‘So you had to stay with her all day?’
‘I couldn’t very well leave her on her own, though I’d be a liar if I didn’t say she wore me to a frazzle. Like the little trooper she is, our Rosie offered to go round each day, but Martha went mad at the idea.’ When he saw the surprise on Adam’s face, he quickly explained, ‘There’s always been resentment there. Martha’s never really forgiven Rosie for taking Doug away. Anyway, the fact of the matter is this… she wouldn’t let nobody but me take care of her. Consequently, the business was badly neglected at a time when I should have been concentrating all my efforts on keeping it afloat.’
‘Let me lend you the money you want, Ned. Take as much time as you like in paying it back. I would never press you, you know that.’
Ned was adamant. ‘You should know I’m not a man to borrow,’ he said firmly. ‘I’ve made up my mind. The business has to go. There’s nobody else who’ll buy it at the right price, and pay me a wage to stay on. If you’re not interested, I’ll be on my way. If I’ve caused you any embarrassment, I’m truly sorry.’ He made to rise from the chair, but sat down when Adam began to speak.
‘What price had you in mind?’
‘I’m open to offers.’
For the next half hour they talked earnestly, and a deal was done. Adam would pay Ned a generous lump sum for the goodwill and all equipment, and in return, for an exceptionally handsome wage, Ned would stay on to run it as he had always done. The transaction was to remain a secret between the two of them; with the exception of the solicitor named by Ned.
‘I wouldn’t be in this dire position if I’d had the guts to stand up to Martha when she insisted I look after her. But all that will change now, and you can be sure I’ll look after your interests. First thing on the morrow, I intend to find a nurse to stay at the house while I’m out at work.’ Ned smiled wryly. ‘I’m certain that if Martha is made to realise how much money we owe, she’ll come to her senses right enough. Of course I shan’t tell her how, thanks to you, we’re now able to rid ourselves of debt. I’m not denying she’s been ill, and my heart goes out to her for the predicament she’s in. For a woman like Martha, paralysis must be the worst punishment of all. But she’s made of hard stuff, and to be honest I reckon it’s time she was made to realise the world doesn’t revolve round her all the time.’
‘It’s a sorry situation, and I don’t envy you, Ned.’
‘I’ve been too bloody soft! What’s happened has made me see that.’ His face hardened. ‘Like I say, things will change from now on.’
‘I hope it all works out for you.’ Adam could never remember the big man being so furious. But then he recalled everything Ned had told him, and it seemed that, though Martha had suffered a sad and terrible affliction, Ned had gone out of his way to protect her from undue hardship or discomfort. Like the man he was, he had shouldered all the responsibility and allowed himself to be dominated. It seemed that Martha’s unfortunate accident had not only ruined her life, but everything Ned cherished along with it. And, seeing him now, Adam could only imagine the state of affairs that existed between him and his wife.
‘Don’t forget what I said… if there comes a time when you want to buy back the business, you’ve only to ask.’
Ned stood up then, his hand outstretched. ‘I’ll never be able to thank you enough,’ he said, taking Adam’s hand in a firm grip. ‘As for buying the business back, it’s all too late for that. No, I’ll be satisfied just to earn a wage and let someone else do the worrying.’
‘Ned?’
The big fellow smiled. ‘I might be an old fool in some ways, but I know what’s been on your mind ever since I stepped through that door. You want to know about Rosie?’
‘How is she… really?’
‘She’s well. They all are.’ He was careful not to mention how Rosie had lost the child she was carrying.
Adam eyed him curiously. ‘I’ve written many times and sent presents for my godson, but as yet I’ve had only one reply, and that was a very polite letter from Rosie. Doug has never written.’ He thought on that for a minute. ‘I’ve been tempted to go and see them, but wondered if I’d be welcome after what happened at the christening?’
Knowing in his heart that Adam was the right man for Rosie, Ned wondered whether he should tell him everything… how Rosie was suffering too. Time and again Ned had threatened Doug himself after discovering he had beaten Rosie for no good reason. And though she could give as good as she got, the constant rows and unhappiness were beginning to tell on her. Yet, for all that, he had to deter Adam from ever visiting. ‘I’m afraid what happened on that day has turned Doug against you. And you’re right, I don’t think he would welcome another visit from you, more’s the pity.’
