‘Damn!’ Seb frowned. ‘It might still be in his pocket.’

  ‘Surely he would have found it by now. He could have posted it but it mightn’t have reached her until after Christmas,’ said Alice agitatedly. ‘She might think I’m right off her. I mean, I didn’t answer her last letter because I was annoyed with her for not coming to see Georgie.’

  ‘I told her not to come,’ said Seb, getting up and going over to his wife. He put his arms round her and drew her against him. ‘If she comes this week I don’t want you making her feel guilty.’

  ‘If you say so, but what if she starts going on about Dad?’

  ‘Why should she when she knows how you feel? As long as you don’t bring him into the conversation and say something nasty about him, then I’m sure everything will be fine.’

  ‘He’s mentally unstable.’

  Seb sighed. ‘Hanny said that Joy told her that he’s a lot better. He might still talk to himself but he’s not alone in doing that.’

  ‘She told me that Joy said that he’s always digging holes.’

  ‘That’s what gardeners do,’ said Seb reasonably.

  ‘But he doesn’t plant anything, just digs them and then fills them in.’ She looked up at her husband. ‘You must admit, Seb, that’s peculiar.’

  ‘He’s not getting any younger. Perhaps he’s buried something and forgotten where he put it.’

  ‘I suppose it’s possible but if it’s a plant what does it matter where it goes?’

  ‘It could be treasure,’ teased Seb, kissing the side of her neck.

  She rubbed her cheek against his. ‘Now you’re being silly.’

  ‘No, I’m not,’ he protested. ‘I’m sure there are people who bury their money because they don’t trust banks and think of it as a foolproof way of deceiving burglars who might break into their homes. Perhaps it’s even possible your old dad found the old lady’s money and decided to leave it where it was for the moment and then forgot where it was. Now he’s trying to find it again.’

  Alice laughed. ‘Honestly, Seb, you should be the writer, not our Tilly. Well, if the old spinster did bury some money, I hope he doesn’t give it to Mrs Black.’

  ‘Mrs Bennett,’ corrected Seb.

  Alice groaned. ‘I hate the thought of her having the same married name as me. Perhaps you should take your father’s name of Waters.’

  Seb said firmly, ‘No. I’ve been Bennett all my life and customers know me by that name. I’m not changing it now.’

  ‘Not even for me?’

  ‘Not even for you. Think of the children and their school. Their friends would be asking why they had a different name. No. We’re Bennetts and we’ll stay Bennetts.’ Seb kissed her lightly. ‘I often wish that Robbie Bennett had been my father rather than my natural one. He’s a much nicer man – he’s prepared to employ your father and provide him with a roof over his head. Hopefully, they’ll do so until he dies.’

  ‘Unless he goes off the rails,’ murmured Alice. ‘If that were to happen and he hurt Tilly, I know what I’d want to do to him.’

  ‘Shush! Why should he? I hope you don’t even hint that such a thing could happen to Tilly. Promise me you won’t mention your father to her?’

  Alice hesitated and then promised.

  Seb could only hope that his wife would stick by her word.

  * * *

  Tilly was humming a carol as she crossed Queen’s Park footbridge in Chester. She had asked Miss Langton if she could leave the office slightly earlier and the woman had said she would ask Mr Holmes. As it was Miss Langton seemed to have forgotten to tell her what he had said, so Tilly had slipped out the office while the other woman was taking dictation in his office.

  Tilly paused in the middle of the bridge and gazed down at the surface of the river where stars were reflected. A once familiar damp smell filled her nostrils. She remembered the many times she had crossed this bridge with the children or walked along the riverbank with Alice or Hanny. It was good to be home. She was feeling so much better about everything since she had received Alice and Seb’s card, especially as there had been a postal order inside. She hoped they would forgive this being a flying visit. Alice might suggest she should have left it to the weekend, but what with the party on New Year’s Eve and work on New Year’s Day, she would be tired out by Sunday.

