by June Tate
Steven Noaks read the account with horror. His lovely Daisy was in prison on a charge of murder. He could hardly believe it. He remembered how sweet and innocent she’d been when he was the first man to make love to her, the softness of her skin, the trust she’d placed in him and how later she’d overcome her past and opened her own business. He was due to sail that morning so was unable to go and see her. How on earth was she coping with being in prison? He had seen Ken Woods at the Solent Club and thought him a nasty piece of work. Whatever must have happened at the gown shop for Daisy to have done such a thing? As the ship’s funnels sounded announcing their departure, he couldn’t get her out of his mind.
Harry the barman was deeply distressed. In his heart he guessed that the frustrated Woods, despite the warning that Harry had given him, had let his frustration boil over and no doubt visited the shop to have his way with young Daisy. She must have had to put up a fight against him and that was the culmination of it all. How sad, just when things were turning out right for the poor girl. All this publicity could only harm her business surely. What would the future hold for her then … supposing she was released after the trial?
Bert Croucher was furious when he read the paper. Bloody Woods! He couldn’t stand being turned down. Well now he was dead and it served him bloody well right! He had lusted after Daisy himself, even going as far as following her home some nights. He had hoped to persuade the girl to go with him, but she’d turned him down. But not Woods, oh no! That wasn’t good enough for him. Serve the bugger right. But he couldn’t help but wonder if Woods met his death before he’d had sex with the girl … or after?
While all this was going on, Daisy Gilbert was spending her first night in Holloway prison. She and Belle had settled in bed at lights out. Daisy was exhausted and hoped that a good night’s sleep would make her feel able to face the next day, but that was not to be. It was like being in bedlam.
To begin with, there were arguments which could be overheard, and some women were crying. Others were telling them to shut up. Another began to scream to be let out; she wanted to go home to her children.
When Daisy made a comment about that and how sad it was, Belle said, ‘She’d have a job, she smothered both of them – that’s why she’s in here.’
Eventually, Daisy buried her head under her pillow and closed her eyes, praying she wouldn’t be in this godforsaken place too long.
Twenty-Three
During the next few weeks, Grace’s predictions about the business were proved correct. A few of their clients did cancel their orders. Others came in for fittings hoping to hear any kind of gossip about Daisy and the murder, but the girls were up to such ploys and gave nothing away. Grace’s friends came along as usual and friends of her mother’s. Some made a point of ordering further garments, to show their solidarity. But the one thing Grace had not bargained for were the new clients. Those who thought it some kind of thrill to be wearing the clothes of a woman who was in prison with a murder charge hanging over her! It was a perverse kind of thrill which neither Grace nor the staff could understand.
‘They’re like a bunch of bloody vultures!’ Agnes exclaimed after measuring one such client. All they want to know is about the murder, where did it happen, was there much blood? It makes me want to puke!’
Her outrage made Grace laugh. ‘I know what you mean, Agnes, but think of the money! We need every penny we can make at the moment to make up for our losses.’
‘I know, Mrs Portman, but honest to God, I have to keep control of myself because all I want to do when they start is stick a pin in them. If they want blood then let it be some of theirs!’
‘For goodness’ sake, Agnes, don’t ever do that, but I know what you mean. I want to slap them for obviously deriving so much pleasure from another woman’s downfall. Women can be such bitches.’
‘Mrs Portman! Such language and you, such a lady!’ They both doubled up with laughter.
Three weeks later, Grace made the trip to Holloway prison to visit Daisy. She’d asked Vera Gilbert if she wanted to come but Vera had a heavy cold and was confined to bed for a few days, but she did ask Grace to take some fresh clothes to the prison, as Daisy had written asking for another skirt and two blouses. So after packing up the garments and making sure the woman was all right, Grace went alone.
