by Anna King
Climbing into Cedric’s delivery cart, Cissie snuggled up close to the grinning man. Just let her get her foot inside his house, and she’d be set for life. Lock on the door, huh! Her door would be firmly open from now on. Cedric Smith was a kind, decent man and would never take advantage of any woman, but he was a man, and all men, no matter how high and mighty or clever they may be, each and every one of them kept their brains in their trousers when it came to women. Sighing with contentment, Cissie looked forward to her new life – a life of luxury and idleness.
*
‘Please, Bessie, try and get some rest. Jimmy’s worried sick about you, and so am I.’ Amy tried once more to cover Bessie up, but the recalcitrant woman wasn’t to be appeased.
‘How can I rest, when I don’t know what’s going on in me own ’ouse? I never thought I’d see the day when I was kicked outta me own kitchen. Well! If Jimmy prefers to keep that little madam on, then I’m off.’
‘Now you’re being silly,’ Amy shot back. ‘Jimmy thinks the world of you, and you know it. He’d be lost without you, and you also know very well he’d never choose some stranger over you, so why are you being so hard on him?’
Bessie turned her face sideways into the pillow, and when she spoke, her voice was so muffled Amy had to strain to hear the old woman’s words.
‘It’s ’cos I’m scared, that’s why. I never thought the time would come when I couldn’t cope, but since the boy arrived I’ve begun to realise I’m getting old, and it scares me, Amy, love. It scares me half to death.’
Amy’s eyes, misted over at the fear and sadness in Bessie’s muffled voice. Lowering herself onto the side of the bed, Amy took hold of the gnarled hand lying outside the bedclothes and whispered tenderly, ‘Bessie, anyone would be worn out with what you’ve had to put up with these last two weeks. I know I would. You’re being too hard on yourself, you’re not super-human, no one is. All you need is a bit of help to get you over this bad period and you’ll be as right as ninepence in no time.’
Bessie turned her reddened eyes on the pretty girl. If only someone like Amy could come and help out in the house. Oh! What a blessing that would be. Just being in the lovely girl’s company always lifted Bessie’s spirits. If Amy was here, Bessie would be able to rest and recover her strength, her mind easy in the knowledge that the house and Jimmy and the boy were in good hands.
A sudden surge of strength flowed through Bessie’s body. Lifting herself up onto her elbow, she looked beseechingly at the young girl and whispered hopefully, ‘You wouldn’t consider coming to work here, would yer, love? You’d be well paid, an’ I’d be able to rest easy knowin’ yer was lookin’ after things. ’Cos even when I feel better, I’ve gotta admit it, I could use some help round the house. It’s been gettin’ harder and harder these past few years, but I just didn’t want ter admit it, even ter meself. But after these past weeks, I can’t ignore it any more. I’m getting on, love, an’ I just can’t manage by meself any more. Jimmy’s been on at me fer years ter let him hire a maid, but I wouldn’t have any of it. Pride yer see, Amy, love. I wouldn’t admit I needed any help, but I can say it to you. And I can’t bear the thought of any more Cissies in me ’ome, but that’s what I’ll have to do, if you don’t want the job. I don’t expect yer ter make yer mind up straight away, but will yer think about it, love… Please? It’d mean so much ter me.’
In the face of such an anguished appeal, what else could Amy do but agree; but as kind-hearted as she was, there was one stipulation she had to make clear. ‘I’ll help all I can, Bessie. We stopped off at my place of work on the way here while Jimmy had a word with my employer. I don’t know what Jimmy said to him, but it seems I’ve got the rest of the week off, and with full pay. So I’ll be able to come in every day, providing Becky’s all right, of course. She’s got a very bad cold, and it must be bad, because she’s been in bed for the past couple of days, and Becky never lies about in bed.’ An impish grin curving her lips, she added, ‘I would, given half the chance, I love my bed. Anyway, Jimmy’s sent Charlie to fetch Dr Barker to see Becky, just to be on the safe side. I’m sure the doctor will be able to give her something to make her feel better; though I don’t know if Becky will be very pleased when the doctor turns up out of the blue. She’ll probably tear me off a strip for letting Jimmy know she’s been poorly. Anyway, like I said, providing Becky’s all right, I’ll be able to come in every morning and stay until the evening for the rest of the week. After that, I’ll come round every morning before work, and after I finish for a few hours, until you’re on your feet again, and the problem with the child is settled.’
