‘You think so?’ Ben’s grin showed he was amused at the thought.
‘Not everyone’s going to run when you stand up and tower over them, Ben. You should have been a boxer, not an artist.’
‘Not likely! A mild-tempered man like me standing in a ring and letting someone try to knock him senseless?’
Howard roared with laughter. ‘I don’t know how you can delude yourself like that. Anyone upsets you at their peril.’
All that produced was a deep chuckle.
‘Anyway, providing we get to Wapping in one piece, what are you going to do if you find the girl?’
‘You’ve already asked me that. I’m just going to check that she’s all right.’
*
They parked the car at the bottom of Farthing Street and walked up the road. The houses were all the same: two floors, a basement and no front gardens. Ben hunched his broad shoulders as the cold wind hit him. He wasn’t sure he was up to this, but for some reason he couldn’t fathom, he just had to see her again. He was probably wasting his time, but at least he would feel easier after seeing her.
A woman was just coming out of a door and he stopped her. ‘Excuse me, but could you tell us where Amy Carter lives?’
‘Number twenty-three, but you won’t find her in.’ She didn’t seem too pleased about being stopped. ‘It’s her mother’s funeral today. She’ll be up at St Joseph’s.’
‘Where is that?’ Ben was shocked at the news. The poor little devil had lost her mother as well!
‘Turn right at the top of the road, then keep straight on. It’s about a ten-minute walk from here.’ With a look that said he’d wasted enough of her time, she stalked off.
‘Not very friendly.’ Howard ran a hand through his wind-blown hair. ‘Wonder if the kid’s got any other family?’
‘That’s what we’re going to find out.’ Ben’s long legs began to eat up the ground as he headed for the church.
Howard caught him up. ‘Hold on, Ben, we’ve got no business going to the church. Let’s wait in the car until she comes back.’
His suggestion was ignored, so he said no more. He could tell from his friend’s grim expression that he was very concerned. By now Howard was more than a little curious to find out what was so special about this young girl.
It took them less than ten minutes, and a quick glance in the church showed it to be empty. They walked round the side and met the vicar. Howard stopped him when he looked as if he was going to hurry past them. ‘We’re looking for the Carter funeral.’
‘You’re too late; it’s all over. The daughter is just saying her last private goodbye.’ The vicar sighed deeply. ‘I don’t suppose she’ll mind if you go to the graveside though. No one else bothered to turn up. It makes you wonder what happened to Christian compassion.’
‘Where is the grave?’ Ben was looking around the churchyard as he spoke.
‘It’s round the back. Did you know Mrs Carter then?’
‘No.’ Ben shook his head. ‘I know her daughter.’
‘Ah, well, young man’ – the vicar looked up at Ben, sympathy showing on his lined face – ‘see what you can do for her. She won’t talk to me, but I think she’s in real difficulty.’
Ben practically ran round the side of the church, then stopped suddenly, looking at the small figure of Amy standing by the open grave, her head bowed. There was only one simple bunch of flowers on the ground.
‘Oh, Ben.’ Howard spoke softly, not bothering to hide the emotion in his voice. ‘This isn’t right.’
‘No, it isn’t.’
They walked quickly to the graveside and Ben’s heart ached when he saw Amy’s face. She didn’t look at all like the smiling girl he had sketched with such enthusiasm. Her eyes were red and swollen, and with the acute perception of an artist he read her expression. There were myriad emotions showing on her expressive face: sorrow, anger, and the thing that took his breath away – hopelessness.
‘Amy.’ He touched her arm. ‘I’m so sorry.’
She started in surprise, glancing up at him without recognition.
‘Don’t you remember me? We met by the river and I gave you a drawing.’
‘What are you doing here?’
‘We heard the news and have come to see if you are all right.’ Howard gave her his clean handkerchief, as the one she had in her hand was a sodden ball. ‘My name’s Howard and I’m Ben’s friend. Let’s take you home. It’s cold and we need to get you out of this rain.’
