A Woman's Courage

by S Block

  Chapter 22

  S

  TEPH FARROW CALLED IN at Brindsley and Son to see how Bryn was doing.

  ‘He’s at home, taking things easy, like the doctor told him he had to,’ Miriam said. ‘Although, if you listen to Bryn, he’s had nothing more than a “funny turn” and has no idea why he’s having to spend so long resting up. ’

  Steph nodded. ‘I think I know how he feels. I was the same after my heart attack, wanting to take on all my usual jobs around the farm. Being told I could barely lift a finger took some getting used to. ’

  ‘But you did get used to it?’

  ‘It’s taken a while. I felt bad at first, leaving everything to Stan and Little Stan, but between them they’ve got things running well. To be honest, it’s been good for Little Stan having to take on more responsibility. And it’s not as if I’m not busy. I seem to find plenty to do to keep me occupied. ’

  Miriam digested this. ‘Why don’t you pop round and have a word? See if you can talk some sense into him. ’

  Steph found Bryn in the garden. She could hear him as she rounded the corner. It was a warm September day, the yellowing leaves on the maple tree the only sign that summer was at an end.

  ‘I reckon just a touch more onion and a pinch of sage makes them that bit tastier,’ Bryn said. ‘I grant you, it’s not a huge change, but you do notice the difference. What do you think?’

  Steph unlatched the gate, expecting to find Bryn in discussion with David. But there was no sign of David, just Vivian on her father’s knee.

  Bryn smiled, pleased to see her. ‘Morning. I was just telling this one what we might do to improve our sausage recipe. ’

  Steph smiled. ‘And what does she think?’

  ‘Oh, she always agrees with her dad,’ Bryn said, as Vivian beamed up at him. ‘It’s David I have to convince. He’s all for change when it comes to certain areas of the business, but for some reason he seems to have dug his heels in over the Brindsley banger. We should stick with the tried-and-tested recipe, he reckons. ’

  ‘You could always keep the original and try something new alongside it, see how it goes. ’

  Bryn nodded. ‘I’ll suggest that. ’

  Steph sat down on the bench beside him. ‘How are you?’

  He sighed, exasperated. ‘I’m fine – there’s nothing wrong with me. I should be back at work by now, not sitting about in the sun. ’

  ‘I remember feeling like that after the business with my heart,’ she said. ‘But then I decided the doctors might just know what they were talking about, so I did as I was told. ’

  Bryn looked thoughtful. ‘It’s not easy, though, is it? Not when you’re used to being busy and working hard. It’s not in my nature to sit about doing nothing. ’

  ‘You’re not doing nothing. You’re spending time with your daughter . . . and dreaming up ways of making a world-beating sausage. ’

  Bryn laughed. ‘That’s one way of looking at it. ’ He glanced at her. ‘Have you found it tricky, you know, giving up the farm work?’

  ‘At first I wondered what on earth I was going to do with myself, but I suppose I’ve learned to look at things differently. I’ve come to see how important it is to look after myself, for one thing, to make the most of having time on my hands. ’ She smiled. ‘I certainly do a lot more baking now than I ever did. ’

  Bryn looked nonplussed. ‘Baking,’ he said. ‘I’m not so sure about that. ’

  ‘I could always give you my recipe for carrot cake. After a bit of trial and error and a couple of disasters, I’ve got it just right. It’s Stan’s favourite. Imagine Miriam’s reaction, coming in from the shop to find a cake cooling in the kitchen. ’

  ‘I wouldn’t know where to start. ’

  ‘It’s easy. ’

  ‘And I’m hoping to be back at work soon. ’

  Miriam might have something to say about that, Steph thought. She got to her feet. ‘Right, I’d better be getting back or they’ll want to know where their tea is. ’

  ‘I’ll put Vivian in the pram and walk a little way with you,’ Bryn said. ‘That’s one thing I can do, a bit of light exercise. ’

  *

  They walked as far as the canal. Up ahead someone was on the bridge, hurling stones into the water. Steph frowned. ‘What’s he up to?’ The swans and their cygnets glided out from under the bridge and a stone landed beside them, sending up a splash. Steph called out, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’

  Bryn immediately backed her up. ‘That’s enough of that. ’

  The figure glanced over at them. He was tall and strong-looking, a bit older than Little Stan, Steph thought. Nothing in his manner suggested he was in the least bit troubled by their admonishments. He had another stone in his hand, which he casually tossed into the air.

