EG03 - Home Is Where The Heart Is

by Joan Jonker

  ‘I wonder if he knocks ’is Dutch lady friend around? I bet she won’t put up with ’is shenanigans the way you did.’

  Vera shrugged her shoulders. ‘I couldn’t care less, as long as me, the boys and Carol aren’t getting it.’

  ‘Well, park yer carcass.’ Eileen motioned for Bill to pull one of the dining chairs out. ‘We’ve got some news for yer . . . at least we might ’ave some news for yer, it’s not definite yet.’

  Vera listened, wide eyed. She was an attractive woman with a slim figure and lovely, long auburn hair. Her eyes changed colour with the light, from pale brown to green.

  ‘Wouldn’t it be lovely if you could get it?’ Then a thought struck Vera and she began to chuckle. ‘Moving in with the snobs, eh? Remember how you used to pull Mary’s leg about being stuck up?’

  ‘Ay, don’t be puttin’ the mockers on it, Vera, we ’aven’t got the flamin’ ’ouse yet.’

  Harry stood up, and straightening the crease in his trousers, said, ‘I think Mary should come because she knows Mrs Kenny better than I do. If you’d keep an eye on the children, the three of us could be there and back in an hour.’

  ‘I’ll watch out for the children,’ Vera said. ‘Wild horses wouldn’t move me till I know how you get on.’

  Eileen clicked her tongue. ‘Some people aren’t ’alf nosy, aren’t they?’ She jerked her head at Bill. ‘Go on, love, I know yer on pins. Hurry back and let’s know what the score is.’

  ‘The children are having the time of their lives out there. Your Edna is teaching Carol how to skip.’ Vera crossed to look in the mirror over the mantelpiece and ran a hand over her long, smooth hair. ‘Bill’s a long time, isn’t he?’

  ‘An hour and a half.’ Eileen glanced at the clock for the umpteenth time. ‘They should’ve been well back by now.’

  ‘Give them a chance,’ Maggie said. She and Joan had been back an hour, had their dinner and washed up. Now they sat waiting. Joan had come in flushed with excitement over her first pair of long stockings and suspender belt, but when she heard the news her purchases quickly took second place in her train of thought. Just fancy, they might be going to live in a posh house like their Auntie Mary’s! Now that would really be something to brag about to her friend Dorothy.

  The sound of a car braking outside turned all heads towards the door.

  ‘They’re here!’ Joan was out of the room like a streak of greased lightning, and they could hear her call, ‘Are we goin’ to live in Orrell Park, Dad?’

  ‘Oh, my God!’ Eileen cringed. ‘I’ll flatten ’er when I get me hands on ’er. Talk about a mouth like the Mersey tunnel, the whole flamin’ street will know by now.’

  ‘Eileen, the neighbours probably knew an hour ago,’ Maggie said dryly. ‘Joan might have a big mouth, but she’s not in the meg specks with your Edna around. I’ll bet that little madam’s been knocking on doors and stopping people in the street.’

  Bill was first through the door, his face aglow with excitement. ‘Mrs Kenny is coming in the morning. Harry’s bringing her in the car.’

  Amid the gasps of pleasure and surprise, and the questions being thrown at Bill from all sides, Eileen sat quietly, her heart pounding. This is it, she thought. All the talking about moving to another house had now become a reality and her feelings were not of pleasure, but sadness. Nobody understood how much she loved this little house, how much it would grieve her to leave. ‘You’re very quiet, chick.’ Bill bent to look in Eileen’s face. ‘You haven’t said a word.’

  ‘With this lot jabberin’, I couldn’t get a word in edgeways.’ Eileen forced a smile to her face. Bill looked so happy she didn’t have the heart to spoil things for him. ‘Is Mrs Kenny really interested?’

  Harry came to stand beside Bill and flung an arm across his shoulder. ‘She is very interested. And before you say it,’ Harry grinned, ‘she knows this area very well. In fact, she was born only a few streets from here.’

  Edna appeared in the doorway flanked by Emma and Tony, with Carol bringing up the rear. Never one to mince words, Edna asked, ‘Did yer get this ’ouse, Dad?’

  Mary, who had taken a seat next to Eileen on the couch, turned to look at the group framed in the doorway. ‘Good grief,’ she groaned, ‘will you look at the state of them! Their clothes are filthy!’

  ‘Holy sufferin’ ducks!’ Eileen’s eyes went to the ceiling. ‘Didn’t you ever get dirty when you were a kid?’