‘That’s what I thought.’ Adam had long suspected that, but to hear Ned say it now was upsetting.
‘Still, you never know,’ Ned remarked in a brighter voice. ‘He’s bearing a grudge now, but happen there’ll come a day when he’ll value the friendship you once had.’ Like any father would, he lived in hope that Doug would come to his senses and that he and Rosie would resolve their differences. Even though he could not in all honesty see that happening, he still couldn’t put the final nail in the coffin by telling Adam what was really going on. Ned was in no doubt that if he knew of Rosie’s miserable life, Adam would move Heaven and earth to get her back. He couldn’t risk that. He had to cling to the smallest hope. ‘Rosie and Doug have never been happier,’ he lied, and felt the shameful flush creep up his neck. ‘I’d best be off,’ he said, wanting to get away. ‘Thanks to you I’ve got a new lease of life, and there’s a lot to be done.’
They shook hands on the doorstep. Adam went back inside and Ned went on his way to the railway station.
‘Well, look who’s here!’ Connie’s voice came at him out of the darkness. ‘It’s me, Connie!’ she laughed, holding on to the lamp- post for support. ‘You remember… Adam brought me to your’s christening.’ Swaying and laughing, she was obviously the worst for drink.
Ned recognised her at once. ‘Of course.’ He recalled how Connie and he had talked, and he had thought her a delightful creature. ‘How could I forget?’ In the halo of light she looked like a child. ‘I’ve been to see Adam,’ he explained. ‘A matter of business.’
‘Business, eh? Well, you couldn’t find nobody better than my lovely Adam. He’s becoming a wealthy man now, did he tell you that? I love him to bits, but it ain’t for his money, oh no! Between you and me, I don’t know what I’d ever do without him. What! I’d have been in the gutter before now. But he’s always watched out for me. And no matter what some people think, he always will.’ Stepping towards him, she rubbed her hand up and down his shirt collar. ‘He’s a good man. One of the best.’ Holding out her hand, she said, ‘Look… a wedding ring. You’re talking to a married woman now. Bet he didn’t tell you that, did he, eh?’ In the lamplight the ring flashed like so many stars.
‘No, he never mentioned it.’ Ned felt elated and dismayed at the same time; dismayed because he had been so bent on talking about himself and his troubles that he hadn’t even asked Adam about his own life. And yet he felt elated because now it was clear that Adam had finally put his love for Rosie aside and taken a wife. The news couldn’t have been better. ‘Congratulations,’ said Ned, putting out his hands to steady her. ‘You’re right. Adam is a good man.’
She giggled at that. ‘And you should know. Adam tells me you were like a father to him.’ Lurching sideways, she would have fallen had he not caught her.
‘I think I’d best get you to your door,’ he offered, gently propelling her up the street towards Adam’s house. ‘Been out celebrating, have you?’ He couldn’t help but wonder whether she and Adam had rowed. Sadly, he thought, it seemed to be the way with married folk these days.
‘I’ve been enjoying a women’s night out,’ she said with a twinkle in her eye. ‘And I’ve had a little too much to drink. Oh, but don’t you worry about me,’ she ch
uckled, ‘Adam will put me to bed as usual.’ Realising he was holding her upright, she told him haughtily, ‘It’s very kind of you to help me, but I can manage, thank you.’ Shaking herself free, she toddled off.
He watched her go up the steps, and waited for the door to open. He saw her fall into Adam’s arms and went on his way with a smile on his face. ‘Looks like you’ve got your hands full with that wife of yours, lad,’ he said. With Adam agreeing to help him, and now, seeing how Adam had taken himself a wife, Ned felt as though a lead weight had been lifted from him. All in all, his visit here had been more worthwhile than he could ever have hoped.
* * *
‘What in God’s name have you been up to now?’ Adam was exasperated. ‘You shouldn’t be wandering the streets at this time of night… and drunk into the bargain!’ He almost had to carry her into the living-room.
