‘She must realize that things are seriously wrong.’
‘Yes, but facing problems is never easy. I think we’re all inclined to hide our heads in the sand and hope the problem will go away.’
‘I’ll come with you to confront Paul if you think it will help,’ Alun offered. ‘The first move seems to be to ask him what’s happening.’
Luke had an important meeting that afternoon but they arranged to meet the following day and drive to the tea rooms to talk to both Jessie and Paul. As they drove there, they planned their approach.
‘I’ll appear sympathetic and anxious to help,’ Luke said.
‘And I’ll stand watching, saying very little but obviously disapproving. They might think I’m a policeman,’ he added with a smile. ‘Paul has seen me before but no one really notices a barman.’
It was mid-morning, Alun having managed a day off, and on their way they detoured and looked at Paul’s empty shop – his ‘new enterprise’. The windows had been partially whitewashed to discourage people from looking inside but through the carelessly applied screen they could see boxes of goods stacked at the back. There was no sign of Paul.
When they reached the tea rooms, to their surprise the place was closed. In fact, with the neglected appearance, it looked as though it had been abandoned. Luke knocked on the side door and when there was no reply, Alun banged harder. Eventually the door opened to reveal Jessie, still in her dressing-gown, her hair bedraggled, her face filled with fear.
‘It’s all right, Mrs Curtis – Jessie,’ Luke said. ‘I was passing and thought I’d call and say hello.’
‘Is Mr Curtis in?’ Alun demanded, trying to sound authoritative.
‘No, he’s out on business.’ A nervous tic pulsed rhythmically in Jessie’s cheek.
‘May we come in?’ Luke asked, moving towards her slightly, forcing her to step back. He waited for her to move upstairs and he and Alun followed.
‘Why is the tea rooms closed?’ Luke asked. ‘Aren’t you well? Perhaps you should have stayed in hospital for a day or so.’ When there was no reply he asked, ‘Mrs Sewell, is she ill perhaps?’
Jessie cleared some dishes from the small table and took three clean cups and saucers from the dresser. ‘I’ll make us a cup of tea, shall I?’
‘Where’s Mrs Sewell? Isn’t she coming in today?’ Luke persisted.
‘She’s gone with Paul. There’s another business venture they’re persuing.’
‘I see. So you’ll soon be running the tea rooms again? What a good idea, you managed the business so well.’
‘I don’t know. I’ve lost interest in it to be truthful. I worked there for too long. It’s time for a change.’
An hour and two cups of tea later there was still no sign of Paul. Luke glanced at his watch and said, ‘Jessie, why don’t you come back with us and see Seranne? She’d be so pleased to show you what she and Babs have achieved. I think she’s amazingly clever but she insists it’s all due to your teaching.’
For a moment they thought she would agree but then she frowned and said, ‘Paul will be worried if I’m not here.’
‘Of course he won’t. You can leave a note, and we won’t be away very long. We’ll bring you back once you and Seranne have had a chat. She misses you so much and would love to see you.’
They were hopeful as Jessie went to get ready, and Luke took the opportunity to look around while she washed, dressed and combed her hair. On a sideboard there was a box labelled, ‘Seranne’s Post’, but apart from a library book reminder, it was empty.
Several drawers were stuffed with papers and in the time they had, they found a large number of outstanding accounts and reminders of unpaid bills, including those for electricity and gas and those from Green and Sons. A warning from Alun and they returned to their seats as the door opened and Jessie came in.
They were outside, getting into the car when another car drew up and an angry Paul stepped out. ‘What are you doing? Where are you taking her?’ he demanded.
‘Sorry, darling, but I’m going to see my daughter.’
‘Not now, Jessie. I need you here, there’s something I need to discuss. I’ll take you at the weekend, all right? You only had to ask me and I’d have arranged it, you must know that. Anything you want, you only have to ask me, darling.’
‘No, Paul,’ Luke said firmly. ‘It’s all arranged. We’ll have Jessie back before teatime.’ He put an arm around Jessie’s shoulders and ushered her towards the car, where Alun held the door open. At the very last moment, with her hand on the open door she stopped, turned around and went back into the flat.
