by Kitty Neale
As the taxi pulled up outside a tall, rather dilapidated terraced house, Edward climbed out. He paid the fare, hardly aware of the vehicle driving off as he checked the address again. Yes, this was it, and tensely he pressed the appropriate doorbell. He stood there for what felt like ages, his heart sinking. Jenny might be out, or worse, Tina might have sent him on a wild-goose chase.
He was about to ring the bell again when the door opened, and his heart skipped a beat. Jenny! She looked older, her eyes puffy as though she’d been crying, but it was her, his Jenny.
‘At last,’ he choked.
‘Dad! How did you…?’
‘Tina gave me your address,’ he interrupted, wanting nothing more than to pull her into his arms.
‘Tina!’ Jenny squeaked. ‘How did you find her?’
‘I didn’t. She wrote to me, but Jenny, do we have to talk on the doorstep? Aren’t you going to invite me in?’
She looked bewildered, but nodded and Edward followed her up a flight of stairs into a dingy room. The furniture was old, scratched, the lino worn, and the rug threadbare. It was clean though and an attempt had been made to brighten it up with posters on the walls and a colourful throw on the sofa.
‘Why did Tina write to you?’
‘Let’s sit down,’ Edward suggested, then told Jenny about Tina.
He saw the changing expressions on her face, moving from hurt to anger, and when he’d finished she said, ‘So Tina used, me, sold this address to you for money?’
‘I think she was desperate, Jenny. If you’re in trouble too, let me help.’
‘I’m fine.’
‘But Tina seemed so frightened and when I suggested her father could help she ran off. What is it, Jenny? What are you so afraid of?’
‘Nothing, Dad, and the only thing Tina’s afraid of is her father.’
‘There’s no need for that. All he wants is to find her.’
‘That’s the last thing Tina wants. He…he interfered with her, made her do things to him.’
‘What! No, I don’t believe it.’
‘It’s the truth! It’s why Tina ran away.’
‘My God! I was going to tell him I’ve found her.’
‘You haven’t, Dad, and it sounds like Tina had it all worked out. She’s got money now, her things have gone, and that means she won’t be coming back here.’
Edward was sickened by the thought of Bert Hammond abusing his daughter. ‘The man should be locked up and no wonder she ran away. But Jenny, the same can’t be said for you. You had no need to just disappear like that. Didn’t it occur to you that I’d be worried sick?’
‘I was little more than a kid when I left home and too centred on my own pain to think about anyone else. That first Christmas away from home I considered sending you a card, but didn’t – I think because I still wanted to punish you. Your work always came first and you were hardly home. If you’d been there, you would have seen what she was up to, how she just wanted rid of me.’
‘Jenny, I’m sorry, and I can understand that you wanted to punish me, but things are different now and I no longer travel. Your mother is sorry too, deeply sorry for the way she treated you. All she wants is reconciliation, a chance to make amends, and I do too. Please, darling, come home.’
‘No, Dad, I’ll never come back, nor do I want to see her. You may think she’s changed, but I don’t believe it.’
‘At least give her a chance.’
Jenny’s face hardened. ‘No, Dad, and I don’t see why I should.’
Edward was worried that he was pushing Jenny too hard and the last thing he wanted was to alienate her. He’d found his daughter, and surely given time he’d be able to persuade her to come home. In the meantime, he could at least do something to help her. ‘All right, you won’t come home, but look at this place, Jenny. At least let me help you financially.’
‘There’s no need, Dad, I’m fine. I’m getting married at the end of the year.’
‘Married! You’re getting married?’ Edward exclaimed, struggling to come to terms with the enormity of what Jenny had just told him.
‘Yes, to Marcos…Marcos Cane, on the 22nd of December.’
‘Marcos,’ Edward parroted.
‘He’s used to that reaction. His mother was Italian.’
Edward just couldn’t take it in. ‘I can’t believe this. You’re getting married in four months and this is the first I’ve heard of it. Just when were you going to tell us?’