As she made her way through several gateways of the prison, the ominous clanging of them as they closed behind her made her feel sick to her stomach. She waited in an anteroom with other visitors, after handing over the package at the reception to be searched, and was fascinated by the mixture of people around her. Some were obviously poor, clutching the hands of small children with runny noses. Others were well dressed with a certain air about them which placed them as members of a much higher society. No one spoke.
Eventually they were led into a hall with long trestle tables and chairs set out. Across the room she could see the inmates behind barred gates, standing with the warders, waiting to be let inside to see friends and family. There was a potent air of expectation.
The gates opened at last and Grace sat up straight, staring at the line of prisoners, searching for Daisy. When she saw her enter the room she waved. Daisy’s face lit up with pleasure as she hurried over and sat opposite her friend.
Grace reached over the table and grabbed Daisy’s hands in hers. ‘How are you?’ she asked.
Pulling a face Daisy said, ‘All things considered, I’m fine. How are you? How’s the business, or don’t we have one any more?’ Although Grace had written to her, Daisy wasn’t sure if she had been trying to cheer her up rather than tell her the truth.
‘I’m well and so is the business. The girls are marvellous, working hard of course, and we’re ticking over nicely.’
‘Honestly, you’re not just trying to be kind?’
‘No, Daisy, I wouldn’t lie to you. I’m not saying we’ve not lost a few clients but we’ve had some new ones so that’s sort of balanced the scales.’
Daisy raised an eyebrow and sardonically remarked, ‘The new ones have come for a thrill I expect.’
Grace was astonished at her perception. ‘How could you possibly think that?’
‘I’ve learned quite a bit about human nature in the past, Grace, and even more since I’ve been inside.’
‘How are you coping? Is it as awful as I imagine?’
‘Probably worse, but I’ve learned to keep myself to myself and to stand up to anyone who tries it on. I’m working in the laundry and that’s like being in a hellhole, it’s so hot. But I’m getting by. Mum writes to me. She told me she was in bed with a cold. Her chest is a bit weak after taking in so much laundry in the past – and drying it inside during wet days didn’t do her much good I’m afraid.’
‘I went to see her,’ Grace told her. ‘She’s all right. I took her some medicine and a bit of food and the lady next door is looking after her. She’ll be up and about in a day or two so don’t worry.’
‘You’re so good, Grace, I don’t know what I’d do without you.’
‘What rubbish! Have you heard from Edward Davidson?’
‘Yes, he came to see me last week. He’s doing his best to bring the trial forward. He said he could pull a few strings, call in a few favours.’
Smiling, Grace said, ‘He’s good at that.’
With a frown Daisy confessed, ‘I’m dreading going to court. I’ll have to tell about being one of Flo’s girls. That will destroy my mother.’
‘Your mother’s made of stronger stuff than you realize, Daisy. It won’t be pleasant – of course it won’t be, but when it’s all over, then you can get on with your life. You’ve been through so much, it doesn’t seem fair.’
‘You think I’ve suffered! You should hear about some of the women in here!’ She then told Grace about some of the other prisoners and their sad stories. Eventually the visiting time was over.
Grace hugged Daisy. ‘You take care. I’ll write and let you know how things are going.’
&nbs
p; ‘Thanks, Grace, for everything. How’s your mother-in-law?’
Laughing, Grace said, ‘Don’t ask!’
The following morning after breakfast, Daisy made her way to the laundry with Belle. The two women had soon settled down to a coexistence of some sort. Daisy learned quickly that Belle didn’t do conversation or gossip but kept herself to herself. She didn’t like questions and didn’t ask any of Daisy, after she discovered what she was being charged with on that first day. But strangely, she was a comforting presence. The other inmates kept out of Belle’s way, making sure not to upset her which made Daisy think she was a force to be reckoned with.
