by Dee Williams
Ruby felt her heart lift. She was at last contributing. She was going to keep one and fourpence for herself. She knew she would be able to help make their Christmas the best they’d had for many, many years. ‘I’ll be able to buy lots of Christmas presents,’ she said.
‘Now don’t you go wasting your money,’ said her mother.
‘But I want to. You’ll want a present, won’t you, Dad?’
Her father looked at her. ‘Christmas presents?’
‘I will,’ said Tom.
Ruby smiled at her brother, remembering her certainty a week ago that from now on things would only get better. She’d been right.
Chapter 6
For the next two weeks Ruby was as happy as she could be working in the laundry’s washroom. The thing that kept her going, apart from the wages she was bringing home, was the fact that Beth Norton was now helping Tom do some of the delivering of the clean laundry, and collecting the dirty washing for her mother.
‘Mum, if Beth is charging you too much to go out with Tom, I can still do it, you know.’ Ruby was in the washhouse with her mother, busy sorting and peeling the potatoes she’d brought in the day before.
Her mother looked up, putting a strand of hair behind her ears. She smiled. ‘D’you know, she said she didn’t want paying.’
‘Why?’
‘Seems she’s quite happy taking the baby for a walk, and she said she might as well be doing something useful at the same time.’
‘Why’s she doing that?’
‘She said it was because she was so grateful we took her in.’
‘That’s nice of her.’
‘I know. At least it saves you a job. And she’s good with your father. He thinks the world of that baby.’
‘See. I told you it would be all right her living here.’
‘Yes, you did.’
Ruby smiled as she continued doing the potatoes. It was nice having Beth here. Perhaps next year, when the weather got better, they could go for a walk round the park or something. Danny was a nice little baby. But would Beth still be living there in the spring? ‘Mum, has Beth said when her husband might be home?’
‘No. In fact she don’t say anything about him.’
That evening, Ruby was sitting at the table with Tom making paper chains. They had a bowl of flour and water paste and were busy sticking the strips of coloured paper Ruby had cut up.
‘Look, Dad. Don’t they look pretty?’ Ruby held up the length of paper chains. ‘They’re for Christmas.’
He smiled and sat up. A faraway look came into his eyes. ‘I remember a Christmas a long while ago. Played football with the Germans, we did . . .’ There was a short silence. Then he added, ‘They killed me mate the next day,’ and slumped back into his chair and pulled his blanket tighter round his shoulders.
Ruby felt sad. It was the first time she’d heard him say that. She wanted to ask him more, but knew it wasn’t any good. He always clammed up if they spoke about the war, and only told them things out of the blue, like just now.
‘I’ll make a cup of tea,’ said Mary Jenkins, jumping up.
‘Beth should finish feeding Danny soon.’
‘I’ll do it,’ said Ruby.
‘No, you carry on helping Tom.’
Tom sat looking at his father, then turned to Ruby and said softly, ‘I miss going with you to get the washing.’
‘I can’t be in two places at once. ’Sides, you’re all right with Beth, ain’t you?’
‘Yes. But . . .’ He hesitated and looked at his father again, who now had his eyes closed. He then glanced at the washhouse door: his mother was out there making the tea. Beth was in the bedroom feeding her baby. ‘She don’t like going to the buildings.’
‘I’m not surprised. I shouldn’t think anyone likes going there.’
‘She leaves me to go up on me own. I’m frightened. I always think that Alfie Anderson’s gang’s gonner be round the corner.’
Ruby looked at her brother. He was clearly worried. ‘I’ll have a word with her.’
‘No, don’t. I don’t want her to think I’m a baby.’
Ruby grinned. ‘She won’t think that. She’ll understand. I think we’d better start putting these away for tonight, Mum’ll be in with the tea.’ Ruby gathered up the paper chains and put them in a box. ‘I think we’ve done enough.’
‘When we gonner put ’em up?’
‘I don’t know. I’ve got to get some drawing pins.’ Ruby sat back. ‘Cheer up, Tom. This Christmas is going to be the best we’ve had in years now we’ve got Beth’s money and me working. Mum’s even made a Christmas pudding. I think she put a thrupenny bit in it as well.’
