The Winter Promise

by Rosie Goodwin

  The ladies began to recommend remedies while the gentlemen’s talk turned to business, and once again Opal sat quietly feeling almost as if she needn’t have been there.

  Esther was in full flow, as usual, hogging Henry’s time and fluttering her eyelashes at him every opportunity she got, but Opal didn’t care. One course followed another, each even more delicious than the last, until eventually the meal was over and coffee was served.

  Occasionally, Opal would catch Matthew’s eye and he would smile at her, as if he could sense that she was feeling uncomfortable; and each time she smiled tentatively back at him as her heart gave a little skip.

  ‘Right, gentlemen, I suggest we retire to my study for some port and a cigar while the ladies entertain themselves in the drawing room,’ Henry said, and a murmur of agreement went through the men as they rose to follow him. Opal meanwhile led the ladies to the drawing room, where Eve was waiting to serve them with sherry or coffee should they wish it. This was the part that Opal had been dreading, but Mrs King took control of the situation immediately.

  ‘I must congratulate you on an excellent meal,’ she told Opal approvingly. ‘And I’m sure the ladies will agree with me.’

  Some of them had the good grace to look embarrassed as they nodded in agreement and settled themselves on to the chairs and sofas that were dotted about the room. And then the gossiping began in earnest.

  ‘Did you hear that Daphne Davenport is expecting again?’ Esther said cattily. ‘Her youngest is only five months old. Really, I’m sure she thinks she is a rabbit the way she is churning babies out! Still – I suppose that’s normal where she comes from. Her father is a greengrocer and she has no breeding whatsoever. I really can’t imagine why dear Rupert ever married her. He could have done so much better for himself.’

  ‘Perhaps it was because he loved her! He certainly seems happy enough.’ Mrs King knew that Esther was having a sly dig at her daughter-in-law and was more than a little put out.

  Esther smiled sweetly and looked pointedly at Opal. ‘And have you any happy news to share with us yet? We all know how much dear Henry longs for a son. It would be so awful if you were unable to present him with one, after the tragedy of his first wife.’

  Opal wished the ground would open up and swallow her, but she was getting fed up with Esther trying to belittle her and knew that it was time to stand her corner. She had done it with Mrs Wood, so, she told herself, she could certainly put Esther in her place.

  ‘Not as yet,’ she answered with a dimpled smile. ‘But it isn’t for the lack of trying. Henry is such a devoted husband, so we are hoping to have happy news for you all very soon. In fact, I think I might turn my attention to a nursery next, so that it’s all ready for when the time is right.’

  Dull colour blazed into Esther’s cheeks, and Mrs King had to raise her hand to hide the smile that played about her lips as she looked at Opal approvingly. That was one up to her.

  Esther quickly changed the subject then, and soon after Opal excused herself to visit the ladies’ room.

  She had taken no more than a few steps along the hallway when she glanced up to see Matthew coming towards her, and she was instantly tongue-tied.

  ‘Ah, Mrs King.’ As he took her hand in his, her heart began to beat faster. ‘Married life is obviously suiting you; you look quite radiant. And I must thank you for the delicious meal.’

  ‘You’re very welcome.’ She wished she could stand there all night with her hand in his. But of course, she knew she couldn’t. So, bobbing her knee, she gently withdrew her hand and hurried on her way. It was only when she reached the privacy of the ladies’ room that she let out a long breath and leaned heavily against the sink.

  What was it about Matthew that made her go weak at the knees every time she saw him? she wondered. He was good-looking, admittedly, but then so were many other men she had met and none of them had affected her the way he did. With a sigh, she splashed her face with cold water and, after tidying her hair and patting her skirts into place, she went back to join the women, counting the minutes until the night would end.

  ‘Well done, my dear,’ Henry praised her, when he had closed the door on their last guest later that evening. ‘The meal was perfect and so were you.’ His eyes fell to her bosom and with a sinking feeling, she knew what he had in mind. But then this was part of married life, so when he took her arm to lead her upstairs she went without protest.

