Sunshine and Showers

by June Francis

  However, Joy was not looking forward to the winter. Despite most of the miners having returned to work at the end of August, coal was still rationed so she had not been able to build up a stock to see them through the colder months. She had Grant chop down one of the trees in the garden, thinking that, after it had dried out, then they could have log fires. According to the Echo, there were a couple of good things about the strike: there were less deaths from respiratory trouble in Liverpool due to the cleaner air.

  Joy was thrilled when she felt the baby quicken. Hanny had told her what to expect, saying it was like a fluttering, as if tiny fingers and toes were exploring the safety of the womb. The baby became real to her in a way that it had not done so before. She knew that she must look after herself and the little one and eat properly and exercise by taking Rex for long walks.

  It was an article in the Echo that reminded Joy of the silver mine share certificate. Apparently a large number of people on Merseyside had invested in oil but the shares had slumped and it was estimated that six million pounds had been lost. It made her doubt whether there was any possible chance of her ever getting Robbie’s money back. Even so, she made up her mind to go and visit Patsy and hopefully she would get a chance to talk to Rose Tanner about Brendan O’Hara and shares in the silver mine. She needed that money.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  ‘Have you seen this?’ Rose was lying on a chaise longue in the drawing room.

  Patsy glanced up from polishing the sideboard. ‘What is it, madam?’

  ‘A dance frock for the winter. The new silhouette from Paris. Apparently fringes are in fashion,’ she murmured. ‘Now, that I quite fancy. Imagine all the fringes shaking when one does the Charleston.’

  ‘Yes, madam.’ Patsy knew that Rose had been experimenting with facial cosmetics and she had been out a couple of times recently. She had no idea what had suddenly prompted her to take steps to make a conscious effort to improve her looks. There were now mirrors in her bedroom, the bathroom and the hall.

  Rose flung the newspaper on the floor. ‘As soon as I have the baby and get my figure back I’ll send off for some mail order catalogues and I’ll have a spending spree.’ She pushed aside the blanket and eased herself up into a sitting position. ‘Hell, look at that rain. Won’t it ever stop?’

  Patsy knew that Rose was not expecting an answer. She was forever asking such questions.

  ‘Goodness! Would you believe there’s someone out there? Hurry, Patsy, and open the door!’

  Patsy put down her duster and went to the front door. She was surprised but pleased to see that it was Joy Bennett on the step.

  ‘Hello, Mrs Bennett! Come in quickly. You’re getting soaked.’

  ‘Thanks! What a day!’ exclaimed Joy, wiping her feet on the mat.

  Patsy took her dripping umbrella and placed it in the hallstand. ‘What are you doing here? Has something happened to our Kathy?’

  ‘Not that I know of,’ said Joy, removing a sodden glove. ‘Is Mrs Tanner in?’

  ‘Yes. Have you come to see her?’

  Joy smiled. ‘I wanted to know how you were but I wouldn’t mind having a few minutes of her time. Do you think she’ll see me?’

  ‘I’ll ask her.’ Patsy headed for the drawing room, only to collide into Rose who was standing just inside the doorway.

  ‘I heard,’ she said, her eyes alight. ‘Show her in and then go and make some coffee.’

  Patsy turned to Joy. ‘Mrs Tanner will see you. Here, let me take your coat. I’ll put it in the kitchen to dry.’

  Joy thanked her. Patsy showed her to the drawing room and hurried with the damp garment to the kitchen. Joy took a deep breath and rapped lightly on the drawing room door before entering. She saw a blonde woman lying on a chaise longue with a blanket thrown over her legs.

  ‘Do sit down, Mrs Bennett,’ said Rose, stretching out a hand to her. ‘I hope you don’t mind my not getting up, but once I’m down, it takes a real effort to get up again. You’ll understand when you’re further on in your pregnancy.’

  ‘I see Patsy told you about that,’ said Joy, sitting in an armchair close to the fire. Her feet were freezing in her damp shoes. She slipped them off and hoped that Mrs Tanner would not notice.

  ‘Patsy, yes. So what can I do for you?’ asked Rose.

  Joy attempted not to look as if she was staring at her and plunged straight in to what she wanted to say. ‘I hope you don’t mind my calling but I need to ask you a couple of questions about Brendan O’Hara.’

