by Kitty Neale
Albie whistled as he strolled along. He’d passed his driving test and tomorrow he’d pick up his secondhand car. He looked forward to showing it off, along with his new clobber, the suit made by a tailor on Lavender Hill.
‘Hello, Albie,’ a voice said from behind him.
‘Wotcher, Penny.’
‘I suppose you’ve heard?’
‘Heard what?’
‘That I’m pregnant.’
‘No, I didn’t know.’
‘I’m surprised my mum hasn’t been round to your mum for sympathy.’
‘I don’t think she has.’
‘She must be too ashamed of me.’
‘Are you getting married?’
‘I can’t. He’s done a runner.’
‘Do I know him?’ Albie asked.
‘I don’t think so. I’ll tell you about him, but you’ve got to keep it to yourself.’
‘Yeah, all right.’
‘His name is Leroy and his family came here from Jamaica.’
‘Bloody hell, Penny, if your mother finds out she’s going to crucify you.’
‘She already knows. The baby is going to be mixed race so I had to tell her.’
‘I bet that didn’t go down well.’
‘That’s a bit of an understatement. She went absolutely potty. She’s sending me away to make sure that nobody sees the baby when it’s born, and then she’s insisting I give it up for adoption.’
‘How do you feel about that?’
‘To be honest, I think it’s for the best. My mother will never accept a mixed-race baby.’
‘Blimey, if this gets out the gossips in Kibble Street are going to give you a bad time.’
‘I think there are rumours about the father being black, but thankfully nobody knows for sure, and as they’ll never get to see the baby there won’t be any proof.’
‘They’re still going to give you a hard time until you leave.’
‘Yeah, I know. I’ve seen the way they’ve treated your wife, and I wish now that I’d stood up for her. Still, it’s my turn now so no doubt they’ll leave her alone.’
Albie stopped outside the pub and said, ‘Right, I’m going to have a pint before I go home. See you, Penny, and good luck.’
‘Thanks, Albie. I think I’m gonna need it,’ she said, and then continued on her way.
Albie walked into a fog of cigarette smoke and went up to the bar, thinking as he ordered his drink that he was in no rush to get home and see his wife’s swollen stomach and miserable face.
With Albie out as usual, Dora was knitting and Constance reading, the only sound the ticking of the mantel clock. The back door opened, and Ivy walked into the room, looking awful, her eyes red-rimmed, and her face pale. ‘I suppose you’ve heard,’ she said without preamble.
‘There’s a rumour going round at work, so yes.’
‘Yeah, well, it ain’t true. If I hear anyone accusing my Penny of sleeping with a black bloke, I’ll knock their bloody lights out.’
‘But she is pregnant?’
Ivy slumped down onto a chair. ‘Yeah, and I could kill her. I’m going to send her away until it’s born and then it’s going up for adoption.’
‘Has she said who the father is?’
Ivy’s eyes shifted, avoiding contact as she said, ‘No, but she’s been seen with Albie a good few times lately.’
Dora reared to her feet, the knitting falling to the floor. ‘Don’t you dare try to name my Albie as the father, especially as you know full well it ain’t true. The fact that you’re sending Penny away so nobody sees the baby before it’s adopted is proof enough for me that it’s gonna be black. Now get out of my house, Ivy, and if I hear one single rumour that my Albie is the father, I’ll shout the bloody truth from the rooftops.’
‘Dora, please, I’m sorry. I was just desperate, that’s all, and as Albie has been a bit of a lad, I didn’t think you’d mind.’
‘Mind? You didn’t think I’d mind? You must be off your bloody rocker! Albie is a married man now. He’s settled down and you trying to name him as the father could wreck his marriage.’
‘Huh, what marriage? From what I’ve seen it’s a farce.’
‘Get out, Ivy! Go on, go, and don’t come back,’ Dora yelled.
Ivy scurried off and Dora only sat down again when she heard the door slam behind her, ‘Huh, some friend she’s turned out to be. And, Connie, don’t you go believing a word of it. Albie isn’t the baby’s father.’
