A Dream to Share

by A Dream to Share (retail) (epub)

  She forced herself to relax, thinking of Seb and how she had gone to the Waters’ house to apologise to him, only to be told by Victoria that he was in America. She had been devastated but Victoria had given her a job and encouraged her to hope. The tears trickled down Alice’s cheeks. If Miss Victoria had not done so, then most likely she would still be alive today. Alice’s heart felt heavy with guilt.

  She pulled out a hassock and sank on to her knees. Resting her elbows on the ledge in front of her, she laced her hands together and prayed for forgiveness. She thanked God for giving Seb back to her and the happiness they had shared in their marriage so far. She also prayed that the baby growing inside her would be kept safe. Thinking of the baby reminded her of Tilly and Kenny. She mustn’t linger here long, but first she would pray that Kenny’s ankle would be healed and that God would provide for his needs. She knew that Bert needed prayer if he was to be saved and go to Heaven, but somehow the words stuck in her throat. She didn’t want him saved, would much rather he went to Hell. Her expression darkened and she scrambled to her feet; perhaps she could try another time. For the moment, hopefully God would forgive her where Bert and her father were concerned. She wanted them to suf­fer for the pain they had caused others.

  She quit the pew, intending to leave the cathedral by a different door. Her heels tip-tapped on the tiled floor but she was brought up short by a muted voice speaking her name. She looked about her and, to her surprise and delight, spotted Kenny sitting near the end of a back pew. His foot jutted out into the aisle and she could see the rubber stopper on the end of a walking stick. That fiercely protective love she had felt towards this elder half-brother came to the fore and she hur­ried over to him. ‘Emma told us what happened. What are you doing here?’

  Her voice was louder than she intended and he shushed her. ‘People are praying,’ he said softly, smiling up at her. ‘It’s good to see you.’

  He took a firm grip on his stick and she would have helped him get up if he had not shaken his head. Gripping the pew, he pushed himself upright and a spasm of pain dragged at the muscles of his face. Then it was gone and he was smiling as he looked down at her. ‘Did you have a good time?’ he whispered.

  Her green eyes glowed and she stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. ‘It was wonderful! I said to Seb several times how much you and Hanny with your love of history would have enjoyed seeing the pyramids.’

  ‘Don’t!’ he said abruptly, and began to walk, dragging his damaged foot.

  To see him so crippled tore at her heart and she understood why she must say no more about the wonderful time she and Seb had enjoyed. Instead, she asked after Tilly and Hanny.

  His face softened. ‘She’s grown in the five months you’ve been away. As for Hanny, she’s angry, worried, frustrated and fussing over me like a mother hen, although she pretends she’s none of those things. She chatters away to me as if my being crippled was the last thing she’s worried about.’

  Pity overwhelmed Alice but she knew Kenny would not want her pity, so she only asked how they were managing as they made their way to the exit.

  ‘It’s early days yet. I still do Mr Bushell’s books and I’m able to do some writing and cartoons. I’ve sold an article on the X-ray machine “from a patient’s point of view” to the Liverpool Echo, but I can’t get out and about to events, like I used to.’

  ‘Have you thought of advertising in the Chester Chronicle for more work as a bookkeeper?’

  He nodded, easing his shoulders and stretching his arms as they came out into Abbey Square. ‘So far nothing. But even if I can’t get any more bookkeeping work, I’ll not have Hanny working at Bannister’s Bakery again.’

  Alice said in surprise, ‘She’s suggested it?’

  ‘No. Mr Bannister did,’ he said tersely. ‘Mrs Kirk told him I was crippled and that she didn’t want to see her daughter go without.’

  ‘Does Mrs Kirk know how you came to be crippled?’ Alice’s voice shook with anger.

  His eyes glinted. ‘Of course she does. The police interviewed her to see if she knew anything about Bert’s whereabouts, but they had to give up because she got into such a state. She told Hanny and Joy, though, that it couldn’t have been Bert who pushed me down the steps because he was out of the country.’

  Alice looked at him in astonishment. ‘How does she work that out when his landlady told the police that he’d been living with her for the last two years?’

  He shook his head more in sadness than anger. ‘He told a neighbour in Francis Street that he’d just got back from America. He was lying, of course.’

