‘My goodness, whatever is it?’ Stella asked as she hurried into the bedroom, closely followed by Frank. They both helped Ruby to her feet and sat her down on the bed.
‘Mum told me only hours ago that in this box I would find some money to put towards burying her. She’d also hidden some savings she’d been keeping after Eddie took mine.’ She felt ashamed to have to say to these two good people that her husband could not be trusted.
‘Go downstairs and stick the kettle on the hob, love,’ Stella instructed Frank. ‘We will be down shortly, once Ruby is feeling better.’
Frank looked as though the last thing he wanted to do was leave Ruby while she was upset, but he gave her a sympathetic nod and did as he was told.
Before saying a word, Stella picked up the box, putting a few items inside and placing it on a nearby chest of drawers. Pulling the eiderdown up around Ruby’s shoulders to comfort and keep her warm, she sat down next to her and placed an arm around her. ‘I don’t want to interfere in what goes on behind a husband and wife’s front door, as that is their business. You could tell me to go home if you want? But I get the feeling your Eddie is a bit of a wrong’n and has taken your mum’s money.’
Ruby could only nod before taking a deep breath to say: ‘He’s never been good with money. It’s all my fault; I should’ve hidden our savings somewhere safer. Mum caught him poking about in the pantry and managed to take some of the money and hide it in her room, along with her own. I can only think that when he heard her tell me at the hospital where she’d put her money, he came home and took it.’ She dissolved into tears once again. ‘Whatever am I going to do? I haven’t got a penny to bury Mum. He’s taken it all, and to use one of Mum’s favourite sayings, I haven’t got a pot to piss in.’
7
‘Don’t be too angry, Frank,’ Stella said as she placed his breakfast in front of him. ‘No one knows what goes on in the privacy of someone’s home.’
Frank thumped his fist on the table, making cutlery jump and cups rattle on their saucers. Stella grabbed the teapot as it wobbled. She’d given her spare one to Ruby so had to be careful, as she didn’t trust her lot not to break this one. If they did she’d have to use her best teapot, which had been a wedding present.
‘We did know about Eddie, though,’ Frank said in frustration. ‘Look at how many jobs he’s had in the month or so since the Caseltons have lived in the road. Didn’t I tell you only the other day he’d been given the boot from the coalyard for stealing and fiddling coal deliveries?’
Stella sank into the spare seat next to her eldest son. ‘Knowing something about the man and having a say about it to Ruby are not the same thing. What if she knew what he was up to and wasn’t bothered? I’m only saying,’ she added quickly, as Frank glared at her. She knew her son was very fond of Ruby, but of course nothing could come of it – Ruby was a married woman with a child. Even if her husband did walk out on her, she was still married. It would have been lovely to have a daughter-in-law like Ruby, Stella thought wistfully.
‘I must do something for her.’ Frank pushed his plate away, leaving food uneaten. ‘I’m going to offer her some money. It won’t go far, but it will help with the funeral costs. The last thing she needs is to see Mrs Tomkins going into a pauper’s grave.’
‘I can chip in a bit. I’m sure your dad won’t mind. He’s got a soft spot for Ruby and the lad. It’s bad enough Ruby couldn’t bury Sarah herself, let alone see her mum go into an unmarked grave.’
‘Sarah?’
‘Eat the rest of that while I tell you,’ she said, pushing the plate back in front of him before starting to explain.
‘Bloody hell, I had no idea. I’m ashamed to say that once she was over the birth, I gave no thought to what happened – you know, with the body. I’m sorry,’ he said, not able to look at his mother.
‘Don’t apologize. It’s the way of the world, and most of us wouldn’t think twice about such a thing unless it affected us. It worked out well in the end, and that’s what counts. I’m more concerned with what happens next in Ruby’s life. She will need to be making arrangements for a funeral today as well as wondering about her future.’