  ‘We’ve been playing ollies,’ Tony said proudly. ‘And I beat Edna, didn’t I, Edna?’

  Harry’s loud chuckle filled the room. ‘Good for you, son! I’ll have to have a game with you, and see if you can beat me.’

  Mary shook her head in despair as she searched in her pocket for some loose change. She couldn’t bear to see the children dirty. Oh, she knew she was too fussy and was frightened of the wind blowing on them, but she couldn’t help the way she was. ‘Here’s sixpence. Go to the corner shop with Edna and get yourselves an ice cream while we have a talk with Auntie Eileen.’ Edna’s mouth opened in protest. ‘But I want to know . . .’

  ‘Do as you’re told, Edna.’ The tone of Bill’s voice was enough to silence his daughter, and when she reached for the sixpence, Bill put a finger to his lips and said sternly, ‘And keep that mouth of yours closed, d’you hear?’ Edna, not looking too pleased, nodded as she steered the children out to the street.

  ‘What’s Mrs Kenny’s house like?’ Eileen asked. ‘Is it exactly the same as yours, Mary?’

  ‘The house is the same,’ Mary answered, ‘but it’s not in the same condition as ours was when we got it. Remember, ours was nicely decorated and everything. All we had to do was move in.’

  Harry sat on the arm of the couch next to Eileen, and with a finger under her chin, turned her face towards him. ‘Mrs Kenny is an old lady and her house hasn’t been decorated since the year dot. She hasn’t been able to do it herself and couldn’t afford to have a man in. But there’s nothing that can’t be put right with a bit of elbow grease. Me and Bill could have that place like a palace in a few weeks. And I’m sure Arthur Kennedy will be more than happy to give a hand.’

  ‘It sounds lovely, Eileen.’ Vera clapped her hands in pleasure. ‘You won’t know you’re born with an inside toilet and a wash-house.’

  ‘Ooh, I hope we get it.’ Joan rubbed her tummy. She was dying to go to the lavvy but was frightened of missing something. ‘If we do get it, and I get the job in Vernons, I can get the train from Orrell Park station to the Old Roan. It’s only two stops.’

  ‘Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched,’ Maggie warned. ‘There’s many a slip twixt cup and lip.’

  ‘Well, we haven’t got long to find out.’ Bill was trying to keep calm but his nerves were as taut as a violin string. ‘Harry’s picking Mrs Kenny up after church in the morning, so she should be here about eleven.’

  ‘That means all hands on deck ’ere for eight o’clock, and we’ll go through this ’ouse like a dose of salts.’ Eileen pinched at the fat on her elbows, her forehead creased in concentration. ‘We’ll take a room each so we don’t get under each other’s feet.’

  ‘To hear you talk, anyone would think the house never got cleaned!’ Maggie’s face was red with indignation. ‘I gave the three bedrooms a good do on Thursday and they’re as clean as a whistle.’

  ‘Okay, Mam, don’t get off yer bike!’ Eileen smiled and her chubby cheeks moved upwards to cover her eyes. ‘I’m always tellin’ yer that yer the best maid I ever ’ad.’

  ‘Huh!’ Maggie grunted as she smoothed down the front of her pinny. ‘Half an hour to tidy up and this place will look like a little palace.’

  ‘Listen, I’m not runnin’ round like a blue-arsed fly five minutes before Mrs Kenny’s due, so yez are all up by eight o’clock . . . Okay?’

  Not a voice was raised in protest and Eileen nodded, her layer of chins rippling with the movement. ‘Right, that’s that sorted out.’

  The cleft in Harry’s chin de
epened as he threw back his head and roared with laughter. ‘I’d give anything to be here in the morning. It’ll be like a Laurel and Hardy slapstick comedy.’ Tears of laughter were shining in his eyes, and his laughter was so infectious there were smiles on everyone’s faces. ‘Or better still,’ Harry was holding his tummy now as his laugh grew louder, ‘one of those Keystone Cop films where everyone runs round in double quick motion.’

  Eileen reached behind her for a cushion, screwed up her eyes till she had the target in sight, then aimed at Harry. It hit him full in the face with such force he had to gasp for breath.

  ‘Bull’s-eye!’ Eileen chuckled. ‘That’ll teach yer, clever clogs!’

  Chapter Five

  ‘You what?’ Eileen’s mouth gaped. ‘We’re movin’ house tomorrer an’ you want me to do a disappearing act? Have yer lost the run of yer senses, Bill Gillmoss?’

