by June Francis
‘Lucky them,’ murmured Irene, going over to the window and staring out over the back yard. ‘I’m surprised you didn’t write back when I told you that the children’s home is closing down and I’ll be out of a job. I’ll have nowhere to live.’
‘You’ll get another,’ said Maisie.
‘I could have been company here for you after Jimmy goes to sea.’
‘It wouldn’t be the same. I agree with Alfred that your children aren’t any use when it comes to sharing memories.’ Maisie placed a hand to her bosom. ‘Someone who knows what it is to hurt so deep inside that you believe you’re never going to come through on the other side.’
Irene was unmoved. ‘Cut the cackle, Mam. This man is a stranger, so how can you have memories that you can share with him? I bet it’s just that the pair of you want to go to bed together!’
Maisie gasped and raised a hand as if to strike her daughter. Irene stepped back hastily. ‘I’ve a good mind to wash your mouth out with soap!’ said her mother. ‘Alfred and I have both lived through terrible times, the Depression and the last war.’
‘Gertie Marshall lived through them so you could have made up your quarrel and reminisced together,’ said Irene defiantly. ‘You don’t have to get married again.’
‘I want to get married again!’ shouted Maisie. ‘I’ve told you in the past that I like a man about the place and Alfred misses having a woman around.’ She began coughing again.
Irene did not waste time patting her on the back. ‘So it’s just a marriage of convenience?’
‘You make it sound cold-blooded,’ Maisie gasped. ‘Of course, it won’t be what it was like with your dad or even Terence, but we’re not marrying merely for convenience and we don’t want any know-all grown-up kids spoiling it.’
‘How old are his children?’ asked Irene, wishing she had not come but knowing she could not have avoided doing so.
‘Daisy and Rose are ten and twelve and their brother Patrick is eight.’ Maisie shook a finger at her. ‘And don’t say it!’
‘Say what? That he’s using you?’ Irene’s voice wobbled.
‘Stop that!’ said Maisie. ‘I’ve well done my duty by you and Jimmy.’
‘Duty! Is that all it was with you?’
‘You just be glad that I did have a sense of duty. There were some mothers who put their children in a home during the war because they couldn’t cope!’
‘You don’t have to tell me about the poor children who have been rejected or have no mums and dads,’ said Irene, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Maisie stared at her. ‘Now what’s wrong with you? If you care so much about such children, you should be glad I’m going to be a mother to Alfred’s. Now come here!’ Maisie dropped her handbag and stubbed out her cigarette in an ash tray on the sideboard and put her arms around her daughter. ‘I want you to be my maid of honour. I’ll get you a frock. I know your size and you can lead Daisy and Rose into the church after me.’ She patted Irene on the back and then let her go. ‘You be here on Whit Saturday morning and don’t be late.’
She surprised Irene by kissing her cheek and then picked up her handbag and went out. For several moments Irene could only stare after her and then she pulled herself together and went and made herself a cup of tea.
She was about to sit down and drink it when she noticed the blue airmail envelope on the sideboard. At last, a reply from Betty to whom she had written again not so long ago. She snatched up the letter and hastily slit open the envelope.
Hello Irene,
Sorry to be so long in answering your letters, which had me spitting nails. I really felt for you. I could say things about your mother’s behaviour but I won’t because it wouldn’t be helpful. But you know me, so you can guess what’s on the tip of my tongue. I was also really interested in what you had to say about the children’s home closing because I have BIG NEWS and that is the reason for my not writing back earlier. I’m going to have a baby and now the morning sickness has passed, I feel so much better and able to tell people I am pregnant. I am almost thinking sensibly – which is unusual for me, some would say. Anyway, remember my asking you whether you’d ever thought of being a private nanny? Well, there are well-to-do families who would jump at the opportunity to hire a British nanny for their little ones over here. But I thought that perhaps to give you some idea what it might be like living in America and having such a position, you could come and stay with me and Stuart as soon as you are free to come. You can be nurse and nanny to both of us and the baby for as long as you like. (I’m serious, we’re both in a quake at the thought of being parents.) Of course, we will pay you a proper wage, as well as provide you with bed and board. You will have to apply for a work permit and visa, but I doubt you’ll have any difficulty with the necessary paperwork. Just write back as soon as you can and let me know what you decide. Stuart says if you can come then it could be that you might be able to have company on the journey if you can make it at the end of July. If you remember, his stepsister is Lynne Walker, the wife of Detective Inspector Sam Walker, Jeanette’s half-brother. Lynne’s daughter, Bobby, who you’ve met and works Saturdays at Lenny’s place, is now sixteen and would love to come and stay the whole of the summer holidays. Lynne cannot come because she’s having another baby. It’s all babies at the moment in the family what with Jeanette pregnant as well. If you say yes, then hopefully we’ll be able to arrange for you both to be met in New York and accompanied across country all the way to California.
