Winners and Losers

by Linda Sole

  ‘Do you ever see him?’

  ‘No – and I don’t wish to.’ Daniel was angry. ‘He has caused too much trouble for our family.’

  ‘He is selfish,’ Frances agreed. ‘He wrote and asked me if he could bring his family for a holiday here. I haven’t answered him yet.’

  ‘If I were you, I should say no,’ Daniel warned. ‘If he comes, he will want something from you . . .’ He broke off, his cheeks hot, because he had also asked her for money. ‘I know I asked for a loan, but Clay . . .’ He shook his head. ‘You must do as you think best, Fran. I don’t have the right to interfere.’

  ‘I’m not sure how I feel. I don’t have much time for Clay after what he did to Margaret – but I feel sorry for Dorothy.’

  ‘We all feel sorry for her. I don’t know why she stays with him.’

  ‘Maybe because she doesn’t have anything else to look forward to,’ Frances said, such a bleak look in her eyes that Daniel was shocked. ‘Someone there when you put the light out is better than nothing at all – even if he is a cheat and a liar.’

  ‘Oh, Fran.’ Daniel put his arms about her, giving her a hug. ‘We shall come sooner next time. I’m sorry you lost Marcus.’

  ‘It’s Charlie I miss the most.’ Frances blinked away the tears that hovered. ‘I didn’t understand how lucky I was, Dan. You have everything that matters – Alice, a home and your children. Promise me you won’t lose them by being careless?’

  ‘No, of course I shan’t. Are you sure there is nothing wrong, Fran? I would help if I could.’

  ‘I know,’ she said and turned away to look out at the sea. ‘It’s nothing – just that you are leaving and I shall miss you.’

  ‘I’ll get Alice to write and we’ll visit soon.’

  ‘Yes, please. You’d better go or Alice will come looking.’

  Daniel nodded. ‘Thanks for the money. I shan’t forget.’

  ‘Have a good journey.’

  Daniel hesitated. He had a feeling deep down that something was wrong, but he didn’t know what to say. If Frances wanted to tell him, she would – and Alice would be waiting.

  Frances waited at the window until she saw them all get into the car. She lifted her hand to wave as Daniel drove away. Then she went to the desk and took out the paper Daniel had signed, tearing it into little pieces and tossing it into the wastepaper basket. Her will was divided between Emily and Daniel, with a few thousand to Connor, but it was best to be on the safe side. She wouldn’t want Daniel to have to repay the loan if she died. As far as she was concerned it was a gift.

  Frances sat down in the chair beside the empty fireplace. Already she could feel one of her black moods coming on. The doctors had told her that her cancer was one of the slow ones. They were going to give her some treatment but they couldn’t operate because the tumour was too close to her brain – which meant that towards the end she might not know what she was doing.

  It had all been explained to her carefully. Her symptoms were not too bad as yet, but the headaches would get worse and so would the feeling of tiredness and the dark moods that made her feel so desperate at times. At least she understood them now. She wasn’t mad, but in time she might lose bits of her memory and people might think she had gone strange if they didn’t know about the tumour.

  Frances knew that Emily would insist she went to live at Vanbrough if she told her, so she had kept it from all her family. Perhaps towards the end she would go to Emily, but not yet. She wanted to hang on to her independence for as long as she could.

  Four

  Sarah hesitated outside the kitchen door as she heard raised voices. Were her parents having an argument? They seldom quarrelled as far as she knew. She would have thought they got on better than most. She knew that Janice’s mother sometimes nagged her father and that he went off down the pub afterwards, but she had always thought her parents had the perfect marriage.

  ‘I’m telling you, I shan’t stand for much more of this!’

  ‘You agreed to it, Millie. We keep going for Sarah’s sake . . .’

  ‘My name is Millicent! And I didn’t agree to—’

  Sarah opened the door and went in. She saw the look that passed between her parents as they became aware of her and sensed something. What were they keeping from her?’

  ‘Is something wrong, Mum?’

  ‘No, of course not,’ her mother said. ‘I was just complaining because your father is going away again this weekend.’

