Luck Be a Lady

by Anna King

  Phil’s eyes lit up, his shoulders straightening, as a new feeling of worth surged through him.

  ‘Oh, I’m interested all right, Mr Jackson, and, thanks.’

  Jimmy looked hard at Phil. ‘Don’t thank me yet, ’cos if I do give you a job, I’ll be making sure half your wages goes straight to your sister.’

  Phil held the penetrating gaze. ‘I understand. And I’ll be at your place first thing Monday morning.’

  With a curt nod of his head, Jimmy strode away and climbed into the waiting carriage. Behind him, Richard, his face almost purple with indignation at the slight he had suffered, turned on his cousin. ‘In case you’ve forgotten, young man, you work for me, and a bloody good job it is too, considering your lack of qualifications to do anything better. You’d—’

  ‘It’s a rubbish job, and you know it,’ Phil shot back angrily. ‘All right, so I was grateful for it when we first moved down here, but it’s been five years now, and I’m still doing the same old boring job. Oh, you might have given me the title of assistant manager, but it’s an empty title, as you well know. I’ve got no responsibilities, no job satisfaction, and I certainly don’t get assistant managerial wages. Why, I’m only getting a few bob more a week than I did when I first started working for you.’ Gathering courage, Phil added, ‘No, I’ve had it with your poxy job. I’m going to work for Mr Jackson, if he’ll have me, and—’

  Richard’s eyebrows rose in disdain. ‘Well, well. So it’s Mr Jackson now, is it? What about all that talk about coming here today to meet your friend Jimmy? Huh! That’s a laugh. It’s about as funny as actually meeting the almighty Jimmy Jackson.’ Turning up the fur collar of his Afghan coat, the stout man glared at Phil. ‘I don’t know why I bothered, and the way you were sucking up to him was embarrassing. The man’s obviously just a well-dressed ruffian. Why, he’s as common as muck. You go and work for him, if that’s the way you want it, I won’t have any trouble filling your position. But one thing I will say is, you’d do well to keep the girls away from his influence.’

  Phil’s eyes flickered to the fat, outraged face. Then with a rare show of character he replied tersely, ‘Then you’d better tell Mr Jackson that yourself, because I’m certainly not going to. As for my sucking up… Well, I’ve had a good teacher, haven’t I… Uncle?’ The men’s eyes locked for a brief few moments before Phil, his back straight, and feeling lighter and prouder in himself than he had in a long time, walked away.

  *

  Richard Fisher glared after the retreating figure, his fleshy features contorted in rage at being so humiliated.

  After all he had done for that family, this was the thanks he got. Well! He wasn’t going to take this kind of treatment lying down, oh, no. Almost bursting with self-righteous indignation Richard hurried towards the nearest pub, his cunning mind feverishly searching for a way to get back at the Bradford family.

  An hour later, and with a liberal helping of whisky warming his system, Richard suddenly thought of Ivy Harris. A crafty smile spread over his thick lips as he conjured up a picture of his former fiancée. It had been twenty years since his engagement had been broken off, and he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of Ivy until six months ago.

  Settling back in his chair, Richard remembered his shock at meeting the woman he had once promised to marry coming out of Harrods one Saturday afternoon in the late spring. He hadn’t recognised her at first, but she’d certainly remembered him. After a lot of awkward smalltalk, they had gone for a drink, whereupon Ivy had informed him that she had been twice widowed, neither of the marriages producing any offspring, much to her regret. They had, however, left Ivy comfortably off. It had been obvious to Richard that Ivy was on the look-out for husband number three. Not wanting to renew their former relationship, Richard had skillfully managed to ward off the hopeful woman’s coy advances. He hadn’t been adverse to seeing her again, in fact he had been pleasantly surprised to find she hadn’t altered much over the years. She had put on some weight, but at their age, who hadn’t? Richard’s thoughts paused as he glanced down at his bulging stomach, then shrugged; Ivy hadn’t seemed bothered by his appearance. Apart from the added pounds she had gained, Ivy was still an attractive woman; better still, she obviously wasn’t short of a few bob.

  Since that first unexpected meeting, Richard had seen Ivy on several occasions. At first he had imagined it to be coincidence, then he had realised that Ivy was deliberately arranging the chance encounters. He couldn’t pretend that he wasn’t flattered, but after so many years living the uncomplicated life of a bachelor he was reluctant to change his pleasant lifestyle – until now! Downing the last sip of the amber liquid, Richard rose unsteadily to his feet. Perhaps it was about time he thought of settling down. After all, he wasn’t getting any younger, and with the warm glow of the imbibed whisky filling his body, Richard wondered what it would be like to be a father.

