Freda grabbed the newspaper excitedly. ‘They are looking for all kinds of live-in staff from cleaners to entertainers. You are sure to be selected for something. Just think – you could have months away from Erith and be free of nasty Simon and his attentions.’
Molly nodded thoughtfully. ‘It is an idea. But would this not mean Harriet and Simon would have won and I’d lose the house, let alone Dad’s business? I can’t understand why they’ve not been poking their noses in around here. After all, they know it exists.’
There was a tap and a polite cough, followed by George peering round the partially open door. ‘Forgive me for interrupting your private conversation but I may be able to enlighten you with regards your relatives. I couldn’t help but hear what you were talking about.’
‘Come in, George.’ Molly vacated her seat and offered it to the old man. ‘Please, what can you tell me about Harriet and Simon?’
George looked troubled. Usually a polite, unassuming man, he seemed uncomfortable with what he was about to say. ‘My Kath told me to mind my own business, but since it happened, we’ve both chewed the problem over and think you should know.’
‘Know what?’ both the girls said in unison.
‘I lied to your relatives, Molly. Knowing you as I have since you was born, I thought I was doing what was best, but now I’m not so sure. Kath said I was an interfering old busybody, even though she said she’d have done the same if she’d been in my situation. The thing is, I don’t like your new-found relatives and wouldn’t trust them further than I could spit. There, I’ve said it, and that’s why I lied to them.’ George pulled out a large white handkerchief from the pocket of his brown overalls and wiped his sweating brow.
Molly gasped. In all the years she’d known him, she’d not seen George so passionate about something. He was usually such a quiet man, and went about his daily job without a care in the world. Even when her parents had died, he’d just calmly carried on, keeping the business running and ensuring everything was in order. ‘George, please, you must tell us what happened.’
George looked towards the closed door nervously. ‘It was the other day. You and Freda had not long left to see the matinee of The Way to the Stars. It was quiet in the shop when your dad’s cousin and her son appeared. I’d seen them loitering outside while I’d been helping Den Godwin load up his van with paper and paint for that big job down West Street.’
Molly nodded. It had been a big order. She made a mental note to check if Den had paid his account up to date yet.
‘Well, they followed me back into the shop and the man closed the door behind us and turned the sign to closed. I was a bit nervous, but then thought an elderly woman and a man in a collar and tie weren’t likely to rob us. Besides, I had that old truncheon under the counter in case we ever had any trouble. She introduced herself as the person who had inherited from your dad and had come along to check out the shop.’
‘It’s strange she appeared on the day that we went to the pictures,’ Freda said. ‘I’m sure we invited Harriet and Simon to join us.’
‘We did,’ Molly agreed. It had been in the days she was still getting to know the new members of her family and was doing her utmost to make them feel welcome in the town that was to be their home. ‘Go on, George.’
‘She made it clear that they were here to see the business and to look at the books. While she was talking to me, her son was trying the handle to the office. As you know, I keep the door of your dad’s office locked when I’m alone in the shop, and proper glad I was to have done it that day, I can tell you.’
‘What did they say?’ Freda urged. She was aware she should by now be heading back to work but couldn’t bear to miss what George had to say.
‘It was more what I said.’ George looked ashamed. ‘I said as like I was now the rightful owner of Missons Ironmonger’s as Norman and me had been equal partners: after his untimely passing, the business was all mine. I even said they was welcome to accompany me to meet Mr Denton, our solicitor, if they didn’t believe me and we’d show them the agreement that had been drawn up.’
Molly beamed. ‘George, well done! However did you think of that so quickly?’
‘It was something that me and the missus had been chatting about, but that’s for another time. Mind you, I was sweating a bit in case they called my bluff. Thankfully, I know Mr Denton is away from his office for a while so they couldn’t poke their noses in there.’
Freda jumped to her feet and gave George a big kiss. ‘I’d like to stay and listen to the rest of the story but I’ll get the sack if I’m too late. Catch up after work and have a fish-and-chip supper?’ she asked Molly.