‘Now now, don’t scold me.’
‘I ought to tan your backside.’ He tumbled her into a chair. ‘Go on then. What’s it about this time?’
‘He’s a pig!’
‘I told you that before you married him.’
‘I know, and I should have listened.’ She giggled again. ‘Oh, but I do love him.’ She sat up at the sound of someone knocking on the front door. ‘If that’s him, tell him you haven’t seen me.’
‘I’m not lying for you again, Connie.’
‘Don’t tell him I’m here!’ she pleaded. ‘Please, Adam.’ Tutting, he shook his head. ‘I should feel sorry for him. I don’t know who’s the worst, you or him.’
‘It’s him!’ she retaliated, ‘And I’m teaching him a lesson, that’s all. It’ll do him bloody good to worry about me.’
He had to smile. ‘I know the feeling,’ he chuckled, going to the door. ‘It’s the last time though, Connie.’
‘Okay.’ Her pretty blue eyes grew wide.
‘Stay quiet then.’
‘Okay.’ Her eyes grew wider still. ‘I know what to do.’
He knew from experience there was no use trying to reason with her, so he hurried down the passage to open the front door. ‘Oh, it’s you!’ He hoped he sounded suitably surprised.
His previous landlord was a greasy little man with a pencil thin moustache and a weaselly smile. ‘Is Connie with you?’ he wanted to know. From the doorstep he peered down the passage. ‘When we have an argument, she always comes to you.’ He sounded peeved.
‘Not this time.’ Adam had no intention of letting him in. He had never liked the fellow. ‘I haven’t seen her for a fortnight.’ Under his breath, he asked the good Lord to forgive him.
‘I don’t know where to look next. One minute she was putting April to bed, and the next she’d disappeared.’
Adam was alarmed. ‘If Connie’s gone missing and you’re here, who’s with the little girl, now?’
‘Oh, don’t concern yourself. We’ve got a friend staying, and she’s keeping an eye on April.’ Connie’s daughter was now a delightful toddler. On the many occasions when Connie had fled to Adam for comfort, he and the infant had become fast friends.
‘You should know Connie by now. I dare say she’ll come back when she’s good and ready.’
‘If she comes here, you’ll tell her to come straight home, won’t you?’
‘Depends.’
‘On what?’
‘On whether you’ve been hitting her again.’
The little man grinned. ‘These days it’s more likely to be her hitting me!’
‘I hope you’re not looking for sympathy?’
Bestowing a sour expression on him, the man turned away to go at a fast and furious pace down the street.
From behind him Adam could hear Connie shouting, ‘Good shuts to the old bugger! It’ll serve him right to think I’ve done a bunk!’
Coming into the living-room, he wasn’t surprised to see her lounging in the chair with her bare legs hanging over the side. She looked as though she’d been in the wars; her yellow hair was unkempt, the top two buttons of her low-cut blouse were undone, and her tight skirt had ridden up her thighs. ‘He’ll be sorry,’ she muttered, and for the first time that night a note of bitterness crept into her voice.
Patiently, he looked at her pretty face, which was made up like a clown’s. ‘All right, what have you been up to?’
‘Teaching the bugger a lesson, that’s what.’
‘You heard what he said?’
‘About you sending me home? Ah, but you wouldn’t turn an old friend away, would you, eh?’
He chuckled. ‘I must have been a fool to tell you where I’d moved to.’
‘At least I don’t have to sleep on the settee these days.’
‘I should make you sleep out in the yard.’
‘But you won’t.’
‘Fool that I am.’ He rolled his eyes and sighed. But something about her cheeky manner ensured that he could never stay angry with her for long.
‘Same bedroom?’
‘You know where it is,’ he answered wearily. After saying goodnight, he went to his own room while she made herself a hot toddy. Some time later, his bedroom door opened and Connie peeped in. ‘Want some company, big boy?’ she whispered.
‘Goodnight, Connie!’ The tone of his voice brooked no argument.
‘Goodnight then.’ He heard her singing as she went along the landing. Then the slam of her bedroom door. And he knew that, like so many times before, when he woke, she would be gone.