  Leaving the warmth of the pub, Richard hailed a passing cab. On the journey home, his mind conjured up images of himself, Ivy and a child, the perfect family scenario growing on him mile by mile, minute by minute. Then he frowned. How old would Ivy be now? Quickly counting up the years, he suddenly relaxed. By his calculations, Ivy must be thirty-eight, maybe a year older. Not the ideal age for bearing children, but then his own mother had given birth to him at the grand old age of forty-three. Nodding his head in satisfaction, Richard made up his mind. He would see Ivy as soon as possible. There wouldn’t be any need for a long courtship, they had done that twenty years ago. Of course the flat he was living in at present would be too small for the family he was planning – but he had another home, hadn’t he? The crafty smile was back in evidence as he thought about what he was planning to do. Oh, he couldn’t wait to see the look on Rebecca’s face when he told her he was planning on moving back in with his new wife. For years, the wilful young girl had openly defied him, showing not the smallest modicum of respect or gratitude. When she did deign to speak to him, she had never made any pretence of her feelings towards him. But he had put up with her behaviour because it suited him. It had also suited him to have Phil working for him for a pittance. Now that arrangement had also changed. As for Maude…! His shoulders lifted involuntarily. He had supported his sister for long enough, and if Ivy hadn’t been prepared to live with Maude twenty years ago, she certainly wouldn’t contemplate it now. Still! There were homes to care for people such as his sister, and he’d make sure it didn’t cost him too much. Maude had lived a life of luxury for years, but now her days of comfort were numbered.

  As his mind raced on, Richard felt not the slightest compunction for his older sister. They had never liked each other. The only reason he had looked after her as long as he had was to keep face with the neighbours and his business associates; now that didn’t seem to be important to him any more. Besides, he could always maintain that Maude was safely ensconced in a reputable nursing home; who would know the difference?

  In the darkness of the cab, Richard’s mind shifted to the only person who had ever offered him any happiness. As a picture of Amy floated in front of his mind, Richard felt a stirring in the lower half of his body. Shifting uncomfortably on the leather seat, the portly man experienced a moment’s shame, then quickly thrust it aside. He was a man, wasn’t he? And what man could fail to be aroused by such a lovely girl as Amy? His youngest charge had no inkling of his feelings concerning her, for Amy was an innocent, and Richard had hoped to use that innocence for his own gains. But Rebecca had seen through him from the start. Whenever he and Amy were in the house, Rebecca always made sure they were never left alone together for long. But Amy, bless her, always gave the man she called uncle a kiss and a cuddle whenever he visited. And right behind her would be Rebecca, her face stony as she watched the affectionate scene being played out. Richard sighed. He would be genuinely sorry to see Amy go out of his life, but he certainly wouldn’t be sorry to see the back of the rest of them. Bloody ingrates!

  With Amy still at the forefront of his mind, R
ichard remembered that she would be sixteen in February. He had planned to give a party to mark the occasion, thus furthering the impression of the kind, generous man he purported to be. His eyes lit up with excitement. Of course, that was the perfect answer. He would keep quiet about Ivy for now and go ahead with the proposed surprise party. What better time and place to inform all those concerned about his forthcoming marriage? Rubbing his hands together with barely suppressed glee, Richard visualised the shock and astonishment his announcement would cause.

  The cab drove on into the growing darkness while Richard continued to ponder on his plans for the future .Yet while his mind envisaged heady images of a son or daughter, or perhaps both, to call him father, he forgot that his intended bride had already been married twice without producing a single child.

  Chapter Nine

  Seated on hard chairs in the snug of the Flying Horse public house, Rebecca and Amy kept glancing around their new environment nervously. The noise coming from the public bar was deafening. Neither girl had ever seen so many people packed into such a small space. And what people! It seemed to the inexperienced girls’ eyes as if every shape and form of life had crammed themselves into the crowded pub, and over the hubbub of shouts and raucous laughter an old piano was gamely trying to make itself heard above the almighty din. Yet through their nervousness there was also a stomach-churning sensation of excitement. But while Rebecca strove to maintain a calm exterior, Amy, her youthful exuberance bubbling over, cried loudly, ‘Oh, Becky, isn’t it wonderful? I’ve often wondered what a pub was like, but I never imagined it would be as exciting as this.’

