by Joan Jonker
‘That’s for him to find out for himself, sunshine. All I know is, our Katy will miss him. And if it comes to that, I’ll miss him as well.’
‘And he’ll miss her,’ John said. ‘They were made for each other.’
When there was a knock on the door, Colin answered it and Katy came in, her face wreathed in smiles. ‘Mam, yer’ll never guess, I’ve got a shilling a week rise in me wages. Isn’t that the gear?’
‘Oh, I’m made up for yer, sunshine, ’cos yer deserve it. Ye’re a cracking little worker and Molly and Jim are showing their appreciation.’
‘Nice work, our Katy.’ Colin grinned. ‘I wish someone would show me some appreciation ’cos I work hard.’
‘This time next year you’ll be looking for a job,’ John reminded him. ‘Work hard for your boss and you’ll be rewarded accordingly.’
Dot dug her fists into the couch and pushed herself up. ‘I’ll see to yer tea, sunshine. Oh, yer’ll be glad to know that John will be here at nine o’clock in the morning for the opening of the presents ceremony. So it’s up and dressed by half-eight.’
‘I don’t mind that, Mam. I’m glad Mr Kershaw will be here.’
Her smile of pleasure was so genuine it touched John’s heart. He got up from his chair to hug her. ‘Thank you, Katy.’
Dot put the light out under the pan keeping her daughter’s dinner warm, then turned to go back into the living room to set the table for her. She stopped on the threshold when she saw John with a hand on each of Katy’s shoulders, smiling down at her. And her daughter’s smile was one of such obvious affection, it turned Dot around and she retreated to the kitchen. There she stood with her hands gripping the edge of the sink. The two kids were getting too fond of him, he was almost like a father to them.
Tears came to Dot’s eyes. But he wasn’t their father, he wasn’t, he wasn’t, he wasn’t!
John insisted on pouring a glass of sherry for Dot and himself, and a glass of lemonade for the children. ‘We may as well enjoy ourselves whilst opening our presents.’ This was all very new and exciting to him and he was enjoying every minute of it. His mother had never made a big fuss over Christmas, she wasn’t that type of person. Oh, she bought him presents and they always had a tree, but it was a quiet affair. There was never an air of festivity as there was here in the Bakers’ house. They’d pulled crackers as soon as he’d arrived, laughed themselves silly over the mottos inside and were now wearing the paper hats.
‘Shall I give the presents out, Mam?’ Katy asked, rubbing her hands in excitement. ‘Or do you want to do it?’
‘You do it, sunshine, but give our Colin his first before he has a heart attack. We’ll open them one at a time and he can be the first.’
Colin downed his lemonade in one go and waited expectantly. His eyes grew wider and his shoulders jiggled as Katy put parcel after parcel on his knees. ‘That’s right, our kid, you just keep them coming.’
‘That’s yer lot, greedy guts.’
‘I’ve got six, Mam, six presents! I’ve never had that many before.’
‘Are yer going to open them, sunshine, or just sit and look at them all day?’
The first parcel he opened contained a pair of bedroom slippers from John. He put them on his feet right away and danced up and down the room. ‘Oh, they’re dead comfortable. Thank you, Mr Kershaw.’ Next came a pair of grey trousers from his mother, and this brought a cheeky grin to his face. ‘I won’t try these on for size because I’d have to go upstairs and I don’t want to miss anything.’ Then came a Christmas stocking that his grandma had brought down and which had been hidden away until now. He was all for eating one of the chocolate bars until his mother put her foot down saying it would put him off his dinner.
There were two presents from Katy – a pale blue shirt and a matching tie. He’d never possessed a tie before and his shout was so loud the people living next door either side must have heard him. ‘Ay, look at this! Won’t I look dead grown-up, eh? I’ll wear it for the party tonight, and there’ll be no flies on me.’
‘Colin, will yer put a move on? It’ll be bedtime before we get to open ours.’
‘Okay, Sis, keep her hair on, I’ve only got one more to open.’ The last parcel turned out to be the latest Beano Annual from his mother, and after one loud shriek of delight, the boy buried his head in it and lost interest in the proceedings.
Katy was next, and she quickly opened her parcels. A pair of bedroom slippers from John, a box of hankies from her grandma, a blouse and underskirt from her mother and a handbag from Molly and Jim. ‘Ooh, they’re all lovely, I’ve done really well.’ She laid the gifts on the couch before kissing her mother and John. ‘Thank you, I’m a lucky girl.’
