MB01 - Stay In Your Own Back Yard

by Joan Jonker

  ‘Oh, sunshine, yer look like a princess.’ Molly made no attempt to keep her tears at bay. ‘I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful.’

  Jack swallowed hard as he stood up and hugged his daughter. ‘I’m the proudest man in Liverpool, love. I bet there’ll be no one there tonight to hold a candle to yer.’

  Jill looked beseechingly at Bob. ‘Grandpa?’

  ‘I think you’re as pretty as a picture.’ Bob smiled before turning to his wife and clasping her hand. ‘As pretty as yer nanna was at your age.’

  Molly rubbed the back of her hands across her eyes. Sniffing loudly, she said, ‘If yer dad doesn’t say the same about me, so help me I’ll clock ’im one.’

  Jack put an arm around her shoulders. ‘Molly, yer still the most gorgeous thing on two legs.’

  She gave him a push. ‘Yer polished beggar!’ She smiled at Jill. ‘Turn around, sunshine.’

  ‘Don’t yer think she should put some rouge on, Mam?’ Doreen was surveying her sister through half closed lids. ‘An’ more lipstick?’

  ‘No!’ Jill tutted impatiently. ‘If I took any notice of you, I’d be done up like a painted doll!’

  ‘Yer don’t need it,’ Bridie said. ‘Hasn’t the good Lord given yer a complexion like peaches and cream?’ She took the shawl from its wrapping and held it out. ‘Would this be any use to you?’

  Jill opened the shawl, her eyes full of wonder. ‘Oh, Nanna, it’s absolutely beautiful! Where did you get it?’

  ‘She crocheted it ’erself,’ Molly said before Bridie had a chance to open her mouth. ‘An’ it’s just the thing for tonight. With that draped round yer shoulders, yer’ll bowl ’em over.’

  ‘Here, let me do it.’ Bridie took the shawl and moved behind her granddaughter. ‘Let it hang low across yer back, don’t put it around yer neck like a scarf. Then, over the tops of yer arms and let the sides hang down. That’s ’ow the posh ladies wear them.’

  Jill walked to the sideboard, liking the feel of the long skirt as she moved. She picked up an evening bag covered in silver sequins and held it between both hands. ‘Mrs Watson lent me this, Nanna.’

  Bridie nodded, remembering the days when she hid at the top of the stairs in the big house so she could watch the ladies of fashion arrive. ‘Just what was needed to complete the picture.’

  Jill glanced at the clock. ‘Mr Miles should be here any minute, I’d better run down the yard first.’

  ‘Me and yer granda will be on our way before he comes.’ Bridie stood up and kissed Jill’s cheek. ‘Wouldn’t want ’im to think he was under inspection, would we now? But enjoy yerself, sweetheart. We’ll be thinking about yer, so we will.’

  Bob kissed his granddaughter before pulling his cap on. ‘Yes, have a lovely time and come an’ tell us all about it tomorrow.’

  Jill paced the floor, her fingers playing nervously with the sequins on the evening bag. ‘Me nerves have gone, Mam! I’ll probably make a fool of meself and faint on the Adelphi steps.’

  ‘Don’t act so daft!’ Molly straightened a cushion for the umpteenth time. It wouldn’t do to have the place looking untidy when Jill’s boss came. Thank goodness Ruthie had gone to bed without a murmur and dropped off to sleep almost at once. Doreen had gone to Maureen’s and Tommy was out playing, having strict instructions not to come in before eight o’clock. ‘Just remember what yer dad said, yer as good as anyone.’

  ‘And better than most,’ Jack said, nodding his head. ‘In fact . . .’ The knock on the door brought seconds of silence then he asked, ‘Shall I go?’

  Jill’s face drained of colour. ‘I’ll just nip to the kitchen, make sure my hair’s all right.’

  Molly watched her daughter disappear, pulled a face at Jack, then said, ‘I’ll let ’im in.’

  ‘Hello, Miles, I’m Jill’s mother.’ She held out her hand and kept the smile firmly in place even though her heart had done a double take at the sight of the man standing before her. Talk about a toff! His overcoat was open, showing the black evening suit, white starched shirt with pleats down the front, and black dickie bow. And looking past him, Molly could see his black, shiny and very expensive-looking car. She didn’t know much about cars, didn’t see many in their street, but she knew enough to realise this one had certainly cost a few bob. What a field day the neighbours must be having, she thought. I bet every curtain in the street is twitching right now. ‘Come in, won’t you?’

