Listening to the Quiet

by Listening to the Quiet (retail) (epub)

  ‘Mrs Wherry will be here shortly to take Molly to her house.’ As there was nothing else Miss Teague could do, she went straight to the sweet shop, to inform Paula Hadley about something odd Jessie Vigus had said to her.

  Mrs Wherry came in through the back door a few minutes later. ‘I heard Arnold howling as I passed the Jelberts,’ she said. ‘Sounds like Abner’s giving the little brute just what he deserves.’ She waited for Beth to complete getting Molly dressed. ‘Are you all right, Miss Venner?’

  ‘I am now, thank you, Mrs Wherry. Sally’s just making me a cup of tea and then I have to see Mr Lidgey. I’ll come to your house in a while, if I may.’

  ‘You’re very welcome. You look quite worn out by what’s happened. Make sure you get some rest.’ Mrs Wherry left with Molly, who, still trembling from her ordeal, was nibbling on her iced consolation.

  Beth, who had made no comment throughout the entire proceedings, soothing Molly and working in her calm methodical way, cleared away the bowls of dirty water then resumed her chores in the back kitchen.

  Sally sat down at the table and poured tea for Jo and herself.

  ‘I think Mr Lidgey will take me to task.’ Jo sighed wearily. ‘He was angry at the way I lost my temper with Arnold.’

  Sally put her head to the side, holding her cup midway to her lips. ‘And I bet he won’t do anything of the sort,’ she said bitterly. ‘He’ll be all sweetness and light to you.’

  ‘Why do you say that?’ Jo frowned at the maid’s tartness.

  ‘For someone as intelligent as you are, you can’t see what’s standing out a mile, can you? He wants you.’

  ‘You are mistaken, Sally,’ Jo replied crossly. This sort of jealous spite was the last thing she needed. Right now she was feeling responsible for Molly’s plight, having promised Luke she would ensure the children would come to no harm at school.

  ‘You’ll see. He’ll be making a move on you soon.’

  ‘You have an overactive imagination. He wouldn’t do anything of the kind.’

  ‘Oh, wouldn’t he?’ Sally scoffed. ‘He has a great appetite for that side of life. He made advances to me the first night I slept in this house.’ She went bright red and glanced down in her cup. ‘He succeeded and I’ve been keeping him happy until recently, when I realised there was no future in it. He’s after you, believe me. It’s what his mother wants too.’

  ‘Mrs Lidgey is an old lady, and old ladies who have nothing to occupy themselves tend to shore up romantic notions.’

  ‘If you don’t take me seriously then you’re already a lost cause. I know him, he’ll take a risk of this kind but he’ll be very careful not to do anything you could complain about. His sort are good at covering things up. You can please yourself, but for your own good, keep your distance from him. You’ve too much to lose. He’s certainly not worth it.’

  ‘Thank you for being honest with me, Sally. For telling me how you see things, but you have no need to be concerned about me.’ She eased on her shoes and picked up her handbag, umbrella and Miss Teague’s coat. ‘I’ll go to the study now.’ Walking gingerly, she paused at the door. ‘Sally, you gave me a warning, perhaps you’ll allow me to give you one. Be careful of Russell Trevail. He can be cruel, he hurt me not so very long ago.’

  ‘I can handle him. Sometimes a woman has to settle for what she can get, but not you. You could do really well for yourself.’ Sally’s aggressiveness eased a little. ‘While we’re on the subject of men, remember that Luke Vigus isn’t the right man for you either. And before you protest there’s nothing going on between you, it’s all round the village that there is. I don’t understand why you’re wasting your time with him.’

  Faced with the fact that the truth was known Jo made no denial. ‘Luke is a good man, Sally.’

  Jo had no idea how much her expression, as she mentioned Luke’s name, gave her feelings away. Sally shook her head. ‘Well, fancy that. You’re in love with Luke. His nibs doesn’t stand a chance with you after all.’

  ‘I won’t deny I’m in love with Luke. The gossips might as well get their facts right about our relationship, but I’ll confide this in you, Sally: there could never be anything of that nature between Mr Lidgey and me.’

  A minute later Jo knocked on the study door and went inside.

  Marcus rose from his desk, where he had been filling in the school log. ‘Are you feeling better, Joanna?’

