A Mother's Trust

by Dilly Court

  ‘Ta, Phoebe.’ Ivy’s sad expression melted into a smile. ‘If I marry Nenzo, I’ll be your auntie. How about that?’

  ‘Shut up and feed the baby,’ Phoebe said, chuckling. ‘I’ll go and make the cocoa.’

  Next morning Phoebe was awakened by the door bursting open to admit Rose followed by Gussie and Dolly.

  ‘Darling Phoebe. What a wonderful surprise.’ Rose rushed over to her and gave her a hug. ‘What are you doing back in Brighton?’ She glanced over her shoulder at Ivy’s sleeping form on the sofa with Teddy clutched in her arms. ‘And look at Teddy. How he’s grown.’

  Ivy opened her eyes and sat up, still cradling Teddy as if he were the most precious thing in the whole world. ‘What’s all the fuss about?’

  ‘We’re just pleased to see you, Ivy,’ Rose said, smiling. ‘It’s such a surprise to wake up and find you all here again.’

  Dolly nudged her aside to cuddle up to Phoebe, laying her head on her shoulder. ‘I’ve missed you. It ain’t the same here when you’re gone from us.’

  Phoebe suppressed a shudder as she recalled Ethel’s vicious expression when she had demanded the return of her daughter. The thought of Dolly falling into her mother’s clutches was enough to make her blood run cold. She gave her a hug. ‘I’ve missed you too, but I thought you were happy here with Judy.’

  Dolly raised her face and smiled. ‘Yes, I am, and I love Miss Judy. She’s been ever so kind to me. But that don’t stop me wishing you was here too.’

  ‘Well, I am now. So that’s all right, isn’t it?’ Phoebe looked up to see Gussie, standing arms akimbo, staring at her with a puzzled frown.

  ‘What’s it all about, girl? Are you in trouble again?’

  ‘It’s a long story,’ Phoebe said wearily. ‘But it’s good to be here again.’

  ‘Tell us everything.’ Rose’s eyes shone with excitement. ‘This is so wonderful. I thought we’d lost you forever.’

  Gussie moved closer to the sofa, staring down at Teddy with a tender smile on her face. ‘Look at the little lamb. Isn’t he a picture? Those golden curls make him look like an angel.’

  Ivy curled her lip. ‘You won’t think him such a cherub when he starts bawling his head off. This little gent has lungs like a town crier.’

  Dolly left Phoebe’s side. ‘Can I hold him, Ivy? I’ll be ever so careful.’

  Phoebe stretched and rose stiffly to her feet. ‘I’m sure you will, but let Ivy see to him first.’

  Dolly knelt down, stroking Teddy’s tiny hand. ‘I think he’s a poppet. I’d like one just like that.’

  ‘You wait until you see him in one of his crabby moods,’ Ivy said, shaking her head. ‘You’ll change your tune then, young lady.’

  ‘I can’t wait to tell the others that you’re here.’ Rose slipped her arm around Phoebe’s waist. ‘Poppa and I have to go out early to set up the booth on the beach, but we’ll have plenty of time to talk later. How long are you here for, Phoebe?’

  ‘Just a few days. I’ll tell you all about it when we have time.’

  ‘You weren’t going to leave me out, I hope.’ Madame Galina’s huge bulk almost filled the doorway. She sailed across the floor to push Rose aside in order to clutch Phoebe to her bosom. ‘Fred and Herbert are in the kitchen and they’re dying to see you again. The wretched Chinese tumblers are moving out today so the attic room will be vacant. Good riddance to them I say, with their foreign food and chopsticks. Who but a heathen would eat with knitting needles?’ She kissed Phoebe on both cheeks before plumping down on the sofa beside Ivy.

  Disturbed, Teddy opened his eyes and stared up in wonder at Gussie who was still hovering close by. She snatched him up in her arms, cuddling him and laughing when he tugged at her gold earring. ‘Come with Auntie Gussie, my little love. I’ll get you some milk for your breakfast, and some bupper.’

  ‘For God’s sake use the proper terminology,’ Madame Galina said crossly. ‘Do you want the child to grow up talking rubbish?’

  ‘He’s just a baby.’ Gussie rocked Teddy in her arms. ‘Who’s a beautiful little boy, then?’

  ‘If you talk to him like that he’ll turn into an idiot or a molly-boy.’ Madame Galina struggled to her feet and attempted to wrest him from Gussie’s arms, but was instantly repulsed.

