Dream a Little Dream

by Joan Jonker

  At the other end of the telephone, Victoria had no such fears as she replaced the receiver and went in search of her mother to tell her what had transpired. And for the first time in three days, she felt light in heart. She had heard the change in Charles’s voice when she mentioned the Adelphi and it gave her food for thought. She knew now how to bring him to heel if he ever had the urge to wander off.

  Agnes stretched between Mr Robert and Nigel to put the toast-rack on the table. There was still more bread being toasted on the grill so she leaned against the sink while waiting for it to be the golden-brown which was a favourite with the family. ‘Miss Victoria told me last night that she won’t be home for dinner this evening, she’s dining out with Mr Charles. So what plans do you three have?’

  ‘Abbie and I would like our dinner at half-six, please, Agnes,’ Nigel said. ‘And if you don’t mind our company, we’ll have it out here.’

  The housekeeper was using her fingers to pick up the hot slices of toast and transferring them to the bread board. ‘My God, they’re hot. I nearly burnt me bleedin’ fingers off. Serves me right for not using a fork.’

  ‘I’ll have my meal out here, too, Agnes, at the same time as the children,’ Robert said. ‘Then I’ve got a meeting with a friend.’ A vision of Maureen flashed through his mind and the world seemed a better place knowing he’d be seeing her tonight.

  ‘And Miss Abbie’s going on her first date.’ The housekeeper placed the extra toast on the table and sat down to start her own breakfast. ‘Are yer excited, sunshine?’

  ‘Not yet, but I will be a nervous wreck when the time comes.’ Abbie gave a conspiratorial wink to her father. She’d told him what she had in mind for tonight, and he had passed the information on to her grandparents when he’d called there yesterday. But she hadn’t told her brother, thinking that what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. Besides, she might not be able to pull it off, and then she’d look foolish. She patted her hair now and grinned. ‘Still, a girl’s got to start sometime, and somewhere, hasn’t she?’

  ‘There’s a first time for everything, sunshine, and it’s what yer’ll look back on as yer grow older. Yer first dance, first date and first kiss. And the first time yer heart misses a beat and yer tummy feels as though it’s got birds flying around inside. That’s when yer meet someone special and fall for them.’

  Nigel didn’t object to the first dance, or the first date, but talk of the first kiss was going too far for his kid sister. ‘Agnes, they’re only going to the pictures. She doesn’t even know the lad very well, so I think he’d be very lucky to get as far as holding hands.’

  Abbie took a fit of the giggles. There was no way she could see herself lifting her face for a kiss, like they did in films. And as for looking starry-eyed and soppy – well, she didn’t think anyone would ever make her feel that way. ‘What about you, Nigel? Isn’t it about time you tasted all these goodies, like a first date, first kiss and missing heartbeats? Then you could tell me whether they’re worth the effort.’

  ‘There’s no hurry, Abbie. As Bobby says, we’ve got a few years to enjoy ourselves yet, before we start thinking of courting and settling down.’

  ‘Bobby will never settle down, he doesn’t seem interested in girls at all.’ Abbie wiped away a trickle of butter from her chin. ‘He never chats them up, and he’s far from being a flatterer.’

  ‘There’s a different side to him than you see, Abbie. Than anyone sees, really.’ Nigel knew his friend wouldn’t thank him for discussing his business, but he wanted to put the record straight for a lad who had taken on the responsibilities of a man when he was still only a boy. ‘He won’t let himself fall for anyone because he doesn’t want to leave his mother on her own. He thinks the world of her, and apart from anything else, it’s his wages keeping the house going. He’s not a bit like he makes out, you know, it’s all show. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and wants to get on. That’s why I hope he can get a better job when he’s had more experience of driving.’

  Nigel turned to his father to say, ‘D’you know what I admire most about him, Dad? He doesn’t envy anyone better off than himself. If I’d turned up the other week with no soles on my shoes, a torn jacket and holes in my trousers, I’d still have been welcomed with open arms. He doesn’t care that my suits are expensive, or that I have a car. He treats me just the same as he did ten years ago. And I admire him for that.’

  Robert, who never ceased to be surprised by the changes that were happening to his son, now knew who was helping with these changes. ‘I’d like to get to know him better, Nigel, so why not drive him up here one night?’

  Nigel shook his head. ‘There’s no chance of me doing that, Dad. If Mother saw him, she’d probably look down her nose and tell him to use the tradesmen’s entrance. I’ll not put him in a position where he could be insulted.’

