Ripper, My Love

by Glynis Smy

  ‘Again. Thank you, Kitty.’

  Arthur pulled up his bag and sat it on a chair ready to put his new treasures away.

  Kitty waited for a change of facial expression when he opened it. She was disappointed when he made no comment on the contents. He said nothing as he packed his things and buckled it shut. Kitty was frustrated. She wanted to see inside it again, to find out what they were.

  ‘Gracious Arthur, your bag looks heavy tonight. Would you like to leave some of your things here and collect them another day?’

  ‘Um, no. No thank you. I brought extra books with me just in case we finished this lesson early. I am used to carrying heavy books. No, I will be fine.’

  Patrick reached over to take the handle, ‘Give it to me Arthur. I am used to carrying sacks and barrels. Give your arms a rest.’

  But Arthur had a firm grip and was reluctant to relinquish his belongings.

  ‘No. Thank you. Patrick it really is not that heavy, come on now, Kitty needs her rest. Thank you my friend for a most entertaining evening.’

  ‘Yes, thank you Kitty. I will be thinking of you and your green gills in my sleep tonight.’ Patrick joked.

  ‘Get out of here, Mr McKinley; take your teasing with you. Thank you Arthur for putting so much effort in for tonight. Next time maybe we will be treated to the extra books you brought with you.’

  Arthur coughed and nodded.

  ‘Excuse me. Yes. Next time. Goodnight, Kitty.’

  The two men left and Kitty continued to pondering over the mysterious contents of Arthur's bag.

  ***

  Patrick and Arthur made their way to William's house; Patrick called it home and felt comfortable there.

  ‘Fancy a nightcap, Arthur? A thank you for my lesson?’

  ‘No need for thanks. I enjoy the company of willing pupils. Yes. I will take you up on that offer of a drink.’ He still made a conscious effort of befriending Patrick since he had murdered his father.

  ‘No doubt Samuel is still here. I will walk him home when we have finished.’

  They entered the cottage and William and Samuel were in deep debate. They were discussing the latest murder enquiry. Both men had different opinions and the table suffered a thump from a frustrated fist, when one tried to get his point across.

  Arthur was amused. ‘What makes you think it is a male murderer? Maybe it is a jealous Tom or an angered wife.’

  Patrick poured him a drink and the two men sat with their elders. Arthur relaxed into the cushions of his chair with a sense of smug satisfaction. He listened to the group build a profile of the Whitechapel murderer. Royalty, doctors, and teachers were all mentioned.

  It amused Arthur to think that the instruments that had caused the death of more than one whore were all in the room.

  ‘What do you think he -or she, uses to attack their victim?’ He asked.

  ‘Oh, I cannot even begin to imagine. Mebbe a blunt instrument to knock them out, and a sharp knife to do the business,’ replied William. ‘Either way, it is a sorry state of affairs. I worry about my Kitty.’

  ‘She will be alright, William.’ Reassured Arthur. ‘She has us all to look out for her’.

  Besides, Jack would never kill the woman he loves.

  He looked at his companions.

  You fools do not know the truth behind Jack the Ripper.

  Frustrated by their ignorance, Arthur grew tired of the company he kept. He swallowed down his drink and made his way to the door. ‘If you will excuse me, gentlemen. I must be on my way. Coming Samuel?’

  Chapter 24

  Death and Confusion

  A pile of clothing sat on the shop counter. Sarah and Kitty had worked on them during the week. Cast-offs and rejects; restored and repaired. Practical working garments had been made from torn party dresses, trousers, and shirts. It was Visit Sally Day. William had whittled dolly pegs and Sarah had made aprons, scarves and a few rag dolls. Patrick had carved toy soldiers and the basket overflowed.

  Kitty had been working on a special project. James's mother and sister were now regular customers. During a conversation between the women, Kitty had explained the projects she and Sarah enjoyed, and where she took them each month. Twice, James was sent with a bundle of clothing for Kitty to donate. On both occasions, Kitty found the perfect items for Sally. A coat and bonnet. Both in need of altering and trimming. She was thrilled. Her project was a challenge.