  ‘It is a business trip,’ Mr Jenkins said. ‘I know I’m away a lot, but I want to keep expanding the business – at least until you get married, Sarah. I shall be giving you a good present, maybe a house of your own, and I’m putting money by for that.’

  Sarah looked from one to the other. Their expressions gave nothing away, but she was sure they were hiding something from her.

  ‘You are all right, aren’t you?’ she asked. ‘Janice told me that her parents may split up – that isn’t going to happen to you?’

  ‘Certainly not!’ Mrs Jenkins said. ‘I do not believe in divorce. My mother would have had a fit if she thought I was getting a divorce. No, Sarah! You can put that right out of your mind. Everything is just as it ought to be.’

  Sarah caught the look in her father’s eyes and wondered. She had a feeling that he wanted to say something different but instead he just picked up his suitcase and left.

  ‘Are you sure you’re all right, Mum?’ Sarah asked as the door closed behind him.

  ‘Quite sure, my love,’ her mother replied. ‘Go to work, Sarah. You mustn’t be late or you might get the sack.’

  Sarah kissed her and left the house. She was thoughtful as she walked to work, stopping to look in the window of another new draper’s shop that had opened at the top of the High Street. They were displaying a beautiful blouse in a colour called London Tan and she thought how well it would suit her, but she wouldn’t get a discount here and it was too expensive. She thought that perhaps she ought to save some of her wages, instead of spending it all on clothes. She might want to get married one day and so far she had nothing in her bottom drawer.

  A little further down the street, she stopped outside the ironmongers; they had a sale on and were selling a nice set of custard dishes at half price. Perhaps she should buy something like that this week. Or maybe she would just save the money instead, because if she did get married one day she would want a lovely white dress . . .

  Connor was waiting when Terry pulled up on his shiny motorbike. It was a Harley-Davidson and something that Connor had lusted after from afar. He had never been as close to one before and his excitement showed as soon as he saw it.

  ‘This is great! I wanted a motorbike but Dan said I would be better off with the Austin.’

  ‘Have you got a car of your own? I’m asking because it would make things easier for getting to gigs. We all pile into one van but it would be better if we had more transport.’

  ‘I thought it was only the once? Yeah, I have a car but I lent it to my brother to take his wife on holiday. I’m using his van at the moment.’

  ‘I’ve been talking to the other guys. We might have a space for you, Connor. Some of them are a bit fed up with Phil, because he is letting us down and this isn’t the first time.’

  ‘I wouldn’t want to take someone else’s place,’ Connor said, feeling uneasy. ‘How would he feel about it?’

  ‘We might go with an extra singer – do you play an instrument?’

  ‘No, I’ve never tried.’

  ‘It doesn’t matter. I could teach you to strum a few chords on the guitar, just so that you can look the part. Hop on and we’ll go somewhere off the beaten track to practise.’

  ‘Really?’ Connor grinned as he climbed on the pillion. ‘This is great.’

  ‘I don’t wear a helmet,’ Terry said. ‘Hold on to me when we corner until you get the hang of it.’

  Connor knew that Daniel and Alice were back when he drove into the yard that evening. Daniel had parked his c
ar and the kitchen door was open. He parked the van and saw his brother on his way out to fetch more suitcases.

  ‘I’ll give you a hand,’ he said, picking up the last three and striding towards Dan as he stood at the kitchen door. ‘Did you have a good time?’

  ‘Yes, we enjoyed it,’ Daniel smiled. ‘You were right, Connor. It did Alice the world of good to have a break – and it helped me to think things through. I’m going to keep Joe on and in time I might get another man in to help out. I’m going to be doing more repair work, for other people as well as my own restoration stuff.’

  ‘That’s great, Dan,’ Connor said. ‘But you’ll need more equipment and that costs money.’

  ‘I’ve got a bit spare,’ Daniel replied, not quite meeting his eyes. ‘Enough to make a start if I work from the yard. I can’t start a garage with petrol pumps just yet, but maybe in a couple of years or so.’

  ‘Well, that’s great, Dan,’ Connor said. ‘I’ve got some news of my own. I’ve been asked to join a band. It will only be a few gigs here and there, in the evenings so I can do a day’s work before I go. The extra money will come in handy. They are paying me ten pounds a time.’

