The Castlefield Collector

by The Castlefield Collector (Watch for the Talleyman) (retail) (epub)

  ‘Hello Dolly.’

  ‘Hello Sam.’

  He asked if she was keeping well, spoke of the weather being kind on Maisie’s special day and other useless small talk till Dolly could bear it no longer. ‘If there’s something you want to say to me, Sam, will you get on and say it.’

  ‘All right, I just wanted to apologise for ruining everything. I know I made a complete mess of our marriage. I should have had more patience, more loyalty.’

  ‘Yes, you should.’

  ‘But you need to know that nothing happened between me and Evie Barker.’ Not for the want of trying, he thought, but the statement was nonetheless true.

  ‘It didn’t appear that way to me.’

  ‘We didn’t – you know – go all the way. It was just a bit of harmless flirtation, and it’s over now. She’d been chasing me for months and I nearly succumbed, I’ll admit that, but I didn’t in the end, and I wondered if you’d give me another chance. Please, Dolly?’

  The question took her by surprise. It was so unexpected and she’d given the matter no thought, was almost growing used to being without him. Dolly had even begun to look forward to having the house to herself, now that her mam was married and would be moving in with Cyril. She was also busy trying to rebuild her money lending business. She’d spent quite a bit of time lately calling on all her old clients, reminding them she was still around and offering lower interest than Nifty Jack. She’d also sought out new ones and been fortunate enough to pick up a few. But then it made her heart sore to see the little waifs and strays hanging about the yards in their rags and tatters, with empty bellies and their little faces pinched with hunger. Something had to be done.

  Why couldn’t Sam Clayton see how fortunate he was to have a job and a loving wife?

  ‘I can’t give you an answer right off,’ she told him. ‘I’d need to think about it.’

  ‘I understand. But I dare say you’ve paid off your mam’s debt by now. No more worries over the talleyman.’

  ‘Not quite, but I don’t trouble my head about Nifty Jack any more.’ Yes, she did, Nifty was very much still a force to be reckoned with, and she worried a great deal about the daughters of her new clients. But Dolly had no wish to go into all of that with Sam. ‘Where are you living at the moment? With Matt?’

  Sam eased a finger round the inside of his collar, suddenly looking uncomfortable. ‘No, Matt and I don’t see much of each other these days. We’ve grown apart, like.’

  ‘I always thought you two were inseparable.’

  ‘I’m staying with Davey Lee. He’s wed and has a couple of childer, so it’s only temporary. I’m looking for a place of me own.’

  ‘So you thought why not move back in with the good little wife, is that it? Particularly since she has the house to herself now.’

  ‘Nay, that’s not it at all, Dolly. You’re being unkind.’

  ‘It’s been nice talking to you, Sam.’ As she turned away, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her to a halt.

  ‘You’ll think about it though, eh? We could still make a go of it, I’m sure. I am fond of you, Dolly.’

  ‘Fond?’

  He hastily corrected himself. ‘I love you. I just don’t find it easy to express my feelings.’

  ‘I wonder why.’

  ‘If you’ll only give me another chance, love, I’ll not let you down again.’

  She shook his hand free and walked away, surprised to find that her heart wasn’t racing, feeling surprisingly calm. Now what did that mean?

  * * *

  Dolly couldn’t make up her mind what to do about Sam, and as always when in a quandary, went to talk to Matt Thornton.

  ‘I don’t know why you bother with him. Didn’t you see him with Evie Barker? I don’t understand, Dolly, that you might want him back?’

  Dolly shook her head, not knowing what she wanted. They stood staring bleakly out at the derricks, the tugs loading and unloading and were silent for some long minutes. ‘It’s all a muddle, a bit of a mess to be honest. I don’t want him back, not now I’ve seen with my own eyes how he’s betrayed me. The problem is I do still love him, d’you see. At least I think I do.’

  ‘Oh, Dolly.’ Matt took a step closer, held her gently by the shoulders as he turned her towards him. ‘Look at me, and tell me honestly. Are you saying that if he came knocking on your door, you’d let him in?’

  Matt’s brown eyes were filled with sadness and something she could only describe as raw pain. He looked so dreadfully hurt she could hardly bear to look him in the eye. ‘Sam swears he’s innocent, that nothing has actually happened between them. That she was kissing him, not the other way around.’