  Jack stood up. ‘Pleased to meet yer.’

  ‘It’s my pleasure, sir.’ Miles’ fingers played with the fringe of the white silk scarf hanging loosely round his neck. ‘Is Jill ready?’

  ‘She won’t be a minute.’ Molly pointed to the couch. ‘Won’t yer sit down?’

  ‘No, I won’t, if you don’t mind. I spend my life sitting down.’

  Molly sat on one of the wooden dining chairs. Suit yourself, she thought, Mr High and Mighty. He was a fine-looking man, there was no getting away from that, but short on smiles and friendliness. She watched his eyes roaming around the room, taking in the worn furniture and scuffed lino, and if that wasn’t a look of distaste on his face she’d eat her hat.

  Miles made no effort to make conversation and the silence was becoming uncomfortable. Jack shifted in his chair, racking his brains for something to talk about. It was difficult to talk to someone who looked as though there was a bad smell under his nose, but for Jill’s sake he forced himself to smile and ask, ‘The Adelphi, isn’t it?’

  ‘Yes, we’re dining in the French restaurant then moving to the ballroom. Should be a very enjoyable evening.’ Miles lifted his hand to glance at his gold watch. ‘I say, is Jill nearly ready? I don’t want to arrive when everyone is seated.’

  Molly was about to say ‘Now wouldn’t that be just too bad!’ but bit the words back. Instead, she shouted, ‘Jill, hurry up, sunshine!’

  The kitchen door opened and Jill walked in. ‘Hello, Miles.’

  Molly was watching his face and had the satisfaction of seeing the aloof expression change to one of utter surprise. ‘Jill! I say, you look absolutely stunning! Quite breathtaking!’

  ‘Thank you, Miles.’ Her head held high, Jill walked across the room, the dress clinging to every curve of her slim figure as she moved. ‘I won’t be very late, Mam, but don’t wait up.’ She kissed Molly’s cheek before turning to Jack. ‘I’ve got me key, Dad, so you don’t need to worry.’

  Miles cupped her elbow. ‘No, old chap, you need have no fears for your daughter whilst she’s in my care. I’ll protect her with my life.’

  Molly preceded the couple down the hall and pulled the door open to reveal a sight that brought a look of horror to her face. Dozens of kids, her son included, were swarming around the car which was standing in the light given out by the gas lamp. Grubby hands were running over the paintwork, playing with the windscreen wipers and headlights, while curious eyes peered through the windows at the luxurious interior. ‘Hey!’ Molly shouted, stepping out into the street and clapping her hands. ‘Scram, the lot of yez!’

  Within seconds there wasn’t a soul in sight. ‘I’m sorry about that,’ she apologised, ‘but they’re only kids.’

  Miles was inspecting the car. ‘I just hope the ruffians haven’t broken anything.’

  ‘They’re kids, not ruffians.’ Molly’s voice was tight. ‘The only damage yer’ll find is fingerprints.’ She would have said a lot more but held her tongue because of Jill. She watched Miles help her daughter into the passenger seat before rounding the car to the driver’s door.

  ‘Goodnight, Mrs Bennett.’ He inclined his head before taking his seat behind the wheel, then turned to Jill to ask if she was comfortable, before setting the car in motion.

  Molly waved until the car was out of sight, then made her way back into the house. Standing in the middle of the room, she put her hands on her hips and wiggled her bottom. ‘Oh, lah-de-dah-de-dah! There’s no flies on us, we’re a proper toff and no mistake!’

  ‘Now, Molly, give the lad a chance, we hardly
know him!’ Jack said. ‘He was probably nervous.’

  ‘Oh, ay, Jack Bennett, if yer think that, yer as thick as two short planks! Honestly, talk about a snob!’ Molly walked to where Miles had stood and gazed around the room, the same look of distaste on her face that she’d seen on his. ‘Did yer see the way he looked at our furniture? Must ’ave thought he was really slumming it tonight.’ She suddenly burst out laughing. ‘And the posh voice on him! I don’t know where he got plums from, this time of the year, but ’is mouth was full of the bloody things! If he’d spoken any further back, we wouldn’t ’ave heard him.’