‘I hope I get it.’
‘So do I. I’m just going out to the lav.’
Ruby shivered when she opened the door and the cold air hit her; she pulled her cardigan tighter round her. As she walked out into the yard she banged her feet on the concrete to discourage any mice or rats that were hanging about. The usual sounds came through the night air. A couple of cats were having a scrap and somebody’s dog was barking; she could hear a man shouting. The men round their way were always yelling, making the kids cry and the women shriek. Ruby pushed open the door. It was the spiders she hated most. They hung from the roof of the lav and sometimes in the dark she would walk into a cobweb. She would throw her arms about praying the spider wasn’t still on her. When it was dark she couldn’t even read the cut-up squares of newspaper that hung on the string. At night, when she knew Mr Cox was out, she always sat with the door wide open. She sat on her hands. It must be lovely to sit inside in a warm room that had a lav instead of having to rush in and out of the cold. She was quietly singing to herself when she heard the back door from the passage shut. Fear filled her; the family didn’t come through that door, they always used the door from the washhouse. Ruby shuddered when she heard Mr Cox clear his throat and spit. He stood in front of her, silhouetted against the light from the kitchen. Ruby was terrified as she leapt up from the pan.
‘You should shut the door, young lady.’
‘I thought you was out.’
‘I was.’ He laughed. ‘I’d love to be able to see your face. I bet you look like a startled rabbit. Here, let me help you.’ He went to move towards Ruby. ‘Your frock’s all bunched up.’
‘I’m all right,’ she said, scurrying away.
‘That Mr Cox came out,’ she said to her mother as she walked into the washhouse.
‘And I bet you didn’t shut the door.’
‘I thought he was out.’
‘You’re getting to be a big girl now, Ruby, you can’t sit there with the door open. Tell Tom that as soon as Beth’s finished feeding Danny, he’d better go to bed.’
Ruby went back into the kitchen as Beth walked in. ‘Well, that’s got him down for the night. They look interesting.’ She peered into the box of paper chains. ‘I used to love Christmas.’
‘You’ve never told us where you used to live,’ said Ruby.
‘I thought you knew I was with the Manns.’
‘No, before that.’
‘If I told you, you wouldn’t be any the wiser.’
Mrs Jenkins came into the kitchen. ‘Beth, if you want to wash the baby’s nappies out now, I’ve finished in the sink.’
‘Thanks.’
Ruby watched her leave. ‘Seems strange she’s been here a few weeks now, but she’s not had any letters from her husband. D’you think the Manns will send them on?’
‘Of course. She may even go round there to pick them up. She don’t have to tell us all about her private life.’
‘I’d just like to know a bit more about her.’
‘Why?’
Ruby shrugged.
‘It’s this going to work that has started to put strange ideas in your head. What sort of women work there?’
‘They’re all right.’
‘Well, all the time Beth helps out, I’m happy. And she’s good for your father, the way she sits a
nd talks to him. I tell you I’ve seen a big change in him since her and Danny arrived, so don’t you go upsetting the boat.’
‘I ain’t gonner.’ Although Ruby liked Beth, it seemed the rest of the family did even more. Was she deep down getting a little jealous at Beth being so popular - and home all day?
On Christmas Eve Ruby had arranged to go with Elsie to the market when they finished work at four. The women were overjoyed at being let off early. It was a cold, dark, miserable, dreary afternoon as they wandered along the streets but when they turned the corner they found the market was alive, busy and exciting. Women were hurrying home, carrying as much produce as their money allowed them to buy. The stallholders had decorated their stalls with sprigs of holly and were shouting about their wares, all trying to make themselves heard above their competitors. The bright light from the naphtha flares swayed in the breeze. The butcher in his striped apron and boater hat stood outside with his boy selling the feathered birds that filled the front of his shop, taking them down with his long hook as he sold them to the highest bidder.
Elsie nodded towards the butcher. ‘Look at the size of some of them turkeys.’
‘They’d feed us for months,’ laughed Ruby.
‘Me dad said he’ll be down later. We’re gonner have a chicken, he’ll be almost giving ’em away be then. Are you having a chicken?’
