by Anna King
* * *
Sitting only a few tables away, Josie could see at once the dilemma Rory was in, and her heart went out to him. She should have revelled in his predicament, but she couldn’t derive any pleasure from watching his silent suffering.
‘I’m just going to the rest room. You order for me, Annie. I’m not fussy what I eat. I won’t be long.’
Annie had her nose in the large gold-edged menu, her eyes stretched wide.
‘Will ye look at these prices, Josie. Jasus! Two bob for a bowl of soup, it’s daylight robbery…’
‘Don’t worry about the prices, Annie. It’s my treat, so make the most of it, ’cos I won’t be taking you here again,’ Josie replied absently.
Weaving around the tables, she came to a stop beside Rory. Tapping the waiter on his arm, she asked, ‘Excuse me. Could you tell me where the ladies’ room is, please?’
Rory winced as he heard her voice. So she had come to gloat after all. Well, he couldn’t blame her.
‘Of course, madam. It’s to your right, just around the corner. You can’t miss it, it’s well signposted.’
‘Thank you. Lord, it’s hot, isn’t it?’ Josie had her bag open as she searched for a handkerchief. She had positioned herself in front of the waiter with her back to Rory. Wiping her forehead, she smiled. ‘Still, mustn’t complain, must we? It’ll probably be pouring with rain tomorrow. Thank you.’
She turned and bumped against Rory’s side. ‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ she apologised, her hand going to his arm to steady herself.
Rory’s eyes narrowed in bewilderment, then he jumped as he felt something being pressed into his hand; then she was gone. His heart racing, he looked down at the five-pound note crumpled in his fist and experienced a deep wave of relief.
Although his heart was still thumping against his ribs, his face betrayed none of his emotions as he casually threw the two five-pound notes on to the silver platter.
By the time the waiter returned with Rory’s change, Josie was back at her table, her eyes studiously fixed on the menu.
Leaving a half-crown tip for the waiter, Rory left the restaurant expecting Cathy to be waiting for him outside. But there was no sign of her. And much to his surprise, he wasn’t as disappointed as he’d imagined he would be. Instead his mind was on Josie. There weren’t many women who, given the circumstances, would have helped him out of his predicament. But Josie had always been possessed of a kind nature.
He walked on in search of Cathy, but it was Josie’s face that kept floating in front of his mind. First thing tomorrow morning he would go round and pay her back the money that had saved him from the utmost humiliation. It would be an awkward situation for both of them, but knowing Josie, she would make his visit as comfortable and cordial as was humanly possible.
Then he spotted Cathy ahead of him, and all other thoughts were swept from his mind.
Chapter Twelve
‘By, Josie love. It’s been a grand day, so it has. I’ll not be needing any rocking tonight. I could drop off to sleep right now, I’m that tired.’
‘I know how you feel, Annie. I can hardly keep me eyes open,’ Josie replied.
They were in Josie’s kitchen, reliving the events of the day, and had been for the past hour. Then Jane spoke, her voice filled with joyous laughter.
‘Well, I won’t be able to sleep a wink tonight. I’m too excited to go to bed yet. Anyway, it’s only just gone eight.’ Her eyes twinkling, she added, ‘Still, I suppose when I get to your age, I’ll be the same as you two.’
Pushing her chair back, Jane stood up.
‘Do you mind if I go home, Josie? I want to show off my new dress to Dad.’
‘Of course I don’t mind,’ Josie replied, smiling. If the truth be told, she couldn’t wait to be on her own. Seeing Rory with that trollop had hurt her more than she had imagined it would. It had taken every ounce of self-control she possessed to stop herself from breaking down in tears. That emotion had passed now, but the hurt still remained.
’I’ll see you tomorrow, Josie,’ Jane said from the doorway. ‘Oh, and don’t forget what I said about you setting up your own shop, will you? At least think about it, promise?’
Josie looked at the earnest face and nodded.
‘I will. Think about it, I mean. But not tonight, eh?’
‘All right. See you in a minute, Mum. Don’t be too long, will you? Dad’s probably dying to see you, and I want to be there to see his face when he claps eyes on you.’
Then, like a dog let out of its kennel, she was gone.