  ‘Go away. Let me hold him for a while. You think you know it all, but you don’t. The little chap likes me. See how he smiles at me. You’d scare him, you old war horse.’

  Ivy jumped up and for a moment it looked as though all three of them were going to have a tug-of-war over the unfortunate Teddy. Phoebe was amused but also a little alarmed. She did not want to see her brother pulled apart by three broody women, and she moved in swiftly when he started to cry. ‘I think Ivy had better give him his first feed,’ she said calmly. ‘We’re going to wean him but it should be done slowly, don’t you think?’

  There was a murmur of assent and reluctantly Madame and Gussie retreated to the kitchen, still arguing over who was the best qualified to look after a baby.

  Rose burst out laughing. ‘The house hasn’t been the same without you, Phoebe. I’ve missed you so, and I can’t wait to hear what’s been going on in London. Have you seen the dreaded Caspar? He came here and unfortunately got hold of Dolly, who gave him your address. There was nothing we could do about it.’

  Phoebe passed Teddy back to Ivy. ‘Yes, I know. It’s part of the reason why we’re here.’

  ‘Rose.’ Hector’s voice echoed round the hallway. ‘Rose, come and get your breakfast or you’ll go without. It’s a fine day and I want an early start.’

  ‘I have to go,’ Rose said apologetically. ‘Come to the beach by the south pier at midday. We have a short break then and you can tell me all. In the meantime, let’s get something to eat. I’m ravenous. Come along, Dolly. I’m sure you must be hungry too.’

  With a reluctant backwards glance at Teddy, who was now firmly latched on to Ivy’s breast, Dolly followed Rose from the room. Phoebe smoothed her hair in place and shook out her crumpled skirts. She had been too tired to unpack her nightgown when they arrived and had fallen asleep in the armchair fully clothed. ‘I’ll bring you a cup of tea, Ivy,’ she said, pausing in the doorway. ‘Then I’ll take care of Teddy while you get something to eat.’

  Ivy pulled a face. ‘He’s got two teeth already. I’ll not be sorry to see him weaned, although I love the little man like he was my own, dear dead child.’

  ‘You’ll have more babies,’ Phoebe said gently. ‘If you decide to marry Nenzo you’ll probably have one a year.’

  ‘I don’t think your grandparents would like it if they found out that I was deserted by my common-law husband. I think Signora Giamatti would think ill of me if she found out that I’d had a child out of wedlock.’

  ‘Nonsense. You’re as good as any of us, and Nonna has been longing for more grandchildren. She’d be even more heartbroken if she discovered that Teddy is not a Giamatti.’

  Ivy’s lips trembled. ‘Anyway, I told Lorenzo about my past and he said he didn’t care, but he hasn’t asked me to marry him, and maybe he never will.’

  ‘Then more fool him,’ Phoebe said stoutly. ‘But you must return to London as soon as possible. It was thoughtless of me to bring you here like this. I’m sorry, Ivy.’

  ‘If he wants me, he can come and get me. I never had to chase after a man, and I ain’t going to start now. I’ll not leave you and Teddy in the lurch.’

  ‘You’re a brick,’ Phoebe said with a grateful smile as she left the room. She hurried to the kitchen but came to a sudden halt when she saw Marcus White seated at the head of the long table. He rose to his feet as she entered the room. ‘My dear, Phoebe. Judy told me that you’d arrived late last night.’

  Judy bustled over to the table carrying the large black saucepan filled with porridge. She ladled some onto his plate. ‘Hush, Marcus. There’s no need to tell the whole world that you slept in my bed.’

  He threw back his head and laughed. ‘Why not? I i
ntend to make an honest woman of you the moment you say yes. What d’you think of that, Phoebe?’

  ‘I think it’s marvellous. I couldn’t be happier for you both.’ Phoebe went to hug Judy but the steaming saucepan was in the way and she patted her on the shoulder instead. ‘Why didn’t you tell me before?’

  ‘Are you hungry or not?’ Judy slapped a ladleful of porridge onto a clean bowl. ‘I’m all behind like the cow’s tail this morning, thanks to those confounded Chinese tumblers. They insisted on cooking for themselves.’ She wafted her hand in front of her face. ‘I can’t get rid of the smell of foreign food, no matter what I do.’

