Stormy Days On Mulberry Lane

by Rosie Clarke

  ‘I’m more interested in Fay’s chances,’ Peggy said. ‘Someone put me in for this competition but I wouldn’t have entered it… and I’m rather hoping someone else wins. She lost her husband and she must have worked so hard to cook to the standard she did today. She needs this, Able, and I don’t…’

  He nodded, looking at her with respect. ‘Yes, I think that’s true – so now we go home and get on with our lives again.’

  33

  It was good to get back to normal. Now that the competition was over and things were settling down again. Peggy’s thoughts could turn towards her family and the future. Sheila and Pip were making plans, though Peggy had tried to persuade her son to wait a bit longer before moving.

  ‘You’re not really well yet, Pip,’ she told him one morning as he hobbled in and out of his wife’s kitchen. ‘Why not wait until after Christmas at least?’

  ‘It’s not as if we’re taking vanloads of stuff with us. Sheila is packing what she needs, Mum, and I just sit in the chair and get waited on. Chris plays his guitar to me and we talk…’ He smiled at her. ‘My firm will send a car for me and my own is being repaired and will be delivered to the cottage for us. I don’t need to do much at all.’

  ‘Your firm clearly thinks a lot of you,’ Peggy said and saw his confident smile. ‘Well, you’ll do what you want, but please be careful – none of us want to lose you.’

  ‘I know and I am resting most of the time,’ he told her. ‘Stop fussing, Mum. The doctor says it is better for me to do what I feel comfortable with as long as I don’t overtire myself.’

  ‘That’s all I’m asking.’

  ‘Sheila keeps me right,’ he said and grinned, looking more like the old Pip. ‘She will soon put the brakes on if she thinks I’m doing too much.’

  Sheila told her Pip was doing well when they spoke later that day. ‘I’ve talked to the doctors and he says all his injuries are healing. I think if I tried to make him wait, I’d do more harm than good. He does all the exercises they gave him and, though he does get tired at night, he seems to bounce back…’

  Peggy nodded. Her son had always been independent and it would do no good to nag him. She just got on with her work at the boarding house and cooking for the cake shop and the pub. Sheila left most of it to her now and she knew that when she took the reins back, she was probably going to have to look for another pair of hands. Pearl would take over the boarding house, but Peggy would still have her hands full and the time just flew by.

  ‘Are you nervous, darling?’ Peggy asked Fay the afternoon of her first competition as a figure skater. She helped her dress in the costume that they’d had specially made. ‘Do you want a hanky?’

  ‘I’m not going to cry if I don’t win, Mum,’ Fay said and laughed as she saw her mother’s anxious face. ‘I’m excited – and I’ll be able to watch some of the best skaters in the country in my group. That means I’ll be able to learn what I need to do to become a champion.’

  Peggy nodded and smiled. Her daughter was growing up, though sometimes she reverted to being a child when quarrelling with Freddie. She’d worried it would distress Fay if she didn’t win but felt happier as she took her daughter down the stairs to where Able and Freddie were waiting. Maureen was bringing Rose and all the children in her car and they were taking Sheila and Chris, baby Meg was staying with Pip – so Fay would have quite a few voices cheering for her when she finished her routine.

  Having seen the routine for the first time the previous day, Peggy had been impressed by how much she’d improved since she’d started her training. Yet, even if Fay wasn’t nervous, Peggy’s insides were churning as she followed the excited little girl out to the car. She hadn’t minded one way or the other whether she won her own competition, but she did want Fay to do well, because no matter what she said, Fay would be disappointed if she came way down the list. It wasn’t likely she would win, of course, but a fourth or fifth would be a good enough result – if she was tenth or below there might be tantrums later.

  Able saw them all into his roomy car and Peggy waved to Alice and Pearl, who had come to the door to see them off. She knew that her business was in good hands. That was the best thing about living here in the lanes. You always knew you could rely on your friends and that meant more than money. They’d given up a little goldmine in Devon, but although the money wasn’t as plentiful just now, they’d found a better way of life. Able’s difficulties were temporary and now the bank understood that he was selling his cottage, they’d allowed him the credit he needed to finish his project.