  Matt pursed his lips. ‘If you believe that, you’re a bigger fool than I took you for, Dolly Tomkins. Wake up and see the light. Have you not considered that there could be other women, besides Evie Barker?’

  ‘Don’t say such dreadful things. Why would there be?’

  ‘I’m saying what if there was someone you hadn’t thought about. Have you spoken to your Aggie about it?’

  ‘Why would I need to talk to my her?’

  He held up his hands by way of apology, aware that he was treading on dangerous ground, yet how could he stand by and say nothing when he loved her? But to tell her that Sam had boasted he was enjoying Aggie’s favours, as in the old days, was perhaps a step too far. Or that he claimed Aggie being his sister-in-law made it even more exciting.

  ‘A bit naughty, if you know what I mean,’ had been his exact words.

  Matt had asked him about Evie Barker and Sam had nonchalantly declared that she’d take a bit longer to get into his bed but he still held every hope of success. ‘Who needs prim little Dolly with two women chasing me?’

  He’d given Sam a piece of his mind and walked away. They hadn’t spoken since.

  But he couldn’t bring himself to relay any of this to Dolly. ‘I just thought if anyone knew anything, she would. Your Aggie always seems to have her ear to the ground. I didn’t mean to upset you, Dolly, but you really have to face facts. Sam hasn’t been fair to you. He’s played around with this other woman and may do so again. You shouldn’t believe everything he tells you. Don’t let him take you for a fool.’

  ‘And I’d be obliged if you didn’t call me one.’ Anger was rising in her, and regret, for she’d thought they were friends.

  ‘I’m only saying it’s time you thought of yourself for a change, found some sort of contentment and happiness. He’d only let you down, wouldn’t be able to help himself. Then you’d be badly hurt all over again.’ His tone hardened as Matt spoke with fervour, anxious to make his point. ‘If he truly loved you and properly appreciated his good fortune at having you for a wife, as any normal man would, I’d encourage you to take him back, despite the loss to myself. But he really doesn’t deserve you, and it’s time you got over this infatuation you have with him.’

  ‘Infatuation?’

  ‘If you want my honest opinion, I don’t think you ever did love him. You don’t even know what love is.’

  ‘I most certainly do.’

  ‘No, Dolly, you don’t, and I’ll prove it.’ And before she’d guessed what he was about to do, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. It was a kiss like no other. His mouth was warm and soft against hers, yet compulsively demanding. She found herself leaning into him, wanting it to go on. His tongue caressed and teased hers, setting up a need in her that she’d never thought to feel for any man other than her husband. And in a way this was more real, more exciting than anything she’d experienced with Sam. It felt so right, as if she belonged in Matt’s arms. When the kiss was finally over, Dolly sagged against him with a regretful sigh.

  Matt spoke to her softly. ‘You don’t know how long I’ve ached to do that. I envy Sam. Always have. I wanted you to notice me, to love me, but I was too awkward and shy, too stupid to say anything.’

  She put a hand up to his tender lips, knowing her own must be rosy with his kisses. ‘Don’t say suc
h things. You aren’t in the least bit stupid. Things just turned out wrong, that’s all. You’re right though, I was young and daft, potty over Sam, while he was always crazy about our Aggie.’

  ‘He still is.’

  Dolly was startled that he should still insist upon making this point. ‘No, you’re wrong. Sam did love me, in his way. And our Aggie is a married woman, mad about Harold and about to have a baby. So don’t say such stupid things.’ She was concentrating on his mouth and impulsively kissed him again, her lips curled upwards into the most beguiling smile. This couldn’t be happening to her. She really ought to be ashamed of herself, yet she wasn’t in the least. His arms pulled her tighter against his chest and Dolly felt that kick of emotion somewhere deep inside. She teased the curls on his brow, kissing the tip of his nose. He was a lovely man, kind but wise, gentle and so strong. Why had she never given him the attention he deserved? She could no longer hear the sounds of the timber yard all around them, the shouts of the men, the whirr of the saw. Dolly felt as if she was cocooned in a magic bubble within the circle of Matt’s arms.