  Rebecca shot a warning look at her sister. ‘Shush! Don’t draw attention to us, Amy. I’m not sure you’re old enough to be in a pub, and I don’t want to take the chance of us being thrown out, so just try and look inconspicuous.’ Even though they were seated in the comparative safety of the snug, Rebecca could see the admiring glances of the crowd of men milling around the public bar directed at them.

  A look of fright crossed over Amy’s face. ‘I never thought of that. How old have you got to be to go into a pub?’

  Rebecca, her eyes fixed firmly on the wobbly table, answered softly, ‘How should I know, love? I’ve as much experience of pubs as you have; which is absolutely nothing.’

  Lifting her eyes, Rebecca looked around the public bar trying to locate Jimmy or Charlie, praying desperately that one of them would appear. She was becoming increasingly uncomfortable in the alien surrounding, and it was taking all of her strength not to get up and run out of the frightening environment she had been placed in. Yet if she succumbed to her fear, she would look foolish; not only to herself, but also to Jimmy Jackson. Her head rose sharply. What did it matter what Jimmy Jackson thought of her? Then her inbred integrity rose to the surface and mocked her. Of course Jimmy’s opinion of her mattered. If it didn’t, if she had no feelings for the man whatsoever, then she wouldn’t be here in this pub, striving to appear as if she was accustomed to sitting in pubs daily, when in fact she was almost scared out of her wits.

  For something to do, Rebecca began rifling through her bag, while at the same time keeping up a running patter of smalltalk with Amy; anything to pass the time until the men returned – anything to keep her mind off the charismatic Jimmy Jackson. Though Lord knows he wasn’t just what she would call good-looking, he possessed far greater and more powerful attributes, and those attributes were causing alarming sensations in Rebecca’s mind and body that she was unable and too inexperienced to deal with.

  She was saved from further mental turmoil as Charlie strode through the snug door carrying a tray of drinks. ‘Here yer are, ladies. Sorry I took so long, it’s always crowded at this time of the day, ’cos of all the people coming in from the Old Bailey. It’s like a day out fer some people. I can’t say as I can see the attraction meself, I mean sitting fer hours in a smelly court, packed in like sardines, but there yer go, it takes all sorts, don’t it?’

  Rebecca looked up into the grinning face gratefully. If she’d had to wait here much longer she would have made a run for the door, and to hell with what Jimmy thought of her. Thinking of the man in question, Rebecca glanced at the snug door, her face falling as she realised that Charlie was on his own.

  Carefully laying the tray of drinks on the table, Charlie saw the disappointment on Rebecca’s face and smiled inwardly. Jimmy had done it again, though this time Charlie didn’t think the young lady would be as easy to get as her predecessors.

  Picking up the glass in front of her, Rebecca looked warily at the clear-coloured liquid and asked hesitantly, ‘Thanks, Charlie. Um, what is it?’

  Charlie gave a loud chuckle. ‘Well, we didn’t know what yer drunk, so the guv’nor ordered a gin an’ tonic fer you, and a lemonade fer Amy… He’ll be ’ere in a minute,’ he added impishly as he saw Rebecca’s eyes stray once more to the closed door.

  Turning back to Charlie, Rebecca was quick to notice the amused look on the young man’s face and, feeling awkward and determined to appear sophisticated, she took a swallow of the drink nonchalantly, then gasped as the unfamiliar taste caught in the back of her throat causing her to cough loudly. Mortified, she tried to stem the bout of coughing but only succeeded in spluttering and coughing louder, much to the amusement of the elderly men and women occupying the snug.

  ‘You all right, Becky?’ Amy was on her feet in concern. Then to Rebecca’s everlasting shame Jimmy appeared, took in the situation at a glance and began slapping her on the back, while at the same time offering her a large white handkerchief to mop up the trickle of drink that was running down Rebecca’s chin. Her face scarlet, both from the bout of coughing and the excruciating embarrassment, Rebecca tried to stand, her only thought to get away from this awful place and the grinning faces surrounding her.

  She was halfway out of her chair when a firm hand clasped her shoulder, preventing her from rising any further.

  ‘I’m sorry, Rebecca. It’s my fault. I’m so used to ordering gin for my lady fr— What I mean is, most women prefer gin, I just didn’t think. Will you forgive me for my thoughtlessness… please?’