‘Why don’t you both come to our house? I know Kath would love to see you. It has been a while.’
Freda and Molly quickly agreed. George and his wife were like family to Molly and always made both girls welcome in their home. ‘That would be nice, George, but I insist on bringing fish and chips for everyone,’ Molly said with a grin. She felt as though a big weight had lifted from her shoulders. At least for now her cousin could not get her hands on the shop, even if there was a legal document somewhere that stated her dad had left everything to his relative.
‘Get that newspaper off the table, George. The girls will be here in a few minutes. They’ll want to be eating their tea, not watch you checking the football results,’ Kath Jones scolded her husband. She glanced towards the dresser. ‘Do you think I should use my best plates?’
George stretched his arms and yawned. ‘It is only young Molly and her friend coming round for a bite to eat. You’ve known the girl since the day she was born. Why stand on ceremony just to eat some fish and chips?’
Kath shrugged her shoulders. ‘The poor girl’s been through so much lately. I thought I’d make the meal a bit special, like.’ She looked towards her best plates lined up on the dresser. ‘Perhaps I’ll just . . .’
He knew his wife meant well. They’d watched as Molly had mourned the deaths of Norman and Charlotte, and had been there to support her even though they were in shock themselves. George had lost a good friend in Norman, and Kath had been very close to Charlotte Missons. Not only had George worked alongside Norman in the shop, but the men had spent many a night fire-watching from the roof of the Erith shop along with other traders from the town. Both too old to be called up to do their bit, they’d turned their hands to anything to protect the people of Erith during the six years of war. ‘Molly doesn’t need special treatment – she wants things to be normal. We are the nearest thing she has to family, and family don’t stand on ceremony, so you leave those dinner plates on the shelf. Christmas is soon enough to bring them down. Besides, they survived Hitler’s bombs, so why risk me dropping one now, eh?’
Kath patted her husband’s shoulder as she took the evening paper from him, then shook a clean tablecloth over the table, smoothing the starched cotton until she was happy with it. ‘You’re forgetting she has family now, George, strange as it is them appearing out of nowhere like that.’
George nodded. ‘It is a bit queer, love. However, at the moment I’m more worried about that Simon and the way he’s treating Molly.’ George had been all for going to sort the man out there and then when Molly had explained. He’d only calmed down when Molly promised to keep out of Simon’s way.
Kath tutted. ‘I’ve been thinking about that since you told me. I don’t want her under the same roof as that man a minute longer than she needs to be.’
George sighed. ‘As much as I agree with you, love, I can’t see as there’s much we can do. Molly is over the age of consent and can live where she wishes. Though no man should do what that bloke did. If I was ten years younger . . .’
‘You’d need to be thirty years younger to sort him out, George. He’s not like the folk from round here, who know we sort out any wrongdoers ourselves. He’d go running to the cops even though he was the one who’s done wrong. No, let’s try my plan first.’
George reached down to rub t
he ear of his old dog, Henry, as he looked sharply at his wife. ‘It’s time you told me what you are up to, Kath. I don’t like the idea of that chap messing with you.’
‘Don’t talk to me as if I’m daft, George. I’m well aware I’m no match for the young bully. No, what I have in mind will be done with words not deeds. Now, get that smelly mutt from out of my kitchen while I butter some bread. Molly and Freda will be here soon with our supper and I’m not halfway near ready for them.’
George saluted his wife’s back as she reached into a drawer for her bread knife, and nudged the grey-faced elderly dog under the table where he couldn’t be seen but would be sure to receive a few tasty treats from his devoted owner.
‘That was good,’ George exclaimed as he leaned back from the table and loosened the belt on his trousers, much to Kath’s annoyance. ‘You can’t beat a good bit of fresh fish.’
‘I don’t know, George – I’m a big fan of Kath’s rabbit stew and dumplings,’ Molly added quickly, noticing Kath’s stern glance towards her husband.