Dot’s brow creased in a frown. ‘Ay, Colin, where’s yer sister’s present?’
He looked up from his book and frowned back at her. ‘What present, Mam?’
‘Stop acting the goat, sunshine, ’cos I don’t want to have to give yer a clout on Christmas Day. Now let’s be having yer.’
‘It’s hanging on the tree, Katy. Look, just under the fairy. Shall I get it for yer?’
But Katy was already reaching for it. And her face split into a wide smile when she found the pair of stockings. ‘Oh, they’re just what I wanted!’ Colin was hugged and kissed. ‘All me others have got ladders in.’
Stepping over the discarded wrapping paper, she made for the tree. ‘I feel sorry for you poor things, yer’ve only got two each, I’m afraid, the rest are all for Trudy. Still, let’s hope they’re good ones.’
John spread out his hands. ‘Ladies first, Dorothy.’
Dot drained her glass and passed it to him before taking her parcels. Both of them bore the names of Katy, Colin and John. ‘We all clubbed together to buy yer something decent, Mam,’ Katy explained. ‘We thought it was better than buying a lot of little fiddling things.’
‘Hang on a second while I refill your glass.’ John poured the sherry then watched anxiously as Dot fingered the large bulky parcel. He would have liked to have bought her something really nice, just from himself, but wasn’t sure she’d accept it. So he’d done the next best thing and involved the children. ‘Before you open them, Dorothy, and I get the length of your tongue, I want you to know that we three have been putting a certain amount away each week since September. Your daughter and son have handed the money over religiously every Saturday and I put it away. So they really are from the three of us.’
Dot took a drink before putting the glass down at the side of her chair. She was feeling warm inside and happy. ‘This feller’s got me half-drunk, I’ll be seeing two of everything if I have any more.’ She was grinning when she ripped the paper off the larger parcel. ‘These should be good if yer all bought them.’ But she gasped at the sight of the cherry-red, warm dressing gown. ‘I don’t know what to say. It’s beautiful! I haven’t had a dressing gown since – er – since Adam was a lad.’
Colin had come to join them, leaving his beloved Beano open at page ten. ‘Yer’ve got another one, Mam, see what’s in that.’
Dot looked at the three happy faces, all waiting for her reaction. So when she pulled a pair of cherry-red slippers from the paper, she didn’t let them down. And her delight was genuine, she didn’t have to pretend. ‘I’ve done better than any of yer.’ She held the soft fleecy dressing gown to her cheek and sighed happily. ‘I’ll be better dressed going to bed than I am on a Sunday morning going to church. And I’ll swank to the neighbours if it kills me.’ She chuckled. ‘I know, I’ll stand on the step on Tuesday morning and pretend I’m waiting for the postman. That should open a few eyes and set tongues wagging.’
Colin, too young to be tactful, had no qualms about telling his mother how he’d deprived himself over the last few months. ‘Fourpence a week I’ve been saving, Mam. Haven’t I been good?’
‘Yer’ve been a treasure, sunshine, so has Katy and John. And while we’re speaking of him, don’t yer think Mr Kershaw would like to see what Father C
hristmas has brought him?’
It was Dot’s turn to watch anxiously as John opened his presents. The dark brown pure wool cardigan had cost more than she’d ever paid for anything. She’d had to dip into the money they were saving to buy new furniture, but it couldn’t be helped. All his clothes were of the best quality so there was no way she was going to let the side down by giving him something cheap.
‘It’s a very fine cardi, Dorothy, but you shouldn’t have spent so much money on me.’
‘I know I shouldn’t, John Kershaw, but ye’re getting a taste of yer own medicine now.’
John’s pleasure came from knowing she’d taken the time to choose something she knew he would like. So she must think of him sometimes. ‘I love it, and am delighted.’
And the two children were delighted when he kissed and hugged their mother. ‘I shall wear it tonight for the party.’
‘Ay, what about the present me and our Katy bought yer?’
John grinned and chucked the boy under the chin. ‘I hadn’t forgotten it, Colin, I’m very eager to see what it is.’
The tie had been chosen by Dot and was the same colour as the cardigan. And the two white handkerchiefs had his initial in the corner. The gifts had been chosen with care and he was very touched. ‘I can honestly say, with my hand on my heart, this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had, thanks to the Baker family. And I’m going to be the best dressed at the party tonight, again thanks to the Baker family.’
