by Millie Gray
On arrival at Armstrong’s Hotel Aileen smiled when she saw the overloaded skip on the street. It confirmed that all Kirsten had told her about her and Jessie being given the lease of the hotel was true. Thinking that finally Kirsten had seen sense and was at last going to earn her living in a proper and respectable way pleased her beyond belief.
Skipping up the five steps, she saw the door already stood ajar and walked inside.
The first person to greet her was Dixie. ‘Grandma Aileen, Grandma Aileen!’ he blurted as he hurled himself through the debris in the hall to greet her.
‘Careful, my love,’ Aileen said as she swept him up into her arms.
‘Mummy,’ Dixie shouted, ‘Granny Aileen is here.’
Aileen had to choke back the tears. She was always emotional at how Dixie, no matter how long it had been since he had last seen her, was overjoyed at her arrival. To her he had achieved so much by just surviving those first difficult months. Kirsten had certainly smoothed his rocky road. Even though Kirsten had not been brought up in Shetland, where the children and their welfare were paramount, Aileen had been sure to rear her daughter in the Shetland way.
Before Aileen could reflect further, Kirsten arrived. ‘Great that you were able to come to help us, Mum. Now, Dixie is a big boy so put him down.’
‘I don’t want down,’ Dixie protested.
‘Yes, you do! You’re too big for those long cuddles. Besides, we’re going to show Granny the hotel.’ Kirsten now turned her full attention to Aileen. ‘Don’t look at all that requires done. Just use your imagination to think what it will look like when we have got it finished.’
Twenty minutes later Kirsten and Aileen arrived in the attics.
‘So, you have one room nearly finished and someone is in residence?’
‘Yeah, but Jessie is not yet quite in residence. As you can see there are still no curtains on the window.’ Kirsten tittered. ‘You know, Mum, for the guest rooms we are having the drapes made by Jenners.’
‘Jenners! Have you won the pools?’
‘No, but as we want the rooms looking first class we decided not to stint on the soft furnishings.’
‘And the attics?’
Kirsten smiled. ‘Mum, you know how you left your old treadle Singer sewing machine with me when you went back to Shetland?’
Aileen relaxed. She smiled broadly. She just felt so pleased with her daughter. At last she had got her act together. ‘So, you are going to make the curtains for the attics yourself?’ Aileen said, playfully nudging Kirsten.
‘Well, not really. You see, since you gave me the machine, I have never used it . . . even to turn up a hem. But I thought if you went up to Remnant Kings at Newington you could purchase the curtain material for the attics and run them up before you go home, maybe?’
Aileen was about to protest but, as she looked around, she could see that it would be at least six months before the hotel was anywhere near ready for opening. This being so, she nodded to indicate that she would, indeed, spend her time sewing while she was here.
Within days the attic windows were looking smart and fashionable. And as Aileen had time she also set about making matching duvet covers. She smiled, thinking it was just like Kirsten to see that the recently introduced duvets from Scandinavia were the thing of the future and were therefore a must for her stylish hotel.
*
It was a bright, sunlit Saturday. Aileen had just returned to Shetland. Jessie was now in residence in the attic of Armstrong’s Hotel. And an overall-clad Kirsten was going over the subdivision details for the next week’s work schedule with the foreman joiner. It was just then that Inspector Eddie Carmichael decided to call.
Kirsten looked up at him questioningly.
‘I thought I would just check up and see how things were going with you,’ Eddie said as he allowed his eyes to sweep about the litter-strewn entrance hallway.
Ignoring him, Kirsten instead turned to the joiner. ‘Thank you. You have explained everything very well. I look forward to seeing the first of the four rooms to be subdivided. As agreed, if it works as I think it will, we will then go on and convert the other three. Now, as I have once more to deal with our constabulary.’ She gave a long sigh before adding, ‘Who it would appear has nothing better to do than check up that I am adhering to the conditions of my building warrant, I must bid you good day!’