Kath beamed as she stood to collect the plates. She loved to cook. ‘I’m planning on making a stew this coming Wednesday. There’ll be plenty for all of you, so don’t be shy about coming round here, you.’
‘That would be lovely, Mrs Jones. Now, sit yourself down. Molly and me will do the clearing-up,’ Freda said as she took Kath’s arm and propelled her back to her seat.
Kath sat back at the table and absentmindedly stroked Henry’s head. George held his breath, but Kath never commented on the dog still being in the kitchen, where he’d enjoyed discreetly fed titbits from George and the girls. ‘Now, Molly, how’s about you tell me what happened with that Simon? I’ve heard George’s version, but men don’t give all the details.’
George pulled himself to his feet and reached for Henry’s lead, which was hanging from a brass hook at the side of the dresser. ‘I’ll leave you to it while I take Henry for a short walk.’ He nodded to the girls and headed for the back door, followed by his faithful friend.
Molly found it easy to explain in detail what had happened with Simon as she washed the plates at the stone sink. She was in sympathetic company, and although worried about the future, she knew she had friends who would support her.
Kath gasped in horror while she listened to Molly’s words but then clapped in delight as she explained how she had escaped. ‘Well done, girl. I’d have done the same in your situation. It’s a shame about your mum and dad’s photograph, though. Are you sure it’s only the glass that is damaged?’
‘Yes, I’ll soon get it mended.’
‘I reckon that was your mum and dad looking out for you.’ Kath nodded wisely.
‘I like to think so, Kath,’ Molly said as a lump formed in her throat. ‘But what am I going to do in the future if he makes advances like that again?’
Freda nudged Molly’s arm. ‘Don’t forget about Butlins.’
‘Butlins?’ Kath said. ‘I thought they was still closed.’
Freda reached into her handbag and pulled out the page she’d torn from the Erith Observer. ‘I told Molly she should apply for a job at Butlins. It would give her some breathing space away from Erith while things settle down and she decides what to do next. That’s if she doesn’t hear from her parents’ solicitor before then.’
Kath read the newspaper article and smiled. ‘It could be the answer, Molly, love. Not that we wouldn’t miss you,’ she added quickly, looking at the young girl’s sad face.
The three women chatted about the article and the kind of jobs Molly thought she could do at the holiday camp in Skegness.
Molly picked up the newspaper and read the details again. ‘But what can I do with myself until Butlins opens? It’s weeks before that happens and I can’t avoid Simon all that time. That’s if I get a job. They may think I’m not fit for a position there.’
‘Stick the kettle on, Molly. I tell you about my little idea,’ Kath said. ‘George and me may well spend a week at the holiday camp this summer. I quite fancy a break by the sea and not having to cook for a week.’
‘What’s all this about a holiday?’ George asked as he came in through the back door. ‘It’s a bit nippy out there to be thinking of such things.’
‘Sit yourself down, George, and listen to what I have to say.’
George did as he was told. He wasn’t one to argue with his wife when she spoke to him like that.
Much later, George followed Molly as she let herself into the house in Avenue Road. It was only a short walk from his house in Cross Street, but so different. George and Kath’s home was a cosy two-up two-down with a small bathroom on the back that George had added himself with help from Norman Missons. He was pleased he’d seen her home as Simon was in the front room and looked none too steady on his feet.
‘Why, Mr Jones, to what do we owe this pleasure so late in the evening?’ He looked pointedly at the grandfather clock, which would soon strike ten o’clock.
George gave Simon a nod. He was finding it hard to appear friendly to a man he disliked so intensely. ‘I’m just seeing Molly safely to her bedroom door,’ he replied.
The comment was wasted on Simon, who yawned loudly.
‘I’ll see you at work tomorrow morning, George. Thank you for walking me home,’ Molly said as she headed up the stairs.
George waited in the hall until he heard Molly turn the key in the lock of her bedroom door. As he started to leave the house, he was aware of the dark, brooding glare on Simon’s face.
