‘If I never saw you again until Judgement Day, it would be too soon,’ Kate replied. ‘But why did you have to promise Joe you’d see him on Christmas day? Have you got any notion how upset he was?’
Freddie waved her words away. ‘He’ll get over it.’
‘If there were any justice in the world, Freddie Ellis, he’d have a proper father who would take him places and teach him things. Not a thieving wastrel like you.’ Kate ran her eyes contemptuously over him. ‘I suppose you think you look something special dressed up like an organ grinder’s monkey waiting for a tune. And how did you pay for your showy togs? I’ll bet by lifting goods from backs of wagons, breaking into warehouses and stealing from honest, hard-working people like me! Don’t think I haven’t heard you’re thick with the Black Eagle Gang.’ She placed her palm on her forehead in an attempt to ease the pounding. ‘If you’ve got what you came for why don’t you just—’
His hand grasped her jaw. ‘You always did have a tongue to cut into a man’s soul, Kate,’ he said, squeezing her face painfully. His gaze ran over her, lingering on her breasts and sending a shiver of revulsion running through her. ‘I remember a time when you couldn’t get enough of me.’ He seized her waist and walked her backwards. He slammed her against the counter and pressed his legs to hers so she couldn’t knee him again. ‘Do you remember?’
He grabbed the neckline of her gown and ripped it open. ‘You were like a bitch in heat sniffing around me.’
Kate held his gaze. ‘That’s because I was too stupid to know what a lying bastard you really were.’ She swung a punch at him but he caught her hand and twisted it behind her back.
A lecherous look crept into his eyes. ‘Go on, fight me. I’d enjoy that.’
He grasped her breast and squeezed. Kate bit back a scream. She stretched out and groped along the counter to find something to defend herself with but Freddie dragged her away.
‘Not this time.’ He threw her on to a table and pressed down on her.
As if from far off she heard the parlour door click open. Kate swivelled her head and looked around Freddie’s shoulder to see Ella peeking wide-eyed around the counter. She stood frozen for a moment then disappeared back into the house.
Kate tried to scramble out but Freddie forced her back and pulled her skirts up. She felt the cool air on her thighs and Freddie’s hand tearing at her drawers.
‘No!’ she screamed, raking at his face with her nails.
‘Bitch!’ His fist smashed across her face.
Kate fell back as a thousand bells rang in her head and black spots started in the corner of her vision. Biting back the nausea threatening to choke her throat, Kate took a deep breath and forced herself to stay conscious.
Jonathan offered his hand to Ebenezer Drake, the master cooper. ‘Thank you for agreeing to my proposal,’ he shouted over the clang of metal.
Like most of the businesses along the Wapping waterfront, Black and Co. was cramped between the tall walls of the surrounding warehouses. Although the tubs full of oak planks lay soaking in the workshop at the far end of the rectangular plot, the business of making the barrels went on in the open yard where they were standing.
Drake wiped his hand on his ankle-length leather apron and took Jonathan’s. ‘Not at all. I’m sorry I can only take one apprentice,’ he said as they walked towards the yard gate and past a burly worker hammering a ring over the belly of a tub.
‘One will do.’ Jonathan raised his hat. ‘Good day to you, Mr Black.’
‘And to you, Captain Quinn.’
When Jonathan pulled out his watch he saw that it was almost four. The direct route back to the school was left up Nightingale Lane, but Jonathan turned right in the direction of Kate’s Kitchen knowing it would soon be open.
He crossed the road and turned the corner to see Ella Ellis tearing down the road with her plaits flying behind her. She spotted him and dodged between the dray carts, skidding to a halt in front of him. She grabbed his hand.
‘Captain Quinn, you must come quick,’ she said, dragging on his arm.
‘What’s the matter?’ Jonathan asked, picking up speed.
‘Pa’s hurting Ma,’ Ella replied.
With his heart pounding, Jonathan ran up the street with Ella close behind. Ignoring the shouts of warning from the drivers, he dodged around the afternoon traffic on the Highway. Scattering shoppers as he went, Jonathan lengthened his stride until finally he reached the shop. He grasped the handle and shook it, but it was locked.