‘Thank you for the offer, Luke,’ Jessie said. ‘You’re so kind. But I’ll come at the weekend with Paul. Give Seranne my love, will you?’
‘Come on, Jessie, better you tell her yourself,’ Luke said in a final attempt, but Jessie smiled and put an arm through Paul’s, leaned her head against his shoulder and they stood and waved as Luke and Alun drove away.
Determined to achieve at least one of his objectives, Luke drove straight to the Ship and opened the car door for Alun to get out.
‘I don’t think this is such a good idea, Luke. Betty might be embarrassed, thinking I’m hoping for my job back.’
‘If you’re still worrying about her brother, look over there.’ Sitting in the spring sunshine, reading a newspaper, Alun recognized Ed Connors. Ed looked up and waved, then went back to studying the day’s happenings.
Slowly, as though walking towards some dread punishment, Alun walked into the Ship and immediately looked at the bar. He was relieved when Betty was nowhere to be seen. He needed to take this in stages. Tilly Tucker was serving Bob Jennings and, in a corner near the open fire, a couple of the regulars were playing dominoes. Under the window on one of the old benches that had begun life in a church, a burst of laughter made him turn.
Jake was there, dressed in old corduroys and a cowboy-style shirt. ‘Here he is at last, and don’t think we’ve forgotten it’s your round,’ he called. Then he stood up and went to the door to Betty’s living-room and shouted, ‘Come and see who’s here, Betty.’
Alun stared at the doorway smiling, his heart pounding, longing to see her but afraid the joy on his face wouldn’t be reflected in hers. The doorway remained empty and he began to think she was refusing to see him. Then a voice behind him said. ‘Alun! What a lovely surprise.’ He swivelled around and standing at the entrance was Betty. Without thinking, he ran the few steps towards her and hugged her. The regulars cheered and he began to apologize for embarrassing her.
She held him close. ‘Never mind this lot, they never grew up,’ she said loudly. ‘Are you hungry? Will a sandwich do? Tilly, get these two a drink on the house, will you? Come and tell us your news. I’ve heard of you from time to time from Jake and Luke, but—’ She laughed then, covering her face with her hands. ‘Gosh I’m gabbling aren’t I!’
‘Make him wait, we need sustenance over here,’ a domino player complained and Alun waved at them. ‘Always were the impatient one, Roy Johnson! And watch that Waldo, he’s trying to look at your hand!’
Time passed in handshakes and the exchange of news. For Alun, it was an enormous pleasure reviving friendships and there was no doubt about his welcome. Between sharing parts of conversations and helping Tilly behind the bar, he and Betty exchanged glances their eyes glowing with undisguised happiness. They managed only half spoken sentences between interruptions as newcomers came in and saw him and welcomes began all over again.
It wasn’t until the place closed that Betty and Alun were able to talk properly and even then their words were stilted by the presence of first Tilly, then Luke.
‘Look, why don’t we leave now and let Betty get on with her chores? We can come back on Sunday.’ It was eventually agreed that Alun would stay and help clear up while Luke drove Tilly home, then returned for him.
Betty and Alun dealt with most of the work in their efficient way while they talked. Then, as they passed each other i
n the confines of the bar, they stopped, threw down the things they were carrying and met in the kiss they both longed for.
When Alun left with Luke, promising to return on Sunday, they parted with the sensation that the miles were tearing them apart.
‘Of course, if you really don’t want to go on Sunday, I can make your excuses for you,’ Luke teased.
‘Nothing will stop me now.’
‘Good. Now there’s only Seranne’s mother to sort out.’
Talking to Seranne was always going to be difficult, Luke knew that. He also knew it was something he had to do. He would be at a business meeting in Newport the following day and wouldn’t have a chance to see her, but Saturday was a possibility. He’d be back by the evening and she wouldn’t refuse an invitation to go to the Ship and see Alun on Sunday.