  Two months later, Opal woke feeling unwell. She felt sick and her breasts felt tender. Struggling to the chamber pot, she vomited everything she had eaten the night before back up then sat on the floor feeling weak. She was still there when Eve brought her a tray of tea shortly after, and the young maid raised an eyebrow.

  ‘What’s this then, ma’am? Are yer not feelin’ well?’

  Opal shook her head. ‘I’m afraid not, Eve. I wonder if I’ve eaten something that disagrees with me?’ Although she couldn’t think of anything out of the ordinary she had had that Henry hadn’t also eaten, and he had been fine when he set off for work.

  ‘Hm!’ Eve gave a knowing grin. ‘Or per’aps we’re about to hear the patter o’ tiny feet? When did you have your last course?’

  Opal looked stunned. She hadn’t given it a thought but now that she came to think of it, she had missed at least one, possibly two. ‘I . . . I’m not sure,’ she stammered. ‘You don’t think I could be having a baby, do you?’

  ‘I think it could be a possibility.’ Eve chuckled as she helped her up from the floor and led her back to the bed. ‘Per’aps we should get Doctor Lewis in to have a look at you?’

  ‘Oh no . . . not yet.’ Opal dropped back against the pillows. ‘It’s a bit early to be calling him out just yet. Let’s wait a little longer and see if it happens again. It could be just something I’ve picked up. I’ll probably be as right as rain tomorrow.’

  ‘If you say so, ma’am.’ Eve grinned as she poured the tea and handed the delicate china cup and saucer to her young mistress. ‘Now, is there anythin’ else I can do for you?’

  ‘No, thank you.’ Opal managed to raise a smile, but when the girl had left the room, she placed the cup down and gnawed worriedly on her lip as her hand dropped to her belly.

  Could it really be possible that she was carrying Henry’s child? And if she was – would she want it? And then the answer came . . . Yes . . . Oh yes, she would! Once again, she would have someone to call her very own. She tried to imagine what the baby would be like. Would it be a boy or a girl? Would it look like her or take after its father? She realised that she really didn’t care what sex it might be or even what it looked like. It would be her very own baby to love and to cherish, and there would be no more lonely days and nights with just Charlie for company, for she would have a child to fill her time.

  Now stop it, she scolded herself then, you’re not even sure that you are with child yet. As she lay there, she started to feel much better and the nausea passed. So much so that as she climbed back out of bed, she wondered if she had imagined it. Only time would tell, so she would say nothing to Henry until she was sure.

  Later that morning, she put Charlie on his lead and they set off on their favourite walk. Henry had informed her before leaving for his office that morning that he would not be home for lunch, so the day was hers to do with as she pleased. They set off up Tuttle Hill with Charlie’s tail wagging furiously, and when the five-sailed windmill came into sight they took the footpath down to the towpath that ran alongside the canal. On the way, they passed a row of pit cottages and one of the women who lived there who was out scrubbing her front doorstep shouted a greeting.

  ‘Mornin’, Mrs King, luvvie. Nippy day, ain’t it?’

  ‘It certainly is, Mrs Jennings. It’s almost cold enough for snow.’ Opal had come to know most of the occupants of the cottages, and she smiled a greeting as she moved on, Charlie off his lead and prancing ahead of her now.

  To the other side of the path was a deep quarry and Opal
kept well away from the edge of it until they reached the towpath. The leaves underfoot were still rimed in frost and she didn’t want to slip, especially now. Opal loved to wander along the towpath watching the brightly painted barges that delivered the coal and goods being dragged along by the huge horses, but today there wasn’t a barge in sight; so, after walking for a while, she sank down on to a fallen tree trunk and after removing her bonnet she hugged her knees as Charlie licked her face.

  ‘So how would you feel about having a little playmate, boy?’ She grinned as she stroked his floppy ears and their breath fanned like lace on the air in front of them.

  He was almost unrecognisable from the mangy stray she had taken in off the streets. His coat was thick and shining and he had gained weight. It was no wonder, because everyone fed him scraps and the staff seemed to love him almost as much as she did. Sadly, Henry didn’t share their enthusiasm for a pet, so while he was at home Charlie was confined to the kitchen – but for the rest of the time he was constantly by Opal’s side.

