by Cathy Sharp
‘I’ve been waiting for you to ask me to dance, Dave,’ the girl said, ignoring Jinny. ‘It’s a tango next – and you know we need to practise that if we’re going to win the championships this year …’
‘Oh, sorry, Lou,’ he apologised. ‘I’ll ring you – this is Jinny. I’m with her this evening.’
The attractive blonde turned hard blue eyes on Jinny. ‘I’m sure Jinny would spare you for one dance – wouldn’t you, luv?’
Jinny felt prickles down her spine. If looks could kill she would even now be lying dead at Lou’s feet. ‘If Dave wants to practise with you that’s all right with me. I’ll just sit here and watch …’
Dave looked uncomfortable, but the music had started and Lou had grabbed his arm. He threw Jinny an apologetic look and allowed himself to be dragged on to the dance floor. Jinny watched, because she’d never seen a dancing display like it, all the dramatic moves and head twists were fascinating – and she wasn’t the only one. Most of the other dancers had drawn back, giving them room to glide across the floor in a miraculous series of twists and turns that Jinny found thrilling. If she’d been Dave’s girl she might have felt jealous, but they were just friends and she enjoyed the performance, clapping at the end as did many others.
Dave returned to her alone, looking slightly rueful. ‘I’m sorry about that, Jinny, but Lou was right – we do need to practise if we’re going to enter the competition, let alone win this year.’
‘It must be lovely to be able to dance like that,’ Jinny sighed. ‘I loved watching it. You were wonderful, Dave – and so was she. You looked as if you fitted together …’
‘You’re not annoyed with me for dancing with her?’
‘No, why should I be?’ Jinny asked. ‘I don’t own you and I wouldn’t dream of spoiling your chances. You must tell me when the competition is, because I’d love to come and watch you and Lou.’
‘You’re a great girl,’ Dave said but seemed a bit disappointed. ‘It would’ve been nice if you’d been a bit jealous …’
Jinny laughed and took his hand. ‘Why? We’re friends, Dave. If I’m ever your girlfriend I might feel differently – but tonight I just want you to show me how to dance some more, because I’d like to learn. All I’ve ever done is a bit of jiving or Rock ’n’ Roll …’
Dave’s face lit up instantly. ‘I’ll teach you,’ he promised, ‘and then, when you’re good enough, you can be my partner in the competitions.’
Jinny shook her head. ‘I think I’ve got a long, long way to go,’ she said but she didn’t mind. She was enjoying herself despite the interruption by his dancing partner, and she intended to make the most of her evening out.
‘Did you have a lovely time?’ Nancy asked the next day when she gave Jinny a hand with the baking. Nellie was having her day off and the two of them were alone in the kitchen. ‘Rob took me to a dance up West last night. It was a surprise for my birthday and it was wonderful. We had dinner and then danced all night. I could hardly wake up this morning …’
‘Our dance wasn’t so posh, but it was lovely. I didn’t know it could be so much fun. Dave is a wonderful dancer. If you saw him on the market you’d never think it, but he gave me a really nice evening – and we won a bottle of wine in the draw. There was a turkey and lots of chocolates, but Dave thought the wine was best and he gave it to me … but I said he should take it, because he bought the tickets and I’d never open a bottle of wine just for me.’
Nancy nodded and looked thoughtful. ‘When you live in the nurses’ home like we do there’s nowhere to invite your friends for a drink … I never wanted to for years, but you will as you get older and then you may need a place of your own.’
‘Not for years,’ Jinny said. ‘Dave is a good friend, Nancy, but I want to learn to be a proper cook and find a good job.’
‘You’re sure to get one when you finish that course.’
‘Yes, I hope so,’ Jinny agreed. ‘What will you do when we close, Nancy?’
‘Rob’s aunty has said I can live with her until the wedding,’ Nancy said with a happy smile. ‘I shall find a job somewhere, but Ruby asked me to stay on and help her with setting things up here – so I might, just for a few weeks. I feel a bit sorry for some of the girls next door. Rob and me have decided on April for the wedding – and I’d like you to be my bridesmaid. I don’t have any family so would you come and stay overnight and help me on the day?’
