Luck Be a Lady

by Anna King

  ‘No, you won’t have to eat with Jimmy and Bessie, not today anyway. Jimmy will probably have his lunch downstairs, and poor Bessie’s fast asleep in bed; she hasn’t had a proper night’s sleep in days, poor soul.’

  ‘Is the old woman ill?’

  Patting down his bedcovers Amy replied briskly, ‘No, not exactly. She’s just very tired and very worried about you. She’s also quite elderly, and she’s just plain worn out. That’s why I’ve come around to help until she gets better.’

  A look of consternation came over the boy’s features. ‘Why would she be worried about me? Sure, and she doesn’t even know me.’

  ‘Yes, well, that may be so, but Bessie is a dear, kind soul who wouldn’t see anyone in trouble if she could help in any way. I know she can be a bit scary when you first meet her; in fact she and my sister didn’t get on very well when they first met – but they’re very good friends now.’ As yet another lie slipped off her tongue effortlessly, Amy reflected that she must get a firm grip on reality. Yet life could be so boring at times. What harm could it do to be a little economical with the truth now and then? Especially if it harmed no one and made people happier, like young James, who now bore no trace of the frightened child she had first encountered.

  ‘And don’t try to change the subject. I asked you what you wanted to eat. What’s your favourite food?’

  Amy watched in pity as the hungry boy struggled with his conscience. She could read his mind like a book. To his childish way of thinking, to give in now would be tantamount to letting the strange man and old woman think they had won him over. On the other hand, his belly was crying out for proper nourishment.

  In a brave attempt to save face, the boy answered casually, ‘All right, I’ll have something to eat… But just because I like you, not because of them.’

  Amy kept a straight face as the boy began to reel off his favourite foods, her face falling in dismay as the list continued to grow. ‘I like beef and baked potatoes and puddings, and I like pork chops and mashed potatoes, and I like mince and onions with fluffy potatoes, and I like Irish stew, but only if it has dumplings in it, and I like—’

  ‘Whoa, whoa! Hang on a minute. I asked what you liked, not a blooming menu. For a start, roast beef and potatoes will take hours to cook, and I’m hungry now. I don’t know if there’re any mince or chops in the house, and as for Irish stew, I haven’t a clue how to make that.’

  Two dimples appeared in the child’s cheeks. ‘It’s easy, Amy. All you do is put some bacon and sausages and onions and carrots and potatoes into a big pot of water and let it cook. Then you put the dumplings in when it’s nearly ready; sure an’ it’s dead easy, so it is.’

  Amy looked at the boy in astonishment. ‘And how on earth would a young boy like you know how to cook?’

  The childish lips curved into a secret smile of triumph. ‘I used to sit in the kitchen and watch Bridie cook. It was always lovely and warm in the kitchen, and Bridie used to give me hot chocolate and biscuits when my mummy wasn’t looking.’

  Amy was beginning to wonder what the child had been allowed to do when his mother was around; not a lot by the sound of it. The more she learnt about Heather Mills, the less Amy liked the woman; and there weren’t many people Amy didn’t like – though in Heather Mills’s case, Amy was quite prepared to make an exception, if only because the woman had abandoned her child in such callous circumstances. There was something else that had been nagging at Amy’s mind as she’d listened to him talking about his life in Ireland. If this Sean fellow was so well off, and according to the boy the Irishman had loved him like a son, then why on earth hadn’t a woman like Heather Mills married the man? It didn’t make sense. She must have known that if anything happened to her lover she would be evicted from the house they had shared for eight years, having no legal claim over the dead man’s estate. Unfortunately, as much as she would have liked to know more about the affair, it wasn’t the kind of subject one could bring up with a young child. Even if she had, Amy doubted if James would have been able to supply any answers.

  Jerking her mind back to the matter in hand, Amy said briskly, ‘Look, like I said, I’m hungry now, so how about I go and get some fish and chips? Tomorrow I’ll come back and cook one of your favourite dinners, but for today you’ll have to have something quick; you do like fish and chips, don’t you?’

  The little face lit up in delight. ‘Oh, yes, please. Mummy says fish and chips are only eaten by common people. Me and Uncle Sean used to sneak out and get some from the town and eat them out of the paper when Mummy wasn’t at home. I always had to have a bath afterwards though, in case Mummy smelt it on my clothes and hands.’

