Sunshine and Showers

by June Francis

  Joy was startled. ‘What on earth for? He’s got a nerve. Mr Donavan is my lodger, not his. He’s got no right to spy on him.’

  Flora stared at her uneasily. ‘But he must have his reasons. I mean, why should he suddenly do this?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ said Joy grimly. ‘But I’m going to find out.’

  Flora looked alarmed. ‘You’re not going to ask Mr Tanner? He’ll sack me if he knows I’ve been speaking out of turn about confidential information.’

  Joy was silent a moment. ‘I’ll ask Grant.’

  ‘You really think he’ll tell you?’

  ‘No,’ said Joy with a sigh. ‘He’ll say it’s confidential.’

  ‘I wish I’d kept my mouth shut now,’ said Flora gloomily.

  ‘So do I,’ said Joy. ‘I’ll be wondering now over Christmas what this is all about.’ She paused and came to a decision.

  ‘I’ve knitted David a pair of socks; you can give them to him when you go into the office. I probably won’t see him before Christmas now, with us going to Chester.’ She was glad of an excuse to avoid seeing him. It hurt to think that he could have Mr Donavan followed without consulting her.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  ‘I’m glad Uncle Rodney isn’t coming home for Christmas,’ said Helen, gazing up at Patsy. ‘Aren’t you?’

  ‘Yes. But to be honest, I never thought he would be here because I believed he was dead,’ said Patsy, putting the finishing touches to the Christmas tree.

  ‘When he does come, do you think he’ll take us to Jamaica?’ asked Nelson.

  ‘I don’t want to go. He can’t make us, can he?’ Helen’s voice was anxious.

  Patsy swallowed a sigh and wished the children would drop the subject of their uncle. Ever since David had told them the news that Rodney had been found, Helen and Nelson had been unable to stop talking about their aunt and uncle and cousins. They had insisted on Greg getting out their grandmother’s old atlas and pointing out Jamaica. Nelson had noted that it was pink, so it was part of the British Empire.

  ‘You haven’t answered my question,’ said Nelson.

  ‘It’s not definite that he will come here. He just wants the money from the house.’ Patsy felt angry every time she thought of him depriving the children of a home.

  ‘It’s not fair,’ said Nelson. ‘Grandma should have left us some of her money and not given it all to him.’

  ‘Uncle Rodney hasn’t even sent us Christmas presents,’ said Helen.

  ‘It doesn’t matter,’ said a familiar voice behind them.

  Patsy turned and smiled her relief at David and Greg. They were loaded up with bulging shopping bags.

  ‘I didn’t hear you come in. Been doing some last-minute shopping?’ There was a lilt in her voice.

  ‘We knew the butcher was delivering an enormous piece of pork,’ said David, ‘but I couldn’t turn down a turkey from a client or a bottle of port, for that matter.’ He placed one of the heavy bags on the floor and smiled at the three of them.

  Patsy looked at Greg. ‘And what extras have you bought?’

  ‘Nuts, tangerines, apples and lots of other goodies,’ he answered, grinning. ‘They were being sold off from a handcart along the dock road seeing as how it’s Christmas Eve. I felt sorry for the woman standing there getting soaked in this weather.’

  Patsy thought how different he was from the children’s real uncle in Jamaica. She took the shopping bag from him and picked up the one on the floor. ‘I’ll put these in the kitchen.’

  ‘What about presents, Uncle Greg, Uncle David?’ asked Helen, jumping up and down with excitement.

  Patsy paused in the doorway.

  David winked at her. ‘That depends on whether Uncle Greg and I get a good report of your behaviour from Patsy.’

  ‘But I have been good,’ said Helen. ‘Honestly. And I’d like to hang up a stocking as well. The girls at school hang up stockings. They said Father Christmas would come and fill it with all sorts of things if I’m good.’

  ‘There’s no such person as Father Christmas, that’s what Grandma told us,’ said Nelson, fiddling with a toy trumpet on the Christmas tree.

  ‘But the girls at school say there is, so there!’ Helen stuck out her tongue at him.

  ‘Enough of that or else,’ warned David. ‘Why don’t you both hang up stockings from the mantelpiece in here before you go to bed and see if there’s anything in them in the morning? I have a pair that Mrs Bennett knitted me. They’re long and woolly and they were only passed on to me today by Flora at the office.’

