The Children from Gin Barrel Lane

by Lindsey Hutchinson

  ‘You’ll need this with all that reading, sweet’eart,’ she whispered.

  ‘Thank you, Nancy. The doctor suggested I read to him, he said it would help,’ Dolly said as she accepted the tea.

  ‘Good on yer, but if you need a break, I can watch over him.’

  ‘No, I’m fine. I’d rather stay here with Jack. Nellie…?’

  Nancy shook her head. ‘Ain’t moved a muscle since it all happened. I’m that worried—!’

  ‘It’s the shock,’ Dolly interrupted. ‘It affects some people that way. Oh, Nancy – what about the bar?!’

  ‘Poppy and Fred will open up in the morning and Matt and Noah are lending a hand,’ Nancy assured her.

  ‘Wasn’t Nellie going to see the bank manager tomorrow with Mr Sharpe?’ Dolly asked.

  ‘Yes, she was going to make the landlord of that pub an offer then go to the bank afterwards. I suppose we’ll have to let Mr Sharpe know what’s happened and postpone everything now,’ Nancy replied.

  ‘No, I’ll go with Mr Sharpe in Nellie’s stead.’

  ‘But Nell will have to sign the papers, won’t she?’ Nancy queried.

  ‘Yes. I reckon Mr Sharpe will bring the papers here for Nellie to sign when she feels better. However, we could put a deposit down on the pub if Nellie agrees,’ Dolly explained.

  ‘Where are we going to get the money from for that though?’ Nancy asked.

  ‘Leave that to me,’ Dolly answered with a smile. ‘I know exactly what to do.’

  Nancy nodded and left the room saying, ‘I’ll tell Nellie you’re still here and reading to him.’

  On into the night Dolly read Jack’s favourite story of Leonidas and the 300 Spartan warriors who defended their Greek homeland against Xerxes and his Persian army. Jack had been enthralled when she had told him the tale of the battle to defend the pass at Thermopylae. He loved the courage of the warriors and their sword fighting skills.

  Feeling her eyelids drooping, Dolly closed the book and placed it on the bed. ‘I’m a little tired now, Jack, so I’m going to have a nap, but I’m here if you need me.’ With a gentle sigh, Dolly closed her eyes and slowly her head lowered as sleep claimed her.

  A murmuring in the early hours had Dolly wide awake in an instant. The fire was dying down and she felt the chill in the air. In the dim yellow glow of the gas light she saw Jack was restless.

  ‘It’s all right, Jack, you’re safe now,’ she said.

  ‘Dolly…’ It was barely more than a whisper, but she had heard it and her heart soared.

  ‘I’m here, Jack,’ she said as she took his hand.

  ‘Mum…’

  ‘I’ll fetch her right away.’ Dolly grabbed her cane and hobbled from the room.

  ‘Nellie! Nellie, Jack’s asking for you!’ she called, walking swiftly into the kitchen.

  Nellie seemed to be in a world of her own and Dolly wasn’t sure she’d heard her.

  ‘Nell…’ Nancy tried. ’Dolly’s been reading to your lad about them Greek warriors all bloody night!’

  Dolly limped over to the woman and raised her hand. ‘Look away, Nancy,’ she said and brought her palm down in a resounding slap to Nellie’s cheek. Nancy winced but heaved a sigh of relief when Nellie blinked and rubbed her face.

  ‘What the bloody hell…!’ Nellie cussed.

  ‘Jack’s asking for you,’ Dolly repeated.

  Nellie was up and gone in a flash leaving Nancy and Dolly hugging each other, tears of joy coursing down their faces.

  ‘Mum…’ Jack managed with a croak.

  ‘I’m here. Now have a sip of water then you rest.’ Nellie lifted the glass that covered the carafe and poured a small amount of cold water. Holding it to her son’s lips she repeated, ‘Just a sip now – enough to wet yer whistle.’

  Jack swallowed then rested back on his pillow. ‘Mum – what happened?’

  ‘A bloody cart slipped on the ice and knocked you over!’ Nellie thundered – but quietly.

  ‘Oh, yes, I remember now.’

  With another sip of cooling water Jack gave a little grin then winced. ‘My arm aches.’

  ‘It’s broke the doctor says,’ Nellie explained. ‘You had a nasty bump on your head an’ all. We all thought it was lights out for you.’