  Marcus took the saucepan from her, pressing her down on the seat next to his place at table. ‘Never mind them, my dear. You must eat something yourself. You spend far too much of your time looking after others. Now it’s my turn to take care of you. Name the day, Judy, and we’ll be married.’

  Rose clapped her hands and Dolly almost choked on a mouthful of hot tea. Madame Galina and Gussie stared open-mouthed. Hector paused with a slice of toast halfway to his mouth, and Fred covered his face with his handkerchief, his shoulders shaking. Phoebe was not sure if he was laughing or crying. She had not realised that he too had feelings for Judy, who had always seemed to be a dedicated spinster. ‘It’s wonderful,’ Phoebe said, patting Marcus on the shoulder. ‘You were made for each other.’

  ‘I’m a truly happy man,’ Marcus said, beaming.

  Judy glared at him. ‘I haven’t said I would. I don’t call that a proper proposal either. Just because I allow you certain privileges, Marcus White, doesn’t mean that I’m going to shackle myself to you for the rest of my life.’

  Phoebe and Rose exchanged anxious glances, and it seemed that everyone else held their breath, but Marcus appeared to be unabashed. He went down on one knee, taking Judy’s hand in his. ‘My dearest, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?’

  The silence in the room was almost unbearable. Phoebe hardly dared breathe for fear of missing Judy’s answer.

  ‘Oh, get up, you silly man,’ Judy said at last. ‘Those wretched Chinamen dropped noodles on the floor. You’ll ruin your trousers.’

  ‘I want an answer, Judy. I’m not moving until you say yes.’

  Judy’s thin lips curved in a smile. ‘All right, then. Yes, I suppose I’ll have to marry you, if only to stop you making a complete fool of yourself.’

  There was a sharp intake of breath all round and then everyone started clapping. Marcus rose from his knees and wrapped his arms around Judy, kissing her on the lips. She responded with a passion that surprised Phoebe, but then she pushed her new fiancé away and picked up her spoon. ‘Eat your porridge before it gets cold, Marcus. I’m not making another batch.’ She looked up at the smiling faces. ‘What are you all staring at?’

  Phoebe bent down to kiss her cheek. ‘I’m so happy for you.’ She turned to Marcus with a smile. ‘Congratulations. I know you’ll make a wonderful couple.’

  He nodded in agreement. ‘So do I, my dear Phoebe. Tonight we’ll celebrate. I’m inviting you all to the pub which Madame Galina graces by her presence. We’ll have a party that will be remembered for years to come. What d’you say to that, Herbert, old man? And you, of course, Fred.’

  Herbert puffed out his chest. ‘I say you’re on.’

  Fred mopped his eyes with his red and white spotted hanky. ‘My loss is your gain, Marcus. The better man won the fair lady.’

  ‘I wish someone would fight for my hand,’ Gussie murmured, bowing her head. ‘I’m doomed to be an old maid.’

  Madame Galina, who was seated beside Fred, nudged him hard in the ribs. ‘Here’s your chance, you old codger. You could do a lot worse than her.’

  He leapt to his feet and rushed from the room, muttering something about being late for work, and Madame Galina doubled up with laughter that echoed round the room. ‘Silly man,’ she wheezed. ‘I was only teasing him.’

  ‘You don’t know when to stop,’ Gussie said crossly. ‘You’ve upset him and I won’t be able to look him in the eye again.’

  ‘Why won’t you?’ Dolly asked innocently. ‘I don’t understand.’

  Rose reached across the table to pat her hand. ‘It’s not important, dear. Why don’t we ask Phoebe to tell us what’s been happening to her in the big city? I’m sure we’re all dying to know.’

  A murmur of assent rippled round the table and Phoebe was left with no alternative but to begin her story from the time she left Brighton until the moment she returned.

  ‘That Caspar is a wicked man,’ Rose said with an exaggerated shudder. ‘I can’t think what I ever saw in him.’

  Hector cleared his throat noisily. ‘It sounds as though you’ve had a lucky escape, my dear girl. You did the right thing in returning to us, your true family.’

  Judy rose to her feet, ignoring Marcus who begged her to relax and let someone else do the work for a change. ‘Since you’re going to be here for a while, Phoebe, I’ll expect you to do your share of the chores, as before. You start by making sure that Dolly clears up the breakfast things and leaves the kitchen in its original state. I’m going to market.’