  Amy had to turn away for fear the boy would see the look of loathing displayed on her face. The poor little mite! And yet despite all she’d heard about the child’s upbringing, it was obvious he adored his mother. Amy shook her head in wonderment. Maybe there was a kind side to Heather Mills’s character that no one else had seen; but Amy very much doubted it. Adopting a brisk tone she declared, ‘Right then, fish and chips it is. I’ll just pop downstairs and ask Jimmy if he wants anything, then I’ll get straight off to the fried fish shop.’

  She had barely touched the door handle when the boy shot out of bed and ran to her side. ‘You are coming back, aren’t you, Amy? You won’t leave me, will you?’

  Looking down into the apprehensive eyes, Amy felt her own begin to prickle. ‘Of course I’m coming back, silly. Now get into bed and keep warm. I won’t be long, I promise.’

  She waited until the boy was back in bed before she turned to leave, only to be stopped once more by a small plaintive voice. ‘Amy!’

  ‘Yes, love?’

  The boy made a sound in his throat, while at the same time his chin began to wobble. ‘Will you… I mean, can I ha… have a cudd… cuddle before you go?’

  In three strides, Amy was across the room holding the small, trembling frame as tight as she dared. Afraid she was about to cry, she hastily relinquished her hold and said as firmly as her emotions would allow, ‘I’ll be back as soon as I can. Be a good boy while I’m gone.’

  Once outside the room, Amy leant against the door, unable to hold back the flow of tears any longer. It was some minutes before she was able to pull herself together, and, conscious of the time slipping away and knowing the child would be counting every minute until her return, she hurried down the stairs in search of Jimmy.

  *

  In the kitchen, Jimmy was in danger of wearing a hole in the linoleum-covered floor as he paced the room in angry frustration. Every fibre in his body yearned to go straight to his office in Bow to confront that thieving, miserable little bastard he had employed only in order that the girls wouldn’t go short of money. Jimmy could have set Phil on as a runner, it was all he was fit for, but no, he had to go and offer him the post of collecting the bets brought in by his army of street employees. Not that Jimmy was that much of a sentimentalist. He had always done his own accounts, and since employing Phil Bradford he had been extra diligent in making sure every penny was accounted for. So far, he had found no discrepancies in his books. But that didn’t mean the deceitful bleeder hadn’t found another way to line his pockets at Jimmy’s expense. By God! When he got his hands on him…!

  He stopped his pacing as the aroma of the wrapped parcel laid on the kitchen table wafted up his nostrils. Food was the last thing on his mind at the moment, but he knew how disappointed Amy would be if she came down and found he hadn’t touched his impromptu lunch. Not bothering to fetch a plate, Jimmy ate the tasty food out of the grease-soaked newspaper, but although he finished the meal down to the last chip, he didn’t taste a morsel – his mind was too preoccupied, not least with his concern about Becky’s health. Where the bloody hell was Tom? He’d sent Charlie to find him over three hours ago; Jimmy knew that his friend was a very busy man and much in demand, and with this thought, he tried to curb his impatience. But patience had never been one of Jimmy’s strong points. W
ith an exclamation of frustration, he threw the empty wrapping in the bin and continued to pace the room, his hands clasped tightly behind his back.

  It was another twenty minutes before he heard the carriage approaching the house, and he was at the front door before Charlie had pulled the horses to a stop.

  ‘Well! How is she? Is it serious? What’s wrong with her?’

  Tom Barker shot the harassed Jimmy a withering look.

  ‘If you’ll let me get a foot inside the door and get a word in edgewise, I’ll tell you. And a strong drink wouldn’t go amiss either, I’ve had a hell of a morning, and I’ve still another three house calls to make.’

  Knowing his old friend was a man not to be intimidated or rushed, Jimmy gritted his teeth and followed the doctor into the house. Taking him up to the sumptuous lounge, Jimmy poured out two large brandys, then had to wait until the doctor had made himself comfortable in one of the high-backed leather chairs.

  Unable to control his impatience any longer, Jimmy exploded, ‘For God’s sake, man. Get on with it. I’ve been waiting hours for you to get here.’

