by Anna King
‘What is it, darling; is something wrong?’ Bella ran to his side.
Shaking his head mournfully he waited a minute then, his voice heavy, he said, ‘Something’s happened, Belle, something terrible, I’m gonna ’ave ter leave the country unless I want ter spend the next ten years in jail.’ He saw Bella move nearer to him and quickly buried his head in his hands.
‘Don’t, Belle, don’t come any nearer. There’s nothing you can do for me now and I care too much for yer to drag yer down wiv me. Go home, Belle, go home ter your family, and try ter forget all about e. I’ve brought yer nuffing but disappointments and lost all yer lovely jewellery into the bargain. But you’ll get every penny back, darlin’, that I do promise yer. I don’t know when, but one day when it’s safe ter come back ter England, I’ll find a way to get back all the money I lost. Now get out, Belle, please. I feel so ashamed and frightened. If yer don’t go soon I’m gonna make a fool of meself and start blubbering, please…’
Thoroughly frightened now, Bella leapt the few short feet that separated them and pulled roughly at his hands, crying, ‘Darling, darling, don’t talk so. Tell me what has happened, there must be something I can do to help. Please, Jimmy, confide in me, don’t shut me out. I can’t bear to see you so miserable. Please, whatever you’ve done, whatever’s happened, we can work it out between us; please, Jimmy, please.’
Pulling her roughly into his arms, he rocked her back and forth, his mouth split into a wide grin as he gazed over her shoulder. It was going to work. The stupid cow was so desperate to have a man, she’d believe anything he told her. Another man might have felt some pity for such a woman as Bella, but Jimmy felt nothing but contempt, and a rising desire to get away from her as soon as possible. Composing his face once more into a solemn expression he drew away from her.
Then, taking hold of her hands he said earnestly, ‘All right then, Belle. I didn’t want yer ter hear the sordid details, but I suppose I owe yer the truth, ’specially after all we’ve been ter each other. Promise me though, that you’ll let me say me piece wivout interrupting, now promise me, love.’ Bella nodded, her throat too full of fear to utter another word.
Letting go of her hands Jimmy rose to his feet. Then, running his fingers through his unruly hair he said awkwardly, ‘It’s like this. Do yer remember that first time we met at Maggie’s place? Well of course yer do. What I meant was, did yer hear her saying that I’d tried ter rape ’er? You’ve never mentioned it, and I didn’t know if you’d ’eard or not. There was a ’ell of a lot a noise going on at the time. I didn’t take no notice of her, I thought she was just saying it, you know, making out I was the villain ’cos she felt guilty abaht what she’d done. Then her “friends” threw me out into the street, and… well, the rest yer know.’
Stopping for a moment, he looked down at Bella sitting on the grubby bed, and putting what he hoped was a loving smile on his face he said softly, ‘If it hadn’t been fer you, darlin’, I’d ’ave frozen ter death that very night. ’Cos I had no-one else ter turn to. You saved me life, Belle, and you’ve given me every opportunity ter make somefing of meself, and I’ve let yer down time and time again. That’s why it’s so ’ard ter tell yer about what’s happened, and it’s even ’arder to know that after tomorrow it’ll be years before I see yer again; if ever.’
Wiping his brow with the back of his hand he took a deep breath, ‘Well, here it is, Belle, I ’ad a visit yesterday from that little brat Charlie, you know, Maggie’s brother. He gave me a message from ’er. She says that if I don’t leave the country, she’s gonna go ter the police and tell ’em I tried to rape her. I couldn’t believe it at first, I mean, why should she do such a thing? And it’s not true, Belle, you’ve got ter believe me, I never laid a finger on her, well, no decent man would touch ’er after what she done, going on the game like she did.
