A Daughter's Journe

by Anna Jacobs

  ‘I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘Say yes. It’s a poor lookout if we can’t help one another.’

  Then Todd grinned, drained his cup of tea and stood up again. ‘Come on. I can see you’re dying to check the car. Let me show it to you.’

  Nick followed him eagerly, giving the workshop only a quick glance, his attention all on the only car in it, whose bonnet was still raised.

  It was a very neat-looking vehicle, and as Todd said, it had clearly been looked after. It wasn’t too big but big enough to fit people of all sizes and ages. And it had four doors. A two-door vehicle wouldn’t have done at all.

  Todd gestured like a magician producing something magical. ‘I know for certain this car hasn’t been driven much. The old man who owned it just went to and from the shops and to visit friends nearby. No long journeys. He believed in looking after his machine and I’ve checked it for him regularly, changing the oil and so on as necessary.’

  ‘Why is he selling it now, then?’

  ‘He dropped dead a month ago, poor chap. And his sister can’t drive, so she’s sold it to me. She’s moving to Morecambe to live with a friend. If you don’t want it, I can always sell it to someone else.’

  Nick walked round the car twice, sat in the driving seat and sighed happily. ‘I’ve driven this type of car a few times. Couldn’t be better for beginners.’

  ‘That’s what I thought. Let’s start her up and you can have a tootle round.’

  The car started first time after which the engine chugged gently as if happy with its task in life.

  Todd let Nick check it out for a few minutes then glanced at his watch. ‘We’ve just got time to take it for a drive round the block, then I have to go and see someone. After that, I’m going home. Leah said we could go for a stroll on the moors if I got back early. It’s grand up in Ellindale. You can see for miles.’

  He was still talking as he fumbled in his pocket. ‘Nearly forgot to give you the keys to the workshop and front door in case you want to get your car out tomorrow morning before I arrive. I’ve locked all the vehicles and the keys are in the bottom drawer of the desk in my office.’

  ‘Just one thing that’s occurred to me: what if someone wants to buy a car while you’re out?’

  He clapped Nick on the back. ‘You can show the cars and I’ll give you commission on any sales. I’ve left a list of prices in the top drawer of my desk. Now stop worrying. Everything’s going to work out well.’

  By the time they returned to the house, Nick was utterly convinced about this car. ‘I’ll take it.’

  ‘Good. I’ll get off home now.’ Todd stopped again and snapped his fingers. ‘Oops. Nearly forgot. You’ll need to buy some groceries. Leah said to tell you there’s a little shop round the corner. Very convenient and Mrs Nottage who runs it is extremely obliging. There’s a fish and chip shop further along the street as well. I used to go there two or three times a week till I got married. Wonderful invention for bachelors, fish and chip shops.’

  Nick stood in the doorway watching him lock up the workshop. ‘Drat! I should have thought of that. I think I’d better go and buy some food before I go for any more drives.’

  ‘It’s Sunday.’

  ‘Ah. Looks like I’m going to go hungry, then.’

  ‘No need. Go and knock on her back door and explain that this is an emergency. She’s very obliging.’

  ‘Thank you. I will.’

  ‘One final thing. Leah says would you like to come to dinner next Sunday – midday dinner, that is? We don’t live in a fancy way, mind. It’ll just be good home cooking.’

  ‘I’d love to come. How do I get there? I never had much to do with Ellindale when I was living nearby as a lad.’

  ‘Easy. Just drive up the valley, stay on the main road and go straight past Birch End, then on to Ellindale village. Continue straight through that till the road ends at an old track. We’re on the right. The sign on our wall says Spring Cottage Mineral Waters . There’s the house at one side, the business and youth hostel at the other.’

  ‘Fizzy drinks?’

  Todd grinned. ‘Yes. Only we call them mineral waters. My wife started making them when her first husband took her up there to live, and the business is doing well, even in these times. She sells to a lot of posh folk. Clever woman, my Leah.’

  ‘I’d love to come to dinner. Thanks.’

