Christmas for the Halfpenny Orphans

by Cathy Sharp

  ‘My father telephoned today. He’s coming up this weekend – but his news is rather disturbing, Mark. My mother wants a divorce – can you believe that?’

  Mark was silent for a moment and then inclined his head. ‘Well, yes, I’m not that surprised, Angela. I think this has been coming on for a long time.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Her voice betrayed her annoyance; for her the news had come as a tremendous shock.

  ‘You know your mother talked to me in confidence, Angela. I can’t tell you what she said – but it was my opinion that she’d been unhappy for a long time. I believe your father will confirm that the rift happened years ago. I dare say they stayed together for your sake.’

  ‘That’s ridiculous!’ Angela got up and went to pour more drinks to cover her distress. Mark seemed to be implying that she should take the divorce in her stride. Why couldn’t he see how upset that idea made her? ‘And to do it now, when my father isn’t well …’

  ‘I doubt if she knows,’ Mark said. ‘I’m not sure how serious his illness is, Angela, but if two people feel they no longer love each other, there isn’t much point in prolonging the agony, surely? Besides, it may be best for both of them in the long run. Your father may be relieved when it’s over.’

  ‘Why do you always take her side?’ Angela demanded, and then regretted it as she saw his frown. ‘No, I’m sorry – you weren’t taking sides, merely trying to reassure me.’

  ‘I like both your parents, Angela – but it’s you I care about. I realise the divorce will hurt you; it’s not as if you’re not a child, though.’

  ‘No, of course not.’ Angela sat down with her wineglass and took a sip. ‘I’d rather not quarrel with you, Mark.’

  ‘We shan’t quarrel,’ he said and his smile caught at her heart. ‘At least, I shan’t. I do want us to be friends again, Angela. It hasn’t been the same since Carole – has it?’

  ‘No. I think we’ve both felt awkward …’

  ‘Well, I know I was embarrassed,’ Mark said. ‘I made such a fool of myself—’

  ‘No, she deceived you,’ Angela said. ‘I never thought she was good enough for you, Mark – and if that annoys you, I’m sorry.’

  ‘I feel rather flattered, actually,’ Mark said. ‘I’d like to have dinner one night – we shall have to consult our diaries. I know you’re busy most of the time.’

  ‘Come to the zoo with us this weekend,’ Angela said suddenly. ‘My father is coming and some of the carers; we can take them out for tea afterwards.’

  Mark moved towards her, taking her hands in his and pulling her to her feet. For a moment he looked into her eyes and then he sighed. ‘You know I want to make love to you, but deep down, you’re still angry with me and I want it to be right for us when it happens, and it will happen, Angela. You must admit there’s something between us, my dear. However, I’ve waited this long and I can wait a bit longer.’

  ‘Mark …’ she felt regret as she saw the withdrawal in his eyes. ‘I do care for you, you know that—’

  ‘Yes, and perhaps one day you will trust me,’ he said. ‘I’ll come to the zoo with you on Sunday, Angela. Think about what I’ve said and try to understand that you mean too much to me to let these disagreements over your mother sour our relationship. I don’t want an affair with you, Angela. I want far, far more …’

  He bent his head, kissed her softly on the lips, turned and went out, leaving Angela to stare after him.

  ‘Angela, may I have a word with you, please?’

  ‘Yes, of course, Wendy. Please come in,’ Angela said, looking up from the report she was typing. ‘What seems to be the trouble?’

  ‘It’s Sarah May,’ Wendy said anxiously. ‘She seems to be fading away, Angela. She told me Samantha is hurting and she can feel her pain. I know that sounds unlikely, but she’s in such distress and she got cross with me when I didn’t believe her immediately. This morning she isn’t talking to me at all, and she’s so thin and pale that I’m worried she’s pining for her sister. Is there any news about Samantha?’

  ‘Nothing more as yet,’ Angela frowned. ‘Mr Yarwood was going to see what he could do for us, but I haven’t heard from him.’

  ‘Well, I thought you should know that Sarah isn’t right. I can’t say she’s ill – but I’m worried about her. She keeps on saying “Samantha hurts”, and I’m not sure whether she means that she hurts or whether she really feels that Samantha is ill.’

