‘I think I’d like to see Rex and Molly now, and then go home to Nance if it’s convenient.’
‘Of course, but you may find yourself alone. I shall be happy to stay with you.’
‘Thank you, you’re so kind.’ Jo shivered again and looked wistful. ‘I wish Luke was here.’
‘I’ll see you to Mrs Wherry’s, then get the car ready,’ Marcus said in an efficient tone. Every time she mentioned Luke Vigus, his views on the roughcast dealer plagued the tip of his tongue, but Joanna would fight off his condemnation of the man in her life every bit as fiercely as she’d fought off the wild dog.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Very awkwardly, grimacing in pain, Eleanor sat up in bed and rang her bell insistently.
Sally walked into her bedroom, a minute later. ‘Yes, Mrs Lidgey?’
‘I want to get out of bed and get dressed, Sally. I’ll wear my green crêpe dress.’
‘Has the pain eased at last?’ Sally asked, pausing at the wardrobe door.
‘It’s bearable.’
‘It’s a pity the doctor couldn’t do more for you. It’s not right you should have to go on suffering like this.’
‘We’re all a martyr to something,’ Eleanor snapped. If she and Marcus weren’t so damned strapped for cash she could consult a top specialist. The country doctor who came over from Pendeen was dithering, apologetic and almost useless. Her body had long mastered the analgesic he prescribed. She had considered obtaining a herbal remedy from Mardie Dawes but did not trust the woman to give her something non-addictive.
‘Is there any news of Luke Vigus?’ she enquired. She did so every day.
‘Not yet. I saw Jo Venner coming out the side door of the pub last night. I think she was waiting for a phone call from him. She was looking disappointed. He’ll stay away for as long as he can. The green crêpe dress, you said?’
‘Yes, it will do, dear. And my jet brooch. What do you think of this romance between those two, Sally?’
‘Best of luck to her. She’ll need it with him. Luke’s a heartbreaker. Mind you, I should think she’ll soon get over it. If she can fight off a wild dog she should be able to cope with anything.’
‘You admire the girl? I thought you considered her a snob and was glad I no longer entertain her.’
‘To be honest I don’t like her much but, yes, I do admire her. She’s done something with her life.’
‘She was fortunate to have been born into a well-to-do family. You have always had to work hard, Sally.’
For less restriction, Eleanor wore few undergarments. Sally passed her a pair of French knickers, in feminine ivory silk and lace, then fastened her stockings with garters decorated with hand-made rosettes. Eleanor gingerly smoothed a full silk slip over her damaged hip, willing the pain shooting up through her spine to ease. Sally fastened the row of glass buttons at the back of the dress, then opening Eleanor’s jewellery box, took out the oval-shaped jet brooch, surrounded by tiny diamonds. Eleanor pinned it to the left side of the white tie on her dress.
Sally’s eyes lingered on the brooch.
Eleanor touched it. ‘You like this, don’t you? It’s your favourite among my jewellery.’
‘It’s beautiful,’ Sally said wistfully. Russell had given her an engagement ring but it was only a second-hand one he had bought off a tinker, and not very big or pretty.
‘It’s worth a lot of money. It’s a pity I have no one to leave it to.’ As Sally rose, after putting Eleanor’s shoes on her, Eleanor reached for her hand. ‘You deserve a reward for all the hard work you’ve done for me. I know I can be a trying old woman at times.’
Sally could not disguise her hopes. ‘You mean…?’
‘I never forget people who are loyal to me. I’m going to confide in you, Sally, the reason why I don’t like having the Venner woman in my house. My son was hoping to marry her. She flirted shamelessly with him, building up his hopes, then cast him aside like a scrap of rubbish for this fling with that no-account bastard gipsy. Marcus has taken it very hard. I’m becoming increasingly worried about him. He’s taken to spending less time with me and I can’t read his moods as I used to. He either plays his music for hours or wanders off on the moor alone, and I’m terrified until he comes back while that savage creature is still at large. Could I ask you to keep an eye on him and report back to me what he does, where he goes? And watch that little flibbertigibbet too? I don’t want her upsetting him again.’