  After Todd had left, Nick looked regretfully at the workshop, but refrained from going for another gloat over the car. He had to buy some food. Indeed, he was suddenly aware of feeling ravenous. He locked everywhere up carefully and walked round the corner, where he found the little grocery shop and made his way round the back.

  He endeared himself immediately to the owner by explaining his predicament and asking her help to buy all the basic groceries she thought necessary for a man living on his own. She was beaming by the time he’d added a pound of ginger nut biscuits, a big crusty loaf and a wedge of cheese for his tea and finally he bought two hessian shopping bags to carry his purchases in.

  ‘You just let me know if you want me to save you a loaf,’ she called as he walked out of the back door.

  Back at the house, he put away the groceries, then unpacked his clothes and set the house and bedroom to rights before it grew fully dark. Todd might be happy in untidy surroundings but Nick wasn’t.

  The house was shabby and neglected, but it had a nice welcoming feel to it and he sighed happily as he ate a rather late tea and sat on at the table to read the Sunday newspaper he’d purchased at the station.

  Well, he tried to read it but he found himself staring into space, wondering how Miss Melling was going on. She had such a vivid face, he could see it clearly still in his mind’s eye. Then he wondered why he kept thinking of her. She’d made it plain she wasn’t staying in Birch End. Pity. It was years since he’d met a woman who attracted him so strongly.

  5

  F or the rest of the night, Jo only dozed and as soon as it was light enough to see what she was doing, she got up. As she washed and dressed, she listened carefully for the sounds of anyone coming to this floor. She shuddered. She would never feel safe in this house again, even with the bedroom door safely locked, not as long as he was there.

  She’d made up her mind to leave today, so after she’d used the bathroom, she packed all her clothes in the suitcase. Padlocking it, she left it behind the bedroom door and moved her bag of oddments to join it, then tiptoed down the stairs.

  To her relief, no one seemed to be stirring on the first floor, so she continued to the ground floor. If the way was clear, she’d go back for her suitcase and leave the house for good. Mrs Tucker had said she could turn up at any time, after all.

  When she reached the ground floor, Jo stopped again to listen. The front part of the house seemed deserted but she heard a noise from the rear and was standing in full view as a young maid peered out of a doorway. How annoying!

  ‘Ooh, miss! I didn’t realise anyone was up yet. Did you want something?’

  ‘I’m an early riser and since no one else seems to be around, I thought I’d go out for a walk. It’s such a lovely morning. What time is breakfast?’

  ‘Eight thirty, miss. The family eat it in here.’ She pointed behind her to the room she’d been working in.

  ‘All right. If anyone asks for me, tell them I’m out for a breath of fresh air. Otherwise, don’t bother them.’

  The maid hesitated. ‘Um. Excuse me saying so, but Mr Rathley likes people to be on time.’

  ‘Yes. I was told that. I’ll do my best, but after sitting in a train all day yesterday I really do need to stretch my legs.’

  ‘Yes, miss. Let me unlock the front door for you.’

  ‘Don’t bother. I can go out through the kitchen.’

  ‘Please, miss, let me do it. Mr Rathley wouldn’t like a guest to go out through the servants’ quarters.’

  ‘Very well.’ She didn’t want to get anyone in trouble.

  As s
he left the house, she closed the door behind her as quietly as she could. It was still early. She was a fast walker and would surely have time to see Mrs Tucker before breakfast and arrange to move in today. The thought of leaving this place made her feel as if a load had been removed from her shoulders.

  On a sudden thought she moved back to the top of the steps to peer into the hall through the windows set on either side of the front door. As she watched, the maid appeared in the doorway of the breakfast room carrying a basket of household cleaning equipment and walked through to the servants’ quarters at the back.

  The girl must have finished that job, so Jo decided to risk going back for her case and bag. She opened the front door again and slipped back inside, creeping as quickly as she could up the two flights of stairs to get her belongings. It took two journeys but she managed to come down without bumping into anyone.