  ‘So what are Joy and Flora doing for Christmas?’ asked Patsy.

  ‘They’re spending it with the family in Chester,’ replied David. ‘I’m glad that Grant and Wendy will be next door to keep their eye on things. It’s a busy time for burglars.’

  ‘You don’t really believe that Joy’s house or yours could be burgled?’ asked Patsy.

  David shrugged. ‘It’s always best to take precautions. Anyway, I’m sure everything will be OK.’

  She hoped he was right and said as much to Greg when he followed her into the kitchen.

  ‘He’s just concerned that there’s only Mr Donavan in Mrs Bennett’s house while she and Flora are over in Chester.’

  ‘But Mr Donavan has lived there for ages,’ said Patsy.

  ‘If he can’t be trusted, surely Joy would have realised that by now?’

  ‘Let’s forget about them and think about us,’ said Greg.

  ‘OK! What’s on your mind? You generally say the right things to comfort me,’ said Patsy, smiling up at him.

  ‘Now you sound like the Patsy I respect and love,’ said Greg, drawing her towards him.

  Patsy melted in his arms and looked up at him with shining eyes. ‘Do you really love me?’

  ‘Of course I love you,’ said Greg, nuzzling her neck. ‘What do you think I’ve been up to this last six months? I want to marry you.’

  ‘You’re serious? You’re not messing about?’

  His eyes twinkled. ‘Am I one for messing about? I’d call us going to the flicks and cuddling on the back row, as well as going dancing, seriously walking out. I reckon we have to start making decisions about our future now we know this house is definitely being sold.’

  ‘I think Rodney Smith is an extremely selfish man,’ said Patsy fiercely.

  ‘I wouldn’t argue with you,’ said Greg, nibbling her ear. ‘I don’t think he gives a hoot about Nelson and Helen. I don’t know how much is in the trust their father set up for them but David will and he’ll know if it’s enough to feed and clothe them if we find a place of our own. I’d willingly have them living with us if you’re in favour.’

  Patsy’s heart was beating fast. ‘Is this a marriage proposal?’

  ‘Of course. I’d marry you tomorrow if I could,’ said Greg, caressing the outline of her breast with a finger.

  The breath caught in Patsy’s throat. ‘I read in the Echo that Christmas Day is losing popularity with couples as a wedding day.’

  Greg laughed. ‘I didn’t think we could get married that quickly.’

  ‘Good, because I’d need to think about it.’

  His laugh faded. ‘What is there to think about?’

  ‘Plenty!’ She eased herself away from him. ‘Right now I need to put the pork in the oven and make the stuffing for the turkey.’

  Greg said wryly, ‘Now, that’s what I call evading the question. You’re not scared of marriage, are you? I mean us sleeping together as man and wife?’

  Patsy’s cheeks burnt. ‘I enjoy you holding me. I enjoy your kissing and caressing me but as for the rest how can I say if-if I’ve never…’ Her voice trailed off and it was a minute or so before she said, ‘What about my family?’

  Greg stared at her. ‘What do you mean What about my family?’

  Patsy had to consider carefully how to answer his question. ‘When I left the orphanage, I always had it in mind that one day I would provide a home for the twins and Jimm
y, as well as my brother Mick when he made landfall. It’s a lot to ask a man to take on someone else’s relatives.’

  Greg said slowly, ‘Why have you never mentioned this to me before?’

  ‘You’ve never asked me to marry you before.’ Patsy clasped her hands together in front of her. ‘I never intended marrying young.’

  ‘Neither did I – or taking on five children,’ he said roughly.

  ‘And we could have babies of our own,’ gulped Patsy. ‘More mouths to feed and bodies to clothe. It’s a big decision.’

  Frowning, Greg wandered over to the window and gazed out at the bare trellis attached to the grimy whitewashed wall. He must paint it soon, he thought absently. He remembered the sweet peas were in flower when he had taken Patsy and the kids to see the eclipse and how much he had wanted to be alone with her. He took a deep breath. ‘I still want to marry you. You know, I’ve never met any of your family even though you’ve talked about them a lot. Thinking about them now, surely it won’t be long before Jimmy is working? As for your brother, Mick – if he were ever to favour us with his company, then his being a sailor means it would only be for short periods every now and again. Hopefully we can persuade him to help support your twin sisters.’