‘And you know something funny, Belle? She even told my Liz she was raped that night an’ all, she must have it on the brain. Anyway, like I said, I thought she was just trying ter scare me, to get back at me like. ’Cos she never liked me, not from the start. Thought her sister was too good fer me, she did. Then I gets ter thinking. She’s probably worried I might tell her fancy man… Oh Lord, I’m sorry, Belle, I keep forgetting he’s yer brother. But it’s the only reason I can think of why she’s so anxious ter get rid of me. Maybe he’s asked ’er ter marry him and she’s scared I’ll put a spanner in the works, so she wants ter make sure I’m put out of the way permanently. And if she gets your brother on her side, well… what chance would I have wiv the coppers? They’d never take my word against theirs, would they? And I’ve been in trouble wiv the Law before. No… It’s no use, Belle, she’s got me over a barrel, there’s nothing I can do except make a run fer it.
‘But oh, Belle, darlin’, I had such plans for us. Not the sort of ones I’ve made such a mess of, but plans of us being together. I… I thought that if we got married, well, you coulda helped me get a decent business going, not the pie in the sky sort that I’ve been daft enough ter be taken in by. Oh, I know yer too good fer me, but I thought, well, if yer don’t ask, yer don’t get.’
Shrugging his shoulders he walked towards the door. ‘I’ll be leaving tomorrow night. I’ve got a mate who can get me a ticket on the next boat heading fer France. ’Cos, you know, Belle, if I don’t go straight away, I wouldn’t trust meself not ter go down ter that place Maggie runs and bloody doing ’er a real mischief. And I ain’t gonna take the chance of swinging at the end of a rope, not for a no-good slut like ’er.’
Turning his head away from Bella’s anguished gaze he waited for her to speak, but no sound came from the direction of the bed. His heart kicked hard against his chest. Had he spun her one tale too many? What if she walked out now without offering to help him as she’d done so many times during the past months. As the silence grew he gave a silent sigh of resignation. Oh, what the hell. He’d had enough money out of her to last him a good few years without working, and when that ran out, well, there were plenty more elderly, gullible women in the world; the proof was sitting on his bed. He heard the bedsprings squeak as she stood up, and felt his stomach muscles tighten.
‘Take me with you, Jimmy. Don’t leave me behind, I’d die without you, I would, I would.’ Her voice was beginning to rise, and fearful someone would hear her and come to investigate, Jimmy quickly grabbed her to him, stifling any other sound she could make.
‘Oh darlin’, darlin’, don’t yer think I don’t want yer wiv me. But I’ve only got enough money fer me own ticket and a few days’ lodgings while I try and get some sort of work. I couldn’t put yer through that kind of life, not a lady like you. And don’t go offering me any more of yer jewels, Belle, yer can’t have many left. I feel bad enough as it is. Keep what you’ve got, you’ll probably need it for a dowry one day.’
Bella stared into the face of the only man who had ever loved her and fought down the rising tide of fear that was threatening to engulf her. He couldn’t leave her, she wouldn’t let him. Somewhere deep down in her subconscious she knew she had been made use of, but her mind refused to believe the truth. All that mattered was that she stay with this man, and if money was the way to keep him, then she would get him money, enough money to keep him happy for a long, long time.
Grabbing hold of his arm she gabbled feverishly, ‘I’m coming with you, Jimmy. There’s nothing for me here, not without you. And you’re wrong about my not having many jewels left. I have plenty. Enough to enable us to live comfortably in France for many years. Look, I’ll meet you here tomorrow afternoon with the money for the tickets. We can sell the rest of my jewellery once we’re safely in France; say yes, Jimmy, please say yes.’
‘Belle, Belle, are you sure? I mean, it won’t be easy. I might not be able to find any work. And what about your parents? How yer gonna get out of the house wiv a suitcase wivout anyone seeing yer?’
Bella’s body slumped with relief. It was going to be all right. He wasn’t going to leave her. Oh
thank you God, thank you. Picking up her gloves and leather bag from the table she made to leave.
‘Don’t you worry about me, Jim, I’ll manage to get out without being seen. As for my parents… I imagine they will greet my departure with great relief. I’ve been a disappointment to them for years; they will be glad to be rid of the embarrassment of having an unmarried daughter of my age still living at home.’