  ‘I’ll telephone Mr Yarwood and ask him what is happening,’ Angela promised. ‘But there’s nothing much I can do beyond that. As things stand, Miss Jane May has the Welfare people’s blessing. Much as I might disagree with their decision—’ She broke off and sighed. ‘I will do what I can, Wendy, but I’m afraid this is going to be a long drawn out process. The Welfare department won’t act unless it can be proven that Miss May is actually causing the twins distress by keeping them apart and it is affecting their health.’

  ‘It’s so unfair!’ Wendy blurted, unable to contain her anger. ‘The poor child needs her sister, and that heartless woman won’t let them be together …’

  ‘Yes, I realise it’s very hard on Sarah. But for all we know, Samantha might be getting on well at her aunt’s, she might be relieved at not having to look after her twin.’

  ‘I bet she hates it there,’ Wendy said passionately. ‘I’ve a good mind to go round there and tell that woman that Sarah needs her sister. I’ll go this afternoon, if you’ll give me the aunt’s address.’

  Angela shook her head. ‘No, Wendy, I’m sorry. I can’t do that. For one thing, I doubt it would help. You must wait until the law takes its course.’

  ‘It might be too late by then,’ Wendy said, and closed the door with a bang as she left Angela’s office.

  Angela was taken aback; Wendy was usually so gentle and even-tempered. Clearly, Sarah’s distress had upset her a great deal. Angela too was upset to think of Sarah pining for her sister and believing that the pain she was feeling was Samantha’s. Though she’d heard about the special understanding that existed between twins, she’d never encountered a case like this. And given that Sarah was somewhat easily confused, they had to be wary of setting too much store by what she said. All the same, it was worrying.

  She decided to telephone Mr Yarwood to see if he had any news for her. As she reached across her desk to pick up the receiver, it rang. She snatched it up and listened as Henry Arnold’s voice came over the line.

  ‘Angela, how are you? I have some news concerning the May twins – I wondered if you would meet me for lunch today?’

  ‘Oh, what time?’ Angela asked and glanced at her watch. ‘It’s twelve now – perhaps if we met near here?’

  ‘What about that pub on the corner?’

  ‘Fine. Shall we say one o’clock?’

  ‘One it is. I’ll look forward to seeing you then.’

  ‘What—’ Angela started, but he’d hung up.

  What sort of news did Henry Arnold have and why did he need to see her to deliver it? Couldn’t he have told her over the phone? She was annoyed with herself for giving in so easily; it was obvious Mr Arnold wanted her to be beholden to him, though she had no idea why. Her instinct was still telling her that he wasn’t to be trusted; something about his proposals for St Saviour’s was ringing alarm bells in her brain, though she couldn’t for the life of her think why that should be.

  At least she knew one thing that he didn’t, and Angela had the distinct feeling Mr Arnold wouldn’t be too pleased to discover that she was expecting to be promoted to the Board herself.

  ‘I’ve spoken to Miss Sampson about Samantha,’ Henry said as they sat down at the table in the corner. He looked around him. ‘It’s not bad in here – is the food any good?’

  ‘It’s all right for a simple meal,’ Angela replied. ‘I always have a salad if I come here at lunchtime. What news do you have concerning the twins?’

  ‘Well, after reading the various reports, Miss Sampson has agreed that St Sav
iour’s can keep Sarah on a permanent basis. However I’m afraid at the moment she is holding out for the other girl remaining with her aunt. She believes that children should be with family whenever possible.’

  ‘I’m glad they’re not going to try to take Sarah away from us – I would fight tooth and nail to keep her. But the fact is, she needs her sister. One of my nurses was telling me only this morning that she is pining for Samantha. Can’t these fools in the Welfare department see that twins need to be together? All children fare better if they have their siblings with them at that age, and Sarah is even more dependent on her twin than most.’

  ‘Yes, I do understand that, but in the end it might be better for both of them, don’t you think? I know you see it from Sarah’s side, and I can’t blame you for that, because I’ve been told she is a lovely child …’ Henry gave her a winning smile and reached across to touch her hand. ‘Don’t treat me as the enemy, Angela. You must know how much I like you? I appreciate you as a colleague and I know you have the children’s happiness at heart – and I’m going to keep trying. I’ve asked Ruth to let you put your case to her and she’s agreed – but she does need proof that Samantha would be better off with her sister. You see, it is the accepted norm that relatives should care for the children if they can …’

  ‘Miss Sampson has agreed to see me?’