Jessie knew Paul was upset. He didn’t say anything, but he implied by his ultra-reasonable, tolerant manner that he was hurt. She tried to please him, preparing a good meal, asking interested questions about his afternoon, and about the business plans. Flattering him about his foresight in changing from the tea rooms to something more forward looking.
‘Seranne doesn’t understand, she’s never wanted anything other than the business she’s always known,’ she said.
‘So is that why she sends Luke snooping into my business and pretends it’s out of concern for you?’
‘Don’t be angry, Paul.’
‘Darling, I’m not angry. Just disappointed that you’d go off knowing I’d be home longing to talk to you about all that happened. I’ve got my plans approved and you weren’t going to be here waiting to here about it.’
‘I’m here now, darling.’
He turned then and hugged her and Jessie felt relief, but not quite as comfortably as usual. Why did she have to stay behind to wait, while Pat Sewell went with him to set up this new business? She loved Paul but the rosy glow didn’t shine quite so brightly any more. She hoped Paul would take her to see Seranne on Sunday. Although it would be impossible to talk properly with Paul there. Perhaps she could persuade Paul that she needed to stay at Badgers Brook. With an aching heart she knew it was time to face up to a few things, and talking to Seranne would be the start.
CHAPTER TEN
Alun gave notice at the hotel where he had been working since leaving the Ship and at the end of the week he moved back to Cwm Derw. He unpacked his few belongings in the room he had used before and went down to begin the evening shift, fitting into the routine as though he had never left. Friends greeted him with delight, at once beginning to argue about which darts team he would play for and insisted he owed them all a pint.
The situation with Betty was not as easy to solve. She was happy, he knew that but he was cautious not to rush things, he dared not presume that her obvious delight was something more. Their kiss was something he had regretted and the result was a lack of certainty.
Betty sensed his hesitation and, afraid of driving him away again, acted as though it hadn’t happened, so although they worked together in harmony and shared meals, plus the occasional walk in their free moments, there was no sign of him wanting anything more.
The coronation street party was a welcome distraction. Everyone was involved and, as it would take place outside the Ship, Betty and Alun more so than most. The shed and garage were used to store the furniture as it arrived and Alun stacked everything so it would come out in the correct order. Food was on the kitchen table and the yard scrubbed in readiness.
‘There’ll soon be no room for you and me,’ Alun said. ‘We’ll be sleeping on a park bench. Or Stella’s country cottage!’ He was smiling happily, glad to be involved once more in the community.
Fortunately the day dawned brightly and it looked set fair for a good day. People began arriving very early, lorries with chairs and trestle tables, women carrying tablecloths and decorations. They already wore dresses or aprons of red, white and blue. Piles of hats were placed on the barroom tables and flags sprouted from every available point.
When the children began to arrive, shiny faced and dressed for the occasion, the union flag and hats were handed out to those who didn’t have one and when Betty looked down from the bedroom window, she called Alun. ‘It’s like a sea of colour,’ she said. The flags waved from corners and roof tops and lampposts. The red, white and blue hats bobbed in ever changing patterns as people moved the chairs into place and children chased each other round. The tables were dressed with plates of food and decorated with swirling wands of crinkly paper strips that were caught in the slight breeze.
‘I wish everyone could stay this happy,’ Alun said, putting his arm on her shoulder.
‘What is it? Is something worrying you?’
‘Not a thing, I just feel so content I’m afraid something will happen to change it.’
‘Nothing will. There’s no one here who wishes you harm, Alun. This is your home – at least, for as long as you want it.’ Afraid to say more she moved slightly away from his touch.
‘Oh, I want it. I can’t think of any place I’d rather be.’ His hand tightened on her shoulder and he was gone.
The children ate first, with Mrs Williamson-Murton armed with a handful of lists, marching up and down criticizing table manners, then it was time for the entertainment. There was cricket with Bob and Colin, and dancing with Hope and a teacher from the school, rides on Peter Bevan’s horse, assisted by Hope and Peter’s nine-year-old, Davie. Hope’s ex-mother-in-law Marjorie marched around checking lists and appearing to be in charge. When some of the younger children began to leave she called them all to attention and handed out to each of them a china coronation mug, ticking their names off one of her lists. Then the adults took their places at the now untidy tables.