Sally’s eyes were glued to the brooch. The money from the sale of the exquisite piece of jewellery would set her and Russell up for life. It would be easy money, there was very little she could report. Marcus behaved impeccably towards Jo. There was no evidence of Jo ever playing games with Marcus’s heart. As with any woman foolishly in love with an unsuitable man she was quietly waiting for Luke to come back. Sally would have to be careful not to cause trouble for Jo. No one approved of her romance with Luke, but she was quite the heroine in the village since saving the children from the savage dog.
‘I’ll do anything I can to ease your burden, Mrs Lidgey.’
‘Thank you, dear. I knew I could rely on you. When I’ve done my hair, you can call for Marcus to carry me downstairs.’
‘He didn’t come home for dinner. The school’s busy today, getting ready for the end-of-term service. Beth and I can manage between us.’
Eleanor’s face darkened at being snubbed once more by Marcus. Nevertheless, she smiled at Sally. ‘You can help me into my wheelchair then fetch my hat and coat.’
‘You’re going outside?’ Sally was surprised. Although Mrs Lidgey frequently asked questions about the villagers, she’d never once expressed the desire to mix with them. She was more of a snob than Jo Venner.
‘I think I’ll attend the Easter prayers at the school.’
* * *
Eleanor arrived at the school, with Sally pushing her wheelchair, as the maypole dancing finished. She ignored the children and the few parents who were present. After speaking briefly to the vicar, her eyes lingered beadily on Marcus before flicking insidiously to Jo.
‘The Easter garden is magnificent, Miss Venner. You are very clever. I was wondering, has Luke Vigus returned from his travels yet?’
From the smirk on Sally’s face, Jo guessed Eleanor was getting her to pass on details of her private life. ‘The children worked hard on the garden, Mrs Lidgey. I’m so pleased you like it,’ she said graciously.
‘Take Mrs Lidgey into the school,’ Marcus barked crossly at Sally. ‘You must not allow her to catch a chill.’ He stalked on ahead of them.
‘Well, that was rude,’ Sally exclaimed indignantly.
Underneath the blanket over her lap, Eleanor was shredding her hands.
‘Try not to lose your patience with her,’ Jo whispered to Marcus as he looked over the music for the hymns.
She had the notion Eleanor was expert at making Marcus feel guilty for his moments of nettle, and he would then put himself into the awful position of working extra hard to make it up to her. Such a waste of his time. It was a pity he didn’t see fit to trundle her off to a nursing home. Some mothers were not deserving of unbroken care and devotion.
Marcus made no reply – what could he say? Eleanor would make him suffer for it later. She made him suffer all the time.
Eleanor’s words over Luke taunted Jo. He had failed to telephone her as arranged last night. Where was he? Was he safe and well? She ached for his return.
When the gathering was assembled in the upper classroom, the short Easter service began. Marcus, Adam Moore, Jane Lawry and Susan Wherry played string instruments in accompaniment to Miss Teague on the harmonium. The occasion was finished off with prayers performed solemnly by the Reverend Mountebank, who wished the children a happy holiday and exhorted them to attend the Easter services in the church, ignoring the fact there were Methodists present.
Jo closed her hymn book and swung her eyes to Molly to see if she appeared comfortable.
‘Checking
on your ready-made family again?’ Biddy Lean suddenly positioned herself in front of Jo.
‘I think you’ve said enough, Mrs Lean,’ Jo returned smartly. Biddy’s loud voice had ensured others were staring and listening to them.
‘People think you’re a saint, but they’d change their minds if they knew you and your man were encouraging his mother to drink herself into an early grave.’
‘I suggest you go home, Mrs Lean,’ Marcus interrupted harshly. ‘I think the village has heard enough of your spiteful remarks.’
‘You’re a troublemaker, Biddy Lean,’ Verena Jelbert said. ‘And a liar.’
‘A liar, am I?’ Biddy snapped, her eyes seering into Jo’s angry face. ‘Luke Vigus pays Mardie Dawes to leave drink for Jessie every day. Your perfect Miss Venner knows all about it. Ask her. She can’t deny it. Jessie even boasts about it.’
In the corner of her eye Jo saw Miss Teague gasp triumphantly then lean over the wheelchair to titter to Eleanor.