‘I’d love to,’ Jinny said and they hugged. ‘You’re my family, Nancy. I don’t have anyone but Nellie – and everyone here …’
‘We’ll be sisters and friends,’ Nancy said. ‘Shall we have a cup of tea before we start getting things ready?’
‘I’ll put the kettle on,’ Jinny said and was in the act of filling it when someone entered the kitchen.
‘Nellie … we didn’t expect you today,’ Nancy said. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘I need to talk to Jinny,’ Nellie said and looked upset. ‘If yer ’avin’ a cuppa I could do wiv one – I feel proper upset …’
‘Is something the matter with Bert?’
‘No, ’e’s as fit as a fiddle,’ Nellie said. ‘I’ve got ’im paintin’ the new ’ouse – no lass, it’s for your sake I’m upset. I don’t rightly know ’ow to tell yer …’
‘Sit down, Nellie. You look pale.’ Nancy drew a chair for her, but Nellie ignored her, looking at Jinny.
‘It’s Micky,’ she said. ‘’E’s in the ’ospital, Jinny – ’ad a nasty accident yesterday so Bert says … and you’d best go and see the lad, because they’re sayin’ ’e might not come round …’
‘Micky’s hurt bad?’ Jinny’s stomach clenched with fright. ‘How did it happen? Did someone hurt him … was he attacked?’
‘No, I don’t think so. Bert said ’e’d ’ad a fall and was in a bad way, that’s all I know, love. I think you ought to get on up the ’ospital now …’
‘I’ve got to help get the tea for the kids …’
‘No, go now,’ Nancy said. ‘I can manage tea on my own …’
‘No need fer that,’ Nellie said. ‘I’ll stop and give yer a ’and – unless you want me to come wiv yer, love?’
‘No, I’m all right, thanks for comin’ to tell me,’ Jinny said. ‘I’ll be back when I can, Nancy …’ she said, taking off her apron. She went to fetch her coat and purse and then hurried out into the bitter cold of a mid-December afternoon.
She was on thorns as she waited for a bus, her stomach clenching with nerves. What kind of a fall had Micky had and how bad were his injuries? Tears stung her eyes, because she’d been offhand with him the last time she’d seen him, annoyed because he wouldn’t be around to take her to some of the Christmas dances. And she’d gone out with Dave and enjoyed herself and perhaps Micky had already been hurt and asking for her …
CHAPTER 33
‘Where shall we go for Christmas dinner?’ Carla asked and handed Ruby a glass of her favourite wine. ‘You’re not working on the day, are you?’
‘No, I made sure I got the day off this year. We’ve got a party on at St Saviour’s Christmas Eve. You can come if you like and then we’ll go somewhere afterwards. I thought we’d have a few drinks and then I’ll cook us a lovely chicken dinner here on the day … unless you really want to go out?’
‘I don’t care what we do as long as we’re together,’ Carla said and reached forward to kiss her, her lips tasting of wine. Ruby ran her tongue round her lips, enjoying the combination of Carla and wine. ‘I’ve got you lots of presents …’
‘You shouldn’t spend so much on me,’ Ruby said and touched her frizzy hair, a shaft of pure happiness piercing her heart. ‘You’re always buying me something.’
‘Only little things,’ Carla said and laughed. ‘If I was rich I’d cover you with diamonds and pearls … I love you, Ruby. I’ve never known anyone like you and you’ve made me happy.’
‘You’ve done more for me than you’ll ever know,’ Ruby said and put her arms about her, kissi
ng her on the lips. ‘You taste wonderful. I’ve got presents for you too – but I was thinking … wouldn’t the best present be if we looked for a flat that was big enough to share?’
‘Could we?’ Carla asked, a little doubtful. ‘I know we could afford it if we shared the expenses … but do we dare? Won’t people talk? You’ve got to be careful in your job, Ruby …’
‘No one will think anything of it. We’re just friends sharing a flat to make it easier to afford,’ Ruby said. ‘We’ll have our own rooms in case you want to sulk …’ She laughed and avoided the punch Carla aimed at her ear. ‘Besides, I want to live with you, my dearest one. I want to wake up beside you – and the hell with what anyone else thinks.’