The joiner took his leave. An uneasy silence fell between Eddie and Kirsten. Both appeared to wish to stay mute. However, Dixie bouncing a ball, scampered into the room.
‘It’s a goal,’ he shouted, as he kicked the ball against the wall.
‘You like football, son,’ Eddie said, as he kicked the stotting ball back towards Dixie.
‘Love playing it.’ Dixie stopped before adding with a smile, ‘I’m a Hibee supporter.’
‘Oh, so you support the Hibernian. I’m going there this afternoon.’
Dixie’s mouth gaped. ‘Are you really going to see the game? Could I come with you?’
‘Sorry, son, I couldn’t take you today. You see, I am on match duty. But in two weeks you and I could go and spectate at the Edinburgh derby together.’
‘I don’t want to spectate. I just want to see the match.’
Eddie grinned. Kirsten was fuming. ‘Dixie, the policeman is a stranger and you know how I don’t allow you to go away with strangers . . . especially officious ones. Now shush, please.’
‘Look, please don’t be angry. Try and understand that our chief just wishes us to make sure that your alterations are not going to cause any problems.’
‘Such as?’
‘Well, skips are traffic hazards.’
‘Granted, but so far they have all been located outside on the road adjacent to the kerb – true?’ Kirsten’s eyes swept the inner area of the hotel. ‘And certainly not on the pavement or in the hotel here!’
Eddie nodded. He looked at Kirsten. He could see she was no fool. Indeed, she had worked out that the chief was making sure that she was not going to be running a questionable establishment on his patch. No way would he tolerate a city centre hotel where there would be extras on offer. Like all other establishments in his division, Armstrong’s would toe the line.
Eddie’s eyes were now drawn to Kirsten’s. They were, as he knew, the most attractive shade of turquoise. Today, because she was angry, they were even more enticing as they sparkled and glinted. It was true, her working attire, which was covered in muck, did nothing to enhance her youthful figure, but there was still something very attractive about her. As he appraised her, she tossed her soft brown hair. As it slowly spread out, the old magic that she cast over him started to again rise up in him. He wished to suppress it, but try as he might it was beginning to overwhelm him. Common sense then told him to flee, to put distance between himself and this madness, but he stayed rooted to the spot.
‘Mum, I don’t want you to talk about skips,’ Dixie said, interrupting his thoughts. ‘I need you to talk about football. Talk about the Hibees.’
Before Kirsten could reply Jessie, carrying a bucket of water, strode into the entrance area. As soon as she saw Eddie she exclaimed, ‘Oh no, not another one. Look, Kirsten, have you robbed a bank or something?’
‘No, nor have I disembarked from a spacecraft. But I am in danger of assaulting the next police officer who puts his size ten feet over our threshold.’
Sucking in her cheeks, Jessie nodded. ‘I wondered how long it would be before you started to fight back.’
‘And why would she require to be fighting back? By the way, I am Inspect –’ Eddie began before Jessie interrupted.
‘Well, whatever inspector you are, let me tell you this, that ever since we took over this hotel there have been more police officers reporting for duty here than there have been at police headquarters.’
‘Granny Jessie,’ Dixie interrupted.
‘Yes, son, what is it?’
‘Mummy won’t let this man take me away.’
Jessie’
s mouth gaped. Her eyes blazed. She allowed the bucket of water to slip from her grasp. As it slumped down on the floor water cascaded over everyone’s shoes.
Dixie laughed. However, when Jessie started to jab Eddie in the shoulder, Kirsten became alarmed. ‘And Mister Inspector let me tell you,’ Jessie hollered, ‘that you and the rest of your force will be in hell roasting before we allow you to take our laddie away from us.’ Jessie paused before adding, ‘And precisely on what bloody grounds?’
‘Jessie, calm down,’ Kirsten implored. ‘You could be arrested for assaulting a police officer, and that would be the excuse they are looking for.’