At the look of disappointment etched on Bessie’s face, Amy said softly, ‘I’m sorry I can’t take you up on the offer of working here permanently, Bessie. But you see, I love my job. Oh, I know it’s not very glamorous, and the pay’s not too good, but I enjoy working with lots of people, and I’ve made some very good friends there. The work may be hard, and when we’re very busy I sometimes don’t get the chance to sit down all day, but I have a laugh, and I’m always so busy, the time just seems to fly by.’ As the older woman began to display further signs of distress, Amy squeezed the small hand tightly. ‘Like I said, I’m going to help all I can during the week, and I’ll spend most of the weekends here.’ A wistful look clouded her eyes. ‘If only Becky didn’t have the responsibility of looking after Auntie Maude, I know she’d be only too happy to help out. Even the way things ended with her and Jimmy, Becky wouldn’t see anyone in trouble if she could possibly help. But as things stand, I’m afraid that’s out of the question.’
Bessie’s eyes began to droop, then her head fell sideways onto the pillow, the hand that had been gripping Amy’s suddenly limp.
Gently placing the hand under the bedclothes, Amy crept from the room, wondering if Bessie had heard her remarks concerning Becky. Perhaps it would be better if she hadn’t. For despite Amy’s assurance that Becky would be willing to help out in the house if she could, Amy seriously doubted if her sister would ever set foot inside Jimmy Jackson’s home again, at least not while there was a chance she might bump into the man himself.
Letting herself out of the room, Amy stood on the landing wondering what to do next. The house was deathly quiet, which was a welcome relief after the initial chaos she had walked in on.
She was about to go downstairs in search of Jimmy when the sound of a child’s frightened cry shattered the quietness. Following the direction of the distressed sound, Amy stopped outside a door tucked away around the side of the large landing. Stopping only to take a deep breath, Amy turned the handle and entered the room.
Chapter Sixteen
The child heard the door open and instinctively scrambled up in the small, single bed until his back was pressed hard against the wooden bedpost, preventing any further movement he might have made to escape whoever was about to enter his unfamiliar room.
His eyes stretched as wide as they could go, he waited fearfully, then his small body relaxed slightly as a pretty, blonde girl stuck her head around the door.
‘Hello, there. My name’s Amy, may I come in?’
His initial fear subsiding, but still keeping alert, he nodded silently.
Careful not to alarm the child, Amy cautiously entered the room, her movements slow, her face smiling and friendly.
‘So, you’re the little James I’ve been hearing so much about. It’s nice to meet you, I hope we can become friends. But that’s up to you, of course.’
The boy’s eyes flickered over Amy’s head to see if the strange man and frightening old woman were behind the pretty girl. Seeing the landing was clear, his small frame relaxed further, though his eyes remained wary.
‘Have you come to take me home to my mother?’
The hope in the boy’s tremulous voice brought a lump to Amy’s throat, but on no account could she allow her emotions to show. Advancing towards the bed slowly, she shook her head ruefully. ‘I’m afraid not, love… At least, not right now,’ s
he added quickly, as the boy’s face began to crumble in disappointment. ‘Is it all right if I sit on your bed, James?’
The child’s head drooped onto his chest, but he made no sign of rejecting Amy’s proposal.
Careful not to make any sudden movement that could startle the child, Amy gently eased her slender frame onto the edge of the bed. Painstakingly choosing her words, Amy said quietly, ‘I know you must be missing your mummy, and I know exactly how you feel. You see I lost my mum when I was about your age, and even now I’m grown up, I still miss her dreadfully. But you’re a lot luckier than I am. You see, James, I know you’re not happy here, but you’ll be seeing your mummy very soon when she comes to take you back home, but I’ll never see my mum again because she’s in Heaven now with the angels. And no matter how much I used to pray and cry and hope that she wasn’t really dead, I knew deep down that I would never see her again. But your mummy is very much alive and well, and probably can’t wait to come and fetch you. Now how do you think she’ll feel if she comes back and finds you’ve starved yourself to death, eh? She’ll be very sad if she loses her little boy, and you wouldn’t want to cause her any pain, would you?’