  She closed the front door quietly and picked up the suitcase, but found it awkward to walk quickly while holding it as well as her bag of oddments and her handbag. After a quick study of the garden, she hid the two pieces of luggage in some bushes. She’d find a taxi to come back in and retrieve them once she’d checked with Mrs Tucker.

  She kept an eye on the house, but no one opened the front door and called to her to come back and the curtains all remained closed and motionless on the first floor, so she didn’t think anyone had seen her hide the bags.

  Relieved, she hurried out of the front gate and turned towards the town.

  Was she being foolish?

  No, the mere thought of another poor night’s sleep and constant worrying about him made her sure that her decision to leave here today was the right one.

  And if that upset certain people, too bad. It wasn’t as if she was fond of her stepmother, and who but Edna could have said something to give Rathley the idea that his younger visitor had loose morals?

  Jo walked down the hill towards Rivenshaw at a brisk pace, enjoying the fresh morning air. The road from Birch End was gently curving and bordered by farms. She remembered the way to Mrs Tucker’s house.

  What a contrast it seemed to Rathley’s home when she arrived there! She felt instantly welcome. The maid who answered the door greeted her with a cheerful smile and showed her through to the kitchen, which smelled delicious. There was a new loaf sitting on a breadboard, with another nearby.

  Mrs Tucker looked up and smiled across the room at her. ‘Hello, love. What can I do for you?’

  When Jo saw the kindly expression on the landlady’s face, she felt like weeping in sheer relief. ‘Can I come here today, please, Mrs Tucker? This morning, in fact.’

  ‘Call me Mrs T. Everyone else does. And of course you can move in today. You’re paying for a room, after all.’ The older woman studied her more carefully, her smile fading. ‘What’s happened to put that look of anxiety on your face?’

  Jo had trouble saying anything for a moment. ‘Someone tried to get into my bedroom last night. It must have been him.’

  ‘Eh, lass. He didn’t reach you, did he?’ She dropped her breadknife and moved round the table.

  ‘No.’ Jo shook her head, shuddering involuntarily.

  ‘Eh, come here, love.’

  As Mrs Tucker put her arms round her and gave her a hug, Jo leaned against the older woman for a minute or two, feeling comforted in a way she hadn’t experienced since her father died, then she pulled away and tried to smile.

  ‘When exactly do you want to come? I have to go out shopping this morning, but I’ll leave the back door open and Janey will be here.’

  ‘I need to find a taxi, because I have two bags to bring. I’ll come as soon as I’ve retrieved my things, Mrs T.’

  ‘Will they let you do that?’

  She explained what she’d done. If no one noticed her getting the bags, she would send round a note to her stepmother later.

  ‘No need for a taxi. Hard to find one at this hour, anyway. My Peter can go with you to carry the bags. He’s a strong lad and he’ll make sure they don’t try to stop you leaving.’

  ‘What? They wouldn’t try to keep me there forcibly, surely?’

  ‘Who knows how far that man would go? He has a bad reputation in this town about women and his servants are terrified of him, won’t open their mouths to say anything about the family at the shops.’ She frowned. ‘He doesn’t usually attack women in his own home, though.’

  ‘I’m afraid my stepmother may have given him the wrong impression. She considers my behaviour improper – mainly because I say what I think, not because of anything bad that I’ve done, I promise you. And he’s her cousin. She’s depending on him to help her settle here, so she’ll take his side and blame me for anything that happens, I’m sure.’ Look at how she’d accused Jo of flirting with the man on the train who’d opened the carriage door for them.

  ‘Well, you’ll fit in well in Lancashire if you say what you think. We’re a bit blunt-spoken round here, too. But do let my Peter go with you, just to be safe. Sit yourself down for a few minutes while he gets ready and have a cup of tea. There’s some in the pot.’ She went to the door and yelled up the stairs, ‘Peter, hurry up. You’re needed.’

  When both women were settled at the kitchen table, Mrs Tucker leaned back, looking thoughtful. ‘What exactly are you going to tell Rathley about why you’re leaving? It’d be easier if you had an excuse.’