  Tom raised a derisory eyebrow and calmly took a swallow of his brandy. ‘In case it’s escaped your notice, Jimmy, I’m not your personal physician, expected to come running at your beck and call, but I’ll let it slide this time.’ Resting further back in the chair he looked over his glass and said mildly, ‘I’ve seen the young lady in question, and although her condition isn’t life threatening, she is however suffering from a severe bout of influenza. Furthermore, if I hadn’t been called when I was, it could very easily have turned into pneumonia. Luckily I was called to her – or should I say commanded!’ Both his eyebrows rose in mock derision this time. ‘I’ve given her something to reduce the fever and, with proper care, she should be up and about in time for Christmas, but only if she has good nursing. I left the medication with the neighbour, plus instructions as to the importance of the young lady getting plenty of rest, but to be honest, the woman looked terrified out of her wits at being landed with such responsibilities. I doubt very much whether she’ll be able to cope; the poor woman doesn’t strike me as capable of looking after herself, let alone someone as sick as Rebecca. Then of course there’s the aunt to take into consideration. The blasted woman never stopped calling for me the whole time I was in the house. Not to enquire about her niece, or is it cousin? Well, whatever the relationship, after a cursory enquiry as to how Rebecca was, her main concern was to tell me all about her own ailments. I tell you, Jimmy, in my profession we doctors meet some difficult patients, but we always have to try and maintain a kindly disposition – but that woman would try the patience of a saint. I’m afraid my allegiance to the Hippocratic Oath went flying out of the window within two minutes in her company. Another thing I have to say, and it may sound uncharitable, but I think the woman’s nowhere near as disabled as she makes out. True, I’ve never examined her, nor have I any intention of doing so, but after nearly thirty years of attending the sick, any doctor worth his salt can spot a malingerer a mile off.’

  He stopped briefly to take another sip of his drink, and Jimmy, as if seeing his friend properly for the first time, noticed how tired the man looked and was instantly ashamed at his earlier outburst. Tom Barker was wealthy enough to retire, and at the age of fifty-five, he would be well in his rights to do so, but the thought had never occurred to him. Tom cared too much about the sick and needy simply to opt out of medical practice and put his own health first. Maybe if his wife had still been alive he might have thought differently, but that dear, sweet lady had died ten years earlier. Now there was nothing else to fill Tom’s days except his work, and he wouldn’t give that up until his own health eventually failed him. Jimmy prayed fervently that that day was a long way off.

  Downing the last of his drink, Tom got to his feet. ‘I’m afraid I’ll have to get on, Jimmy. Like I said, I’ve still another three house calls to make. Now, as to young Rebecca – and Charlie here has filled me in on the news regarding Amy coming in to help with the boy – I’ve taken the liberty of stopping off at the hospital and hiring a nurse to stay with her, because at the risk of repeating myself, that neighbour, as kindly a soul as she appears, just isn’t capable of looking after a sick person. In fact, if your purse will run to the expense, I’d suggest you allow me to hire an extra nurse so that Rebecca will have twenty-four-hour care.’

  Jimmy shook his head impatiently. ‘Of course I can afford it. As you’re constantly reminding me, Tom, I’m rolling in it, so to speak. Hire as many nurses as you deem fit and hang the expense.’

  Seeing his friend to the front door where Charlie was waiting to drive the doctor to his next port of call, Jimmy asked anxiously, ‘She will be all right, won’t she, Tom?’

  Tom Barker looked at his friend affectionately. In all the years he had known Jimmy Jackson, he had never known the man to show such concern over a woman. Donning his black, high hat, Tom grinned. ‘I’m not in the habit of lying, Jimmy, especially where my patients’ health is concerned. It could have been very serious, but you got me there in time to halt any further complications, and with constant nursing, and Rebecca’s young, strong constitution, she’ll be up and about in time for Christmas.’ He stopped, a puzzled look clouding his tired eyes. ‘I’ve already said that, haven’t I? Lord! I’m either working too hard or going senile. Given the choice, I think I’d prefer the latter. At least then I wouldn’t be aware of how irritating I’m becoming. Anyway, I’ll be off now, but I’ll have those nurses at the house within the hour, and I’ll call in myself tomorrow morning just to check that everything’s going all right. See you, Jimmy… Oh, by the way, how’s the boy coming along?’ Before Jimmy could answer, a childish laugh floated down the stairs, causing both men to exchange startled glances.