  ‘Tom and I have agreed,’ he’d told Peggy the previous night. ‘We’re going to continue our partnership when we’ve sold this building, but in future we’ll stick to smaller projects – perhaps private houses or extensions. Tom said a lot of people are having those done in the suburbs now. He’d spotted the opening but had no money to advance his ambition, but now we’ll do it together.’

  ‘What do you think you’ll make when you sell?’ Peggy had asked.

  Able had considered for a moment, then, ‘I think when I’ve got my money back and paid off the bank, we’ll clear about four hundred pounds profit each, but that means I’ll have quite a large float again.’

  Peggy had nodded. ‘That is a lot of money, but I think you’d hoped for more?’

  ‘Yes, probably at least double,’ Able had admitted. ‘I could have got as much by simply selling the site on to a developer – but it is experience, Peggy. I’ve always been ambitious and I may have bitten off more than I could chew this time. I regret having to sell the cottage, but that is mitigated by it being bought by Pip.’

  ‘Yes,’ she’d nodded. ‘I’m rather pleased they’re having it, Able. It means they can move straight into a new home with nothing to do and Pip will be happy in his work. I might have minded a bit if it had gone to a stranger – but this way we’re keeping it in the family and we have a permanent invite for holidays. Freddie already says he’s going down next Easter to stay with Aunty Sheila.’

  Able had nodded and smiled. ‘Pip will be off at the beginning of December to open up the cottage, though I’ve already arranged for someone to go in and clean and get the range going for them so it’s nice and warm. He won’t have anything much to do and Sheila will follow the next day. I offered to take her down, but she says Pip’s firm has arranged a special car for her and the children, just as they have for him, so she will be travelling in style.’

  ‘He has bent over backwards to show her how much he cares recently,’ Peggy had said. ‘I’m so glad they’re taking over the cottage, Able. We have the chance to make both businesses pay here and then who knows what the future holds?’

  The competition was held at Olympia and there was a large crowd of parents and siblings there to cheer their family members in the various competitions. As the pretty little girls and smart young boys whizzed around the ice at breath-taking speeds, Peggy wondered how Fay could hope to compete. Surely these youngsters had been training for years?

  When it came to the beginners’ class for eleven- to fifteen-year-old girls and boys, one young lad came on second and his performance was outstanding. Peggy clapped enthusiastically, because his talent shone like a star. The next contestant was a girl of about eleven; she skated well until just before the end when she fell and, though she recovered, she made a few errors after that. Everyone clapped sympathetically, but she hurried from the ice in tears.

  Fay was on sixth, after two good, but not excellent, boys and another girl. She stood there proudly and Peggy could hardly believe it was her daughter. When she began to skate, it made her catch her breath, because there was something so beautiful and almost otherworldly about her as she moved on the ice. She was like a little swan in her frilly white costume and Peggy was filled with awe and pride as she completed her performance and made not one mistake. The crowd erupted into applause at the end and Fay curtsied, looking bewildered but delighted as she skated off and was followed by another six young girls
and boys. Each of them received marks at the end of their routine and Fay’s was good but so were some of the others, so Peggy wasn’t sure how her daughter had done.

  Freddie was cheering loudly and Maureen was clapping as hard as she could. Able slapped his knee to show his appreciation of her skill and looked like the proud father he was.

  After they had finished, when all the competitors had performed, there was a hush before the announcements were made.

  Able looked at Peggy and his grin showed he felt the same as her. ‘In my opinion only one other matched her.’

  Peggy nodded, steeling herself for the results from the judges, because she wasn’t sure where Fay’s mark would put her, though it had seemed higher than most, and then the announcement came. Fay and the young boy, named Robert Stevens, were recalled to the ice together with two other young girls. A total of four prizes would be awarded.

