by Comfort Me
‘Whatever you think best,’ he agreed.
Anna said eagerly, ‘I do hope we can get this house. I’ll be really disappointed if we don’t. I like it so much.’
‘Don’t worry,’ James said. ‘I can pay cash for it if necessary. You know, with the money my mother saved and the sale of the house and furniture and my own savings, I now have thirteen hundred pounds in the bank, Anna. I’ve got all these details ready for your father but really you’re the one most affected and I should be telling you.’
‘Thank you. That’s an unusual point of view. Most men seem to think women are too stupid to understand money, even those who do wonders with their housekeeping.’
‘Do I hear the voice of a suffragette?’ James teased her but she retorted, ‘No, a suffragist. I don’t believe in violence. Kate tried to recruit me years ago. I agreed with her arguments but I couldn’t join at the time. Oh, look at that bird. What is it?’
‘I don’t know,’ James said, ‘but I’m sure we’ll see many we don’t know in these gardens.’
Twilight was falling so they went home to tell Frances about the house and the wildlife. She wept when Anna described the room they had earmarked for her bedroom.
‘I was worried,’ she admitted. ‘I can just about manage these stairs but bigger ones in a new house! It’s been on my mind.’
‘I’m going to see the lawyer in my lunch hour,’ James said. ‘Get things moving. I don’t see any difficulty.’
The next day, when he told Henry Mortimer of his plans, his friend warned him not to be too enthusiastic about the house. ‘Get a survey done and be doubtful about a few things,’ he said. ‘That’s only the asking price. You make an offer below that.’
‘Who’s the vendor? Who owns it?’ asked another man.
‘An old lady lived alone there for many years,’ James said. ‘A clerk in the agent’s office told me she died without making a will and she had no relatives so the money will go to the Crown, he said.’
‘That was a bit indiscreet of him,’ Henry said, laughing. ‘Well, you need have no qualms about beating them down and they won’t be pushing for a higher price as they would for a client. Say you think you saw dry rot and other signs of neglect.’
James took their advice and was more cautious in his approach than he would have been. A survey was arranged and the surveyor found dry rot round the kitchen door, some defects in the guttering, and other small items, but basically a sound, well-built house.
The price was reduced by one hundred and fifty pounds and work began to correct these faults and decorate the house to make it as light and pleasant as the one in Eastbourne Street.
Chapter Eighteen
In the midst of all this activity about the house, Captain Furlong arrived home. Anna had been sent by her mother to match some embroidery silk in Bold Street, which meant that she was away for nearly an hour and missed her father’s arrival.
When she returned, Nelly detained her in the kitchen. ‘What a carry on,’ she whispered. ‘Your ma fell dead asleep, no wonder after the lunch she ate, and she was asleep when he come. Miss Clara took him in the dining room and told him her side, then your ma woke up and carried on sumpn shocking. Crying and saying how she was treated. Called you and your fella for everything.’
‘My poor father,’ Anna murmured and Nelly said, ‘He doesn’t know whether he’s coming or going with the pair of them.’
Anna went into the parlour, where her father was sitting beside his wife’s sofa. He rose to his feet and Anna went to him and kissed him, saying as she always did, ‘Welcome home, Father,’ and he said, ‘Thank you, Annabel.’
‘I’ve told your father the way you’ve treated me,’ her mother shrieked, ‘the unkindness, the impudence,’ but Captain Furlong said firmly, ‘Don’t upset yourself, my dear. Lie down and compose yourself. I have to speak to Annabel. Come, Annabel.’ He led the way to his study, followed by Anna.
Her father told her immediately that he had received the letters from James and herself but they left many questions unanswered and her mother appeared to think James was unsuitable.
‘I’ve known James for many years through the church, Father, and since he moved to live in Eastbourne Street we often meet on our way to ten o’clock Mass. Dr O’Brien knows him well,’ Anna said. ‘I’ve been to tea at his house but his housekeeper was always there as a chaperone. When we decided to marry we said nothing to anyone, because we wanted to wait and ask your permission, but one of Mama’s friends followed me to James’s home. James thought it was better to announce our engagement to stop any gossip.’