‘Maybe not, but Ivy is right about one thing,’ Connie said, feeling emboldened. ‘Our marriage is a farce.’
‘Yeah, well, maybe if you made a bit of an effort with your appearance it would make a difference.’
‘How? I’m seven months pregnant and nothing fits me any more.’
‘I’ll knock you up some maternity smocks, but it ain’t just that. Your hair’s a mess, and you could wear a bit of make-up.’
Still feeling emboldened, Connie said, ‘I’ve no money for hairdressers or make-up.’
‘I know Albie’s been a bit harsh on you, I have too, but as long as you stay away from my bitch of a mother I think it’s time to make a fresh start.’
Constance knew that she couldn’t stop going to see Ethel, but she nodded in compliance as a thought struck her – Ivy would no longer be her jailer. Now that the woman had fallen out with Dora, she wouldn’t be watching her, and though Constance knew she would still have to be careful, she felt suddenly freer.
Soon, very soon, she would go to see Ethel.
Chapter 24
Mary’s temperature was so high that Ethel was worried sick. She’d gone down with the flu and there was no sign of her getting any better. Her planned trip to see Constance was impossible, and now, on Tuesday of the following week, Ethel succumbed to the flu too.
Ethel was very ill, and drifted in and out of consciousness, her fever raging. With no one else to help it was a struggle, but somehow Mary managed to look after her, though still feeling ill herself. Neither of them wanted to eat, but she managed to persuade Ethel to sip water and did the same herself.
When someone knocked on the street door on Wednesday, Mary struggled down the hall to answer it.
‘Bugger, me. Look at the state of you.’
‘Percy,’ Mary croaked.
‘I’ve been a bit worried about you. Ethel said you’ve got the flu and that she’d keep me up to date with how you’re doing, but I ain’t heard a word from her.’
‘She’s ill, Percy. She’s got the flu too.’
‘Blimey, and you still look awful. How are you managing?’
‘Not very well.’
‘Right, you’d best let me in.’
‘No, Percy, you can’t risk catching it.’
‘Don’t worry about me. I’m as strong as a horse. Now, no arguing and you get yourself off to bed while I take a look at Ethel.’
Mary didn’t have the strength to argue. Her head was aching and she could hardly keep her eyes open so she did as she was told, and in bed she almost immediately fell asleep. When she awoke three hours later she heard the murmur of voices and could smell something cooking. She sat up, for the first time feeling a little better, and putting on her grey wool dressing gown she headed for the voices to find Percy sitting beside Ethel’s bed and spooning something into her mouth. ‘What’s that you’re giving Ethel?’ she asked.
‘It’s just a vegetable broth, something to keep her strength up. There’s plenty for you if you want some.’
Mary was surprised to find that she was hungry and headed for the kitchen where she ladled some of the warm liquid into a bowl. Percy appeared a couple of minutes later and said, ‘I could only get Ethel to take a few spoonfuls. Still it’s better than nothing.’
‘It’s lovely, very tasty. And thank you, Percy.’
‘Think nothing of it, but in the morning I reckon you should call the doctor.’
‘I’m feeling better, so in a few more days Ethel should too.’
�
�Mary, she’s an old woman and I doubt she’s got as strong a constitution as you. She really does need a doctor to take a look at her.’
‘Yeah, all right, I’ll call him.’
‘Good girl. And listen, Ethel needs looking after and as you’re still not fit yet, I don’t want you rushing to return to work.’
‘I know you need two waitresses, so … so I’ll understand if you replace me.’
‘I won’t be doing that. I’ve arranged a bit of cover until you come back.’
‘Oh, Percy, thanks. I love my job and didn’t want to lose it.’
‘You won’t, but I’d best be off now. I’ll pop back one evening during the week to see how you’re getting on,’ Percy said.
He saw himself out and as he left, Mary smiled at him gratefully. He was such a lovely man, and now, still feeling a little better, she went to check on Ethel.