‘If I don’t get a move on and see to the dinner, there won’t be a party. I want the meal over and dishes washed by two o’clock, so I can start on the sandwiches. And while I’m busy in the kitchen, you lot can clear this mess.’
‘Finish your drink off first, Dorothy.’
Dot made a great play of lumbering to her feet, where she stood swaying. ‘Will yer stand still – hic – John Kershaw – hic – and stop moving around?’ She narrowed her eyes. ‘Is that yer brother with yer? Well, tell him – hic – to keep still as well. Between the pair of yer yer’ve got me dizzy.’
Katy and Colin saw the bemused expression on John’s face and put their hands over their mouths to keep the laughter at bay. Mr Kershaw thought their mam was drunk!
‘Dorothy, I’m not moving.’
The pose was dropped, the hands went on the hips and the head tilted. ‘No, ye’re not ruddy-well moving, are yer? Well, we’ll soon alter that! Get this lot cleared away and be quick about it.’
John joined in the laughter before standing to attention, clicking his heels and giving a smart salute. ‘Aye, aye, sir! On the double, sir!’
Chapter Twenty-Four
‘It’s been a marvellous day, and I want to thank you both for being so kind to Trudy and me.’ Mary smiled from Maggie to Paddy. ‘It reminded me of the happy Christmases I used to have when I was young and living with me mam and dad. If my daughter was old enough to be spoilt, then she certainly would be, with all the presents you bought her and the ones Dot and Betty brought down. She’s got enough toys to last her for years. But will yer do us a favour and let me leave them here for now? If my husband’s in a bad mood, which he probably will be, then I wouldn’t put it past him to throw them on the fire.’
‘Of course yer can leave them here, sweetheart, but why go home at all? You could come straight to Dot’s, with me and Paddy.’
‘No, I’ll show me face. Besides, I want to get changed. I’ve still got a dress that John gave me and I haven’t worn.’ Mary smiled. ‘I may as well show off and be as posh as everybody else.’
Paddy looked anxious. ‘If yer husband starts his funny business, Mary, then just yell out. Sure, won’t I be having me ear to the wall?’
‘I’ll scream the place down, Paddy, have no fear.’ Mary wrapped the heavy shawl tightly around her daughter, leaving just her smiling face showing. ‘Say ta-ta to Auntie Maggie and Uncle Paddy, and thank them for everything.’
Maggie stroked the smooth, silky cheek. ‘Sure, this time next year yer’ll be doing just that, won’t yer, me darlin? It’s all over the place yer’ll be, gabbing yer little head off.’
‘Please God.’ Mary’s eyes were tender as she held the baby close. ‘It’s what I pray for every night.’ She gazed at the two people who had been so kind to them. ‘I’ll see you later, in Dot’s. If I’m a bit late, don’t worry because I’ll feed Trudy before I come and she’ll be ready for a nap. Dot said I can put her on the bed and with a bit of luck she’ll sleep for a few hours.’
Maggie walked to the door with her. ‘Are yer sure yer’ll be all right, me darlin’?’
‘I’ll be fine.’ Mary had the front door key ready in her hand. ‘I’ll see yer later.’ She walked the few yards to her house, then turned to wave to Maggie before opening the door.
Tom Campbell was slouched in the chair and didn’t even turn his head. Mary could see by his face he was in a foul temper, so she turned on her heels and made for the stairs. There was no way she’d leave the baby in the pram while her husband was in the room. She’d caught him pinching the child once, while she was in the kitchen seeing to his dinner. It was the child’s crying that had brought her running, to find him leaning over the pram with an evil smile on his face. The next day she’d found a bruise on Trudy’s arm. She swore then she’d never leave them alone together.
Mary went into the spare bedroom where she kept a kitchen chair to sit on while she was feeding the baby when Tom was home. It was the only item of furniture in the cold, cheerless room. On the floor, just inside the door, was a candle set in a saucer with a box of matches beside it, and hanging on a nail behind the door was the dress Mary was wearing for the party. She held the child tight in one arm while she reached down for the saucer which she set on the chair before striking a match. The flame flickered for a few seconds, then the wick caught and shed an eerie light on the walls and ceiling. It was like something you’d see in a horror movie, Mary thought, only this was for real.