‘I won’t deny it,’ Jo said firmly. ‘It wasn’t an easy option for Luke but it was the only one he could think of to stop Jessie selling everything he provides for the children.’
Verena Jelbert looked shocked at the revelation but again she came to Jo’s defence. ‘And you’ve all seen for yourself that it’s working. I don’t think this is a subject that should be discussed in front of the children.’
‘Nor do I,’ Marcus’s voice boomed, halting the rush of opinions. The vicar was sidling away, but his pale face was a contortion of outrage. Marcus would have to call a meeting with Mr Mountebank as soon as possible, and Joanna had some smart talking to do if she was to keep her position at the school. ‘It’s past school hours and there’s clearing up to be done. I suggest everyone disperses for their homes.’
‘Wheel me towards Marcus,’ Eleanor ordered Sally.
‘You must dismiss that young woman at once,’ she hissed at him. ‘Or the vicar and villagers will lose their trust in you, then what will happen to us?’
‘I will do what I think is necessary, Mama,’ he said tightly. ‘Now you must excuse me. I shall be busy for some time.’
The clearing-up was done without a word passing between the three teachers and Frank Burthy. Miss Teague was too nervous to look Jo in the eye, but she left the premises with her chin pointing upwards.
Jo finally approached Marcus when he was standing alone at his desk. ‘Please accept how sorry I am that Biddy Lean made her announcement in the school, in the presence of invited company.’
‘I hardly know what to say to you, Joanna.’
‘What are you thinking?’
‘Now that you’ve asked I shall tell you. I’m astonished that you are in agreement with Luke Vigus over his unorthodox plan to provide his siblings with a better standing of living.’
‘Luke got the idea from something I said.’ Jo was ashamed it was she herself who had caused these hostile feelings against Luke.
‘It’s hardly a recipe to lead Jessie Vigus into the realms of good motherhood,’ Marcus said sternly. ‘You will have lost a lot of support today and it will not be easily overcome if you continue your alliance with Luke Vigus. You do see that one’s private life matters very much in such a small close-knit community?’
‘I understand all the implications.’ Jo swallowed the bile in her throat. ‘Do you think I shall face being hounded out of the village?’ It would be a source of celebration for her mother, and his, and Jessie Vigus. All three women loathed her.
‘To be honest I don’t know.’ A wave of panic washed over him, making him clench his fists to stop himself rocking on his feet. He could hardly bear the thought of not seeing Joanna nearly every day. She was the only person who brought sanity into his wretched existence. ‘I shall fight in your corner, of course, and after the tumult has died down, I’m sure many of the parents will remember that not so very long ago you put yourself at great risk to save their children’s lives. The Methodists will prove to be the greatest opposition and the vicar is going to be very difficult. He’s always concerned about his standing.’
‘You make it sound like it’s your fight too.’
Their eyes locked. ‘Oh, Joanna, if you only knew how much it is. I don’t want to lose the only friend I’ve got.’
‘Thank you, Marcus. Whatever happens, let me assure you that you’ll never lose my friendship.’
He was silent for a moment, then, ‘And Luke Vigus?’
Jo met his eyes levelly. ‘I don’t wish to discuss my involvement with Luke, only to say that I will never give him up.’
He nodded briefly, accepting the statements. ‘I hope I will see something of you during the holiday. Perhaps we could go riding together.’
‘I’d enjoy that.’
His face lit up. ‘I shall look forward to it.’
They left the school together.
‘Hello there!’
All her worries vanished for the moment. Overjoyed to see it was Luke hailing her, she hastened out of the gates to him.
Marcus watched them with envy and a terrible sinking feeling in his heart. How could Joanna throw herself away on such a worthless individual?
Jo was eager to be alone with Luke but first she must say good afternoon to Marcus.
Luke eyed the approaching schoolmaster but did not speak to him.
‘Are you back for long, Vigus?’ Marcus asked abruptly.
‘I shall be around for a while,’ Luke replied, looking at Jo and not the headmaster.
‘Good heavens!’ Marcus exclaimed, staring wide-eyed across the road. ‘Isn’t that your mother, Vigus?’
