Riches to Rags

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘Sure.’ Dwight studied her intently. ‘You’re a real plucky girl and your father would have been proud of you today. And for the way you’ve survived the last two years.’

  Her eyes clouded with tears and she bit her lip, determined not to break down. It was hard, because now that the anger had vanished she felt drained and emotional.

  ‘I’ll collect you at about ten tomorrow and we’ll go to the bank together, shall we?’ Dwight asked.

  ‘Yes, thank you.’ She blinked rapidly until she could see clearly again, and said, ‘I need to be alone now. I’ve got a lot of thinking to do.’

  As they left, Matthew stopped at the door and stared at her, his expression troubled. She smiled to assure him she was all right, and with a slight nod he left with Dwight.

  Matt hesitated and slapped his hand on the top of his car, bowing his head, because it felt as if his heart was going to shatter. The picture of Jenny sitting in Ma’s chair, small and frail, was imprinted on his mind. She had seemed numb, not even bothering to take off her coat. It was a complete contrast to the girl who had faced her family with such ferocity. He couldn’t leave her alone like this.

  ‘She’ll be all right, Matt.’ Dwight placed a hand on his shoulder. ‘She’s had one hell of a shock, and now reaction has set in. She needs to be alone.’

  ‘I don’t like to think of her being by herself,’ he murmured, then spun on his heel and strode to Fred and Glad’s house, knocking firmly.

  Stan opened the door. ‘Hello, Matt, come in, and your friend.’

  ‘Glad,’ he said, as soon as they set foot inside the room, ‘would you keep an eye on Jenny this evening?’

  ‘Of course.’ Glad studied Dwight. ‘What’s happened?’

  It was Dwight who spoke. ‘I’m a lawyer from New York and I’ve brought her news of her father. Things she didn’t know.’

  ‘She’s in shock.’ Matt explained. ‘She said she needs to be alone, but I’m not happy about that.’

  ‘Don’t you worry, lad.’ Fred stood up and shook hands with Dwight. ‘Thanks for letting us know. We’ll watch out for her.’

  Matt breathed a sigh of relief. They would be able to help her more than he could at the moment. ‘We’ll be back tomorrow morning.’

  After taking their leave, Matt drove home as quickly as possible. After the way Jenny had stormed from their house, they must be worried sick, wondering what was going on.

  He was right.

  ‘What’s been happening?’ his father demanded as soon as they arrived.

  ‘We’ve just seen a display of controlled fury my old friend Cyrus would have been proud of.’ Dwight was still grinning, obviously having enjoyed himself.

  ‘Controlled?’ Matt laughed. ‘Dwight, Jenny really let rip at that disgusting family of hers.’

  ‘She sure did.’ The lawyer sat down and stretched his legs out, still grinning.

  ‘I think we’d all better have a whisky while you tell us about it.’

  ‘I’ll get it.’ John poured one for everyone, including his mother.

  ‘Is Jenny all right?’ Louise asked Matt anxiously.

  He nodded. ‘She wants to be by herself, but I’ve asked Fred and Glad to keep an eye on her this evening.’

  ‘That was sensible.’ She looked at the lawyer. ‘Now, Dwight, we have been kept in suspense long enough.’

  For the next half an hour the Stannards listened to the incredible story, and heard about Jenny’s reaction and her confrontation with her family.

  Luke leant forward, hands on knees, and listened intently to every word. ‘Damn, it never entered my head to check for divorce papers. That was careless of me.’ He grinned. ‘I’d love to have seen her,’ he declared.

  ‘It sure was something to behold, wasn’t it, Matt?’

  ‘Yes, she was magnificent.’ Matt got up and refilled everyone’s glass. ‘She stood in that opulent room in her shabby clothes, proud and unashamed. It was her mother, aunt and Greaves who appeared shabby as their greedy deeds were uncovered.’

  ‘I’m so relieved she’s found out the truth and will now have money of her own.’ Louise dabbed her eyes.

  ‘You don’t have to worry about her any more.’ Dwight smiled. ‘Matt and I will be keeping an eye on her from now on.’