The boy shrugged his tiny shoulders despondently. ‘No, I don’t want to make my mummy sad; but why did she leave me here? I didn’t do anything wrong a’tall. I’m a good boy, so I am.’
As the boy spoke, Amy’s forehead creased in an expression of perplexity. There was an inflection in the boy’s voice that, if she didn’t know better, she would swear was an Irish accent. Distracted for the moment, Amy quickly put her curiosity on hold for the time being.
‘Oh, James… You don’t mind if I call you James, do you?’
Again the small shoulders lifted listlessly. ‘No, I don’t mind.’
‘I’m glad, and you can call me Amy if you want to. Now then, you mustn’t think your mummy left you here because she didn’t love you, or because you were naughty. The reason she left you here for a little while was because…’ Amy stopped mid-sentence. What on earth could she give by way of explanation as to why that cruel-hearted woman had dumped her only child without any warning, or reassurance to the bewildered, terrified boy? Fortunately, Amy had always been possessed of a good imagination, and she now put this talent to good use. ‘The reason your mummy left you here was so that you’d be well looked after while she went around all the shops to look at all the toys and games, so she could write down a list of Christmas presents to send to Father Christmas for you, and she couldn’t take you with her, could she? Otherwise you’d have known what you were getting for Chris— Oh!’ Amy clapped her hand over her mouth in mock horror. ‘Oh, Lord! I’ve spoilt the surprise now. I was supposed to keep it a secret. Your mum’s going to be so cross with me when she finds out. Me and my big mouth. I’m going to get into such a lot of trouble.’
Almost afraid to look at the child to see his reaction, Amy bent her head in a gesture of trepidation. Then she felt a tiny, warm hand wrap itself around her fingers. Lifting her head, she looked into a bright pair of huge green eyes, and although a tremor of nervousness was still evident on the small lips, the boy looked as though a great burden had been lifted from his young mind. ‘Don’t you be worrying now, Amy, d’ye hear me? I won’t tell, honest I won’t.’
Mindful to maintain her worried demeanour, Amy whispered, Are you sure you won’t let it slip, James? After all, you are just a little boy, and…’
The boy pulled himself onto his knees, his head held high. Placing his right hand over his heart, he said solemnly, ‘I swear on the soul of St Patrick, I’ll not say a word.’
Again Amy bent her head, but this time it was to hide the laughter bubbling to the surface at the solemnity in the child’s tone. Also his words were a good excuse to satisfy Amy’s burning curiosity.
Clasping the hand gratefully, she said, ‘Thanks, James. I believe you.’ Bending her head closer to the dark-haired child, she murmured. ‘I’ll tell you another secret, shall I? Not only can’t I keep a secret, I’m also very nosy, and I can’t help noticing your accent.’
‘My what?’ The little face screwed up in confusion.
‘I mean, the way you speak. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were Irish, but you can’t be, can you?’
‘A shy smile crept over the elfin face. ‘Not really. But I was born in Ireland, so I was. Me and my mum lived with Uncle Sean in a great big house – much bigger than this one.’ His small arms stretched wide as if to demonstrate his words. ‘It had huge gardens, and a big fountain. It was lovely. I was very sad when Uncle Sean died and we had to leave.’ The brightness in the boy’s manner dimmed at the recent memories. ‘I loved Uncle Sean, he was a grand man. I wanted to call him Daddy, but my mum wouldn’t let me. And when I started school, the other children made fun of me at first because I had no dad. So I told Uncle Sean, and he came to pick me up one day and told me that when I saw him, I was to call him Dad, so the children wouldn’t tease me any more; and they didn’t after that day. Uncle Sean said we had to keep it secret from Mummy in case she got cross, but whenever we were on our own, I always called him Dad, so I did, and he called me son.’ A single tear rolled down his face. ‘I wish Uncle Sean had been my dad, then we could have stayed in our house in Ireland, but my aunties and uncles said we had to leave, ’cos my mummy wasn’t Uncle Sean’s wife… Amy…!’ His voice dropped to a whisper. ‘Mummy said that man who lives here is my real dad… Is he, Amy? Is that man called Jimmy my daddy?’
