by Kitty Neale
‘You’re forgetting that I walked in on you. I saw you together with my own eyes.’
‘I can’t deny that, but I promise you, she didn’t move in.’
‘So you say, but you still carried on with her, still slept with her.’
Arthur lowered his eyes, fighting to find words. ‘Sally, please, I’m sorry. I really did think that you couldn’t stand the sight of my leg, and well, Patsy threw herself at me.’
As soon as he saw the expression on her face, Arthur knew he’d said the wrong thing and braced himself as her lips curled.
‘That’s rubbish and something you’ve conjured up as an excuse for carrying on with Patsy. As for her throwing herself at you, why didn’t you say no? You may have lost part of your leg, but you’ve still got your tongue! Go away, Arthur.’
‘Angel . . .’
‘You can forget seeing her today,’ and at this Sally abruptly went back inside.
Arthur found the door slammed in his face. For a moment he stood motionless, but then he turned and walked away. Sally would never forgive him, had made that plain, and with sickening clarity now, Arthur knew it was no more than he deserved.
What was taking Sally so long at the door? Ruth wondered. She rose to her feet when she heard the door slam, just in time to see Sally dashing upstairs.
Ruth followed her and as Sally threw herself across her bed she asked, ‘What’s wrong, Sally? Who was that at the door?’
‘It was Arthur. He’s finished with Patsy and came round to apologise.’
‘What did you say to him?’
‘I told him to clear off.’
‘Good for you,’ Ruth said, ‘but isn’t he supposed to have Angel for the afternoon?’
‘Yes, but I told him to forget it,’ Sally said, her eyes filling with tears.
‘Don’t let him get to you,’ Ruth urged.
‘Mum, please, I need to be on my own for a while.’
‘Sally, you’re forgetting that your father is downstairs, and so is Denis. We’re supposed to be talking to the children after dinner.’
‘All right, I . . . I’ll be down in a minute.’
Ruth shook her head but as she returned downstairs her mother was waiting at the bottom.
‘What’s going on?’
Quietly Ruth said, ‘Arthur just called round to see Sally and she’s a bit upset.’
‘What did he want?’
‘He’s finished with Patsy and came to apologise. Huh, as if that’s enough to get Sally back.’
‘If Sally still loves him maybe the marriage is worth saving.’
‘After what he’s done you can’t expect Sally to take him back.’
‘Angel adores him, Ruth, and she needs her father.’
‘What for? Sally did all right when Ken left, in fact she was better off without him, and with Arthur sleeping around she’s better off without him too.’
‘Ken wasn’t Sally’s father, and before you condemn Arthur, you should think about the old saying. Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘Are you forgetting that you had an affair, and the man who fathered Sally has just turned up again? He’s sitting in our kitchen as bold as brass and sharing our Sunday roast.’
‘Shush, Mum, he’ll hear you,’ Ruth hissed, and as her eyes flicked towards the kitchen, Andrew appeared on the threshold.
‘Is there a problem?’ he asked.
‘Sally’s husband has been round and she’s a bit upset. She just needs a bit of time on her own, that’s all.’
‘Where’s Mummy?’ Angel asked.
‘She’s got a bit of a headache and she’s having a lay down,’ Ruth said. With her dinner now cold she cleared the table, and then cut up the apple pie into portions before serving it with custard. ‘Here’s your pudding.’
‘Cor that looks good, Ruth,’ said Denis, tucking into his, sober so far, but Ruth wondered how long it would last.
When they had finished, there was still no sign of Sally, and as the children left the table Andrew said quietly, ‘Perhaps we should put off talking to them until later.’
Ruth nodded her agreement. ‘It wouldn’t hurt to leave it for an hour.’
‘Well then, Denis, I don’t know about you, but after that wonderful dinner I could do with a walk. It might be nice to get the children out from under Ruth’s feet. Is there a park or something nearby?’
‘Yeah, but I ain’t in the mood for walking. I’d rather have forty winks.’
‘I think you should spend some time with your son for a change.’
‘I just have, but now I’m off for a kip.’
Andrew looked less than pleased, but with the children looking on he said, ‘Right then, bairns, let’s find the park.’