  ‘Molly, the lad can’t help the way he was brought up.’ Jack had been making excuses in his mind for Jill’s boss, but what Molly was saying was what he really thought. He grinned broadly. ‘He is a bit of a drip, isn’t he?’

  ‘A drip? He’s a ruddy torrent!’ Molly pulled a chair towards the fireplace. ‘I don’t envy our Jill one little bit. A night in ’is company would drive me round the bend! Give me Steve any day.’

  ‘That reminds me, I haven’t seen him for a few days,’ Jack said. ‘Is he ill?’

  Molly shook her head. ‘They’ve fallen out. He got a cob on with her ’cos he didn’t want her to go tonight.’

  ‘Oh, dear, so that’s it? Still, he’ll get over it.’ Jack leaned forward to poke the fire, lifting the coals to let a draught through. ‘They’ll be as thick as thieves in a day or two, you’ll see.’

  ‘I hope so, I’m very fond of Steve. He’d make ten of the bloke that’s just gone out of ’ere.’

  ‘Don’t tell our Jill that, love, ’cos we might be wrong about him. She’s always said how good he’s been to her, always helpful and friendly. We might be misjudging him.’

  ‘Aye, an’ pigs might fly!’ Molly held her hands out to the fire. ‘There’s no heat from this coal, it’s all flamin’ slate. Wait till I get me hands on Tucker, I’ll marmalise ’im, givin’ me rubbish like this!’

  Jill stood in the foyer of the Adelphi Hotel, her eyes wide with wonder. She didn’t know places like this existed. Gleaming chandeliers, marble floors and pillars, heavy velvet drapes and lots of lush green plants. And all the women passing, their hands resting elegantly on their partners’ arms, were expensively dressed and heavily perfumed. They were dripping in jewellery, and it certainly hadn’t come from Woolworth’s.

  When Miles came back from depositing his overcoat in the cloakroom, he asked, ‘Would you like to go to the powder room before we go upstairs?’

  ‘No, thank you.’ Jill smiled nervously. ‘I’m fine.’

  Miles held his arm out. She’s more than fine, she’s an absolute dream, he thought. He noticed the looks of admiration on the faces of the men they passed, and felt very proud. He’d always thought Jill was one of the prettiest girls he’d ever met, but tonight she was more than pretty. With her head held high, her long blonde hair fanning her shoulders, a dress that showed off her slim figure to perfection and her naturally graceful walk, Jill was a beauty.

  Although she kept her eyes straight ahead as they walked up the wide staircase, she was drinking in all the splendour. She wanted to remember every little detail so she could tell her family. Oh, how she wished they could see it for themselves.

  They stood at the entrance to the French restaurant until a waiter came to lead them to their table. It was for a party of eight, and six of the seats were already occupied.

  Miles’ father jumped to his feet when they neared the table, followed by the other two men. ‘My dear Jill, you look charming.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr Sedgewick.’ She felt a thrill of pleasure at the expression of astonishment on his face, and when he introduced their friends, she smiled in acknowledgement. But her mind was in too much of a whirl for their names to register.

  Miles held her chair out for her, and when she was seated the other men followed suit. Miles sat next to her, and on her other side was his mother. The wine waiter had been hovering near the table. Now he rushed to fill their glasses. ‘I hope you like champagne, Jill.’ Miles lifted his glass and whispered softly, ‘Here’s to us and an enjoyable evening.’

  Jill had never tasted champagne before and was unprepared for the bubbles that tickled her nose. But the taste wasn’t unpleasant and she managed to empty the glass without making a fool of herself. The wine had a calming effect and she was soon relaxed enough to join in the conversation and laughter without worrying about dropping her h’s. She found Mrs Sedgewick a friendly woman with a great sense of humour, and all through dinner it was she who kept everyone amused.

  Jill had only ever drunk port and lemon before, and her mam always made sure it was more lemonade than port. So after two glasses of champagne, when she started to feel light-headed, she refused a further refill. The dinner seemed to go on forever, with so many courses Jill lost count. And the food was rich and plentiful, like everything else, particularly the cutlery. She’d had a shock when she’d seen the six knives and forks, but simply watched Miles and followed suit.

  ‘Would you like to take a menu as a memento?’ he asked, when the meal was finally over.

