by Joan Jonker
‘All right.’ Claire pulled a face. ‘I felt so shy I hardly said a word. And every time he spoke to me, I blushed like a schoolgirl. I’m not used to talking to members of the opposite sex, ’cos it’s been so long since my husband died, and I couldn’t find anything to talk about.’
‘Tell us all about it,’ Nellie said, leaning forward and lifting her bosom on to the table. ‘Did he take yer in the best seats, and buy yer some chocolates?’
‘Yes, they were good seats, very near the front, and he did buy me some chocolates. It was the first time in me life I went to see a play, and once I got accustomed to him sitting next to me, I really enjoyed it.’
Nellie’s chin was almost touching the table by this time. ‘Did he hold yer hand?’
Claire’s laugh rang out. ‘Certainly not! I’m not a young girl any more, Nellie, I’m a widow with two children. But apart from that, I wouldn’t have let him hold me hand anyway, ’cos I hardly know the man. He seems respectable enough, and I suppose you could say he is charming. Very good company, and considering he’s a bachelor he knows how to treat a lady and make her feel special.’
‘Did yer find out any more about him?’ Molly asked. ‘Like where he lives, and what he does for a living? He must have money to take you to the theatre, in the best seats, and with chocolates. My Jack never had enough money to treat me to those luxuries.’
‘Neither did Bill, Molly, so we were in the same boat. And if I could just have one wish, it would be to have Bill back and I’d never moan again about being hard up. Graham Collins is a nice bloke, but he certainly doesn’t make me heart beat faster, like Bill did every time he walked through the door.’
Molly’s eyes gave out a warning to Nellie before she asked, ‘He’d already told yer he lived with his mother. Did he say where?’
‘He didn’t say the name of the street, at least I don’t think so. But apparently it’s not too far away from here. It’s a six-roomed house, and he has someone come in to clean ’cos his mother is getting on in years. And he deals in antiques.’
‘Ooh, he must have money, girl, and he must be clever. I’d say he was a real toff.’ Nellie would have loved to have said her and Molly knew where he lived because they’d passed the house. But with Molly’s eyes boring into her, she was careful with her words. ‘Does he speak frightfully far back, like what posh people do?’
‘He’s well spoken,’ Claire told her, ‘but he doesn’t act like a toff. What I mean is, he doesn’t make yer feel as though he comes from a better class. If I’d thought for one minute he was talking down to me, I’d have been off like a ruddy shot.’
‘I should think so, sunshine,’ Molly told her. ‘I’m sure he was very proud of himself having someone so beautiful on his arm.’
‘Beauty is skin deep, Molly, it’s what’s inside which is more important. Anyway, I had a nice night out, and he was good company. Never once did he get too familiar, or try to overstep the mark.’
Nellie was thinking it was a pity he’d acted like a gentleman. How much more exciting it would have been if he’d tried to have his wicked way with Claire. ‘Did he ask yer for another date, girl?’
Claire nodded. ‘I’m going out with him on Tuesday night. Ken said he’d stay in with Amy, ’cos I wouldn’t leave her on her own, she’s too young. I’ve told the kids that when I know him a bit better, I’ll take him home so they can meet him. It won’t be for a while, though, ’cos I don’t want him to think I’m looking for a husband. It’s nice to have a gentleman friend, but that’s as far as it goes. At least for the foreseeable future.’
‘That’s wise of yer, sunshine,’ Molly said. ‘There’s nothing to be gained by rushing into something without giving it plenty of thought. But I’m sure yer don’t need me to tell yer that, Claire, ’cos I think yer’ve got yer head screwed on the right way.’
‘If I didn’t, our Ken would soon tell me,’ Claire said with a smile. ‘Since Bill died, my son has always been there for me. He watches over me like a hawk. He’s a very sensible lad for his age, and if I was to take Graham home, and Ken didn’t take to him, then he’d soon let me know. He’s the man of the house since he started work, and that’s the way we both like it.’
Molly nodded in agreement. She hadn’t known Claire long, but she had taken a strong liking to her, and would be sorry to see her hurt. But from what she’d just heard, Claire had her two feet firmly on the ground. ‘There’s still a few sandwiches left, so I’ll make a fresh pot of tea to wash them down with.’
Nellie sat up straight in her chair. ‘D’yer want me to come and help yer, girl?’