  Jack gently shook his head and grimaced at the pain. ‘Hard as nails us Larkins.’

  ‘Ain’t that the truth.’ Nellie smiled and silently thanked God for his mercy.

  ‘I’ll build the fire up cos it’s bloody freezing in here,’ she said.

  ‘I was dreaming about Leonidas and the 300,’ Jack said wearily.

  ‘That’s the story Dolly told you last night, so Nance said,’ Nellie mumbled.

  Sitting by her son once more she said, ‘Fred was all set to do the carter in.’

  Jack grinned. ‘Mum, I’m hungry.’

  Nellie laughed and kissed his forehead. ‘Nancy’s got some chicken soup on the go, I can smell it from here. Fancy some?’

  ‘Bostin! Mum, I love you,’ Jack whispered.

  ‘I love you too lad – more than life itself,’ Nellie said tearfully.

  32

  Later that morning, the chain of ragamuffin boys had delivered the message to Ezra that Jack Larkin had been knocked down in the street.

  Hastily donning his overcoat, Ezra left his office in the brewery and whistled for a cab. He was going to visit Nellie to ask after the lad’s health although really it was also a good opportunity to see Poppy again.

  Outside The Crown Saloon, Ezra instructed the cabbie to wait and he strode inside. Even at this early hour the place was filled to capacity and he thought to himself, I’m in the wrong trade!

  ‘I’d like to see Nellie,’ he called across the counter.

  ‘She’s busy,’ Noah Dempster answered.

  ‘Tell her I’m here!’ Ezra demanded.

  Noah nodded to Jim Jenkins who disappeared into the back room. A moment later he was back with Nellie in tow.

  ‘What do you want?’ she snapped.

  ‘I’ve come to pay my respects and ask how Jack is. I heard about his accident,’ Ezra said as he cast a glance around for Poppy.

  ‘Nothing gets past you, does it?’ Nellie’s words drew his attention back to her.

  ‘I was sorry to hear the news.’

  ‘I don’t want your sympathy – in fact I don’t want anything from you, Ezra Morton,’ Nellie said loudly.

  ‘Poppy not working today?’ Ezra asked, completely ignoring Nellie’s statement.

  ‘Look, Ezra, you’re not wanted here so why don’t you just sling your hook!’ Nellie was becoming angry; this little tête-a-tête was taking up time she should be with Jack.

  ‘That’s not very nice considering I made the effort to enquire after your boy.’

  ‘You’re being a nosy bugger, is all. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m a busy woman.’ Nellie turned and walked away, leaving Ezra among her laughing customers.

  Ezra stomped from the premises full of thunder. Blast that woman! Yet again she had made him look like a fool. He supposed it served him right for going there in the first place. He was angry with himself for being such an idiot – would he never learn?!

  ‘The brewery,’ he yelled at the cabbie as he climbed back aboard the carriage and slammed the door shut behind him.

  ‘Yes, your bloody highness!’ the cabbie mumbled before clicking his tongue to the horse. Some people have no respect for others, he thought as the cab rolled away.

  When Ezra left, Nellie returned to the kitchen and the conversation she was having with Dolly, regarding whether the pub would be for sale, before Ezra had interrupted them. Jack was sleeping peacefully so Nellie had left him to get his rest.

  ‘I could accompany Mr Sharpe while you stay and take care of Jack,’ Dolly said.

  ‘I ain’t sure, gel,’ Nellie began.

  ‘Nell, the lass knows what she’s doing, let her go.’ It was Nancy who spoke. Nellie nodded.

  ‘I know that, Nance, but thi
s is a big endeavour! What if I can’t afford it?’

  ‘Mr Sharpe has seen your accounts and he knows what you can and can’t afford. He would also know roughly what the pub is worth, I would think,’ Dolly said by way of assurance.

  ‘All right, but don’t agree to anything without my say-so,’ Nellie relented.

  ‘Of course I won’t. Mr Sharpe will be here in a few minutes so I’d best get my coat on. When I get back, I’ll read to Jack some more.’

  ‘You’re a good girl, Dolly. God bless you,’ Nancy added with a smile.

  It was a while later when Dolly and Mr Sharpe returned, and Nellie was eager to know the outcome of their visit. Tea and cake was served, then it was down to business.