  Sally had loud, garish tastes in accessories; they did not always complement each other. Kitty knew she would have to trim the outfit to suit Sally’s taste and not her own. She had found an assortment of bright beads in the back of the shop when she first opened. They were now put to good use. She added extra embellishments in reds, greens, and yellows. The end result was a tasteful outfit. A vibrant collection of lace, satin, and calico. Kitty would not want to wear it, but knew Sally would be delighted. Kitty had also added a price tag for a few nominal coins. This way Sally would keep her pride. A worn tired box had been covered with scraps of fabric, and the package was ready for delivery.

  Sarah arrived with her basket filled to the brim. She had baked pies to distribute. Kitty raised her nose to the air and twitched it as she inhaled.

  ‘They smell good, Sarah. We had better move quickly or we will have the local dogs sniffing behind us all the way.’

  ‘We nearly had my boys doing exactly that. I had to part with one just to get out of the house. Where they put it all I cannot imagine. They must have hollow legs. They had a hearty breakfast this morning too. Patrick is the worse one of all. He will need a woman who can bake all day, to satisfy his appetite.’

  She shook her head, and moved out of the door.

  ‘Milk dray is here. Morning, George. This is very good of you.’

  She stepped back to let Kitty out with the box. They were well laden, two baskets of clothing, Sally’s box and another one full of repaired flat caps and waistcoats. George was going to take Kitty and Sarah. Kitty had offered him payment, but he would not hear of it. Once he heard about their good deeds, he approached Kitty and offered them a lift. He donated a churn of milk to their cause.

  While he loaded the items onto the back of the wagon, Sarah chatted on.

  ‘I cannot wait to see Sally’s face when she sees that coat. She will part with her few coins as soon as she sees the box. I guarantee she will be lording it around town tonight. Orders for more will come your way, you mark my words.’

  Kitty giggled. ‘I do not think I could make many in the same style, Sally likes to be exclusive in her garments.’

  ‘Ha, true enough. True enough. You wait until you meet our Sally, George. She’s a character, I promise you.’

  ‘I look forward to it, Mrs McKinley. Now are you ladies ready. Off we go.’

  On their approach to the entrance of the buildings, they noticed groups of people sitting along the kerbside.

  ‘I wonder what is going on.’ Kitty said. ‘We never see these many outside of the yard.’

  ‘Whatever is the problem, this policeman wants me to stop here. Whoa, easy girl.’ George exclaimed.

  The wagon stopped and all three clambered down the policeman recognised Sarah.

  ‘Mrs McKinley, what brings you to this neck of the woods?’

  ‘Hello, Danny. We come here every month; we bring gifts to those who live in the homes behind you. I haven't seen you walk this beat before.’

  Kitty pointed out a few more policemen walking into the tenement yard.

  ‘Sarah’s right. I cannot recall seeing so many of you in the past. Is there a problem? Why are the police here?’

  ‘A Tom's been found dead. We have to keep everyone out. You cannot go in I am afraid there is a bit of a mess around the place. Killed in her own bed.’

  ‘A Tom? Who is it? Does she have family?’ Kitty was concerned there might be a child left alone. ‘We know the majority of those who live in that particular building.’

  ‘I am not supposed to say, but you will hear i
t soon enough. Best from the horse’s mouth, as they say. It was that Sally. The loud mouth tart always on the booze. I think your Brady pulled her in a few times. She did not...’

  Sarah gasped out loud. She turned and took Kitty in her arms. Kitty had burst into tears.

  ‘I am sorry, Dan. George. What a terrible shock. Sally is who we were visiting. Despite her flaws, she has become a friend of ours. A good friend. This is dreadful.’ Said Sarah.

  ‘Until this killer is caught, not one woman is safe. You must all be vigilant. We will have him soon enough, but make sure you stay safe.’ The young policeman looked to Kitty. ‘Is she alright?’