‘I’m going to go over there and see what I can do to help. Even if it’s to take George off her hands for the day while she does what has to be done. Why don’t you sit and talk to her while the kid’s out of the way? You always give good advice, and she will need a shoulder to cry on, with that Eddie having done a bunk.’ Even to speak Eddie’s name gave Frank a bad taste in his mouth. Why would a man treat a woman in such a way? He knew that if Ruby was his wife, he’d treat her like a precious jewel. For him, Ruby was exactly the right name for the woman he admired. Worried his mother could read his thoughts, he got to his feet and announced: ‘I’m going over there now. I’ll get word to the depot manager that I’ll not be in work today because of a bereavement.’
‘You’re a good lad, Frank. Let me put the plates in the sink and I’ll be right behind you. The washing-up can wait for once. I’ll leave George asleep and give Donald a shout to listen out for him.’
Together they walked across the road, aware they were being watched by Ruby’s neighbour, Miss Hunter, who was wiping the wide ledge of her bay window with a cloth.
‘Good morning, Miss Hunter. You’ve started your housework bright and early,’ Stella said in a clipped tone.
‘I have a lot to be getting on with after spending yesterday in prayer. It’s a shame not everyone can do the same.’ Miss Hunter glanced towards the door of number thirteen. ‘I can’t say the same for all in this street.’
‘Now is not the time for such thoughts. Mrs Caselton’s mother passed away in the early hours of this morning, so perhaps don’t share your views with her today?’ As Stella spoke, an ashen-faced Ruby opened the door.
‘I will add Mrs Tomkins to my prayers,’ the elderly spinster replied, without an ounce of compassion passing her thin face.
‘Thank you, Miss Hunter, but we don’t need your prayers,’ Ruby said stiffly as she let Stella and Frank into the house and closed the door, not waiting to hear Miss Hunter’s reply. Her mother wouldn’t have thanked her for accepting prayers on her behalf. Milly Tomkins had fallen out with the Almighty after losing her husband at an early age. In her book, a church was just a place to marry or say goodbye to loved ones. There was no need for religion to be mentioned.
Stella gave Ruby a quick hug and placed her basket onto the table in the living room. ‘I’ve put some bits and bobs in there to keep you and George going. I know you’ll be too busy to get to the grocer.’
‘Thank you, let me give you the money,’ Ruby said, reaching for the purse she’d left on the mantelpiece.
‘No! If I can’t bring a few things over to help you out, what kind of neighbour am I? I know you’d do the same for me or mine if the boot was on the other foot.’
‘I would, but I hope that day never comes. I’d hate to think of your family suffering like mine,’ Ruby said, taking the basket into the kitchen to unpack. There was enough to see her and George through a few days until life got back to normal, if it ever would. Stella’s generosity lifted her heart; whatever would she do without good friends? It was a huge comfort to her, but then she suddenly started to tremble so much that she had to grip the side of the sink to stop herself sinking to her knees.
‘My goodness, Ruby! Frank, quick, help me get Ruby to a seat. The poor girl has had a bit of a turn,’ Stella exclaimed as she caught Ruby before she sank to the floor completely.
Frank scooped Ruby up in his arms and carried her through to the front room, depositing her in one of the hard horsehair armchairs. Stella brought in a cup of water and held it to her lips. ‘Here you go, love. With everything that’s gone on, it’s no wonder you’ve come over all queer. I bet you’ve not even eaten, have you?’ she fussed. ‘Frank, get some breakfast going while I fetch a blanket to tuck round this young lady. No arguing,’ she added as Ruby started to protest. ‘I know it’s warm
enough outside, but you need a bit of cosseting. When I think of what you’ve been through, why, I could cry. If putting some food in your belly and keeping you warm is what it takes to get you back on your feet, then you can shut up and let me take charge.’
Ruby mumbled her thanks, leant back in the armchair and closed her eyes. Apart from the cup of tea she’d let go cold while sitting at the hospital, nothing had touched her lips since early yesterday. Frank and Stella had tried to ply her with a hot drink when she’d arrived home in the early hours, but she couldn’t stomach the thought of anything. No wonder she didn’t feel quite the ticket at the moment. Lying awake for the few hours she was in bed, she couldn’t sleep for thinking of the list of what had to be done today. Almost everything required money, and she hardly had a penny to her name. Rather than curse Eddie, as she knew it would get her nowhere, she wondered why he’d let her down at such a time. When she needed him by her side being strong, he’d instead left her to flounder alone. Was the lure of drinking and gambling so strong that he had left her alone with a young child? She fought a shuddering sob as it ripped through her. She would not be a victim at the hands of her husband.