  ‘She’s crazy. And I’m so sorry, Kenny, about what’s happened to you. I feel it’s all my fault.’ She reached out and squeezed his arm.

  He covered her hand with his own. ‘Place the blame where it really belongs – with Bert.’ Alice’s eyes shone with tears and she lowered her head so he wouldn’t see them. ‘He attacked Joy but she struck back and he slunk off.’

  ‘What did Mrs Kirk say about that?’

  ‘She told Joy that she probably misunderstood his intentions.’

  Alice drew in her breath with a hiss. ‘I know I should feel sorry for her because she was good to us when we were young and a true friend to Mam but she’s so blinkered when it comes to Bert. What reason had she come up with your fall if she won’t admit it was him?’

  ‘She’s telling the neighbours it was my own careless fault and that I’ve always been clumsy. I’m sure she’d have been happy if I’d been killed,’ he said bitterly. ‘There’s something wrong with the kind of mother’s love that completely blinds a parent to the truth about their child. I’m worried about what she’ll say and do next. The whole of Chester has read about him being accused of being the balaclava attack­er but she, and some of the neighbours, just won’t have it. They think we’ve got it in for him.’

  Alice threw up her hands in disbelief. ‘What do Hanny and Mr Kirk say about all this?’

  ‘I told you, she’s putting a brave face on things, but if they don’t improve I might take up my cousin’s offer and move to Scotland to make a fresh start,’ he said seriously.

  Alice opened her mouth to protest but then closed it again. She would say no more until she had seen Hanny and explained the situa­tion to Seb. ‘And Mr Kirk?’ she asked.

  Kenny sighed and shook his head. ‘He’s slipped Hanny the odd florin but money’s not what she really wants from him. She wants him to kill the rumours her mother’s spreading but he just says give it time and that if she doesn’t hear from him then it’ll all die down.’

  Alice shook her head in disbelief and Kenny murmured, ‘That’s how I felt. I want out of Newtown even if Hanny decides she doesn’t want to go to Scotland.’

  ‘I don’t blame you,’ she said.

  Kenny changed the subject and asked whether the trip had been suc­cessful businesswise. She told him that Seb had been of the opinion that the increased production of cheap cotton goods in India meant they’d lost a market and that Britain would rue the day it had exported sewing machines over there. ‘So what will he do now he’s inherited the business?’ asked Kenny.

  She smiled. ‘That’s something he’s going to discuss with Mr Crane, the solicitor. We also need to find out where we stand with living in the house.’

  ‘I’m sure you’d like to carry on living there,’ said Kenny with a smile.

  Alice nodded.

  They arrived at Kenny and Hanny’s home to find not only the front door ajar but Mrs Kirk in the kitchen. Her grey hair hung like ribbons of dried seaweed over her shoulders and down her back; her brown eyes were wide and wild in her tear-stained, wrinkled face. She was holding Tilly but in such a way that the girl seemed in danger of falling on her head.

  ‘Put my sister down!’ cried Alice, not wanting to snatch Tilly out of her grasp in case she dropped her.

  ‘Alice, you’re back,’ said her sister, a smile lighting up her pretty face.

  ‘What are you doing with Ti
lly, Mrs Kirk? She’s too heavy for you to be handling her like that,’ said Kenny. ‘Do as Alice says and put her down at once.’

  Susannah Kirk made no move to do what either of them said. Alice’s throat went dry. Such a scene was the last thing she had expected on entering this house. ‘Where’s Hanny?’ she croaked.

  ‘Joy’s down the yard and Hanny’s gone on a message,’ answered Tilly, gazing at them from upside down.

  The older woman, who had been staring at Alice as if she had seen a ghost, staggered and almost dropped the girl. Alice made a grab for her sister but Mrs Kirk swung her out of her reach. ‘Give her to me,’ demanded Alice.

  ‘I shan’t. You’ll not get her,’ said Mrs Kirk.

  ‘Again!’ said Tilly, her eyes sparkling. ‘I like this game.’

  ‘This is not a game,’ cried Alice, lunging at her.

  But Mrs Kirk whirled round, hoisting Tilly higher. ’It’s all your fault, Alice,’ she said with loathing. ‘If you’d been half the woman your mother was then you’d have forgiven Bert and married him. Now he’s gone and I’ll never see him again.’