  ‘Yes. She’s a busy woman, Angela, as you are – but she’s promised to telephone and make an appointment soon. So you see, I have done as I promised.’

  ‘Yes, you have, and I do appreciate it.’ Angela relaxed. ‘I know you’re not the enemy, Henry.’

  ‘Thank you.’ He couldn’t keep the triumph from his eyes. ‘I’m rather hoping we can be friends – good friends. Perhaps even more …’

  Angela was about to inform him that she would never be interested in more than a casual friendship, but something held her back. Her instincts told her that Henry would be a bad enemy. She preferred him to be friendly, even if she wasn’t interested in taking friendship as far as he was clearly hoping.

  Angela was deep in thought as she sat down at her desk after lunch. She was pleased that Sarah was being allowed to stay at the home, but the problem of Samantha still remained. If Sarah was pining for her, they needed to get Samantha back here as soon as possible. Miss Sampson might be prepared to give her a fair hearing, but even if she agreed to take action it could take months to wade through all the red tape. Perhaps if she rang Mr Yarwood he might be able to suggest something that could get their case pushed to the front of the queue.

  She reached into her top drawer for the small book of addresses and telephone numbers she kept there, but the compartment it usually occupied was empty. Frowning, Angela closed the drawer and opened the next one down; the book was lying on top of a bundle of papers. The back of her neck prickled; she would never have put it in there – this was where she kept all the receipts that had yet to be entered into the accounts.

  Had someone taken the book out to find a number or an address? If so, Angela suspected she knew the culprit. Yet surely Staff Nurse Wendy would not be so foolish? She’d asked for Miss Jane May’s address and Angela had refused it – she couldn’t reveal confidential material like that … besides, it would only make things worse if Wendy went round to the aunt’s house and made a scene.

  Angela was on the point of going in search of Wendy when the door opened and Nan came in looking worried.

  ‘Are you busy, Angela?’ she asked. ‘Only I wanted to talk to you about Tilly …’

  ‘Has she been careless again?’ Angela asked. ‘She seems such a pleasant girl, Nan – but she is inclined to go her own way at times.’

  ‘Muriel was complaining about her. Apparently, she helped herself to a sandwich and tea without asking when she got in this morning – and you know how Muriel feels about her kitchen.’

  ‘I do indeed,’ Angela said. ‘Would you like me to speak to Tilly again? I would rather not let her go – we’ve lost too many of our girls recently.’

  ‘Alice will soon be coming back for a few hours twice a week,’ Nan said. ‘But I don’t want you to sack Tilly. I was hoping you could get her to tell you what’s wrong. I’ve tried talking to her, but she says she’s fine and apologises if she’s done something she shouldn’t.’

  ‘Well, if she won’t tell you … but of course I’ll try. Will you ask her to come and see me?’

  ‘She’s in the staff room,’ Nan said. ‘If I’m not mistaken, she’s been crying.’

  ‘All right. I’ll go now,’ Angela said, smothering a sigh. It looked as though she would have to wait until this evening to talk to Wendy about going round to Miss Jane May’s house.

  Tilly looked up as Angela entered the staff room. She had obviously been crying; her eyes were red and she had a handkerchief in her fist and was rubbing at her face.

  ‘You’ll make it worse, Tilly,’ Angela said gently. ‘You need to wash your face with cold water – but before you do, I’d like you to tell me what is making you so unhappy.’

  ‘I know you’re going to sack me,’ Tilly said defiantly. ‘I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to make myself a sandwich—’

  ‘I think you must have known,’ Angela said, her voice slightly sterner. ‘Please don’t lie, Tilly. You must be aware that Muriel has a very tight budget and needs to keep a check on things, especially with butter and cheese still rationed.’

  ‘I was hungry. I didn’t get any breakfast and I didn’t think one sandwich would matter.’

  ‘It’s the principle,’ Angela said. ‘Why didn’t you have breakfast before you came – trouble at home?’ Tilly nodded but avoided her gaze. ‘Can’t you tell me, Tilly? I really don’t want to sack you. At St Saviour’s we prefer to keep our staff – but you do need to learn the rules and to be more careful. We can’t have carers forgetting to put protective aprons on in the sick ward or we’ll have everyone ill, and Cook doesn’t like girls helping themselves to food without asking her.’