‘Home?’ Her face crumpled and she suddenly began to sob in great wrenching cries that shook her body. She was ashamed of herself, but it had all been too much for her and the dam burst. ‘I haven’t got a home. They’re turning me out at the end of next week. How could they do that?’
Ben tried to hold her, to give her some comfort, but she pushed him away, her swimming eyes now blazing.
‘Go away! You don’t know me. What do you care what happens to me?’
‘We do care. That’s why we’re here.’ Ben didn’t try to touch her again; instead he took a step back, giving her space. This poor girl was at the end of her tether. ‘Have you got somewhere to go?’
She gestured to the empty graveside in derision. ‘Does it look like it? No one came. What happened to all those friends who were only too happy to join her in the pub? Where are they? Can you tell me that?’
‘Ben.’ Howard stood beside him, speaking softly. ‘We can’t leave her like this. Mrs Dalton’s got a spare room.’
‘I was thinking the same thing.’ Ben was blazing angry now. ‘How could something like this happen? She’s only a kid.’
Amy heard and turned on them. ‘Stop whispering about me. I’ve had to put up with that all my life. And I’m not a kid. I’m fifteen soon.’
‘Sorry.’ Ben held up his hand in apology. ‘Will you let us help you?’
‘Why should you?’ She frowned, puzzled.
‘Because you need help and it’s obvious that we’re the only people around. We might be able to get you a room in the house we live in. We know our landlady’s got a spare room.’
‘You must be joking!’ The tears had dried now and she was bristling with defiance. ‘No one’s going to take me in. I’m the daughter of a murderer – or didn’t you know that?’
‘Yes, we do.’ Howard’s tone was coaxing. ‘But what your father did doesn’t change who you are.’
‘How do you know?’
‘Because I’ve seen the paintings Ben’s done of you. My friend has a way of seeing into the character and even soul of a person. They are beautiful, Amy.’
She sniffed and blew her nose. ‘Your landlady won’t give me a room. When my dad was condemned, we were sentenced with him. All our so-called friends disappeared as fast as they could. My mother couldn’t take it. She wasn’t strong and she just gave up.’ Her voice broke.
‘But you’re going to be strong, aren’t you?’
Ben watched with relief as her shoulders straightened slightly and her head lifted. ‘I haven’t got any money.’
‘Neither have we.’ Ben gave her an encouraging smile. ‘Our landlady’s very understanding. Why don’t you come back with us and meet her?’
She shrugged, gave one last sad look at her mother’s grave and turned away. ‘All right.’
8
This was hopeless, but what other choice did she have? She just had to make it on her own. If she didn’t then the welfare would get hold of her and she’d end up in a home or something worse. They had already been round asking her lots of questions. She’d lied and told them she had a job and could look after herself. She could just picture what her life would be like in an institution once they found out she couldn’t read or write properly. Everyone would gang up on her, tell her she was thick, and she wasn’t going through that again. Not that she really knew anything about such places, of course, but they were bound to be awful. If these two were daft enough to believe their landlady would give her a room, then let them try.
‘This way, Amy. My car’s at the bottom of your road.’
She looked up at the tall man she had met by the river. Car? She thought they didn’t have any money?
As if he’d read her mind, he said, ‘It was a present from my parents.’
Now his family had money! The little spark of hope his offer had kindled began to go out. It would be sensible to be careful, since it looked as if they were telling her a pack of lies. Well, she’d see this place they lived in, and if the ‘kindly’ landlady didn’t exist she’d run like hell. Her mother had often warned her about the sort of men who liked young girls, but she was desperate enough to take a risk. She’d be daft not to find out if this was a genuine offer of help. Goodness knows she needed it.
She eyed them cautiously as they walked towards the car. They were both big and strong-looking. The one she’d met at the river was the tallest, but not by much, only about four inches, she thought. They both seemed kind, and she hoped her summing-up was correct, or she could find herself in a lot of trouble. She nearly laughed out loud at that thought. She had nothing but trouble!
When they reached the car, Ben opened the door. ‘Here, sit in the front with me. Howard can get in the back.’