‘Oh Ruby, I’d love it,’ Carla said and put her arms about her neck, bringing her head down to hers. She traced Ruby’s mouth with her tongue and then slipped it inside, deepening the kiss until they had to come up for air. ‘You’re wonderful and so brave. I was miserable for ages, not daring to speak to you because I was sure you would be disgusted if I tried to kiss you …’
‘Why do you think I didn’t come for coffee? I thought I might not be able to stop myself touching you – and I was afraid of your rejection …’
‘Daft! I fell head over heels the first time you offered to help me with all my stuff,’ Carla said. She danced off around the room, her red skirt flying. ‘I’m so happy … Happy Christmas, Ruby!’
‘It’s not Christmas just yet …’
‘It is for us,’ Carla said. ‘And it will be for the rest of our lives …’
‘Yes,’ Ruby said and smiled as her friend danced to the Rock ’n’ Roll music blaring out from the TV as the popular music show Six-Five Special started. ‘Come on, let’s watch this and see what’s new this week …’
‘I’m glad we decided to delay the wedding till the second week in January,’ Rose told the little gathering in the kitchen. ‘It was too much of a rush to have it before Christmas with all the preparations for the closure – and Nick didn’t want to wait for the spring so we thought we would have a winter wedding and go to Austria for our honeymoon … and we’re taking the boys with us …’
‘Austria – in the mountains, skiing?’ Kelly said. ‘That sounds absolutely wonderful, Rose. I’ve never been abroad though we’ve talked about it …’
‘You’re taking his sons with you – on your honeymoon?’ Nancy asked.
‘Why not? They’re really good lads and it will be fun for all of us. I think it’s the best way to get used to each other,’ Rose said happily, and turning to Nancy. ‘When are you getting married?’
‘We thought May at first, but now we’ve brought it forward to April,’ Nancy said, looking shy but very happy. ‘Rob says our house will be ready by then. He’s been doing it up for ages, long before we met. We’re going down to Devon for a few days for our honeymoon – but I’m looking forward to having a home of my own.’
She broke off and everyone went quiet as Jinny walked in looking pale and tired. Nancy stood up and went to put her arms around her, giving her a warm hug.
‘How are you, love? Nellie told us Micky had come round from his operation OK but she seems to think he’ll be ill for some time …’
‘Yes, he broke his leg in two places and he’s in a lot of pain – but it was the head injuries that had the doctors worried. They thought he might have done a lot of damage but he was lucky … the silly idiot. He could’ve killed himself! He should never have been up there in the first place …’ Jinny blinked as the tears stung her eyes. ‘I had no idea he was working on a building site …’
‘He asked Nick for a job weeks ago,’ Rose said. ‘I feel guilty for not telling you, but he wanted to keep it a secret. He told Nick he was fed up with running errands for bookies and buying dodgy stuff and wanted to get into a proper trade. I think he wants to put some money aside for some business he’s after …’ She sighed. ‘It was Micky’s own fault, Jinny. He wasn’t supposed to be up on that scaffolding in the first place. He doesn’t have the experience but Nick says he wants to run before he can walk …’
‘Yes, I know, he’s always been like that,’ Jinny said and smiled at her. ‘Bert was in on the secret. He said Micky wanted to impress me. He’d been away on various jobs for his old boss, clearing houses and various things, made some good money – and now he wants to do what Rob has done, buy an old house and make it nice … then he’s going to sell it and open a business importing spices and food, and he’ll probably buy another house and do that one up for us … He wants to be rich …’ Jinny sighed and shook her head.
‘He’s doing it for you,’ Rose told her. ‘Apparently, he realised that his old line of work would never please you and he wanted to make you happy so he got some money together and then asked Nick if he’d take him on, teach him the trade. He’s bought a wreck of a house, but they’re going to rebuild it and sell it together. Nick advised him to tell you, but he said he was waiting until he’d got something to show you.’
‘Well, I know now,’ Jinny said. ‘Oh well, at least he’s alive, though in a lot of pain. What do you want me to do, Nancy?’
‘Can you make a seed cake for a start?’ Nancy said. ‘Nellie will be here soon I hope and then we can start on the lunches – but I want to get ahead with the party food if I can.’