‘No, you stay and talk to Claire, sunshine. It won’t take me five minutes to boil the kettle.’ After putting a light to one of the gas rings, Molly popped her head round the door. ‘Try and keep yer conversation away from yer bedroom, sunshine, there’s a good girl.’
‘I’d better bring these cups out to rinse, ’cos there’s leaves on the bottom. Yer should have used the strainer, girl.’
‘Oh, I forgot! I’ll come and get them, sunshine. Don’t you bother getting up.’
Nellie winked at Claire when Molly came in and collected the empty cups. ‘She’s a good mate is Molly, one in a million. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I’d be lost.’
‘Flattery will get yer one custard cream, sunshine. Will that do yer? Yer’d have got two if yer’d piled it on.’
Nellie grinned. ‘Am I too late to say that me life would be empty without yer?’
‘Don’t push yer luck, Nellie: it’s one custard cream each. Yer’ve had a cream slice – that should have been enough for yer.’
‘Oh, it was, girl, it was! I’m only having a custard cream ’cos yer’ve talked me into it.’
When Molly came back into the living room she was carrying the empty cups, the pot of fresh tea, and a determination to keep the conversation away from Graham Collins. ‘Have yer got good neighbours, Claire?’
‘Yes, Molly, I’ve got good neighbours. They’d do yer a good turn before they’d do yer a bad one. But I haven’t got one I’m particularly friendly with, not like you and Nellie. Me best mate is our Ken. He doesn’t go out much once he gets home from work, but stays in and keeps me company.’
‘Hasn’t he got any friends? Lads of his own age?’
‘There’s a few he knows from his school days, but I believe the reason he doesn’t go out is because he doesn’t like leaving me. I know it’s wrong, and I’ve told him, but I think he feels guilty about me being alone. Amy goes to bed about eight or half past, but I don’t mind being on me own. It gives me a chance to catch up on me housework.’
‘If I’d known that, I’d have told yer to ask him to come last Friday night.’ Molly was remembering the lad who delivered her greens last Christmas, and how she’d taken to him. ‘Our Ruthie had a few friends in for a game of cards, and Ken would have been welcome. They had a good laugh and enjoyed themselves. There was Ruthie and her friend Bella, and three local lads. Next time there’s something going on, I’ll tell Phil to let Ken know. He would enjoy himself, ’cos they’re all nice kids.’
‘It’s what he needs, Molly, to mix with youngsters his own age. So if there’s ever a game of cards going, let me know and I’ll make sure he comes.’ Claire glanced at the clock. ‘I don’t feel like moving, but I know I’ve got to. Amy doesn’t like coming home to an empty house.’
‘Me and Nellie will come to the door with yer, to get a bit of fresh air.’ Molly grinned at her mate. ‘We’ll leave the dishes and do them later, eh, sunshine? Come on, let’s see if any of the neighbours are having a fight so we can stand and watch.’ She chuckled as she pushed her chair back under the table. ‘Come to think of it, Nellie, every fight I’ve ever known in this street has been between you and Elsie Flanaghan.’
Molly stepped down to the pavement and looked up at the lovely blue sky. ‘It’s a beautiful day. Just look at those puffs of white clouds floating in the air. That means God is in his heaven and all is ri
ght with the world.’
‘Don’t be going all sloppy on us, or yer’ll have me crying.’ Nellie suddenly lifted her hand and waved. ‘Look who’s coming up the street, girl.’
Molly’s face lit up when she saw Jill and Doreen on the opposite side of the street, pushing prams. ‘Oh, it’s me daughters, Claire. Don’t rush off without meeting them.’ And like the proud grandmother she was, she added, ‘And yer must see me grandchildren.’
‘Good grief, Molly, they’re the spitting image of yer,’ Claire said as they crossed the cobbles. ‘They’re lovely girls.’
Molly made the introductions. ‘Claire hasn’t got much time; she has to be home for her daughter. But let her have a peep at Bobby and little Molly.’
‘I know all about you from Phil,’ Doreen said. ‘He told me your son is always singing your praises. And my husband said he’s a lovely lad, and a real grafter.’
‘It’s thanks to your husband that Ken’s got a job,’ Claire said with feeling. ‘We both owe a great deal to him, and to all your family, and Nellie’s. And now, before I have to dash off, can I see the babies I’ve heard so much about?’
Bobby was gurgling as usual, his small face alight with laughter. ‘Oh, he’s lovely.’ Claire held out a finger which Bobby gripped. ‘He seems a contented baby.’