‘I know where it is,’ Tommy told him. When they left, Sadie sighed with relief. ‘Thank Gawd for that, a bit of peace at last. Maybe I should go up to have a word with Sally.’
‘No, leave her,’ Ruth said quickly. She didn’t want her mother advising Sally to go back to Arthur. She wanted to keep her close, Angel too.
Ruth was washing up when she heard the rattle of the letterbox, and sighing at the intrusion she went to see who was at the door.
‘Ruth, can I have a word?’
‘Yeah, come in, Nelly.’
‘Blimey, bang goes our bit of peace and quiet,’ Sadie complained. ‘What do you want, Nelly?’
‘Now then, Sadie, there’s no need for that. I’ll be leaving the lane soon and as I can only take a few bits and pieces to Osborne House I’ve popped along to see if Ruth wants any of me furniture.’
‘Sorry, Nelly, take no notice of me. It’s just that we’ve had a houseful and they’ve only just left. Sit down, love.’
Sally came into the room, her face blotchy from crying, and Nelly asked worriedly, ‘Are you all right?’
‘She’s fine,’ Ruth said, answering for her. ‘It’s just that Arthur’s been round and she’s a bit upset.’
‘Did he ask you to go back to him, Sally?’
‘He came to apologise, but it’s too late for that.’
Nelly sat quietly for a moment, but then said, ‘I felt like that too, but I’m glad I forgave George.’
‘What!’ Sadie spluttered. ‘You’re not saying that George had another woman!’
‘Yes, he did. We’d been married for about six years at the time and he had it off with the barmaid in the George and Dragon.’
‘Never! I can’t believe it.’
‘It nearly broke us up, but I’m glad it didn’t. It was my old mum that talked some sense into me.’
Ruth listened in amazement. Nelly had been married for over forty years and her husband had been devoted to her. It seemed impossible to believe that he’d been unfaithful. ‘What did your mum say, Nelly?’
‘She said I had two choices. I could chuck him out, or I could take him back. Then she made me look at the alternatives. I loved George, but if I chucked him out I’d be miserable, my marriage over. On the other hand, George had made one mistake, and if I could forgive him we could go on to have a happy marriage.’
‘I don’t think it’s as simple as that,’ Ruth said.
‘George was so ashamed and promised he would never do it again, but you’re right, Ruth, it wasn’t that simple. Despite his promise it took a long time before I could trust him again, but I never regretted my decision. My mum was right. I’d have been as miserable as sin without him.’
‘Well I never, Nelly Cox. You’re full of surprises,’ Sadie said. ‘I’ve never told anyone until now. but I thought it might help Sally to know that she isn’t the only one whose husband has strayed.’
‘How can I forgive Arthur? He made love to Patsy in our flat, on our sofa and I saw them! No, that wasn’t love, it was lust! I can’t forgive him, I just can’t,’ and with that Sally ran out of the room.
‘Oh dear. I thought telling Sally about George might help,’ and then lo
oking heavenward she added, ‘Sorry, George, but I know you’ll understand.’
‘Nelly Cox,’ Sadie said, her eyes narrowing suspiciously, ‘I think you made it up. Your George was never unfaithful.’
‘Well, not as far as I know.’
‘You crafty moo, but thanks for trying,’ Sadie said.
‘You never know, when Sally’s had time to think it over, it still might work,’ Nelly said. ‘Now then, Ruth, about me furniture.’
Ruth hoped it wouldn’t work and impatient to get rid of Nelly she said, ‘It’s good of you to offer, Nelly, but I can’t think of anything I need. I’m sure there are others in the lane who could make use of it.’
‘All right, I’d best knock on a few doors then, but will you tell Sally that I’m sorry, that I didn’t mean to upset her?’
‘I’m sure she knows that,’ Ruth said, glad to see Nelly out. She then glanced upstairs wondering if she should go up to have a word with Sally, but then her daughter appeared. Ruth felt that sympathy would only bring tears again so she said brusquely, ‘Come on, I could do with a hand with the washing up. Your father will be back in about half an hour and we’ve still got to talk to the children.’