He peered through the window and could see some kind of movement. Fury gripped him. He slammed his fists on the door frame, making the bell on the other side jungle frantically. He stepped back, preparing to kick it open.
Ella grabbed his sleeve. ‘Round the back.’
She ran ahead of him. Jonathan overtook her as he shoved the rear gates open. Crossing the small cobbled yard he burst through the back door.
‘Stay here,’ he commanded Ella as he charged through the parlour and into the shop.
He saw Kate, with her gown ripped and skirts pulled up, struggling against the man pinning her to the table. Freddie had pressed himself between her legs but thankfully his trousers were still around his waist. As Jonathan swung around the edge of the counter Freddie looked up.
‘What the—’
Jonathan crossed the space between them in two strides and wrenched Freddie away. Kate rolled off the table and hastily gathered her torn clothes to cover herself.
‘Leave her alone, you bastard!’ Jonathan bellowed as he threw Freddie across the room.
Freddie landed against the wall but recovered.
‘I’m her fucking husband, you stupid one-eyed bugger,’ he yelled, standing up again.
‘I don’t give a damn. I’ll not stand by and see any woman abused.’
He glanced at Kate, who was trying to hide her face. Other than a red mark on her cheek and her torn clothes, she looked unharmed.
Jonathan studied Freddie dusting down his garish jacket, and his eyes narrowed.
‘I’d leave if I were you,’ he said, flexing his hands.
A venomous expression contorted Freddie’s face. ‘I’ll leave when I’m good and ready.’ He went for Jonathan, who jerked back so Freddie missed his target.
Jonathan retaliated with a right hook that smashed Freddie squarely on the chin. He followed through with another blow, this time to the stomach. Freddie doubled over. Before he fell Jonathan grabbed him and hauled him upright. He turned him, grabbed his collar and trouser-band and thrust him towards the door. Wedging Freddie’s face against the window and jamming his knee in the small of his back, Jonathan threw back the bolts and pulled the door open. Still holding Freddie by the scruff of his neck Jonathan propelled him into the street, to the astonishment of those passing by. When they saw who Jonathan had hold of they started to cheer. He shoved Freddie forward. ‘Only a coward forces himself where he’s not wanted.’
Freddie tripped over his own feet and then righted himself in a last-ditch effort. He turned and launched himself at Jonathan, who caught Freddie by his fancy lapels.
‘I warned you to leave,’ he said, in a conversational tone. He then jolted Freddie towards him and smacked his forehead into the bridge of Freddie’s nose.
There was a sickening crunch and another cheer from the crowd who’d stopped to watch. Jonathan released Freddie backwards into a pile of horse dung.
‘That’s where you belong, Ellis, in the shit,’ someone shouted from the crowd.
‘Crawl back into the rat hole you came from,’ called another.
A docker shook his hook at Freddie. ‘Yer, fuck off before Pat Nolan hears you’ve been using your fists on his sister again.’
Freddie scrambled to his feet as a clump of mud sailed through the air and splattered across his shoulder and face.
He jammed his muddy hat on his head and pointed at Jonathan. ‘You’ve messed with the wrong man this time, Nelson.’
‘So have you, Ellis,
’ Jonathan replied levelly.
Freddie glared hatefully at him then shoved his way through the crowd who taunted him all the while. Those who had gathered to see what the disturbance was started drifting away. Many of them tipped their hats to Jonathan before he went back into the shop.
Kate had managed to secure her blouse somewhat haphazardly by the time Captain Quinn returned. Her fingers trembled and her mind still reeled but now not so much from Freddie’s attack but from Captain Quinn’s decisive intervention. She still couldn’t quite believe her eyes. A mixture of fury and relief crossed his face as he looked at her.
‘Are you all right?’ he asked.
She nodded.
‘Thank God I got here in time.’ He came forward and scrutinised her closely. ‘You’ll have a nasty bruise on your cheek for a few days but has he hurt you in any other way?’
‘No, I’m fine,’ Kate whispered, as a tear rolled down her cheek.
Just then Ella dashed out from behind the counter and threw herself into her mother’s arms.
‘I was so scared,’ she said, hugging Kate’s neck and burying her face into her shoulder.