‘Whew!’ Josie slumped in her chair. ‘She makes me tired just watching her. What I’d give to be young again.’
Annie shot her an angry glance.
‘What are ye talking about, girl? Why, anyone would think ye was my age to hear ye talk. Ye’re just tired is all. A good night’s sleep and ye’ll be as right as rain come morning. Speaking of which, I’d best be getting meself off home. I just hope Paddy doesn’t want to take me to the pub the night. By the time I get this lot off, the pub will be closed. Lord only knows how I’m going to get out of this corset contraption. Paddy will have a field day when he sees it. Still, I mustn’t stay here talking. You’ll be wanting to have some time to yourself, I’m sure.’
‘Well, I am tired, Annie. It’s not every day I get to go up West and spend money without worrying about every penny.’
Since leaving the restaurant, Rory’s name hadn’t been mentioned, and Josie was grateful for Annie and Jane’s consideration for her feelings. But there was one thing that had been playing on Josie’s mind concerning Annie, and now they were alone she broached the subject.
‘’Earlier on, you seemed to have something on your mind. And before you say it was the heat, just remember who you’re talking too. Something was worrying you, and whatever it is, I’d like to help if I can.’
When she saw the look of awkwardness on her friend’s face, Josie jumped to the wrong conclusion. Biting on her lower lip, she picked her words carefully.
‘Look, Annie, if you’re short of money, I’d be only too pleased to—’
Startled, Annie stared at Josie in amazement.
‘Good God, love. Whatever put that thought into your mind? How can I be short of money with four men bringing in a wage every week?’
Seeing Josie wasn’t convinced, Annie thought furiously of an excuse to explain her earlier absent behaviour. Then it came to her.
‘All right, Josie. I’ll not lie to ye. I’m worried sick that our Pat’ll take it into his head to get married in a Protestant church. That loose piece he’s taken up with would make him do it just to spite me and Paddy. And ye know how I feel about me religion. If Pat doesn’t get married in a Catholic church then in the eyes of God and the Church he’ll not be married at all. And it’d break me heart if that happened.’
‘Oh, Annie,’ Josie said, her heart going out to her friend. ‘I’m sure Pat would never do that. He knows how much it would hurt you and Paddy. He’s a good man and a kind one. But if you’re that worried, why don’t you have a word with him? At least then it’d put your mind at rest. Besides, he thinks the world of you. There’s no way he’d put Freda’s feelings before yours.’
Annie smiled wryly.
‘That’s where you’re wrong, Josie love. When a man gets married, his mother has to accept she’s going to take second place to his wife; and that’s the way it should be. No man worth his salt would stay tied to his mother’s apron strings once he’s wed. There’s nothing I can do, so I’ll not be worrying meself until the time comes. Maybe if we’re lucky Pat’ll come to his senses and give her the push.’ She heaved herself to her feet, puffing heavily. ‘Jasus, but I’ll be glad to get back into me own clothes, I can hardly breathe in this contraption. I hope Paddy doesn’t want to take me down the pub—’ She stopped in mid sentence and grinned. ‘I’ve already said that, haven’t I? Lord help me. It’s a sure sign of old age when a body starts repeating themselves… And what is it that’s mak
ing ye laugh, Josie Guntrip? Is it the mickey you’re taking out of an auld woman?’
Trying to keep a straight face, Josie replied, ‘I wouldn’t dare, Annie. It sounds to me as if it’s you that wants to go to the pub to show off your new clothes, only yer don’t want to admit it. You’ll be going to the pub tonight, and you know it. I feel sorry for poor Paddy, ’cos he’ll be getting an earful all night for dragging you out. And you’ll be having the time of your life seeing all the other women green with envy. I’m right, ain’t I?’
Annie bridled, her mouth opening and closing without uttering a word. Then she let out a loud raucous laugh.
‘Aye, you’re right enough. By, but I’m going to have the time of me life tonight. I can’t wait to see the looks on them old biddies’ faces when they see me. I just hope I can last the night without passing out.’
Josie walked Annie to the door. As she stepped out into the street behind Annie, she saw next door’s curtains twitching and grinned smugly.