Her father lifted his head and smiled. ‘Admirably explained, Annabel,’ he said. ‘You would have been a good advocate, had you been a man.’
A few bitter replies rose to Anna’s lips but she said nothing and her father said he would like to see James as soon as possible.
‘Could he come this evening?’ Anna asked eagerly.
‘Yes, but it must be later. I must see Dr O’Brien first. I’m worried about your mama. I’ll send down to O’Brien then I’ll speak to you again, Annabel.’
He went back to his wife and Anna went to help her aunt with the meal. While they were eating a reply came from Dr O’Brien, suggesting that he came to see Captain Furlong within the hour.
He also suggested that James Hargreaves be asked to come at nine o’clock. ‘If we overrun,’ he wrote, ‘James can wait with Anna until you are ready to see him.’
Another small boy was sent with a note to James from Anna, telling him that she would meet him on the corner at a quarter to nine.
She met him and told him what had transpired since her father’s return. ‘He’s still in his study with Dr O’Brien. I think it’s mostly about Mama. Father’s worried about her,’ she said. Nelly was still at church and they sat by the kitchen fire, waiting until Captain Furlong was free.
Eventually, Dr O’Brien came to them. ‘Your father needs a spell on his own,’ he said. ‘I’ve just had to give him some bad news about your Mama, Anna.’
‘Is she really ill, then?’ Anna exclaimed. ‘I thought it was all imagination.’
‘Yes, well, not in the way you mean,’ the doctor said. ‘This is a recognised condition and she has all the symptoms. She has always lived in a fantasy world to some extent, been highly strung and neurotic, so she was always vulnerable to this.’
‘What are the symptoms?’ asked Anna.
‘A pathological dislike of one person, usually someone close to them, a voracious appetite, because food seems to bring comfort, resentment of any attempts to help, which are seen as criticism, and a feeling that they are misunderstood and disliked by everyone.’
‘That does sound like Mama in many ways,’ Anna said doubtfully.
‘Yes. Something has to be done and quickly and your father and I have been discussing that,’ the doctor said. ‘So don’t be insulted if he can’t give his full attention to your plans. I’ve told him I think you’re very well matched and you’ll do well together.’
He omitted to tell them that Captain Furlong had told him that his wife said James was really Dorrie’s admirer and was marrying Anna for a housekeeper. ‘Rubbish,’ the doctor had said. ‘He’s got a housekeeper and when she’s past it he can easily pay for another. I know a dozen girls who’d jump at the job. He doesn’t have to marry to get a housekeeper. And that with Dorrie was just calf love. Haven’t we all gone through that? Dorrie had hordes of admirers but you were lucky she met the right man at the right time, though he is my own nephew. They’re as happy as the day is long.’
Captain Furlong was convinced although he said quietly, ‘I have to tell you. That other nephew. I’d never have given my consent to marriage with Annabel.’
‘That blackguard! I should hope not,’ the doctor exclaimed. ‘He’s travelling abroad and long may he stay there. If I never see him again it’ll be too soon. What turned you off him?’
‘Dorrie’s wedding. A matter of my young cabin boy. I ho
pe he never crosses my path again.’
‘Nor mine,’ said the doctor grimly and said no more.
Now he told the couple that he was pleased they had suggested a quiet wedding. ‘Better all round in the circumstances,’ he said and the next moment Captain Furlong appeared to call them into the study.
Anna introduced James and her father said, ‘Of course. I’ve seen you at church.’ James began to apologise for not waiting for his permission but the older man waved him down. ‘Annabel has explained all that,’ he said.
‘I hope we have your approval, sir,’ James said. ‘I’ll do my best to make Anna happy and I can keep her in reasonable comfort.’
He began to pull out papers from his pocket but Captain Furlong told him that the doctor had assured him on that point and also that James was of good character. ‘That’s more important to me,’ he said. ‘That you treat my daughter well. She’s very dear to me and I find she’s had a lot to endure lately.’
He turned to Anna, who was dumbfounded at hearing her father, usually so formal and correct, speaking so freely. To say that she was dear to him! She was near to tears.