The house grew quiet and the night became darker. Soon the darkness lifted with the promise of a new day, and still he couldn’t sleep.
Ned had set him off thinking about the past, and Rosie. Though he carried her lovely image deep in his heart, it had been an age since last he saw her. But now he felt so close to her that he could hardly breathe.
Chapter Twelve
Peggy’s mam was goggle-eyed. ‘Oh, you should have seen it!’ she gabbled excitedly. ‘There we were, all crammed into the grocer’s front parlour…’ She glanced at Peggy and Rosie to make certain they were still listening, then, with a proud little smile she went on, ‘Of course he invited only his very best customers, and Lord knows I spend enough money to have bought him that blessed television set, so it’s only right that I should watch the Coronation on it. Mind you, it were stifling hot in that little room. Twenty-two of us there were… packed in like sardines.’
‘Well, you wanted to see it, our mam, and now you have, so stop moaning.’ Peggy winked at Rosie and as always, Rosie enjoyed their light-hearted banter.
‘Too right I wanted to see it!’ Peggy’s mam exploded. ‘And so did you two buggers, but you couldn’t, ’cause you ain’t customers.’ Recalling the physical discomfort of being pressed between Mrs Armitage and that big woman from Leyton Street, she blew out her cheeks and flapped the top of her blouse. ‘Good job an’ all if you ask me, ’cause two more bodies in that parlour and we’d have all fainted right out.’
‘You shouldn’t have been too uncomfortable, our mam,’ Peggy argued. ‘It were a miserable day… cold and raining.’
‘Oh, aye! And wouldn’t you know it would be the coldest wettest June outside, but inside that parlour it were like a bloody hothouse.’ She smiled then and said dreamily, ‘Oh, but you should have seen it. I’m telling you, it were a sight to last me a lifetime. Did you know there were two million people waiting outside in the rain?’ Without waiting for an answer, she went on: ‘It were wonderful! Our Elizabeth looked so tiny and fragile, a princess made Queen… Oh, and the pageantry! June the second 1953… a red letter day I’ll never forget.’
‘No, and I don’t suppose you’ll ever let us forget it either.’ Getting up from the table, Peggy took out the cups and washed them at the scullery sink. ‘Anyway, I thought you and the kids were going to the flicks?’ she called out. ‘They’ve been waiting out there for ages.’
‘My God! I forgot about them.’ In a minute she was gone, leaving the instruction: ‘Mind this place is tidy when I get back, or I’ll want to know the reason w
hy!’
‘Honest to God, she gets worse as she gets older.’ Peggy laughed as she flopped into an armchair. ‘Come and sit here,’ she told Rosie, who was still seated at the table where the three women had enjoyed a light tea, along with the exciting report on the new Queen’s Coronation.
‘I’ll help wash up the tea things while little Danny’s still fast asleep,’ Rosie offered. Her brown eyes glanced to where her young son lay fast asleep on the settee. Now four years old, he was making a fine young lad. His mop of thick hair was the same dark brown colour as Doug’s, but his eyes were warm and brown like Rosie’s. She had always been thankful for that because one set of odd-coloured eyes staring at her was more than enough.
‘Hey!’ Peggy’s commanding voice stopped her in her tracks. ‘I didn’t ask you over so you could wash up the tea things. Come and sit down. It ain’t often these days we can have a natter, and it’ll not be long before our mam’s back. It’s the first time she’s taken the kids to an early evening matinee, and it means she’ll have to let them stay up late.’ Laughing aloud she promised, ‘I wouldn’t mind betting she’ll be back within the hour on some excuse or another.’
Rosie was glad to sit and talk. In her heart she was deeply unsettled. Yet, even when she was seated in her armchair, she couldn’t bring herself to talk about certain matters. Instead she said, ‘I would have loved to have seen the Coronation on television.’
‘You heard it on the radio, didn’t you?’
‘Well, yes. But it’s not the same, is it?’ She didn’t reveal how Doug had thrown the radio across the room, and now it was broken beyond repair.
More Than Riches Page 18