  Jo shook her head. She hadn’t been able to think of any credible reason.

  ‘Why not tell him I’m taking you to meet your Melling cousins? And why don’t I do exactly that?’

  ‘Could you? Would you mind?’

  ‘Of course not. I’ll send Kath Melling a postcard if you’ll drop it off at the post office on the way back. There’s just time for it to catch the early morning post and then it’ll be delivered to her by noon. I’ll invite her to come round here and meet you this afternoon, so that you can work out whether you’re related or not.’

  ‘You’re very kind. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.’

  ‘Between you, me and the gatepost, I have a daughter and she’s pretty, like you. That man tried it on her, took a nasty fancy to her, he did. Luckily my Peter was around to keep an eye on his sister but Meg still moved away from the valley when she got married because she never felt safe again. I miss her.’

  ‘ Didn’t feel safe? What happened?’

  Mrs T took out a handkerchief and blew her nose. ‘Meg slapped Rathley’s face when he said something disgusting to her in the street, and she had a couple of accidents after that, you see. She got badly bruised in one of them, because someone shoved her in front of a moving car. Good thing it was only going slowly.’

  Jo could only stare in shock.

  ‘That’s how bad he is. So maybe you might be better leaving this town, too, once you’ve met your relatives.’

  And some people thought colonials were uncivilised! She was amazed that a man could get away with such behaviour just because he was rich. This was the 1930s, after all, not the 1830s!

  Mrs T gave her a sympathetic smile. ‘Most folk in the valley aren’t like that, love, but there are bad people everywhere, no denying it. He and his cronies between them own most of the slums in Backshaw Moss. Just down the road from Rathley’s house, that place is. The landlords cram tenants into their hovels, shovel rent money into their pockets and never repair a thing. It’s a wonder some of those places haven’t fallen down.’

  She lowered her voice to add, ‘And they let a few houses out to be used for immoral purposes. I won’t go into what that means, you not being a married woman, but believe me, it’s bad.’

  ‘I have a fair idea, being a country lass.’ Her father had always explained such things to her, however embarrassing, because of her not having a mother at an age where a girl most needed one. Edna had been scandalised at that frankness.

  ‘Well, there you are, lass. Eh, listen to me run on, only I was talking about them slums just yesterday to my friend and we’ve been wondering what’s goin
g to happen to them. We had council elections in the valley recently, you see, and some decent people got elected for a change, so everyone’s hoping they’ll clear up some of them slums. Who wants places like that on their doorsteps? Let alone they haven’t got proper drains and that can spread disease.’

  She glanced towards the clock and opened a drawer, taking out a postcard and a pencil. ‘I’ll just scribble a quick note to Kath.’

  That done, she licked a stamp and placed it neatly in a corner, then passed the card to Jo. ‘I’ll get Peter to take you past the main post office on the way back to Birch End. It’s not far out of your way.’

  Her son came in just then, a tall, healthy-looking man of about Jo’s age. When his mother told him Rathley was causing trouble again, his smile vanished and a grim look took its place. ‘What’s he doing now?’

  She explained and suggested he escort their new guest back to Rathley’s house to pick up her things.

  ‘You can count on my help, miss. By heck you can!’

  Jo thanked him and added, ‘Do call me Jo. We don’t stand on ceremony in Australia.’

  ‘Jo, it is. And I’m Peter. I’ll definitely come with you, glad to, and what’s more, we’ll call at my friend’s house on the way and ask him to come with us as well. Two escorts are better than one, just in case we need witnesses.’

  Was Mr Rathley really so powerful people didn’t want to face him on their own? Jo wondered as they left the house. The man must be mad to behave like that. Why hadn’t someone stopped him?

  She gave the postcard a quick kiss for luck before she dropped it into the slot in the post office wall, then strode out at a fast pace with Peter. She did hope these Mellings would prove to be her relatives. You felt so alone in a strange country where you knew no one. Especially when someone behaved like that to you.