Stay as Sweet as You Are

by Joan Jonker

  Irene stepped in before Bob could answer. ‘No questions yet until yer dad’s had something to eat. I’ll do yer a poached egg on toast, Bob, it’ll fill a hole. Yer can’t go on with an empty tummy, it’s not good for yer.’

  When Irene bustled out to the kitchen, George asked, ‘Are yer coming for a pint later?’

  ‘I could do with one. In fact, I could do with half-a-dozen. As long as it’s all right for Lucy to stay here till we get back?’

  ‘Of course it is!’ Greg said, with feeling. ‘We’re going to have a game of cards and it wouldn’t be the same without Lucy.’

  ‘And don’t forget,’ Lucy reminded him, ‘yer mam said Rhoda could come over as well.’

  ‘Yeah, well, that’s all right. She’s not so bad once yer get to know her.’

  Jack, in his role of a grown-up working man, looked over at Bob. ‘Yer don’t have to worry about Lucy, Mr Mellor. We’re all going to watch out for her.’

  Irene came in carrying a plate and knife and fork. ‘Move away from the table, lads, while Mr Mellor tucks into this. The kettle’s on the boil so it’ll be tea all round in five minutes.’

  Bob didn’t think he was hungry, but the toast was a lovely golden brown and the egg lightly cooked and runny, just as he liked. The plate was empty in no time. ‘By, that was good, Irene. Just what the doctor ordered.’

  ‘Yer needed it, sunshine – a grown man like you can’t go without food. Now the tea’s ready so we’ll all sit quietly and drink it, while Bob tells us as much as he wants to. And before he starts I hope I don’t have to remind yer that not one word leaves this room. When Rhoda comes, I don’t want to hear a peep out of yer. Have yer got that?’

  Greg pulled a comical face. ‘Mam, when Rhoda’s here no one can get a word in edgeways. She never stops talking. After she’s been, me mouth’s set from lack of use and I have to exercise it when I go to bed.’

  ‘That’s one of Rhoda’s good points, sunshine. She’s the only one I know who can shut you up.’ Irene lifted a finger for silence. ‘Now let’s hear what Mr Mellor has to say.’

  It wasn’t a word for word account, because Bob wouldn’t use bad language in front of the children. He told them of his terms for Ruby being allowed to stay in the house, and his threats. All the time he was talking, Aggie was nodding her head in agreement. If she’d been in her rocking chair it would have been going like the clappers.

  ‘Good for you,’ George said when Bob had finished. ‘I still think ye’re a fool for not throwing Ruby out, but that’s your business. It’s always easy to tell someone else what to do when, in their position, yer might do exactly the same yerself.’

  ‘It won’t be for long, Mr Pollard,’ Lucy said. ‘I bet any money me dad will be back home again soon.’

  ‘Don’t be banking on that, pet,’ Bob said. ‘’Cos it’s not going to happen.’

  Aggie tutted. ‘Leave the girl be. She could be right for all yer know. Don’t forget, God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.’

  ‘I’ll go along with that,’ Irene said, giving Bob a look that told him he shouldn’t rob his daughter of her dreams.

  ‘Me too!’ Jack was gazing at Lucy’s pretty face. ‘I don’t want Lucy ever to move away from next door.’

  ‘Me neither,’ Greg said. ‘She’s like a sister to us.’

  Lucy tilted her head and looked at her father. ‘Yer see, Dad, there’s so many people wishing for it, it’s bound to come true.’

  ‘Then I hope you’re all right and I’m wrong, pet. Yer see, I don’t want to leave all me friends any more than you do.’

  George pushed himself from his chair. ‘I need something to whet me whistle. Let’s go and get that pint, mate. It might be the last one we have together for a while.’

  ‘Don’t you believe it.’ Bob smiled at his daughter when he saw her face drop at George’s words. ‘Yer’ll be seeing as much of me as yer ever have.’

  Bob woke up at seven the next morning, but didn’t stir from the couch. It was far too early to be up and about, particularly as he didn’t want to make a noise. He’d said a tearful goodbye to Lucy last night, promising faithfully he’d come as often as he could. It was heart-breaking and he didn’t want to put her, or himself through that again. She usually got up on a Sunday between nine and half past, so he wanted to be away by then. Ruby never saw daylight before eleven, not after a night out drinking, so there was no fear of having to face her. He’d heard her come in last night and was waiting for her to try the door, but she’d made her way straight up the stairs.

