by Kitty Neale
With a wriggle, Sadie shifted in her chair to ease a cushion behind her back and then dozed lightly until Sally returned.
Sally smiled when she saw her gran having a nap, but she soon woke up and the rest of the day passed as normal. When Ruth came home from work and it was time for them to leave, Angel looked bewildered. ‘Can’t I stay here?’
‘Don’t you want to see your daddy? After all, it must be time for his medicine.’
That did the trick and running up to Ruth, Angel said, ‘Sorry, Nanny, I’ve got to go.’
‘I know, darling. Give me a kiss and I’ll see you in the morning.’
Angel flung her arms around Ruth’s neck, kissed her cheek and then ran to Sadie to do the same. Sally hovered impatiently, anxious to see Arthur, until at last they were hurrying home. Tentatively she opened the door. Arthur grinned when he saw Angel.
‘Well, there’s my girl.’
There was no such greeting for Sally, but as their eyes met, he managed a tight, little smile. ‘I rang Joe and invited him round. He said he’d call in on his way home from the site, so he should be here soon.’
‘If he’s coming straight from work, he might be hungry. Do you think I should ask him if he’d like some dinner?’
‘Yes, good idea.’
Angel, obviously feeling left out, wormed her way onto Arthur’s lap. ‘I got a star for my drawing today, Daddy.’
‘Well done, sweetheart.’
‘Arthur, before I make a start on the vegetables, can I get you anything?’
‘No, thanks,’ he said without raising his head. ‘Now then, Angel, what else did you do at school today?’
It was silly really, but Sally felt oddly rejected as she made her way to the kitchen. She began to prepare the food, thankful that there was an extra pork chop, and it was almost ready when the doorbell rang.
‘Hello,’ Joe said when she went to answer it. ‘I hope you don’t mind me calling.’
‘No, of course not. In fact, I’ve prepared extra so you can stay for dinner,’ she told him, thinking that at least Joe’s visit might help with the tense atmosphere.
This proved to be true. When they walked into the living room, Arthur grinned at Joe, and greeted him with a cheery, ‘Hello, mate.’
‘Can I get you a drink, Joe?’ Sally asked.
‘A coffee would be great.’
‘What about you, Arthur?’
‘Yes, the same please.’
Sally went through to the kitchen, relieved that Arthur had spoken civilly to her. Was it just because Joe was here, or would he keep it up?
Joe made a fuss of Angel, but Arthur saw that she was a little shy with him. It wouldn’t last, but for now she was being unusually quiet. Sally came back into the room and as she handed them the drinks, Arthur asked, ‘How are things going on the site, Joe?’
‘We’re progressing well. The foundations for the first row of terraces are in and so far we’re keeping to schedule.’
‘That’s good. I can’t wait to start work. You’ve waited long enough and it’s time I pulled my weight.’
‘There’s no hurry, and it’s amazing what you managed to achieve from that hospital bed. The brochure you designed is great, along with the name of the development. “The Meadows”, it has a nice ring to it.’
‘Have you had the brochures printed?’
‘I had to get an artist’s mock-up first, but yes, have a look,’ Joe said, reaching into his briefcase to pull one out.
Arthur was pleased with the artist’s impression. The site was in Reading, the houses clustered around a central green. ‘It looks good, but I’d like to see the site.’
‘If you feel up to it I’ll drive you there tomorrow. Well, that’s if Sally doesn’t mind.’
‘You don’t need to consult my wife. This is my decision, not hers.’
‘Fine, I’ll pick you up around seven.’
‘I’d best get back to the kitchen,’ Sally said. ‘Dinner is nearly ready.’
As Sally left, Arthur took a sip of his coffee and then asked Joe a few more questions about the housing development. He tried to take it all in, but with no experience of the construction game he felt out of his depth. There was so much to learn. Was he up to it?
‘Do you mind if I have a bit of a wash up, Arthur?’
‘Help yourself, mate. The bathroom is just across the hall.’
As soon as Joe was out of sight, Angel chirped, ‘Daddy, you haven’t had your medicine.’
