EG03 - Home Is Where The Heart Is

by Joan Jonker

  ‘Not their dad, that’s for sure.’ Maggie waved her hand at her granddaughters. ‘Go and get your dinner, there’s good girls. I’ll see you later.’

  ‘I’ve made some barley broth for you.’ Eileen smoothed the counterpane where the girls had been sitting. ‘Put a lining on yer tummy and some flesh on yer bones.’

  ‘The girls seem to get on well together,’ Maggie said, looking up into Eileen’s face. ‘Are you happy now you’ve got all your family together again?’

  ‘They get on like a house on fire. Better than they ever did. And our Joan’s not ’alf changed, she even washes dishes and helps with the cleaning.’ Eileen put her hands on her hips and smiled down in to her mother’s face. ‘An’ now I’ve got you ’ome, missus, me family’s complete.’

  ‘I’m happy for you, lass.’

  ‘An’ I’ll be happy if yer eat the broth I’m bringin’ in.’ Eileen swayed to the door. ‘Mary an’ Harry will be down later, an’ our Billy an’ Mavis, so I’d better get me skates on.’ She turned and smiled. ‘They’re all comin’ to see you, yer know, missus, not me! What it is to be popular, eh!’

  The first visitor that night was Martha Bradshaw, Mary’s mother. Harry brought her down in the wheelchair, pushed her to the side of the bed, then left the two old friends to talk in peace and quiet. They’d missed each other so much and had lots to talk about. ‘It’s grand to have you back, Maggie,’ Martha said. ‘The days haven’t been the same without you dropping in for a chat.’

  ‘I’ll soon be up and about, then you’ll be fed up with the sight of me,’ Maggie answered. ‘Give it a week or two, and I’ll be trotting up for me afternoon cup of tea.’

  ‘Nan, can we come in?’ Edna’s head popped round the door. ‘Me and Joan are going out, so we want to say ta-ra.’

  Martha watched with a smile on her face as the girls kissed and hugged their grandmother, noting how gentle they were, careful not to hold her too tight. And her smile widened when she in turn received a kiss from each of them.

  ‘Ta-ra, Nan!’ they chorused. ‘Ta-ra, Mrs B.’

  ‘What it is to be young, eh, Martha? Still, we’ve had our time, haven’t we? A lot to look back on.’

  Martha looked pensive. ‘Good and bad times, Maggie.’

  ‘I’m sorry to break this up.’ Eileen bustled in. ‘But I’ve got a room full of people waiting to see her ladyship.’

  Maggie raised her brows. ‘Who’s here?’

  ‘Well, let me see.’ Eileen held her hand out and started ticking off on her fingers. ‘There’s Mary and Harry, Vera and Arthur with Carol, and our Billy and Mavis.’

  ‘It’s good of them to come, and I do appreciate it, lass. But you won’t let them stay too long, will you? I get tired very quickly.’

  ‘Don’t worry, they’ve been given strict instructions to be in an’ out in five minutes. I’m keeping me eye on yer, so ’ave no fear, Eileen’s here.’

  True to her word, Eileen did keep an eye on her mother. She fussed over her like a mother hen, wouldn’t let her lift a cup or make her own bed. Until Maggie put her foot down. ‘For heaven’s sake, lass, will you let me be? As long as you treat me like an invalid, I’ll stay so.’

  So Eileen stopped fussing and allowed her mother to move at her own pace. Maggie’s progress was slow but sure. After two weeks of good food and plenty of rest, her cheeks and body were filling out. There was still a long way to go, but she was getting there. And when she asked Eileen one afternoon to walk her up to see Martha, Eileen was over the moon. Then a few days later it was a trip to the corner shop. After that they walked a little further afield each day, and both looked better for it. The pallor left Maggie’s face and Eileen’s chubby cheeks were a rosy red.

  The only day they missed their daily walk was when the heavens opened and it poured with rain. ‘Never mind, lass,’ Maggie said. ‘The farmers will be glad of it.’

  Eileen set a tray with tea and biscuits, and when they settled she wracked her brains for something to keep her mother amused. ‘Did you know our Joan’s goin’ out with Cissie Maddox’s son, Leslie? Seems struck on ’im, too.’

  ‘Doesn’t the time fly?’ Maggie said, shaking her head. ‘It seems like only yesterday that Leslie was in short trousers and his face full of spots.’