Stumped at the unexpected turn the conversation had taken, Amy sat silent, at a loss as to how to answer. Swallowing nervously, she replied, ‘I’ll be honest, James, I don’t know for sure, but this I will say. Jimmy is a wonderful, kind man, and a very brave one. He’d make any child a wonderful father. In fact, it’s because he’s so brave that’s how my sister and me first met him. He saved us from being murdered in the street.’ As the words spilt out, Amy justified her account of the incident by telling herself that it wasn’t far from the truth. She and Becky could well have been murdered if Jimmy hadn’t come along that day. Seeing as she now had the child’s full attention, and thinking it wouldn’t do Jimmy’s cause any harm if she were to elaborate a little, she launched into the story of the attack by the gang of thugs. The more she continued with the story, the more embellished it became. As she talked the child edged nearer, his beautiful green eyes wide with awe.
‘Is that really true, Amy? It’s not some tale you’re telling me, so as I’ll like that man.’
By this time Amy had convinced herself that her account of the unpleasant incident was true. ‘Every word, cross my heart.’ She made the sign of the cross on her breast.
The boy let out a deep sigh of admiration. ‘He must be very strong, to be sure, and brave to be able to fight ten men on his own, and beat them all. And you say they had knives and big sticks, and Jimmy beat them all with his bare hands?’
A small thread of shame stole over Amy, but she quickly thrust it aside. It didn’t hurt to exaggerate a bit now and then, especially in this instance. Already the boy had called Jimmy by name, instead of referring to him as ‘that man’. Maybe she should add that Bessie too had been involved in the rescue, but thought that, even for a child of James’s tender years, that might be pushing the grounds in credibility too far. A dry chuckle escaped her lips. Maybe she had a touch of the Irish in her, for they were renowned for telling a tale. And even if she did say so herself, the yarn she’d just spun would be worthy of any true-blooded Irish woman.
‘Is your sister like you?’
The sudden shift in conversation caught Amy off guard. Poor Becky! She hadn’t given her sister a moment’s thought since she’d entered the house. How could she have been so thoughtless? It was true she’d had a lot to occupy her mind during the past couple of hours, but that was no excuse. And surely Dr Barker should have been back by now. A feeling of consternation rose in her chest, and it was with a great effort she managed to quell her rising panic. She had managed
to get on with the boy much better than she had hoped, and she didn’t want anything to spoil their new, tenuous friendship.
Keeping her voice calm, she answered, ‘I’m afraid my sister’s not very well at the moment. She has a very bad cold. I would have called the doctor in to see her, but my sister’s very stubborn and wouldn’t let me.’ Dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, she confided to the boy, ‘To tell the truth, we didn’t have any money to pay for the doctor to come, and when Jimmy found out, he sent Charlie… That’s his driver, and my young man,’ she added shyly, ‘to fetch the doctor who looked after me and my sister after we were attacked. He’s one of the best doctors in London, so I’m sure he’ll be able to make my sister better. It’s lucky for us we have a friend like Jimmy, because we would never be able to pay for a doctor as good as Dr Barker.’
‘Is that the old man who came to see me?’ The child asked curiously.
‘Yes, that was Dr Barker. He’s a lovely man, and a very good doctor, but I suppose any doctor can be a bit frightening if you’ve never seen him before. Especially when they open that horrible black bag they always carry with them. All those strange objects and bottles of pills and medicines would frighten anyone.’ She made a face at James and was rewarded by a light chuckle of amusement. Delighted at the progress she had made in such a short time, Amy decided now was the right moment to get to the real reason as to why Jimmy had asked her here.
‘Now then, young man. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. Seeing as the new maid’s gone and poor Bessie is fast asleep, I suppose I’ll have to cook us all something. What would you like?’
Ignoring Amy’s question, James asked tentatively, ‘Will I have to eat with them?’
Amy’s heart sank. Obviously it was going to take a long time before the child felt comfortable with the other occupants of the house. Still! He wouldn’t be here for much longer. His mother would be back any day now, if for no other reason than to extort as much money as she could out of Jimmy. She certainly wouldn’t be returning out of any concern for her child.