  It was eight o’clock when Bob put his pillow in the middle of the blanket and folded the sides over. He left them on the couch, with the case beside them, while he went into the kitchen to get a good wash down in the sink. Then he made himself a pot of tea and two rounds of bread and jam before donning his best clothes. He’d brushed his suit down and polished his shoes last night, wanting to make a good impression on his new landlady. So now he was all ready to leave. He’d go the back way, so he wouldn’t be heard.

  Halfway down the entry, Bob stopped. He was filled with despair and hopelessness. There didn’t seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel. He was a man who’d worked since the day he left school at fourteen, had never asked for much from life, yet he was sneaking down a back entry like a thief in the night, with all his worldly goods in a battered suitcase and a blanket. He felt like sitting down on the cobbled stones and crying his heart out. But he couldn’t afford that luxury, not now. Perhaps in bed tonight.

  Nellie opened the door with a smile on her face. ‘I’ve had the kettle on the hob for the last hour, so the tea will be up in no time.’

  ‘Thanks, Nellie.’ If she only knew I’ve walked all the way here to pass the time, she’d go mad. But I didn’t like knocking on her door at nine in the morning. ‘I could just go a cuppa.’

  ‘Throw yer things on the bed for now, I’ll help yer make it up later.’

  When they were facing each other across the table, Nellie could clearly see the pain in Bob’s eyes. It was naked, there for all to see. ‘It’s not easy, is it, lad?’

  He was afraid to speak because the lump in his throat was growing so big it hurt. He was trying to keep his emotions in check but they didn’t want to be bottled up, they wanted to be free. ‘No, Nellie, it’s not easy.’ A lone tear trickled down his cheek and he wiped it away. ‘I’m sorry, I can’t – I can’t …’ He covered his face with his hands as sobs shook his body. Then he pushed his chair back, and in a voice thick with unshed tears, he said, ‘I’d better go upstairs. Yer must wonder what sort of man I am for crying like a baby.’

  Nellie rounded the table in a trice. ‘Stay where yer are, lad. Yer don’t want to be sitting on yer own with yer head filled with all sorts. Talk about it and get it out of yer system. And cry as much as yer want, ’cos I wouldn’t think yer were much of a man if yer couldn’t cry over what’s happened to you and yer daughter. Yer’ve had yer whole life turned upside down; no one expects yer to walk round with a permanent smile on yer face.’

  So Bob talked and cried as he unburdened himself, while Nellie listened. She said very little, only to cluck sympathetically when he said he couldn’t get the picture of Lucy out of his mind. She asked no questions, didn’t pry. And it was then that a bond was cemented between Bob and his landlady.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Nellie said Kate and her daughter usually arrived between twelve and half-past, and as the clock ticked towards the hour of midday Bob began to get jittery. He’d been for a walk to buy a Sunday paper, hoping the fresh air would take away some of the redness from his eyes. He’d feel so stupid if Kate knew he’d been crying. But he had to admit his tears had eased the throbbing in his head and he was thinking more clearly. He would be eternally grateful to Nellie for her patience and understanding. When he’d knocked on her door he’d been at the lowest point in his life. He felt so useless and helpless. But in a kindly way, she’d told him to snap out of it. Fe
eling sorry for himself wouldn’t get him anywhere, she’d said. He had to start thinking of making a new and happy life for himself and Lucy. And her words had worked wonders. He now felt able to start planning for the future.

  When the knock came, Bob quickly folded the paper. ‘Shall I go, Nellie?’

  ‘If yer would, lad, ’cos I’m just turning the spuds in the roasting tin.’

  Bob opened the door and raised his brows. ‘Can I help you?’

  ‘Go on, yer daft nit.’ Kate smiled as she let Iris walk ahead of her. ‘Been here five minutes and yer’ve taken over already?’

  ‘If only I was that domineering, Kate, I wouldn’t be in the mess I’m in now.’

  She smiled up into his face. ‘I don’t like domineering men.’

  ‘I’m glad about that, Kate,’ Bob said as he closed the door and followed her into the living room. ‘At least someone doesn’t think I’m a spineless idiot.’

  Kate crossed to her mother to give her a hug. ‘How’s the new lodger, Mam? Is he behaving himself?’

  ‘No complaints so far, queen.’

  ‘Me nan’s been telling yer some of her funny stories, hasn’t she, Mr Mellor?’ Iris asked with a grin.

