Promises, Promises

by Patricia Scanlan

  Emma closed her eyes and took some deep breaths. It helped a little.

  ‘If I were you I’d put napkins down the front of all their clothes or they’ll be ruined,’ Sheila declared as she cut the top off the buns she’d brought to Miriam’s and piped them with cream before adding the halved tops, shaped like butterfly wings.

  ‘Ah they’ll be fine,’ Ellen declared as she spooned red and green jelly into little dishes.

  ‘I wasn’t speaking to you. I was speaking to Miriam,’ Sheila retorted coldly.

  Ellen sighed. Sheila had been very cool since Ellen had told her to shag off. It was most frustrating. She needed her mother to be in a good humour when she asked about the site. But all her overtures had been ignored.

  Miriam kept her head bent as she tucked the candles into candleholders and stuck them in the icing. She wasn’t getting involved in an argument with that pair. It was very annoying though. Why couldn’t they go and argue at home? They’d better not ruin Rebecca’s birthday party.

  ‘Your fairy cakes look lovely,’ she said placatingly, hoping to diffuse the situation.

  ‘Thank you, dear.’ Sheila smiled. She was always susceptible to flattery.

  ‘I think we’re nearly ready. I won’t bring the food out until nearer teatime. If Julie Ann was here we could start the musical chairs,’ Miriam mused.

  ‘It’s after three. Do you want me to phone and see what’s delaying them?’ Sheila asked. Typical of Emma. Sheila always liked getting one up on her daughter-in-law. She might be a judge’s daughter, but her manners left a lot to be desired. Her family might have money but they had no class. Just look at that Wallace person. Sheila’s nostrils flared with distaste at the thought of him.

  Miriam knew exactly what was in Sheila’s mind. She’d seen her trying to deflate Emma often enough. But it never worked because Emma never realized her mother-in-law was trying to score imaginary points. Emma just blanked Sheila out. Something Miriam found impossible to do.

  She heard the sound of a car engine. ‘Here they are,’ she said with false gaiety. She should have known better. She should have just had a family party for Rebecca. There’d be a row before the evening was over. She knew it. But it was impossible to have a family party. Emma and Vincent always threw lavish parties for Julie Ann who, needless to say, boasted about them incessantly. Although she and Ellen knew they couldn’t compete, they felt obliged to hold parties of their own so that the children wouldn’t feel deprived.

  Miriam wasn’t competitive by nature but she knew Connie, Daniel and Rebecca wanted to be able to invite Julie Ann to their parties so that she could see the fuss that was made of them. It was a problem that was getting worse as the children got older. She was dreading Julie Ann’s Holy Communion. Emma would go all out to impress.

  ‘Sorry I’m late. I wasn’t feeling very well.’ Emma breezed in through the back door. She was feeling slightly better. The dizziness had passed and she was actually feeling a little peckish because she hadn’t bothered to eat anything at home. She was looking forward to a nice cup of coffee and whatever Miriam had for tea.

  ‘We thought something might have happened. We were a bit worried. It’s gone three,’ Sheila said sweetly but pointedly.

  ‘Oh hello, Mrs Munroe.’ Emma ignored her remarks and peered out through the window.

  ‘My God! How many kids are out there?’ The cacophony of yells and screeches was almost deafening as they played Blind Man’s Buff with Mick and Ben. Maybe she wouldn’t stay for tea after all, Emma decided hastily.

  ‘Where’s Julie Ann?’ Miriam asked.

  ‘Oh she didn’t have time to come in and say hello. She’s gone straight around the back to play. She’s had me pestered all day to come.’ Emma perched on a stool and crossed one slim tanned leg over the other. She was wearing white shorts and a black halter-neck top. Her dark hair was tied up in a ponytail making her look like an eighteen-year-old and not a woman in her late twenties. She looked stunning.

  Ellen studied her with deep envy. She’d give anything to look like Emma. She looked ultra-classy. As if she’d stepped out of a glossy magazine. Her clothes shrieked money. The simple gold chain around her neck, and the gold bangle on her wrist, so elegantly understated, emphasized the golden even tan from her recent holiday. She hadn’t an ounce of flab. Ellen felt depressed. She was wearing a denim skirt that she was bet into and a loose pink cotton top. She was definitely starting a diet, she swore. She was going to have a new figure to go with her new house. The thought cheered her up slightly as she surreptitiously put the fairy cake she’d been about to scoff back on the plate.

