‘Yes, we can do that. Perhaps a sticky bun as well to see you through to dinnertime?’
‘That sounds grand,’ a muffled voice was heard to say from beneath the newspaper.
The girls giggled as they headed off for their ice cream. ‘This week is going to be such fun,’ Freda said. ‘I just hope George doesn’t overdo things. He needs a rest after what he’s been through.’
Molly stopped dead in her tracks. ‘What do you mean, Freda? What’s happened?’
Freda sighed. ‘Me and my big mouth. We didn’t want to worry you . . .’
Molly grabbed Freda’s elbow and steered her towards a rose garden, where they could talk away from other campers. ‘Now I am worried. What the hell’s been happening?’
Freda sat on a bench and twiddled her fingers, trying hard not to make eye contact with Molly. ‘Simon roughed him up and George bumped his head.’
Molly was furious. ‘Tell me everything, Freda, and don’t leave out a single thing or I swear I’ll be back home in Erith before you’ve even finished your holiday and I’ll never leave town again.’
‘I don’t really know where to begin . . .’
‘Try the beginning.’ Molly was not only angry with her friends for keeping her in the dark over what had happened but with herself for enjoying her time away from Erith without a thought that her second cousin had been causing as much trouble for George as he had for herself.
Freda absentmindedly picked at the petals of a yellow rose as she thought of what to say to Molly. ‘It was three weeks ago. George had been playing darts for the Prince of Wales team. It was a home game against the Railway Hotel from Slade Green. He went alone as usual. After all, it’s only a short walk, and no one was to know that he’d bump into Simon like that.’
Molly frowned. ‘Like what?’
‘George was a little late and in a hurry. You know how he likes to be punctual.’
‘Yes, we can usually set our watch by him. Go on,’ Molly urged. She dreaded hearing what Freda would say next but wanted to know all the same.
‘There was a crowd standing out on the pavement. It was a warm evening and he remembers saying hello to people he knew and making apologies as he pushed through the crowd. It is always busy in the Prince on darts nights. Someone jolted his shoulder and he stumbled as he reached out to steady himself. The person pushed him away and he fell. As he went down, he noticed it had been Simon Missons who had shoved him. Simon knelt beside him, and rather than help him to his feet, he grabbed George’s hair and banged his head hard onto the pavement. George doesn’t remember much after that, apart from Simon whispering in his ear.’
Molly felt herself shudder. ‘What did he say? Was George badly hurt?’
‘He said he is going to get the house and the shop and nothing will stop him. George spent the night in hospital. He had two stitches in the back of his head where he hit the kerb. We made sure he didn’t go into the shop for the rest of the week and took things easy. When he did, Kath went with him. She said that nothing would happen to George or the shop while she was there. She even sat by the telephone most of each day ready to call the police if Simon or his mother should appear.’
Molly sat down next to Freda and put her head in her hands. ‘I wish this would stop. Why is Simon doing this? None of you deserves to be in danger because of me. Surely a house and shop aren’t worth all this trouble. George has already told Simon the ironmonger’s belongs to him and not me just so he didn’t bother us. I thought that would be enough to keep him away.’
‘I stayed with Kath the night George was in the cottage hospital. We thought long and hard about what happened and also made some decisions. The first was that we would not let you know what happened, as chances were you’d rush back and Simon would like that. With George out of action, you’d be more vulnerable than you were before, and we don’t want Simon putting you in a compromising situation again. It could turn out worse than before.’
Molly shuddered as she thought how Simon had forced himself upon her. If it had not been for quick thinking, goodness knows what would have happened. ‘I know you did the right thing, but I can’t help thinking this is all my fault.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ Freda said. ‘You’re our friend, almost family really, and family stick together.’
Molly gave a weak smile. ‘I don’t know what I’d have done without you this past year.’
‘We made another decision,’ Freda added. ‘We intend to be firmer with Mr Denton’s nephew and insist he contact his uncle and help us resolve this business with your dad’s will. No one has seen the will Harriet says she has, so how do we even know she is telling the truth?’