Doreen was delighted to sing her son’s praises. ‘He’s just got his first tooth through, and there’s never been a peep out of him. And no more getting up in the night to feed him; he sleeps right through till seven o’clock every day.’
‘You’re very lucky. Not many babies do that.’ Claire laughed. ‘Both of mine had a hard time when they were cutting their teeth.’
‘This is my lovely daughter,’ Jill said, lifting Molly from the pram. ‘She’s too young to be cutting teeth, so I’ve got that to come.’
‘Oh, she’s beautiful! Just like a little doll.’
Nellie felt she’d been left out long enough, so she pushed Molly aside. ‘Jill is my daughter-in-law, and the baby is me granddaughter. Couldn’t yer just eat her?’
‘I certainly could.’ Claire gently ran a finger down a cheek as soft as silk. ‘With two beautiful mothers, and loving grandparents, these two babies are going to have a life of love and laughter.’
‘You get going, Claire, or yer’ll be a nervous wreck,’ Molly said. ‘If ye’re coming next week yer’ll see the children again, and yer might have more time than yer’ve got today.’
Claire smiled at Molly and Nellie. ‘I’ll see yer next week, same time.’ Then she turned to the girls. ‘It’s been a pleasure meeting you, and your lovely babies. I hope to see more of you another time.’ With a quick wave, she took to her heels and covered the ground with speed, watched by members of the Bennett and McDonough clan.
‘Mam, she is beautiful,’ Jill said. ‘And so nice with it.’
‘She’s like a film star.’ Doreen voiced her thoughts. ‘In fact she’s more beautiful than some film stars.’
‘And d’yer know the nicest thing about her?’ Molly asked. ‘Well, she doesn’t realise just how beautiful she is. There’s no eyelash fluttering with her, no acting coy, or showing off. Just a really nice person who’s had more sadness in her life than any of us will ever know, please God.’
‘And it was only ’cos yer’ve got a soft heart, Mam, that yer met her.’ Jill saw her mother-in-law standing near, and quickly added, ‘And Auntie Nellie, of course, ’cos everyone got stuck in to help Ken. And I’m glad me and Doreen did too, ’cos she’s a really lovely person.’
Doreen nodded. ‘Phil said the boy adores his mam, and I can see why. Yer’ll have to bring her over when she comes next week, Mam, so Aunt Vicky can meet her.’
‘We’ll see how she’s off for time, sunshine.’ Molly didn’t want to leave her mate out. ‘What do yer say, Nellie? Shall we cut ten minutes off her visits to us, and next week we can take her to meet Victoria, and the week after to meet Lizzie Corkhill? How does that suit you, sunshine?’
‘Suits me fine, girl, suits me fine.’
‘That’s settled, then, so let’s go back to our homes and get dinner ready for the hard-working men in our lives.’ Molly kissed her daughters and grandchildren, then, taking Nellie’s arm, she hurried her across the cobbles, ‘I’ll see yer in the morning, sunshine, to do our shopping.’
Nellie’s face fell. ‘Ah, can’t I come in for a few minutes to talk about what we think of Claire and that bloke?’
‘Tomorrow morning, Nellie.’ Then, because she thought that sounded too blunt, Molly added, ‘There’s a lot I want to talk about, regarding Claire, and I don’t want to hurry it. We’ll have more time in the morning, over a cup of tea.’
‘And a custard cream, girl?’
‘And a custard cream, sunshine.’
Chapter Eighteen
Molly was ready with her coat on, and her basket over her arm, when Nellie knocked on Saturday morning. ‘No time for tea today, sunshine. I want to call in and see me ma and da before going to the shops. Tommy and Rosie will be at work, so we can have a nice quiet little chat.’
Nellie looked suspicious. ‘When yer say “we”, girl, I hope that means you and me. Ye’re not thinking of sloping off there on yer own, are yer?’
Molly closed the door behind her. ‘Now would I have a snowball’s chance in hell of sloping off and not taking you with me?’
‘No, yer wouldn’t, girl, ’cos I’d follow yer.’ The round fat face beamed. ‘I was going to say I would dog yer footsteps, like what we do when we’re acting private detectives. That sounds good, don’t yer think, girl? Real professional, like.’
