by Kitty Neale
‘All right, love, give me a chance,’ Lily said, yet she was relieved to lower Bobby onto the rug. She looked around the room to see that, other than toys scattered across the floor, it looked immaculate. ‘Blimey, Mavis, you’ve been busy.’
‘I haven’t got anything else to do and it’s kept me occupied. I wish I could say the same for the children. James is missing school, Grace her nursery, and it’s getting them down being cooped up.’
‘Cooped up. Why? There’s a nice little common close by and I’m sure I saw some swings. I know it’s cold, but if you wrap them up warmly, they’d be fine.’
Mavis glanced at the children and keeping her voice low she said, ‘No, we can’t go out.’
‘Why not?’
‘Alec must be looking for us, he might see us,’ she hissed.
Lily looked at the children too, her voice quiet but firm. ‘Mavis, you’re miles away from Ellington Avenue, and Alec has no idea where you are. Anyway, despite the fact that I denied it, he probably thinks you’re living with me.’
‘I can’t risk it, Mum. I just can’t.’
‘Don’t be silly. You can’t stay in this flat for twenty-four hours a day. It isn’t fair on the children.’
‘If Alec finds me, he’ll take them away, I know he will.’
‘All right, have it your own way and stay in, but at least it shouldn’t be for much longer. I’ve asked about the house and hope to hear something soon. Now how about making me and Pete a nice cup of tea?’
‘I…I haven’t got any milk left.’
‘So you haven’t even been to the shops?’
‘No, I told you. I daren’t go out.’
‘Oh, love, you’re making your life a misery and there’s no need.’
‘No, Mum, I’m not miserable. I’m happier than I’ve been in years. Yes, we’re cooped up, but we’re safe and it’s heaven.’
‘Pete, if Mavis tells you what she needs, would you mind going to the shops?’
‘Of course I will,’ Pete said. ‘Mind you, it might be better to write me a list.’
‘I wish I could, Pete,’ Mavis said wryly.
‘Sorry, love, I forgot, but tell your mother what you want and she’ll write it down.’
Lily followed Mavis to the kitchen, and like the living room it was tidy, every surface gleaming. ‘You put me to shame, Mavis,’ she said, opening the cupboards to find most nearly empty.
‘I told you, it’s kept me occupied and, let’s face it, housework is all I’m fit for.’
‘Stop it, my girl, stop putting yourself down. All right, you can’t read and write, but what about art? You used to love it, and there’s nothing to stop you taking it up again.’
‘No, Mum, it’s too late now.’
‘Will you stop talking like an old woman whose life is nearly over? You’ll be twenty-five in March, not seventy-five.’
‘I wouldn’t be any good. Alec said I’m useless at everything and he’s right.’
‘No, he is not!’ Lily said, enunciating each word firmly. ‘Mavis, I used to put you down too, but I ain’t proud of myself. I know better now, and if you want to take up art again, I’ll do everything I can to help you.’
‘Mum, all I want right now is to get the children settled.’
Lily could sense that this wasn’t the time to push it, so for now she said, ‘Whatever you say, but let’s get this list done.’
‘Milk should be first on the list, and bread,’ Mavis said.
‘Yes, plus eggs, bacon, cheese, tea, sugar, more cereals, and what about meals for the week? Shall we say sausages, mince for shepherd’s pie, and beef for a stew? Think of a few other meals while I write down what vegetables you’ll need.’
‘Mum, please, don’t go mad. I…I’ve only got a couple of pounds in my purse.’
‘Who said anything about you paying for it?’
Mavis ran both hands over her face, her voice agonised. ‘I thought I could do this, but I can’t, Mum. I can’t let you keep us. Until I can stand on my own two feet, I…I’ll have to go back to Alec.’
‘You’ll do no such thing,’ Lily insisted. ‘Mavis, let me do this for you. I not only want to, I need to do it. All I want is to see you happy, with you and the kids close to me.’
‘Oh, Mum…’
Lily held out her arms and Mavis almost fell into them, the two of them holding each other until at last Lily said, ‘Tell me you ain’t going back to him, Mavis.’