  ‘Look, lad, you can see those birds have got their young,’ Bryn said, adopting a conciliatory tone. ‘So why not leave them in peace, eh?’

  He didn’t answer at first, eventually muttering something under his breath before turning to fling the stone in the opposite direction to the birds. Then he stomped off along the towpath.

  Steph stared after him. ‘Who was that?’

  ‘Gwen Talbot’s boy,’ Bryn said. ‘Ronald. I think we have to make allowances. The lad’s a bit of a lost soul, from what I’ve heard. ’

  Chapter 23

  T

  O TERESA’S AMUSEMENT, NICK insisted on walking her to the WI meeting.

  ‘There’s no need,’ she said, as she buttoned up her coat. ‘It’s not as if I can’t manage to cover a few yards on my own. ’

  ‘I don’t doubt it for a moment. You’re one of the most capable women I know. ’ He caught hold of her and grinned. ‘I simply want the pleasure of having my beautiful wife on my arm. ’

  Teresa smiled and kissed him. ‘In that case, I’d be delighted to have the company of my dashing wing commander husband, even on such a brief outing. ’

  ‘Am I forgiven for agreeing to have dinner with Michael Buey and his dreadful wife before Christmas?’

  Teresa made a face. ‘I don’t suppose it’s easy to say no to an invitation from your group captain. ’

  ‘Not good form, I’m afraid. ’

  ‘I don’t mind,’ Teresa said. ‘Or rather I do – but I’m willing to put up with it for you. ’

  Nick smiled. ‘Thank you, darling. And in return I’ll make a start on the spare room. Get it ready for the baby. ’

  ‘There’s no rush. It’s only September, we’ve got ages yet. ’ Another three months to go.

  ‘I don’t want to leave things to the last minute. ’

  Teresa looked serious for a moment. ‘Do you ever wonder what it’s going to be like, having a child, being parents?’

  He laughed. ‘All the time. It’s almost all I think about. ’

  ‘You don’t worry about . . . ’ She hesitated.

  He frowned. ‘What?’

  ‘Well, knowing what to do. Getting it wrong. ’ She gave a small shrug. ‘I sometimes panic about being the most hopeless mother, not having the first idea how to hold my baby, let alone change its nappy or bathe it . . . ’

  ‘We’re beginners, my darling, but we’re bright enough to work things out – together,’ Nick told her. ‘We just need to have a bit of faith. What’s important is we’ve got each other. We’ll muddle through somehow. ’

  ‘I hope so. ’

  ‘I know so. ’ He gave her a squeeze. ‘And don’t forget, there’ll be no shortage of helpful advice available from your WI friends. There are plenty of experienced ladies there. Mrs Talbot, for instance. ’

  Teresa’s eyes widened. ‘Gwen?’

  He grinned. ‘Erica, then. Miriam. Steph. I’ve no doubt everyone will rally round when the time comes – if we get stuck, which we won’t, because I’ve every confidence we’re both more than capable of getting the hang of looking after our own baby. ’ He pulle
d her close. ‘Please, darling, trust me on this and stop worrying. I’ll be here for you every step of the way, I promise. ’

  *

  Teresa found a seat next to Alison near the back of the hall.

  ‘Good turn-out,’ Alison said. ‘How are you feeling?’

  ‘I’m fine, really well. Nick’s being sweet, spoiling me. He even made our meal this evening – warmed up the soup I’d made earlier, at any rate. ’

  Alison laughed.

  ‘And he insisted on walking me to the meeting. ’

  ‘The perfect husband, I’d say. ’

  Teresa smiled. ‘I’m lucky to have him. ’

  ‘And he’s lucky to have you. ’

  Teresa eased her coat off and folded it over her lap. ‘How’s it working out having John there?’ she asked. ‘Are the two of you getting along all right?’

  Alison felt the colour rise in her cheeks. ‘He’s good company, easy to have around. A good cook as well, it turns out. ’

  ‘What about the other matter we discussed?’

  ‘I decided to take your advice and be rather more . . . forthright,’ Alison said.