‘You’d best go and get it then,’ he said as Angel scurried off.
It wasn’t long before Arthur had dutifully taken his mock medicine, and after Sally laid the table for dinner, they all tucked in. Arthur found that with Joe’s lively conversation his tension had eased. It could be that Sally was fine about his leg and last night he’d been imagining things. He was probably being over- sensitive and later, when they went to bed, things would be different.
At seven-thirty, Angel was tucked up for the night and Sally was about to wash up when she heard a ring on the doorbell. She dried her hands and went to see who it was. ‘Hello, Patsy.’
‘I just popped down to say hello. I thought it was a bit much when you had just moved in yesterday, but hope it’s all right now.’
‘Of course it is. Come on in,’ Sally replied as she took in Patsy’s outfit. Her upstairs neighbour was wearing a navy and white striped mini-dress, with white knee-length boots. Blonde hair framed her pretty face and her make-up had been skilfully applied. ‘I love your dress, Patsy.’
‘It’s from Biba in Kensington. I couldn’t resist buying it.’
Sally looked down at her own outfit, feeling frumpy beside Patsy as they walked into the living room. ‘Arthur, Joe, this is Patsy Laurington. She lives upstairs.’
Joe jumped to his feet, his hand outstretched. ‘Pleased to meet you.’
‘It’s nice to meet you too,’ she said, her neck craning as she looked up at him, their hands still clasped.
Sally could see that Patsy was flushing prettily, but she wasn’t surprised. Joe was a good-looking man and if she wasn’t mistaken, there was an instant attraction.
‘Put her down, Joe,’ Arthur joked.
Their hands dropped and Sally then introduced Arthur. ‘Patsy, this is Arthur, my husband.’
‘Hello,’ Patsy said. ‘I expect you’re pleased to be home after all that time in hospital.’
‘Yes, I am,’ he said.
‘Patsy, sit down,’ Sally invited. ‘Can I get you something to drink?’
‘A coffee would be nice.’
‘I’d like one too,’ Arthur said. ‘What about you, Joe?’
‘Yes, great.’
‘I’ll give you a hand,’ Patsy said, following Sally through to the kitchen. ‘Joe seems nice.’
‘Yes, he is.’
‘Is he married?’
‘No, he’s single and as far as I know he hasn’t got a girlfriend.’
‘What does he do for a living?’
‘I think I told you before about my husband getting involved in building houses. It’s a new venture and Joe is his partner.’
‘Is he now,’ Pasty said. ‘That’s interesting.’
For a moment Sally thought she saw a calculating look in her eyes, but then Patsy smiled at her without guile, saying, ‘Well, I wish them the best of luck.’
The rest of the evening was pleasant, and when asked by Joe about her line of work, Patsy told him she was a mobile hairdresser.
‘Do you cut men’s hair?’
‘Err yes, but I don’t get many male clients.’
‘Did you hear that, Arthur? Patsy here could give you a bit of a trim.’
‘What’s wrong with my hair?’
‘Well, mate, you’ve got to admit it’s a bit long.’
‘Maybe, but no offence, Patsy, I’d rather stick to the barbers,’ Arthur said, then yawned widely.
Joe glanced at his watch and then rose to his feet. ‘It’s nearly eleven and as we’
ve got an early start in the morning, I’d best be on my way.’
‘Yes, I’ll be off too,’ Patsy said.
Sally saw them out and returned to the living room to see Arthur standing with his crutches tucked under his arms. ‘I’m going to bed,’ he said. ‘Are you coming?’
She had seen him yawning and though tired too, Sally said, ‘I’ve got a stack of washing up to do first. I’d rather do it now than tackle it in the morning.’
‘Suit yourself,’ he said abruptly.
Sally put his attitude down to tiredness and found she had to scrub the plates extra hard to remove the stuck on residue of gravy. At last it was done and when she went through to the bedroom, she saw that Arthur was already asleep. If he was going to the site with Joe tomorrow it meant an early start, so careful not to wake him she climbed in, again resisting the urge to snuggle close.