Kate hugged her. ‘It’s over now.’
‘Why can’t he just stay away?’ she cried.
Kate kissed her daughter’s forehead. ‘Perhaps he will this time.’ She squeezed Ella. ‘Pop upstairs and fetch me the shawl Aunt Josie gave me for Christmas.’
‘Yes, Ma.’ Ella slipped out of her arms.
Clutching her blouse, Kate tried to stand up.
‘Let me,’ Captain Quinn said, offering his hand.
Kate grasped it and stared down at his muscled hand, tapered fingers and the neat line of hair tracking from his wrist to the base of his little finger. She started to rise but her knees gave way. He caught her around the waist.
‘Sorry, I’m a little shaky,’ she said, enjoying the feel of him against her.
‘Of course you are. It’s the shock.’
Holding her steady, he walked her though to the parlour. As he settled her in her chair Ella reappeared carrying a broad paisley shawl with silken fringing. She draped it around her mother’s shoulders.
Kate smiled at her. ‘Thank you, sweetheart.’ She tucked it around and tied it to make sure she was properly covered. ‘Could you do me another favour and run around to Sally and ask her to come a bit earlier?’
Ella looked troubled. ‘But what if he comes back again?’
‘I don’t think he will, Ella,’ Captain Quinn replied. ‘Not after the reception he got from your neighbours. Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of your mother until you return.’
‘Thank you, Headmaster.’ She dashed out of the back door.
‘A cup of tea is what you need,’ Captain Quinn said.
Kate went to rise from the chair. ‘You’ve done more than enough already.’
‘Nonsense.’
Kate sank back and he went into the kitchen where she heard him rattle around. He soon reappeared with a tray of tea, which he set on the table and then poured them a cup. He handed one to Kate.
‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘It seems odd you making me a drink.’
‘I hope it passes muster.’
Kate blew across the top and took a sip. ‘Perfect.’ She put the cup back in its saucer. ‘I think, perhaps, I should give you an expl—’
‘You don’t have to explain. It’s plain to see your husband’s a brute.’
She looked at her hands. Embarrassment washed over her. Should she tell him the full story about Freddie? But then what on earth would he think of her?
She raised her head. ‘But you don’t know that—’
‘Your brother had to drag him to the altar to face up to his responsibilities? That he left you and your children destitute?’
‘But he’s also—’
‘Been in prison?’
Kate looked astonished. ‘You know?’
‘People talk.’
‘Of my shame, no doubt,’ she replied bitterly, looking away.
He pulled a straight-backed chair from the table. He set it next to her and sat down.
‘A spiteful few, perhaps, but most talk with admiration of your perseverance and of how hard you work to provide for your family. Of your sunny disposition and kindly nature, and how as an innocent young girl you were seduced by a callous scoundrel who has treated you and your children disgracefully ever since.’ Kate began to weep quietly and he gave her his handkerchief. ‘The shame in this story is not yours but your husband’s.’
Their faces were now only inches apart and she could see the late afternoon stubble on his cheek and chin. For a moment Kate thought he would take her in his arms. And suddenly she wanted him to. More than anything else she needed to feel his embrace and press herself into him. But she could not, should not.
‘Thank you, sir,’ she said. ‘I shouldn’t burden you with my problems.’
‘You could never be a burden to me, Mrs Ellis,’ he replied, staring deeply into her eyes.
Several seconds ticked by, then the back door opened and Kate looked away. Captain Quinn sat up.
Ella ran in. ‘Sally said she’ll be here soon,’ she said, going to her mother’s side. ‘Are you better?’
‘I am,’ Kate replied.
Captain Quinn drained the last of his tea and stood up. ‘I should be getting back. I’ll leave you in Ella’s capable hands.’
Kate smiled up at him. ‘Thank you once again for coming to my aid.’
Ella bit her lower lip and looked fearfully at her mother. ‘What about next time, Ma?’
Captain Quinn tapped his top hat into place. ‘If there is a next time, Ella, just come and find me.’
Chapter Fifteen
Aggie pushed open the bar door of the Blue Coat Boy and strolled in. Several men looked her way, their eyes running slowly over her. She smiled professionally then swayed towards the counter.