‘We’ll have to make do as best we can, I’m afraid, darling. I’ll feed you first then lay yer on the floor with my coat under yer, while I get changed.’ Mary slipped one arm out of a sleeve, then changed the baby over to her other side while she slid the coat off and laid it as best she could on the floor.
Downstairs, Tom’s mind was in turmoil. He needed a woman badly. He could go without food or drink, but not without a woman. He’d thought about going down to Lime Street and picking up a prostitute, but he was afraid of prostitutes now, after Esmée. You couldn’t tell by looking at them whether they had the disease or not, and he might be buying himself a load of trouble. He wouldn’t let himself believe the doctor was right. He and that bitch Elsie didn’t like him and were only saying there was no cure to frighten him. Of course there was a cure for it. He had a few sores, that was all, and they’d probably disappear of their own accord any day now. It was that Esmée, she was cause of it, far too rough she was. So he’d be doing himself a favour if he kept away from whores in future.
He beat his clenched fist on the arm of the couch. When he came to think about it, that doctor had a bloody cheek telling him to keep away from his wife. What he did in his own home, with his wife, was his business, it had nothing to do with anyone. That bloody quack must think he was a monk! To hell with that! He wanted a woman, he had one upstairs, and nobody would know the difference because Mary wouldn’t tell anyone, she’d be too ashamed. And if he did have the clap, and he passed it on to her, so what?
Tom slipped off his shoes before creeping up the stairs. The door of the spare bedroom was slightly ajar and he could see Mary sitting on the chair feeding the baby. When he saw the full, ripe breast, he ran his tongue over lips dry with excitement. She’d filled out since she’d had the baby and what he saw he wanted. But he’d wait until she’d finished feeding the brat before pouncing. Just then he heard someone knocking at the Bakers’ door, followed by the sound of voices and laughter. Mary had heard, too, and she raised her head. He moved back quickly, knowing that if she saw him sh
e’d scream the place down. She’d fight him tooth and nail if he tried to take her, and then all hell would be let loose. Her friends would boot the door down and think nothing of it, he was sure of that.
As he crept down the dark staircase, he cursed everyone to high heaven. But there’d be other times, he vowed, when there’d be no one around to keep an eye on their precious Mary. Then he would get what he wanted, and more.
After three bottles of milk stout, Betty was in fine form. Standing in the middle of the room she had given her impersonation of Gracie Fields, Tessie O’Shea and George Formby. Not that she could sing like any of them, it was only the songs that gave her noisy, appreciative audience a clue as to who she was supposed to be. Now she was thinking who she could impersonate next. ‘I know, I’ll do the Street Singer, singing Marta, yer all know that.’
‘Ah, no!’ Alec groaned. ‘Don’t murder poor Arthur, he’s me favourite.’
Betty glared at her husband. ‘I don’t see you getting off yer backside to entertain us. If we were all as miserable as you it would be a fine party. Mind you, yer haven’t got a good voice, have yer, my love? More like a ruddy foghorn.’
Alec grinned. ‘You haven’t got a good voice, either, my sweet.’
‘No, but I’ve got a bleedin’ loud one.’ And to prove it, Betty opened her mouth and let it rip, to much laughter and cheers. While she was belting out the words, beginning, ‘Oh, we ain’t got a barrel of money . . .’ Betty was shaking her shoulders and hips in rhythm. And when she lifted her skirt to show off her nifty footwork, she also showed a large expanse of pale pink fleecy-lined bloomers above the knotted pieces of elastic keeping her stockings up.
The room rang with laughter, the stamping of feet and the clapping of hands. But the loudest laughter came from her husband, Alec, who adored every ounce of her eighteen-stone body. He’d loved her since the minute he’d clapped eyes on her at the local dance hall, with her long shiny hair bouncing on her shoulders, lovely slim figure and a smile that melted his heart. He envied the bloke who was twirling her around the dance floor and couldn’t wait for the dance to finish to see if they were together. But to Alec’s relief she gave her partner a smile then walked to the side of the hall where her girlfriend was standing. He beat off several rivals to claim the next dance and they’d been together ever since. His love for her had never dimmed over the years and he loved her as much now as he had then. She never complained, even when the children came along and money was tight with only his wage coming in. There was always a smile on her face and a joke on her lips. He’d got a good one when he got Betty, she was the perfect wife.