  Matt frowned in a short pause then his next words burst out. ‘I can’t not say it, Dolly, because it’s true. He’s still seeing your Aggie and they are at it like rabbits. He’s also seeing that Barker girl. You can’t trust a word he says, he’s a liar, as is your loving sister.’

  Dolly stared at him in cold fury, then pulling herself from his arms began to back away, her tears starting. ‘You’re saying he’s sleeping with my sister, Aggie? No, no, that was over long before we were married. Sam isn’t a liar, just a bit misguided, easily led by that Evie Barker who’s been after him for ages.’

  Matt let out a heavy sigh. Oh lord, the damage was done now, so why not stick with it? ‘Sorry love, but that’s exactly what I’m saying.’

  Red-hot anger soared through her veins, although whether that was because of the possible depth of her husband’s betrayal, or the fact Matt had known about it and she hadn’t, Dolly couldn’t rightly say at that moment. But Matt was handy to take the brunt of her ire, and Sam wasn’t. ‘I’ll not have you say such terrible things about my husband. Sam swears he’s done nothing with Evie Barker, and I’ve no reason not to believe him. People tend to make harsh judgements far too quickly, as they did with me. It’s all my fault, is this, for becoming obsessed with Nifty Jack.’

  ‘Oh, Dolly, don’t blame yourself, not again.’

  She was crying now, hot, furious tears that rolled unchecked down her pale cheeks. ‘At it like rabbits? That’s a lie! You’re only saying all of this because you fancy me yourself. You’re every bit as bad as Sam, Matt Thornton. Marriage is sacred and behaving no better myself, maybe I should give him another try. Maybe I will.’

  Turning on her heel she began to walk away, as fast as her trembling legs would take her. Matt hurried after her. ‘I’m sorry I’ve hurt you but think what you’re saying, as I would never lie to you. The last thing I want is to turn you against me.’

  ‘Then you should keep your nose out of my affairs, Matt Thornton.’ And since he was obliged to return to his work, she left him kicking himself with frustration at the timber yard.

  Dolly considered going straight to Aggie and tackling her on the subject there and then. She could ask her straight out if there was anything going on between her and Sam, then carefully watch her sister’s expression for any sign of a lie. But since Aggie was proving to be curiously besotted with the wonderful Harold, why would she even look in Sam’s direction?

  Matt Thornton had said all of that about Sam in order to win her round, as all men did when they needed to satisfy their lust. It could be just his opinion and not at all true. She did care for Matt and had been absorbed by the kiss he gave her, but his comments were surely entirely wrong. Could she trust him any more than she could Sam? But having come to this conclusion, why did she feel as if her whole world had collapsed?

  * * *

  First thing the next morning, Matt was knocking at her door. ‘I’ve come to apologise for overstepping the mark. I haven’t slept for worrying about it.’

  Dolly looked at his dear face. Despite her best efforts she too had suffered a sleepless night, unable to get Matt Thornton out of her head. ‘You most certainly did overstep the mark. You shouldn’t have said all that about Sam and our Aggie. I’ll not believe a word of it.’ She paused a moment while she wondered if that was true, whether there may not be a grain of truth in what Matt had said, then catching his anxious expression found herself smiling.

  ‘However, since you and I are old friends, I’ll forgive you and put the matter out of my mind. It was probably only jealousy talking.’

  Matt let out a sigh of relief. ‘Thank goodness for that. You’re my best friend, Dolly, and I hope always will be.’

  ‘I’m sure I will,’ she murmured. But were they already more than that, despite her protests? That kiss seemed to have awakened some hidden emotions deep inside.

  ‘Since it’s Saturday, I wondered if maybe we could go for a walk down by the canal, or take a tram out into the country. I promise to behave.’

  ‘I should hope so. I’m still a respectable married woman, don’t forget, and I haven’t yet made up my mind about Sam. I’m still a bit mixed up. I do like you, Matt, but I can’t just throw my husband away like a used dish cloth. I shouldn’t fancy you at all, so it’s a bit difficult, do you see?’

  He was grinning at her now, almost laughing. ‘I’m glad to hear you fancy me. That’s encouraging.’

