The Seaside Angel

by Evie Grace

  ‘You’ve heard about last night?’ she said.

  ‘Indeed. I’m delighted that you and Doctor Clifton were able to assist Mr Allspice in his hour of need yesterday evening, but I’d caution you against accepting any more invitations from him. We’ve come a long way recently in encouraging an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation between the doctors and nursing staff, and I’d hate to see our work go to waste. A personal relationship becomes a distraction to both the lady and gentleman involved, and to their colleagues.’

  ‘I’m well aware of that.’ Her eyes stung. ‘Doctor Clifton and I are friends, that’s all. There’s no impropriety.’

  ‘I wasn’t suggesting for a moment that there was, but I wonder if it’s fair to lead him on.’

  ‘He knows of my intentions.’ She didn’t enlighten Mrs Knowles about how she’d turned down his proposal some weeks ago.

  ‘Just be careful. I can see the potential for this to turn out badly for one or both of you. His affection, I believe, runs deeper than you think, as does yours for him.’

  ‘Thank you for your wisdom, but how can you have any idea—’

  ‘When I am not married?’ Matron cut in. ‘I have walked in your shoes. When I was younger – much younger – I found myself fascinated by a visiting surgeon. The attraction was mutual, and I was tempted by his offer of marriage, but nothing came of it.’

  ‘May I ask why?’

  ‘There were too many things I wanted to do here – I had committed everything to this house. I would be lying if I said I never regretted it – I did. I’ve missed out on the mutual affection and support which come with marriage and I have no children to love and take pride in, but I’ve been rewarded ten times over. It’s been a great pleasure to have helped alter the course of many lives. It’s also been a trial at times, having to deal with the likes of Mr Cumberpatch, Mr Anthony and Mr Taylor, but there, I’ve said too much.’ Matron changed the subject, leaving Hannah questioning if she was making the right decision by choosing nursing over marriage.

  ‘This jaunt of yours and Doctor Clifton’s appears to have been of benefit to the house. We’ve already had pledges of money and gifts of bandages, toys and jam, and I’m hopeful that the funds will pay for the extra nursing staff I’ve been lobbying for.’ She paused for a moment. ‘There’s nothing further that I should know …?’

  ‘Only that I know of the man who’s been accused of attempting to murder Mr Allspice,’ Hannah said. ‘Mr Allspice said that a gentleman tried to kill him last night. He named Mr Milani, a lion tamer. I’ve been thinking, and it’s occurred to me that we should warn Mr Mordikai and the other porters to look out for him, in case he comes to the house to try to finish Mr Allspice off.’

  ‘I don’t think he’d dare come here, when the police are looking for him,’ Mrs Knowles said, picking up a copy of the late edition of Keble’s Gazette from her desk. ‘Look. There’s an article about Mr Allspice’s fall. I’ll read it to you … Mr Allspice fell from a very great height to the horror of shocked onlookers. A spokesman for the circus and owner of the amphitheatre confirmed that the safety net had been improperly secured.

  ‘The lion tamer, a Mr Milani whom the authorities wish to question over his failure to secure the safety net, has disappeared and is thought to be on the run. A keeper has been appointed to care for the lions.’

  ‘I have a very low opinion of him,’ Hannah said. ‘The very same gentleman took an unwanted interest in my sister when we visited the menagerie.’ She couldn’t bring herself to tell Mrs Knowles the truth of what had happened after that. Far from being brave and fearless, she felt that he’d turned out to be rather a coward, running away from the trouble he’d caused.

  ‘She’s very young, isn’t she?’

  ‘A few weeks short of her eighteenth birthday. In fact, I’d be very grateful if you’d let me know if there are any vacancies coming up for a maid or bathing attendant. She has my recommendation as to her good character.’ Hannah pushed down the memory of Ruby’s response to her earlier suggestion that she think about working as a maid at the house. It was time to get firm with her.

  ‘She volunteered here before, but as I recall, she didn’t stick at it,’ Matron pointed out. ‘What makes you think she’ll apply herself if we offer her a place?’

  That was a very good question, Hannah thought, annoyed that Ruby had jeopardised her prospects of employment because she’d preferred to meet with Mr Milani, but with him gone, she wouldn’t do it again.