The heat and steam in the huge laundry room was intense. The women working there were permanently bathed in sweat. Large machines washed the linen and towels, huge mangles took the strength of two women to turn the handles while another fed the sheets through. Long lines of sheets hung over racks of wood, suspended over the room, drying, reminding Daisy of the laundry hanging around her own house when her mother used to take in the local washing. And the large presses for ironing them were dangerous. It was all too easy to burn your hand as you fed the linen through, then pull down the cover to steam out the creases. It required great concentration.
Only the previous day a fight had broken out between two women and one had forced the hand of the other on to the pad and pulled down the lid. The woman’s screams could be heard all over the prison.
One or two of the inmates had picked on Daisy when first she worked there. Women guarded their position in the laundry jealously and a newcomer was met with hostility. Belle quietly warned Daisy to keep a watchful eye on them.
Despite this, one day Daisy was taken by surprise. One woman in particular had taken against her for no apparent reason. In prison it didn’t seem to need one. As Daisy was passing the machine that did the washing, the woman cannoned into her. She felt her arm sear as it touched the side of the machine, and cried out. Looking up she saw the woman grin. This infuriated Daisy who was suffering severe pain and knowing that strength was her best weapon, she turned on the woman. ‘You bitch, you did that on purpose!’ She glared menacingly at her. ‘I warn you to be very careful. I’m in here on a charge of murder, so don’t push me too far!’
The woman had backed off. Belle looked over at Daisy and nodded her approval. But Daisy, soon after, had to go to the hospital for treatment – an incident she kept from Grace and her mother. And when she was allowed her one bath a week, she made sure that she was in the next cubicle to Belle. Somehow the nearness of her cell-mate made her feel safer.
The days seemed endless to Daisy. She went from her cell to the dining room three times a day and, in between, to the laundry. The exercise period was for one hour after lunch. The quadrangle was bare and women gathered in groups, chatting or arguing. Some walked round the perimeter to get some form of exercise and others stood in pairs with the woman of their choice. Lesbian relationships flourished here with those who were inside for a long spell. Daisy had learned very quickly to ignore them, or chance being challenged about her interest. The young pretty girls were at their most vulnerable, but here, everyone had to tread carefully as the wrong look, the wrong move could escalate into a near riot.
She herself had been approached by one of the women one day as she was coming out of the bathroom. The woman, big and butch, had sidled up to her.
‘I’ve been watching you, darling. You need someone to watch out for you in here, what with your good looks, you could find yourself in deep trouble.’
‘No thanks. I’m perfectly able to look after myself.’ The woman stepped nearer and caught Daisy by the arm.
Belle stepped out of her cubicle at that moment. ‘Fuck off, Charlie. Daisy doesn’t want you pawing her or you’ll be the one in trouble. Do I make myself clear?’
The woman just glared at Belle but she walked away.
‘Thanks,’ said Daisy. But Belle remained silent.
But Charlie wasn’t that easily deterred, she’d been inside too long. She waited for an opportunity to catch Daisy alone, and the following day she followed Daisy into the toilet block and waylaid her.
Pushing Daisy up against the washbasins, she pinned her arms behind her back and lifted her skirt. ‘Never been with a woman have you, pretty thing. Well let me show you what you’re missing.’
Daisy was enraged! It was bad enough to have had to sell herself to men, she was not about to be assaulted by a woman. She headbutted Charlie, catching her on the bridge of her nose. The blood spurted everywhere and Charlie let out a cry of pain. Daisy pushed her away.
‘You try and touch me again and so help me, I’ll kill you!’ Thrusting the woman from her, Daisy rushed outside.
Oh my God! She realized just what she’d said. She was on remand for murder for Christ’s sake and she’d just threatened to kill someone else! She hurried back to her cell.
Belle was sitting on her bed and looking up saw the blood on Daisy’s face. ‘What the bloody hell happened to you?’
Daisy poured some water into the washbasin and washed her face. She then told Belle what had happened.
Her cell-mate was furious. What infuriated her more was the fact that Charlie had ignored her warning. This was a bad reflection on Belle’s position in the hierarchy of the inmates.