  ‘I’m perfectly all right, thank you, Marcus. About Arnold—’

  ‘I’ll call on his parents this evening,’ he said. ‘You must try not to let your emotions run away with you. You have a tendency to do that.’

  Jo offered no response. Her emotions were not his affair.

  ‘Sit by the fire.’ Marcus smiled warmly. ‘You’re shaking. You’re welcome to stay and have supper with us.’ He was journeying back to the feel of her in his arms. Twice now he had held her against his body. The first time had led to arousal but this time he had kept control. Even so, he could not aspire to marry her. She was too good for him. His mother would have to think of another evil plan to reverse her fortunes. Even if he could persuade Joanna to become his partner, he distrusted himself not to abuse her in the years ahead. He knew Luke Vigus meant something to her; even that scoundrel was more worthy of her than he was.

  Now came another injustice, another aching void to add to his perpetual distress. Suddenly he knew he was in love with her and must keep his feelings a secret. Being alone with Joanna was a sweet torment, but he must settle for being only her friend.

  ‘Thank you, but I really just want to go home to Nance.’

  ‘Mama will be disappointed.’

  ‘I shall see Eleanor tomorrow. I’ve promised to help her sift through her wardrobe and bring out her cooler clothes ready for the better weather.’

  ‘That is very good of you.’

  He was making polite conversation, even seemed a little uncomfortable with her. However he had behaved with Sally and his previous paramours, Jo was confident she would never find him a threat.

  ‘When are you to move into Miss Sayce’s house?’

  ‘Quite soon. It may seem strange but I’m not in a great hurry to leave Nance. I’ve really enjoyed living there.’

  ‘Not at all. Miss Merrick has been a loyal friend to you. I’ve never had a friend, except for you.’ He looked down at the floor.

  ‘One day I’m sure things will get better for you, Marcus. If I can do anything to help…’

  ‘Just play along with my mother’s belief that we’re closer than we really are. I swear I shall never ask anything more of you, Joanna.’

  * * *

  While a frowning Rex and a mournful Molly, who gave an occasional sob, tucked into the tea Mrs Wherry served them, Jo cradled Marylyn in her arms.

  ‘Molly’s got deep scratches on her hands and knees and she’s still in shock.’ Mrs Wherry stroked the little girl’s shoulder. ‘She won’t be able to go to school tomorrow. She can come in here with me and Marylyn.’

  ‘Thank you, Mrs Wherry,’ Jo said, crooning to the baby, who was daily growing healthier under the other woman’s care. Molly would never catch up on her lessons, but right now she needed mothering rather than schooling.

  ‘’Tis time the ’master did something about that Jelbert boy.’ Mrs Wherry bustled to the table with more food; the children were getting good value for Luke’s three shillings a week. ‘Before Arnold does something really dreadful to her. Dear little maid’s got enough to put up with, having no father and a useless mother. I’m glad Luke’s pulling himself together at last and taking proper place as head of the household, but he isn’t always here. I s’pose Arnold took advantage of him being away. Luke would’ve boxed his ears. When’s he coming back?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ Jo said, kissing the tiny face that so closely resembled Lew’s. Marylyn gurgled contentedly.

  ‘Thought he’d have told you that,’ Mrs Wherry said, standing back from the table to get a better view of Jo’s fa
ce.

  Jo ignored the remark. She was not about to suffer another warning over Luke.

  ‘He’ll be back when he’s sold all that scrap metal he bought,’ Rex piped up, helping himself to more bread to wipe round his soup bowl. He eyed Jo in an acerbic manner. ‘I’m in charge when he’s gone.’

  ‘Of course you are, Rex,’ Jo said, hoping the confidence she showed in the boy would lead to her gaining his trust. Rex had still not forgiven her over his caning. Understandable with the injustices he had borne in his seven years.

  ‘Can I get you something to eat, Miss Venner?’ Mrs Wherry asked kindly. ‘I can reheat the soup.’

  ‘No, thank you. I must be going soon.’ Jo cuddled Marylyn in tighter, reluctant to let her go, wishing she had more time to spend with her. She left with only a simple goodbye to Rex and Molly. Rex would have baulked at a fuss and Molly looked to Mrs Wherry for the reassurance she needed outside the school premises.