  ‘And?’ Teresa persisted.

  ‘It did the trick. ’ She lowered her voice. ‘Since then, things have moved on. ’

  Teresa was smiling broadly. ‘I’m so pleased to hear it – absolutely thrilled for both of you. You deserve to be happy. ’

  The rows of seats nearest the front were starting to fill up. Alison glanced at the women arriving, some deep in conversation. ‘I wouldn’t want it to be widely known,’ she told Teresa quietly. ‘Can you imagine what people would say? A respectable woman living in sin – and with a black man at that. It could hardly be worse. ’

  ‘It’s no one else’s business. Not that you have any reason to keep it hidden. Why should you? It’s not as if you’re doing anything wrong. ’

  ‘I’d still prefer to keep matters private, at least for now. People can be quite narrow-minded, as we both know. I sometimes think that the less people know, the better it is for all concerned – fewer opportunities to speculate and pass judgement. ’ She glanced at Teresa. ‘You know only too well what I’m talking about. ’

  Teresa nodded slowly. She tried not to think about it now, but she had been driven from her teaching job in Liverpool when her affair with another woman came to light. Alison – and Annie – were the only people who knew this; she would never, could never, tell Nick.

  Alison hesitated. ‘I’m only sorry I failed to show more understanding of your . . . situation, at the time. ’

  ‘It doesn’t matter now,’ Teresa said. ‘I put you in a difficult position, which wasn’t fair. Scandal is never pleasant for anyone involved. ’

  ‘But easier to manage differences in a city, perhaps, where there’s less chance of sticking out like a sore thumb. The problem with a village like ours is that anything out of the ordinary is bound to draw comment. ’ Alison sighed. ‘I sometimes think John doesn’t stand a chance. ’

  ‘Believe me, there are prejudices enough in cities,’ Teresa said. ‘People just need to get used to seeing John about the place. ’

  They fell silent as the seats around them were taken.

  At the front of the hall, Frances got to her feet and the chatter in the hall died down as everyone stood for the usual uplifting rendition of ‘Jerusalem’.

  ‘Thank you so much for coming, ladies,’ Frances began, as they once more took their seats. ‘I must say, it’s wonderful to see such a good turn-out, which I expect is as much to do with the popularity of our new sewing initiative as anything. ’ She aimed a smile at Pat. ‘Do please keep supporting the “Stitch in Time” classes, where all manner of skills, from darning to dressmaking are on offer, and together we will beat the clothes coupon!’

  Alison caught Sarah’s eye and exchanged a knowing smile. Both knew that, despite her enthusiasm for the sewing project, Frances had so far declined to participate in the classes, opting instead to hover on the periphery of the various groups, offering encouragement to others.

  ‘May I gently remind you all that we’re still looking for donations for our “Fashion on the Ration” extravaganza,’ Frances went on. ‘If any of you have any unwanted garments in good condition, please do consider letting us have them. Somebody will no doubt be able to make good use of them. Shoes, especially for children, are most welcome. Already, we have a most impressive collection of clothing, some of which looks to have barely been worn. For those of you who haven’t yet gone through your wardrobes and removed the things you no longer want, can I recommend you do so? There’s nothing quite like a good clear-out – it can be most exhilarating. ’ She turned to Pat. ‘Was there anything else you wanted me to mention?’

  Pat shook her head.

  Steph Farrow, sitting at the front of the hall directly in front of Frances, rose to speak. ‘There’s something I wanted to mention, if it’s all right. ’

  Frances nodded. ‘Steph is our darning expert,’ she explained, with a smile.

  ‘It’s not about the sewing,’ Steph said, turning to face the women seated behind her. ‘There’s been some trouble on the next farm to ours. Jim Morton went to check on his animals the other morning and found some of his sheep dead. Their throats were cut. ’

  Several of the women gasped.

  ‘Someone had been on his land and slaughtered his livestock for no reason whatsoever,’ Steph went on. ‘They have killed them for the sake of it – and not even cleanly, he says. They must have suffered greatly. He’s had animals taken for food before, but this was different. ’

  Frances was first to speak. ‘What have the police said? Some kind of vendetta?’

