MB03 - Sweet Rosie O’Grady

by Joan Jonker

  ‘I don’t care whether they mind or not!’ Doreen didn’t know if she felt like crying or laughing with happiness. ‘I’ll turn in for two hours and knock off about ten.’

  Jill’s pretty face was lit up with a smile – she was delighted for her sister. ‘It’ll be lovely to see Phil again, won’t it?’

  ‘You can say that again, our kid!’ Doreen hugged herself. ‘It’s been such a long time, I can’t wait to see him.’ Then she remembered how vague Phil had been about his injuries and a shadow flitted across her face. ‘Mam, will yer come to the hospital with me? I’d be frightened to go on me own for the first time. Just this once, Mam?’

  ‘Of course I’ll come with yer, sunshine! I can’t wait to see Phil meself, and Miss Clegg will be waiting for news of him. She’s like a cat with two tails at the moment.’

  ‘Tell Doreen the rest of the news, Mam,’ Jill said. ‘It all seems to be happening at once.’

  Molly bent down in front of Doreen and smiled into her face. ‘Uncle Corker’s home. Him and Ellen are getting married on Saturday.’

  Doreen’s mouth gaped. ‘On Saturday?’

  Molly nodded. ‘Yep! Not much time to prepare, but yer know Uncle Corker, he takes everythin’ in his stride. He’s got two weeks’ shore leave, so after the wedding they’ll have a full week to settle down.’

  ‘Are they having a reception after the wedding, Mam?’ Jill asked.

  ‘No, there’s too many people to ask an’ it would cost too much. As Corker said, they can put the money to better use. But we can’t let them get married without some sort of party, so I’ve offered to have one here.’

  ‘But what about food?’ Doreen asked. ‘With all the rationing it won’t be much of a party.’

  ‘I’ve been told to leave all that to Corker,’ Molly said. ‘He’s wangled quite a lot of stuff from the ship, so we should be all right. An’ he’s got mates everywhere he can cadge off. If I know Corker, we won’t go short of anything.’ She met Doreen’s eyes. ‘He’s asked me to tell Phil that he wants him at his wedding. He said he wants all his friends around him an’ he considers Phil one of his friends.’

  Tears welled in Doreen’s eyes. ‘But we don’t know what’s wrong with Phil, he might not be able to come.’

  ‘Don’t start crying before you’re hurt, sunshine! Let’s wait an’ see what tomorrow brings, eh? Things might work out better than you think, please God.’

  When Doreen stepped off the bus outside Walton Hospital, her mother was waiting for her outside the gates. They linked arms and set off up the long path. ‘I’m shakin’ like a leaf, Mam.’

  ‘I know, sunshine, me own tummy feels as though there’s thousands of butterflies flying around in it. But keep a stiff upper lip and a smile on yer face. No matter what’s wrong with Phil, don’t let him see you’re worried. Don’t forget – no matter what, he’s still the same Phil inside.’

  Doreen waited in the hall of the hospital while Molly went to the reception area to ask for information. When she came back, she said, ‘Come on, let’s see if I can remember what the woman told me. She gave me so many turn lefts, turn rights, I couldn’t keep up with her. But I know he’s on a ward on the first floor, so we’ll make our way up the stairs and if we get lost we’ve got tongues in our heads, we can always stop and ask someone.’

  They were walking down a corridor on the first floor, peering into each ward, when Doreen grabbed her mother’s arm. ‘Mam, look, there’s Phil, standing by the door of that ward.’ She came to a halt, overcome with fear. ‘Oh Mam, he’s on crutches.’

  ‘Doreen, yer knew he was on crutches, the lad told yer himself!’ Molly drew in breath through clenched teeth. ‘Now you just pull yerself together, my girl, for God’s sake! If you start crying an’ upset him, then so help me I’ll wring yer ruddy neck for yer.’ She shook her daughter’s hand from her arm. ‘Now go and give him the biggest kiss yer’ve ever given him. Let him see how glad yer are to see him.’

  ‘Oh, Mam, yer’ll never know how glad I am to see him.’ Doreen took to her heels and ran towards the tall, blond man who looked as handsome as when she’d last seen him, even though he was wearing a dressing gown instead of a soldier’s uniform. Her arms were outstretched, ready to hug him, but she pulled up sharp a yard from him. ‘Oh Phil, it’s so good to see yer.’ She pointed to the crutches. ‘How can I kiss you?’