‘Here you go, lovey. Let’s tuck this round you and once we’ve had a cup of tea, we will do what we can to help you,’ Stella said as she sat in the other chair.
Ruby nodded in agreement. Grateful though she was, she had no idea how Stella could possibly help her. ‘Thank you. I hope George hasn’t been a bother? I dread to think how I’m going to tell him that not only has his nanny died, but his daddy will not be coming home.’
‘Are you sure Eddie hasn’t just gone off somewhere drinking and will roll home again before too long? I recall you mentioning that’s happened before.’
‘No, he’s gone for good this time. Most of his clothes have disappeared from the chest of drawers, along with the shaving kit and the watch he only wore with his suit, and that’s gone too.’
Stella shook her head. She was thankful that her Wilf was a good family man and would never do such a thing. Even in times of trouble, he would sit down with her and they would talk things through. What kind of man would act the way Eddie Caselton had? ‘Oh dear, that does sound final, doesn’t it?’
‘I truly thought Eddie loved me and George, and had some respect for my mum. To go like that without saying anything when Mum was fading fast, and then to take her money, is unforgivable. I feel as though I’ve lost everything. My husband, my mother, the wherewithal to give her a decent send-off, and also this house. George’s future looks bleak. What kind of mother am I, to not be able to provide for my son?’ Ruby forced the words out slowly, not wanting to voice her fears.
Stella took her hand and held it tightly. ‘You’ll get through this, my love, and you have friends here to help. Ah, here comes some breakfast – well done, Frank.’
Frank placed the tea tray on a battered-looking side table, the one piece of furniture in the room apart from the armchairs. ‘I made you a bit of toast. Please eat it, as you need to keep up your strength. I’ll just get a chair from the other room, then we can start to make a plan of action. I’ll leave you to pour the tea, Mum, you know I always make a mess,’ he grinned, trying to lighten the sadness that hung heavy in the room.
‘He’s a good lad,’ Stella said as she stirred the hot tea in the teapot. ‘He’ll make someone a good husband one of these days.’
Ruby gave a weak smile. ‘That’s what I could have done with. I didn’t choose so well, did I?’
‘No one is to know what will happen in life,’ Stella said as she passed the plate of toast over. ‘Now eat that up before it goes cold,’ she directed. ‘You need all your strength to see you through today.’
Ruby did as she was told, although the first mouthful was hard to chew, but as the flavour of the melted butter hit her taste buds, she found herself salivating and very soon cleared the plate. ‘That was delicious,’ she told Frank as he returned, carrying a chair.
‘I’ll make some more in a while,’ he said, taking a pencil and a well-worn notebook from the pocket of his jacket. ‘I thought, if you don’t mind, we could make a few notes – a plan of action, so to speak. Do you agree?’
‘If you think it will help, then of course I agree,’ she replied, although she held out little hope of her problems being solved with just a list.
‘Mum, I know you had some thoughts, so would you like to voice them first?’
Stella passed a cup of tea to Ruby before sitting back down with her own drink, leaving Frank’s on the table so he had his hands free to write. ‘I hope you don’t think I’m being nosy, but what provisions had been made for when she passed away? I know lots of old folk, and none of them want to be a burden on those they leave behind.’
‘Of course you’re not being nosy. I’m grateful for your interest. Mum only told me last night, while Eddie was at her bedside, about the box under her bed. From all accounts there were a few bits and bobs of jewellery, along with the money she’d rescued from the pantry where I’d hidden it. She’d noticed Eddie looking at it and whisked it away before he got his dirty hands on it. She also said there was some money in the box to give her a send-off. You both see what was left,’ she added, looking embarrassed.
