EG03 - Home Is Where The Heart Is

by Joan Jonker

  Bill took over Billy’s seat and reached for Eileen’s hand. ‘Confined to barracks, eh, love!’

  ‘I’m scared stiff, Bill! I want this baby so much I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose it.’

  Bill bent and gathered her warm, cuddly body close. ‘Now come on, chick, who’s always telling other people “don’t trouble trouble, till trouble troubles you”, eh? If you do as Doctor Greenfield tells you and stay in bed, you’ll be all right, I know you will.’

  ‘I’ll stay in bed for the whole six months if need be.’ Eileen’s voice was choked. ‘I’ll do anythin’ to keep the baby safe.’

  ‘I’ll take the day off tomorrow and I’ll make sure you stay in bed. I’ll see Billy out to work and the girls off to school, so don’t you worry your head about anything.’

  ‘I know I should argue with yer, Bill, but I’m not goin’ to. I’d like yer to be here tomorrer when the doctor comes. Me mam’s very good, an’ yer know I love the bones of her, but it’s you I need right now.’

  Bill and Maggie sat either side of the fireplace, both deep in thought. The rest of the family were in bed and the house was still except for the occasional hissing from the coals and the ticking of the clock.

  ‘I wonder what brought it on?’ Bill wondered aloud. ‘Eileen’s been looking so well!’

  ‘I know what brought it on,’ Maggie said, her voice soft. ‘It’s that ruddy big mangle! I can’t move it, and Eileen shouldn’t . . . not in her condition, anyway. I’ll bet me bottom dollar that’s the cause of it.’

  ‘She shifted that mangle on her own?’

  ‘Well, there’s nobody else to do it, Bill, so don’t start blaming Eileen for what’s happened.’ Maggie was quick to defend her daughter. ‘The damned thing has to be pulled out to turn the handle, and the kitchen is too small to leave it out all the time. You can’t swing a cat round out there, never mind having that ruddy thing stuck in the middle.’

  ‘I’m not blaming Eileen, Ma, I’m blaming meself!’ Bill scratched his head. ‘Me own common sense should have asked me how she was coping with the washing.’ His fist came down heavily on the arm of his chair. ‘I’ve tried to talk her into moving to a bigger house, but every time I mention it she pooh-poohs the idea. But this has put the top hat on it. If she comes through this all right, I don’t care what she says, we’re moving to a place where she’ll have more room to move around . . . a house like Mary’s, where there’s a wash-house with a boiler and running water.’

  Chapter Three

  Dr Greenfield snapped his bag shut. ‘You can come in now, Mr Gillmoss.’

  He’d barely finished speaking before Bill was in the room. ‘What’s the news, Doctor?’ Bill’s eyes flitted anxiously from Eileen to the doctor. ‘Is she going to be okay?’

  ‘It’s far too early to say. The bleeding has slowed down, but until it’s stopped I can’t give Eileen an internal.’ John Greenfield swung his bag from the tallboy and moved to the side of the bed. ‘I can’t promise anything, all I can do is advise you to stay in bed, have complete rest. If you do that then there’s a chance you may keep the baby. But you must do as you’re told, Eileen, do you understand?’ He waited for Eileen’s nod before continuing. ‘You mustn’t attempt to go downstairs, and no lifting anything.’

  ‘I’ll be as good as gold, Doctor,’ Eileen answered tearfully. She had known John Greenfield for years and he didn’t seem to have aged at all in those years, even though he’d seen service at the battle front when the war was at its height. He was as slim as ever, still had that boyish, lopsided grin and the fine baby hair that had a mind of its own and kept falling on to his forehead. ‘I’ll do everythin’ yer say, honest.’

  ‘I’ll make sure she does,’ Bill said, ‘otherwise she’ll have me to answer to.’ He scratched his head. ‘What about visitors? We’ve got a full house downstairs.’

  ‘Uh, uh! Not for a few days.’ John squeezed Eileen’s hand. ‘Best to take no chances because we don’t want to lose this baby . . .’ he started to chuckle, ‘although I’m not sure whether the world is ready for another Eileen Gillmoss.’

  ‘Thanks, Doctor.’ Eileen wrapped her fingers around his hand, remembering the times she’d gone to him with her troubles, and everybody else’s for that matter. And he’d never let her down. ‘I’ll do everythin’ yer said, scout’s honour. Yer know I’ve got every faith in you, always ’ave.’