  ‘She might need some financial advice.’ Gilbert slipped into his banker’s role. ‘From what we’ve seen of her affection for the people she’s living with, she’s liable to give it all away.’

  ‘She’s asked that the money be deposited with your bank,’ Dwight said, ‘and we shall be doing that in the morning. As for wasting the money, I doubt that. She’s the image of her father, and we can only hope that she’s inherited his fine business sense. But, whatever she decides, the money is hers to do with as she wishes.’

  33

  How long she’d been sitting motionless in Ma’s chair, Jenny didn’t know. Time seemed to have lost all meaning as the enormity of what had happened today dawned on her. The room was lovely and warm now, so she roused herself enough to stand up and remove her coat. She needed a cup of tea.

  Every move seemed an effort as she dragged herself to the kitchen and put the kettle on. She stood watching it boil and slipped her hand into her pocket, pulling out the letter Dwight had given to her. She had forgotten all about that.

  After making the tea, she took it back to the front room and sat in Ma’s chair again. When she opened the envelope, two photographs fell out with the names ‘Hal’ and ‘Rob’ written on the back. Two young dark-haired boys, each clutching a brightly coloured ball, stared out at her, and a petite woman with a bright smile on her face had her hands on their shoulders to hold them in line. Standing behind them, looking so proud, was her father.

  She clutched the pictures to her to protect them from the tears that had suddenly burst from her like a torrent. It was caused by a mixture of delayed mourning for her father and joy that he had, for a few years, found happiness with his new family. She didn’t try to stop the tears. And she sobbed for the cruel death her father had suffered, and the sadness of all those who had loved him.

  When there were no more tears to be shed, she wiped her eyes, blew her nose and settled down to read the letter from her father’s wife. Gracie was her name, and she wrote about the boys and how much like their father they were. At the end of the letter she told Jenny that there would always be a home for her with them if she wanted to come over to the United States.

  Jenny sipped her tea. She had decisions to make about her future, but she felt too exhausted to think straight. The idea of going to America was appealing. After all, there was very little to keep her here …

  ‘Oh, but there is.’ It was as if Ma were speaking in her mind. ‘What about Matt?’

  ‘What about him?’ she replied out loud.

  ‘You’re in love with him, ducky.’

  ‘Am I?’ She frowned as the conversation ran around in her head.

  ‘’Course you are. Stop denying it.’

  ‘But he doesn’t love me.’

  ‘Don’t be daft, Jen. Would he risk his life for someone he didn’t care for?’

  Jenny took a deep breath and sat up straight. The attraction between herself and Matthew had been strong right from the beginning, but she hadn’t dared admit her true feelings. He just felt sorry for her, that’s what she’d always told herself. But she did love him! And had done for some time. As she admitted that, she could almost hear Ma’s amused cackle.

  There was a knock on the door, and Fred and Glad came in. Fred sat beside her. ‘Matt asked us to look in and make sure you’re all right. Are you?’

  She nodded. ‘It’s been quite a day.’

  ‘So we gathered,’ Glad said. ‘That lad was right worried.’

  Jenny gave a wry smile. There he was again, concerned about her as always. It gave her a warm feeling to have someone care so much for her. If it hadn’t been for Edna, Glad, Fred, Ma and Matthew, she would have been absolutely lost since she ran awa
y from home. The coin had certainly landed as heads when she’d met these wonderful people – and she hadn’t even realized it.

  ‘You look fair worn out.’ Glad picked up the tea things. ‘You pop off to bed and I’ll clear this up for you.’

  ‘I want to tell you what has happened.’ Jenny yawned.

  Fred patted her hand. ‘It’ll keep, Jen. You go and get some kip.’

  ‘No, it won’t, I’m bursting to tell you.’ Then she explained about this extraordinary day, making Fred and Glad laugh when she told them about her confrontation with her family.

  ‘Good for you, lass,’ Fred exclaimed. ‘Bloody criminal what they’ve done to you.’

  ‘That’s wonderful news!’ Glad looked ecstatic. ‘Now you won’t have to work your fingers to the bone. What you gonna do now?’

  ‘I’m staying here, Glad. Ma left me her furniture and this is my home now.’