  ‘Ten pounds! That is a lot of money,’ Dan said. He frowned. ‘I know you don’t get much from me but I haven’t been able to afford it.’

  ‘I get my board and lodging. But I shan’t always want to live with you and Alice, Dan. I’ve got to think about the future and start putting some money by.’

  ‘That sounds as if there might be a young lady somewhere?’

  ‘There might,’ Connor agreed. ‘I’ve only just met her, Dan, but it has made me think.’

  ‘Yes . . . well, it had to happen,’ Daniel said. ‘As soon as I’m earning more I’ll put your wage up. And you might get an acre from the allotment board if you put your name down. You could have your own crop then, and that would bring in a lump sum at the end of the year.’

  ‘They turned me down last time I asked. I’m not sure I want the bother of it, Dan. I may be able to earn more from singing . . .’

  ‘I suppose you might.’ Dan looked doubtful. ‘Don’t get your hopes too high; it may not work out as you hope.’

  ‘I’m keeping an open mind,’ Connor said as he went into the kitchen. Alice was busy laying the table with plates and a pile of fresh bread she had buttered. ‘It’s good to have you home, Alice. You look very well.’

  ‘Thank you. I’ve enjoyed myself, but it is good to be home. Mary is keeping the children until tomorrow so I thought we would have ham and tomatoes this evening. We bought some fresh ham from the butcher on our way home and the tomatoes are out of Mr Fletcher’s greenhouse. They smell lovely – much better than you can buy in town.’

  ‘I’ve been living on toast, eggs and bacon – and fish and chips,’ Connor told her with a grin. He picked up a thick slice of bread and bit into it with enjoyment. ‘Best thing I’ve eaten all week.’

  ‘I knew what you would do,’ Alice scolded laughingly. ‘I told Dan it would be all grease and stodge. You can start eating your greens now, young man!’

  ‘Yes, Mum!’ Connor saluted. ‘I’m glad you’re back – really back.’

  Alice nodded. ‘There’s something on the dresser for you. Frances sent it. She says she would like you to visit when you can.’

  Connor picked up the large square envelope. It felt thick and when he opened it, he discovered a wad of notes.

  ‘Bloody hell! There must be fifty pounds here at least.’ Connor stared at the money in astonishment. ‘What made Frances send me this?’ He was usually lucky to get a card and a pound note for his birthday from his eldest sister.

  ‘She can afford it,’ Alice said. ‘She insisted on sending presents for the kids. I suppose she thought you would rather have the money.’

  ‘Yes, I should.’ Connor pocketed the cash. He grinned as he thought of various ways of spending his windfall. ‘It was generous of her. I’ll ring her later from the call box and thank her.’

  ‘Yes, you should,’ Alice said. ‘I bought you a magazine about jazz. It isn’t much, but I know you like them.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Connor plonked a kiss on her cheek. ‘You know what I like. I’ve been offered a place in a band for a gig next week. I don’t know if they will keep me on – but it will be fun and they’re paying me ten pounds.’

  ‘You will be rich,’ Alice said and smiled. ‘Sit down and eat your tea, Connor – it will be sixpence to talk to you soon!’

  ‘Half a crown at least,’ he retorted and grinned at her. Alice was looking so much better and she was wearing that flowery perfume again. He was glad that Dan had taken her away for a few days; she deserved it. ‘You wait until my record is up there at number one.’

  ‘It wouldn’t surprise me at all,’ Alice said. ‘I’ve always thought you had a lovely voice.’

  Emily stood up as she heard the sounds of voices in the hall, her heart beating faster than normal. She had no idea why she should be nervous about this meeting with Vane’s cousin. He had always been perfectly friendly.

  ‘It’s all right, Mrs Bates. I’ll just go in,’ a man’s voice said outside the door. ‘Lady Vane is expecting me.’

  Emily was by the window looking out when the door opened. She didn’t turn immediately.

  ‘It is a lovely view from here. Vane was very fond of this room.’

  ‘Yes, he was – and so am I,’ Emily said and turned with a smile on her lips. ‘It is lovely to see you again, Alan. It has been too long.’ She went forward, hesitated and then held out her hand.