  Patsy doubted Mick could help for a while as he was younger than her and would not be earning much. Even so she felt a surge of love for Greg for even considering taking on so many children. She put her arms round his waist. ‘I love you. I so want us to be together and to be a family.’

  Greg said, ‘I can’t say I’m passionate about the idea of starting married life with five youngsters to look after because I’d rather it was just the two of us. But if that’s the way it has to be, then I’ll give it a go. But first we have to find somewhere to live.’

  Patsy agreed. ‘Perhaps it’ll take some time before the house gets sold. I’m sure David will agree to us living here until then.’

  Greg nodded. ‘But the day isn’t far off when David leaves here to move into the house next door to Joy Bennett. If we want to be together we’ll have to get married soon.’ Greg kissed her and then reluctantly let go of her hands.

  ‘Now, I’ve work to do,’ Patsy said brightly. ‘And no doubt so have you and David once the children are in bed.’

  Greg hesitated and then, brushing his lips against hers, murmured, ‘I was going to give you your present this evening but I’ll wait until tomorrow.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘Surprise.’ He sauntered out of the kitchen, whistling ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’.

  They woke the following morning to a white Christmas but it was not snow but just a layer of hailstones and they melted once the sun eventually made an appearance. Helen was cock-a-hoop when she discovered the stocking she had hung up was bulging with presents: a rag doll, a colouring book and box of paints, a skipping rope, a small jigsaw, sweets, a tangerine, a couple of nuts and a florin.

  ‘See, see,’ she crowed to Nelson. ‘I told you there was a Father Christmas.’

  He glanced over to a smiling David and grinned. ‘OK. I accept there’s a Father Christmas.’ And he began to drag out his gifts.

  There were more presents to open and Helen declared her best present to be the doll’s house that was David’s special gift. Patsy waited until after breakfast when she and Greg were alone before handing him his gift.

  ‘It’s not very exciting,’ she said, ‘but done with love.’

  He unwrapped the socks, gloves and scarf she had knitted him.

  He thanked and kissed her. ‘I’ll love wearing these because you made them for me.’ From his pocket he produced a small square box.

  Patsy stared at it with a rush of delight. She supposed that, after his proposal last evening, she might have expected this. He flicked open the box and took out a ring. It was a ruby with a diamond each side. ‘Well, Patsy, love, are you still prepared to marry me?’

  ‘Yes.’ Patsy held out her left hand and he pushed the ring onto her third finger. She gazed at it with tears in her eyes. ‘No one has ever bought me anything so lovely.’ She flung her arms around him and kissed him.

  David entered the kitchen as they were still in a clinch. ‘Should I leave?’ he asked, raising an eyebrow.

  They drew apart and smiled at him. ‘We’ve just got engaged,’ said Greg.

  David smiled. ‘Congratulations!’ He shook Greg’s hand and kissed Patsy. ‘I’m sure you’ll suit each other very well. When is the wedding to be?’

  ‘That’s yet to be decided,’ said Greg. ‘There’re a lot of things to sort out.’

  David nodded. ‘Well, don’t wait too long.’

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  ‘I’ve news to tell you,’ said Flora, entering the kitchen in a rush. The door slammed behind her. ‘Gosh, it’s freezing out there.’

  Joy glanced up from the stove. Flora’s cheeks were flushed with the wind and she looked lovely. ‘What news is that?’

  ‘Patsy Doyle is engaged.’ Flora removed her hat and placed it on the kitchen table before kissing Robert’s dark curls. He was in his playpen and trying to climb up the wooden bars.

  Joy put down the wooden spoon and lowered the gas. ‘I suppose David Tanner told you that.’

  ‘Who else?’ Flora shrugged off her coat and hung it up. Then she sat down and eased off her shoes and held out her stockinged feet to the fire. ‘He thought you’d like to know.’

  Joy was exasperated that she should learn the news through Flora. ‘Of course I’d like to know but why couldn’t he tell me himself? Or why couldn’t Patsy visit and tell me?’

  Flora looked surprised. ‘I suppose he thought you’d get the news quicker if it was passed on through me. I mean, it’s not as if you’re related to Patsy.’