  Then she was laughing too. ‘All right, I’ve said too much.’

  ‘No, you haven’t, Dolly, nowhere near enough.’

  Matt had actually planned a picnic, even brought food: sandwiches, buttered scones, a bottle of lemonade and a few boiled sweets. You can’t have a day in the country without fizzy pop and toffees. I hope that’s all right.’

  Dolly was thrilled and deeply touched. It was a glorious sunny day in early July and a picnic would be such fun. ‘It all sounds marvellous. Mam used to take us out on picnics when we were little. We’d have jam butties, lemonade or cold tea in a bottle, and take a jam jar and a net to catch tiddlers. My brothers were experts at fishing but I was hopeless.’

  ‘Oh, me too,’ he laughed. ‘I never caught many and whatever fish I did catch I put back again. Can’t bear to think of anything being trapped.’

  Travelling on the tram to Worsley made Dolly feel as if they were going to the end of the world. They said little during the journey, swaying rhythmically together on the slatted wooden seat, watching the tram gradually empty of people. When they got off, the conductor got out too so he could swing the big pole round, ready for the return journey, while the driver walked through the tram to the other end.

  ‘I hope they remember to come back for us,’ Dolly laughed. ‘We mustn’t miss the last tram or we’ll be stranded here all night.’

  ‘Now there’s a tempting thought.’

  As the empty tram rattled away back into the city, they set off walking, carefully not touching, although Dolly was acutely conscious that they were truly alone for the first time. At the timber yard or on the wharf, where they’d met up before for a chat, often while Matt took his dinner break there were always other men around. There would also be the noise of the tugs, the sawmill and machinery. Here, there was nothing but a long track winding away over a patch of scrub land and the sound of the wind sighing in the trees. They went through a kissing gate, and Dolly was relieved that Matt made no attempt to take advantage of it. She felt shy suddenly, unsure of herself.

  Passing by a churchyard they walked on across the moor, through other gates, across a railway line and by a row of small cottages each with a long vegetable garden. It seemed marvellous that these fingers of green could stretch right into the heart of the city.

  They set out their picnic under an old elm tree and Matt smiled at her enthusiasm as she sipped the lemonade and tucked into a sandwich, the sun glistening on her hair so that it shone like satin vel
vet.

  After a moment, he said, ‘You do know what’s happening, don’t you, Dolly? At least, I assume you feel the same way. It certainly felt that way when we kissed yesterday.’

  Dolly set down the sandwich, answering in her smallest voice. ‘I do, but I feel so guilty. I never expected this to happen. Sam was the only man for me and all I can think about now is you, the only face I see when I close me eyes is yours. It’s a sin, dreadfully wrong.’

  ‘No it isn’t, love. How can it be when he’s treated you so badly? You were too young when you got wed, hadn’t had time to find out who you were, let alone who you wanted to marry. Oh, but I can’t bear to just sit here and not touch you.’

  She gazed at him with longing in her eyes. ‘Me neither.’

  When he kissed her this time, she was ready for him. The kiss went on a long time and Dolly wasn’t aware when they sank down into the sweet smelling long grass, but she made no protest when he lifted her blouse to caress her breast.

  Matt made love to her in a way she’d never experienced before. He took her to heights of happiness Dolly had never known existed. He was tender and patient with her, sometimes too patient as she became ever more eager to have him inside her, to fill her, envelope her with his love. Yet he was eager and passionate, exciting her with his need. She’d meant to call a halt at an appropriate moment but her need was equal to his, a desire that demanded fulfilment. She was overwhelmed by passion, could barely think let alone put up any resistance. Dolly knew now that she loved Matt Thornton, and somehow it seemed right to show him just how much.

  Afterwards, they lay on their backs gazing up into a clear blue sky streaked with pink and white clouds. ‘You’ve forgotten your sandwich,’ he said.

  ‘So have you.’

  ‘I don’t seem to be hungry, not for food anyway.’ He turned on his side so that he could look at her, and for a long time they were content just to gaze into each other’s eyes, as lovers do, drinking in the joy of the moment, the miracle of this new-found love. He tucked back a stray curl, stroked a cheek warmed by loving as much as the sun then pulled her gently into the curve of his arm and kissed her again.