  ‘I’ll be on my way then.’ At the door John turned. ‘I’ll call in tomorrow and I expect you to have behaved yourself till then, okay?’

  ‘Haven’t got much bloody option, ’ave I?’ Eileen sounded more like her old self, and the two men smiled at each other. ‘Even if Cary Grant walked in that door now, I wouldn’t move a muscle.’ It was too dark in the room to be sure, but John would swear she had a twinkle in her eye when she added, ‘On second thoughts, though, for Cary Grant I might just make the effort.’

  ‘I’ll see the doctor out, chick, then explain to our visitors. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.’

  Eileen heard Bill running up the stairs and turned her head on the pillow when the door opened. ‘D’yer want a little bit of useless information, Bill? Well, there’s a hundred and twenty-seven flippin’ roses on the paper on that wall.’

  Bill grinned. ‘Aren’t you glad you don’t have to water them?’

  ‘Have the visitors all gone?’

  Bill sat down gently on the side of the bed. ‘Your Rene’s gone. She’s got to pick Victoria up from school at twelve. But Mary and Vera are still here with the children.’ He took Eileen’s hand and squeezed it. ‘Ma’s been busy making cups of tea for the last two hours.’

  ‘I could murder a cuppa, right now. Me mouth’s that dry with nerves.’ Eileen stroked a finger over Bill’s hand. ‘What d’yer think, Bill? Did the doctor tell yer anything when yer were seein’ him out?’

  ‘Only what he told you. He’s not going to commit himself and get the blame if he’s wrong.’ Bill removed his hand and stroked the hair back from her forehead. ‘But I’ve got a feeling in me bones that everything’s going to be all right.’

  ‘I hope so, Bill.’ Eileen closed her eyes and prayed. I know I’m no angel, God, and I only come to you when I want something. But I’m in real trouble this time and I really need your help. Please don’t let me down, and I promise I’ll be good from now on.

  ‘What’s wrong with me mam?’ Edna was sprawled on the couch, her thin legs stuck out in front of her. ‘She doesn’t look sick to me.’

  Bill’s finger made a groove in the plush of the tablecloth as he sought the right words to explain. He could feel Edna’s eyes on him as she waited for an answer, and knew that Joan, who was standing by the sideboard with her back to him, was also all ears. ‘Your mam’s not really sick, as such,’ Bill said. ‘She hasn’t got a cold or pains, or anything like that.’ Oh, lord, he thought, how do I get round this? Then he decided it was best to tell the truth. If things didn’t go right, they’d have to be told anyway. Best to do it now and get it over with. ‘It’s the baby, you see. Your mam might lose it.’

  Edna shot up straight, her heels banging against the front of the couch. A choking sound left her mouth as her eyes widened with horror. ‘Lose the baby?’ She ran to stand in front of her father. ‘What d’yer mean, Dad? How can me mam lose the baby?’

  Joan didn’t turn round as she waited for her father to answer. There was no look of horror on her face, just a faint smile. She didn’t want anything to happen to her mam because she loved her. But as long as she was all right, then Joan would be quite happy if the baby didn’t come along.

  ‘I’m not saying she is going to lose it, pet. The doctor said if she stays in bed then everything might be all right.’ Bill ran a hand across his forehead as he sighed. ‘So you’ve both got to help me look after her so she gets better. And when you go to bed tonight I want you to say a few prayers, will you do that?’

  Edna nodded, her eyes filled with tears. ‘I’ll say six Hail Mary’s a
nd six Our Father’s,’ she gulped, as a stray tear trickled down her cheek. ‘And I’ll pray to Saint Anthony as well.’

  Bill turned his head. ‘You’re very quiet, Joan.’

  ‘I never get a word in edgeways when our Edna’s around,’ Joan said, her voice kept deliberately low. ‘I’ll help, Dad. And I’ll say me prayers every night.’

  ‘You’re both to muck in with the housework,’ Bill told them. ‘I can’t stay off work and we can’t expect your nan to do everything.’

  ‘I’ll help with the washin’ up,’ Edna said. ‘An’ I’ll run all the messages for ’er, Dad, I promise.’ She sniffed up and wiped a tear away with the back of her hand, leaving a dirty streak across her thin face. ‘Can I go up and see me mam now?’

  ‘Well, Eileen, and how are you today?’

  Oh, my God, Eileen muttered under her breath as she struggled to sit up when she heard Father Murphy’s lilting Irish brogue. Wouldn’t you think someone would have warned her the priest was here. ‘I’m feelin’ all right, Father.’