  ‘No, chick, I haven’t.’ Bill stood in front of her, feet spaced apart. The sleeves of his blue and white striped shirt were rolled up to the elbows, there were streaks of dirt across the front and a ragged tear where a pearl button had been ripped off when he’d tried to lift a bedstead on his own. ‘I want you out of the way while everything is moved from here and taken to the new house. I’ll have me work cut out without worrying about you.’

  ‘I think yer’ve flipped yer lid!’ Eileen snorted. ‘Who d’yer think is goin’ to make sure everythin’ is put in the right place?’

  ‘Don’t argue,’ Bill said firmly. ‘I know where all the furniture has to go and I’m not having you lugging things around in your condition. I’ve got our Billy and Arthur to help me, and there’ll be two men with the removal van. We’ll have everything in place by the time you get back.’

  ‘I’ve never ’eard anythin’ so daft in all me life.’ Eileen lifted her hands in disgust. Her gaze went around the room, resting for a while on the large tea chests containing all the bedding and pans, and the smaller cardboard boxes where crockery and ornaments were packed, each item wrapped in a piece of newspaper to prevent breakages. ‘Who’s goin’ to tell yer where all those things go?’

  Bill sighed wearily. He’d been on the go since he’d got in from work and he was dead tired. Not that he’d done it all himself, because Harry, Mary, Arthur and Vera had been there all night and they’d worked alongside him to make sure everything was ready for the van which was coming at nine in the morning.

  Bill ran a hand across his forehead. ‘Your ma and Mary will be there to unpack all the boxes, and if they don’t put them where you want them it’s not the end of the world. You’ll have plenty of time to sort them out later.’ He put a hand under her chin and lifted her face. ‘Do this to please me, will you, chick? I’ll have enough on me plate without worrying about you.’ When Eileen opened her mouth to protest, Bill put a finger across her lips. ‘It’s no good saying you’ll just stand by and watch, because I know you too well. If I took my eyes off you for a second you’d be moving this, that and the other, and I’m not taking any chances.’

  Eileen folded her arms and rested them on her swollen tummy. ‘I don’t know,’ she grumbled, ‘the day we move house, I go on a ruddy picnic?’

  Bill held his hand out. ‘Come on, chick, let’s hit the hay. I’m so tired I could fall asleep standing up. But this time tomorrow night we’ll be all settled in our new home.’

  Eileen averted her eyes as Bill pulled her up from the couch. She didn’t want him to know that inside she was crying. This was the last night they’d be sleeping in the house that had been their home since the day they were married. But no one seemed sorry. They were so full of the nice new posh house, it was as if they’d already forgotten this little place with all the memories it held.

  ‘This is the most cockeyed bloody idea I’ve ever ’eard of,’ Eileen gasped as she struggled out of the front passenger seat of Harry’s car. ‘Half past nine in the mornin’, an’ we’re takin’ a ferry trip across the Mersey.’ As she lowered her feet to the pavement her dress rumpled up to reveal pieces of knotted elastic keeping her stockings up. ‘I must be stark ravin’ mad to ’ave let Bill talk me into this.’

  ‘It’s for your own good, Eileen, so don’t be hard on Bill.’ Harry bit hard on the inside of his cheek, but it was no good, he couldn’t keep the laughter back. ‘I’m sorry, Eileen, but you should see your face.’

  ‘An’ I’m sorry, ’cos it’s the only bloody face I’ve got.’ Eileen glared at him for a few seconds, then her body started to shake. ‘I suppose I might as well see the funny side, seein’ as ’ow I can’t do nowt about it.’ She held her tummy as the laughter erupted. ‘I ’aven’t been on a ferry for years, an’ I ’ave to pick a day when there’s a bloody gale force wind blowin’.’ She wiped a tear away with the back of her hand. ‘On top of that, I haven’t a clue what number bus to get back to me new ’ouse!’

  Harry bowed, waving his hand towards the car. ‘No problem, madam. Your car will be here to pick you up at two o’clock.’

  Harry helped Vera and the girls from the back seat and slammed the car doors. ‘I’ll have to move, I’m blocking the traffic. See you later.’

  Eileen stood by the rails as the ferry ploughed its way through the choppy waters of the Mersey. Her head thrown back, she breathed in the sea air. ‘Yer know, it wasn’t such a bad idea after all. I’m really enjoying this. The wind’s blowin’ all the cobwebs away.’