  ‘What was wrong with you anyway?’ Sheila asked peevishly.

  ‘I felt very dizzy and peculiar.’ Emma lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply. Miriam wished she wouldn’t smoke in the kitchen but didn’t like to say so.

  ‘You wouldn’t be . . . you know . . . in the family way?’ Sheila suggested delicately.

  ‘God, no! I’d hang myself.’ Emma was horrified.

  Sheila pursed her lips. That was no way to be talking. If you were married a child was a gift from God. The least Emma could do was give poor Vincent a son. She had life far too easy, Sheila thought, but of course she’d never say so to Vincent or he’d bite the nose off her. He was very protective of his wife.

  ‘Maybe it’s just a bug or something,’ Ellen remarked.

  ‘Probably,’ Emma agreed. She eyed her sister-in-law up and down. That denim skirt Ellen was wearing did nothing for her. It was far too tight. You’d think she’d make a bit of an effort so that she could go and get a man to marry her. For Stephanie’s sake if not for her own. Stephanie was a lovely little child, she had to admit. Ellen was doing a good job bringing her up. She glanced out through the window and saw Julie Ann twirling around in her full frilly skirt in front of an admiring audience. Emma had warned her not to throw a tantrum but Julie Ann could be so naughty sometimes. It was mortifying in company.

  ‘Let’s go out and get the party under way,’ Miriam suggested. She led the way out into the back garden.

  ‘Mammy, Mammy, look what Julie Ann gave me for my birthday.’ Rebecca came racing over waving a Marie Antoinette doll complete with lacy fan.

  ‘It’s beautiful. Say thank you to Auntie Emma.’

  ‘Thank you, Auntie Emma.’ Rebecca beamed. ‘Mammy, can we play musical chairs?’

  ‘Yes, go and get the others to help bring out the kitchen chairs and bring out the three pouffes from the sitting-room.’

  Cheers greeted this and there was a wild gallop from the assembled children, all eager to get the games under way.

  ‘Right, Ben. Get your guitar.’ Miriam grinned.

  ‘I’ll play the music but you can referee any arguments. I’m not getting involved,’ Ben said firmly. ‘Pa, I’m going to pour you a nice cool beer. I think you deserve it. You go and sit in the shade for a while and watch the shenanigans. I’m telling you World War Two will have nothing on this by the time it’s over.’

  ‘Stop that, Ben.’ Miriam laughed.

  ‘You know what kids’ parties are like. Don’t expect civilized behaviour from this gang.’

  By the time the chairs were arranged in a circle the children were as highly strung as racehorses under starter’s orders.

  ‘Now listen, everyone,’ Miriam warned, ‘If you’re out, you’re out and there’s to be no nonsense and no whinge-ing. OK?’

  ‘OK,’ they chorused.

  ‘Ready?’ Ben held up his plectrum.

  Ellen had to laugh at the intense expressions on the faces of the children. Stephanie was flushed with excitement. She loved being with her cousins.

  Ben began to play and they ran around the chairs yelling with excitement. Ben stopped. There was a mad scramble for seats. Julie Ann gave Harriet Andrews a shove that sent her sprawling and bagged the last vacant seat. Harriet opened her mouth to start bawling.

  ‘Oh dear,’ murmured Emma. ‘Be gentle, darling,’ she admonished her daughter. Jul
ie Ann sat smugly on her seat.

  ‘I think we’ll have that round again,’ Miriam said hastily as Ellen picked Harriet up and brushed her down.

  ‘That’s not fair,’ Daniel objected.

  ‘Be quiet, Daniel.’ Miriam glowered at her son. Perhaps musical chairs wasn’t such a good idea!

  Ben began to play again. This time Daniel missed a seat. ‘That’s all her fault.’ He scowled at Harriet. ‘Just because she’s a cry-baby. I had my seat the last time.’

  Harriet promptly burst into tears.

  ‘Excuse me, I must go to the loo.’ Emma discreetly retired from the fray.

  ‘Did you hear her? “Be gentle, darling.” I’d give Julie Ann a good smack on the arse if she was mine. Be gentle, darling, my foot!’ Ellen hissed. ‘And did you ever see anything like the get-up of her in that frilly skirt? She’s a right little consequence.’

  ‘Please, Ellen, just say nothing.’ Miriam was fraught.

  ‘I won’t. I won’t.’

  Julie Ann won the musical chairs.

  ‘Daddy will be very pleased,’ Emma approved. She’d reappeared for the grand finale.