It was another night without the warmth of Arthur’s arms around her, and feeling a twinge of disappointment, Sally chided herself. Arthur had only just come out of hospital, and he probably still needed time to recover. She would just have to be patient, that was all.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Though late, Joe had accepted Patsy’s invitation for coffee and was upstairs in her flat.
‘Just in case you’re wondering, it’s only coffee I’m offering,’ Patsy said as she carried in two cups.
‘That’s fine with me.’
She sat down beside him, her skirt riding up and Joe couldn’t help admiring her shapely legs. He dragged his eyes away and looked around the room, not really liking the garish décor. His eyes then settled on a photograph of a little girl that was displayed on the sideboard. ‘Nice-looking kid – is she a relative?’
‘Yes,’ Patsy said shortly, offering no further explanation.
Joe felt he had said the wrong thing, but then Patsy blurted, ‘I’m a divorcée.’
‘Are you?’ he said, surprised. Patsy looked so young, too young to have been married and divorced.
‘I was only seventeen when I married and soon found it was a dreadful mistake.’
‘What went wrong?’
‘I’d rather not talk about it.’
Joe shifted uncomfortably. They’d been fine in Arthur and Sally’s company, but now the atmosphere was tense. Perhaps Patsy was worried that he’d try it on. Hoping to alleviate her fears he moved along the sofa, putting a little distance between them.
Patsy was the one to look surprised now and leaning forward she placed her cup on the coffee table. She then shuffled close to him again, her expression soft and her eyes inviting as a small smile curled her lips.
Joe’s brow rose and, hoping he hadn’t misread the signs, he placed his cup next to hers before pulling her into his arms.
Their kiss was passionate, and as it deepened Patsy’s tiny teeth nipped his lower lip. Joe groaned, becoming aroused as his hands began to roam her body, one coming to rest on a small, but pert breast.
She stiffened instantly, pushing him away, her voice sharp as she said, ‘Joe, I think you’d better leave now.’
‘I’m sorry,’ he said.
‘Just because I’m divorced, it doesn’t mean I’m that sort of girl.’
‘I didn’t think you were, but well, you are rather lovely and you can’t blame a chap for trying.’
Small dimples appeared on her cheeks as she smiled. ‘Thanks, but it’s time you left.’
Joe rose to his feet. ‘Can I see you again?’
‘Yes, I’d like that.’
‘How about tomorrow night? Dinner? Or a movie?’
‘Dinner would be nice.’ She stood on tiptoe, kissing him swiftly on the cheek, and then led the way downstairs. ‘Goodnight, Joe,’ she whispered as he stepped outside.
‘I’ll pick you up at eight tomorrow night.’
‘That’s fine,’ she said, adding before closing the door, ‘I’ll look forward to it.’
Joe climbed into his car, but as he drove home there was a worried frown on his brow. He liked Patsy, and there was no denying that she was a looker, but there was something he couldn’t put his finger on, something not quite right.
He’d asked her out, but now hoped he hadn’t made a mistake.
* * *
Arthur had little to say to Sally the next morning. Last night she had taken ages to come to bed and it confirmed his suspicions. He hadn’t been imagining things, nor was he being oversensitive.
At seven Joe arrived and Arthur was relieved to leave for the site. He settled back in his seat and began to enjoy the journey, turning his head when Joe spoke.
‘By the way, I’m taking Patsy out to dinner tonight,’ he said.
‘Blimey, that was quick work, though I can’t say I blame you. She’s a bit of all right.’
‘Yes, she is, but I’m not sure she’s my type,’ Joe said, and then turned the conversation to more serious things to do with the project.
Arthur was enjoying himself, feeling at least a little useful again. As they drew closer to Reading a soft rain began to fall, a thin veil that obscured his view as they arrived at the site. Joe parked and Arthur got out of the car, now able to see what looked like thick mud in the centre of the site. To one side building materials were stacked high, and the first row of houses was emerging.
‘Well, Arthur, what do you think?’
‘It’s good to see that the houses are going up.’