  As her hand dropped to stroke her flat stomach, she felt a little bubble of excitement. How wonderful it would be if she really was pregnant. If she was correct, to her reckonings the baby would be due sometime in June the following year. Her thoughts raced ahead and she smiled again. Boy or girl, this baby would be loved, she vowed, and could hardly wait to have it confirmed.

  On arriving home, she was surprised to find Henry there, so she hastily banished Charlie to the kitchen, much to his disgust.

  ‘Here you are. Where have you been?’ he asked shortly, as she undid the ribbons of her bonnet.

  ‘I took Charlie for a walk. I didn’t expect you home so early.’ She removed her gloves and blew on her cold fingers as he looked on disapprovingly.

  He scowled. ‘I really don’t think it’s seemly for my wife to be seen walking a mongrel,’ he muttered, clearly in a bad mood. ‘Esther Partridge broke her neck to tell me that she’d seen you at the top of Tuttle Hill on more than a few occasions.’

  Opal nodded. ‘That’s correct. I like to take Charlie down on to the canal towpath where he can run without his lead. Seeing as you’re home early, would you like me to have a cup of tea or coffee sent in to you?’

  Henry shook his head. ‘No, although I’m early I won’t be staying. In fact, I’m afraid I have to be away from home this evening . . . Business, you know?’

  ‘Oh, that’s all right. Would you like me to pack you an overnight bag?’

  He shook his head. ‘Mrs Wood has already done it.’

  ‘Very well. May I expect you home tomorrow then?’

  Henry shrugged churlishly. He didn’t appreciate being questioned. ‘It all depends on how long the business takes.’ Thankfully, Opal had no idea of the shady dealings he was involved in, and he intended to keep it that way. To everyone in their circle, Henry was a pillar of the community and a well-respected magistrate; but unknown to them, he also had his hands in a very great number of illegal dealings. He rose then and after giving her a perfunctory peck on the cheek he left.

  Opal frowned; Henry had seemed preoccupied, and she wondered if all was well, but as she thought of the baby again the smile returned to her face and she forgot all about it. It would be nice to have the bed all to herself; in fact she might even allow Charlie to sleep with her. What Henry didn’t know, he couldn’t complain about. Unless Mrs Wood told him, of course. She sighed. It seemed that both the housekeeper and Esther Partridge were out to cause her as much grief as they possibly could, although as far as she was aware she had never knowingly done anything to upset either of them. She shrugged. Let them do their worst; she was Henry’s wife now and there wasn’t a thing either of them could do about it.

  Henry meanwhile was heading for the train station to catch a train to Birmingham where, unknown to anyone, he owned a number of slum properties that he let out at exorbitant rents. He had bought them shortly after meeting Opal, when he had seen the state of the cottage she was living in. He had never realised that people would live in such appalling conditions and had instantly seen the purchases as a way to take advantage of those who were desperate for somewhere to live. The houses were streaming with damp and rat-infested, but his tenants soon learned that it wasn’t wise to complain. Unfortunately, though, the man he paid to collect the rents had cleared off with a great deal of his money, so he needed to be tracked down and punished. Luckily, Henry knew just the man to do it. Tricky Norman was a hardened villain and Henry had no doubt he would have slit his own granny’s throat for sixpence.

  Henry also ran a very profitable, if somewhat questionable, money-lending business. The interest he charged was so high that many of his clients could never get out of his clutches and should they try to Tricky was on hand to show them who was boss and keep the payments coming in. He had no compunction whatsoever in breaking someone’s kneecaps if asked to, and over the years he had become Henry’s right-hand man. He was also a dab hand at directing Henry to young ones who had fallen on hard times – girls or boys, it really didn’t matter to Henry, so long as they allowed him to have his way with them. Already the novelty of having a young wife was wearing off. Opal’s figure had filled out slightly since the wedding, and she no longer held the same appeal for him – so hopefully during this trip he would be able to satisfy his sexual needs as well. Feeling in a slightly more optimistic frame of mind, he boarded the train and set off on his journey.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  ‘Right, this has gone on for quite long enough,’ Henry’s mother stated one morning early in December. She had called to have coffee with Opal and once again found her looking pale and ill. ‘Eve, go and tell Mrs Wood that I wish her to send someone to the doctor to ask him to attend your mistress immediately!’