  ‘Thank you Danny. George here will see us home. Kitty will be fine it was just such a shock for us both. Thank you for your honesty.’

  They spent a few moments to distribute their gifts to the small groups before returning home. When Sarah approached the subject of her returning to live back with William until the murderer had been caught, Kitty argued.

  ‘Sarah, I cannot turn back now. I am settled. Button and Bows is my home. Believe me, there are so many people in the area who know me now; they watch over me.’

  She pulled on her gloves; it was time to make a stand. If she did not leave now, she would be drawn into a conversation she did not want or need.

  ‘Now, I must go, I want to be home before the light fades. Sarah. I cannot give up my life; I love it far too much.’

  Kitty collected her belongings. To hold onto her independence and privacy was of the utmost importance for her right now.

  ‘Very well, but mind you go straight home. None of your short cuts. You hear me Miss?’

  Sarah, gave Kitty a pat on the cheek, she then kissed her goodbye.

  ‘Who knows what we would do if anything happened to you, just be careful.’

  ‘I promise Sarah, I will go straight home. I also promise to lock the back door if that will help you sleep better tonight.’

  Kitty kept her promise. Thoughts of Sally and the smiles she had given them in the past brought on more tears. Kitty wept for the loss of her friend.

  She decided tears would not help her and Sally's death should not be in vain. Kitty wondered if she could expand the monthly donations. Maybe she would approach the grocer, and other shopkeepers in the area. She started to make a note of who she could approach, when a tap on the door behind her made her jump. She froze for a moment. It was not her father or Sarah; they would have rattled the door handle, and called out.

  ‘Who is it?’ Kitty whispered, leaning against the door.

  ‘It is James. Kitty it is me.’

  ‘James? What on earth are doing here?’

  ‘Let me in, and I will explain myself.’

  She unlocked the door. James stood with a sheepish grin on his face.

  ‘I am sorry to disturb you, but I just had to see you. I know we did not make arrangements. I apologise if I have over stepped the mark. Am I in trouble?’

  His face was the one she needed to see.

  ‘James. I am so pleased to see you. You will never know how pleased.’

  James stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.

  ‘Your father said you lost a friend today. I am sorry, so sorry.’

  Kitty lost all sense of propriety. She was not prepared to stand on ceremony. James had broken rules, so could she.

  ‘Shush, just kiss me, hold me. No talking, I need you to hold me.’

  James pulled her to him and kissed her. Their kisses were long and hard. Passion surrounded them. Kitty took him by the hand and walked towards the stairs; there was no need for conversation.

  ***

  Kitty lay with her head across James's chest and her right leg wrapped around his thigh. She lay enjoying the moments after they had made love. He lay with his arm draped around her shoulders, stroking her skin tenderly. The rhythm of his heartbeat found hers Kitty sighed with contentment. James had come to comfort her. He had come to her in a moment of need, Kitty was loved, he had shown her how much by that one gesture.

  The outside world was another place, another life. Kitty knew what they were doing, was against all moral groundings her elders had instilled in her, but she was helpless. She could not fight the sensual moments she and James shared. The death of Sally had spurred her on to thinking about her future and what she wanted from life. Wrapped in each other's arms, they spoke about hopes and dreams. James teased her and asked if she had ever milked a cow, or walked a herd of sheep.

  ‘No never and I would not know what end to work from first if the opportunity arose. Are you never scared of them, James?’

  ‘Sometimes if I tug too hard on our oldest cow, she will kick out, but on the whole they are pretty safe to be around. Maybe one day you will meet her. I will train you to milk a whole herd.’

  ‘I would enjoy a day on the farm, I know your mother and sister well enough, not to be shy around them. My father might enjoy it too, could we take him with us?’

  Kitty had missed the point of James statement. He smiled and pulled her close to him.

  ‘You silly. I am not talking about a day out. I was trying to say you would be living there, a farmer's wife. My wife.’

  ‘Oh, oh, James I am at a loss as to what to say.’ Kitty stammered.

  In a roundabout way, he had proposed and she had missed it.