  ‘Things will change in the not-too-distant future, son, and you and Abbie will be able to invite who you want, when you want. In fact, I was thinking only yesterday that Christmas would be a good time to bring all our friends together. I know it’s over two months away, but it would be something to look forward to, and plan.’

  Abbie had been feeling sad when her brother was talking about Bobby, sorry she’d ever said anything about him, even though she was only joking. But her father’s words had cheered her up a little. ‘Who were you thinking of inviting, Dad?’

  ‘The list is long, my dear, and I’m afraid it might upset Agnes for the day if I were to tell you how long.’

  The housekeeper sat forward, her face aglow. ‘Would it hell! I’d be made up to have a proper party where we could have a sing-song. Come on, Mr Robert, tell us who’s on yer list and it’ll cheer me up for the day.’

  Robert chuckled. ‘Don’t say you weren’t warned. Top of the list is the children’s grandparents, Ada and Joe. They’re like a mam and dad to me, so they have priority over everyone. Then there’s the Jamieson family, all of them. And Bobby and his mam. Oh, and I mustn’t forget my best friend, Jeff and his family. And the friend I’m seeing tonight would be on the list.’

  ‘Do we know this friend, Dad?’ Nigel asked.

  ‘No, but you soon will. And now we come to Kitty and her husband, Pete and his wife, and young Jessie if she would like to come.’

  Agnes was beside herself with joy. ‘Oh, it sounds marvellous, Mr Robert, and I think ye’re a thorough gentleman for including the staff amongst yer friends. Wait until I tell Kitty, I bet she’ll jig around this kitchen singing her head off.’

  ‘I’d rather you didn’t mention it yet, Agnes, because it is a long way off. But it will happen, I promise.’

  Abbie had been counting on her fingers. ‘Dad, that comes to about twenty-three if we count ourselves. And poor Agnes is the one who will have to cater for them.’

  ‘Don’t you worry about that, sunshine, it will be a labour of love. And I’ll have Kitty and Jessie to help, don’t forget.’

  ‘You will have plenty of help, Agnes,’ Robert said, thinking everyone would know Maureen was part of his life by then and he just knew she would roll her sleeves up, like the housekeeper, and get stuck in.

  Nigel pointed to the clock on the wall. ‘Dad, look at the time. We’re going to be late, and so is Abbie.’

  ‘I don’t think we’ll get told off, do you?’ Robert smiled, pleased with his son’s diligence and the fact that he never used his position to take time off. ‘I think you should run Abbie to the college, save her rushing if she misses a tram.’

  The three were donning their coats when the back door opened and Kitty breezed in, followed by Jessie. ‘Good morning, queen, it’s quite nippy out.’ The words were out of the cleaner’s mouth before she realised the housekeeper wasn’t alone. ‘Oh, I’m sorry, Mr Robert, I didn’t notice yer in time. Good morning to yer, and you Mr Nigel and Miss Abbie.’ She couldn’t keep the mischievous grin back. ‘Ye’re all late this morning, it’ll be six strokes of the cane for yer.’

  ‘I wil
l insist upon being able to keep my gloves on, Kitty, if the teacher is smaller than I am. If not, I’ll be a coward and grovel at his feet.’

  ‘Tell him yer mam sent yer on a message, that’s why ye’re late.’

  ‘Ah, but that would be a lie, Kitty.’

  ‘Ah yes, Mr Robert, but in my book it beats the bleedin’ cane any day.’

  As the threesome left the kitchen laughing, they passed Jessie, who was giggling behind her hand and thinking it very brave of Kitty to talk to her boss like that. Mind you, he was a good boss and it was her lucky day when she got this job.

  When Nigel dropped Abbie off outside their grandparents’ house, he asked, ‘Will you be back for half ten, if we call for you then?’

  She nodded. ‘Yes, I think so. If not, you can sit and talk to Grandma and Granda while you’re waiting.’

  ‘Bobby will be with me, so we can have a game of cards with them to pass the time.’ He began to drive away, shouting through the open window, ‘Have a nice evening.’

  ‘I will!’ Abbie waved and turned to find her Grandma standing at the open front door. She smiled, flung her arms around the slight figure and gave her a kiss. ‘It’s lovely to see you, Grandma. My dad did tell you I was meeting a boy here, didn’t he?’

  ‘He did, sweetheart, and Joe’s getting the playing cards out now.’ Ada closed the door and followed her granddaughter into the living room. ‘But are you sure your young man will go along with it?’