  ‘Too formal, Emily,’ he said and leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek. ‘How are you – and young Robert?’

  ‘Robert is growing up. He started boarding school this term and we miss him, but he was home for the holidays and he will be here again at Christmas.’

  ‘Does he like it? I hated boarding school personally, but I suppose it is good for the character.’

  ‘Yes . . .’ Emily frowned. ‘Vane put his name down just after Robert was born. I refused to let him go until he turned eleven – but he seems to be having fun. They do a lot of sport and Robert is good at cricket and rugby.’

  ‘Well, that’s all right, then.’ His dark eyes went over her. Emily noticed that his hair had streaks of grey at the temples. ‘How is life treating you? I know you must be busy – but you keep well, and happy?’

  ‘I am busy but I think it keeps me fit.’ Emily smiled. ‘As for being happy – I’m not sure what that means. I enjoy my life and I love living here. I don’t have time to be miserable.’

  ‘I suppose that is a kind of happiness,’ Alan said. ‘Yet you should make time for yourself, Emily – get away to the sunshine and relax. I’m surprised that you haven’t married again.’

  ‘There was someone once. I had to make a choice between Paul and keeping my promise to Vane . . .’

  ‘Did you make the right choice?’

  ‘Yes, I am sure I did,’ Emily said. There was no hesitation in her now, because it was too long ago. ‘I wasn’t really in love with Paul. If I had been, I would have gone with him – wouldn’t I?’

  ‘I suppose you would. We all make choices and we have to live by them.’

  ‘We shouldn’t be so philosophical this early in the day. Shall we have tea here or out on the lawn since it is a lovely day? I’m not sure how long this settled period will last. We shall be into autumn soon, but for the moment it is still summer.’

  ‘Oh, outside, I think,’ Alan said, standing back so that she could precede him. I spent some happy times here as a child. My parents visited every year in the summer and at Christmas. I continued it until my wife died and then somehow . . .’ He shrugged his shoulders. ‘I hope you didn’t mind my inviting myself to stay?’

  ‘I was delighted,’ Emily said honestly. ‘We don’t get as many visitors as I should like. When Amelia lived here she entertained lavishly and often, but I prefer to keep my dinner parties small and intimate – and my house guests are
infrequent.’

  ‘It was an impulse,’ he said. ‘I shall rest here. At home my phone never stops ringing. Even if I try not to think of work, someone will ring and ask questions.’

  ‘I know exactly how you feel,’ Emily said and laughed softly. ‘Now you are here and I insist that you forget about work. Enjoy your stay with us. You must think of this as your home for as long as you wish.’

  ‘You are very generous.’

  Emily shook her head. ‘If things had been otherwise, this might have been your home.’

  ‘Vane would never think of leaving it away from his grandson, and a good thing too,’ Alan said. ‘Besides, running a place like this takes up far too much time – time I don’t have.’

  Emily nodded and turned away to ring for tea. He might change his mind if he knew that Robert did not have one drop of Vane’s blood in his body. For a long time she had wondered if Amelia would carry out her threat to tell him, but she obviously hadn’t bothered. Of course, she couldn’t prove it – no one could, because Simon was dead and so was Emily’s lover. Vane’s will had been cleverly worded and there was no way anyone could claim the estate – though the title was Alan’s by right.

  Would she have given all this up if her lover hadn’t been killed trying to rescue someone from a burning building in London during the war? It was difficult to remember how she had felt then, but she had been ready to leave. When the news came of his death she’d been devastated. Vane had given her a reason to live again – but it might all have been so different. She could have been simply a housewife living in suburbia with half a dozen children and no money. She shook her head, because the picture seemed unreal: it was as if she had always belonged here. Vane had known that, of course. Alan was speaking again and she brought her mind back from its wandering.

  ‘I think I might try my hand at a spot of painting in watercolours while I’m here. I’ve always dabbled and the doctor said I need a hobby of some kind.’

  ‘That sounds lovely,’ Emily said. ‘Feel free to paint whatever and wherever you wish.’

  ‘I thought I would have a go at an impression of the house – not too detailed, but from a distance.’