  ‘Say nothing. It is something for us to consider in the future. I am not in the position to ask for your hand. My father would oppose the marriage. He is determined to keep me dependent upon him.’

  Kitty snuggled further into his arms. ‘I would wait forever for you, James.'

  She knew there was no other man for her. To become Mrs James Lockwood would complete her; fulfil her as a woman.

  For the first time, James stayed for the whole night. They had spent so long talking, kissing, and making plans that it was too late for him to leave. The gasman brought darkness into their world, and they fell asleep, content and satisfied in each other’s arms.

  In the morning, Kitty slipped out of bed. She stood for a few moments and looked at him. Tousled hair and gentle snores made her smile. She thought it wonderful how neither of them was embarrassed by the other's naked body. All the years it had been drummed into her how she must not show an ankle to a male, and here she was standing stark naked beside one. She grabbed a simple gown and pulled it over her head. The cool morning air made her shiver. She tiptoed down stairs and prepared breakfast for them both. The mayor's ball was to be held the following week, and Kitty had an invitation to attend. A few days before, she asked James to be her escort and he had refused the offer. Her father had given his blessing. However, James knew his mother would introduce Kitty to his father and no doubt explain how they were acquainted. His father would see only a cheap dress. He would not see beyond Kitty’s upbringing, she would merely be a girl with no breeding. James was not prepared to have a public display of humiliation for the both of them. He suggested she took Arthur, but she said if she could not go with James, she would not go at all. He explained he could not partner her due to family commitments. Kitty accepted his explanation, and her R.S.V.P card was forwarded as a decline.

  Kitty was disappointed but knew she would not enjoy the evening with Arthur. Only James would be a suitable escort.

  While she cooked his breakfast, she hoped he would change his mind. After their night together and the words they had spoken about their future, she wondered if he would take her as his partner now.

  ‘Morning.’

  She turned to respond to his greeting. James stood in the doorway, and looked so handsome her stomach gave a flutter. Kitty turned back to the stove and continued frying bacon for his breakfast. The smell of that and the coffee gave the kitchen a homely feel, she hoped James would sense it too and want to stay longer.

  ‘Good morning, James. I hope I did not disturb you too much?’

  James yawned and stretched. ‘No, I was woken by the delicious smells wafting upstairs. I am famished.’


  He sat at the table and leant back in the chair.

  Kitty's body responded to the picture her eyes were enjoying. She wanted to walk over and sit on his lap, to feel his muscular arms around her. She longed for him to walk over and kiss her, but he made no effort. In the light of day, their mannerisms were different; there was a politeness about them. She had no regrets of their night together and hoped he felt the same. She finished cooking and set everything out for them to share breakfast together. James stayed in his seat and sat quietly during breakfast. Kitty noticed, but thought it was because he was enjoying his food.

  ‘It was kind of you to come and see me. With Sally’s passing I was so upset. Your comfort was all I could ask for.’ She said softly. ‘To have a friend murdered-well, it grieves me to the soul.’

  ***

  James stared at Kitty. He was astounded by her words. He had assumed her friend had died of natural causes. William had not gone into any details. When he called on her, Kitty had cried. The comfort he offered moved onto lovemaking, and the conversation had never developed.

  ‘I sewed so many things for her’ Kitty gave a small cough ‘Oh, I know she was a woman down on her luck, working on the streets, but she had a good heart.’

  James carried on eating, despite the food now losing all flavour. Here he was apparently comforting the woman he loved, the girl he had seduced to become his lover, over the death of a friend. The friend he was certain he had murdered.

  The food stuck in his gullet. He swallowed hard.

  ‘Where was she found? The same place as the others?’ He asked.

  ‘No. She was in her home. The tenement block where I take the clothing your mother gives me. Sally, you recall me talking about her?’

  James nodded. It was the same woman.

  ‘You have filled my plate, Kitty. I apologise, I cannot eat another mouthful.’

  He pushed his plate to one side. ‘It was delicious, thank you.’