‘Yes, and we’d better get out of your way,’ Rose said. ‘Kelly, can you help me make a list of all the bed linen? Miss Saunders asked Sister for it … honestly, if she couldn’t have thought of that before this …’
Busy making a seed cake, Jinny listened and smiled in all the right places to the happy chatter about her friends’ weddings and their plans. Her eyes felt tired because she’d hardly slept since she’d visited Micky in hospital and she wanted to cry. The last thing she wanted to do was watch everyone getting in the mood for the Christmas party, which was taking place that afternoon and evening.
This year only a few of the children had been to a pantomime and a screening of one of Disney’s films. They would all get a small gift that afternoon, and then listen to some carols on the TV and have a special meal. Jelly, blancmange, tinned fruit as well as the usual cakes and sandwiches were planned – and the girls from next door were coming to have their tea and listen to the carols.
Sister Beatrice seemed to think it was a good thing to bring the girls from next door for the Christmas treat, though Jinny knew some of their staff didn’t think much of it, but of course it would all be in Miss Saunders’ hands once the last of the orphans had gone. Jinny knew that a cloud was hanging over all the St Saviour’s people, despite the decorations and festive talk. They were all trying to be cheerful, but everyone would be sad when the doors finally closed.
For days now local people had been calling at St Saviour’s leaving cards and small gifts of food, sweets and fruit, many of the tokens for Sister Beatrice herself. Some of the women had been in tears, calling it a crying shame that she was being forced to leave them.
‘The bloody Welfare lot ought ter be ashamed of themselves,’ several people had said. ‘I remember what it was like in the war – nowhere for them poor kids to go until she come ’ere. Took ’em all in she did – ain’t no one like our Sister Beatrice and it won’t be the same wivout ’er …’
Jinny felt sad at the thought that her friends would be dispersed after Christmas. She was looking forward to her new job, and to spending more time with Micky when he was on his feet again, but she would miss working with Nancy and the others. So far Micky had been too groggy to do more than clasp her hand and tell her over and over how sorry he was for spoiling her Christmas. He’d got her a present and had planned on taking her out that night, but now she’d have to wait until he was out of hospital to have their celebration.
‘Don’t be so daft,’ she’d told him. ‘Just get better and then I might forgive you for scaring me half to death.’
He’d managed a weak chuckle then and Jinny smiled at the memory. Even a broken leg and a sore head
couldn’t change her Micky – and he was her Micky. She’d known it for a while but wouldn’t acknowledge it, but now she knew that she didn’t want to lose him from her life. She had lots of friends, including Dave, but Micky was special. Jinny was too young to get married, but she wouldn’t say no to going steady when he was up and about again … but no more going off for weeks at a time without telling her what he was doing!
She greeted Nellie as her friend arrived, rolled up her sleeves and started to peel the vegetables for lunch.
‘You carry on, Jinny love,’ Nellie said. ‘I can manage this. We’ve got shepherd’s pie fer lunch and some nice stewed fruit and rice pudding afterwards – all nice and easy so we can concentrate on the party …’
‘All right. I’ll make a start on the sausage rolls and mince pies,’ Jinny said. ‘Nancy’s made the trifle and fruit jellies …’ Jinny went to the pantry to fetch what she needed and returned to see that Nellie was talking to someone.
‘It looks as if you’ve got a visitor …’ Nellie said and glanced towards her. ‘Why don’t you take five minutes to talk to ’im?’
Jinny saw Dave grinning at her. His errand was clear, because he was carrying a prettily wrapped parcel which he placed on the kitchen table.
‘I brought yer present in …’ he said and his neck was red. ‘I hope yer like it, Jinny love.’
‘Oh, Dave, you shouldn’t,’ she said, a little embarrassed. ‘I didn’t buy you anything …’
‘It’s for the lad to buy the presents,’ Dave said proudly. ‘Look, I know you’ll be orf up the ’ospital after work to see Micky – but I’ll give yer a lift in me van if yer like?’
‘It’s very kind of you,’ Jinny thanked him. Dave was a friend, nothing more even though he might like to be. ‘You could see him for a few minutes yourself.’