Molly felt confused. ‘Why would someone know to turn up out of the blue if they didn’t have a claim on Dad’s property? It’s so confusing. I shall have to ask my grandad when I meet him at the family wedding.’
Freda looked surprised. ‘What’s all this about an aunt and a grandad and a family wedding? When did this happen?’
Molly laughed. ‘You’re not the only one who can keep secrets. I wanted to wait until I could tell you all face to face. I’ve found Mum’s younger sister. She lives not far from here. She is married and I have twin cousins. Oh, Freda, they are delightful. You will love them when you meet them. My life seems to have changed so much since I came to Butlins.’
Freda felt shell-shocked. ‘Blimey, what a surprise. Now it’s my turn to say I want to know all about it. First, I should collect that tea for Kath and George. I’ll be back in two shakes. You’d better do your job. That lady’s been hovering over there for a few minutes. She looks as though she needs help. We can have our ice-cream sundaes another time. We have all week.’
Molly walked over to where an elderly lady was standing looking lost. With a few helpful words, Molly explained about dinnertime and where the lady should go. She sat back down on a bench between fragrant rose bushes and thought about what Freda had told her. Perhaps she should sell the ironmonger’s; then Simon and his mother could not get their grubby hands on it. George and Kath were close to retiring and she would see they were well provided for. That’s if she could get a good price for the business. She had no idea about such things. She was deep in thought when she heard footsteps approaching. It must be Freda.
‘Is there something wrong, Molly?’
Molly turned quickly at the sound of Johnny’s voice. ‘I’m sorry. I know I should be working,’ she said quickly.
‘No, please stay where you are. I passed by a little while ago and thought you looked distressed. I didn’t want to interrupt as you were talking to one of the campers.’
‘That’s my friend Freda. I believe I mentioned to you that she was visiting, along with George and Kath, who have taken care of me since my parents died. She gave me some disturbing news, but I’m fine and can return to my job.’ She started to head back towards the path that led to the main Butlins building. From the large clock on the wall, she could see that time was passing quickly. She should be in reception recruiting children for the activities she was involved in, as well as helping late arrivals collect their chalet keys.
Johnny took Molly’s hand and led her back to the bench she’d just vacated. ‘You work hard for Butlins, Molly – a few minutes here or there won’t matter. What’s more important is that you are upset and I intend to get to the bottom of it before we leave this rose garden.’
‘Oh, Johnny, even you can’t help me with this problem. You’ve been a good friend to me in recent weeks, but I can’t burden you with everything that is less than perfect in my life.’
‘Molly, my intentions are to be burdened with every problem you have in your life, however large or small. I’m here for you, Molly, and will be as long as you need me.’
‘But, Johnny—’ She didn’t have chance to utter another word as Johnny took her in his arms and kissed her gently. She gave herself up to his kiss as he held her close, oblivious to the world around them.
‘I treated us to a
n ice-cream cone as we missed out on a sundae. I hope you don’t mind . . . Oh my gosh!’
Molly jumped away from Johnny and spun round to face her friend. ‘Freda, I believe you’ve met Mr Johnny Johnson before.’
Freda’s eyes grew wide before she came to her senses and held out her hand to shake his, not realizing she still had hold of the ice cream.
Johnny took the cone and passed it to Molly before shaking Freda’s hand. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Freda. I’ve heard a lot about you. Please, take a seat before your ice cream melts.’
Freda didn’t speak a word as she sat down next to Molly and licked the dripping ice cream. Her puzzled expression changed to a giggle as she looked at her best friend. ‘I should have guessed this would happen. I must say he looks more normal in real life than he does in the magazines you had stashed in your bedside table back home.’
Johnny roared with laughter. ‘I need more people like you in my life, Freda. It’s a refreshing change not to have starlets and fans throwing themselves at my feet.’
‘Will the pair of you stop it?’ Molly grinned. ‘You are embarrassing me. I thought you were here to help me, not show off to my friend!’