‘No, me mum’s got a bit of pork.’
‘That’ll be nice.’
Ruby would have liked chicken, but that was a luxury and her mother’s money wouldn’t stretch to that. She knew that whatever they had it would have to be the cheapest cut with Mr Cox getting the best bit. Why didn’t he get them a chicken? After all, he was willing to share whatever they had. Fortunately, most days he would bring in something for her mother to cook and he’d have that upstairs on his own. Everybody knew he owned the house: he’d inherited it from his father, so the gossips said.
‘Ruby, I was talking to you.’
‘Sorry, I was miles away. What was you saying?’
‘Let’s move on to the haberdashery stall.’
‘Whatever you want.’
‘I love the smell of those spices,’ said Elsie as they passed the grocer’s.
Ruby giggled and rubbed her nose. ‘They make my nose tickle.’ Ruby was so happy she wanted to sing and dance along the street. She’d saved a few shillings and now she was going to spend them. She hadn’t bought Christmas presents for years. Everybody was going to get something, including Milly in the dairy. Although it was cold she was like a child, warm with excitement. She pushed and elbowed her way from stall to stall picking up a handkerchief for Milly, a box of pencils and a writing book for Tom. The penny bone teething ring she bought for Danny had been well chewed by the previous owner. She even bought a pair of second-hand, black lace garters that she noticed Elsie had been admiring.
‘Here, take this,’ she said, thrusting them in her hand.
‘I can’t take these.’
Ruby’s mouth turned down. ‘Why not? I saw you looking at them.’
‘I know. But I was only looking. Oh Ruby, I’m so sorry. I’m so thoughtless. They’re lovely.’
‘I would have liked to wrap them in pretty paper, but I didn’t get time, and I ain’t gonner see you till Boxing Day when we go back to work.’
Elsie threw her arms round Ruby, almost knocking her hat off. ‘You’re such a funny little thing.’
‘I ain’t that little. I’m as big as you.’
‘But not as old or as streetwise.’
‘You ain’t that much older than me.’
‘Ruby, don’t get upset. You’re a lovely person, with a big heart.’
Ruby giggled.
‘I’m so lucky to have found a friend like you at the laundry,’ Elsie went on. ‘Can’t stand some of ’em. Right big mouths, especially that Florrie James. You wonner watch her if you ever get put in the ironing room.’
‘I hope I get out of the washroom one day.’ Ruby pointed to the garters Elsie was holding. ‘They’re for putting in a good word to Mrs Watson for me. Without that I wouldn’t have a job and I certainly wouldn’t have any money.’
Elsie tucked her arm through Ruby’s. ‘What say we go and have a cuppa at the café? My treat.’
‘Why not?’
Ruby and Elsie made their way through the crowds, clutching all their parcels carefully. Her eyes sparkling and her cheeks flushed, Ruby looked at the mistletoe decorating some of the stalls. Her dreams would be complete if Ernie Wallis sauntered along and, after buying a sprig, came up and kissed her. She hadn’t seen him since that night he was going to the pub. Whenever she left work she kept an eye out for him, but he was never around. I wonder if he ever thinks of me? she mused.
It was just beginning to get light outside. Ruby lay for a moment or two quietly taking in the silence. The baby was sleeping peacefully and Ruby could just make out Tom’s head buried in the pillow. She smiled. She knew there was a stocking wedged against the end of the mattress, and she couldn’t wait for him to wake and see what was in it. Ruby loved him so much and wished he could have the childhood she’d had. She couldn’t hear her mother pottering about. She would wait a little longer before she got up; she didn’t want to go into a cold kitchen.
Ruby must have dozed off again as she woke with a start when Danny began to cry.
‘Look, Ruby! I’ve got some pencils and a book, and look, there’s some sweets and an orange. This is the best Christmas ever.’ Tom had scattered paper over the floor.
‘Merry Christmas, Ruby,’ said Beth. ‘I’m sorry if Danny woke you.’
‘Merry Christmas, Beth. It’s all right, I should have got up ages ago. I must go and help Mum.’
‘I’ve not heard her moving about.’ Beth put Danny over her shoulder and gently patted his back.