  ‘Well now, isn’t that good to hear?’ Father Murphy drew the small wooden chair nearer the bed, his rosy cheeks beaming. ‘I’ve been having a cup of tea and a little chat with your dear mother. She tells me you’re expecting the doctor this morning, is that right now?’

  ‘Yes, Father.’ Eileen’s eyes darted round the room. Thank goodness her mother had been up earlier and tidied around. ‘He should be here soon.’

  The priest was carrying a square black box in his hand, and before sitting down he placed it carefully on the floor, followed by his black, round-crowned hat. He rubbed his hands together before leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. ‘With every hour that passes, Eileen, hope grows a bit stronger. So don’t look so down in the mouth, for that’s not like you at all.’

  ‘I can’t say I feel like me, Father. I’m so frightened, me sense of humour ’as deserted me.’

  ‘Now, now, Eileen! Put your faith and trust in the good Lord. Isn’t He up there now, looking down on all His children?’

  Eileen looked into the face that shone with goodness and compassion, and nodded. ‘I know, father. And although I’ve been naughty sometimes, I’ve never done anything really bad in me whole life.’

  ‘D’you think I don’t know that, Eileen? For sure, you haven’t got a wicked bone in your whole body.’ Father Murphy looked at his watch. ‘I know you can’t come to church, so I’ll hear your Confession and give you Holy Communion now.’ He pushed his chair back and moved to the window to draw the curtains. ‘I’m sure you’ll feel better after . . . more at peace with yourself.’

  Eileen pulled the sheet up to her neck. ‘Thank you, Father. Yer an angel.’

  ‘Not yet, Eileen, but sure now, aren’t I living in hopes?’

  Eileen had been in bed for two weeks, the longest two weeks of her whole life. Apart from the family, the only visitors she’d been allowed by Bill were their Rene, and Mary and Vera. She was sick of looking at the ceiling and the four walls, but not for all the tea in China would she have ventured out of that bed. Not until the doctor said it was safe for her to get up. He was due this morning and she’d been praying he would tell her the danger had now passed. She’d given herself a good wash down and put on her best nightie, the blue one with lace trimming on the neck and sleeves. Her mam had taken her dinkie curlers out and combed the hair that was lifeless and greasy after not being washed for two weeks.

  Eileen looked at the alarm clock on the small wooden-topped table at the side of the bed. ‘Come on, Doc,’ she said aloud. ‘If yer don’t come soon I’ll be a nervous wreck.’ Her eyes swept round the four walls. ‘Three hundred and fifty-seven flowers on this paper. I used to like flowers, but now I’m sick of the sight of them. Wouldn’t care if I didn’t see another one for the rest of me life.’ Her eyes travelled to the ceiling. ‘See, God, all that and not one swear word. I’m bein’ good, like I promised.’ The sound of the front door knocker reached her and Eileen’s tummy started to turn over. She crossed her fingers on both hands, raised her eyes again and whispered, ‘Please, please, please.’

  ‘And how is my favourite patient today?’ John Greenfield breezed into the room, a smile lighting up his face. ‘Fed up to the teeth being in bed, eh?’

  ‘Can’t say I’d fancy much more of it,’ Eileen answered truthfully. ‘But if it’s done the trick, then it’s been worth it.’

  John placed his bag on the tallboy. ‘Your mother is bringing me a bowl of hot water up, then I’ll give you a good examination.’ He saw Eileen’s eyes widen, and grinned. ‘No need to be embarrassed, I see women like you every day.’

  Maggie pushed the door open with her elbow, a bowl of hot water in her hands, a towel draped over her arm. ‘Mind the water’s not too hot, Doctor.’

  ‘That’s fine, thank you.’ John slipped his coat off and draped it over the back of a chair. ‘I’ll give you a call when I’ve finished.’

  Eileen stayed flat on her back, her eyes following the doctor as he walked towards the bowl of water. ‘Well?’

  John dipped his hands in the water, the corners of his mouth curved upwards into a smile. He was always glad when he had good news to give a patient, but this time it was extra special because it was Eileen. He reached for the towel and turned to face the bed. ‘Mother and baby fine, I’m glad to say.’

  Eileen shot up in bed. She joined her chubby hands together, ‘Oh, thank you, God, thank you.’

  ‘Been saying your prayers, have you?’ John asked.