Bending down to kiss her lips, Jimmy asked softly, ‘Are yer sure, Belle? It’s a big step to take. What if yer don’t like it over there, and…’
Placing a gloved finger on his lips Bella smiled tremulously. ‘I would be happy anywhere as long as you were by my side, darling. Now I must go. I don’t want to arouse my parents’ or brothers’ suspicion by staying out too late. There’s just one thing. We will get married, won’t we? I… I know it’s not a lady’s place to ask, but…’
Jimmy nuzzled her cheek affectionately,‘’Course we will, just as soon as we get settled. Now you get orf ’ome. I don’t like yer being out on the streets this time a night. I’ll see yer tomorrow at about two, all right?’
‘Yes, darling. Tomorrow at two. Goodnight, my dear, I love you.’
Jimmy waited until he heard her footsteps going down the stairs, then punched the air in delight. He’d done it; he’d pulled it off. When she arrived tomorrow, he’d wait until she’d handed over the money and jewellery, then tell her to wait with the cases while he went for the tickets. Just in case she got suspicious, he’d pack his battered case with all his clothes while she was there. Of course he wouldn’t be back for them. Why should he, when he would be able to buy a complete new wardrobe with the valuables she would bring to him?
Walking over to the grimy window he looked down onto the busy street. This time tomorrow he would be comfortably settled somewhere in Devon. He’d only been there once with his mum and dad when he was a kid, but the memory of the green fields and hills had remained with him ever since. Once there, he’d change his name, make a complete new life for himself. Turning away from the window he pulled a half-empty bottle of whisky from under the bed.
Lifting the bottle in the air he said gleefully, ‘Here’s to you, Belle, darlin’. I’m about ter become a new man, and it’s all thanks to you; yer stupid old bitch.’ Taking a deep swallow, he sat down on the only chair in the room and began to go over his plans for the last time.
Twenty-One
Harry closed the heavily bound ledger and sighed with relief. Thank goodness that was done for the month. It seemed that lately all of his spare time was taken up with bookwork, a task that had always irked him. Going over to the walnut cabinet he took a bottle of brandy from the silver tray and poured himself a large drink. When the glass was empty, he refilled it and carried it back to his desk. Slumping down into the comfortable high-backed chair he stared into the crystal glass, his eyes thoughtful. With a bit of luck and hard work, his new buildings should be completed on time, and after that he had promised himself a few months’ holiday; if his luck held he wouldn’t be spending it alone. A slow smile spread across his face. Reaching into his inside pocket he drew out a small, black box and opened it. There nestling on a bed of blue silk lay a diamond ring, a ring he hoped that very soon he would be able to slip onto Maggie’s finger; that was if she would have him.
Snapping the box shut he returned it to the safety of his pocket while at the same time throwing off the remainder of his brandy. Setting the glass down he drummed his fingers on the desk top, debating whether to have another drink before retiring. No, he’d better not, there was yet another long day ahead of him tomorrow and he needed a clear head to get him through the last few months of work. But when August came and the buildings were finally ready for the waiting tenants, the first thing he planned to do was take Maggie out somewhere nice for the evening, maybe to Maxine’s, and afterwards he would ask her to marry him. It had taken him a long time to win back her trust after his blundering attempt to make her his mistress, but now he was sure she had forgiven him and wanted him as much as he wanted her.
Lord, it had been hard though. Being so close to her at times and not being able to tell her his true feelings for fear of frightening her off again. He had been sorely tempted to propose months ago, but had deemed it too soon after her illness to place such an important decision upon her. Then there was the pressure of work to contend with; it would all have been too much too soon. No, it was better this way. Better to wait until he could spend more time with her, to be able to bestow all his attention upon her instead of having to split himself in two. He didn’t plan on a long engagement; what was the point? They had known each other long enough to be sure. No, a month’s engagement, then the wedding, maybe in September. His mother could make all the arrangements. A sudden frown crossed his face. What would his parents’ reactions be to the idea of him marrying someone like Maggie? Oh, they weren’t snobs, neither of them, but still; people could be very strange where their own family were concerned.