‘Come on,’ Joe said, motioning towards a prefabricated hut. ‘Such as it is, that’s our site office. I’ll give our foreman a shout and he can bring us up to speed.’
Arthur saw planks of wood leading to the door and gingerly swung over them, doing his best to hide his feelings. The site was a quagmire, impossible to manoeuvre on his crutches, and glancing around he saw some of the men looking at him. They quickly lowered their heads, but not before he saw the pity in their eyes.
As they went inside, Arthur’s eyes roamed the hut. The plans and charts attached to the wall meant nothing to him.
‘One sugar or two?’ Joe asked, as he started to make them a drink.
‘Two, please,’ Arthur said as he sat down on a wooden chair, placing his crutches to one side.
Soon after Joe handed him a tin mug, and then took a seat at the makeshift desk. ‘It’s good to have you on board, mate.’
‘Doing what?’ Arthur asked.
‘Blimey, mate, what do you think? The site doesn’t run itself. To maintain the schedules there are materials to be ordered, and as project managers it’s our job to keep things running smoothly. The bricklayers will do their job, as will the roofers, but there are all the other tradesmen to sort out; the plasterers, plumbers, carpenters and electricians. They all need access at different stages, and it’s up to us to see that they have all the materials they need, and that they don’t overlap with each other.’
‘I thought you said we have a foreman.’
‘Yes, we do, and Billy does a good job with the men, but he isn’t the one who does the ordering, or the marketing.’
Arthur shook his head doubtfully. ‘Christ, Joe, until I get my leg I won’t be able to navigate the site.’
‘If you want to start work now, you won’t have to. There’s plenty of stuff that needs doing in this office, such as making up and paying the men’s wages, along with marketing the houses and as I said, ordering materials. I could certainly do with a hand.’
‘I haven’t got a clue where to start.’
‘Neither did I at first, but like me, you’ll learn. We may make a few mistakes, but what we pick up in experience here, we’ll take on to our next project. I must admit there have been a few cock-ups, but nothing too serious, and we’re on schedule. Well, so far that is.’
The enormity of what they had undertaken hit Arthur, and he wondered what they had got themselves into. They had sunk all their savings into the venture, and if it all went pear-shaped, they’d be left with nothing but a pile of debts.
Arthur took a deep, steadying breath. As Joe said,
he’d learn, and he’d do just that, putting everything he could into making this work. Their future depended on it.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sally chewed worriedly on her lower lip. Arthur hadn’t complained about working on the building site, yet she was sure that something was wrong.
Two weeks had passed and in that time Arthur had grown more remote. Sally feared he found the job too much, especially as every night he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
A good night’s sleep didn’t help, and as always he had got up that morning terse and moody with hardly a word spoken between them. Sally was at a loss to know what to do.
It didn’t take Sally and Angel long to reach Candle Lane, and after taking her daughter to school she had only just returned when there was a knock on the door. ‘Hello, Nelly.’
‘Wotcher, Sally. What sort of mood is Sadie in?’
‘She’s much better nowadays. Her mood swings aren’t as bad.’
‘Right, I’ll come in then.’
Sally only half listened to the conversation as the two ladies chatted, but her ears pricked up when she heard Laura Walters’ name. ‘What did you say about Laura?’
‘I was just telling Sadie that she might be drinking again.’
‘No! I can’t believe it.’
‘Jessie Stone saw her yesterday and said she was acting a bit odd.’
‘Jessie is nothing but a gossip,’ Sally protested. ‘Just because Laura wasn’t herself, it doesn’t mean she’s drinking. She might have been ill.’
‘I don’t think so. Jessie said that Laura was furtive, sneaking home with something hidden under her coat. She spoke to her, and when Laura answered, her voice sounded slurred.’
Sally frowned. ‘Oh dear. I don’t like the sound of that.’
‘Me neither, but I ain’t surprised. There’s still no sign of her husband, and it must be hard on Laura that Denis walked out like that.’
‘That’s no excuse,’ Sadie snapped.
‘Maybe not, but if you’re an alcoholic just one drink puts you back on the slippery slope.’