‘I wish I could be a fly on the wall in that house. Old Ida must be having a fit. Still, she can make as much noise as she wants, it won’t do her any good… Annie! What’s wrong, you’ve gone as white as a sheet,’ Josie cried in alarm as Annie staggered back against her. ‘Look, come back in. I’ll help you outta that corset. There’s no point in looking good if it’s gonna make you ill.’
Josie’s worried voice brought Annie back to her senses. She’d forgotten all about that blasted letter until Ida’s presence had brought all her fears flooding back.
Forcing herself to remain calm, she said, ‘Don’t fret yerself, love, I’m fine. And me corset’s staying on. I’ve managed to put up with it this long, I can last another hour or so. Besides, I’ll want to be looking me best when Paddy drags me down the pub, won’t I?’
Josie relaxed, relieved that her dearest friend was all right.
‘Why don’t ye come with us, Josie? Sure an’ I won’t feel so out of place if you’re with me. Aw, c’mon, love, it’ll do ye good to get out for a while.’
Taken aback by Annie’s offer, Josie stuttered, ‘Oh, no, Annie. Thanks for asking, but… but… like I said, I’m tired. Anyway, it wasn’t five minutes ago you was saying how you could hardly keep your eyes open.’
Annie flapped her hand in Josie’s face.
‘Oh, that was before. I feel much better now.’ She put her head to one side, saying, ‘C’mon, love, say ye’ll come. I could do with some moral support. I’ll send Shaun over for ye in about fifteen minutes.’
Before she knew what she was saying, Josie found herself agreeing to go to the pub, yet even before she had closed the door she was already regretting her decision.
Knowing there was no way she could get out of her promise, she made a strong pot of tea, hoping the brew would help revive her flagging body. After her third cup, she sat back and waited for Shaun to arrive.
* * *
Josie hummed to herself as she got into bed. Settling down under the sheets, she thought back over the day. And an extraordinary day it had been. She was glad she had decided to go to the pub, although her heart had been hammering so hard when they first entered the Rose and Crown that she had thought everyone would hear it. She smiled happily as she recalled the looks she and Annie had received, and also the proud faces of Paddy and Shaun as they had lapped up the compliments from all the regulars.
There had been many probing questions as the customers had tried to find out where the money for their expensive clothes had come from, but Annie had skilfully sidetracked them all. On the way home, giggly from two brandies, she had nudged Josie, saying in a slurred voice, ‘Let them wonder all they like. We could always say we’ve taken up a new pro… profession. What d’ye say, Josie? How d’ye think we… we’d do as women of the night?’
Josie had been mortified, but Paddy and Shaun had roared with laughter. Her smile faltered a little as she recalled the look of disappointment on Shaun’s face when she’d declined his offer to walk her to her door. Turning her thoughts to more pleasant matters, she remembered what Jane had said about starting her own business. At first Josie had dismissed the idea, but the seed had been planted, and had been germinating at the back of her mind all day. Now, alone in her bed, the idea didn’t seem so impossible. And the more she thought about it, the more excited she became.
Suddenly she was wide awake. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to sleep, she got out of bed and padded down to the kitchen. With a mug of hot chocolate in her hand, she sipped at it slowly, her mind whirling at the enormity of what she was proposing to do. She would have to look into it properly, of course, and for that she would need legal advice. When she went to the bank on Monday morning she would see the manager and ask him what he thought of her idea. Even if he wasn’t in a position to advise her, then he would surely know someone who could. After all, she wasn’t planning to attempt the impossible. All she wanted was a small shop she could call her own. And what better business
to start with than a tea shop? After all, her years working in Joe Lyons would come in very handy.
Her hand started to tremble, spilling a few drops of chocolate on her nightdress. Suddenly she wasn’t so sure she was doing the right thing. Perhaps it would be better if she slept on it.
An hour later, just as she was drifting off to sleep, she sat bolt upright. Staring into the darkness of the room she said aloud, ‘Sod it, I’m gonna go for it. Maybe the bank manager will tell me I’ll be wasting me time and money, but if I don’t ask then I’ll never know.’ Satisfied she had made the right decision, she lay back down and in minutes was fast asleep.
* * *
‘Are ye coming back to bed, darlin’? It’s after twelve.’