  ‘He’s not my young man, Grandma, I’ve never been out with him before.’ Abbie saw Joe standing with his arms wide, and she walked into them. ‘Mmm, you’re a little love, Granda, and you grow more handsome every day.’

  ‘What’s all this about a young man, lass? Doesn’t he think ye’re going to the flicks?’

  Abbie nodded. ‘I know I should have more sense at eighteen, but I’ve never been out with a boy before and I know I’ll end up not opening my mouth, and him thinking I’m as dull as ditchwater. So I thought if we stayed in and played cards, I could get to know him and feel more relaxed in his company.’ She slipped her coat off and draped it over the arm of the couch. ‘We’d better make a start because he’ll be here any minute. Will you deal the cards, Granda, while I explain? You see, apart from the reason I’ve given you, which is the truth, I’ve got another little reason of my own which I’m not going to tell you until later. So shall we start the game so it all looks above board?’

  They were ten minutes into the game when a knock came on the door. ‘I’ll go, Grandma, and don’t let on if you hear me telling little fibs.’

  Eric looked very smart in a suit that had just been pressed, a shirt that was pure white, a blue tie perfectly knotted under his Adam’s apple, and a shine on his shoes you could see your face in. His hair was slicked back and his smile was wide. ‘Are yer ready, Abbie?’

  ‘Come in and meet my grandparents. We’re halfway through a game of cards, so will you wait until we’ve finished the hand?’

  ‘We’ll have to look snappy if we don’t want to miss the start of the big picture.’

  ‘We won’t be long.’ Abbie closed the front door, then ushered him into the living room. ‘These are my grandparents, Mr and Mrs Brady. Gramps, this is Eric.’

  The old folk lowered their cards and greeted him warmly. ‘It’s nice to meet yer, son,’ Joe said, shaking the lad’s hand. ‘And my, you are a big ’un, aren’t yer?’

  ‘And handsome with it.’ Ada craned her neck to look up into his face. ‘Yer welcome, sweetheart.’

  Eric was pleased and flattered. ‘Thank you, it’s kind of you. And I promise I’ll take good care of yer granddaughter.’

  ‘We’d have finished the game but for me,’ Abbie said, taking her seat. ‘Like dancing, cards are new to me and I’m slow on the uptake. It takes me ages to know which card to throw down. Can you play rummy, Eric?’

  ‘Yeah, we often have a game at home on a Sunday night. It’s an easy game to learn, there’s nothing to it, really.’

  Abbie patted the wooden dining chair next to her. ‘Come and sit here and you can help me out. Tell me if I’m picking the right card up, or throwing the wrong one away. Don’t do it for me, though, or I’ll never learn. Just a little bit of help, that’s all I need.’ She smiled across the table at the old folk who were wondering if her plan was going to work. And why she wanted it to, anyway. ‘Perhaps one day I’ll be good enough to beat these two cardsharks.’

  ‘We haven’t got long, Abbie,’ Eric said. ‘Or we’ll miss the start of the big picture.’

  ‘Yes, I know.’ Then Abbie showed him her hand. ‘It’s my turn, so do I pick that ten of hearts up?’

  Eric leaned closer until their heads were touching, and he found the experience very satisfying. ‘You don’t need it, so pick one off the pack.’

  She picked the seven of diamonds and would have discarded it if he hadn’t quickly stayed her hand. ‘Don’t throw that away, you need it.’

  Her face the picture of innocence, Abbie asked, ‘Why do I need it?’

  ‘Because yer’ve got the six and eight!’ Holding her hand was a very pleasant sensation and he kept a grip on it while he explained. ‘Yer’ve got a run of three now, so you can put them down.’

  ‘Oh yes, aren’t you clever! But what do I do with the five cards I’ve got left?’

  ‘You throw one away first, then wait for your turn.’

  Ada and Joe were looking on with amusement. They didn’t know what was going on in their granddaughter’s mind, but whatever it was she seemed to be winning at it. If they didn’t know better, they’d think she’d never played a game of cards in her life before.

  When the game ended with Abbie winning, she was beside herself with excitement. At least she pretended to be. Clapping her hands and bouncing up and down on her chair, she heaped praise on Eric for being responsible for her success. And his chest expanded at least six inches. But he wasn’t prepared for what she was to say next. ‘Let’s have another game, shall we? And you can tell me what to do again.’

  ‘But we’re already late for the big picture, Abbie.’

  ‘Then we can go another night! Teach me how to play cards, please?’