  She straightened up and continued on her way. As she walked up the path towards Victoria Crescent she experienced that odd feeling you sometimes get when returning to a place that had once been so familiar that you took it for granted and didn’t really see it properly. She decided to visit Clara, Freddie and the baby first and see Kenny and Hanny at the same time. Hopefully the twins would still be awake, but as they were only two years old, chances were they would be in their cots and fast asleep. Still, she could have a peek at them looking angelic in the Land of Nod.

  The front door was opened by Hanny, who threw her arms about her. ‘I told Clara and Freddie you’d come. I just knew you wouldn’t be able to resist the baby and would need to see for yourself that Clara was OK.’

  ‘Of course I had to come,’ said Tilly, warmed by Hanny’s welcome. ‘But I didn’t come just for that reason. I wanted to see you all.’

  ‘We’ve missed you,’ said Hanny, drawing her further into the house. ‘I wish I could have visited you in Liverpool before now but what with the twins being such a handful and Mother going more peculiar by the day, I just couldn’t manage it.’

  ‘I understand,’ said Tilly, returning her hug. ‘How’s Kenny? I’m glad the twins are so well.’

  Hanny said, ‘He’s well. Janet’s managing to string words together and I plan to teach her colours, numbers and her alphabet as soon as possible.’

  Tilly groaned. ‘Say you didn’t buy the twins alphabet books for Christmas? Because that’s what I’ve bought.’

  ‘As it happens, no, we didn’t. Kenny couldn’t resist buying a secondhand train set and a book about animals and birds for Allan. As well as colouring books with crayons for them both. We bought a doll for Janet and a simple jigsaw and pretend sweet shop. She had the clothes off the doll in no time and then had terrible trouble getting them on again.’

  ‘I’m sorry I missed it.’

  ‘You should have seen their faces on Christmas morning. I still think they’re a little young to understand what it’s about but they did enjoy it all.’

  ‘Perhaps I’ll be here next Christmas,’ said Tilly.

  ‘Let’s hope so,’ said Hanny, linking her arm through Tilly’s. ‘Now, do you want to see the new mother and baby first? I must admit I can’t get enough of my new nephew. He has lovely brown eyes and a mop of black curly hair.’ As they climbed the stairs, she added, ‘I thought you might come this evening.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Because Joy phoned the office and told Kenny that the Bennetts were throwing a party on New Year’s Eve and you were invited along with the Wrights, so I guessed you woul
dn’t wait to see the new baby until the New Year.’

  Tilly paused on the stairs. ‘You haven’t mentioned the party to Alice, have you?’

  ‘No. I know how she feels about Eudora.’

  ‘What about Kenny? He just might—’

  ‘Forget it. He’ll want to keep her happy.’ Hanny called out, ‘Tilly’s here!’

  A door opened on the first landing and Freddie appeared. He smiled down at her. ‘Hello, our kid. I wasn’t sure you’d come but Hanny was convinced you would. Did you have a nice Christmas?’

  ‘It was OK. Different to any other I’ve spent but the Wrights have made me feel like one of the family.’

  ‘Good. Come in and see the baby.’ He held out a hand to her and she took it. He pulled her up the last few steps and, still holding her hand, led her into the bedroom that had once been Kenny and Hanny’s. Even before she went over to Clara, who was nursing the baby, Tilly was aware of that special baby smell. It took her back to the day Alice had given birth to James and the relief she had felt that her sister had come through the ordeal safely. Tilly could never forget that her mother had died giving birth to her. She wondered if she, herself, would ever marry and have a child, and briefly she thought of Don and blond-haired babies.

  ‘Hello, Tilly! How kind of you to come all this way in the dark to see us,’ said Clara, stretching out a hand to her.

  Tilly took it and squeezed it gently. ‘I’m glad you’re all right.’ She gazed down at the baby and, not for the first time, thought about the miracle of life. A year ago this child had not even been conceived and now here he was, a fully formed human being, exhibiting his parents’ dark hair and Clara’s brown eyes. She felt an unexpected yearning inside her.

  ‘Well, d’you like him?’ asked Freddie.