  ‘Let’s play O’Grady Says . . .’ Ellen suggested helpfully. This was greeted with approval.

  ‘O’Grady Says stand on one leg.’ Ellen stood on one leg and they all did likewise. Stephanie lost her balance and put her other foot down to help her regain it.

  ‘You’re out. You’re out,’ Julie Ann yelled triumphantly. Ellen felt like thumping her.

  Stephanie looked at her mother. Ellen was in a terrible dilemma. She didn’t want to be seen to be siding with Julie Ann, she couldn’t be accused of favouritism, but she didn’t want Stephanie to feel she’d let her down.

  Ellen eyeballed Julie Ann. ‘Stephanie knows she’s out. She’s not a cheater like some people. Isn’t that right, Stephanie?’

  Stephanie sighed and walked to the side of the group.

  ‘Good girl, Stephanie. Cheaters never prosper.’ She smiled at her daughter and winked.

  ‘I hope that doesn’t refer to my daughter,’ Emma flared hotly. Ellen was so tempted to say ‘If the cap fits,’ but Miriam was looking at her beseechingly and Sheila was agitated. The last thing Ellen wanted to do was cause a scene, not when she had such a favour to ask of her parents.

  ‘I think it will be time for tea soon, so we’ll just do a few more O’Grady’s,’ she said calmly, ignoring the remark.

  ‘Perhaps you’d help me bring out the food?’ Miriam suggested to Emma. Emma glared at Ellen. The cheek of her to imply that Julie Ann was a cheat. She had no business looking down her nose at anyone.

  Miriam could feel the beginning of a tension headache. This was definitely the last party. From now on it was immediate family only.

  The children descended on the food with a savagery that would have put Genghis Khan and his followers to shame.

  Julie Ann, who loved her grub, devoured as many ham sandwiches as she could and put some in the pocket of her new skirt to eat later on. Rebecca was outraged.

  ‘Mammy, Julie Ann’s after taking all the ham sandwiches. She’s put a load in her pocket an’ she’s after taking three Trigger bars, an’ it’s my party an’ I don’t think that’s fair.’

  ‘She’s a greedy-guts,’ Stephanie chipped in. Memories of her cousin’s cheating still rankled.

  ‘Here, here, you have a packet of Perri crisps.’ Miriam tried to pacify Rebecca. Honestly Julie Ann was a little glutton. She always stuffed herself when she was visiting because she was only fed packet and tinned food at home. Emma couldn’t cook for nuts.

  Sheila saw her chance. If Emma wouldn’t chastise her daughter then Sheila certainly would. Julie Ann had to learn manners.

  ‘Julie Ann, it’s not nice to be greedy. Little girls should have good manners. Take those sandwiches out of your pocket and put back two of those Trigger bars, like a good child.’

  ‘Mummy, can’t I keep them?’ Julie Ann turned to Emma.

  Oh crikey! Emma thought privately, I’ll kill her when I get home.

  She knew she was stuck. Julie Ann was in the wrong and she couldn’t be seen to condone it. Damn Sheila and her bloody interference. This whole family were a right royal pain. It was a pity Vincent wasn’t an orphan with no siblings! Emma thought viciously.

  ‘Julie Ann,’ she snapped, ‘do what Nannie tells you.’

  Julie Ann was horrified at her mother’s betrayal.

  ‘No.’ She pouted.

  Please don’t let her make a show of me. Emma could feel perspiration on her upper lip.

  ‘Julie Ann, be a good girl for Mummy.’

  ‘Leave me alone. I’m hungry. We didn’t have any lunch ’cos you were in bed.’

  Emma was mortified. She grabbed Julie Ann by the wrist and removed the sandwiches from her pocket. Julie Ann started to kick and screech, watched in silent fascination by the rest of the young guests who were enjoying the spectacle hugely. It was rare for Julie Ann to get her come-uppance.

  ‘I hate you, Mummy. You’re mean, mean, MEAN!’

  ‘Give me those bars, you naughty girl.’

  ‘No.’ Julie Ann held onto her Trigger bars for dear life. Emma had had enough. She couldn’t cope. She didn’t want to stay a minute longer at this party playing ridiculous games and watching Julie Ann make a show of her. You couldn’t bring her anywhere. If only Vincent were here. He’d handle this. She was beginning to feel dizzy again.

  ‘Right!’ she said grimly. ‘We’re going home immediately. You’re not going to ruin your cousin’s party.’ Julie Ann howled with anger.