‘Annabel,’ her father said gently, ‘I hope you haven’t been influenced by what has been happening in this house. The need to escape.’
Anna moved closer to James. ‘No, Father,’ she said proudly. ‘I wouldn’t consider the sacrament of marriage unless it was with someone I could respect and admire.’
‘Forgive me, my dear,’ her father said. ‘I shouldn’t have expected anything less from you. It’s just…’
He turned away and poked furiously at the fire. ‘I think we’ll have Dr O’Brien in,’ he said. ‘There’s so much to discuss and he’s always helpful.’
Anna called Dr O’Brien, who was talking to Nelly in the kitchen, and he joined them.
‘I think you can help us, doctor,’ Captain Furlong said. He looked at Anna and James. ‘Is it true you prefer a quiet wedding? ‘he asked.
‘Yes, we’ve already spoken to Father Kavanagh. He says we could have a Nuptial Mass at the eight o’clock Mass at the side altar and I’ve enquired about a special licence. We’d like to marry while you are still at home sir,’ James said.
Anna added, ‘We only want a few people there. No fuss.’
The two older men looked at each other. ‘That would be perfect,’ Dr O’Brien said, ‘In view of Mrs Furlong’s health. Have you fixed a date? What is it today?’
‘Tuesday March the fifth,’ James said. ‘We thought perhaps Saturday the sixteenth or Monday the eighteenth. If there’s no hitch with the special licence.’
The wedding date was fixed for 16 March and James and Anna spoke to her father about the new house, and their plan to live in Eastbourne Street until it was ready, but it was plain to both of them that the captain’s mind was filled with worry about his wife. They left him with Dr O’Brien and went out to walk along the windy streets, making their plans.
Anna felt that their big moment in seeing her father had fallen flat and she was sure that James felt the same after his careful preparation of the details of his financial state. Still, she knew all about it, she thought, which was more than most wives did of their husband’s affairs, she was sure.
When James left her at the door her father came from the parlour as she entered the hall. ‘Mama is calmer now,’ he said. ‘Dr O’Brien is bringing a colleague to see her tomorrow, although we must pretend he’s my friend. We’ll soon see her much improved, Annabel.’
‘I hope so, Father,’ she said. ‘Dr O’Brien is very clever.’
‘He is indeed,’ he said. ‘I’m very pleased about your marriage, Annabel. I like that young man. Your life hasn’t been easy but I’m sure he’ll take good care of you.’ He had drawn her into his study and he said now, ‘Has Mama done anything about your trousseau?’
Anna blushed and shook her head and he opened a drawer in his desk and took out a canvas bag. ‘There’s thirty pounds in there,’ he said. ‘That’s all I have by me now but I’ll do the same for you as I did for Dorothea.’ He smiled. ‘Unfortunately, I didn’t know in time to bring material for your wedding dress and so forth.’
Anna was speechless for a few moments then she gasped, ‘But Father, thirty pounds.’
He came round the desk and kissed her goodnight. ‘Spend it wisely,’ he said.
‘I will. Thank you, Father. Goodnight.’
She kissed him and turned away and he said quickly, ‘Mama is sleeping. Don’t disturb her, Annabel.’
‘No, Father,’ she assured him, thinking bitterly, That suits me. She went upstairs with a light step, carrying the bag of sovereigns, and tipped it out on her bed. What a difference it would make. Although she and James would have separate bedrooms, she had worried about her shabby underwear being seen on the washing line.
She had been unable to buy any clothes since the trip to Dublin and the fact that her clothes were so few and shabby had been a worry since the wedding was planned. How kind of her father to think of giving her this money now, especially while he was so worried about her mother, she thought.
She put the money back into the canvas bag and put it in a drawer, then stood looking out of the window at the trees tossing their branches in the park.
I wonder if it’s true that Mama is really ill, she thought. I think she’s just an evil, spiteful woman. I shouldn’t have told Mrs O’Brien so much of the way she treated me. I suppose she told the doctor and he came up with the idea it was Mama’s nerves. And this so-called craving for food. She’s always been greedy. What about the trays Dorrie and I had to take in to her, the plates piled high with food?