  ‘He’s as old as our Billy. Done well for ’imself, too. Got a collar and tie job in Liverpool, which suits our Joan ’cos she’s always been a bit of a snob.’

  ‘Doesn’t take after his dad for the gee-gees, then?’ Maggie asked. ‘His dad was always fond of a flutter on the horses. Lost more money on them than soft Joe. It’s a mug’s game, backing horses.’

  ‘I never thought the day would come when me an’ Cissie would be related.’ Eileen chuckled. ‘Remember the way me an’ ’er used to fight? Many’s the time we’ve rolled our sleeves up, stood eyeball to eyeball, threatenin’ to knock the livin’ daylights out of each other.’ Her tummy shaking with laughter, Eileen spluttered, ‘I’d ’ave died if she’d laid a finger on me. I couldn’t fight me way out of a paper bag.’

  ‘What about Edna?’ Maggie asked. ‘Hasn’t she got a boyfriend yet?’

  ‘She never says anythin’, but I’ve got a feelin’ she doesn’t go to Janet’s so often just to see ’er friend. I think Janet’s brother is the attraction there. Edna’s been sweet on John since she was a little girl.’

  ‘You still miss the old street, don’t you, lass?’

  ‘Yeah, I miss all the old neighbours, like Cissie and Milly Knight. But we can’t ’ave everything we want in life, can we? As long as I’ve got Bill, and you and the kids, I’m ’appy with me lot.’ Eileen gave a cheeky grin, ‘We did ’ave some good times, though, didn’t we, Mam? Never short of a bit of gossip to make life interestin’.’

  Maggie huffed. ‘You were the one that gossiped, not me!’

  ‘Oh, come off yer high ’orse, Mam, yer couldn’t wait for me to tell yer all the news. Yer used to tut-tut, pretendin’ yer weren’t interested, but yer eyes an’ yer lug ’oles were stickin’ out a mile.’

  The football season had started again, and one Friday night when Billy and Mavis called, Billy asked his dad if he was going to the match the next day. Bill nodded his head vigorously. ‘Yeah, wouldn’t miss it. It should be a good game.’

  ‘You an’ yer ruddy football! Like father, like son.’ Eileen turned to wink at Mavis. ‘Yer’ll be a grass widow every Saturday, like me.’

  ‘I don’t mind.’ Mavis gazed at the husband she idolised. ‘It’s his only hobby.’

  ‘I’ll meet you outside, Dad,’ Billy said. ‘Then we can stand together.’ His handsome face creased in a smile. ‘You wouldn’t enjoy the match without me standing beside you singing me heart out.’

  When Bill came back from the match he found his wife sitting in Maggie’s room with Mary. ‘How did Liverpool get on?’ Eileen asked. Then she added, ‘It doesn’t matter, I can see it on yer face. Liverpool won.’

  ‘What about Everton?’ Mary asked, rising from her chair. ‘I hope they won because Harry always buys me a slab of Cadbury’s on the way home. If they lose I only get a commentary on the game. How they could have won if the referee hadn’t given a penalty when he shouldn’t have done, or a goal had been allowed when anyone with half an eye could see the player had been off-side.’

  Bill grinned. ‘They were drawing at half-time, but I haven’t heard the final result.’ He scratched his ear. ‘What happens when it’s a draw? Do you get a small slab of chocolate?’

  ‘Yes, and all the excuses.’ Mary patted Maggie’s head before making for the door. ‘I’ll see you folks, ta-ra.’

  ‘Yer half-an-hour later than usual, Bill Gillmoss, where’ve yer been?’

  Bill opened the Echo he’d brought in with him, avoiding Eileen’s eyes. ‘I stood talking to Billy for a while. He’s having a party for Mavis’s birthday next week and wanted to know how to go about getting some beer in.’

  Eileen screwed her eyes up. ‘Funny he never mentio
ned it while he was ’ere. And surely he knows ’ow to get a few pints in, the daft article.’

  Bill rustled the paper. ‘Mavis’s birthday is on Thursday, but he thinks they might have the party on Saturday, so everyone can have a lie-in the next day. Anyway, he’s calling on Monday night to let us know.’

  ‘I wonder what to buy Mavis? What d’yer think, Mam, somethin’ personal or somethin’ for the ’ouse?’