  ‘We’re right pleased about that.’ Fred beamed at her, and then became serious. ‘But I think it’d be better to keep this news to ourselves. You don’t want people pestering you, do you?’

  ‘No, I need time to sort myself out before anyone knows.’ Jenny yawned again.

  ‘Off you go, up the apples and pears.’ Fred hauled her out of the chair. ‘You need a good night’s sleep. We’ll talk some more when you’re rested.’

  Glad kissed her on the cheek. ‘We’re so happy for you, Jen. It’s a relief to know you’re gonna be all right now.’

  It was the early hours of the morning before Jenny slipped into a sleep of utter exhaustion. Her mind had been whirring like a top. What should she do? Go to America or stay here? In a few short hours her life had completely changed. It was only after forcing her skittering thoughts to quieten that she had finally slept.

  She was awake at her usual time of five o’clock. In the comfort of her old feather bed, she mulled over her thoughts of late last night. One thing she had learnt was to take each day as it came, and, although there would be changes to her life, she wasn’t going to act in haste or do anything drastic. This was her home, and, for the moment, this is where she would stay. Christmas was only ten days away, and the New Year would be time enough to make big decisions.

  The first faint glimmer of dawn began to lighten the sky from black to dark grey. Jenny stretched, then jumped out of bed, shivering as her feet hit the cold lino. She was too excited to stay in bed any longer. There was a lot to do this morning. Dwight and Matthew were coming for her at half past ten, and before that she must go to tell Bet she would need a couple of hours off. She had no intention of letting the stallholder down, as this was a busy time of the year, and Bet’s husband wouldn’t be fit for work until after Christmas.

  Jenny washed and dressed in the kitchen, where it was warmer. As she put on her shoes, she noted what a dreadful state they were in. Not only did they have holes, but one was splitting where the upper joined the sole. While at the market today she would see if she could get a cheap pair, and perhaps even a warmer coat.

  What luxury!

  Before getting breakfast, she sat down and wrote a letter to Gracie, thanking her for the photographs and invitation to stay. She explained that she couldn’t come at the moment, but would visit when she could.

  With that done, she sang to herself and made some porridge, chuckling when she recalled Ma’s comments about her first effort. But she’d got it right after a few goes and Ma had come to like it, especially on a cold morning such as this. ‘Lines the stomach a treat,’ she used to say.

  Oh, how she wished she were still here to share in this good fortune.

  Just before eight Jenny started for The Cut; she had decided that she’d be able to help Bet for a couple of hours, and then go back as soon as her visit to the bank was done with.

  The car was already outside her house when she returned, and she ran towards them. ‘Morning. Sorry I’m late,’ she gasped, as Matthew got out and held the door open for her. ‘The market was so busy. Will this take long? I promised I’d get back as soon as I could.’

  ‘An hour or two at the most,’ Dwight said from the back seat.

  ‘Don’t worry, Jen.’ Matthew smiled as he got back in the car and started the engine. ‘I’ll drive you straight back to the market when your business is finished.’

  ‘Thank you.’ She turned to Dwight and was surprised to see Luke there as well.

  ‘Hello, Jen, hope you don’t mind my coming along. Dwight has asked me to represent him here in London and briefed me on the legal position of your inheritance. If you need any professional advice, I can help. I’ll be keeping in close contact with him.’

  She smiled her approval of this arrangement. ‘I will appreciate your help, because there is something I want to do, but don’t know how to go about it.’

  ‘What’s that?’ Dwight asked.

  ‘I want to buy the house I’m living in.’

  ‘Good idea. That’s a nice solid little place, from what I saw of it.’ Dwight glanced at Luke. ‘Your first job will be to look into that for Jenny.’

  ‘I’ll get on to it today. Who do you pay your rent to, Jen?’

  She told him the name of the collection agency – Greenways – and watched him make notes in a small book.

  A deep rumble of laughter came from Matt, and when Jenny glanced at him he winked at her. ‘Only recently passed his exams, and already he’s the efficient lawyer.’

  They were soon at the imposing Stannard Bank in the City. Even the soot-stained façade couldn’t diminish the effect of the elegant pillared entrance and marble steps. Luke didn’t stay with them but dashed off, saying he had people to see.