  ‘With care.’ Phil had been dreading this moment. Would Doreen still love him when she knew there was a chance he’d never walk properly again? He dropped his gaze to his right leg which was bent at the knee to keep his foot off the floor. ‘The old leg’s taken a bit of a battering.’

  ‘It’s not your leg I want to kiss, yer daft thing.’ Doreen stood on tiptoe and kissed him gently on the lips. ‘That will have to do to be going on with.’

  ‘Hey, is this a private conversation or can anyone join in?’ Molly came up behind her daughter and smiled at the lad she hoped would one day be a member of her family. ‘Phil, sunshine, it’s so good to see yer.’

  ‘And you, Mrs B.’ Phil smiled. ‘Looking forward to this day is the only thing that’s kept me going.’

  Molly kept the smile firmly on her face to hide the sadness that now weighed on her heart. From a distance he didn’t seem to have changed at all, but get close and it was a different story. He wasn’t the happy, bright-eyed boy who’d gone off to war. His face was lined, and his smile didn’t reach his eyes. This lad’s suffering from more than leg wounds, Molly told herself as she asked, ‘Can we go anywhere to sit down? Me feet are killing me.’

  Phil’s eyes went to the door of the ward. ‘There’s only my bed, if yer don’t mind sitting by that. But I’ve got to warn yer, some of the lads in there have been very badly injured and it might upset yer.’

  ‘Upset me?’ Molly’s voice rose. ‘Soldiers are injured fightin’ to protect me and mine, and you think it might upset me? Come on, sunshine, I thought yer knew me better than that.’

  Phil was about to tell them to go ahead, but changed his mind. Better to let Doreen see things as they really were. Grimacing with the pain from his injured leg, and also the soreness under his arms caused by the crutches, he moved slowly into the ward and stopped at the second bed on the right. ‘There’s only one chair, I’m afraid, but you could borrow another from one of the other beds.’

  ‘Where will you sit?’ Molly asked. ‘You’re the invalid, we’re only visitors.’

  ‘I’ll sit on the edge of the bed, it’s more comfortable for me.’ Phil handed one of his crutches to Doreen, lowered himself down, then passed her the other. ‘Just stand them by the wall, love.’

  ‘You have the chair, Doreen, while I have a chat with a couple of the lads.’ Molly grinned. ‘See how thoughtful I am, leavin’ you two love birds alone? If Nellie was here I’d use a big word like diplomacy, but seein’ as she’s not, I won’t bother.’

  This time the smile reached Phil’s eyes. ‘How is Mrs McDonough?’

  ‘Her usual modest self. She’s looking forward to seeing you, everyone in the street is. Especially a little old lady called Victoria Clegg. She’s so eager I think she must have a crush on yer. But yer’ll see them all on Saturday, God willing.’

  ‘On Saturday?’ Phil looked stunned. ‘They’re not all coming in here on Saturday, are they?’

  Molly shook her head as she moved away. ‘I’ll leave our Doreen to tell yer all about it.’

  As soon as her mother left the bedside, Doreen leaned forward and took one of Phil’s hands between hers. ‘Now we’re on our own, tell me what’s bothering yer. An’ don’t say there isn’t anythin’ because I know there is.’

  Phil didn’t answer her question, but asked one of his own. ‘What did yer mam mean about Saturday?’

  ‘Uh-uh!’ Doreen squeezed his hand. ‘You answer my question then I’ll fill yer in with all the news from the street.’

  His eyes lowered, Phil told her he had been hit by shrapnel at Dunkirk and part of his leg was shattered. Th
e doctors were confident they would be able to remove most of the shrapnel and would try to rebuild his leg. But they wouldn’t commit themselves to how successful they’d be. ‘So you see,’ he said, still reluctant to meet her eyes, ‘I don’t know how much of a cripple I’ll be.’

  ‘Phil, look at me, please?’ Doreen begged. ‘I’m sorry about your leg, I really am. If you’re in pain, I’m sorry, if you end up a cripple, I’ll be sorry. But it’s you I’m sorry for, not meself! I don’t care how or what you are, as long as you love me.’

  Hope flared in Phil’s eyes as he raised his head. ‘You mean you really don’t mind? You still love me?’

  ‘Love you? I’m crazy about yer, Phil Bradley, have been since the minute I clapped eyes on yer. And if yer don’t tell me soon that you still love me, I’ll scream the ward down.’