  ‘I wasn’t thinking, Mrs Morton,’ Tilly sobbed. ‘I’ve quarrelled with my mother and him, and now I’ve got to leave my home.’

  ‘Why – and who is this “him” you’ve quarrelled with?’

  ‘Me stepdad – and he’s a filthy brute, no matter what Ma says,’ Tilly said with a flash of defiance. ‘For months now he’s been tryin’ it on … pawing at me and leering. Well, this morning he grabbed me and shoved me up against the wall and stuck his hand up me skirt. I went for him and Ma heard – and we had a terrible row. I walked out and I shan’t go back.’ She shuddered, a look of such disgust and anger in her eyes that Angela immediately felt for her.

  ‘Nor should you,’ Angela said. ‘Did you bring your clothes with you?’

  ‘Some …’ Tilly stared at her. ‘Why?’

  ‘We have a spare room at the Nurses’ Home and I’m going to let you have it – at least for a while, until you decide what you want to do.’

  ‘You’d do that for me?’ Tilly seemed stunned. ‘No one’s never done nothin’ for me before.’

  ‘Then it’s time someone did.’ Angela smiled. ‘I’m going to give you another chance to prove yourself to us, Tilly – is that a deal?’

  ‘Yeah, I reckon so,’ Tilly said and grinned. ‘You’re all right, Mrs Morton. I give yer my word I’ll work hard and I won’t be careless. I’ve ’ad so much on me mind …’

  ‘Yes, I expect you have,’ Angela said. ‘I think you’ve made the right decision. Now let’s go and see that room, shall we?’

  TWENTY-FIVE

  ‘Well, will this do?’ Angela asked as she unlocked the door of the vacant room. ‘I think the bed needs making up, but if you tell Nan about the new arrangements she’ll give you clean linen and towels. It means you’ll join the children for breakfast in the mornings and you’ll have all your meals with us.’

  ‘Do I pay for them, Mrs Morton?’

  ‘No. Our live-in girls get all their meals free, but they are expected to be in earlier in the mornings and
stay later if need be – so will this solve your problem, Tilly?’

  ‘Yes, miss. I can’t thank you enough!’

  ‘In that case, I’ll leave you to hang your clothes up,’ Angela said. ‘If you need to fetch more things, you should ask one of us to go with you.’

  ‘I’ll make sure I go when he’s out,’ Tilly said. ‘I’m not afraid of me ma. She only took his side ’cos she can’t manage without him.’

  ‘Well, you know best,’ Angela said. ‘But we look after our girls and I’m perfectly prepared to come with you if you need moral support.’

  Leaving Tilly to settle into her new room, Angela hurried down the stairs, intent on getting back to her office and telephoning Mr Yarwood. As she opened the back door, she saw something across the small garden that separated the Nurses’ Home from the children’s home that made her break into a run. Wendy had reached the foot of the main stairs when Angela caught her – and she was holding the hand of Samantha May.

  ‘What do you think you’re doing, Wendy?’ Angela asked in as calm a tone as she could manage. ‘Samantha, does your aunt know you’re here?’

  ‘She wasn’t there,’ Wendy said, taking a firmer hold of Samantha’s hand and ushering her forward so Angela could see her. ‘Look at her, just look at the state of her! Tell Mrs Morton what happened, Samantha. Don’t be afraid …’

  Angela frowned as she saw that the child’s skirt was stained and her hair looked as if it hadn’t been washed since her aunt had fetched her weeks before.

  ‘Aunt Jane went shopping two days ago and I haven’t seen her since,’ Samantha said. ‘She told me to stay where I was and not move until she got back – but there’s no food in the house and it was cold.’

  ‘Didn’t you go to school?’

  ‘No, miss. Not yesterday or today. Aunt Jane would’ve been cross if I’d gone out – and when she’s cross she canes me.’ Her head dropped and she clung to Wendy’s hand.

  Angela was momentarily lost for words. Having seen the hopeless look in the child’s eyes, she didn’t doubt Samantha was telling the truth.