‘Me arrested for assaulting him? It is him who should be charged with putting us in a state of fear and alarm.’
‘I am very sorry but I think you have misunderstood,’ Eddie said, as he distanced himself from Jessie.
‘No, you are the one who has misunderstood. That lassie, Kirsten, my daughter-in-law, is the best mother oor Dixie could have. Willed him to live when the nurses and doctors said he couldn’t, so she did. And now you have the blinking cheek to come in here and try to take him away from her.’
Kirsten grabbed hold of Jessie. ‘Look, all he suggested was that in two weeks’ time he would take Dixie to see the Hibs and Hearts play.’
Jessie sniffed.
‘And what upset Dixie was I said no. You see, I think he is too young to go to the matches. Long before half time he would be bored and wanting down on the pitch so he could kick the ball about.’
Jessie sagged as relief set in. With a laugh, she said, ‘Aye, I suppose you’re right. Mind you, with the way some of them played last week oor Dixie might be a good signing for them.’
Kirsten now turned to Eddie. She should have been seeing an overbearing officer, but as she looked at him she mellowed. Instead of wiping the water from his own shoes, he had bent down to comfort Dixie. The incident had distressed Dixie, who did not like people shouting. Kirsten too sank onto the sodden floor. Gently prising Dixie from Eddie’s arms she cradled him in her own.
‘There, there, my darling. There is nothing to worry about, everything is fine. We are all friends. Now, come on, you know what to do.’
‘Long. Slow. Breaths.’
‘That’s right, Dixie. Now inhale for five. Hold for five. Exhale through your open mouth. Inhale for five. Hold for five. Exhale through your open mouth.’ And soon Dixie’s breath was under control.
‘You’re a wonder with him, Kirsten,’ Jessie remarked. Still staring at Kirsten and Dixie she then directed her speech to Eddie. ‘Said he wouldnae survive. But thanks to Kirsten he has made it and how.’ She hesitated. ‘So, when you are thinking of coming in here to harass her you might think twice about it. What I am trying to get through to you is that she has enough on her plate providing for her three bairns. Oh aye, her only crime is to make life easy for them and harder for herself.’
‘That’s enough, Jessie. The wee lad can hear. See now that he is stable again how about you take him through to our back room and tuck him up on the couch. A wee rest will do him the world of good. Don’t concern yourself about the mess here, I will square it up, then I will finish early and get him home.’
Jessie assented with a nod. Eddie was then amazed at the gentleness that overtook Jessie. Jessie who, when you looked at her, was the fierce street fighter of her reputation, but there was another side to her – a tender side. She was a loving, doting grandmother, and Dixie and his welfare meant so much to her.
‘I’ll go with Granny, but, Mum, about me going to the football matches?’
Kirsten shook her head. Jessie then left with a disappointed Dixie. Exhausted, Kirsten sank further down onto the floor. Her hands rhythmically began to pat the water. She wanted to cry, but she dared the tears to fall. No way did she wish any stranger, as Eddie was, to know how frightened she was for her children’s future. Each night she prayed that she would not die until they were all adults and independent of her.
She was more than surprised when Eddie pulled her up onto her feet. Her buckling legs felt like jelly. Before she knew it, she had fallen against him. He knew he was courting trouble but the most natural thing for him to do was encircle her in his arms and he couldn’t believe it when he heard himself speak. ‘Come on now, it’s going to be okay,’ he said softly.
His comforting words were more than she could bear and she began to sob.
Once her weeping had subsided she drew back from him. She then practised a few of Dixie’s breathing exercises, and as her breathing calmed she felt more able. Looking at him, she felt that he was a good man, a man of honour who understood that she just had to provide for her children.
‘Look,’ she began, ‘Dixie is just too young to sit through a whole football match. I am grateful for your offer, but not this year. Next year . . . well, who knows . . . perhaps . . .’
‘Are you finishing early today?’