Dorrie! Anna thought. I must write to her. I was hurt by her letters but I don’t want to fall out with her for ever.
The letter was difficult to write and in the end she wrote briefly that their father had arrived home, Dr O’Brien said that Mama was suffering from a nervous disease and she and James were to be married quietly by special licence on 16 March. She said she hoped that all was well with Dorrie and Michael and signed it, ‘Your loving sister, Anna.’
She received no reply but her father told her that he had written to Dorothea and she had replied that she was grieved that she was unable to come home at present, as her life was in turmoil. Michael had left the army and she had had to leave all her friends and was living in a horrid house in London and Michael was hardly ever at home.
‘I had no idea that things were going so badly wrong at home, Annabel,’ he said wearily and Anna thought how old and haggard he suddenly seemed. Her father went on, ‘I’m sorry to hear that you don’t correspond with your sister now. That seems another cause of grief to her.’
‘I write to her but I don’t receive a reply,’ Anna said, thinking that she would challenge any lies about her in future.
‘Your letters must go astray,’ her father said. ‘Mine had to be forwarded to her. Ask James to make enquiries.’ Anna smiled and said nothing.
The wedding plans were quickly made. James asked Jim Deagan to be his best man and Kate was Anna’s bridesmaid. Dr O’Brien spread the news that Anna’s mother was ill with a nervous collapse and she was unable to attend so they had decided on a quiet wedding. Captain Furlong gave Anna away and Clara came with him.
James brought Frances in a cab and a few close friends came, Luke, Maggie and Walter and Norah from the Deagans and Isabel Jenson and her mother, whose brother had brought them to Liverpool and booked them into a hotel overnight.
Anna wore a brown tussore suit and a large brown hat with a cream silk rose at the brim and Kate looked more bridelike in her pale blue outfit and a large blue hat trimmed with pink roses. ‘I tried to persuade Anna to have cream silk but she’s very stubborn. Be warned, James,’ Kate laughed.
Mrs O’Brien had asked to be allowed to provide a simple wedding breakfast for the friends. There were no speeches but Captain Furlong proposed a toast. ‘To Annabel and James. May they enjoy long lives, health and happiness, which they both
deserve.’ Shortly afterwards Anna’s father and aunt left, as they were uneasy about her mother, and it was surgery time for Dr O’Brien.
Anna had been able to spend a few hours with Isabel the previous evening and with promises to meet again soon they parted. There were kisses and good wishes from all the other guests and the O’Briens.
A cab was called and Anna and James drove with Frances to the house in Eastbourne Street, leaving her with a niece who had come to stay, while they set off for a few days’ honeymoon in a hotel near Kendal in the Lake District.
‘That all went very well, didn’t it,’ James said, smiling at her, as they finally sat in the train.
‘Yes, people have been very kind, haven’t they?’ Anna said. ‘Kate said my wedding suit was her wedding present to me. It was good of her when I wouldn’t have what she wanted.’
‘Why wouldn’t you have a cream suit?’ James said.
Anna blushed and looked out of the window. ‘I thought the brown was more appropriate,’ she said in a muffled voice. ‘I – I didn’t want to give a false impression. Do you understand? I felt ours was a different sort of marriage.’
‘You must do as you think fit, Anna. It’s all right by me,’ James said. ‘I like your father.’
‘Poor Father,’ Anna sighed. ‘It was a sad homecoming for him but he’s been so good to me. I was always rather afraid of him because he seemed so remote but now I just wish I could make him happy.’
‘This bad time will pass for him,’ James consoled her. ‘If your mother has treatment, and Dr O’Brien is always a tower of strength, isn’t he?’
Anna felt unable to tell him that Dorrie’s behaviour had added to her father’s troubles.
The shipping company had proved sympathetic to his situation and it had been arranged that Captain Furlong would spend three months ashore. Mrs Furlong had been booked into a nursing home in Southport, where Dr O’Brien assured her husband she would soon be well again.
‘They’ll cosset her there,’ he said. ‘Give her plenty of attention and she’ll have peace and calm, good food and fresh air. They’re very good with nervous cases. Endless patience. She was on the verge of nervous collapse but you came home at just the right time.’