Anything for a quiet life, Molly thought as she nodded. ‘Very professional, sunshine, and another one for yer to remember is, when yer follow a suspect, yer say ye’re shadowing them.’ She moved the basket to her other arm and linked her friend. ‘Come on. We’ll get a cup of tea at me ma’s.’
Walking up the street, Nellie said, ‘Ay, what d’yer think about Claire going out with that bloke? Shouldn’t we tell her he’s got another woman on the go?’
‘I think we should go slow and see what comes.’ Molly freed her arm from Nellie’s and stepped round the back of her to link her other arm. ‘I’m safer here, sunshine, if yer don’t mind. Another few steps and I’d have been in the ruddy gutter.’
‘Ah, ye’re not at that again, are yer, girl? I’m walking in a straight line, so it must be yerself what’s cock-eyed.’
‘All right, I’ll take the blame. It’s easier to agree to being cock-eyed than it is to argue the toss with yer. So let’s get back to Claire. As I said, I think we should go slowly and carefully. I feel very uneasy about Graham Collins – he just doesn’t ring true. And I think perhaps we should spend a bit of time finding out who, and what, he really is. The best way to do that is to follow him, and the only time we’re sure of seeing him is on a Monday and Tuesday, when he calls for his laundry. So shall we start this coming Monday, and see how we get on?’
Nellie was so keen she nodded her head quickly, sending her chins in all directions. ‘Ooh, that’s a cracking idea, girl. We’ll have to make sure we get there for eleven o’clock, so we don’t miss him.’
By this time they were turning into the street where Molly’s parents lived. ‘In the meanwhile, Nellie, not a word to a soul. It’s really important that nobody knows, ’cos I don’t want to hurt Claire, or lose her friendship.’
Nellie put her thumb and forefinger together and drew them across her mouth. ‘My lips are sealed, girl, and that’s a promise.’
When Bridie opened her front door and saw who her visitors were, she was delighted. ‘Molly, me darlin’, it’s yerself come to see us, so it is. And sure, you and Nellie are very welcome.’ She stood back to let them pass. ‘Bob will be over the moon when he sees yer. And while ye’re talking to him, I’ll go straight through to the kitchen and put the kettle on.’ She raised her brows at Nellie. ‘Is it too early in the morning for a custard cream biscuit?’
�
�Bridie, me darlin’, if me eyes are open then it isn’t too early.’ Nellie’s attempt at an Irish accent was passable, but she wasn’t in the same league as Molly, who had been hearing it all her life. ‘And as me two eyes are open, sure isn’t it meself that could eat two custard creams?’
Bob Jackson was sitting on the couch looking happy, and neatly dressed as always. He loved it when Nellie called, for she never failed to make him laugh. ‘Ye’re doing well with the accent, Nellie. Nearly as good as me.’
‘Da, seeing as yer’ve been married to me ma for over fifty years, yer should be perfect at it. More so, seeing as Rosie’s lived with yer for a few years now.’ Then Molly called to her mother, who could be heard filling the kettle. ‘Ay, Ma, how long has Rosie been over here? I keep saying a few years, but it must be longer than that.’
‘She was fourteen when she came, me darlin’, and she’ll be twenty-one in August. That makes it seven years, so it does! My, how those years have flown. Sure, it seems no time at all since you and me were going down to meet her off the Dublin boat. Time goes so quickly yer hardly notice it passing, and isn’t that the truth of it?’
‘It certainly is, Ma, and even just thinking about it is enough to frighten the life out of me. Me and Jack have been married twenty-three years now, but I try not to let me mind dwell on it ’cos it puts years on me.’
‘Ay, girl, I should be more worried than you. My old ma, God bless her, was only in her fifties when she died, and I lost me dad two years later. Which is young to die. And as they say it runs in families, and Bridie and Bob are hale and hearty at seventy, then you should still be on yer perch in forty years’ time.’ Nellie’s head fell back and her whole body shook with laughter. ‘I’ve just thought on, girl, that if ye’re so much later getting to heaven than I am, then I might not be able to keep a front seat for yer.’
‘Now, it doesn’t always run in families, me darlin’,’ Bridie told her. For although Nellie was making a joke of it, she wouldn’t have mentioned her parents dying young if it wasn’t on her mind. And as Bridie loved the little woman who brought laughter into all their lives, she didn’t want her secretly worrying as the years went by. ‘My dear ma, God rest her soul, was only fifty when she died, but aren’t I here still?’