  When Molly approached the bed twenty minutes later she found the young couple holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes. ‘Everything in the garden rosy, is it?’ she asked, thinking of the two poor lads she’d just been speaking to. One had very bad facial injuries, the sight of which had torn her heart. The other had caught it in the arm and shoulder. Neither of them were Liverpool lads, and they wouldn’t be getting many visitors. So she’d promised faithfully to visit them and bring a friend with her to cheer them up. ‘What d’yer think of Ellen and Corker gettin’ wed, eh, Phil? It’ll be knees up and jars out on Saturday night.’

  Phil was laughing now. The shadow of doubt had been lifted and he was feeling light-headed with relief. ‘I’d love to be there, but I don’t see how I can.’

  ‘You don’t have to worry about a thing, sunshine, it’s all goin’ to be sorted out for yer. Corker’s comin’ tomorrow to see the doctor, and he’s so determined you’ll be at his wedding, yer can bet yer life yer’ll be there, even if he has to carry yer. All being well, Steve and Tommy are coming to pick you up in a taxi and will bring you back safe and sound when you feel you’ve had enough.’

  Once again Phil’s eyes were downcast. ‘I’ll need a wheelchair.’

  ‘If yer need a wheelchair, sunshine, then a ruddy wheelchair yer’ll have, believe me!’ Molly nodded for emphasis. ‘Corker will see to that! We’re not havin’ a wedding without you there, and that’s the top and bottom of it.’

  Doreen nodded her agreement. ‘Yer’ve got to come to see me in me new dress. It’s no good me gettin’ all dolled up if you’re not there to see me.’

  ‘It would be marvellous to see all the old crowd again.’ Phil’s voice was thick with emotion. ‘I think about them a lot.’

  ‘Well it’s only a few more days, so be patient.’ Molly gave him a broad wink. ‘I’ll be in to see yer before then, an’ I’ll bring Nellie. She’s better than any dose of medicine, she’ll cheer the lads up.’

  Molly gazed around the ward; they were the only visitors and she felt so sorry for the other patients. But come what may, she would keep her promise to come and see them. ‘I’ll wait in the corridor for yer, Doreen, but don’t be too long ’cos yer’ve got to get back to work. See how many kisses yer can get in in five minutes, OK? An’ you take care of yerself, Phil, and keep your chin up. Ta-ra for now.’

  With a last look around the ward, Molly walked to the corridor. I’ll never moan again, she told herself, not after what I’ve seen today.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Saturday dawned bright and clear, not a cloud in the sky. And as the day progressed the sky became more blue, and the narrow street of two-up two-down houses basked in brilliant sunshine. It was a perfect day for a wedding, and Molly said she couldn’t make up her mind whether her eyes were dazzled by the sun or the radiance of Corker’s smile.

  The taxi came at a quarter past one to take the bride and groom to Brougham Terrace register office. Only Molly and Jack accompanied them, to act as witnesses. It was the way Ellen wanted it; no frills and no fuss. And as Corker said, he didn’t care if they got married in a coal yard as long as the marriage was official.

  The short, impersonal service was conducted by a man wearing a sombre suit and a matching expression on his face. He spoke in a monotonous voice that would have suited a funeral more than a wedding. Even when he pronounced them man and wife, there wasn’t a flicker of a smile on his lips. But his demeanour didn’t dampen Corker’s enthusiasm or his happiness. He placed his huge hands on Ellen’s waist, lifted her up as though she were a doll and kissed her soundly on her lips before saying, ‘Welcome to my life, Mrs Corkhill.’

  Molly wiped a tear from her eye. The man was the size of a bear but as gentle as a lamb.

  Walking down the steps of the building, Ellen breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Thank goodness that’s over, me knees are knockin’.’

  ‘Well yer won’t have to go through it again, love.’ Corker saw a taxi coming down West Derby Road and stepped into the gutter to flag it down. ‘And yer’ll soon be back home with all yer family and friends.’

  But even Corker wasn’t prepared for the welcome awaiting them. All the neighbours were out lining the street on both sides, and they rushed forward when the taxi stopped to shower the newly-weds with confetti. Ellen was startled at first, then emotion brought a lump to her throat. She’d never had the chance to get to know her neighbours when Nobby was at home because nobody liked him. He was a drunkard, always fighting and using foul language, so the neighbours steered clear of him and his family. The only real friend Ellen had in the street during those dark days was Molly, who knew of the terrible life she led. But although the neighbours didn’t bother with her, they weren’t soft – they knew how she suffered a life of violence and drudgery. And now they were wishing her and Corker all the luck in the world.