The bar was full of the usual lunchtime drinkers but looking down the room she saw Ollie Mac holding court as usual, surrounded by Stefan and his other enforcers. Lilly was also there. Someone had brought a threadbare armchair and Ollie Mac’s common-law baggage now sat enthroned and clutching a bundle of rags in her arms with a look of motherly contentment on her face.
Aggie’s mouth pulled into a tight line. Much to her annoyance, Lilly and her brat had survived the rigours of childbirth. Unlike most girls in the rookery who were lucky to have a single day off after a birthing before they were back on the streets, Lilly had spent the last ten days with her feet up and stuffing her face.
The barmaid came over.
‘Double muvver’s,’ Aggie ordered.
Mary pulled off the cork from the bottle with her teeth. ‘Threepence,’ she said, pouring Aggie her drink.
‘Put it on my Freddie’s slate,’ she replied, taking a large mouthful.
The door opened and a couple of navvies wearing dusty clothes came in, followed by Freddie. He was dressed in the suit he’d got himself after the raid on the tobacco warehouse in Moorgate the week before.
The bruising around his right eye and cheek had faded but his nose still sat at an odd angle. His face had looked like a piece of beaten meat a week ago. Somehow she’d managed to stay deadpan when he told her he’d been in a tussle with a schoolmaster.
‘Hello, sweetheart,’ he said, coming up to her and slipping his arm around her waist. ‘How’s my best girl? New gown?’
She smoothed over the midnight-blue satin skirt. The scooped neck was far too low for a day dress that fitted her like a glove. She felt it worth the three shillings merely for the number of heads she turned while wearing it.
‘I saw it hanging in Cohen’s window yesterday and I thought I’d treat myself. Do you like it?’ She ran her fingers across the bare flesh of her breasts. Freddie’s eyes followed their progress.
‘I do – but that’s three you’ve bought in the last week, as well as that fancy hat you got down the Waste,’ he said, handing over a couple of coins f
or their drinks.
‘Ain’t I worth it?’ she pouted.
‘Course you are, ducks, but I’m just thinking, what with the extra rent for our new room and all . . .’
She put her index finger on his lips. ‘Everyone knows I’m your gal, Freddie, and you don’t want them thinking you can’t keep me in style, do you? Not with you being Mr Mac’s right-hand man and all.’
‘Well, no, but . . .’
Aggie ran her hand over the front of his trousers. ‘But what, Freddie?’
He drew a sharp breath and his irritation vanished. ‘Oh, Aggie, you’re a rare one and no mistake.’
‘Freddie!’ Ollie Mac’s voice called above the noise. ‘What you doing over there? Come and join us.’
‘That’s very kind of you, Mr Mac,’ Freddie replied. He looked down at her. ‘Come on.’
Aggie rolled her eyes. ‘Do we have to? It’s only to admire her stinking brat.’
Freddie squeezed her bottom. ‘Just plaster a smile on your moosh and behave.’
Aggie slipped her arm through his and walked towards the crowd gathered around Ollie and Lilly.
‘How’s the lad?’ Freddie asked, smiling jollily at his boss.
Ollie beckoned him closer. ‘Come and see for yourself. Ain’t he a right little man?’ he asked, a simpering expression settling on his sharp features. ‘Who do you think he looks like then?’
Freddie cocked his head. ‘I can’t rightly say.’
To Aggie’s mind, Albert Mac, with his screwed-up face, bald head and squat neck, looked more like the pub mongrel than either Ollie or Lilly.
‘I’d say he’s the spitting image of you, Mr Mac,’ she said, leaning forward to give Ollie an eyeful of cleavage.
Ollie puffed out his chest. ‘Isn’t he?’
‘I thought you would have called him after yourself,’ Aggie said, smiling sweetly at the proud father.
‘I wanted to but the little woman thought otherwise.’
Lilly held the baby up. ‘We called ’im Albert because he’s our little prince. Ain’t you?’ she said to her sleeping son.
Another sentimental smile cut across Ollie’s hard-bitten face as he looked down at his son. ‘I tell you, Freddie, it’s a fine thing to have a boy to follow in your footsteps.’
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