Her courage suddenly disappeared and, frightened, she hesitated. ‘I’ll walk. Tell me where this place is.’
‘Amy, you can’t walk there. We live in Chelsea.’
Oh dear, that was a long way, and much too far to go on foot.
Howard gave her an understanding smile. ‘We only want to help. We wouldn’t harm you in any way.’
She studied the expression in his brown eyes and felt he was telling the truth. There was a gentleness about him that made her feel ashamed of not trusting him. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she slid into the car. She had a shilling in her pocket, so if this didn’t turn out well, she could get back here all right.
While they drove along she sat tense and silent. This was a stupid thing to do, she kept telling herself, and her mum would be furious if she knew. She looked down at her clasped hands as the tears gathered once again. But her mum wasn’t here any more, and somehow she was going to have to look after herself. And she was terrified of being put in a home – the mere thought of it made her shudder in horror.
Soon the docks were behind them and they were driving along an elegant street. It was a new world to Amy, and despite her anxiety about being with these men, she couldn’t help admiring the houses. They looked so big, with steps leading up to the front doors, and brass letterboxes gleaming on beautifully painted wood. They were all different colours. She liked nice colours. On some steps there were stone tubs holding plants. She thought that was lovely. Absorbed in the scene she forgot her fear, but only for a moment. It came rushing back when they stopped outside an even larger house. She gasped. It was a palace!
‘Here we are.’ Ben got out of the car and came round to open her door.
She stood on the pavement and stared in wonder. She would never be able to afford rent in a place as grand as this.
Howard joined them. ‘Come in and meet our landlady.’
She shook her head as the tears of disappointment threatened to spill over. Somewhere deep inside she had still been hoping this would be the answer to her prayers, but it wasn’t. It was hopeless. Her shoulders slumped. ‘You shouldn’t have brought me here. I haven’t got a job or enough money for a place like this. Tell me where the bus stop is, please.’
‘Don’t go.’ Ben blocked her way as she appeared ready to run. ‘Let’s talk to our landlady, Mrs Dalton. If she can’t take you in then I promise we’ll find you somewhere else.’
‘Give it a try.’ Howard’s voice was quiet and coaxing. ‘Where are you going to stay if you don’t let us help?’
When she looked up at him her eyes were full of terror and the words tumbled out. ‘If I can’t look after myself they’ll put me in a home. A woman came to see me when Mum died, and they’ve sent me a letter.’
‘What did it say?’ Ben asked.
‘I haven’t opened it, but they’re going to put me in a home. I just know it!’ She was shaking with a mixture of cold and fear.
Howard was frowning fiercely. ‘You’d better read it.’
‘I don’t want to.’ She fished in her pocket and held out the letter to him. Her intention had been to ask the vicar to read it for her, but she had forgotten all about it. ‘You read it if you want to.’
He looked puzzled that she should let him read a private letter, but he slit open the envelope and pulled it out.
Ben looked over Howard’s shoulder. ‘It’s just to say that someone will be coming to talk to you in a few days to assess your situation. Nothing has been decided, Amy. Come inside and we’ll talk this over with Mrs Dalton.’
They were still standing on the pavement, but fortunately the rain had stopped and the sun had come out, making it feel a little warmer.
Howard took her arm. ‘Come on, Amy, we’ll get this sorted out.’
Thoroughly bemused by now, she allowed them to lead her into the house. The inside was every bit as lovely as the outside. There were coloured glass windows either side of the front door, casting pretty patterns on the tiled floor as the sun glanced through them. All around the edge of the ceiling were carved flowers – roses – and they were picked out in gold. A staircase ran up from the middle of the hall where the wood had been polished so highly you could almost see your face in it. But for all its grandeur, there was a homely feel to the place. Amy had always been sensitive to atmosphere.
‘Ah, there you are at last. You’ve been out for two hours.’ Mrs Dalton studied Ben carefully and tutted in disapproval before turning her attention to Amy. ‘And who is this?’