That evening, Albie drove along Kibble Street and enjoyed showing off his car. It had been polished, the black paintwork gleaming, and its chrome bumpers shone. He grinned when he saw the old nags looking as he passed them, knowing that they’d be gossiping and speculating on how he’d found the money to buy a car. Let them speculate, he thought, but as his coffers were considerably lower now, he’d have to come up with a way to wheedle some more dosh from Connie’s old man. The bloke was loaded and wouldn’t miss another couple of thousand, he just had to come up with a way to convince him to part with it.
Albie pulled into the kerb and went indoors to get his mother. He wanted to take her for a ride, probably the first she’d ever had in a car, and she was sure to enjoy it. ‘Mum, come outside and see what I’ve got,’ he said, as usual ignoring Connie. He was sick of the sight of her and of that lump, emphasised by her tight clothes. However, she was his cash cow, so he’d have to put up with her. Still, there was compensation and he was happy with his latest brunette. He didn’t play away close to home, so felt perfectly safe in Soho, and there he could find just the types to suit his tastes.
‘Bloody hell, Albie,’ Dora said as she stood outside, ‘don’t tell me this is your car.’
‘It is, bought and paid for. Get in and I’ll take you for a ride.’
‘I’ll do no such thing. Are you mad? You still haven’t found a job, you’ve a baby on the way, and you’re wasting your money on a car.’
‘Stop worrying, Mum. I’m sure I can get more money out of Burton Blake.’
‘I wouldn’t be so sure. He didn’t strike me as the sort of man who’ll open his wallet every time you ask him to. Why should he?’
‘’Cos of her in there. She’s his daughter and he ain’t gonna want her to go without.’
‘Huh, you’re living in cloud cuckoo land. He’s washed his hands of her and he’ll tell you that she’s your responsibility now.’
‘I’ll find a way to fleece him. I just need to give it some thought, but there’s no immediate hurry. I’ve still got enough dosh for now.’
‘Albie, I never thought I’d say this, but I’m ashamed of you. I never thought the day would come when you’d live off the back of another man’s money.’
‘Why shouldn’t I? Think about it, Mum. When Burton Blake kicks the bucket, Connie will inherit all he’s got – his house, his money – and as she’s my wife it’ll be mine too. So really I’m just getting some of the cash in advance.’
‘I still can’t see him parting with it.’
‘Stop worrying and just leave it to me. Now do you want to come for a ride or not?’
Dora looked at the car, and then at the curtains twitching. ‘Yeah, all right. The neighbours are grabbing an eyeful so it’ll be nice to show off for once.’
Albie opened the passenger door and with a grand gesture said, ‘In that case, Madam, in you get.’
Constance watched from behind the curtains. She knew Albie had spent her father’s money on that car, while she went without anything decent to wear, her body crammed into her clothes and her underwear so tight that it cut into her flesh. She watched Albie drive off and unbidden tears filled her eyes. She felt so lost, so alone, living in a house where she felt totally unwanted.
When there was a light tap on the back door, she went to open it and was surprised to see Penny.
‘I saw Albie and his mum go out, so thought I’d take this opportunity to talk to you.’
‘You’d better come in.’
‘Thanks. Look, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. The old biddies are picking on me now and it’s made me realise what you went through. Anyway, you probably know there’s lots of gossip about who the father of my baby is, and I just wanted to put your mind at rest. It ain’t Albie.’
‘I didn’t think it was, but at one time I thought there was something going on between you.’
‘I’ll admit I used to fancy Albie and threw myself at him, but he never showed any interest in me.’
‘I don’t know why. You’re very pretty.’
‘Thanks. Anyway, I’ve got to go now. I just wanted you to know the truth.’
‘When are you being sent away?’
‘Not for a few months yet, but to be honest I wish it was sooner. It’s murder living round here when everyone is gossiping.’
‘Yes, I know,’ Constance said wryly.
‘Of course you do,’ Penny said, her expression sad as she left, closing the back door behind her.
Constance returned to the living room, but her head was aching and she dreaded Albie and his mother’s return. She decided to go to bed, and it wasn’t long before she fell asleep, unaware that Albie had dropped his mother off at home before making his way to Soho.