‘Would you recognize the jewellery if you saw it again?’ Frank asked. ‘We could let the coppers know, and also pay a visit to a few pawnshops?’
Ruby was horrified. ‘Please, no – I don’t want to get the police involved! I’d be so ashamed for anyone to know my circumstances. The jewellery would not have been of much value to anyone. I don’t think my father’s medals would have brought much in either. It would have been nice for George to have had them, though. At the moment I’m more concerned about her funeral.’
Frank noted as he scribbled her words down, ‘You mentioned before that you have two sisters. Is it likely your mother had left anything with them?’
Ruby gave a brittle laugh. ‘It’s highly unlikely. The pair of them had little to do with Mum. I’m dreading having to let them know Mum has died and there’s no money to bury her. No doubt they will see it as their Christian duty to take over and will never let me forget how I chose a bad husband and couldn’t provide for our mother. In fact, the one decision I have made is not to let the pair of them know that Mum has died until I have some sort of answer to how I will cope. They’ve not seen much of Mum over the years, since they moved up in the world. I need to have things straight before they try to help. It may be well meant, but I can’t bear the thought of them knowing our circumstances.’
‘I’m with you there,’ Stella agreed. ‘The less they know the better, for now. Did Milly say any more?’
‘She mainly slept,’ Ruby said, thinking back to the hours she’d spent at the hospital alone with her mum. ‘She did say something about her coat – now what was it? My mind is in such a muddle.’
‘Drink your tea – it’ll come to you when you don’t think too hard,’ Stella assured her, as something caught her eye through the large bay window. ‘It’s our Donald and your George coming over the road. Frank, can you let them in and save us ladies getting up?’ She grinned at Ruby as she raised her little finger and sipped her tea daintily.
Ruby snorted with half a laugh. Stella was a real tonic and Ruby was grateful the older woman was a friend, especially at a time like this. ‘Hello, my love,’ she said, giving George a hug as he ran into the room.
‘Are you not well?’ he asked, looking at his mum wrapped in a blanket.
‘Mummy was just a little chilly,’ Stella explained, saving Ruby from answering. ‘Now, Donald, why the long face?’
‘I thought our Frank was going to take me with him to work today to show me what happens in the clerk’s office. I’ve got an essay to write for school about my family and the work they do.’
Frank slapped his hand to his forehead. ‘Blast, I meant to send word in that I’m taking the day off to help with a problem in the family,’ he said, giving Ruby a shy look. ‘You a
re like family to us. Donald, would you take a note to the office for me? I’m sure Mr Porter will allow you to stay and watch for a while,’ he added, bringing a smile to his younger brother’s face.
‘But first, you go over home and wash your face. Oh, and you can put on your best coat as well. I don’t want anyone thinking my son dresses like a ragamuffin,’ Stella admonished him, although she was smiling too. Donald was a bright lad, and she hoped he’d do well in life. For him to follow Frank into the office of the coal merchant would be a good move, although her husband still dearly wished for one of their lads to join him as a lighterman on the river.
‘I’ll come over with you and sort out the note,’ Frank said, not adding that he wanted to use the nice paper he saved for letters, rather than tear a page from his notebook.
Ruby watched the interaction between mother and son, as something buzzed around inside her head.
Stella noticed the puzzled look on Ruby’s face. ‘Is there something bothering you, lovey?’
Ruby frowned and tried to clear her thoughts. ‘It was something you’ve just said to Donald . . . Oh well,’ she shrugged her shoulders. ‘If it’s important, it’ll come to me.’
‘What are you going to do about your job?’ Stella asked. ‘Marge will be expecting you by now. Would you like me to pop round to the cafe and let her know what’s happened?’ She nodded towards George, not wishing to mention his nan having died.
Ruby gasped. ‘Oh my goodness, I’d completely forgotten what day it was. I must get round to the cafe right now,’ she said, standing up suddenly and letting the blanket fall to the floor. Feeling dizzy, she gasped and clutched the nearby mantelpiece for support.
A Mother Forever Page 11