Johnny looked serious. ‘I am. I want the pair of you to explain what’s going on. Don’t leave anything out. I may not be a secret agent in real life, but I’ll make a damn good show of solving any problems you have.’
If Johnny knew everything that is going on in my life and that of my friends, he might regret what he just said, Molly thought to herself.
Molly had no idea how she worked through the next few hours. Thank goodness she knew her job and could point campers towards the correct chalet blocks and advise about the medical centre and children’s activities. Satisfied she’d done a good job, she bid goodbye to the last camper in the reception area and decided to speak to George. Freda had begged her not to mention the altercation with Simon, but Molly felt that George might just mention it if she were alone with him. Heading back through the camp past the swimming pool to the grassed area where her friends had been sitting earlier in the afternoon, she spotted George. He was not alone. Sitting next to him was Johnny, his long legs stretched out as he sat in the striped deckchair deep in conversation with her dad’s oldest friend. As she approached, both men stood up.
‘There you are, my love. I hope you’ve not been working too hard? It doesn’t seem right when we are all enjoying ourselves,’ George said, giving her a peck on the cheek. ‘Kath and Freda have gone back to change for dinner. I’ve been having a chat with your young man here.’
‘George, Mr Johnson is a work colleague,’ she said, feeling embarrassed in front of the two men.
‘That’s not what Johnny has told us, or what Freda said when she came back earlier. Why, Kath and Freda have nigh on planned a wedding.’ He laughed at his own joke.
Molly could have curled up and died. ‘I’m sorry, Johnny. I apologize for my friends. They do get carried away sometimes.’
‘I’m happy to go along with wedding plans.’ He smiled gently, noticing Molly’s embarrassment. ‘To whom should I address my request for your hand in marriage?’
Molly frowned. She had no idea if Johnny was joking or not.
‘I would have said that was my duty now, but Freda says you’ve unearthed family since being here at Butlins,’ George said.
‘I was saving the surprise for when you arrived here. So much has happened recently.’
George patted her arm. ‘I’m pleased for you, Molly. You are entitled to your secrets. Have you met your grandparents?’
‘Not yet. I’ve only met my aunt and her family. My grandmother has passed away, and I’m told my grandfather is a bit of a recluse. But talking of secrets, don’t you have something to tell me, George?’
George rubbed the back of his head where he’d been injured. ‘I was biding my time for the right moment, but your friend here had other ideas.’
‘Molly, George has been telling me what happened and more about your problems with your dad’s cousins. I’ve offered my assistance.’
‘But there’s no need . . . When Mr Denton arrives back in Erith, it will all be resolved.’
‘I’ve accepted Johnny’s help, Molly. He has a friend in the legal trade who I can speak with. It doesn’t hurt to have another pair of ears listen to the problem. How much longer will it be before Simon goes further than knocking an old man over and making threats that no one else heard? Besides, when you are back home, I’d never forgive myself if he tried to . . . you know . . .’
Johnny looked from George to Molly and could see there was more they’d not explained. ‘Is there something I’ve not been told?’
Molly didn’t wish to tell Johnny what had happened. It didn’t feel right to speak of how Simon had attacked her. She looked pleadingly at George.
‘Simon tried to force himself on our Molly a couple of times,’ the older man said.
Johnny looked angry. ‘Did he hurt you?’
‘No. I’m sure it was the drink that made him do it.’ She looked away, unable to make eye contact while she spoke of such personal things.
‘He tore your dress, Molly,’ George said gently, ‘and if I’d not dropped that suitcase on his head the second time, God only knows how it would have ended. We need help, Molly. I know I’d sleep much better knowing those dear to me were safe.’
Molly thought for a moment. ‘Thank you, Johnny. I appreciate your help. If you believe your friend can advise us, then I’d be most grateful.’
‘Once you’re home, I’ll have my friend contact you, George. Molly, if you want time off to go back to Erith, then I can arrange it,’ Johnny said. ‘Now, if we aren’t quick, George is going to miss the first sitting for dinner.’