  ‘What’s there not to like about him? He’s so handsome.’

  ‘That’s what Alice said,’ commented Clara, smiling. ‘She thinks he’s like Seb.’

  ‘Well, you are cousins,’ said Tilly.

  ‘You are going to see them while you’re here?’ asked Clare seriously. ‘They’ve missed you, you know.’

  Tilly perched on the side of the bed. ‘Of course I’m going to see them. What kind of a sister do you think I am?’

  ‘Alice could have done with your help when Georgie was ill.’

  Freddie darted Clara a warning look.

  ‘I’m sure,’ said Tilly, flushing. She moved away from the bed. ‘You’ve got to understand, Clara, I have a job to do and there’s Dad. Besides, Seb told me to stay away.’

  ‘Of course. It’s really none of my business.’

  Tilly said, ‘Of course it is. You’re family. Alice coped, anyway, because she’s an experienced mother.’ She paused. ‘I don’t want to tire you out and I haven’t much time. I bought a present for the baby.’ From the shopping bag she produced a parcel and placed it on the bed. ‘It’s only a small thing. He really is a lovely baby.’

  ‘Thanks,’ said Clara, reaching out and touching Tilly’s hand. ‘You didn’t have to buy a present, you know. I do understand if you’re a bit hard up.’

  Tilly said nothing and withdrew her hand. ‘Hopefully I won’t leave it so long next time.’

  ‘We’ll let you know when the christening is to be,’ said Freddie.

  ‘Thanks,’ said Tilly, turning to Hanny who had kept in the background. ‘Where’s Kenny?’ she added.

  ‘I’ll take you to him,’ said Hanny.

  With a tarrah, Tilly left the bedroom.

  As soon as they were out of earshot, Hanny said, ‘Clara’s fond of you, you know.’

  ‘She’s fonder of Alice.’

  ‘Yes. And Alice hasn’t been herself since you left; Clara’s concerned about her.’

  Tilly sighed. ‘Georgie will be going to school in no time at all and it could be she’s worried about having time on her hands.’

  ‘I don’t think it’s that,’ said Hanny.

  ‘I hope you’re not going to say she’s still worried about Dad harming me, are you?’

  ‘No, but—’

  ‘Don’t, please,’ pleaded Tilly. ‘He’d never harm me.’

  ‘Perhaps we’d better drop the subject,’ said Hanny, leading the way into the twins’ bedroom where they found Kenny with a twin on his knee.

  He looked up at Tilly and smiled. ‘So you’ve come at last.’

  ‘It looks like it,’ she replied, bending down and kissing his cheek and then that of his daughter who had inherited his red-brown hair. She thought how much her father would like to see this granddaughter who was named after his first wife. Tilly handed a present to her niece, who immediately tore off the wrapping and then handed the book to her father and said, ‘Dank you,’ to Tilly.

  She smiled, kissing her again. The other twin was asleep in his cot, so Tilly gave his present to Hanny. Then they talked in low voices for a short while before she made her farewells and set off to see her sister.

  The front door was opened to her by her eldest nephew, James. He took one look at her and then turned and bellowed, ‘Aunt Tilly’s here!’

  Then he faced her again and said, ‘You should have been here for Christmas. It wasn’t the same without you. Mam can’t tell a story like you do.’

  ‘So you missed me?’ said Tilly, smiling down at him.

  ‘Naw!’ said James, grinning. ‘Come in. Dad’s making cocoa and Mam’s made macaroons.’ He lowered his voice to a whisper. ‘Don’t tell her but they’re not as good as Granny Waters’.’

  ‘I wouldn’t dare,’ whispered Tilly, feeling a rush of love for him. She wanted to hug him but decided that at ten he might consider himself to old for hugs. She made do with ruffling his hair. ‘So did you get nice presents? And how’s Flora and Georgie?’

  ‘They’re both in bed but I don’t have to go up for another half hour.’ He seized her hand and dragged her inside the house. ‘I can read to you and then you can tell me a story in bed.’