Chapter Forty-Two
When Andrew returned with the children, his eyes went straight to Sally. ‘Are you all right, my bonny lass?’
‘I’m fine,’ she said, but that was far from the truth.
‘If you feel ready to tell the children now, I’ll go and fetch Denis.’
‘Yes, all right.’
It was fifteen minutes before he returned, a dishevelled- looking Denis with him, but at least the man was still sober. Tommy looked from his father to Andrew, and when they sat on the sofa, he squeezed between them.
Sally waited, but when nobody spoke, she asked, ‘Do you want me to tell them?’
‘Yes, lassie, that’s fine with me. What about you, Ruth, and you, Denis?’
Both told her to go ahead and taking a breath, Sally said, ‘Tommy, Angel, I’ve got something to tell you.’
When she had finished speaking, Tommy looked bewildered, but Angel took it all in a very matter-of-fact manner, almost as if she had already sensed the connection. She looked at Andrew, then at Tommy, smiling with satisfaction before saying, ‘He’s only your uncle, but he’s my granddad.’
Sally saw the crushed look on Tommy’s face. ‘That’s enough, Angel!’ she rebuked.
Ruth held out her arms, beckoning Tommy to her. ‘Come here, love, because there’s something else I don’t think you realise.’
She waited until the boy was in her arms and then turned to Denis. ‘Do you want to explain it to him, or shall I?’
‘You do it.’
‘Tommy, sweetheart, I’m very fond of you, we all are . . .’ Ruth said, then floundered, unsure how to explain. ‘Err, and well, it isn’t surprising that we love you because, you’re part of our family. Sally is your cousin.’
‘My cousin? My real cousin?’
‘Yes, darling, and that makes me your auntie.’
Tommy stared up at her, his eyes wide as he said, ‘Blimey!’ They all laughed and it broke the tension, but as Ruth looked at Denis she saw a calculating look in his eyes.
‘Well, isn’t this nice?’ he said, smiling slyly. ‘One big happy family. It’s nice to know that Tommy will always have someone to look after him when I’m at work.’
Ruth’s smile was guarded. She still wanted to take Tommy on permanently, but this wasn’t the time to broach the subject. ‘Yes, Tommy has us now, and we’ll make sure he’s treated right.’
Arthur had gone home again, but found the empty flat depressing. He made himself a sandwich and switched on the telly, but nothing held his attention. At seven he decided to see if Joe was back from seeing his mother. If he was home and had nothing else to do, they could go out for a drink. Boy, Arthur thought, he needed one.
Thankfully Joe answered the telephone. ‘Yeah, a drink sounds good. I’ll come and pick you up.’
‘No, it’s about time I saw your place, I’ll come to you for a change.’
‘How will you get here?’
‘I can get the tube to Earls Court, or I might come in a cab.’
‘Arthur, that’s daft. Surely it would be simpler if I drive over.’
‘No, I’ll come there. See you soon,’ Arthur said, and before Joe could argue he replaced the receiver.
He decided on a taxi, but didn’t find one until he reached the main road. ‘Earls Court, mate,’ he told the driver, giving him Joe’s address.
Arthur then sat back, watching the passing scenery, doing his best not to think about Sally. When the taxi finally pulled up outside an imposing house, his eyes widened. Blimey, fancy Joe living in a posh place like this. He pulled a face at the fare, thinking it astronomical, and after paying the driver, climbed the wide staircase to Joe’s front door. He looked for a bell, but instead of just one he saw at least eight. Finding one for Somerton, he rang it, waiting ages before Joe appeared.
‘Wotcher, mate, I’d invite you in, but I’m on the top floor and it’s five flights of stairs to get there.’
‘Blimey, Joe, what sort of place are you living in?’
‘It’s a sort of bed-sit with a kitchenette. I like the area and it’s fine for now. One day, when we’ve made a mint, I’ll find something better.’
‘I’m glad you said when we make a mint . . . not if. Now, where’s the nearest pub?’
‘Just around the corner and by the look of you I think you need something stronger than beer.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Come off it, Arthur, we’ve been friends too long for you to fool me. You’re upset about something. Let’s get to the pub and you can tell me all about it.’