  Alice flinched at the mention of her mother but knew that she must not let the distraught woman’s words distract her from getting her sis­ter from her. ‘Mrs Kirk, put Tilly down before you hurt her. She hasn’t done you any harm. You have to accept Bert for what he is, not what you and I once believed him to be. We were both deceived by him,’ she said sadly.

  ‘He was a good boy! It was you girls who led him astray.’ Susannah Kirk wiped her wet eyes on Tilly’s red-gold hair, and looked towards the photograph of her eldest daughter on her wedding day. Instantly Alice swooped and wrenched her sister free.

  Susannah howled and tried to retrieve her but Alice held Tilly tightly, kissing her hair and whispering soothing words.

  Suddenly Joy and Hannah entered from different doors. ‘What’s the noise?’ asked Joy.

  ‘Alice, you’re back!’ exclaimed Hannah, smiling at her old friend.

  Susannah Kirk sank into her chair and gazed up at her daughter with the tears running down her cheeks. ‘Go on, be nice to her. I didn’t tell you before but Bert’s gone… gone to the other side of the world. He bought a one way six pound ticket to Australia through the Emigration Society and he won’t be coming back.’

  They all stared at her in disbelief. Then as she continued to weep, Joy and Hannah went over to her and put their arms round her. ‘If it’s true, Mother, then it’s for the best. He can start his life over again and hopefully so can we,’ said Joy.

  Chapter Seventeen

  June, 1909

  Emma glanced up as the door opened and Alice breezed into the dining room. She was singing ‘Praise my soul the king of Heaven’, but stopped when she saw Emma.

  ‘Guess what!’ exclaimed Alice, her face alight with joy.

  ‘Kenny’s found some more work? Or is it that his foot’s better?’

  Some of the sparkle dimmed in Alice’s eyes and she heaved a sigh.

  ‘It would take a miracle for his foot to be healed… and no, he hasn’t got more work. But I do have good news… Bert’s gone to Australia.’

  Emma dropped a fork. ‘You’re serious?’

  ‘His mother told us… she’s in a right state. He’s taken a one way ticket so we won’t be seeing him again.’ She swayed as if to an invisible orchestra and sang, ‘He’s gone, gone, gone and I hope… he’ll… be bit­ten by a snake and… die a… horrible, horrible death.’

  ‘Damn and bloody damn him!’ swore Emma under her breath. She bent to pick up the fork and rubbed it vigorously with a napkin.

  ‘What did you say, Emma?’ asked Alice, pulling out a chair and sit­ting down. She placed an elbow on the lace edged tablecloth and rested her chin in her hand. ‘I thought you’d be over the moon at the news.’

  ‘I can see why you’re pleased and perhaps I should be dancing with delight, as well, but I can’t help being hopping mad because it seems to me he’s never going to pay for what he’s done,’ said Emma without drawing breath. ‘What I’d like to know is how he managed it? I would have thought the police would have alerted the port authorities in Liverpool and Birkenhead.’

  ‘Perhaps he sailed from Southampton or Greenock.’

  ‘I suppose you’re right,’ said Emma.

  Alice was momentarily deflated but then she said seriously, ‘My mam used to say that no one goes on forever escaping punishment. If they don’t get it in this world then they’ll get it in the next.’

  ‘I’d like him to be doubly punished,’ uttered Emma in a low passion ­ate voice, placing the fork on the table. ‘Not only for what he did to my sister and the rest of you but, also, because David might lose his job. It could be that no other company will take him on due to his involve­ment with the union. If it wasn’t impossible, I’d go to Australia and find Bert. Then I’d bash him over the head when he was least expecting it, and as there’s plenty of desert out there… or so I’ve heard, any­ way… I’d bury him up to his neck in sand and leave him to die in the hot sun.’

  Alice did not know whether to be shocked or amused but she could­n’t hold back a nervous giggle. ‘Honestly, Emma, I never realised you were so bloodthirsty.’

  Emma smiled. ‘You’re one to talk. What about wanting him bitten by a snake and suffering a horrible death? Anyway, I’m sure Hannah and Kenny are pleased he’s out of their lives for good.’

  Alice nodded. ‘Hopefully Kenny’ll think no more about going to Scotland.’ She was about to explain when she heard the front door open and slam and, certain it was Seb, got to her feet and skipped out of the room.

  ‘Hello, luv! You look happy,’ he said.