  ‘I’ll wait in the car for you.’ Matthew helped her out.

  ‘Aren’t you coming in with us?’ She was rather nervous and wanted him with her. She had never had anything to do with banks before, and he was such a sensible man. It would be a comfort to have him to turn to if she was confused. ‘Please stay with me.’

  He nodded and looked pleased that she had asked.

  They were shown into a spacious office dominated by the largest oak desk she had ever seen. John stood up as soon as they entered and pulled forward another chair when he saw that his brother was with them.

  They were soon settled, and she watched in fascination as John and Dwight dealt with the business side of the transfer of funds. It was difficult to believe this was happening to her, and she sat with her hands tightly clasped in her lap, leaning forward, drinking in every word. Matthew didn’t speak, and each time she glanced at him he smiled; she knew he was supporting her in his quiet way.

  Finally John pushed some papers towards her and held out a pen. ‘We need your signature in the places I’ve marked with a cross. I realize you’ve been using the name Jenny Baker, but the money is in the name of Eugenie Winford, and you’ll need to sign in that way, please.’

  She had become so used to the name she had used since she’d run away that it was strange to sign her proper name. When the four documents were signed, she put the pen down and pushed them back across the desk.

  John immediately stood up and went over to her with his hand out, smiling broadly. ‘Welcome to the Stannard Bank, Miss Winford. We are delighted you have chosen us, and I assure you that we shall look after your affairs diligently.’

  They all laughed at the formal greeting, even John, who perched himself on the edge of the desk. ‘I expect you have questions?’

  ‘Erm … well, yes. How much is $25,000?’

  ‘It will depend on the exchange rate, but it should be in excess of £7,000.’

  Her mouth dropped open and she drew in a shaky breath. ‘That much?’

  John nodded. ‘It would have been more, but in September the gold standard was abandoned and the pound devalued from $4.86 to $3.49. We’ve set up an account that will earn you interest as well.’

  She looked at Matthew and wiggled her shoulders in delight. If she’d been standing, she would have done a little jig. It sounded exciting! After l
iving on the breadline she now had money of her own. He grinned, joining in her pleasure.

  ‘What are your plans?’ John asked, claiming her attention again.

  ‘Well,’ she spoke eagerly, ‘I want to see if I can buy the house I’m living in. Luke is already looking into this for me.’

  ‘You could afford something better,’ Matthew pointed out gently.

  ‘No,’ she said, shaking her head, ‘that’s my home for the moment. I’m not going to go mad. I need time to let this sink in.’

  ‘Very wise.’ John nodded in approval. ‘From what Matt has told me about the house, it should be a sound investment.’

  ‘There is an alternative, Jen,’ Dwight said. ‘You know you can come back with me to New York. Gracie told me she would love to have you stay, for always if that’s what you wanted.’

  Jenny didn’t miss Matthew’s sudden movement beside her, and his sharp intake of breath. ‘I can’t make a decision that big at the moment, Dwight.’ She dived into her pocket and took out an envelope. ‘I wrote a letter to Gracie this morning; could you please deliver it for me?’

  ‘I’ll do that.’ Dwight put the letter in his case. ‘You would have loved Christmas in New York. The whole place is ablaze with coloured lights, with a Father Christmas on every sidewalk and in every store.’

  She laughed. It was so lovely to hear him talk just like her father. ‘Perhaps I’ll come next year.’ She turned her attention back to business and said to John, ‘When will I be able to use some of the money?’

  ‘It will take a few days, but you can have anything you want straight away. How much would you like?’

  ‘Erm …’ Jenny did a calculation in her head. New shoes and a coat were a necessity. Then there was a chicken for all her friends in Forest Road, so they could have a decent Christmas dinner, and she was sure Glad would help her make loads of puddings to share out. Some decorations … ‘Could I have five pounds, please?’

  ‘That isn’t much.’ John smiled kindly. ‘Let’s make it ten guineas, shall we?’

  ‘Yes, please, if that’s all right.’ It sounded an awful lot to her, but she would be able to buy the children presents as well, and perhaps herself a new frock. She picked at the threadbare skirt over her knees. Yes, definitely a new frock!