  Marcus pushed back his chair and stood up. ‘But, my love, we’ve just become engaged. I thought you would want to come with me to choose a ring.’

  Judy’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline. ‘Waste of money. What would I do with a diamond ring? Getting married won’t change anything. I’ll still run the guest house and you’ll go to the theatre every day. We will carry on just as before.’

  ‘But, my dove, surely we could spend a few hours together. Even if you don’t want a ring, we could go and see the vicar and arrange for the banns to be called.’

  ‘You can do what you like,’ Judy said calmly. ‘But I’m going to market before it gets so hot that everything is on the turn.’ Snatching her bonnet and shawl from the peg behind the door, she left the room, which seemed to be a signal for the others to depart and go about their daily business.

  Leaving Dolly to clear the table, Phoebe took a bowl of porridge and a cup of tea into the front parlour for Ivy. She set the tray down on the small table in the bay window. ‘I’ll change him,’ she said, pulling out a chair. ‘Come and get your breakfast while it’s still hot.’

  Ivy hitched the baby over her shoulder, patting his back until he emitted a satisfactory burp. ‘Ta, I won’t say no. I’m starving.’ She rose from the sofa and handed Teddy to Phoebe. ‘He’ll be hungry again soon. As I told you, me milk’s drying up. You’ll need to get a pap boat for him to sup from.’ She sat down and began tucking into the porridge with a will.

  ‘A pap boat? What’s that?’ Phoebe’s knowledge of babies was limited and she was beginning to wish that she had asked more questions of her grandmother.

  Ivy made a motion with her spoon which Phoebe thought must represent the mysterious pap boat. ‘It’s a china dish with a spout for feeding babies soft food. I expect Miss Judy has one tucked away in a cupboard somewhere. She must have had lodgers with infants staying here at one time or another. We’ll manage somehow.’

  Phoebe took a seat, setting Teddy on her knee. ‘I don’t know what I’d have done without you, Ivy, but you must return to London when you see fit.’

  Ivy swallowed a mouthful of porridge. ‘I’ll stick with you and Teddy no matter what. Like I said before, if Lorenzo wants me, he can come looking. We’ll see this thing through together.’

  The next few days passed pleasantly enough, although nagging worries pursued Phoebe wherever she went. If she walked along the promenade and stopped to watch Herbert’s Punch and Judy show, she would find herself looking over her shoulder and studying faces in the crowd. She did not know who she feared the most, Ned or Caspar, but she was certain that one of them would eventually come looking for her. She knew she must move on but she was loath to leave the people who had come to mean so much to her. She had been happier in Brighton than she had in London, but she knew that this period of respite would
soon end. She must move on to Dover and wait for Gino to join her. It would be safer there, but she would miss everyone here and Rose in particular. They had picked up where they left off and it was such a relief to have someone who knew what Caspar was really like, and who understood the threat that he posed. Phoebe knew that the time was coming to depart, and yet she kept putting it off.

  She was sitting in the parlour one evening with Rose. It had long been cleared of her personal belongings, which were now arranged neatly in the attic room vacated by the Chinese tumblers. Judy had gone to the theatre with Marcus and everyone else, except Dolly who was curled up in a chair sound asleep, had gone to Madame Galina’s pub where a musical entertainment had been laid on. Phoebe had not felt in the mood for such gaiety and she had volunteered to stay behind and look after Teddy. Rose had also opted to remain, and they sat side by side on the sofa, drinking cocoa and chatting in soft voices so as not to disturb Dolly.

  ‘Why do you have to go to Italy?’ Rose whispered. ‘You don’t have to marry Gino. If you don’t truly love him it would be unfair on both of you.’

  ‘He loves me,’ Phoebe said simply. ‘He’s been so good to me throughout this nightmare time, Rose. I couldn’t break his heart, and he’s told everyone that he’s Teddy’s father. When Gino and I are married Teddy will be safe from Ned Paxman. He won’t be able to take him from me.’

  ‘I wouldn’t count on that,’ Rose said, shaking her head. ‘And think of the boy. Is it right to bring him up thinking he’s more than half Italian when he’s English through and through? One day he’s sure to discover the truth, and he won’t thank you for keeping it from him.’

  ‘But I can’t give him away to the Paxmans. I won’t allow them to turn my little brother into a criminal.’

  Rose angled her head. ‘There’s something you’re not telling me. What is it? Every time the Paxmans’ names come up you get that closed look on your face.’