  ‘She wants to work – I have no doubt about her commitment.’

  ‘Is she in good health?’

  ‘Yes. She is small of stature and not robust enough for a nurse, but she can certainly manage a full day’s work.’

  ‘What about her temperament? Do you think she can cope with our younger patients, their infirmities and tantrums? Does she have the patience to deal with the ones who hate getting into a bath, and the others who kick up a fuss when told to get out?’

  ‘She loves children.’ She didn’t like to say that Ruby was like a child herself in many ways, recalling instead how she had cared for the twins.

  Matron frowned. ‘I have heard … oh, what does it matter? It’s hearsay, not from the horse’s mouth. There’s a vacancy for a bathing attendant working alongside Mrs Merry. She can have a month’s trial.’

  ‘Thank you.’ How much did Matron know, and who had told her?

  ‘Remember that I know everything that goes on in my domain. Tell your sister to be here at seven o’clock sharp tomorrow morning.’

  ‘I’m sure she’ll be most grateful.’

  ‘You haven’t asked after Mr Allspice,’ Matron said.

  ‘No. How is he?’

  ‘For your information, he’s about the same and causing merry hell on the ward. You should go and see him on your way back. He wishes to thank you personally for helping him.’

  Hannah raised one eyebrow. From what she knew of him, it seemed unlikely, but she dropped by to see Sister Trim en route back to the Lettsom.

  ‘How’s the new patient?’ she asked.

  ‘He’s in a bad way. Mr Anthony is coming in to offer a second opinion later, but I’ve had patients like him before – he won’t walk again.’

  The thought crossed Hannah’s mind that she didn’t care, having heard that he was alleged to be a wife beater. He reminded her of her father, and she had to force herself to bring her reaction under control. She was a nurse and she would treat him like any other patient – without prejudice. At least, she’d do her best …

  ‘I’ll go and have a word with him.’ She walked across to his bedside where he was lying flat on his back in a cast and strapped to a board.

  ‘Afternoon,’ he said as her shadow fell across his face. ‘Thanks for what you done for me, but look … I can’t move anythin’ except me arms.’

  ‘My commiserations,’ she said curtly.

  ‘I’m in agony,’ he went on, swearing aloud. ‘My throat’s as dry as a bone.’

  ‘I’ll fetch you a little ale.’

  ‘A proper drink – some gin or a whisky – would be much appreciated.’

  ‘Oh no, that’s too strong for a man in your condition.’

  She fetched a small glass of ale and found him a glass straw through which he could drink.

  ‘Can you manage this yourself?’ she asked.

  ‘My arms are very weak. You hold it for me, Nurse.’

  ‘It’s Sister,’ she said, leaning across to help him. He sucked on the end of the straw, but his eyes were elsewhere as the ale dribbled down his chin.

  ‘You’re a pretty one. Give us a bed bath, will you?’

  She couldn’t help it. She had to say something.

  ‘You are a nasty little man, Mr Allspice,’ she whispered. ‘I know about the debt you failed to pay back to Mr Milani, and what you do to your wife.’

  He frowned. ‘You know nothing. I can do anythin’ I want to my missus – it’s my right.’

  ‘I’d
advise you to behave yourself while you’re here. We nurses stick together, and we could make things very uncomfortable for you. Do you get my meaning?’

  ‘Yes,’ he muttered.

  ‘Good. I’ll leave you to it.’ She straightened and left the ward, speaking briefly to Sister Trim on her way out.

  ‘I’ve told Mr Allspice that you’ll give him a paper copy of the rules of the house,’ she said. ‘I don’t think he can see them up on the wall.’ The rules were displayed on every adult ward: no smoking; no chewing of tobacco; no cursing, swearing, gambling or drinking. The patients weren’t allowed to sit up after eight-thirty, and they had to rise at seven in the summer, or eight in the winter.

  Sister Trim smiled. ‘That’s an excellent idea. Don’t worry – I’ll keep him in line.’

  When she returned to the lodging house, she found Ruby sitting beside the fire which had almost burned out in the grate, the embers emitting a mere wisp of smoke.