  ‘I’ll certainly listen to you read, love, but I don’t know if I’ll have time to tell you a story,’ said Tilly regretfully.

  James’s face fell. ‘But you’ve only just come.’

  ‘I know. But I’ve work in the morning and woe betide me if I don’t get there on time. Miss Langton would have my head.’

  ‘You mean she’d chop it off?’ he asked, giggling.

  Tilly laughed. ‘No, but she’d make my life even more difficult than she does now.’

  ‘But you have to stay or Flora and Georgie won’t get to see you,’ he said in wheedling tones.

  ‘I can’t, love,’ she said, hating to disappoint him.

  ‘Please, Aunt Tilly,’ he asked.

  ‘You heard your aunt,’ said Alice, appearing in the drawing room doorway. ‘If she can’t stay, she can’t stay.’

  Tilly stared at her sister and wanted to rush over to her and ask how she was and say that she was sorry she’d stayed away so long, but there was something in her sister’s tone and stance that made her think Alice would not welcome such a display of affection. Instead, she walked over slowly and said, ‘Hello, Alice. It’s good to see you.’

  ‘So the prodigal has returned,’ said Alice.

  ‘Hardly. I haven’t wasted an inheritance in riotous living,’ said Tilly lightly. ‘Are you OK?’

  ‘Why shouldn’t I be OK? Come in and sit down for a few minutes before you have to go back.’

  ‘I don’t want Aunt Tilly to go back,’ said James. ‘At least not just yet.’

  His mother turned to him. ‘You go and tell Daddy to make an extra cup of cocoa.’

  The boy hurried away.

  Tilly watched his sturdy figure. ‘He’s grown,’ she said.

  ‘What did you expect?’ asked Alice. ‘He wasn’t going to waste away because you weren’t here. Neither was Georgie.’

  Tilly was hurt. ‘I don’t deserve that remark. I love Georgie and besides, Seb told me not to come. How is he?’

  ‘Adaptable. You know Georgie.’
/>   Tilly smiled. ‘Yes. He’s always been an easygoing little boy.’ She paused. ‘Janies looks so well. How’s he doing at school?’

  ‘Fine. He has Kenny’s gift for drawing and his father’s application to work. Come and sit down and get warm,’ said Alice. ‘It’s cold out.’

  ‘It’s bitterly cold,’ said Tilly, following her sister into the drawing room. She placed her shopping bag on the floor beside the sofa and drew off her gloves. Her gaze scanned the room to see if there had been any changes and noticed the piano was still in its corner. She longed to sit on the piano stool and run her fingers over the keys. It seemed a long time since she had lost herself in music.

  ‘So, how are things with you?’ asked Alice politely, waving her to the sofa. ‘Seen anything of Dad?’

  Tilly stiffened. ‘Yes. He would have liked to have come with me but I told him I was going straight from work. I knew you wouldn’t want him here.’

  ‘At least you’ve got that much sense. I believe he’s been digging holes all over the garden.’

  Tilly looked at her in surprise. ‘He is a gardener but it’s the first I’ve heard that there’s holes all over the garden. I haven’t seen any for a start.’

  ‘Apparently he fills them in again. Seb thought he might have found treasure and then forgot where it was.’

  ‘He could just be turning over the soil.’

  ‘At this time of year?’ said Alice.

  Tilly thought of the baby skeleton and debated whether to tell her sister about it but decided to keep quiet. ‘Why not?’

  Alice smiled but did not pursue the subject. ‘So how was your Christmas? By the way, thanks for your card. Did you get ours?’

  ‘It came late but was gratefully received.’ Tilly removed her coat and hat and sat down on the sofa.

  Alice ran an eye over her appearance. ‘You didn’t buy anything new for Christmas?’

  ‘No. I had to make do.’

  ‘Seb thought you might be hard up.’

  ‘I’m managing.’ Before Tilly could say anything else, Seb entered the room carrying a tray of steaming mugs. ‘It’s good to see you, Tilly. Enjoying your independence?’