Paddy yawned as he looked tiredly at his wife sitting in her favourite armchair by the fireplace. He had put her to bed over two hours ago. She hadn’t stirred an inch while he and Jane had valiantly struggled to get the rigid corset from her body, trying hard to keep their laughter down. As usual after having a few pints of beer, Paddy’s bladder had woken him. Annie had still been asleep when he left to visit the toilet in the back yard. He hadn’t been gone for more than a few minutes, yet when he returned there she was sitting silently in her chair, gazing into the empty grate.
‘Annie love, did ye hear me?’
Annie stirred then turned to face her husband.
‘Sorry, Paddy, what did ye say? I was miles away.’
‘I said are ye coming back to bed? And what are ye doing down here at this time of night? Is something troubling ye?’
‘No, I’m fine. You get back to bed, I’ll be up shortly. I only came down for a cup of water. G’wan now, be off with ye.’
Paddy shrugged, then went back upstairs to his bed.
Left alone, Annie took the crumpled letter from her dressing gown pocket and, getting up, peered at it in the dim light of the mantle lamp. Turning the light up, she read it again, still not believing the words written on the plain piece of paper: ‘This is my last will and testament. I, Elsie Guntrip, being of sound mind and body, do leave my savings, hidden in the base of my bed, and any money received from the sale of my house to Battersea Dogs’ Home.’ Directly under these words Elsie had signed her name, and at the bottom of the paper was Ida Black’s scrawled signature.
Annie sat down, shaking her head in bewilderment. She had always known Elsie Guntrip to be a mean, spiteful woman. But for the love of God, what kind of woman would do such a thing to her own daughter? It was bad enough she had wanted to deny Josie her savings, but to leave her homeless as well defied belief. Annie’s tired mind tried to decide what to do with her find. She was in a difficult position. Only she knew of the will, and it was up to her what she did with it. She had always been an honest and God-fearing woman, and she knew it was her duty to hand the will over to some kind of authority. Yet if she did, Josie would be left with nothing. Not even a roof over her head.
She heard the bed creak upstairs as Paddy turned over in his sleep. Then she saw Josi
e’s face, alight with happiness and optimism for the future, and knew she couldn’t take those hopes away from the woman who was as dear to her as her own child.
Her mind made up, Annie got to her feet once again. Twisting the page into a thin taper, she took the glass off the lamp and held the paper to the dwindling flame. It caught alight immediately and Annie watched dispassionately as it turned black around the edge as the fire snaked slowly upwards. When she could stand the heat no longer, Annie threw it into the empty grate and watched it burn. Once she was sure it was completely destroyed, she turned away and walked up the stairs, her feet heavy.
What she had done was wrong, but she was willing to live with that guilt.
She climbed into bed beside Paddy and cuddled up by his side. But though she was now desperately tired, sleep eluded her. She knew there would be many nights like this. She also knew she would cope. And every time she felt any sign of guilt, she would look at Josie and know she had done the right thing. Not in the eyes of the law; but surely in the eyes of God. And the Almighty’s blessing was more important to her than any court.
Chapter Thirteen
Josie lay in bed waiting for the dawn to break, just as she had done every day for the past week. Rolling her head towards the window, she lay still, her eyes heavy and dry from lack of sleep.
This was the first day of the rest of her life, and her heart was pounding and she had butterflies in her stomach. She was scared and yet more excited than she’d ever been. At last she was going to have the chance to prove to herself that she was capable of making something of her life.
Throwing back the quilt, she shivered and reached for the dressing gown at the foot of the bed.
Padding down to the kitchen, she made a pot of tea and drank it from a mug while looking out of the kitchen window, watching the sun’s thin rays trying to break though the grey clouds on this cold, dismal October morning. She debated about lighting the fire then decided against it. It wasn’t worth the bother, seeing as she would be leaving the house in another hour and wouldn’t be back until early evening; providing everything went well, she added silently. She drank the last of her tea, wondering if she should eat something. She had a busy day ahead of her, and if all went well she doubted she’d have time to eat. Then her stomach lurched nervously and she decided not to chance it. The way she was feeling she wasn’t sure she would be able to keep anything down.