  Rebecca gazed up into the warm, brown eyes and was glad for the excuse to sit down, for the strength had suddenly drained from her legs.

  ‘Jimmy, is it all right me being in a pub?’ Amy, sensing her sister’s feelings, attempted to draw attention away from Rebecca and give her time to compose herself. ‘Only Becky and me aren’t sure how old you have to be to come in a public house. Becky said to try and act inconspicuously, so nobody would notice us.’

  Jimmy looked first at the anxious young girl, then shifted his gaze to Rebecca, his keen eyes taking in every detail. Rebecca was wearing a royal blue coat, the design of which he had never seen before, and a plain, wide-brimmed hat of the same shade of blue. Beneath the hat, Rebecca had fashioned her dark blond hair into an elegant plait held in place by unseen pins, with tendrils of the glossy hair falling in wisps at the base of her neck and face. His eyes shifted to Amy. The younger girl was dressed in a dark red coat and hat of similar design, but where her elder sister had opted for the sophisticated look, Amy had left her shiny, bright blond hair loosely spilling over her shoulders, and reaching to the middle of her slender back. Taking in the appearances of these two striking young women, Jimmy thought of what Amy had just said about trying to act inconspicuously, and tried to stifle a laugh. But it was no good. Throwing back his head, Jimmy emitted a loud roar of laughter, and once he’d started he couldn’t stop.

  Startled, Rebecca and Amy looked at each other in bewilderment, wondering what could have caused such unmitigated amusement.

  His bout of mirth subsiding, Jimmy wiped his eyes and grinned. ‘Sorry, I couldn’t help it. I mean, the thought of you two trying to look inconspicuous, especially in a place like this, well…!’ Rebecca and Amy exchanged glances again, then looked around them at the shabbily dressed men and women, the majority of whom were grubby and unkempt, then took stock of each o
ther, a smile forming on their lips as they realised the incongruity of Amy’s statement. Then Jimmy began chuckling again, and the sound was so infectious that both girls found themselves joining in the merriment. Soon the entire snug was ringing with laughter, though the majority of the people gathered didn’t know what they were laughing at. Then Jimmy ordered drinks all round, and soon the small room took on the atmosphere and conviviality of a family party.

  During this time Rebecca had tried the gin again, this time, however, she took a small sip, grimaced, then took another tentative swallow until much to her relief the glass was empty. Proud that she had managed to finish the unappetising liquid, Rebecca was feeling quite smug when, to her utmost dismay and horror, another, larger drink was placed before her. Staring down at the filled glass with rising panic, Rebecca wondered frantically what she was going to do. It wasn’t like trying to get rid of a piece of unwanted food when dining out. There was no obliging dog beneath the table ready to help out in a situation like this. Forcing a smile to her face, Rebecca gamely lifted the glass to her lips, but it was no use. She simply couldn’t drink another drop of the revolting stuff.

  ‘Is your drink all right, Rebecca? I can always get you a lemonade if you’d prefer.’ Jimmy was staring into her bemused face, his eyes filled with undisguised amusement.

  Straightening her back, Rebecca replied firmly, ‘It’s quite all right, thank you. I’m sure I’ll get used to the taste eventually.’

  Jimmy had to turn his head away from the flushed face for fear he would start laughing again. Lord, but she was a stubborn mare. It was obvious she hated the taste of the gin, but she’d probably persevere even if it choked her, rather than admit defeat. A feeling of guilt suddenly attacked Jimmy’s conscience. He shouldn’t have ordered Rebecca another gin, especially when it was evident that the girl had never drunk spirits before today. He had wanted to see how she could be with a few drinks inside her, now he realised he’d been cruel to bait the naive girl, particularly after her ordeal at the Old Bailey. The sense of guilt quickly changed to one of anger. What the hell was he playing at anyway? There were a dozen other places he could be right now, so why was he sitting here with this gauche young woman, wasting both his time and hers? Yet she had seemed so pleased when he’d invited her and Amy for a drink, and even though Rebecca wasn’t enjoying the drink itself, she was displaying a certain element of suppressed excitement at being taken out of her usual drab existence. And Amy was definitely having a good time, partly due no doubt to the undivided attention Charlie was bestowing upon her. Well! This would be the last time he would see either of the girls again, so he might as well make sure they had a day to remember. Tapping Rebecca’s arm, he winked broadly, ‘You don’t have to drink that if you don’t want to, love. I’ll get you something else.’