  The flattery, the big brown eyes and the angelic smile, did it. How could he refuse such a combination? And there was the promise of another night to go to the pictures. So Ada put the kettle on and brought out a plate of biscuits, all the while thinking what a crafty little so-and-so Abbie was. Considering she’d had no experience with boys, she was certainly doing very well for herself. But she was also doing her and Joe a favour, ’cos they were enjoying themselves. And once he felt more at home, Eric let himself go and proved he had a good sense of humour.

  They were laughing and joking when the knock came on the door at a quarter to ten. ‘I’ll go,’ Joe said. ‘You shuffle the cards, Eric.’

  Abbie listened with her ear cocked. And when Joe greeted his grandson, she waited to hear a second greeting. When it came, she let her breath out slowly and sat back in the chair.

  Nigel entered the room first, and his brows shot up in surprise. ‘I thought you were going to the pictures?’

  ‘We were,’ Eric told him, ‘but your sister fancied a hand of cards and it got too late.’

  Bobby poked his head over Nigel’s shoulder. ‘Don’t tell me yer’ve spent the night playing cards, Leyland? It’s not like you to waste a date by staying in.’

  ‘We can do what we like, Bobby Neary,’ Abbie answered him. ‘We don’t have to ask your permission. And we’ve really enjoyed ourselves, haven’t we, Eric? He’s taught me how to play rummy.’

  Her brother kept his mouth closed. What was the use of making a liar out of Abbie by saying she didn’t need to be taught, she already knew. He glanced at Ada and Joe, and could see the amusement in their eyes. They were enjoying themselves, anyway. ‘Me and Bobby came early to have a game with you, Grandma. We weren’t expecting Abbie to be back until half ten.’

  ‘Well, sit down and make
yerselves comfortable now ye’re here. Shall I put the kettle on, or would yer like a game of cards, seeing as that’s what yer’ve come early for?’

  Abbie got in before her brother could answer. ‘Yes, have a game with us, Nigel, the night is still young.’

  ‘We haven’t got enough chairs, sweetheart,’ Joe said. ‘We’ve got one in the bedroom, but it would still leave us one short.’

  ‘We could manage.’ Abbie wasn’t going to be put off. ‘I’ll sit on the arm of your fireside chair, I’ll be fine. All we need is the chair from upstairs and I’m sure Nigel will oblige.’

  She’s very bossy tonight, her brother thought as he took the stairs two at a time. I’ve never known her to be like that before. And she was still giving orders when he came back with the round-backed wooden chair.

  ‘You can have my seat, Bobby, and sit next to Eric.’ If looks could kill she would have been a dead duck, but she pretended not to notice the scowl. ‘I’ll pull the fireside chair over and sit next to Granda, opposite to you.’

  Ada was dying to laugh at the faces of the two boys. It would be hard to say which one was more put out by the way things were working out. And Bobby didn’t help much by growling, ‘I hope yer don’t cheat, Leyland.’

  ‘If I did cheat, I’d be that good at it yer wouldn’t even notice.’ This was the answer from the boy who had hoped he’d be sitting on the back row of the Broadway right now, holding Abbie’s hand. Instead, he was holding a hand of cards.

  Once they were all settled, Nigel was asking his Granda to cut the cards when Eric said, ‘Why don’t yer sit next to me, Abbie, and I can keep me eye on yer cards? Neary can sit over there.’

  ‘No, I’ll be all right,’ Abbie told him with a smile. ‘If I get stuck, I can ask Granda.’

  The atmosphere livened up when the game got under way, with Bobby and Eric trying to outdo each other with jokes. Apart from laughing, Abbie had little to say for herself, but her eyes never left the two boys at the opposite side of the table. She was trying to find out if her feelings were the same for both of them. And she found the answer when Bobby was throwing a card away and he happened to catch her eyes. He stopped speaking for a few seconds, looked surprised, then his face split into a grin and he carried on with what he’d been saying. But when Abbie’s heart missed a few beats and her tummy lurched, she knew why she only got these strange feelings when Bobby Neary was around. It was like Agnes had said, only the housekeeper had been talking about two people falling for each other, not just one. And so far Bobby had shown no sign. Still, she had plenty of time to work on winning him. But in the meanwhile there was Eric to consider. The trick she’d played on him tonight was mean, and she felt guilty. He was a nice lad, and she liked him. But there was no point in leading him on when her heart lay elsewhere. She would go to the pictures with him one night, as promised, and tell him then that she had to spend some nights studying and really didn’t have time for a regular boyfriend.