‘Where is she?’ she demanded.
‘I left her in the toilet block.’
Belle stood up and walked purposefully out of the cell.
Daisy, now that her anger had abated, was shaken. Wasn’t it bad enough that Ken Woods had attacked her and now in here she wasn’t safe from the same kind of violence? How long would she be inside this madhouse before she became as bad as the other inmates? She lit a cigarette to calm her nerves.
Belle soon returned with a look of satisfaction. ‘You won’t have any more trouble,’ she announced.
‘You found her then.’
Belle nodded.
‘What did you do?’ Daisy asked.
‘You don’t want to know,’ Belle said firmly, so Daisy didn’t question her further. But the following day she heard that Charlie was in hospital after apparently falling down a flight of stairs.
Eventually Edward Davidson arrived to visit Daisy with the news that her case was being sent to trial in two weeks’ time. Although she couldn’t wait to leave Holloway, the idea of appearing in court with her past revealed to all and sundry, chilled her to her core.
Edward tried to cheer her. ‘Yes, it will be the talk of the town for a while, until something else comes up, but take my word for it, Daisy, it will soon fade into the background and be forgotten.’
‘But to be known as one of Flo Cummings’ girls will stay with me forever. I’ll never be able to live that down.’
He smiled benignly. ‘If we were to look behind all the curtains of the grandest houses in Southampton, you would be shocked at the many skeletons in their cupboards.’
‘That’s probably true, but at least they are still private.’
They spent the rest of the afternoon going over his defence. ‘I have managed to get a really good barrister to defend you in court.’
Daisy’s eyes widened with surprise. ‘A barrister? Aren’t you going to appear for me?’
‘I’ll be assisting,’ he told her.
‘But I can’t afford a barrister!’
‘Grace Portman has instructed me to hire him. She insisted on it.’
Daisy put her hand to her head and closed her eyes. Grace to the rescue once again. How would she ever be able to repay her?
As if reading her mind, Edward said, ‘When this is all behind you, Daisy, you’ll soon regain your reputation as the clever seamstress and designer that you are. You’ll see, your business will flourish and both you and Mrs Portman will be successful. That’s what she believes – and so must you.’
She looked up at him and with a fearful look asked, ‘Do you honestly think the court will find in my favour?’
‘Absolutely! I have one star wi
tness who will testify that this man, Woods, kept after you when you worked in the Solent Club and because of this he did fear for you.’
‘Who is prepared to go into a witness box and swear to that?’
‘Your friend Harry, the barman. He was so concerned for your safety that he went and saw Woods himself, to warn him off.’
She was overwhelmed by this revelation. ‘And Harry would do all that for me?’
‘Indeed he will, and he is also prepared to tell the court the only reason that you became one of the girls was to pay for the fees for your father’s nursing so he’ll be a good witness as to your character.’
She thought for a moment and said, ‘But prostitution is illegal. What happens to the Solent Club when all this comes out in court?’
Laughing heartily Edward said, ‘It will be closed! Mrs Cummings has already got rid of her girls, trying to show that the club is just for drinking, but it’s far too late. The police will have a heyday. Flo has had a good run, she greased a few palms in the past and gave a few free visits to the odd copper to keep him quiet, but once it comes up in court, she’ll be finished.’
‘And poor Harry will lose his job.’
‘Don’t you worry about him, Daisy my dear, he’s already left and is working in a pub in the docks. He’s a wise old bird have no fear. Grace herself is willing to stand as a character witness if we need her.’
‘On no account must she do that!’ Daisy was adamant. ‘She has already done too much but I cannot let her drag her family name through the courts. Please, Edward, stop her at all costs.’
‘Very well, Daisy, if you insist.’
‘I most certainly do.’
Gathering up his papers he put them away in his briefcase. Rising to his feet, he shook her hand. ‘See you in court, my dear.’ He smiled and said, ‘Please try not to worry, you are in good hands.’