‘Did Danny get a stocking?’ asked Tom.
Beth laughed. ‘Not this year, he’s a bit young to appreciate it.’
‘I got him something.’
‘Oh Ruby, that’s so very kind of you.’
‘It’s a teething ring. I remember you said he’ll be needing one soon.’
Beth put her free arm round Ruby. ‘Thank you.’ She kissed Ruby’s cheek, then looked at her son. ‘You’re a very lucky little boy to have someone like Ruby to spoil you.’
Ruby quickly got dressed and went into the kitchen. It was cold. The fire hadn’t been lit. Ruby stood and looked around. Everything was just as they had left it last night. She hurried through the washhouse and into the yard. She pushed open the closet door. It was empty. ‘Mum,’ she called softly. She rushed back through the washhouse and kitchen and gently knocked on her mother’s bedroom door. ‘Mum,’ she called softly again.
Beth came out of their bedroom. ‘What is it, Ruby? You look worried.’
‘It’s Mum. She ain’t up yet,’ Ruby whispered.
‘She works very hard - perhaps she feels like sleeping in a bit longer. After all, she’s got all day with no washing or ironing hanging about.’
‘She’s never slept in before.’
‘Well, she won’t be for much longer, not with all the chatter that’s going on out here. Let’s give her a nice surprise. We’ll get the fire going, then you can take her a nice cuppa. That’ll be as good as a present for her.’
Ruby smiled. ‘Come on then. I hope I haven’t woken her up.’
It didn’t take long for the fire to take hold, and although Ruby was worried about her mother, soon she and Beth were laughing and singing, ‘Away in a Manger’. Looking at Beth, Ruby realised she was happy to have Beth around; her stirrings of jealousy seemed to have subsided.
Tom walked in clutching his stocking. ‘Where’s Mum?’
‘Still in bed. Here, come here and hold this toasting fork. I’m doing a piece of toast for Mum and Dad. Beth is setting out a tray. It’s a sort of present.’
‘Don’t think much of that for a present.’
‘It will be for Mum, so don’t burn the
toast.’
‘Would be nice if we had a few flowers,’ said Beth, neatly arranging the cups.
‘We could put a bit of that greenery I picked up at the market on the tray,’ said Ruby, going to the mantelpiece and breaking off a sprig from the evergreen that was stuck behind the mirror.
‘That’ll give it the finishing touch,’ said Beth.
When they were ready Ruby gently knocked on her mother’s bedroom door. ‘I’m coming in.’ She pushed open the door.
‘Hello, love,’ said her father. ‘Your mum’s still asleep.’
This was so unlike her mother. Was she ill? Fear gripped Ruby’s heart. ‘Is she all right?’
‘Think so. She ain’t said much.’
Ruby put the tray down and sat next to her mother. To her great relief she could see she was breathing. It was very slow and even. ‘Mum. Mum! Are you all right?’
Mary Jenkins opened her eyes. ‘Ruby!’
‘I was worried about you. You looked so peaceful, hardly breathing.’
‘I’m fine. Now, what time is it?’
‘It doesn’t matter.’
‘Course it does. I’ve got to get up.’
‘Mum, are you sure you’re all right?’
Her mother appeared disorientated as she sat up. ‘Yes, yes. Of course. I must do the fire.’
‘It’s done. Here, look, I’ve brought you and Dad breakfast in bed.’
‘Oh Ruby. Thomas, look. Look at the way Ruby’s done the tray. It looks so very pretty.’
He too sat up.
Ruby could see the tears well up in her mother’s eyes.
‘Beth helped,’ she said, not wanting to take all the credit.
‘I ain’t had breakfast in bed since young Tom was born. You and Beth are such good girls. I feel as if I’ve two daughters and a grandson, don’t you, Thomas?’
‘I should say so. We’ve got a lovely family.’
Ruby felt as if her heart was going to burst with love. ‘You don’t have to get up till you’re ready. Can Tom come in and show you his presents?’
‘Course,’ said her mother, whose mouth was full of toast.
‘Sit up properly, Thomas, and I’ll pass you your tea.’