‘I finish early every Saturday. At the weekends I try to find time for my family.’ She smiled. ‘Easy tea tonight. I will dish up their favourite. Fish and chips from the chippie. Tomorrow, Sunday, I don’t work.’
‘For religious reasons?’ he asked, unable to keep the sound of disbelief from his voice.
She began to laugh lightly. The magic started in him again. He felt an overwhelming desire to sweep her into his arms. ‘No. I am not my mum or dad. Sundays to me are our special together days.’ She smiled. ‘Days of just my children and me. They go to Sunday School, then in the afternoon, no matter the cost, I dish up a roast dinner. Later, we go out for a walk and I treat them to an ice-cream cone.’
A silence fell between them. Both were deep in thought.
Eventually Kirsten said, ‘I know that no one in the force believes it, but it is so important to me that my children have as happy a childhood as they can, that they know they are the most important thing in my life. I can’t smooth all the rough roads that they will have to travel, but I can try to make sure they have childhood memories to hold on to when dark days come. Unfortunately, they do come for us all.’
Eddie remained stuck to the spot for a moment, before something triggered in his head. Time was marching on. He was on duty, and duty called. ‘I must be going,’ he said quickly. ‘I cannot promise but I will try and convince the powers that be to give you some slack.’
She looked into his eyes and smiled. She remembered how he had done what Duncan had never done: bent down and comforted Dixie. He had been so tender towards her son that she was moved to look at him in a different way. He was tall, distinguished and handsome. The stirrings that affected him now rose in her. It was then she looked down and saw that he was wearing a gold ring on his wedding finger.
She sighed as she thought, that’s life. Besides, even if he was free, what chance would there be of him taking on a woman with three children?
TWENTY
1970
After eight long, weary months Armstrong’s was opening. Jessie and Kirsten both weighed a stone lighter. Their bank book was even lighter, so much so they had had to go cap in hand for a loan. Thankfully, the bank saw them as a good risk and they were granted enough funds to finish the refurbishment. An unforeseen bonus was the growth of the respect between the two women. Both had done more than their fair share to get the place up and running.
All that remained to be done was for invitations to the grand opening to be sent out. Jessie and Kirsten had discussed every single one. There was, of course, the mandatory thank-you list for assisting, and they were in complete agreement on that list. Then there was the second lot of people: they had to be sure they hadn’t left anyone off that list who may be able to put business their way. Kirsten did have to point out to Jessie that those who had been her best customers, when she had been in the money lending business, were hardly likely to know of anyone who would wish to stay in an Edinburgh hotel for the night, so there was no point in asking them.
Finally, there were the friends and officials. It was while drawing up
that list that Kirsten suggested to Jessie that she could invite five guests. And she could use these invitations for family, or even her Granton customers. The only real disagreement they had was when Kirsten said that they must invite the police chief at Gayfield Square.
‘Why?’ Jessie asked.
‘Because since Inspector Carmichael dropped by . . .’ She paused, pretending she wasn’t quite sure of exactly when that was he had visited. In truth that day – the day she realised that she could still feel attracted to a man – was so important to her that not only did she know the month but also the very minute of his appearance. ‘Whatever day that was, the police presence in the hotel has been occasional and always polite and casual.’
What Kirsten didn’t know was that Eddie hadn’t spoken to the chief about the check-ups on Armstrong’s Hotel, but he had casually asked his colleagues to do the minimum of visits.
*
Armstrong’s grand opening was upon them and guests started to arrive. Jessie was dressed up as if she was going to a wedding. Not only had she had her hair done by a Jenners hair stylist, whose prices made her choke, but Kirsten had advised asking a beauty expert about facial hair removal.
‘Hair removal?’ Jessie had queried. ‘Whatever for?’
‘Look in the mirror.’
‘So, I have a moustache and the start of a wee beard,’ she said, pouting her lips. ‘But then, what old women don’t?’
‘True, but it’s not the image for our hotel. The customers won’t wish to have their breakfast served up by a female Father Christmas.’