  Dozens of hands were shaken and kisses bestowed on bride and groom before they could escape into the safety of Molly’s house, where family and friends were waiting.

  Ellen’s fragile composure crumpled when she saw her four children. They were waiting in the hall for their mam and their new dad. Phoebe, Dorothy, Peter and Gordon, all dressed in their new clothes and barely able to contain their excitement. Corker gave a roar of happiness and gathered all four in his arms. ‘Hello, me darlings! You’re me family now.’

  ‘Uncle Corker,’ came the muffled voice of Gordon, the youngest, ‘can we call yer Dad now?’

  ‘Go on, yer daft ha’p’orth,’ Phoebe said, feeling all grown-up in her new dress and with her long hair tied back with a ribbon, ‘yer’ve just called him Uncle Corker!’

  ‘Well I ’ad to ask, didn’t I?’

  Corker released them and dropped to his haunches. ‘From now on I am yer dad, an’ if anyone says otherwise, give them a fourpenny one from me.’

  Molly and Jack had been left standing in the street, and now Molly bawled, ‘Ay, come ’ed, let’s get in!’

  There was a loud cheer as Corker and Ellen entered the crowded room and a surge forward until Corker waved them back. Putting a protective arm across Ellen’s shoulders he asked, ‘Can we have a bit of hush for a minute, please?’ He spied his mother sitting in Jack’s chair and pushed Ellen towards her. ‘Come on, Ma, give yer son an’ yer new daughter-in-law a kiss.’

  Tears were streaming down the old lady’s face as she struggled to her feet. She took Ellen in her arms and kissed her. ‘You look after my son, d’yer hear? He might be the size of a mountain, but he’s still my baby.’

  There was a loud roar of laughter and Nellie shouted, ‘Some baby he is, Mrs Corkhill, unless yer mean a baby elephant.’

  Corker was looking round until his eyes lighted on the person he was looking for. Phil was sitting in a wheelchair near the window, the fireguard strategically placed at the side of him to prevent anyone accidentally bumping into his injured leg. ‘Come on, Mrs Corkhill, let’s welcome home the wounded soldier.’

  For the first time in many long months, Phil was at peace with himself. There had been times on that beach at Dunkirk when he thought he’d never see his friends again. Now he was amongst them, he felt he was well
and truly home. Doreen was standing beside him, looking very pretty and very proud. He leaned forward to shake the hand of the man he held in such great esteem. ‘Congratulations to both of you. May you have a long an’ happy marriage.’

  Miss Clegg, Bridie and Bob were the next for special treatment, then it turned into a free-for-all, with everyone wanting to add their good wishes. It was half an hour before Molly could restore order. The room was crowded, even though the table had once again been moved up to Nellie’s to give more space. ‘Yer’ll have to spread out,’ she said, ‘some of yez in the kitchen, the others on the stairs.’

  ‘Hang on a minute!’ Nellie, resplendent in her new dress and matching jacket, wasn’t about to take second place. It might be Molly’s house but Nellie was, after all, one of the hostesses. She hadn’t got herself all dolled up like a dog’s dinner, suffering agony through the night trying to sleep with dinky curlers in her hair, just to be relegated. ‘All the eats are in Ellen’s house. The two houses are open, so yer can come an’ go as yer please.’ She gave a curt nod to Molly and pulled a face that was as expressive as if she’d stuck her tongue out. ‘There’s plenty to eat an’ drink, but don’t make pigs of yerselves. And we don’t want no rowdiness ’cos don’t forget we run respectable houses.’

  Molly chuckled before waving her hand to take in all the people watching with interest. ‘Folks, in case yer haven’t recognized this fine specimen of womanhood, it’s me mate, Nellie. Now as you all know, Nellie is usually very quiet and modest, but today she’s agreed to come out of her shell and give me a hand. So as my second in command, she’ll expect yer to obey her orders. If yer don’t, she’ll flatten yer.’

  ‘Oh no, girl!’ Nellie feigned innocence. ‘I won’t be hittin’ anyone today, not with me glad rags on. I mean, what if I drew blood an’ it went all over me new clothes?’ Nellie’s chins did a quickstep. ‘No, any troublemakers will have to answer to my feller. An’ yez all know what a terrible temper George has got when he gets his dander up, so don’t say yer weren’t warned.’