  Jo decided to call on Jessie Vigus, to discover what effect her drinking was having on her. She opened the door to the cottage.

  Jessie was downstairs, slumped on the couch in her tatty blue dressing gown, a half-filled gin bottle clutched in one greasy paw, but looking reasonably sober. The appalling smells of stale alcohol and her unwashed body stretched across the room, which despite Beth’s efforts was none too clean and tidy.

  ‘Hello, Jessie. How are you?’

  It took a few moments for the alcoholic to register Jo’s presence. ‘Why ask?’ Her voice was sarcastic and sharp, not its usual drunken slur. ‘Who do you think you are, coming here with your hoity-toity voice and ways. You don’t give a damn about me, do you, you uppity bitch?’

  Jo looked at her dispassionately. ‘No, not really.’

  ‘Where’re my children?’

  ‘Luke’s away working. The little ones are safe with Mrs Wherry.’

  ‘Safe? Safe from what?’

  ‘I’d better go.’

  ‘Safe from me, that’s what you meant,’ Jessie screeched, levering herself up from the couch. Jo was unprepared for her fleetness as she charged at her. Jessie grabbed her by the head with her free hand, dislodging her hat and yanking on her hair. ‘You interfering bitch! You’ve stolen my kids. You’ve made Luke hate me.’

  Jo gagged on the woman’s sour breath and pushed her away. Unsteady, Jessie hit the floor in a heap. Gin slopped out of the bottle and she wailed as she righted it. She took a long swig of the pale greenish liquid, then swore profanely at Jo. ‘You’ll come to grief one day. You’ll get what you deserve.’

  ‘I did not take your children away from you,’ Jo hissed. ‘If you were a proper mother instead of a drunken slut they’d be with you now.’

  ‘Think you’re spotless, don’t you?’ Jessie’s voice rose insanely where she lay sprawled on her back. ‘Well, let me tell you this, Miss Lady Muck, you’re no better’n me. You dangle your bait in front of men, you’re a whore just like the rest of us. I know what you do with my son.’

  Snatching up her hat, Jo ran out of the cottage with the woman’s demented screams chasing after her. ‘You’re a whore, Joanna Venner!’

  ‘Good heavens! What’s happened?’ Davey Penoble came out of the forge. Alarmed at Jo’s flushed face and tangled hair, he noted the unfamiliar coat she was wearing.

  ‘Do you know what that wretched woman in there has just called me?’ she fumed. ‘A whore! I don’t mind her calling me an interfering bitch, but not a whore. How do I deserve that label?’

  ‘Simple enough,’ Davey said soothingly. ‘She struck out at what she knew would rile you most. You’re honest and decent, the exact opposite of her. Don’t let it upset you.’

  ‘Well, it has, especially coming so quickly after Arnold Jelbert terrorising poor little Molly again. Have you heard about it?’

  ‘Of course, it’s all round the village.’ There was also talk of how one day soon Jo would come to regret her association with every member of the Vigus family.

  Davey’s company as he walked beside her up the hill was comforting. It made Jo realise just how much she was missing Luke, who occupied nearly all her thoughts. Where was he? What was he doing? She could hardly wait to be close to him again.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  ‘When are you and that Venner girl going to announce your engagement?’ Eleanor snarled from her bed. She was wrapped up tightly in the sheets.

  ‘All in good time, Mama.’ Marcus looked down on her coldly from the foot of the bed.

  ‘I understand, my darling boy.’ She smiled whimsically. ‘Joanna will take a while to harness. I’m very tired. Kiss me goodnight and let me get my rest.’

  Marcus abhorred the very thought of touching her marble-cold skin, but she was offering him an early escape tonight. A swift peck on her cheek and he could get away, perhaps enjoy a quiet drink in the pub.

  The instant he bent his head to kiss her, Eleanor whipped out the silver-backed hairbrush she had hidden under the bedcovers and brought it down viciously on the side of his head. With her other hand she grasped his groin, squeezing and twisting his most tender flesh.

  He yelled in pain and humiliation, struggling to wrest the hairbrush out of her hand while fighting off her vice-like grip on his body.

  ‘You vile bitch!’ he wailed.

  At last, the almost superhuman strength Eleanor had called upon deserted her. She dropped the hairbrush, but not before she had beaten him on the chest with it and rammed the handle into his stomach.