Ed sat on a bench within sight, but made no move to join in. Betty went over once to invite him but he shook his head. ‘I know when I’m not wanted,’ he grumbled.
Refusing to get involved in an argument, Betty said, ‘Please yourself,’ and walked away.
Seranne and Babs served teas and ate when they could, Seranne becoming exasperated by Tony appearing every time she turned around.
‘My brother’s smitten it seems,’ Babs teased.
‘Will someone tell him I’m not? Please?’ Seranne replied. ‘I’ll trip over him in a minute!’
‘Go on, give him a chance, I’ve always wanted a sister!’
Seranne looked up each time a car passed, hoping to see her mother. She had telephoned one final time and tried to persuade her to come but Jessie insisted she and Paul were too busy.
Dancing went on until late, the chairs outside becoming an extention of the bar, where Betty, Alun and Tilly were kept busy until closing time.
Tony appeared and touched Seranne’s shoulder. ‘It’s late. I’d better walk you home.’
Desperate to think of an excuse, she was hardly aware of a car stopping at the kerb. Babs pointed to it and said, sotto voce, ‘Saved by the handsome stranger?’
‘Hello Luke, you’ve missed the fun,’ she said, walking towards him.
‘I’ve been to see your mother, as I was passing the area, in a vain attempt to persuade her to come,’ he said. He looked tired in the light from the street and the distorting coloured bulbs spread around the area added deep shadows. ‘I’ve just come back from Ireland,’ he explained as though reading her thoughts. ‘A business is starting up to make a new range of carpeting.’
‘There’s some food left.’ She gestured towards the open door of the Ship, but he shook his head.
‘I’ll say hello to Betty and Alun then I’ll drive you home, if you’re ready to leave.’
Mouthing a ‘sorry’ to Tony and Babs, she collected her belongings and went with him to the car. She could see he was exhausted and he walked her to the door, telling her he wanted to hear about the party when he’d had some sleep. There were a few boxes she’d left in the car and he brought them in, sat down and was immediately asleep. She covered him with a blanket and sat looki
ng at him for several minutes, unsure what to do.
The door opened and Kitty and Bob came in. They were hushed by Seranne, and tiptoed in to see Luke sprawled on the couch fast asleep.
‘What can I do?’ She gestured puzzlement with arms and hands spread wide.
Bob said, ‘I don’t think he’ll wake, and he’s certainly not able to drive anywhere. Just leave him. Go to bed and I’ll pop in later on to see that he’s all right.’
It was strange expecting to sleep with Luke in the house and she lay on her bed, fully dressed, determined to stay awake, but the long and busy day was too much and she slept.
The following morning she went down to see Luke sitting in the garden nursing a cup of tea, and Bob beside him, both talking in low whispers. She brushed aside his apologies and began preparing breakfast for the three of them. What a peculiar end to the coronation party, she mused, happiness lightening up her face.
Badgers Brook was rarely empty, but one evening the house was silent, and outside the only sound was birdsong and the soft rythmic movement of spades turning soil. Colin and Bob were at the end of the garden digging an area where they planned to plant blackcurrant bushes in the autumn. There were already raspberry canes, a bed of strawberries and a few gooseberry bushes, and the addition was at the request of Seranne.
‘I wonder whether she’ll be here for the first fruit,’ Bob said, looking back to where Seranne sat studying a book on garden birds. ‘People rarely stay long.’
‘They bring their troubles and move on once they have sorted them,’ Colin agreed, ‘but Seranne’s troubles aren’t her own. It’s her mother who has the problems according to Luke and Alun, and the house can’t sort out people if they aren’t here.’
‘D’you really believe the house helps?’
‘I don’t know how, but it seems to. It allows thoughts to settle, puzzles to untangle themselves. A bit like our country cottage, according to Stella. She believes that if a place makes people happy, then usually that’s all they need to get their life in order.’
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