Loads of love, Betty.
P.S. Has Jimmy gone to sea yet? What is he going to do about the house if he’s going to be away most of the time and you decide to come to America? I bet it’ll soon be snapped up. From what I hear from Lynne, the housing situation in Liverpool is still dire. It must be really difficult for young married couples having to live with parents. Also, is there any news of Peggy?
The letter was like an answer to a prayer, thought Irene, her spirits soaring. She could not be happier for Betty who had been through some bad times but now, married to Stuart and having a baby, she would have a proper little family of her own. She had given Irene plenty to think about, including where she could possibly get all the money needed to pay for her liner ticket to New York?
She tapped the letter against her teeth, knowing she did not have enough savings in her Post Office account. Her heart sank at the thought she might have to refuse Betty’s offer of a job. It was then she heard a noise at the front door and hurried into the lobby just as Jimmy entered the house.
‘What are you doing here?’ he asked.
‘I came to see Mam.’
‘Is she in?’
‘No, she’s gone to meet Alfred. They’re seeing the priest about the wedding arrangements. I could scarcely believe it when she told me she was getting married so soon.’
Jimmy shrugged. ‘It’s her funeral. I wouldn’t want to be marrying someone with three kids at her age. I’m off.’
Irene’s face fell. ‘You mean you’ve got a ship?’
Jimmy nodded. ‘I’m going to New Zealand.’
‘That’s the other side of the world!’
‘Glad you know your geography,’ he said, grinning.
‘Very funny. When d’you leave?’
‘The day after next but I’m meeting Pete and Tony and the rest of the band at the Gianellis’ soon.’
‘Do they know you’re leaving?’
‘Of course. I’ve suggested someone who can take my place on guitar and washboard and I’m hoping he’ll be there. Tony’ll be in charge, though.’
She walked into the kitchen and he followed her. She poured a cup of tea for him. ‘What about the house?’ she asked.
He followed her. ‘What about it? Mam’ll be here for a little while yet and won’t you be coming back here once the children’s home closes? You could try and get a job at Litherland Nursery and keep the home fires burning.’
She took a deep breath. ‘I have other plans. That’s if I can get the money together for a lin
er ticket.’
Jimmy frowned as he picked up that morning’s newspaper from the sofa and sat down. ‘Has this anything to do with Betty?’
Irene nodded. ‘There was a letter here for me from her. She’s having a baby and wants me to go out there.’
Jimmy glanced up from the sports page. ‘You mean she wants you to look after it for her?’
‘Yes, but she’d like me to go as soon as possible.’
He made no comment and she realized he was not listening to her properly, so snatched the newspaper out of his grasp. ‘Did you hear what I said? She’d like me to go at the beginning of the school holidays, so I can accompany Bobby, who works Saturdays at Lenny’s cafe, to California. I’m not going to be living here, even if I were able to get a job at Litherland Nursery. I couldn’t afford the rent and all my living expenses on my own. Anyway, what’s the point of keeping the house on if you’re going to be at sea for months on end and hopefully I’m going to be in America?’
Jimmy frowned. ‘But it’s home.’
‘Don’t be sentimental,’ said Irene harshly, dropping the newspaper on the table and folding her arms across her chest. ‘It hasn’t been a proper home since Uncle Terence died. It’s a house but it could be a home to a young family.’