  Marcus leapt back in panic, unable to catch his breath. His mother was the epitome of all things corrupt and evil. Now was the time to rid himself of this lump of debased filth. Rearing towards the bed, he yanked the top pillow out from under her, making her head jerk to the side. He thought he had broken her neck, achieved his aim, but she rolled her head and sour-sweet breath puttered out between her lips. He threw the pillow over her face.

  A pain shot through his guts as if they had been penetrated by a red-hot arrow. She had hurt him more than he’d thought. Groaning in agony, he doubled over, slipping to the floor. His eyes closed and his senses left him.

  When he came to, his mother had managed to replace the pillow under her head. She looked serene, her gleaming hair formed around her head like a halo, as if to mock him. ‘You haven’t got the courage, you bastard. Make sure you have good news for me soon. Now get out and lick your wounds elsewhere. You make me sick.’

  Stumbling to his room he lay in torment on the bed. Hours passed. Sally retired without calling goodnight to him. She had as little as possible to do with him these days. Marcus was utterly panic-stricken. When she married Russell Trevail and left the schoolhouse, how would he cope with his mother? He could not bear to do the intimate services required by an invalid. His mother would enjoy making him perform every unpleasant task, and she would turn them into something else, something sordid and unthinkable. Yet how could she? She was old, in constant pain and becoming frail. She should not be able to make him do anything unless he wanted to. But she had power over him. A little while ago, he could have suffocated her. Not meekly left her room. His mother would never die. She would never leave him in peace. He sank into despair. Contemplated killing himself.

  Finally he rose, stripped and washed his abused body, almost scrubbing off his flesh in a crazed attempt to purge the corruption his mother had left on him and in every fibre of his being. Then dressing in clean clothes, he crept outside to his car and drove about all night.

  * * *

  ‘Jo! You’ll be late if you don’t get a move on,’ Mercy yelled up the stairs.

  After a restless night, Jo awoke slowly, at first thinking Mercy’s voice was part of her nightmare, in which Jessie Vigus murdered her children, including Luke, in a drunken rage. Then Eleanor Lidgey was rearing over her on two good legs, forcing her to put on a black wedding dress and walk up St Lubias’s aisle to marry Marcus. When she reached Marcus’s side he had contorted like a changeling, and she had been faced with a small frightened
boy as her bridegroom. His pitiful weeping had left her feeling darkly troubled.

  Reading the time on her little clock, she threw back the covers and scrambled out of bed. Splashing water over her face, she dressed hurriedly.

  Mercy popped her head round the door. ‘Be careful, my handsome, when you walk to school today. Lew’s just come in and said he’s found a dead sheep. Been savaged. Looks like a rogue dog done it. If it’s hungry, it’s possible it might attack someone.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Mercy. It’s one more worry for you hardworking farmers,’ Jo sympathised. She pulled a chunky cardigan out of a drawer; it was a lovely spring day and it would do in place of Miss Teague’s coat. She realised then she had left her ruined raincoat in the schoolhouse. ‘I hope this will be a better day than yesterday,’ she muttered grumpily. ‘Has the postman called?’

  ‘Yes, nothing for you though. Surely you’re not expecting Luke to write to you?’ Mercy replied brusquely.

  Jo ignored her.

  ‘I’ve got your breakfast ready. If you hurry you’ll just be on time.’

  ‘Thanks, Mercy, you’re a gem.’

  Mercy heard something and left the room. She called out from the landing window. ‘You might not have to rush after all. Your headmaster’s just pulled up in his car.’

  ‘Oh? I hope nothing’s wrong. Eleanor hasn’t been well lately. She spends most of the time in bed now. Mercy, will you show him inside, please?’

  Mercy did as she was asked, then went outside to supervise Kizzy Kemp in the dairy.

  Jo joined Marcus in the kitchen. He was standing, head slightly bowed amid the hotchpotch of furniture. ‘Good morning, Marcus. Is Eleanor ill?’

  ‘Good morning, Joanna. I hope you don’t mind me calling on you. Mama had a bad night. I’ve had no sleep. I had to get out and clear my head. I’ve been driving around and stopped here on the way back.’

  ‘Are you well?’ She went closer to him. He was ashen and she spied a livid red mark beside his ear. ‘You’re hurt. How did it happen?’