  ‘The bank are willing to extend a loan in the form of a mortgage facility,’ Mr Sharpe said.

  Nellie and Nancy exchanged an excited smile.

  ‘What you have to decide now is how much you are willing to offer the landlord for his premises,’ Mr Sharpe added. ‘It’s all there in my report, along with my recommendations regarding an offer to be made and repayment of the bank loan etc.’

  ‘Ta, Mr Sharpe,’ Nellie said as she took the papers being passed to her.

  ‘Let me know what you decide and I can then act on your further instructions. I thank you for the refreshments and I bid you all a good day.’

  ‘Tarrar a bit,’ Nancy called out as the solicitor left by way of the back door.

  ‘We need to read this through carefully before we make a decision, don’t you think?’ Nellie asked.

  ‘What’s to think about? Get it bloody sorted!’ Nancy said impatiently.

  ‘Yes, I agree we should read the whole report, but I still think it would be a good investment,’ Dolly replied.

  ‘Right, let’s have a look then,’ Nellie said as she picked up the papers.

  Across town in Rea Street and knowing nothing of what Dolly was doing, Arthur Micklewhite was thinking only of himself. That interfering Elizabeth Murray had most decidedly shoved a spoke in his wheel with regard to him getting his hands on some serious money. Now he was back where he started, with no cash and no prospects.

  Arthur paced the kitchen, his anger mounting. He was reduced to stealing from the folk in the market yet again in order to live, and that would be dangerous. He had no doubt the police would be on the look-out for whoever was stealing from would-be shoppers.

  His thoughts moved to Dolly and he wondered if what he’d been told by the big man at The Crown was true. Had she sold that necklace? Doubt began to creep into his mind. After all, Dolly Daydream had adored Avril and that piece of jewellery was the only link the girl had with her dead mother. Perhaps the big fellow had lied and only told him that in order to get rid of him.

  He had tried to get Dolly back but she was too well protected, so where could he go from here? Arthur’s next thought chilled him to the bone, but if he wanted those gems it was the only way left open to him.

  Dressing in his best suit he donned his overcoat and picked up his hat. Smoothing a hand over the brim he placed it on his head and left the house. There was someone he had to see.

  Whilst Arthur was getting smartened up, Ezra was working in his office in the brewery. A while later there was a rap to the door before it opened to reveal a face. ‘Bloke to see you, boss.’

  Ezra nodded and the door swung open, admitting a well-dressed man.

  ‘Come in and take a seat,’ Ezra said by way of welcome.

  ‘My name is Arthur Micklewhite and I need your help.’

  The two men discussed at length Arthur’s predicament until Ezra said at last, ‘I know the girl you speak of, but my question is – how do you intend to pay for my assistance?’

  ‘Once the necklace is recovered and sold then I will be in a position to pay what you ask,’ Arthur replied. His nerves were getting the better of him and he shuffled around in his chair.

  ‘Mr Micklewhite – Arthur – do you take me for a fool? Let me explain. What happens if the necklace has indeed already been sold? And what if the money realised from the sale has been spent? I’m sure you understand that would put me in an awkward position as to how to claim my fee from yourself. Then, of course, you would be unable to pay. Am I correct?’ Ezra’s false smile flitted across his face.

  ‘Yes, but—’ Arthur began.

  ‘Mr Micklewhite!’ Ezra’s retort was sharp before he continued more calmly. ‘I will need collateral – something to safeguard my investment.’

  ‘I’m not asking for money,’ Arthur said. He felt perspiration forming on his brow and a chill ran down his spine.

  ‘I know that, but you see, I would be investing my time, my reputation and my men – who have to be paid. So, I ask again, what collateral do you have to put up against any losses I may incur?’ Ezra steepled his fingers beneath his nose and waited.

  It was clear the man was as poor as a church mouse despite his good clothes, which Ezra suspected were all he had. However, the train of thought uppermost in Ezra’s mind was regarding that piece of jewellery. Had Arthur been clever, he would only have told Ezra he wanted his step-daughter home. Instead he had revealed all. What was there to stop Ezra getting the girl and the necklace? If it was as valuable as Arthur made out, then Ezra could have it sold in the blink of an eye, the proceeds paid into his bank account and Arthur would be none the wiser. All Ezra had to say was that the girl didn’t have the gems, and if she chose to argue the point – well, young girls went missing quite often in these difficult times.