‘All right, I won’t, but someday I’ll find a way to pay back every penny that it’s going to cost you to support us.’
‘Yeah, all right,’ Lily agreed, relief flooding through her, ‘but there’s no hurry.’
Blast, Tommy thought. What was the matter with him? He hadn’t seen Mavis since he’d gone to collect a few things, but he couldn’t put her out of his mind. Despite telling himself that he must be out of his mind, Tommy found that he desperately wanted to see her again. Mavis had only just escaped an abusive marriage, and she wouldn’t want another man in her life, not for a long time—if ever. And not only that, he didn’t want another woman in his.
Tommy tried again to concentrate on his account book. He liked doing them on a Saturday morning, but the figures swam before his eyes. Since moving back to Jenny’s, he’d heard more about Mavis’s married life, and though he’d only seen Alec Pugh once, it was enough to make him want to throttle the bastard.
An hour later, Tommy was still trying to put Mavis from his mind, but it was no good. Despite all his resolve, he picked up the telephone, searching for an excuse.
‘Mavis,’ he said when she answered. ‘Do you mind if I pop over later to collect a few more things?’
‘No, of course not, but my mother’s here at the moment.’
‘I didn’t mean right now. I meant later.’
‘That’ll be fine, and is Jenny coming with you?’
‘I dunno, but I could ask her if you like.’
‘I’d love to see her and I’m sure my son would love to see Greg.’
‘All right. Shall we say around four o’clock?’
‘Yes, see you then.’
‘Thanks and bye, Mavis.’
‘Bye, Tommy,’ she said softly.
He replaced the receiver, finding that he had an inane smile on his face. Why did Mavis have this effect on him? He tried to sort out his accounts again but found it impossible. He couldn’t stop looking at the clock, his thoughts on Mavis and the fact that he’d see her again in a few hours.
Impatiently he closed his account book and throwing on his coat he left the office, locking the door behind him. He might as well go back to Jenny’s, have a bath and spruce himself up. The last time Mavis had seen him, he hadn’t even had a wash, had just bolted his dinner before going to the flat with Jenny.
What did it matter? Why was he bothering to spruce himself up this time? You know why, a small voice whispered from the back of his mind, one that Tommy couldn’t ignore. Yes, he knew why, but it was madness, sheer madness.
By four o’clock, Mavis was ready. She had changed into her nicest skirt and top, and had even put on a little make-up. The compact was old, hardly used, and the lipstick she’d found at the bottom of a handbag little more than a stub, yet even so she felt a little better when she looked at her reflection in the mirror.
The last time Tommy had seen her, Mavis had been aware that she looked a mess and had felt gauche when he looked at her, but at least this time she felt a little more confident. Yet why had she bothered? It wasn’t as if she cared about what Tommy thought of her. After all, she wasn’t on the rebound and looking for another man in her life. No, that was the last thing she needed.
When there was a knock on the door, Mavis found her heart thumping in her chest, but managed to open it with a smile on her face. ‘Jenny, it’s lovely to see you,’ she said, avoiding Tommy’s eyes as she turned to her son. ‘Look, James, look who’s come to see you. It’s Greg.’
‘Greg!’ James said, jumping to his feet, a wide smile
on his face.
It was nice to see James happy, the two boys soon sitting on the floor together, Grace pestering them as usual, unwilling to be left out. Mavis found that she still couldn’t look at Tommy, but thankfully it was Jenny who held her attention.
‘Mavis, there’s a for sale sign outside your house.’
‘What! Alec’s selling it?’
‘If there’s a board up I should think that’s obvious,’ Tommy said dryly.
Mavis felt herself flushing. He’d only been there for a few minutes and already she’d made herself sound foolish. ‘But…but I can’t believe Alec’s going to sell it. He loves that house.’
‘I must admit I’m surprised too,’ Jenny said, ‘and don’t take any notice of Tommy. He’s always had a sarcastic sense of humour.’
‘Yes, that’s true, but look at this place,’ Tommy said as his eyes swept the room. ‘It looks amazing.’
‘Yes, and Mavis does too,’ Jenny said. ‘Don’t you think so, Tommy?’
‘Stunning,’ Tommy said, ‘but then you always were a looker, Mavis.’