  ‘To tell yer the truth, Doctor, I think God is makin’ everythin’ come right ’cos he’s fed up listenin’ to me and me mam! She’s been goin’ to Church every day, an’ I’ve said more prayers in the last two weeks than I’ve said in me whole life.’

  ‘It seems to have paid off.’

  ‘I’ve been lucky havin’ Him, and you, on my side.’ Eileen felt weak with relief and happiness. ‘Yez make a good winning team.’

  ‘I’m not in the same league, Eileen, but thank you. Now, you can go downstairs today, but only to lie on the couch. You’re to do nothing at all until I call again, understand?’

  John had moved to the side of the bed, and before he knew what was happening he was being pulled down and clasped in Eileen’s big arms. ‘Oh, you lovely man.’ Eileen kissed his cheek, squeezing him so tight he had to fight for his breath. ‘I’ll never forget yer for this, honest I won’t.’

  Trying to regain his balance, John stammered, ‘Eileen, I haven’t done anything! Any doctor would have told you to do what I did.’

  ‘Ah, but yer not any old doctor, are yer?’ Eileen bent her head and straightened the front of her nightdress. ‘Yer’ve been more like a mate to me, over the years.’

  ‘And can I say I couldn’t have a better friend?’ John held his hand out, winced at Eileen’s tight grip, then said briskly, ‘But right now I’m back to being your doctor. For the next few weeks you take it easy. No thinking, well it won’t do any harm to wash the dishes or rinse a few things through. If you do anything foolish, Eileen, I won’t be responsible for the consequences.’

  ‘I won’t take any chances, Doctor, don’t worry. I’ve learned my lesson the hard way.’ Eileen flung the bedclothes back. ‘I’ll go down and give me mam a surprise.’

  ‘Take it slowly,’ John warned. ‘You’ll be weak after being in bed for so long.’

  ‘How about yer givin’ me a piggy back?’ Eileen asked, her face straight.

  John looked at the size of the big woman and burst out laughing.

  ‘Would you come and visit me in hospital?’

  ‘Yeah!’ Eileen’s tummy started to shake. ‘I’ll bring the baby in with me.’

  Edna was the first in from school, and when she saw Eileen on the couch, a pillow behind her head and the quilt from her bed covering her, the surprise on her face brought a chuckle from Eileen. ‘It is me, sunshine, not a flippin’ ghost.’

  ‘Mam!’ Edna flung herself at her mother. ‘Are yer be
tter now?’

  ‘I’ve got to take it easy for a few weeks, but yeah, I’m better now, thank God.’

  ‘An’ yer haven’t lost the baby?’

  ‘No, sunshine, I haven’t lost the baby.’ Eileen turned her head to see Joan standing in the doorway. ‘I didn’t hear a knock.’

  ‘The front door was open.’ Joan had come in just after Edna and had heard the exchange between her sister and mother. She felt so disappointed it took her all her time to hide it. ‘You all right now, then?’

  Eileen’s eyes narrowed. She knew her daughters inside out, and this one didn’t look too happy. Still, she thought, like Bill said, she was at an awkward age and was probably embarrassed.

  ‘Give yer nan a hand and set the table, will yez?’

  Edna rushed to the sideboard to get the tablecloth as Joan turned towards the door. ‘I’ve got to go down to Dorothy’s to get a book off her. I won’t be long.’

  ‘Ay, skinnymalinks,’ Eileen shouted after her. ‘If yer not back in five minutes, I’ll flatten yer, d’yer ’ear?’

  ‘She’ll be halfway down the street by now.’ Maggie came in from the kitchen wiping her hands on a towel. ‘Anyway, she’s neither use nor ornament when she’s here! Me and Edna will manage, won’t we, love?’

  Eileen leaned back on the pillow, muttering under her breath. ‘Kids, who’d ’ave ’em?’

  ‘I could get used to this, yer know.’ Eileen grinned as she steadied the plate on her lap. ‘I always said I was born to be a lady and get waited on hand and foot.’

  Bill turned his head and grinned back. If only he could tell her how good it was to see her downstairs again. He was so happy he felt like a young boy again. When the rest of the family were in bed, he’d tell her how he felt and how much he loved her.

  When Maggie saw the look exchanged between Bill and her daughter, an idea entered her head. She looked from Joan to Edna. ‘If you hurry up and eat your dinner, I’ll mug you to the pictures.’ Maggie didn’t really feel like going out, but it would give man and wife the chance to be alone. ‘Abbott and Costello are on at the Walton Vale.’