With a pint soon in front of him, Arthur said, ‘I went round to see Sally. I tried to apologise, but she wouldn’t have it. She’ll never take me back, Joe, and I’ve got to accept that, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting to drown my sorrows. In fact, along with this beer, I think I’ll have a double whisky. Do you want one or are you frightened I can drink you under the table?’
‘Right mate, if you want a contest, you’re on.’
The two men matched each other drink for drink, until at ten-thirty they staggered out of the pub, singing their heads off as they clung to each other.
Joe was marginally less drunk than Arthur and when he saw a taxi, he raised his hand to flag it down. ‘Come on, Arthur, I’ve found you a cab,’ he said. But when the taxi driver saw the state of them, he drove off again.
Joe grinned lopsidedly. ‘Well, mate, it looks like you might have to kip down in my place for the night.’
‘All right,’ Arthur said, reeling so badly that he ended up on the road.
‘Whoops,’ Joe said, grabbing his arm and pulling him back onto the pavement.
Arthur giggled inanely, unaware of the danger he’d been in as his voice rose in song. It took a while, but Joe finally found his place, though he had a job to fit the key in the lock. ‘Brace yourself, Arthur, we’ve got a lot of stairs to climb.’
Arthur looked up at the first flight, his eyes barely able to focus, and began to stagger up. On and on the two men went, but luckily for Arthur he was so drunk, he couldn’t feel any pain in his prosthesis. He began to sing again, an old Gracie Fields song, maudlin now, ‘Sally . . . Sally . . . pride of our alley.’
Joe joined in, both men impervious to the shouts that rang out in the building for them to shut up. ‘You’re more than the whole world to me.’
Chapter Forty-Three
During the next few days, Andrew got to know his daughter, finding to his surprise that, like his mother, she had the gift of healing.
It hadn’t taken him long to work out that Sally had no life of her own. He had wanted to take her out whilst Ruth was at work, but with Sadie to look after it proved impossible. It didn’t seem right and he found himself increasingly annoyed. He knew Ruth had to work, understood her financial constraint
s, but even so, the burden shouldn’t fall only on Sally.
Andrew’s thoughts turned to Angel and he smiled. Since finding out that Tommy was her cousin, she now treated the boy as if she owned him. When she bossed him about, Tommy took it well, but Andrew could already see rebellion on his face. Tommy loved being part of the family and was obviously testing the water, but sparks would fly soon, he was sure of it.
Yes, Andrew thought, smiling softly, Angela was rather bossy and spoiled, but even so he was falling under her spell. She was a delight, and he was already becoming very, very fond of her.
His thoughts now returned to his nephew and his approaching birthday. Thankfully they had been able to change the date of the funeral, and it was now being held on Monday.
With only a couple of days left to buy the lad a present, he glanced at the clock. Denis was still in bed. Had the man got anything for his son? Andrew doubted it. With this in mind he decided to try to make it up to Tommy and buy him something a little bit special. He’d pop round to ask Sally for suggestions.
‘Hello, lass,’ he said as she opened the door. ‘I’m just off to find something for Tommy’s birthday. I’m not sure what to get him. Do you have you any ideas?’
‘Come in, Dad,’ Sally invited, ‘I’ll put my thinking cap on.’
Dad! For the first time she had called him Dad, and Andrew smiled with pleasure.
‘Hello, Sadie,’ he said, his smile still wide as he walked into the kitchen.
Sadie just grunted a greeting and Sally pulled a face. ‘Gran’s not in the best of humour today,’ she whispered.
‘I may be old, but I ain’t deaf,’ the old woman snapped. Andrew had come to recognise that Sadie could sometimes be testy, and though Sally said it was rare, he didn’t know how she put up with it.
‘Dad, how about a train set?’
‘What? Sorry, I was miles away.’
‘I suggested a train set for Tommy.’
‘Yes, good idea, and where will I find one?’
‘There’s a large department store at Clapham Junction. It’s called Arding & Hobbs and is right on the corner, you can’t miss it.’