‘Bloody hell,’ Luke hissed. ‘She’s wandering off again.’ Jessie was lurching down the road, her dressing gown open, exposing all her raddled hide. Luke darted across the road and tried to get a grip on her. Jessie spat and swore, lashing out and butting him in the chin with her forehead. She raked her broken fingernails down his face.
As if a silent signal proclaiming a drama had been given people were suddenly about. Abner Jelbert started catcalling. ‘How can you bear to touch the filthy bitch, Luke.’
‘Get in here and shut your ruddy mouth!’ Verena was heard shouting to her husband. She was watching the scuffle from a window.
Abner ignored her. ‘We all know your lady-love’s in league with you over your mother’s booze. You’d better keep your head down, boy.’
Jo pleaded with Marcus. ‘We must help Luke get her inside.’
‘Of course.’ Marcus’s long legs ensured he beat her to the struggling couple. Because he had no other option, he caught Jessie in a stranglehold from behind and lifted her off her feet. ‘Come now, Mrs Vigus. Calm down. You’re making a spectacle of yourself.’
‘Bastard!’ Jessie howled, gouging at his hands. ‘You’re all bastards.’
Luke grasped her wrists and tried to hold her arms still, but she kicked him viciously in the shin and he fell back, crumpling against the wall.
Jo opened the door to the tiny cottage. ‘Marcus, drag her inside.’
He obeyed, and as Jessie’s feet combed the dust, Jo tightly grabbed her ankles. Despite her thrashing about, they managed to get her to the couch and threw her down on to it. It winded her, and Jo hastily pulled the dressing gown decently together.
Luke half-fell through the door and slammed it shut, drowning out the gales of laughter outside.
‘Are you all right, Luke?’ Jo went to him.
He nodded breathlessly, rubbing his painful shin. Blood was trickling down his face and neck. ‘God damn her! I’ll take her upstairs. I can’t bear the sight of her.’
Jessie had fallen into a kind of daze. Lifting her over his shoulder, Luke mounted the rope ladder.
‘Something must be done to stop her leaving the house in that condition,’ Marcus said, examining the stinging, bloodied digs in his hands.
‘I can’t see what, except for tying her up,’ Jo replied grimly. ‘She was probably making her way to Mardie Dawes for more gin or some herbs t
o drug herself with. Luke says she’s often in pain from the long-term abuse of her body.’
Marcus glanced round the room. It smelled every bit a fetid shanty.
‘Marcus, it was good of you to help, but Luke is terribly embarrassed. Would you mind if I asked you to leave before he comes down?’
‘You shouldn’t stay in a place like this, Joanna. It must be crawling with vermin.’ He wound his handkerchief around his hand that had been scratched the most. ‘You’re going to very much regret your association with this family.’ He went back to the school, his soul heavy with a crushing sadness over all he could not have now and in the future.
‘Thanks for getting rid of him, Jo,’ Luke murmured when he came down. They immediately embraced. ‘I feel humiliated that he should see my mother like that.’
‘He is sympathetic about it, Luke.’
‘Perhaps. He was certainly disgusted. I can’t blame him for looking down on me too with the way I’ve let her behave, the way I’ve let the kids be treated. Oh, God, Jo, when will it end?’
‘It will end one day, Luke, and in the meantime I’m here for you.’
Bracketing her face in his hands he kissed her very tenderly. Jo tasted his lips, felt the wonderful familiar impression of his body against her. The kiss deepened and deepened, love, passion and need their only communication.
When their lips finally separated she kissed him again. ‘I’m just reminding myself you’re really here.’ She smiled up at him. ‘Luke, is your leg hurting?’
‘Not so much now,’ he murmured huskily. ‘All the time I was away I kept asking myself how could I leave you. But, Jo, the instant I stepped inside this house I felt I just had to get out again. I’m going to have to find a permanent solution for the kids to be looked after. I can’t bear this situation any longer.’
A loud thump came from overhead and Jessie, who had fallen off her mattress, screamed obscenities.
Letting Jo go, Luke limped to the rope ladder and gripped it savagely with both hands. ‘You rotten stinking bitch. I swear if the drink doesn’t take you soon I’ll kill you myself.’
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