  ‘No, but…’ Joy hesitated. ‘He could have popped in here and told me. I presume she’s engaged to Greg Molyneux.’

  ‘That’s him. Have you met him?’ Flora yawned and leant back in the chair.

  ‘No.’ Joy was wondering what David was thinking about allowing Patsy to get engaged to that young man when she was not even eighteen. ‘Will Mr Tanner be working next door this weekend?’

  ‘Supposed to be. In fact I’m sure he said that he would definitely be doing so. He’s now behind with the painting and wallpapering of his apartment.’

  ‘You seem to know a lot about it,’ said Joy, still feeling irritable with the girl.

  Flora smiled. ‘That’s because I ask, Aunt Joy. I like to know what people are doing.’

  ‘But he doesn’t have to tell you.’

  Flora toyed with a lock of red-gold hair. ‘No, but I have a way with me and men can’t help themselves.’

  ‘You really do have a high opinion of yourself, young lady. I hope you’re not flirting with him?’

  Flora opened her eyes wide. ‘Me, flirt with the boss? He’s at least fifteen years older than me.’

  ‘About that.’

  ‘I suppose Daddy would consider him much too old for me,’ said Flora with a mischievous glance at Joy. ‘But on the other hand he’s not short of money, so would be a good catch.’

  ‘You’re being silly. I think we’ve said enough about Mr Tanner.’ As she dished out their meal, Joy made up her mind to visit next door on New Year’s Eve, which was a Saturday, and have a word with David.

  But on New Year’s Eve, Robert was getting another tooth, so Joy did not go anywhere but spent the midnight hour walking the floor with him, aware of the hooting of ships’ sirens and church bells welcoming in nineteen-twenty-eight. She felt tired the following morning but at least Robert’s tooth came through. So just before dinner time, while Flora took Robert for a walk in the park, Joy called next door in the hope of seeing David.

  As it was, a tall, dark, young and handsome stranger opened the door with a paintbrush in hand. ‘Can I help you?’ he asked in a friendly voice.

  ‘I’ve come to see Mr Tanner.’

  The young man looked apologetic. ‘I’m sorry but he’s not here
. He slipped on the ice and has broken his ankle.’

  Joy’s disappointment was intense. ‘When did that happen?’

  ‘Yesterday morning on his way here.’

  ‘Poor David. Is he in much pain?’

  ‘He’s putting on a brave face and is mad with himself for what happened.’ He hesitated. ‘Are you Mrs Bennett?’

  ‘Yes. I’m Joy Bennett.’

  ‘Greg Molyneux.’ He made to offer his hand but then withdrew it. ‘Sorry. I’ve paint on both hands.’

  Joy liked not only the look of him but also the fact that he had obviously offered to take David’s place and carry on with the work here on his day off. ‘So you’re Patsy’s fiancé. I’m very fond of her and I hope you’ll both be very happy.’

  He looked pleased. ‘Thank you, Mrs Bennett. I’ll tell Patsy I saw you. She’d have come with me but she wasn’t prepared to leave David to the children’s mercy just yet.’

  Joy hesitated. ‘How are the children?’

  Greg frowned. ‘Unsettled. The house has to be sold and they’ve lived there since they were born. Rodney’s their legal guardian but I’m of the opinion he’ll settle for me and Patsy to look after the children.’

  ‘You and Patsy? That’s a big responsibility for someone of your age.’

  ‘I know. But they know me.’

  Joy was about to say What about David? Isn’t he their uncle by marriage?

  ‘Patsy also has it in mind that she should provide a home for Jimmy and the twins,’ said Greg, with a lack of emotion that did not deceive her.

  ‘It’s far too much for you both to take on when you’re so young yourselves,’ said Joy firmly.

  ‘We’re both aware of that, but what else can we do?’ said Greg with a shrug.

  ‘I’m sure there must be something,’ said Joy. ‘You can’t cope with this on your own. You have no family, I take it?’

  ‘No. Mr Smith and my father were in business together when my father was killed in an accident in the factory and that’s why he took me into his own home.’

  ‘Does David Tanner know this?’

  ‘I’ve never discussed it with him.’

  ‘I see,’ said Joy, making up her mind. ‘I presume he won’t be going into the office for the next few weeks?’