George looked his watch. ‘Kath is going to have my guts for garters. She wants me suited and booted just to eat my dinner.’ He shook hands with Johnny. ‘You’ve picked a good one in our Molly. I know you’ll take care of her.’
Johnny walked with Molly back to the staff office to check their duties for the evening. ‘I’m on baby-crying duty after dinner.’
‘Will you come to the Pig and Whistle afterwards? It’s Connie’s birthday and the staff who are available are going to throw a surprise party.’
‘That’s a lovely idea. I doubt I’ll be finished until around ten, but I’ll see you then.’
Johnny kissed her cheek. ‘We never get to spend much time alone. Our courtship seems to be carried out in front of hundreds of people all the time.’
‘Is this what this is? A courtship, I mean. It seems such a formal word,’ Molly said.
‘Haven’t we just discussed the wedding with George?’ Johnny smiled.
Molly thumped his arm. ‘I never know when to take you seriously,’ she sighed.
Johnny looked from left to right before sweeping her into his arms. ‘Is this serious enough?’ he asked before seeking her lips.
Molly closed her eyes and gave herself up to his kiss. For a few brief seconds, she knew what it was like to be in heaven.
As they drew apart, he took her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. ‘Where you are concerned, Molly, I am always serious. Please believe that.’
Molly watched as he strode away to his office. For the first time in almost a year, she felt content with her life and looked forward to the future.
Molly enjoyed her shifts listening out for crying babies. It was a well-executed routine whereby parents notified the nursery that they were leaving their children alone in their chalet while they enjoyed the evening entertainment that Butlins provided. Butlins staff then cycled between the rows of chalets listening out for distraught youngsters. If they heard one, they returned to base and checked a log showing where on the camp the parent could be found. An announcement was then made or displayed in the entertainment area showing a baby was crying in chalet 150 and the parent would soon arrive to soothe their child. With so many chalets on the site, Molly would cycle miles in a few hours and w
as usually ready for her bed by the end of her shift. This evening, she couldn’t keep her mind off meeting Johnny and had cycled past the reception area before she realized her own name was being called. Turning back, she saw Spud waving to her.
‘Molly, do you know where Bunty Grainger is? There’s a telephone call for her. I’ve just checked the staff duty list and she’s not working this evening.’
Molly leaned her bike against the wall and thought for a moment. ‘She will most likely be in the Pig and Whistle at this time of night. Some of the redcoats are celebrating Connie’s birthday. Do you know who is on the telephone? It must be urgent to ring the camp at this time of night.’
‘It’s a man. He didn’t give me a name. He just said it was urgent family business.’
‘Oh dear. I do hope her parents are all right. She was telling me today that her mother had written that her father was poorly with his chest again.’
‘Look, would you speak to him? You’re a friend of the girl and they may let you take a message. I must get back to the gatehouse. Anyone can get in the camp without me there to question them.’
‘Yes, I’ll do that. It’s almost time to go off duty and I can find her and pass on the message.’
Spud nodded his thanks. ‘Tell her she can use my telephone if she likes, as reception’s about to be locked up for the night. I’ll even throw in a cup of cocoa. The kettle’s on,’ he said as he marched off down the drive.
Molly picked up the telephone in the darkened reception area. A security man was already standing by the door, keys in hand, waiting to lock up. ‘Hello. This is Molly Missons, Bunty’s friend. We can’t locate her at the moment. Can I take a message?’
‘Molly, this is Gordon, Bunty’s fiancé.’
Molly gasped and looked to see if the security man had noticed. Thankfully, he’d propped himself against the open door at the front of reception and was engrossed in reading the sports page of his newspaper. ‘Gordon, you aren’t supposed to telephone. Why don’t you send a postcard to Plum as we planned?’ The system Plum had devised in which Gordon sent postcards to Plum pretending to be her aunt Gertie had been a resounding success.
The Butlins Girls Page 24