  ‘No . . . really,’ Opal protested weakly, but it was too late. Eve had already shot off to do as she was told.

  ‘So, young lady’ – Mrs King raised her eyebrow – ‘do you have any idea why you might be feeling this way?’

  Opal avoided her eyes as she nodded numbly.

  ‘I thought as much. I’m no fool, you know? But why haven’t you sent for the doctor before?’

  ‘I suppose I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t a false alarm before I asked him to confirm it.’

  Mrs King smiled. ‘Hm, I rather doubt it, looking at you, and I’ll tell you something – this is going to make Henry a very happy man indeed if it is confirmed. But off upstairs with you. The doctor can hardly examine you down here, can he?’

  The older woman shooed her away, and Opal climbed the stairs wearily, each step an effort. Even so, she was secretly relieved that she was going to find out one way or another, although she knew she would be heartbroken if she wasn’t having a baby. It had been all she could think about, for once it was born she would have someone to love again.

  Sadly, she still hadn’t managed to fall in love with her husband as she had hoped she would, and with each day that passed her hopes of ever finding Susie again were fading. She had come to terms with the fact that Charlie and Jack were gone forever, but once she had this baby in her arms, she would have someone to focus on again and she knew that it would change her life. It might even improve her relationship with Henry, for if they had a child together, they would be a proper family. She lived in hope of that happening.

  When the doctor arrived some short time later, he found Opal pacing the floor of her room and smiled. ‘So, young lady.’ He placed his black bag down and peered at her over the pair of tiny steel spectacles perched on the end of his nose. ‘And what appears to be the problem? Tell me your symptoms and how long you’ve been experiencing them.’

  When Opal had haltingly told him he nodded.

  ‘Very well, hop on to the bed and let’s have a look at you, eh?’

  He gently felt her stomach, then he straightened and gave her a broad smile. ‘Well, my dear, it would appear that congratulations are in order. You’re with child. About three months I should say, so the
baby should be due early in June.’

  Opal felt as if all her Christmases and birthdays had come at once and she beamed. ‘Oh, thank you. Thank you so much. I hoped I was but was afraid I might be wrong.’

  ‘Well, you weren’t.’ He picked up his bag. ‘I shall keep a check on you from now on, and nearer to the time we’ll engage a midwife for you. Meanwhile go on as normal. Gentle exercise and eat well. And don’t worry about the morning sickness. It should pass any time now. The first three months are usually the worst, so it’s nothing at all to worry about. Good day, m’dear, and congratulations again.’

  She followed him down the stairs, feeling as if she were floating on air, and the second she had seen him out she dashed into the drawing room to her mother-in-law.

  ‘You were right,’ she told her joyously. ‘I am having a baby! It should arrive early in June.’

  Mrs King smiled. She was no fool and had realised that marriage to her son was not turning out to be as Opal had hoped, but she seemed very happy about the baby.

  ‘Then I’m thrilled for you. And Henry, of course! Goodness, he’s going to be like a dog with two tails when you tell him. He has wanted a son for so long.’

  The smile momentarily left Opal’s face. ‘But what if it’s a girl?’

  ‘I’m afraid he’ll have to take what comes.’ Her mother-in-law raised herself painfully from her chair and leaned heavily on her stick. ‘Now tell me, is Henry coming home for lunch today?’

  When Opal nodded, she made for the door. ‘In that case I shall be on my way. You should have some privacy to tell him the happy news. Take care, my dear.’

  And with that, she left, leaving Opal to hug herself with delight. She could hardly wait to tell Henry the good news, and found herself glancing at the clock every few minutes.

  Thankfully he arrived on time, and once they were seated at the table in the dining room she waited for Eve to serve their meal before saying, ‘I, er . . . have something to tell you, Henry.’