Jimmy was silent as he reached for his cup of tea. ‘I suppose you have a point. I wonder if Mam has given any thought to what we’d do about the house once she marries dear Alfred and moves in with him and his kids?’
‘She’s going to be here until Whit and that’ll give me time to get things sorted out.’
‘You do realize that we’ll be homeless?’
She smiled. ‘You’ll have your ship and I’m sure I’ll have a roof over my head whatever I do. We could be a lot worse off.’
Jimmy agreed, hesitated and then said, ‘As it happens the lad who’s going to take my place is Nick. You know him. Sam and Lynne Walker adopted him. He could be at the Gianellis’ this evening. Why don’t you come with me? I bet he’s aware that Bobby wants to go and stay with Betty this summer. She was a big fan of Betty’s artistic talent and wanted to be like her.’
Irene’s face lit up. ‘I don’t mind having a word with him and I always enjoy a chat with Nellie.’
‘Then make us a snack and we’ll go round there after I’ve listened to the football results,’ said Jimmy.
It was Tony who opened the door to Jimmy and Irene. ‘Hi,’ he said. ‘Haven’t seen you for a while, Irene.’ A smile lit up his handsome face. ‘Jimmy!’ He nodded in his direction. ‘Everybody’s here.’
‘Including Nick?’ asked Jimmy.
Tony nodded.
‘Good,’ said Jimmy.
‘Is your step-mamma in?’ asked Irene.
‘Not at the moment but she shouldn’t be long,’ said Tony. ‘Come on in!’
‘Do you think Nick’ll fit in?’ asked Irene.
‘Sure. He plays the banjo, as well as guitar and washboard,’ said Tony, helping her off with her jacket. ‘He’s not as experienced as Jimmy on the last two, but he’ll get there. Bobby’s here as well. You know her, don’t you?’
Irene could not conceal her surprise. ‘Yes. What’s she doing here?’
Tony grinned. ‘Apparently she wouldn’t mind having a go at singing.’
‘Is Lucia here, too?’ asked Jimmy, a slight frown on his face.
Tony nodded. ‘She and Bobby seem to have taken to each other.’
‘I’m glad to hear it,’ murmured Jimmy. ‘She hasn’t asked to have a go at being a vocalist as well, has she?’
‘If she could sing I’d have suggested that she had a go before now, instead of mooning over you,’ said Tony bluntly. ‘Come on through.’
They followed him into the kitchen where Bobby and Lucia were chatting as they did the dishes, whilst Nick strummed a guitar and the two other lads in the group had their heads together over a sheet of music.
Nick glanced up at Irene in surprise before turning to Bobby. ‘Hey, Bobby, look who’s here.’
She broke off from what she was saying in mid-sentence and her face lit up as she saw Irene. ‘It must be fate!’ she blurted out. ‘Has Betty been in touch with you?’
‘Yes, I’ve just read her letter. It was at my mother’s house,’ said Irene.
‘Are you going to go?’ asked Bobby, drying her hands on a tea towel.
‘To America?’ said Irene.
‘Where else?’ cried Bobby, her eyes shining. ‘Do say you are, so I can go with you!’
‘I want to,’ said Irene, finding the younger girl’s excitement infectious. ‘But there are matters I have to sort out first.’
‘But we still have plenty of time,’ said Bobby, ‘although we can’t really delay on booking our berths,’ she added. ‘I believe the voyage only takes about five days.’
‘That’ll depend on the weather,’ said Jimmy.
‘Then they’d better pray the ship doesn’t run into a storm or bump into any icebergs,’ said Lucia, putting away the last dish in a cupboard.
Irene noticed that Lucia did not look at Jimmy and wondered if she was annoyed about him going back to sea. Her thoughts turned to Marty and how, if she went to America, it could be years before she saw him again. But it would be for the best and she might meet someone else whom she could fall in love with and, if she didn’t, then she could still have a fulfilling life looking after other people’s children.
At that moment there was the sound of the front door opening and closing and then the tap-tap of high heels on linoleum. The kitchen door opened and Nellie stood there. She gazed around the room and then her eyes lit up as they fixed on Irene. ‘Am I glad to see you! Were your ears burning? There’s a vacancy coming up at Litherland Nursery for a nursery nurse in September. I mentioned your name. If you apply, there’s a chance of you filling the position.’