  ‘In fourth place, with 6.5 overall, is Janice Green,’ the announcer said and the tallest girl stepped forward to receive her little trophy. ‘In third place, Alice Hadden…’ The other little girl stepped forward to receive her award and then there was a pause and both Peggy and Able held their breath. ‘In close second place is Fay Ronoscki – and the judges would like to commend this excellent performance.’

  Fay stepped forward, beaming, to accept her award, which was a sparkly star on a stand.

  ‘However, in first place and the beginners’ champion is Robert Stevens.’

  Once again, the auditorium erupted into applause and Peggy nodded, because although for her nothing could equal the beauty of her little girl on the ice, the winner’s technique was perfect and a little more advanced. Fay had a bit more to learn to reach his standards.

  After that there was a comic sketch on ice, which was something that was usually included in any ice show and looked forward to by everyone. The skaters did amazing tricks as they pretended to be careless window cleaners and their routine involved ladders and a bike, which kept falling over and made everyone laugh.

  Fay slipped into the seat beside her mother as the comic skaters’ performance drew to a climax. She was clutching her prize and a small bunch of flowers she’d been given and looked happy and excited.

  ‘Well done, love,’ Peggy said and squeezed her hand. ‘You looked beautiful and your performance was lovely.’

  ‘Yes,’ Fay agreed, looking at her contentedly. ‘Robert said I did well, but I need to perfect some of the more difficult jumps to win…’

  ‘Yes, darling, I’m sure you will,’ Peggy said. ‘It is a huge achievement to be entered in this competition and to come second is marvellous. You’ve only been skating since last Christmas and only regularly since we moved back to London.’

  ‘Yes, Mummy, I know,’ Fay said and beamed at her. ‘Robert has been skating for two years and he’ll move on to the next class now that he has won this one twice. Sara said I was outstanding and she thinks I can win the next competition.’

  Peggy nodded, wishing that the instructor hadn’t put the idea into Fay’s head, but also accepting that perhaps she, Peggy, was being too cautious. Fay was very good and if she continued to enjoy skating and to practise, she could be even better.

  ‘That is lovely, darling,’ Peggy said and Fay cuddled up to her. She was soon absorbed in the antics of the skaters as they chased each other and played all sorts of tricks.

  As they left, Able and Freddie told Fay how good she was and so did Maureen, Sheila and all her cousins. On their way out, they met Robert Stevens with his family and supporters and he came up to Peggy and offered to shake hands.

  ‘Fay told me how you moved to London so that she could skate. You’re a great mother and you won’t regret it – she will be good.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Peggy said. ‘If you would like to come to tea with us one day you will be welcome.’ She took one of her business cards from her coat pocket and gave it to him. ‘Fay doesn’t have many friends outside her family and school, because she’s too busy, but you share the same interests…’

  ‘I live in the country,’ Robert said. ‘We only came up for the competition, but I’m lucky to have a rink near my home. Perhaps we’ll meet again next year – but thank you.’

  Fay ran up to him and kissed his cheek. Robert went pink, all the confidence he showed on the rink gone. He didn’t return her kiss but waved once he’d reached the safety of his mother’s side. She waved too but didn’t make the effort to come over and speak.

  Peggy thought they were probably professional people and might not think the Ronoscki family were their sort, but that was their business. For her, the afternoon had been one of delight and she was feeling content as they all piled into their cars and went home.

  As Able unpacked bits and pieces from the car, Freddie and Fay were bickering in their usual way. They went upstairs to get ready for tea, just as if it were any other afternoon, leaving Able holding the trophy.

  ‘Shall I put it on the mantlepiece in the sitting room?’ he asked.

  ‘She will probably want it in her room, but bring it into the kitchen until we ask. I’m dying for a cup of tea.’

  Later that evening, with Fay’s star given pride of place on her dressing table, Peggy tucked her up in bed for the night. ‘Happy, love?’ she asked and Fay nodded sleepily.

  ‘It was everything I thought it would be, Mum.’

  ‘That’s good, Fay,’ Peggy said. ‘I just want you to be happy.’