‘Me!’ she said, flushing again when she heard her voice come out in a high squeak.
‘Yes, and no wonder you flashed your willie at her,’ Jenny chuckled.
‘Do you have to keep bringing that up?’ Tommy admonished. ‘It isn’t something I’m proud of.’
‘Sorry, love, but you’ve got to admit it’s funny.’
‘To you maybe, but I doubt Mavis sees it like that. I was just a stupid kid, but that’s no excuse and, Mavis, I can’t tell you how sorry I am, how much I regret it now.’
‘It was a long time ago and all water under the bridge,’ she said softly. ‘Now can I get you both anything? Tea? Coffee?’
‘Coffee, please,’ Tommy said.
‘Yeah, me too.’
Mavis was glad to escape to the kitchen. Tommy had changed so much and it was nice that he’d apologised. He’d also said she was stunning and Mavis still couldn’t believe it. He was just being kind, of course, and she knew that, but it was such a nice thing to say and her heart warmed towards him.
‘How are you getting on?’ Jenny said as she joined her in the kitchen.
‘I’m fine, but I still can’t believe that Alec is selling the house.’
‘Maybe he’s trying to get out of giving you your share. You should see a solicitor and quickly.’
‘No, I don’t want anything from him.’
‘Mavis, don’t be silly. You might not want anything, but you’ve got to think about the kids.’
Mavis knew that Jenny was right, that she’d have to see a solicitor. It would be taken out of her hands then, left for the divorce court to decide on her settlement. ‘Yes, all right, I’ll see a solicitor.’
With drinks in hand they returned to the living room to see Tommy sitting on the floor with the children, doing his best to put James’s train set together.
Jenny placed a cup beside Tommy as Mavis sat down, watching as he bantered with the children. He was good with them, and Mavis could see they liked him, Grace even inching over onto his lap. Tommy wrapped his arms around her as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Mavis wished Alec could have been like that, but he had never been a father who played with his children, instead taking the role of a dictator.
‘Mavis, is there any news on the house in Peckham?’ Jenny asked.
‘Shh,’ Mavis hissed. ‘I haven’t told the children yet. My mum has spoken to the agent, so hopefully I’ll hear something soon.’
With the track now fitted together, Tommy stood Grace up before standing up too, but Grace clung on to his leg like a limpet. With a wry smile he sat on a chair, and immediately she climbed onto his lap again, laying her head against his chest.
‘Tommy, you’ve got yourself a fan,’ Jenny said.
‘That’s nice, but I don’t know why.’
‘Grace is like that,’ Mavis explained. ‘There are certain people that she takes to, my mum being one, and when my dad was ill we could hardly drag her away from his side.’
‘Well, darlin’, I’m sorry to disturb you,’ Tommy said, smiling down at Grace, ‘but it’s time to grab a few more of my things, and then we can leave your mum in peace.’
‘No, nice man stay.’
‘Tommy, surely we don’t have to go yet?’ Jenny protested. ‘We’ve only been here for about half an hour and Greg’s hardly had a chance to play with James.’
‘All right, if Mavis doesn’t mind, perhaps another half an hour.’
‘Stay as long as you like,’ Mavis said.
Tommy lowered his head, whispered something in Grace’s ear, and she grinned up at him.
Mavis decided she had to be mistaken. Surely Tommy hadn’t whispered, forever? But then Tommy gave her a cheeky wink and Mavis blushed.
Embarrassed, she lowered her head. She’d once been afraid of Tommy Wilson, but it wasn’t fear she felt now—it was something else, an attraction, but one Mavis refused to acknowledge. She was making a fresh start, moving next door to her mother, and her priority would be her children. They had seen too much, had witnessed their father’s violence, and her only goal now was to keep them safe and happy.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Nearly two weeks had passed since Mavis had left Alec, and on Friday, rent day, Lily opened her door to the agent, her book and the money held out.
‘Well,’ she said impatiently as he marked the rent book, ‘have you spoken to Mr Pellerman again?’
‘What about?’
‘The house next door.’
‘Oh, yeah. He’s still thinking about it.’