  ‘It seems my question was superfluous. It’s a pity Amy didn’t decide to take up medicine. She would have made a wonderful nurse, especially with children.’ With a last wave of his hand, Tom climbed into the carriage ready to attend his next patient.

  *

  In the child’s room, Amy was beginning to fret. It had been over three hours now since Charlie had gone for Dr Barker. Then she tried to calm her nerves by reminding herself that the doctor probably had other patients to see first, and as Becky only had a bad cold, then obviously he would leave his visit to her sister until his rounds had ended.

  ‘Look, Amy, I’ve finished all my dinner, aren’t I a good boy?’

  Absently Amy patted the small head. ‘Yes, you are a good boy, James.’

  The smile of happiness dropped from the child’s excited face. ‘Don’t you like me any more, Amy?’ he asked wistfully, his childish mind recognising that he no longer had the undivided attention of the young girl he had so quickly taken to.

  Immediately Amy put her worries to the back of her mind and gave the boy a ferocious hug. ‘Don’t be daft. Who couldn’t like a lovely little boy like you? To tell the truth, I’m just a bit worried about my sister. You remember I told you she was a bit poorly? Well, I’m waiting for the doctor to come back and tell me how she is, that’s all. I’m sorry if I was ignoring you. Now then, let me take these greasy papers down to the kitchen, else the whole room will stink of fish and chips. I’ve also got to look in on Bessie and see how she is. She was still fast asleep when I brought the dinner home, so I let her rest and put hers in the oven to keep warm. I’m sure I’ll know when she does wake up, ’cos she’ll be out of bed and wandering around the house, afraid something terrible might have happened while she was asleep.’ Kissing the boy’s forehead, Amy gathered up the cold, greasy newspapers and, with a reassuring wave, and blowing a kiss to the little boy, she slipped out of the room. Stopping to check on Bessie and finding her still asleep, Amy made her way to the kitchen where she found Jimmy donning his overcoat and gloves.

  ‘Where are you going, Jimmy?’ she asked in alarm. ‘I thought you were going to wait until Dr Barker had returned.’

  So absorbed in his thoug
hts had he been, Jimmy hadn’t heard Amy enter the room. Spinning round, he clapped his hand to his forehead, a look of guilt crossing his face. ‘Lord, Amy, I’m so sorry. Tom’s already been. In fact he’s just left. Now, it’s all right, don’t panic…’ He moved forwards quickly as Amy’s face turned white with fear. ‘Becky’s going to be just fine. And to be on the safe side, I’ve asked Tom to hire two nurses to look after her around the clock. But she’s going to be fine, I promise you. Tom says she’ll be out of bed within the next few days, so you see you’ve nothing to worry about.’

  The colour returning to her face, Amy stared back at Jimmy, her eyes filled with accusation. ‘Didn’t you think to come up and tell me the minute the doctor arrived? I’ve been nearly going out of my mind with worry. You can be a right selfish sod at times, Jimmy Jackson.’

  Although Jimmy had already witnessed the strong character Amy possessed, nevertheless he was still taken aback at the anger in her tone, especially as she had sworn at him. That in itself shocked him more than her fury.

  ‘Look! I’ve said I’m sorry, and I am. You’re right, I can be a selfish sod at times, and I apologise, but I can’t change my ways at my time of life… Hang on, Amy, where are you going…?’

  Hurrying out into the hall, Jimmy saw Amy donning her coat and hat, her mouth set in grim lines of determination.

  ‘If you think I’m staying here when my sister’s so ill she needs two nurses to watch over her day and night, you’ve got another think coming. Now get out of my way.’

  For the second time that day Jimmy felt the full force of Amy’s temper as she knocked his restraining arm out of her way.

  ‘Please, Amy. Will you just wait a minute? Don’t you think I’m just as worried? I haven’t left the house all morning in case I missed Tom. Now I know Becky’s going to be all right, there’s some urgent business I have to attend to. If you’ll just stay an hour longer, I swear I’ll get you back home the minute I return. Please, Amy… Just another hour, that’s all I ask.’