  Bob was at a loss. ‘Funny stories?’

  ‘I know she has! I can tell yer’ve been laughing ’cos yer eyes are all red.’

  ‘Now listen to me, sweetheart,’ Nellie said, hitching up her bosom before smoothing her pinny. ‘I’ve got funny stories for young girls like yerself, and I’ve got funny stories for grown ups. And the ones I’ve been telling Mr Mellor are not for young ears, so don’t be pestering him.’

  ‘Okay, Nan.’ Iris clamped her lips and narrowed her eyes as she gazed at Bob. ‘Your Lucy calls me nan Mrs Nellie. And she said there’s a woman in your street she calls Mrs Aggie. Is that right?’

  ‘Yes, that’s right, love.’

  ‘Well, can I call you Mr Bob, then?’

  Kate wagged a finger. ‘Don’t be so forward, Iris.’

  ‘She’s not being forward, Kate, she’s being straight.’ Bob smiled at the girl. ‘I’d be very happy for yer to call me Mr Bob.’

  ‘D’yer think I could go and see this Mrs Aggie? Lucy said she’s very funny.’

  ‘Ask yer mam to take yer one day. Aggie would be delighted.’

  ‘Ooh, will yer, Mam, please?’

  Kate looked flustered. ‘We’ll see, but I’m not making any promises.’

  Once again Nellie’s bosom was hitched. ‘I’ll go with them. This Mrs Aggie seems right up my street. Next time yer see her, ask if it’s all right. And tell her if she hasn’t got enough cups to go round, I’ll bring some with me.’

  Bob chuckled. ‘Aggie’s got a son who goes away to sea, and he’s always bringing her things back from foreign countries. I bet she’s got more cups than the Kardomah.’

  Iris was hopping from one foot to the other. ‘Lucy told me about Mrs Aggie’s son what goes away to sea. She said he’s dead funny, like his mam. And his name’s Mr Titch.’

  Nellie could smell the dinner which, if it wasn’t served soon, would be ruined. And she prided herself on her cooking. ‘Will yer all sit down, please, ye’re making the place look untidy. Except you, Iris, you can set the table.’

  ‘I’ll give yer a hand with the dinner, Mam,’ Kate said. ‘Yer’ve got an extra one today.’

  ‘I can count, queen.’ Nellie jerked her head in disgust. ‘I haven’t lost me bleedin’ marbles yet.’ She wrinkled her nose. ‘Sorry, queen, it slipped out. On a Sunday, too. And in front of a stranger. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, whatever next?’ She was chuckling as she made her way to the kitchen. ‘I don’t need any help, Kate, you keep Bob company. But for crying out loud park yer backside when ye’re doing it.’

  ‘What would yer do with her?’ Kate smiled as she took a seat on the couch while Bob sat in the fireside chair which Nellie had said was his for as long as he stayed with her. ‘Yer never know what she’s going to come out with next.’

  ‘That’s the beauty of her, isn’t it, Kate? Yer know exactly where yer are with her. She’ll never go behind yer back to say what she thinks about yer.’

  ‘I know that, Bob, and I love the bones of her. I don’t know what I’d have done without her the last few years. She was my rock to cling to when things were so rough I never thought I’d make it.’

  In the kitchen, Nellie had a secret smile on her face as she jabbed a fork in a roast potato. Kate had had a hard time since her husband died. She had no friends, no social life. Just bed and work, the same old monotonous routine every week. She idolised her daughter, but she couldn’t burden young Iris with her heartache and problems. She needed someone mature to talk to, someone who had known sadness in their own lives. Now Bob had come along and Nellie thought they’d be good for each other.

  ‘Kate said yer were a good cook, Nellie, but I never expected yer to be so good. That dinner wouldn’t have been out of place at Buckingham Palace.’ Bob licked his lips and rubbed his tummy. ‘It was delicious.’

  Nellie looked as pleased as Punch. ‘I’m glad yer enjoyed it, lad. I hope yer’ve left a bit of room for some rice pudding?’

  ‘I’ll not say no, Nellie, even though me trousers are tight now.’ It was a long time since Bob had been offered a sweet after his dinner. Ruby bought as little food as possible. She said she couldn’t afford it on the money he gave her, but Nellie seemed to manage, even though she must be living on a pittance. ‘Don’t think yer have to cook special for me, Nellie, ’cos I’m the easiest person in the world to feed. Yer can’t afford to be giving me meals like this every day.’