Oh, what did it matter? They wouldn’t be living here anyway. As soon as Maggie said yes, he would start looking for a suitable house for them; that was if she said yes. What if she refused him, what then? Giving a shaky laugh he turned the gas lamp down and walked to the door, then paused. What would he do? He didn’t honestly know, he’d never been in this situation before. One thing he was sure of was that he wouldn’t be able to shrug off Maggie as easily as he had done with the numerous women who had preceded her. Giving himself a mental shake he turned his head to make sure the lamp was safely extinguished, then turned the door handle. He was just about to leave the room when he heard the front door burst open, then Hugh’s voice, shrill with anger, filled the house.
‘Harry, Harry, where are you, you dirty swine. I know you’re here, it’s no good hiding.’ Then he was bounding up the stairs towards Harry’s room. Kicking open the door he looked wildly round the room, then like a man possessed he began pulling out drawers, tossing Harry’s clothing onto the floor in a desperate attempt to find the evidence that would prove his brother had made a fool of him. Downstairs, Harry stood rooted to the spot, his face stunned with disbelief at the hatred he’d heard in Hugh’s voice. What in God’s name had happened to make him behave so?
‘Is anything amiss, sir, I thought I heard shouting?’ Benson had appeared by his side, his lined face worried.
‘No, it’s all right, Benson, I’ll handle this, you get off to bed.’
‘Thank you, sir, but the Master and Mistress aren’t home yet from the Thompsons and I never go to bed until I see the Master settled for the night,’ Benson answered, his eyes staring up at the ceiling. Harry didn’t answer, for he too had his eyes riveted upwards. Without a word he began to climb the stairway, slowly at first, then quickening his steps as the noise from his room became louder.
‘Hugh, what the devil’s going on?’ he cried in bewilderment at the sight of his brother kneeling on the floor surrounded by piles of his clothing. Walking into the room he looked down on the wild-eyed figure and felt a shiver of fear run up his spine.
‘Have you taken leave of your senses, man? What the hell are you playing at? Are you ill? Hugh, answer me for God’s sake, you look like…’
Hugh rose slowly to his feet, one arm hidden behind his back. Stepping over the debris he advanced towards Harry. Then, without warning he thrust the brown leather wallet in Harry’s face. Harry’s eyes widened, his mouth dropping with shock at the sight of the wallet held in Hugh’s trembling hand.
‘Do you recognise this, Harry? You should do, you bought it for my birthday, remember. Only I lost it a couple of years ago, I told you about it at the time. So what’s it doing hidden at the back of your drawer, Harry? Well, I’m waiting. It’s not like you to be at a loss for words. No? Still no answer, no ready quip or plausible reason to explain why the wallet I lost should be hidden in your room. Well, let me make it easier for you, shall I? I didn’t come straight here after seeing Lotte home; I went visiting. Do you know who I went to
see? Why, it was Maggie, and we had a long talk, did Maggie and me. It was a very enlightening conversation. We discovered we had more in common than either of us had ever realised.’
‘Hugh, please, listen to me, I…’ Harry’s voice was barely a whisper.
‘No, Harry, you listen to me for a change. I went to see Maggie in an attempt to get her away from you. Oh, yes, I know it was a pathetic attempt, because let’s face it, what woman would have me if she could have you instead. You’ve always got whatever you wanted, haven’t you, Harry? But it wasn’t enough for you, was it. There’s no excitement when everything falls into one’s lap without any effort. So you went down to the East End looking for some excitement, just like I did. It was only the one time for me, but then you know all about my night out, don’t you, Harry? You’ve known from the start but you said nothing. Even though you must have realised I was going through hell at the knowledge of what I had done, you did nothing to alleviate my suffering. I could have forgiven you for that, but not for what you did later. When did you first get the idea of introducing me to my “victim”? Was life getting a little dull for you, Harry? Is that why you took me along to meet Maggie, in order to get a cheap thrill out of our misery. I… I…’ He broke off, his voice choked with tears.