There was a silence.
Then Bobby burst out, ‘But she can’t! We’re going to America.’
‘What?’ Nellie stared at her and then looked at Irene. ‘You’ve made up your mind to go and see Betty?’
‘She’s offered me a job. She’s having a baby and she wants me to be the baby’s nanny.’
Nellie looked disappointed and then she sighed. ‘Ah well, if it’s not meant to be.’
Jimmy said, ‘It would be better if you applied for the job at the nursery, Irene. We could keep on the house then. I could send you money towards the rent. Don’t forget you still have to find the money for your liner ticket.’
‘Oh but …’ Bobby cried, only to be silenced by a look from Nick.
Irene moistened her lips. ‘I’m not making any decisions right now. I need to think about both jobs from every angle.’
‘But you do want to see Betty, don’t you?’ Bobby burst out. ‘We could have such fun on the ship and when we get to America and spend time with Betty. She really misses us both.’
‘If your mother heard you,’ said Nick, sounding exasperated, ‘she’d clout you one.’
‘No, she wouldn’t, but she’d be ashamed of me for being so selfish,’ said Bobby.
‘I wish I was going to America,’ said Lucia. ‘I never go anywhere because Mam and Dad can’t afford it.’
‘You’ve been to Italy with us,’ said Tony. ‘Bobby and Irene have never been out of the country as far as I’m aware.’
‘But they might be going to America,’ said Lucia. ‘All the buildings in Italy are ancient and half of them are falling down.’
Nick shook his head at her. ‘That’s an exaggeration. Besides, them being ancient is what attracts the tourists!’ He placed the guitar on the table. ‘There’s something important you haven’t mentioned, you girls, and that’s the music. If I was going to America I’d want to see Elvis Presley live singing “Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear”. And Little Richard performing “Tutti Frutti”. Then there’s those new singers, the Everly Brothers. Have you heard “Bye, Bye, Love”? Imagine seeing them perform!’
‘And what about all the blues an
d jazz singers! I’d like to go to New Orleans,’ said Tony.
‘Isn’t that in the deep south?’ said Bobby. ‘We wouldn’t be going there.’
‘Hollywood is in California,’ said Lucia. ‘You could go and see the film stars.’
‘I doubt it,’ said Irene, almost regretfully. ‘It’s quite a journey as it is to San Jose. Thousands of miles. The mind boggles.’ She stood up. ‘I’d best be getting back to Blundell Sands.’
‘I’ll see you out,’ said Nellie.
She walked with Irene to the front door. As she put on her jacket, Nellie asked her whether she had spoken to her mother about the wedding.
‘Yes, it’s on Whit Saturday at Alfred’s church. She wants me to be maid of honour and is buying me a frock.’ Irene sighed. ‘I do appreciate you thinking of me for the job at the nursery.’
Nellie smiled. ‘Don’t you be worrying about it. I’m sure you’ll make the right decision. I’ll pray for you.’
‘Thanks,’ said Irene, leaning forward and kissing her on the cheek. ‘I’ll see you soon.’
As she went down the drive she heard her name being called and glanced back at the house. Jimmy came racing after her. ‘I forgot to say tarrah!’ He gave her a bear hug. ‘Take care of yourself and forget what I said about the house and the nursery. You do what’s right for you.’
‘Thanks! Don’t forget to send me a postcard. It’ll reach me eventually if you send it here after Mam’s wedding.’
‘Same here if you do go to America. Let me know how you get on at Mam’s wedding.’
A thought struck Irene. ‘I think I’ll leave making up my mind what to do until after the wedding.’
They hugged again and then went their separate ways.
Eighteen
Irene stared at her reflection in her mother’s bedroom mirror and pulled a face. She wished Maisie had consulted her about the frock she had bought, which she hadn’t even had the opportunity to try on until now. No doubt Alfred Potts’s ten- and twelve-year-old daughters wouldn’t mind wearing lemon chiffon with puffed sleeves, but she did. Puffed sleeves were for kids, not nineteen-year-olds.