  ‘I know – that’s why you’re the best mum in the world. Robert’s mother wouldn’t let him come and live in London with his grandmother. It means he can’t train every day. You gave it all up for me…’

  ‘You were what spurred me on,’ Peggy told her, ‘but it wasn’t just you – and I’m very happy here, Fay.’

  ‘So am I,’ Fay said sleepily. ‘I think Freddie misses his old friends a bit. I told him Aunty Sheila would let him go and stay with her sometimes if he likes in the holidays.’

  ‘Yes, of course she would,’ Peggy said. ‘I’ll talk to him now…’

  However, when she asked Freddie if he wanted to spend part of his Christmas holiday with his cousins and aunt and uncle, Freddie shook his head.

  ‘I’ll go down when you have time, Mum. I missed it a bit at the start, but I’m making a few friends – is it all right if I ask a couple of them for tea next Saturday after football?’

  ‘Yes, of course, darling. You know I enjoy having your friends round.’

  ‘You did at the cottage, but here it is a business and we might make a noise.’

  ‘You can play football in the back yard or take them up to your room to play board games, love. This is your home – and we’ll soon be moving into the rooms above the pub and no one stays there, so you can make as much noise as you like!’

  ‘You’re the best mum in the world,’ Freddie said and hugged her. ‘Love you lots.’

  ‘Not as much as I love you,’ Peggy said, playing the game.

  ‘Love you more,’ he countered and she kissed him goodnight, letting him win.

  In the morning, Freddie was happy as a sandboy. He told Fay she was brilliant on the ice, hugged Alice and told her she was the best gran in the world and asked his mother if he could take some rock cakes to give his friends at the match.

  ‘Of course, you can, love. Off to play with your friends then,’ Peggy said, because he and some of the local lads were due to play a friendly game of football later that day.

  Peggy went through to the kitchen and began to get on with the day’s work. All the competitions were over for the moment and it was back to normal. Pearl would be moving into the family rooms here with her daughter and mother, and they would take up residence above the pub. She smiled because it was like slipping on a pair of old shoes.

  She’d just placed a cake into the oven when Alice entered the kitchen and sat down. She didn’t say anything, but Peggy noticed at once that she was looking pale and a little shaken.

  ‘Is something the matter, Alice?’
she asked, immediately concerned. She’d seen no signs of illness until now, but something was unmistakably wrong. ‘Are you feeling unwell? Shall I get the doctor?’

  ‘It will pass in a minute, but I felt a bit light-headed, love,’ Alice said. She attempted a smile and then gave a little moan and fell back in her chair. Peggy was up and round there just in time to stop her sliding to the ground.

  ‘Alice is ill,’ she told Pearl as her manageress entered the kitchen. ‘Give me a hand to get her up to her room please.’

  Alice was only half with them as they supported the frail old lady upstairs to her room and Fay, seeing what was going on, rushed to pull back the sheets for her ‘granny’ to lie down. Alice lay back with her eyes closed and sighed.

  Fay looked anxiously at her mother. ‘Is she very ill, Mummy?’

  ‘I don’t know, darling,’ Peggy said. ‘I’m going to ring the doctor and ask him to call…’

  ‘I don’t want her to die…’ Fay had tears brimming.

  ‘No, Fay, nor do I…’

  34

  ‘I would say this has been coming on for a while,’ Doctor Hemingway said. He was a young man, new to the area and full of enthusiasm. ‘Had she been living alone, I daresay you would have found her dead on the floor before now. It is her heart failing. According to our records, she is seventy-eight years young.’ He beamed at Peggy. ‘Living with you has given her quality of life, but it can’t give her back the years. I can do very little, except give you this advice – plenty of bed rest, good food and company, and you already provide that, Mrs Ronoscki.’

  ‘So, it’s just her heart wearing out and there’s no medicine?’

  ‘Not for this condition,’ he said with a shake of the head. ‘They call it old age, Mrs Ronoscki. Perhaps one day we’ll be able to give people an elixir to make them young and strong again but not yet.’