‘I didn’t intend to.’
Agonised, Edward ran a hand over his face. ‘Jenny, I know you were badly hurt, but please, don’t cut us out of your life like this. We’re your parents and if you have children, they’ll be our grandchildren.’
‘No, they won’t. Delia won’t be interested in them, and as for you, they’ll be even more of a distant relative than I am.’
She sounded so hard, so bitter, her hurt still deep.
‘Jenny, don’t say that. I see you only as my daughter, and I will love your children, my grandchildren, just as much as I love you.’
‘Oh…oh…Dad,’ she said, her eyes flooding with tears.
Edward felt that he’d broken through her barriers at last and joyfully pulled his daughter into his arms. ‘Yes, I’m your dad, and don’t you forget it. In fact, I intend to give this fiancé of yours the once over.’
Jenny pulled back, her eyes still watery but bright. ‘You’ll like him, Dad. I work in his restaurant, well, until we get married.’
‘Oh, so he owns a restaurant?’
‘Yes, and he has other business interests too.’
Edward still wasn’t happy that Jenny was getting married, but at least it sounded like the chap was well set up. He’d reserve judgement until he met him. ‘Right then, when do I get to meet Marcos?’
‘We’ll have to work something out,’ Jenny said, snuggling into her father again. ‘Oh, Dad, I didn’t realise it until now, but I’ve missed you so much.’
‘I’ve missed you too,’ Edward said, his arms tight around her. There was still so much to talk about, so much to sort out, but for now, Edward found that holding his daughter again was enough.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Marcos dressed with his usual care, though as he thought back over recent events, his lips were set in a tight line. It was down to Tina that Jenny’s father had turned up and if the bitch hadn’t scarpered he’d have throttled her. He had endured yesterday evening, when all Jenny had wanted to talk about was her father, and had agreed to meet the man the following weekend, but the last thing he wanted was any interference.
Of course he’d have to tread carefully, Marcos thought, allay any suspicions by playing the role of the perfect fiancé and have a ready answer for any questions thrown at him. At least he had a week to prepare, but for now it was a lovely Sunday morning, the day all his and Jenny’s. He was taking her to see the house and anticipating the look on her face, Marcos smiled at last.
When ready, and without a word of goodbye, Marcos strode to his car, his thoughts still on Jenny. It had been hell keeping his hands off her, but he was determined to wait. He wanted everything to be perfect this time, Jenny untouched on their wedding night.
He had just got out of the car when she appeared on her doorstep, fresh and pretty, despite the cheap skirt and blouse. He wanted to buy Jenny beautiful clothes, to dress her like a princess, but so far she’d refused to let him take her shopping. It annoyed him, yet contrarily it was also one of the things he loved about her. Unlike the others, Jenny wasn’t grasping.
‘I was looking out for you,’ she said, closing the street door behind her.
Jenny rarely invited him in, but Marcos was happy with that. He hated her flat, the dinginess of the decor, and was keen to drive her to the new house, which he knew she would see as a palace in comparison.
‘In you get,’ he invited, opening the passenger door.
‘Here’s my adoption certificate,’ she said.
‘Good, and now I’
ll see about getting the passport forms.’
‘Where are we going?’
‘I haven’t booked our honeymoon yet.’
‘I meant, where are we going today?’
‘You’ll see,’ Marcos said, moving round the car and climbing in behind the wheel.
‘Why the secrecy?’ Jenny asked as they drove off.
‘I want it to be a surprise. One I hope you’ll love.’
‘I’m not sure I can cope with any more surprises. It was enough that Tina left yesterday and then my father turned up.’
‘This will be a pleasant one.’
Jenny was quiet for a moment, but then said, ‘Once I got over the shock, it really was nice to see my father.’
‘From what you told me, I thought you wanted to sever all ties with your adoptive parents.’
‘I did, but seeing my father again made me realise how much I’d missed him. I’m still not sure I want to see Delia though, and I’ll never again think of her as my mother.’