  Steph shrugged her shoulders. ‘We have no idea. We’ve said we’ll keep an eye out, let him know if we see anything suspicious, if we spot any strangers on the land, that kind of thing. If we could all be vigilant, it might be a help. ’

  ‘Of course,’ Frances said.

  A voice came from the middle of the room. ‘It was only a matter of time before something happened,’ said Martha Dawson, a stout individual, with a solid helmet of grey hair. Her husband was landlord at the Black Horse. ‘We had a darkie hanging round the pub the other day, one of them trekkers. Thought we ’d seen the back of them. My husband had to chase him. ’ She looked round, indignant. ‘Turns out he’s living right here. In the village. ’

  ‘No one’s accusing anybody,’ Steph said.

  Mrs Dawson pointed at Alison. ‘She’s only taken him in. ’

  Teresa placed a hand on Alison’s arm.

  ‘I’d seen a coloured hanging round the village. I didn’t know he was living here. ’ The woman sitting next to Mrs Dawson sounded disgusted.

  ‘It so happens the gentleman you’re referring to is the one who found my son, Noah, after he ran away from school,’ Frances said, seeking to calm the atmosphere. ‘John Smith as good as saved his life, in fact. If you ask me, we need more people like him in our midst. ’

  Mrs Dawson snorted. ‘It’s no coincidence we’ve got someone butchering animals now there’s a darkie living here. They think nothing of it where they come from. ’

  ‘Mrs Dawson!’ Frances was incandescent. ‘Allow me to remind you that we in the WI take pride in conducting ourselves in a civilised manner. We do not go about accusing people without evidence. ’

  ‘There’s nothing civilised about the coloureds. Bunch of savages, the lot of them. ’

  Frances glared at her. ‘Really, Mrs Dawson!’

  Sarah was on her feet before anyone else had a chance to speak. ‘Ladies, I understand emotions are running high. Not a single one of us wants to think that someone in our community is capable of killing livestock. But it does not help to go about making accusations, casting blame on someone whose skin colour is different to ours. I suggest we all remain calm and keep an open mind – be alert, as Mrs Farrow suggests, and leave it to the police to g
et to the bottom of things based on evidence rather than prejudice. ’

  ‘Absolutely,’ Frances said.

  Mrs Dawson turned to look at Alison. ‘Maybe someone needs to tell the police that the first place they need to start looking is Mrs Scotlock’s house. ’

  Several of the women were muttering, sending uneasy looks in Alison’s direction. She felt her heart pounding as she stood up. ‘Before everyone gets too carried away,’ she said, trying to keep her voice calm, ‘we don’t know who’s responsible for this spate of killings, but what I can tell you is that it was not my lodger. ’ She held Mrs Dawson’s gaze. ‘Only the most ignorant among us would assume a person to be guilty of a crime because of the colour of their skin. ’

  ‘I’m telling you, they’re not like us,’ Mrs Dawson retorted.

  ‘Us?’ Teresa leapt up, incensed. ‘And what are we like? Intolerant? Small-minded? The kind of people to turn on someone because they look different? If that’s the case, I want nothing to do with this. ’ She caught hold of Alison’s elbow. ‘Come on, let’s go. ’

  *

  Sarah caught up with them outside. ‘Alison, wait, I’m so sorry. You know how Martha Dawson can be – she had no right to say those things. ’

  ‘She won’t be the only one pointing the finger at John. ’ Alison was shaken. ‘He’s been all over the village trying to find work. I knew he ’d asked at the pub but he didn’t say a word about the landlord giving him short shrift. He tried some of the farms as well, probably got the same reception. ’ She shook her head solemnly. ‘I don’t know why I’m surprised. ’

  ‘It’s only a handful of people who’ll think like that,’ Sarah said.

  ‘Is it, though?’ Teresa was shaking her head. ‘It’s not so long ago we had people coming into the village to escape the bombs being dropped on their homes, families from Liverpool, my hometown, looking for refuge, and I seem to remember there was no shortage of people ready to see them turned away – especially the ones with black skin. ’

  ‘We’re living in strange times,’ Sarah said, ‘which only serves to fuel the kind of fear that would otherwise be seen as irrational. A few will always react badly to anything they think might threaten the status quo. An outsider in their midst – any outsider – makes them mistrustful. Once they get used to John being here, I’m sure things will change. ’