  Jill shook her head, feeling embarrassed. She would have loved one to show her family, but it would seem childish, as though she’d never been anywhere before. She hadn’t, of course, but there was no need to tell everyone she was as green as a cabbage.

  ‘Do take one, Jill!’ Mrs Sedgewick smiled. ‘We’re all taking ours. You see, my dear, we women only get asked to join the gentlemen once a year, so we need something to remind us we still have a husband.’

  Jill smiled back as she picked up the thick white menu. Most of the gold writing was in French, but it would be nice to show her mam and dad.

  When Miles led Jill through the heavy glass doors to the ballroom she felt she was walking into a wonderland. Huge chandeliers hung from the ornate ceiling, small tables were set around the sides of the room, and high potted palms surrounded the small stage at the far end of the room where an orchestra was playing.

  ‘Would you like to dance, Jill?’ Miles pulled a face. ‘I must warn you, though, I don’t dance very well. I’ve got two left feet.’

  ‘That makes two of us,’ she said. ‘I’m hopeless.’

  They stood for a while, watching the dancers already on the floor. Then Miles said, ‘I’m sure we could do as well as some of them. I’m willing if you are.’

  Why not? Jill asked herself. Tonight is a one off, I’ll never get the chance to dance at the Adelphi again. ‘Don’t say I didn’t warn you!’

  Miles held her stiffly at first, too engrossed in getting his steps right. Then gradually he relaxed, enjoying the feel of the slim figure in his arms, and held her closer.

  Sitting at one of the small tables, Evelyn Sedgewick nudged her husband’s arm. ‘What a delightful girl, Edward! She’s an absolute darling, don’t you agree?’

  He nodded. ‘She’s a good worker, capable and efficient. Always got a smile on her face, but never pushy or gushing. I’ve always thought she was a pretty little thing, but tonight is like seeing a flower coming into full bloom.’

  ‘Is Miles smitten with her, d’you think?’

  Edward chuckled. ‘Don’t start match-making, my darling. Let things run their course.’

  ‘I do worry about Miles though,’ his wife said. ‘He spends far too much time studying, never has any fun. It’s about time he found himself a nice girl.’

  ‘And you think Jill is that girl?’

  Evelyn ran her fingers over her newly waved hair. ‘She would be an asset to him.’

  ‘Here they come,’ Edward said under his breath. ‘Don’t interfere, darling. Whatever will be, will be.’ He smiled as Jill and Miles approached the table. ‘Had enough?’

  Miles grinned, looking very happy. ‘We managed the waltz, but the quickstep is far too intricate.’

  Evelyn patted a chair at the side of her. ‘Sit down, Jill, it’s much less tiring to watch.’

  She sat down with a sigh of relief. ‘Thes
e sandals are new and they’re rubbing my heels.’

  ‘Oh, you poor dear,’ Evelyn sympathised. ‘Slip them off for a while.’

  ‘Uh, no thanks. If I take them off I’ll never get them on again.’

  ‘I could always carry you.’ Miles leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. ‘Be your knight in shining armour.’

  While Jill was shaking her head, Evelyn raised her brows at her husband. The gleam in her eyes told him she thought Miles was on the right track.

  ‘You must bring Jill to lunch one day, Miles,’ she purred, ‘we’d love to see her again.’

  ‘Why don’t you ask her yourself, Mother?’ Miles wasn’t too pleased. His mother was a manipulator, always planning things so they would go the way she wanted. His father was to blame, he gave her everything she asked for. Miles was glad she liked Jill, but knew the girl well enough to know if she was pressed too hard she would back off. He wanted to give her time to get to know him, let things drift along slowly. That way he might stand a chance with her. And tonight he knew he definitely wanted that chance.

  Evelyn raised her eyebrows. It was unusual for her son to answer so sharply. But she’d made up her mind and wasn’t going to be put off. ‘How about it, Jill? Would you come to lunch one day?’

  ‘Perhaps after Christmas,’ she answered evasively. ‘I’ll talk to Miles about it.’

  ‘Don’t forget, my dear,’ Evelyn laid her fingers, with their long red-painted nails, on Jill’s arm, ‘because I’ll look forward to seeing you.’ Jill smiled, but her mind was telling her she’d be back with Steve by then, so there was no chance of her going anywhere for lunch.

  Miles glanced at his watch. ‘It’s time I got you home, Jill. Remember your father said eleven at the latest.’