This was good news to Marcos and he struck. ‘Does that mean you’re still happy about going to Scotland to get married?’
‘Yes, of course I am.’
‘Your father may want you to marry here, to have a church wedding?’
‘With Delia there! No thanks.’
‘Are you sure, Jenny? I’ve already put arrangements in place, such as finding stand-ins to register us as living in Scotland, something you need to do before you can marry there, but if you’re going to change your mind I’ll have to cancel everything.’
‘I won’t change my mind.’
Despite Jenny’s reassurance, Marcos was still worried. He had no idea how persuasive Jenny’s father might be, and getting married here was the last thing he wanted. It would be too risky and he’d have to back off, to scupper his plans. No, he didn’t want that and had to do something! Quick-thinking as always, Marcos had an idea. He’d bring things forward, make it another surprise, and before there was any chance of Jenny’s father talking her out of it.
‘When are you going to tell me where we’re going?’ Jenny asked, breaking into his thoughts.
‘I’m not saying a word till we get there,’ he said, turning his head to give her a brief smile.
‘Oh you,’ she said, but her smile was warm, and blue eyes sparkling.
As usual Marcos was struck by how young and innocent she looked. It was an innocence he cherished. He would have preferred her blonde hair long, and he intended to insist that she grow it once they were married.
There’d be no mistakes this time. He’d mould Jenny into the perfect wife. She might be in touch with her father again, but once Marcos had put a wedding band on her finger, he’d see that there was no interference from him in their lives. Once again Marcos turned his head to glance at Jenny, smiling in satisfaction, unaware that he was heading in entirely the wrong direction to achieve what he wanted.
Jenny was starting to feel tense as their journey progressed, a tension that turned to panic as they drew closer. Surely this wasn’t the surprise? No, no, she didn’t want this! She was about to yell out against it when common sense took over. She was being silly. With no knowledge of her parents’ address, it would have been impossible for Marcos to arrange.
They were only three streets away when Marcos took a right turn. As he pulled up outside a property, she wondered why he had brought her here. Perhaps he was going to introduce her to his friends at last – but what a coincidence that they lived so near to Castle Close.
The house and grounds were hidden by large trees and Marcos got out of the car, using keys to open the double gates. Puzzled, Jenny watched him, ready to ask questions when he got back into the car but, as though in anticipation, he said, ‘All in good time, let’s get inside first.’
Tall trees bordered all sides of the large front grounds, the drive long and curving before the house came into view. The property was impressive, obviously the home of someone who was wealthy. Gulping, Jenny looked down at her outfit, at the creases in her skirt, feeling inadequately dressed as she at last got out of the car. Her parents’ home was large, but nothing in comparison to this.
‘Come on,’ Marcos urged, using the same set of keys to open the front door and ushering her inside with a flourish.
She saw a large hall, wood panelling, a sweeping staircase, and nervously whispered, ‘Why have you got the keys? Who…who lives here?’
‘This is my house, Jenny, empty as yet, but once we’re married it will be our home. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.’
‘Oh, Marcos,’ she gasped. She had intended to ask him about the house, where it would be, and now wished she’d spoken up before this. ‘Let me show you this floor first,’ Marcos said, leading her from one room to another, extolling the beauty of each and every one of them until they ended up in a large, modernised kitchen. ‘Well, darling, I knew you’d love it, but I didn’t expect you to be dumbstruck. I’ve ordered most of the furniture, choice antiques, pieces that will fit perfectly.’
‘You…you have?’ Jenny said distractedly, not sure that she liked the thought of living so close to Delia. He must have seen something in her expression, but misinterpreted it. ‘Oh darling, I hope you don’t mind. Of course if you dislike anything I’ve chosen it can be changed, and I’ve left the choice of all the soft furnishings to you.’
‘Marcos, I grew up in this area and my parents live just three streets away from here.’
‘What!’ Marcos exclaimed as his expression changed to one of anger. ‘Oh perfect, Jenny. Fucking perfect!’