  ‘I’ve a good reason to be happy.’ She slipped her arms around his waist. ‘Aren’t I married to the handsomest man in Chester!’ She held up her face for a kiss.

  ‘I’m disappointed. I was hoping you thought I was the handsomest man in the whole world.’ He kissed her in a leisurely fashion.

  Emma had followed Alice and now stood in the doorway. ‘What will the servants think of you two canoodling in the hall?’ she said with a smile.

  ‘Do we care?’ asked Seb, gazing down at Alice, who shook her head. ‘There’s your answer, Emma.’ He grinned at her. ‘I need to ask you whether you’re prepared to stay on here until the old lady dies?’ When she hesitated he added, ‘I’ll give you an extra two shillings a week for helping with her and there’ll be other perks.’

  ‘In that case I won’t say no,’ she said, thinking there was no need to tell them that if Mrs Black came home and still wanted her, she’d go like a shot. Pushing open the baize door, she went through it, letting it swing shut behind her.

  Alice gazed up at her husband. ‘So we’ll be staying here at least until her upstairs passes away?’

  ‘You happy about that? Mr Crane is of the opinion my uncle will have to agree to it. He’s going to get in touch with him, anyway, and put it to him. Once she’s gone then will be the time to think of mov­ing. So what’s made you so happy?’

  She smiled. ‘Bert’s left the country. He’s bought a one way ticket to Australia.’

  He stared at her. ‘How did you find that out?’

  She told him, adding, ‘His mother’s really upset.’

  ‘Not surprising. Long way to go for a visit.’ Seb hugged her. ‘Let’s hope he has a lousy time of it. I’ve heard there’s very few women out there compared to men… and those there are dead tough.’

  ‘Good,’ said Alice with a sparkle in her eyes again. ‘If a snake doesn’t bite him then I hope he finds a wife who’ll lead him a dog’s life. Now let’s get ready for dinner and you can tell me what else you dis­cussed with Mr Crane.’

  As they started up the stairs, Seb said, ‘I’ve taken the plunge and done what you wanted me to do years ago. I’ve told Mr Crane I want out of cotton and into automobiles, buying, selling, repairing, hiring out. It means a lot of work but, he agreed with me, there’s a future in it. Especially afte
r I told him how the motorcar has taken off in America with Mr Ford’s model T.’ He grinned. ‘I’m not sure he believed me when I told him its top speed was forty to forty-five miles an hour.’

  Alice caught his excitement and squeezed his arm. ‘When do you start?’

  He laughed. ‘Give us a chance, woman! We’ve only just got home. There’s loads to arrange. Really I’ve got to look into things before I’m in business. I need to find a yard for doing the repairs, as well as a show­ room and an office.’ As they reached the top of the stairs he gazed down into her rapt face. ‘At least it means I won’t be flitting off to Liverpool and America. I’ll be here with you when the baby comes. Talking of which, did you tell Hanny that you could be expecting?’

  Alice shook her head. ‘In all the excitement of finding out about Bert, I forgot. I’ll do it once I’ve seen the doctor and it’s been con­firmed.’ She sighed. ‘Honestly; love, if it weren’t for Miss Victoria’s death and Kenny being crippled I could be completely happy. I really wish we could do something for him and Hanny. It just doesn’t seem fair what’s happened to them. I was in two minds to say that we’d have Tilly here while I was at the house. I don’t want Mrs Kirk having any­thing to do with her but I’m sure it would have upset them both if I had.’

  ‘Perhaps once we’re settled, we can have them here and discuss the matter,’ said Seb. ‘We have to do something to help them.’

  * * *

  ‘Mind your foot!’ Hannah frowned down at Kenny, who was writing a letter. Without lifting his eyes from the sheet of paper, Kenny drew up his leg so she could sweep the floor more easily. Hannah muttered under her breath, but once she had finished brushing the floor and had shovelled the results of her labour into the bin in the yard, she sat down opposite him. Stretching out a hand she placed it on the bottom of the page. ‘Please, love, think again. I don’t want to go to Scotland. With Bert on his way to Australia there’s no need for us to worry about him anymore. Let me take that part-time job at the bakery until you find more work as a bookkeeper and sell more articles and cartoons. Why stop at newspapers? What about magazines? I bet you could even write a book.’