  Rose stiffened. ‘It would depend on what you have to say.’

  ‘It’s to do with Mr O’Hara having been such a close friend to my dead husband. I believe it must be over forty years they’d known each other,’ said Joy in a quiet voice. ‘Mr O’Hara’s death came as a terrible shock to him. I believe it could have even contributed to Robbie’s heart attack.’

  Rose’s eyes were bright with unshed tears. ‘I was so sorry to hear of Mr Bennett’s death. He was such a lovely man and so talented musically. You must miss him.’

  ‘Naturally, I was very fond of him and coming so soon after we were married was terribly upsetting.’

  ‘Of course. So what is it I can do for you?’ asked Rose.

  Joy cleared her throat. ‘It’s to do with some shares in a silver mine that my husband bought from Mr O’Hara. I can’t find the share certificate so I need to get in touch with the owners in America. I wondered if you had a name and address.’

  ‘You’d need to get in touch with Brendan’s sister,’ said Rose. ‘She’s a widow in her fifties and lives in New York. I don’t know her address but her married name is McIntyre.’

  Joy could not conceal her disappointment. What use was a name without an address to write to? Although, she supposed it was possible that Tilly might be able to trace the woman through a directory, but surely it would be difficult in a city the size of New York?

  ‘I’m sorry I can’t be of more help,’ said Rose. ‘Was it a lot of money your husband invested?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Joy with a grim smile. ‘But at least I can be thankful that he didn’t mortgage the house.’

  Rose agreed. ‘But, of course, you’ll need money to live on. When is your baby due?’

  ‘January,’ said Joy.

  ‘Mine’s this month. I’ll be glad when it’s over. I feel like I’ve been pregnant for ever.’ She glanced towards the door. ‘I think I hear Patsy.’

  Patsy arrived bearing a tray. ‘Mr Tanner’s just arrived home,’ she announced.

  ‘I didn’t hear him come in,’ said Rose, looking surprised.

  ‘He came in the back way because he’s soaking wet,’ said Patsy. ‘When I told him that Mrs Bennett was here, he asked me to bring a fresh pot of coffee and a cup for him in ten minutes. He’s gone up to change.’

  ‘Thank you, Patsy. You may go,’ said Rose before turning to Joy. ‘I don’t think you’ve ever met my husband, have you, Mrs Bennett?’

  Joy presumed Mr Tanner had never mentioned her visit to the house, so chose not to answer the question. ‘I believe Mr Tanner is a solicitor?’

  ‘Yes. I was engaged to his eldest brother but he was killed in the war. Their father was my father’s solicitor. When he died, just after the war, David was persuaded by his mother to take over the family firm. It did not come easy to him as he’d originally wanted to be an architect.’

  ‘Talking about me, Rose?’

  Both women started and turned to look at David who had quietly entered the room.

  ‘Darling, how you startled me!’ Rose held out a hand to him. ‘Come and sit down. This is Mrs Bennett. Do you remember her husband died almost as soon as they were married?’

  David turned to Joy. Their eyes met and held. ‘How are you managing, Mrs Bennett?’

  Joy’s cheeks were suddenly hot. Hastily she reached for her coffee cup. ‘I’m coping, thank you, Mr Tanner. My husband’s niece and her husband are living with me. It’s a great comfort having their company now th
e nights are drawing in.’

  David said gravely, ‘I’m glad to hear it.’ He limped over to the cabinet and removed a bottle of whisky. ‘Something to keep the cold out in your coffee, Mrs Bennett?’

  Joy wondered if he had noticed that she had slipped off her shoes. ‘Thank you. That would be welcome.’ As he poured a cap of whisky in her coffee she wondered about those wounds invisible to the world that Patsy had mentioned.

  ‘So to what do we owe the pleasure of your company, Mrs Bennett?’ he asked. ‘Is it something to do with Patsy?’

  Joy hesitated and glanced in his wife’s direction.

  ‘What other reason would she have for coming, David?’ said Rose lightly. ‘Anyway, Mrs Bennett and I got talking. That film on at the Trocadero? Have you seen it, Mrs Bennett?’