Jenny’s eyes widened, shocked by this mercurial change in his character. ‘I…I don’t understand.’
‘No, no, of course you don’t. Forgive me, darling, I didn’t mean to swear,’ he said apologetically, the change in his manner swift again. ‘It’s just that the area I grew up in was very different to this, very poor with mean little terraced houses and everyone living on top of each other. The door was always open, people walking in and out, and everyone knew each other’s business.’
‘Marcos, I had no idea. This is the first time you’ve talked about your past.’
‘Yes, well, it’s hardly something to brag about and I’ve come a long way since then. The problem is that living in those conditions did something to me, Jenny. I felt stifled and it made me value my privacy. The last thing I want is to live like that again, your parents calling round whenever they feel like it, interfering in our lives. God, Jenny, I love this house and thought it was perfect – not too far from my various businesses, large grounds, surrounded by trees, making it feel totally secluded. It would have been the perfect haven, but now…well, I’ll just have to sell it.’
Jenny would have been happy for Marcos to do just that, but she could see how much he loved this house and hated to see him so upset. ‘You don’t have to sell it. My parents aren’t the type to call round without invitation, and anyway, as for my mother – no, not my mother – Delia, it’s the last thing I’d want.’
Marcos looked at her, his eyes brightening. ‘All right, darling, I suppose we could give it a try. I just hope our privacy isn’t invaded. If it is, I’ll just have to put this house on the market again.’
Jenny still wasn’t keen on the idea of living so close to Delia, but with Marcos looking so happy again as he pulled her into his arms, she had to be content with that.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Unaware that Jennifer was currently looking at a house just three streets away, Delia was still trying to come to terms with the fact that Edward had found her.
‘Why didn’t you tell me about the letter?’
‘I didn’t want to raise your hopes. I wasn’t sure if it was genuine or some sort of sick hoax.’
‘I find it appalling that Tina Hammond demanded money for Jennifer’s address. You should have refused.’
‘Tina didn’t get as much as she wanted, and anyway, it was worth every penny to find Jenny.’
‘Yes…yes, I suppose so,�
� Delia agreed, yet in truth she wasn’t happy that Jennifer was going to be back in their lives. So many things had altered since the girl left, not least the relationship between her and Edward. Now that they shared a bed again, they were closer than they’d ever been. She still didn’t enjoy the sexual side of it, but managed to put up with it, and it was worth it to see the affection she now saw in her husband’s eyes – affection aimed solely at her.
If Jennifer came home it would change all that, his precious daughter becoming Edward’s whole focus again. Yes, Delia admitted to herself, she was jealous, had always been jealous of the relationship Edward and Jennifer shared. And she had just cause. More than just, and though Delia knew that she had played a part in what had happened too, it was nothing in comparison to what Edward had done.
‘Delia, there’s something else,’ said Edward. ‘I should have mentioned it when I came home yesterday, but you were overwhelmed enough and I felt it could wait. Jenny’s engaged and very soon to be married.’
‘Really? My goodness, I can’t believe it,’ Delia said, unable to help a surge of relief as the ramifications of this sank in. Even if Edward was able to persuade Jennifer to come home, it wouldn’t be for long.
‘From what Jenny said, her fiancé sounds well set up.’
‘When is she getting married?’
‘In December, on the 22nd.’
‘That soon?’ Delia said, delighted, but then the telephone rang and Edward went to answer it. Shortly after she heard him shouting and, puzzled, she went to the hall. She was appalled by what she overheard.
‘Now listen, you sick bastard,’ Edward was yelling. ‘Even if I knew where your daughter was, I wouldn’t tell you. Perverts like you should rot behind bars.’ And with that he slammed down the receiver.
‘Edward, your language,’ Delia complained. ‘What on earth was all that about?’
‘That was Bert Hammond and what I found out about him is enough to make a saint swear. He was sexually abusing Tina. That’s why she ran away from home.’