  ‘How are you?’ Hannah asked, noticing how fragile her sister looked, her eyes dark from exhaustion and crying. She empathised with her. When love and desire were this powerful, how could anyone with Ruby’s spontaneous and impulsive nature resist?

  ‘I’m tired,’ she said.

  ‘I have some good news—’

  ‘They’ve found him? Antonio?’ Ruby got to her feet.

  ‘Not as far as I’ve heard.’

  ‘Mr Allspice has succumbed to his injuries?’ Ruby said spitefully. ‘This is all his fault.’

  ‘He’s still at the infirmary and likely to stay there for quite some while.’

  ‘Then you have no good news for me.’

  Ruby’s face fell further, when Hannah went on, ‘Matron’s offered you a place as a bathing assistant. What do you think?’

  ‘That wouldn’t suit me at all – I can’t swim,’ Ruby said eventually.

  Hannah tried not to laugh. ‘All you need are strong arms, gentle hands and a listening ear.’ And a lot of patience, she thought with regret. ‘There are rules that you have to follow and Mrs Knowles will have your guts for garters if you’re lazy.’

  ‘It’s kind of her to offer, but I don’t think I can live up to her high standards.’

  ‘Mrs Merry will train you up. There are other ladies there – it will be good for you to have companionship.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t know …’ Ruby bit her lip.

  ‘You could at least show a little gratitude for my efforts – it wasn’t that easy to persuade her to take you on. I don’t think you realise how bad things are. We are very low on funds …’ Hannah walked across to the fireplace and picked up a folded piece of paper. ‘What’s this?’

  ‘It’s a letter from Mrs Clovis – she wants us gone before the week is up.’

  ‘Why didn’t you say?’

  ‘I thought you’d find out soon enough.’

  ‘Ruby, this is a disaster.’

  ‘We can find other accommodation, a bigger place in a better part of town now you’re on a sister’s wage.’

  ‘It doesn’t make that much of a difference.’ Her heart sank at the thought of having to find somewhere else to live. ‘We can’t pay much more in the way of rent than we do here.’

  ‘What about Grandma’s money? You can’t have spent all of it.’

  ‘It’s all gone, every penny.’ Hannah went out to fetch the box from under the bed. ‘I have a little saved up – that might pay for the deposit.’ She came back to the living room, shaking it. ‘This is odd. It’s as light as a feather,’ she remarked as a few coins rattled about inside. She placed it on the mantelpiece, took the brass key from under the rug and unlocked the box. She opened it and peered inside, looking for the leather pouch in which she stored the crowns and shillings. All that was left were a few pennies and ha’pennies. She felt sick. ‘It’s gone! My savings!’ She rushed back to the bedroom to check that she hadn’t dropped the pouch, but there was no sign of it. ‘Do you have anything to do with this?’

  ‘I can only suggest that Mrs Clovis has been in here, nosing about,’ Ruby said with complete confidence.

  ‘She wouldn’t touch anything,’ Hannah countered. ‘She isn’t stupid, unlike somebody else who sits looking at me, wringing her hands and popping her eyes to feign innocence. Ruby, I’m disappointed, angry and very upset. How dare you steal from me and then lie about it? I’ve just given Matron a reference as to your good character!’

  Ruby stared at her, her expression mutinous.

  ‘What did you spend it on? Tell me.’

  ‘I bought some shoes,’ she confessed. ‘I didn’t want to keep borrowing yours … Hannah, you said I couldn’t have any money to buy nice things, so when I found your savings stashed away, I was tempted. I’m sorry, but those shoes have given me a lot of pleasure.’

  ‘You bought a single pair of shoes with my hard-earned wages! How could you?’

  ‘Now that I have work at the infirmary—’

  ‘You’ll pay me back, every penny.’

  ‘I will, I promise,’ Ruby said.

  ‘Where are these shoes?’

  ‘They’re in a drawer in the dressing table. They need to be kept away from sunlight so they don’t fade.’

  ‘I can’t believe how deceitful you’ve been!’ Hannah exclaimed. ‘What happened to the brooch I wanted to borrow?’

  ‘I pawned it,’ Ruby said in an almost inaudible voice. ‘Antonio was short of money because his brother-in-law owes him a considerable sum. He’ll pay me back as soon as he can …’

  ‘Then you are even more stupid than I thought. I’ve been scrimping and saving, buying tallow instead of beeswax candles, and the cheapest soap, while you throw our money away.’