  Joy said readily, ‘My niece told me that it’s set in Russia during the time of the late tsar. Apparently there’s a ladykilling grand duke, a handsome hero, and a powerful but thoroughly bad hat, who sails away with the girl on his yacht at the very moment her dearly beloved is to be shot at dawn.’

  ‘It sounds like perfect escapism,’ said David.

  There was a discreet knock on the door.

  David opened it and took the tray from Patsy. He poured his own coffee and asked the women would they like their cups topping up.

  Both nodded.

  ‘So what was your niece’s opinion of the film?’ asked David, sitting down.

  ‘Wendy said it was fun but Grant said it was predictable. He only agreed to go to the cinema because they were showing the Dempsey-Tunney fight as well.’

  ‘You mean the big boxing match?’ said Rose. ‘I adore seeing two strong men fight. Trouble is, it’s ages since I’ve been anywhere to see anything.’

  ‘You’ll get out and about once the baby arrives,’ said David. ‘You’ll be able to wheel him out in his pram.’

  ‘I didn’t mean that kind of out,’ said Rose, frowning. ‘Fun out! I need cheering up. I’d like to watch Maxwell Stewart, the champion ballroom dancer, performing the Charleston.’

  David said mildly, ‘Haven’t you had enough of dancing?’

  Rose did not answer. Joy felt uncomfortable and wondered how soon she could make her excuses to leave. David drained his cup and said, ‘If you’ll excuse me, Mrs Bennett, there are some documents I have to read.’ He left the room.

  Rose said in an exasperated voice, ‘He just doesn’t understand a woman’s needs. You have no idea, Mrs Bennett. See what I have to put up with just because of my interest in dancing? I used to love it and so miss Mr O’Hara. Our steps matched perfectly.’

  Joy could feel her heart racing and wanted to leave. ‘We all have to give up some of our interests at certain times in our lives,’ she said, easing her feet into her shoes. ‘I’m sure when you have your baby, you’ll find a lot of pleasure in taking him out.’

  Rose nodded. ‘You’re right. This baby is what keeps me going. Without the thought of having a part of Brendan to love I’d want to die. If people only knew what I’ve had to put up with since David and I married. He’s impotent, you know. It happened during the war. He loved motorcycles and was a messenger. His machine caught fire with him still on it.’

  Joy felt the colour rush to her face. ‘How dreadful for him! But, really, Mrs Tanner. I didn’t need to know that!’ she stood up, abruptly. ‘Thank you for the information about the mine, and the coffee. I hope all goes well with the birth.’

  ‘But you don’t understand! I didn’t discover this until after we were married,’ cried Rose. ‘He should have told me.’

  Joy did not know what to say and she hurried out before Rose could say anything else that was inappropriate and embarrassing. She entered the kitchen. ‘Can I have my coat?’ she asked.

  Patsy stared at her flushed face. ‘Are you all right? What’s been going on in there? They haven’t been arguing in front of you?’

  ‘Nothing for you to worry about, love,’ said Joy, taking her coat from the back of a chair in front of the range. It was still slightly damp but at least it was warm. ‘Thanks, Patsy. Call in and see me sometime.’

  ‘What about your umbrella?’ called Patsy, watching Joy open the back door. ‘I’ll get it for you.’ She rushed to do so and returned swiftly and handed the umbrella to her. ‘You’ll be OK, won’t you?’ she asked anxiously.

  ‘I’ll be fine. Bye!’ called Joy, splashing towards the gate through the pouring rain.

  Patsy watched her go, hoping she would get home safely and wondering what had happened in the drawing room that had upset her.

  As Joy made her way to the tram stop she could not get Rose Tanner’s words out of her head. Fancy telling a woman who was a stranger to her that she was not only carrying another man’s child but that her husband was impotent. Poor David Tanner! Had he kept quiet about his condition because he had loved Rose so much? He shouldn’t have done so, of course. She remembered the expression on his face in the wedding photograph that Patsy had shown to her. No wonder he had looked half scared to death. Joy could imagine his mortification if he knew that his wife had revealed such a personal piece of information to her. And what must he be feeling about his wife’s pregnancy in the circumstances? Was he prepared to put up with her behaviour because he wanted a child whatever the injury to his pride and pocket? She thought of the baby she was carrying and the ageing Robbie who had made her pregnant and then died. How unpredictable and unfair life could be. She could only pray that all would go well for both children.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Patsy’s heart sank as she reached the Tanners’ house. She’d had an enjoyable few hours in town watching the pageant parade for Civic Week. It had been a wonderful sight with people wearing all kinds of costumes, many to do with the city’s seafaring past. David Tanner had given her permission to go and watch the parade this Saturday morning, saying it was a sight she might not get to see again for a while. He was working from home as the baby was due any day now. Rose Tanner had been as tense as a violin string ever since Joy Bennett’s visit. Patsy could not help wondering, once more, what had happened that had caused Joy to leave in such a hurry.