‘What’s to think about? He can’t be making money on an empty house.’
‘Look, he isn’t happy about a woman and two kids living there without a husband. I mean, what if she can’t pay the rent?’
Lily thought quickly. ‘Tell Pellerman she’ll pay six months in advance. That should keep him happy.’
‘Six months you say? All right, I’ll have another word with him, but I ain’t making any promises.’
‘When will you let me know?’
‘I dunno, but as soon as I can. I’m a busy man and no doubt there’ll be others wanting to talk to me about that house,’ he said, giving Lily a pointed look as he handed back the book.
Lily’s eyes narrowed. ‘Wait there a minute,’ she said, puffing as, with Bobby in her arms, she hurried upstairs. In her bedroom Lily placed Bobby on the floor while she pulled a tin box from the back of her wardrobe, and, after taking out a five-pound note, she swept Bobby into her arms again.
‘Here,’ she said, thrusting it at the young agent when she was back at the front door. ‘Will that help?’
‘Yes, missus, it certainly will,’ he said, giving her a swift cheeky wink. ‘I’m sure I can persuade Mr Pellerman to let your daughter have the house now. In fact, she can move in on Monday.’
‘Thanks,’ Lily ground out through clenched teeth, and as the agent walked away she almost slammed the door. Bastard, she thought. He must have been waiting for a backhander all this time—but at least she had the money to pay it.
She lifted Bobby in the air, grinning now as she looked up at his face. ‘I’ve done it, darling, and now your big sister will be moving in next door. I’ll ring her to pass on the good news.’
There was another knock on the door and, settling Bobby back in her arms, Lily went to answer it.
‘What did he say?’ Marilyn asked as she stepped inside. ‘Can Mavis have the house?’
‘Yeah, I think so, but it took a backhander.’
‘When that new agent took over, I didn’t like the look of him. The last one was all right, firm if you got a bit behind with the rent, but fair, and I never heard of him taking a bribe. You should report this one to Mr Pellerman.’
‘No, I’m not risking it, not until Mavis has moved in. Even then it might be dodgy. It’s his word against mine and I don’t want him finding ways to get her out again. She needs to be settl
ed, Marilyn, to feel secure, safe.’
‘Yeah, the poor girl, and after what she’s been through, she deserves a bit of happiness.’ Marilyn tickled Bobby under his chin. ‘And you, darling, will have James and Grace to play with. I’ll be off, Lily. I’ve got a cake in the oven and only popped round to see if there was any news.’
Lily closed the door behind her friend and then rang Mavis. ‘It’s good news, love,’ she said as her daughter answered. ‘You can move into the house on Monday.’
‘Mum, that’s wonderful.’
‘Get packing, girl, and first thing on Monday morning me and Pete will be over to pick you up. Hang on, have you got enough food to get you over the weekend?’
‘Yes, I’ll manage.’
‘That’s good, and you’d better tell Tommy Wilson that he can have his flat back. I still can’t get over that it’s his place, and it was nice of him to let you stay there.’
‘Yes, it was and I’ll ring him now.’
‘All right, and I’ve already scouted around for some furniture. It ain’t much, but it’ll see you through for now.’
‘I don’t care what it’s like, anything will do.’
‘It ain’t that bad, but I’d best ring off. I need to shoot down there to arrange delivery for Monday.’
‘Thanks, Mum.’
‘There’s no need to thank me. I’m just chuffed to bits that we’ve got the house sorted out at last,’ Lily said, saying a quick goodbye before ringing off.
Lily smiled with happiness. As Marilyn said, it would be lovely for Bobby. He’d grow up with family around him, and once Mavis had settled, no matter what it took, she’d see to it that it was a happy, loving environment.
Tommy picked up the telephone, his stomach doing a flip when he heard Mavis’s voice.
‘Tommy, it’s Mavis.’
‘What’s wrong? Has something happened?’ he asked anxiously. If that bastard Alec Pugh had found Mavis, if he’d laid a finger on her…
‘No, everything’s fine. I’m just ringing to let you know that we’ll be moving out on Monday. You can have your flat back at last.’
‘I see. Well, thanks for letting me know.’
‘What shall I do with the keys?’