  ‘You’d have done the same.’

  Hannah glared at her. Ruby’s shoulders sank as she buried her face in her hands.

  ‘You’re making yourself look ridiculous,’ Hannah said without sympathy. ‘The great Antonio has disappeared, along with our money, and you’ll have to get used to the fact that you’ll never see him again. Tomorrow, you’ll come to the infirmary with me, you’ll work hard and make a good impression. At the end of the week, you will give your wages straight to me. Is that understood?’

  Snivelling, Ruby nodded.

  ‘All your earnings will go to pay for food, rent and coal.’ Hannah looked towards the grate. ‘I don’t know why you thought you needed to light the fire today. It isn’t cold enough for it. Go to bed – we have an early start.’

  Hannah sat up late, thinking, but there was no easy way out of their dire financial straits. All she could do was keep going, as she always did.

  On her afternoon off a couple of days later while Ruby was working, Hannah found a room to rent in the part of town known as Buenos Ayres. It was a dark, damp attic room and there was barely space to swing a cat, but it would have to do. She paid the landlady, a Mrs Wells – who, like her property, had seen better days – and arranged to move their possessions in the following day.

  ‘I don’t like it,’ Ruby said when they were unpacking their boxes. ‘It smells.’

  ‘It could be worse.’

  ‘We have to share the privy.’

  ‘Ah, Mrs Wells impressed on me that if we need to use the pot at night, we shouldn’t leave it under the bed because it rusts the springs.’

  ‘Really?’ Ruby raised an eyebrow. ‘I’ve never heard of that before.’

  ‘That’s what she thinks.’ Hannah allowed herself a small smile. ‘It isn’t so bad – we have a sea view,’ she pointed out as the wind rattled the window. She rubbed at the glass with her cuff to make a circle in the grime. A bedraggled gull sat on the sill, its feathers ruffling in the wind.

  ‘I suppose so. I’m going to work really hard, so we can afford to move out of here as soon as possible.’

  ‘I’m pleased to hear it,’ Hannah said drily.

  ‘Beckett splashed me this morning – he was being very difficult. And Mrs Knowles came to see how I was getting on – I don’t like the wa
y everyone compares us because we’re sisters.’

  ‘Unfortunately, you have to get on with it.’

  ‘I shall until Antonio sends for me. I’m sure he will. He kept telling me how he couldn’t live without me.’

  Could she detect a hint of doubt in her sister’s voice?

  ‘Don’t count on it. He’s too much of a coward to risk coming back, even if he wanted to. If he’s caught, he’ll be tried for attempted murder,’ Hannah said, at which Ruby burst into fresh tears.

  Hannah worried about how the turmoil of uncertainty would affect Ruby’s heart and mind, and her fears were confirmed when, the next morning, Ruby declared that she didn’t want to go to the house.

  ‘I’m aching all over,’ she said, holding her hand to her brow.

  ‘Get dressed. I’ll brush your hair and then we’ll walk together,’ Hannah said quickly.

  ‘It’s all right for you,’ Ruby grumbled. ‘You’re accustomed to early mornings.’

  ‘And you will get used to them too.’

  ‘There’s cleaning and dusting to be done here.’

  ‘Oh, Ruby, when did you ever take an interest in housework? We’ll do it together when we come home.’

  ‘Mrs Merry says that I’m lazy, but I’m only slow doing the baths because I’m new to it.’

  ‘Then you’ll keep trying until you are quicker than her,’ Hannah said.

  A week later and although Hannah was still cross with her sister, she had managed to keep her on the straight and narrow. Mrs Merry and Mrs Knowles were pleased, praising the way Ruby treated the children. She’d made friends with Nurse May, and the lady volunteers adored her, calling her a doll.

  That evening, Hannah was late leaving for home, as she’d stayed on to catch up with some paperwork. It was late September by now, and as she left the house, she pulled the hood of her cape over her head against the distinctly autumnal chill, and trudged along the front where a single stallholder was selling tea and hot pies.

  ‘Evenin’, miss,’ the pie seller said.