‘Erm… I’m Amy.’ She edged closer to Ben, just to be on the safe side. At first impression the landlady was a stern-looking woman and didn’t look too pleased about something. In her early fifties, she had light-brown hair without a trace of grey yet, and piercing light-blue eyes. She was well built, but not fat.
‘Amy needs help.’ Howard eased Amy forward. ‘She’s had a rough time, so we’ve brought her to you.’
‘I see.’ She looked thoughtful, and then smiled, transforming her face and demeanour from stern to kindly. ‘You’d better all come into the kitchen. I’ll make us a pot of tea and you can tell me about it.’
The kitchen was enormous. Amy turned in a circle, taking everything in. There were shelves everywhere, holding plates, pots and all manner of cooking implements. A most delicious smell filled the room and she spied a large cake cooling on a rack, along with two pies. She gave a delicate sniff – apples. They were apple pies.
‘Sit down.’ Mrs Dalton put a kettle on the stove and laid out cups and plates. ‘I think the cake will be cool enough to cut now.’
Sitting down as ordered, Amy folded her hands in her lap, quite speechless. At the start of the day she’d had to face the sorrow of her mother’s funeral, alone and frightened. And now she was here, in this beautiful house, being given tea and cake. It was unbelievable.
The tea was soon made. Mrs Dalton poured them all a cup and cut large slices from the cake, handing one to each of them. Amy’s mouth fairly watered. Her piece was as big as the slices the others had. She didn’t attempt to eat until she saw Howard wink at her and take a big bite.
‘Now, Benjamin.’ Mrs Dalton stirred her tea. ‘Tell me why Amy needs our help?’
Amy chewed as she listened to Ben telling the story. He didn’t leave anything out, and when he told the landlady about her father, she swallowed hard. Now she would be sent away.
By the time Ben had finished talking, Mrs Dalton was shaking her head. ‘That’s a sad story. We had better see what we can do for you, my dear. Now show me this letter you’ve received.’
Hope flared in Amy at those words. She handed over the envelope. She had prayed for help. Were her prayers about to be answered?
Mrs Dalton stood up. ‘I’ve got a room on this floor I think will
do you very nicely, Amy. There is a bathroom next door and a kitchen down the end of the hall which you will share with Mr Ted Andrews, but he won’t be much trouble because he eats out a lot of the time.’
Amy couldn’t wait to see the room, ignoring for the moment the fact that she knew she couldn’t afford it.
They all trooped along behind Mrs Dalton until she stopped halfway down a long passage and opened a door.
‘This is the room. It’s pleasant and I think you’ll like it.’ The landlady smiled and stepped aside to let the eager girl go in.
It was wonderful. There was a single bed with a dark red eiderdown on it, and curtains of the same shade with small cream flowers along the bottom. It also held a wardrobe, dressing table and an armchair over by the window. It was all so lovely Amy couldn’t help rushing to look out of the window.
‘Oh, Mrs Dalton,’ she cried in delight, ‘you’ve got a garden with trees and flowers.’ Craning her neck to get a better view, she pointed in excitement. ‘There’s a tabby cat in the garden. Is he yours?’
‘That’s Oscar.’ The landlady’s smile was full of amusement. ‘He thinks he owns me, not the other way around. Cats are funny creatures like that.’
Amy giggled, and the sound surprised her. She hadn’t laughed for what seemed a very long time.
‘Do you like the room?’
‘Yes, Mrs Dalton, it’s beautiful.’ She nodded, giving Ben and Howard a sad glance, serious once again. ‘Er… how much is the rent? Only I haven’t got a job or much money.’
‘We’ll discuss the rent when you’ve found work. Let’s take one step at a time, my dear. The room is yours if you want it.’
Amy was flabbergasted. ‘But… but you must tell me how much, please.’
‘Very well. The rent will be two and six a week. When you can afford it.’
‘Two and six?’ Amy had to sit down in shock. Even she knew that was ridiculously cheap. The armchair was very comfortable.
While she was struggling to find her voice, the cat sauntered in, tail in the air, took one look at her and leapt on to her lap. His paws kneaded her skirt until he was satisfied, then he sat down looking smug.
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