  ‘If I can afford it, lad, then yer’ll get a decent meal. If I’m hard-up, yer’ll be getting conny-onny butties put in front of yer.’

  Kate clicked her tongue on the roof of her mouth. ‘Take no notice of her, Bob. Me mam would go mad if she had a man in the house and couldn’t feed him properly. We don’t go short because we share. When I’m on mornings and nights, and every Sunday, me and Iris have our dinner round here, so I share the cost with me mam. And I’ve got to say she’s a wizard in the kitchen. She can make a dinner out of practically nothing.’

  Nellie was lapping up the praise. ‘Well, queen, as I’ve told yer, there’s them what can, and there’s them what can’t.’

  ‘I’ve learned that the hard way, I’m afraid.’ Bob looked across at Kate, but carried on talking to her mother. ‘D’yer know what, Nellie? Until yesterday, I didn’t know yer daughter had legs. I’ve only ever seen her from the waist up, across the canteen table.’

  Iris began to giggle and it was like a knife turning in Bob’s heart. She sounded so like Lucy. What was his daughter doing now? How had Ruby been towards her? He wouldn’t be able to see her all week, with working afternoons and her being at school. The earliest would be Saturday morning before he went to work, and it seemed a lifetime away.

  Nellie had seen Bob’s expression change, and although she wasn’t to know the cause of it, she did know his mind was elsewhere. ‘Come on, Kate, let’s get these dirty dishes out,’ she said briskly. ‘The rice pudding will be going dry in the oven.’

  Kate was on pins. Her sister and her husband were due any minute, and she was worried about how to approach Howard regarding advice for Bob, when Audrey, her mam and Iris were sitting there listening. That was the worst of two-up two-down houses, there was never any privacy. She had been hoping to have a word with her brother-in-law before he met Bob, but things had happened so quickly it hadn’t been possible. Catching her mother’s eye, Kate nodded towards the kitchen.

  ‘I’ll start getting the dishes out, ready for tea,’ Nellie said. ‘Come and give us a hand, will yer, Kate?’

  In the kitchen they went into a huddle. ‘Mam, I’m going to the corner of the street to wait for Howard’s car. I want to explain about Bob, ’cos yer can’t expect the poor man to pour his heart out in front of strangers. It won’t be so bad if Howard is put in the picture, and our Audrey knows what’s going
on. So I’m going to tell a little fib to get out, is that okay?’

  ‘Of course it is, queen. Yer can tell a ruddy big whopper for all I care. You do what yer think best.’

  Kate knew she couldn’t look someone in the eye and tell a lie without blushing, so she made sure it didn’t happen by walking straight through from the kitchen into the hall. ‘I’ve got a horrible feeling I’ve come out and left the stove on,’ she called over her shoulder. ‘I’m just nipping home to put me mind at rest.’

  ‘I’ll go for yer, Mam,’ Iris offered. ‘I can run there and back.’

  ‘No, it’s all right, love.’ Kate was gripping the round handle ready for pulling the door shut. ‘I’ll be back before yer know I’m gone.’ She waved as she passed the window, then pelted it hell for leather to the bottom of the street. Howard always came this way in his little black four-seater car, so she wouldn’t miss him. He’d caused quite a stir the first time he came in it, because cars were a rare sight in their street. The neighbours who didn’t come out to gape, peeped through their curtains. And the kids would have swarmed all over it if Howard hadn’t told them off in his posh voice.

  When the car turned the corner Kate stepped into the gutter and waved both hands for it to stop. Howard wound the window down, a look of concern on his rather serious face. ‘Is there something wrong, Kate?’

  ‘No, I just want a word with yer before yer go in the house.’ Kate opened the back door and scrambled on to the seat. She found her sister twisted round and glaring at her.

  ‘You frightened the life out of me, I thought something terrible had happened to Mother.’ Audrey’s Liverpool accent had all but disappeared since she’d met Howard. The only time she allowed it to come to the fore was when she was angry and couldn’t help herself. But she wasn’t a snob. Born and raised in this narrow cobbled street, she never pretended to be anything she wasn’t. Two years younger than Kate, she loved her family and was always there to help. So far her marriage was a childless one, but whether that was due to nature, or a deliberate decision taken by her and Howard, she had never said. And her time for childbearing was running out. ‘What is it, Kate, that’s so important we can’t talk in front of Mother?’