  ‘Let her have the bars,’ Miriam said sympathetically. She felt sorry for Emma. She just couldn’t control Julie Ann who was a real handful at times.

  ‘Absolutely not, Miriam. I’m sorry about this. Julie Anne is going home to bed.’ Emma was scarlet with embarrassment. How could Julie Ann do this to her in front of Sheila and Ellen? She didn’t mind Miriam so much. Miriam understood. But Ellen was standing with a smug look on her face that infuriated Emma.

  She had to get out of here or she was going to burst into tears.

  She grabbed her struggling daughter and dragged her along behind her. Julie Ann screeched her head off and, when they got to the side of the house, out of view of their enthralled audience, Emma gave Julie Ann a sharp slap on the legs. She had never slapped her before but today she was livid.

  Julie Ann screamed even louder.

  ‘You wait until I tell your daddy. How dare you make a show of me. How dare you! You bold, bold girl.’ Emma was nearly sobbing with frustration. She shoved Julie Ann into the back of the car and got in herself. Boarding school. Definitely. That was where madam was going. She’d learn manners there, Emma fumed as she drove home in utter disgust.

  ‘Poor old Emma, she hasn’t a clue.’ Ben chuckled as he finished off a half-eaten slice of birthday cake.

  ‘Your mother shouldn’t have interfered.’ Miriam was still annoyed.

  ‘You know Ma, that was too good an opportunity to miss,’ Ben said wryly.

  ‘Well she helped to ruin Rebecca’s party.’ Miriam dried the last dish. ‘And it’s the last time I’m having a party for anyone except us.’

  ‘Fine,’ Ben said mildly. ‘Whatever you want.’

  ‘I mean it,’ Miriam said firmly.

  ‘Right.’ Ben knew very well it would be the whole palaver over again when it was Connie’s birthday.

  ‘And I’m not minding Julie Ann any more either. She’s as bold as brass. That pair let her away with far too much.’

  ‘I feel sorry for the child.’ Ben lit his pipe and put his arm around Miriam. ‘Let’s sit outside for a while. It’s a lovely night.’ They strolled arm in arm out to the back. The stars twinkled in an ebony sky. A crescent moon peeped through the branches of the whispering pines along the river bank. The fragrance of night-scented stock wafted along on the evening breeze. It was peaceful.

  ‘Why do you feel sorry for Julie Ann?’ Miriam was intrigued. S
he nestled close to Ben on the patio step.

  ‘She’s lost. She’s no-one to play with at home. Emma’s off gadding about. Vincent is too busy at work. She’s looked after by a succession of babysitters and dailies. Her tantrums are a way of getting attention. When she’s here with you there’s never any of that nonsense. She plays away contentedly, she knows you won’t put up with her impudence and that’s why she never tries it on with you. You’re a great mother, Miriam.’

  Miriam felt a glow of happiness. Ben always made her feel good about herself. It was thanks to him she had any self-confidence at all. She took his pipe and put it down beside him.

  ‘I love you,’ she whispered, turning to kiss him.

  ‘I love you too,’ Ben murmured against her lips as his arms tightened around her. ‘I love you very much.’

  ‘She has no control over the young one. It’s a disgrace to let her carry on like that. I’m going to speak to Vincent about it,’ Sheila grumbled as her knitting needles flashed in and out with great speed.

  ‘Stay out of it,’ Mick advised.

  ‘But it’s not fair on the child. She can’t be allowed to grow up like that. My goodness you wouldn’t see Stephanie carrying on the way she does.’

  ‘I know that. But Julie Ann is a different kettle of fish. And if you go interfering you could cause a row. You know how touchy Emma is.’

  ‘It’s a disgrace all the same,’ Sheila said crossly.

  ‘Here’s your supper, Ma.’ Ellen handed her a cup of tea and placed a plate of cream crackers and cheese on the little coffee table.

  ‘Dad, here’s your cocoa.’ She handed her father his big blue mug steaming with aromatic cocoa and smiled at him. Mick smiled back. No-one made his cocoa like Ellen did.

  ‘We were just saying how good Stephanie is compared to Julie Ann,’ Sheila remarked.

  Ellen’s heart lifted. Thank God her mother was talking to her again.

  ‘Stephanie’s a good little girl. But then she’s lucky that she has you and Dad to influence her.’ Ellen knew she was laying it on thick but she needed all the goodwill she could get and if a bit of flattery helped, she’d flatter. Sheila nodded smugly.