  She entered the house and was immediately seized by her employer. ‘Rose’s pains have started,’ said David. ‘I’ve telephoned the doctor but his wife told me that he was out attending a seriously ill patient. I’m not sure what to do next.’

  ‘What about the midwife?’

  ‘She’s not on the telephone. I would have fetched her but Rose does not want to be left alone in the house.’

  ‘I’ll go,’ said Patsy immediately. ‘How long is it since Mrs Tanner started labour?’

  ‘A couple of hours.’

  ‘I wouldn’t worry too much if I were you.’ Patsy smiled. ‘I remember Mam and the neighbour who delivered her last baby saying first babies always take their time.’

  She left the house and hurried to the midwife’s home, only to discover that she was in attendance at another birth. Patsy left a message for the woman with her daughter and ran back to the house to inform Mr Tanner of the news.

  ‘But this is crazy,’ said David, clutching his hair. ‘What am I supposed to do?’

  ‘Don’t panic. Go and sit with her and keep her calm,’ ordered Patsy. ‘I’ll put the kettle on. The midwife and doctor will need hot water.’

  David went upstairs but it was not long before he was down again. ‘She says she doesn’t want me and suggested that I ask Mrs Kelly next door to come and sit with her. As you know, she has several children.’

  ‘I’ll go and fetch her,’ said Patsy.

  At that moment there was a scream from overhead and he headed for the stairs. ‘Hurry up, Patsy! I can’t cope with this.’

  Patsy left the house and went up next door’s path and banged on the door. ‘Who is it? What do you want?’ shouted a voice.

  ‘It’s Patsy from next door. Mrs Tanner’s started in labour and the doctor and midwife are out on cases. She wants you to come and sit
with her until they arrive.’

  The door opened and Mrs Kelly stood there with her hair in pipe cleaners. ‘I thought the baby wasn’t due for another week.’

  ‘No, any day now.’

  ‘How close are her contractions?’

  ‘I don’t know.’

  ‘Tell her I’ll be around as soon as I’ve taken my curlers out.’ She closed the door.

  Patsy returned to the house and discovered David Tanner sitting on the top stair. ‘Isn’t Mrs Kelly coming?’ he called down.

  ‘Yes. She’ll be here as soon as she can.’

  The words were scarcely out of Patsy’s mouth when there came a banging at the front door. She went to open it and found the midwife on the step.

  Patsy smiled her relief. ‘Are we glad to see you. Come on in.’

  ‘Take me up to her,’ said the midwife.

  Patsy only got as far as the foot of the stairs when Mr Tanner took charge of the midwife and escorted her to Rose’s bedroom. He opened the door for the woman but was ordered to stay outside. Patsy put the kettle on for more hot water in case it was needed.

  When David entered the kitchen he looked a little less fraught. ‘The midwife would like a cup of tea. She said it could be some time before the baby arrives. Apparently it’s in the wrong position and she’s hoping it will turn itself.’

  Patsy’s heart sank. ‘Did she say whether it was a breech?’

  He frowned. ‘I can’t remember. Rose was carrying on something terrible in the background, so I couldn’t hear everything that was said.’

  ‘Our Maureen was a breech but fortunately it wasn’t a long labour and Mary, who came first, made it easier for her twin to be born.’

  ‘Well, let’s hope this baby will do what’s needed,’ he said, looking harassed.

  The next visitor was Mrs Kelly. ‘Thanks for coming but no doubt you’ll be glad to hear that the midwife has arrived,’ said Patsy.

  The neighbour looked relieved. ‘That’s good. How’s Mrs Tanner getting on?’

  ‘The baby is the wrong way round. I know that can cause problems.’