  Ezra’s hands moved to rest on the arms of his chair, denoting he had waited long enough for an answer.

  ‘I… I have a small house in Rea Terrace,’ Arthur said quickly.

  Ezra nodded and said nothing. It was up to Arthur to offer up his dwelling, that way Ezra could not be accused of coercion.

  ‘I’ll put the house up,’ Arthur said finally. He knew he had no other choice if he was to deal with this man and come out alive.

  Ezra drew out a sheet of paper from the desk drawer. Dipping a pen nib into the inkwell he scratched out a contract. Ezra would endeavour to return Dolly to her step-father for a sum of money to be paid once they were re-united. Should Arthur fail to pay said sum, then his dwelling would be forfeited.

  ‘If, as you say, the necklace was left to the child legally, then it would be unwise to incorporate it into our contract. I’m sure you don’t wish to find yourself in gaol for theft and neither do I. Therefore, I suggest we keep that snippet of information between ourselves. Agreed?’ Ezra asked.

  Arthur nodded.

  ‘You must understand I cannot kidnap the girl or force her to come home to you,’ Ezra emphasised.

  ‘But you said—’ Arthur began.

  ‘I said, and it states here, that I will do my utmost to have Dolly returned to your care. It’s the best I can do for you, Mr Micklewhite, take it or leave it.’

  Arthur quickly weighed up the options. He could sign the contract and hope Morton could deliver Dolly to him, or he could remain as he was with no chance of retrieving the girl or the necklace.

  With a curt nod, Arthur signed the paper Ezra had slid across the desk. He watched as Ezra also signed before placing the contract in his desk drawer.

  Ezra stood and extended his hand. He felt the sweat on Arthur’s palm as they shook. ‘Nice doing business with you, Mr Micklewhite. You will be hearing from me before too long.’

  Arthur blew out his cheeks and rushed from the room.

  Ezra took out a handkerchief and wiped his hand. Retrieving the contract, he nodded and smiled. It was like taking suck from a babby!

  As he sat and pondered however, his thoughts soon returned to Poppy and his mood darkened. Why was she avoiding him? Ezra had wondered about this often since their evening out and he had all but convinced himself that Nellie was at the root of it. It must have been she who had forbidden Poppy to see him again, he was certain.

  With a sigh, Ezra suddenly realised that his interest in Poppy had shif
ted. His heart no longer beat a tattoo in his chest when he thought of her. Now, his blood boiled with anger at her treatment of him. He knew also that his men were laughing behind his back with regard to the whole debacle.

  Maybe it was time to forget about Poppy and concentrate on the business of increasing his fortune. He had wondered whether he could get his hands on The Crown Saloon, but it would seem the chance of that happening had somehow slipped away. It was a shame, he would have liked that place. No matter, for now he’d be happy to take Arthur Micklewhite’s house.

  33

  Nellie had sent word with Noah saying she agreed with Mr Sharpe’s recommendations. A couple of days later, Dolly and Mr Sharpe returned from their business meetings, and she was delighted to see Jack up and about.

  Nellie had refused to leave Jack until he was feeling better and so Dolly had accompanied the solicitor with Nellie’s instructions.

  Jack was still in some pain from his accident and his arm itched beneath its heavy bandaging. His hip ached from time to time where he’d landed hard on the cobbles, but it was improving with each passing day. It wouldn’t be long before he would be back to normal which was a great relief to everyone.

  Sat at the kitchen table, the solicitor began to speak. ‘Miss Perkins and I made your offer to the landlord of The Castle across the road,’ he tilted his head in the direction of the street. ‘We also had a good look around the place, did we not, Dolly?’

  Dolly nodded and Mr Sharpe continued, ‘In addition to the lounge bar and public bar there is a kitchen and scullery downstairs. The lavatory block is out the back at the present time but there is sufficient space upstairs to house the WC. Also, there is living accommodation and six guest rooms.’

  Nellie’s eyes grew wide with surprise and she and Nancy exchanged a nod.

  ‘Now, the place is in dire need of refurbishment. The windows are all intact but the building is damp and the plaster is crumbling in places. However, the current landlord is desperate to leave and would be willing to accept your offer.’