Molly awoke with a start. A faint light through a chink in her bedroom curtain showed that dawn was fighting the night sky. She could hear footsteps rushing down the stairs, a curse as someone stumbled and muttering as the bolts on the heavy front door were slid back. Slipping her feet into her shoes, she reached for a large bag she’d carefully packed before climbing into bed the night before. Smiling to herself, she realized that today was the day she made plans for her future.
‘Molly,’ Simon called from downstairs, ‘your friend is at the door. There seems to be some kind of problem.’
Molly leaned over the banister, trying to hold back the smile that was doing its utmost to pin itself to her face. ‘My goodness, whatever is the matter?’
‘It’s me . . . Freda. You’re needed at George and Kath’s house. She’s had one of her turns.’
‘How awful. I’ll be with you in two shakes, Freda. Just let me pull on some clothes.’
Back in her room, Molly slipped off her dressing gown to reveal her outdoor clothes underneath. She had decided not to waste one tiny moment once her friend came to rescue her. Pulling a comb through her hair and checking she had her purse in her pocket, Molly grabbed the heavy bag and headed downstairs.
Simon was standing at the front door, yawning. He’d not invited Freda in and didn’t seem concerned that Molly’s dearest friend was quietly crying into her handkerchief. Molly pushed past him and gave Freda a quick hug. ‘Thank you for coming to get me. Whatever happened?’
‘Oh, it was just awful, Molly. George is waiting for the doctor to arrive. Kath keeps calling for you. You know what she’s like when she gets like this.’
The two girls hurried down the path. As Molly pulled the gate closed behind her, she called back to Simon, ‘I don’t know how long I’ll be. I’ll send a message once the doctor’s been.’
Simon nodded and closed the door without speaking a word.
Molly and Freda walked to the end of the road before stopping to laugh together, knowing that Simon would not be able to see them from the house if he were to look from a window.
Freda wiped her eyes. ‘My goodness, I did enjoy that. I didn’t go overboard with the tears, did I?’
‘It was perfect. Besides, I don’t think Simon was awake enough to realize he was being tricked. Let’s get to Kath and George’s before she takes a turn for the worse.’
The two friends linked arms and walked the short distance to the older couple’s house still giggling. Kath’s plan
had worked perfectly.
‘Another slice of toast, Molly?’
Molly rubbed her stomach. ‘I’m fit to bursting, Kath, thanks very much. If I eat another mouthful, I’ll not get out of my chair to open the shop on time.’
‘You’re not going to the shop today, young miss,’ George said as he wiped a piece of bread round his plate, soaking up the last of the egg yolk and bacon fat. ‘Kath has plans for you.’
Molly was puzzled. Kath’s idea had worked a treat, so why couldn’t she go to work in the ironmonger’s shop with George?
Kath smiled at her husband and the young woman she’d known since the day she was born. She knew Molly would no longer be able to live under the same roof as a man who couldn’t be trusted. They needed to get her away to safety. It had to be done at a time when Harriet wasn’t around to ask questions. Molly had explained how the older woman was slow to rise each morning, so Kath knew they had to strike in the early hours. It had been agreed that Freda would be the one to hammer on the door of the large house in Avenue Road and be the bearer of bad news. Kath was aware that George was likely to land a punch on Simon’s nose, such was his hatred of the man who had caused such fear in a young girl. Kath felt the same way and knew they had to do the best they could to protect the daughter of the friends they so desperately missed.
She went to the dresser and opened a drawer, taking out notepaper and the advertisement from the Erith Observer. ‘You, young lady, are going to write a letter to Butlins and enquire about a vacancy. As much as we’d love you to live here with us, we both know you are not safe from Simon. Just like Freda, we are aware that something isn’t quite right about Harriet and her son coming to Erith. We intend to do our best to get to the bottom of this, but we can’t do anything until Mr Denton is back in his office. In the meantime, you are going to enjoy yourself and work somewhere we all know you will be safe. You have been through a lot these past months, Molly, and for now we will take care of things. Just look after yourself and have some fun, my love.’
The Butlins Girls Page 5