On Thursday morning, Constance awoke to find her headache gone. Albie’s bed was empty, so she went downstairs to see that nobody was home; Dora had gone to the factory and Albie to God knows where.
She made herself a cup of tea and a slice of toast, then did a little housework until at ten-thirty she decided to visit Jill.
The young woman smiled widely at her when she opened the door. ‘See, I was right,’ she said. ‘The vultures are circling Penny Nelson now.’
‘Yes, I know. I can’t help feeling sorry for her.’
‘Did she show you any sympathy when they picked on you?’
‘Well … no.’
‘I thought not, but I can’t talk. I didn’t stick up for you either.’
‘Why should you have? You didn’t know me.’
‘That’s no excuse and maybe it’s time those women were put in their place.’
‘I don’t doubt that Ivy will have something to say to them.’
‘Yeah, you’re right there.’
‘Anyway, on another subject, can I ask you a favour?’ Constance asked hopefully.
‘I’m skint, so as long as you don’t want me to lend you any money, go ahead.’
‘No, I don’t want any money.’
‘Right then, take a seat and spill it out.’
Constance told her about how trapped she felt – how she wasn’t allowed to visit Ethel, and about her farce of a marriage. It was a relief to let it all out, and tears were falling when she finally stopped talking.
‘Bloomin’ ’eck, Connie. That’s awful,’ Jill sympathised. ‘I can’t say my marriage is perfect, but at least there’s still a bit of affection between us. I can’t believe that Albie is being so cruel.’
‘Dora seems to think it’s my fault and said I should try to make myself look more attractive, but all my clothes are too tight now. Dora said she’d make me some maternity smocks, but I don’t think she’s started on them yet.’
‘Back in a mo,’ Jill said, running upstairs and returning holding a peach-coloured dress. ‘This is a maternity dress that didn’t get a lot of wear so you’re welcome to it. I had some smocks too, but they were washed and worn so much that they were only fit for cleaning rags by the time I had the baby.’
Constance was thrilled with the dress, and thanked Jill profusely. At least now she’d look presentable when she went to see Ethel and on t
hat thought she frowned. ‘It’s not being able to see Ethel that’s getting me down the most. It … it’s why I want to ask you that favour.’
‘Connie, if I can help, I will.’
‘Thank you so much. I know that Dora asked Ivy to keep an eye on me, and to tell her if I left the street for any length of time, but now they’ve fallen out, which means Ivy won’t be spying on me any more. But just to be on the safe side I wondered if I could sneak out to see Ethel by using your back door. I could come to the front door as if visiting you, but then leave by the back, and return the same way.’
‘Of course you can, but what if Albie comes looking for you?’
‘I don’t think he will. He’s hardly ever at home. He disappears to who knows where every day, and then after dinner in the evening he goes out again.’
‘We’ll still have to think of something, just in case.’
‘Just tell him that you think I’ve gone shopping. Hopefully that will suffice.’
‘Yes, all right. When do you want to go?’
‘Tomorrow, ideally at about ten in the morning.’
‘No problem. Right, that’s sorted, so how about a walk in the park? It’s too nice to be cooped up indoors.’
‘I’d love to,’ Constance said, and as they left her heart felt lighter at the thought of seeing Ethel the next day.
‘I’m afraid Mrs Jones will have to be admitted to hospital,’ the doctor told Mary. ‘I’ll arrange for an ambulance to transport her.’
‘Oh, blimey. She ain’t got that pneu … pneu … chest thing has she?’
‘If you mean pneumonia, no, I don’t think so, but she is very weak and at her age precautions must be taken.’
‘No … no …’ a thin, barely audible voice croaked, ‘I ain’t going into hospital.’
‘Come, come, Mrs Jones. It’s for your own good.’
‘I said no. Mary can look after me.’
‘Mary is unwell too and needs to rest.’
‘I’m all right. I’m feeling better now,’ Mary told him.
The doctor sighed heavily. ‘I can’t force you, Mrs Jones, but if you remain at home it’s against my advice.’