  ‘Mam, the water looks all frothy.’ Edna was hanging over the rail fascinated by the surf made by the ferry breaking the waves. ‘It looks like your dolly tub does when you’ve put Persil in the water.’

  Vera, her hand tightly gripping Carol, was pointing out the flock of seagulls that were following the ferry boat. ‘Look, darling, see all the birds?’

  Carol’s eyes were wide as she watched the seagulls swoop and soar, a sight she’d never seen before. She struggled to free herself from Vera’s grip so she could join Edna at the rails, but Vera held on tight. ‘Mummy will lift you up, otherwise you might fall in the river.’

  Eileen turned her back to the rail to watch the receding waterfront of Liverpool. ‘Yer can’t beat old Liverpool, can yer?’ Her eyes rested briefly on the two Liver birds perched proudly on top of the Liver Building, then she turned to Vera. ‘I wonder ’ow they’re gettin’ on? I should be there, yer know.’

  ‘Eileen, they’ll manage much better without you, you’d only be in the way. Now, for heaven’s sake stop worrying and enjoy yourself.’

  Because it was early on a Saturday morning, there weren’t many people making the crossing, so there was no pushing and shoving when the ferry tied up at the landing stage in Seacombe. Having been warned by Bill not to let Eileen overdo things, Vera kept the pace leisurely as they strolled in the direction of New Brighton. They’d been walking for about twenty minutes when they came to a small cafe. ‘How about a cuppa?’ Eileen asked. ‘With me feet swellin’, these shoes are pinchin’ and me feet are givin’ me gyp.’

  The smell of home-made scones pervaded the air and Eileen took a deep breath. ‘Smells just like our kitchen when me mam’s bakin’.’

  They ordered tea and scones for four, and when the homely waitress had set the table, Eileen smiled with satisfaction. With the plate of scones came a dish of butter and a bowl of strawberry jam. ‘You can be mother, Vera, and pour the tea.’

  Carol’s eyes were like saucers. She watched carefully what Edna did, then followed suit. It was the first time she’d ever been in a cafe and the excitement and pleasure was there on her face for all to see. ‘She’s a little love,’ Eileen said.

  At that moment Carol misjudged the thickness of the scone and ended up with a blob of jam on her nose. She couldn’t understand why everyone started laughing but she joined in and her infectious laugh filled the room. Even the waitress, standing by the counter hoping for more customers, had a wide smile on her face.

  When they came out of the cafe the wind had dropped and the sun was making a brave attempt to push its way between the cloud
s. The foursome continued towards New Brighton, stopping on the way to watch a Punch and Judy show while licking their way through ice cream cornets. And when Edna saw some children paddling, she was over the railings and running across the sand before Eileen could stop her. ‘She’ll get ’er death of cold, the silly nit.’

  ‘Look, there’s a bench here, you sit down while I take Carol for a paddle. She’s never been to the seaside before . . . Danny never took her anywhere, and on the money he gave me, I couldn’t afford to.’ Vera waited till Eileen was seated. ‘She may as well enjoy herself while she can, like all the other kids.’

  Eileen watched Vera run across the sand, her long hair bouncing on her shoulders, and heard her laugh ring out when Carol screamed with delight. She’s a changed woman, Eileen thought. Pity Danny didn’t leave her years ago.

  With Vera holding their shoes and socks, and their dresses tucked into their knickers, Edna and Carol ran into the water. ‘Ow! It’s freezing.’ Edna ran back, dragging Carol with her. ‘It’s like ice.’

  ‘You wouldn’t be told,’ Vera said. ‘I’ve got a cloth here, come and dry your feet.’

  Edna eyed the other children splashing about happily. If they could do it, so could she. ‘No, I’ll ’ave another go.’

  Carol picked up a handful of sand and her eyes filled with wonder as it trickled through her fingers. ‘Sand, Mummy. Carol likes sand.’

  Eileen waited with growing impatience. ‘I wish I ’ad me watch with me,’ she said aloud. ‘It must be gettin’ on now.’ Ignoring the curious glances of the people walking by, she kept up her one-sided conversation. ‘I bet they’re wishin’ I was there to tell them where everythin’ goes.’

  Eileen had slipped her shoes off to relieve the pain, and was completely unaware of the sight she made. An eighteen-stone woman, heavily pregnant and shoeless, was enough to cause people to stare. One couple passed, stopped a short way from Eileen, then turned and came back. ‘Are you all right, dear,’ a man asked kindly, ‘do you need some help?’