  ‘Ask her on Monday. It’s better to do that than buy her something she doesn’t want.’

  Eileen rested her chin on her hands. ‘Will yer put the paper down a minute, Bill, an’ listen to me? Did yer ask Billy if they wanted to ’ave the party ’ere? We’ve got a lot more room than them.’

  ‘Eileen, they’re married now, with a place of their own. They probably want to show off their house, so let them be, and mind your own business.’

  Eileen’s chins moved in the opposite direction to the shaking of her head. ‘That’s telling me, isn’t it, Mam? Mind me own business indeed! I’ve a good mind to clock yer one, Bill Gillmoss.’

  ‘If you do, don’t be surprised if you get one back.’ Bill let out a hearty chuckle. ‘You’ll get the one I felt like giving the goalkeeper when he let a goal in that even a child could have saved.’

  ‘My God! No matter what subject we’re on about, he always manages to get back to his ruddy football! I give up on you, Bill Gillmoss, yer past the post.’ Eileen chuckled. ‘Like that ruddy goal yer were on about.’

  The following Saturday night Eileen was putting the finishing touches to her hair when Mary and Harry called to take them up to Billy’s for the party. Mary looked more beautiful than ever, her long hair bouncing on her shoulders in a page boy bob, her lilac dress fitting her to perfection and her blue eyes shining.

  Eileen plucked the loose hairs from the comb and threw them in the grate as she viewed Mary through the mirror. ‘Yer lookin’ pleased with yerself tonight, kid! Harry come up on the pools, ’as he?’

  Mary shook her head, sending her hair swaying across her face. ‘No, we’re just looking forward to the party.’ She held up a small parcel wrapped in coloured paper and tied with silver string. ‘We’ve bought Mavis a link of pearls, I hope she likes them.’

  ‘She’ll be made up, kid.’ After a last check on her appearance, Eileen spun round. ‘What the ’ell’s goin’ on? You look as pleased as punch, an’ Harry’s got a grin on ’is mug like a Cheshire cat. Am I missin’ somethin’?’

  Bill came in then, dressed in his best grey suit, white shirt and dark blue tie. ‘Are we all ready? I promised Billy we’d be there for seven.’

  ‘Where’s our Billy?’

  Mavis took their coats. ‘He’s just nipped down to the pub for a few more bottles of beer. We were frightened of running short.’

  Eileen looked around. ‘Are we the first? Our Joan an’ Edna should be ’ere, they left the ’ouse ages before us.’

  ‘You’re the first.’ Mavis patted the coats over her arm. ‘I’ll take these up and put them on the bed.’

  ‘While we’re waiting, chick, would you like to come over and see Mrs Kenny?’ Bill asked. ‘When Billy told her about the party, she said she’d like to see you.’

  Bill had a strange look in his eyes that Eileen couldn’t fathom. ‘Yer mean Mrs Kenny who lives in our old ’ouse?’ When Bill nodded, Eileen grunted, ‘I’m not going in there! What the ’ell does she want to see me for?’

  ‘Come on, chick, she’s an old lady. It won’t hurt you to see her, just for five minutes.’

  ‘Go on,’ Mary coaxed. ‘She can’t eat you.’

  Eileen allowed herself to be led along the hall, dreading the thought of going back into her old house, but afraid to refuse in case they thought she was being churlish.

  Halfway across the road Bill took a key from his pocket. ‘She gave Billy the key to save her opening the door.’

  Eileen pulled her arm free, a startled look on her face. ‘We can’t just walk in someone’s ’ouse, it wouldn’t be right.’

  But Bill ignored her and unlocked the door. There wasn’t a sound as he led her down the familiar hallway. Eileen stopped at the foot of the stairs and refused to move as her eyes took in all the things she remembered. ‘She’s still got the same paper on the walls,’ she whispered. ‘It looks exactly as we left it.’

  ‘She’s an old lady, chick, she couldn’t decorate herself and probably can’t afford to pay anyone else to do it.’

  Eileen took a deep breath. She shouldn’t have let Bill talk her into coming. Didn’t he have any idea what it would do to her? She made to turn to walk back out, but Bill was expecting it and in one movement opened the living room door and pushed her inside.

  Eileen gaped and fell back against the wall. The room was full to overflowing and at first her mind wouldn’t take it in. What was Billy doing here when he was supposed to be out buying beer? And surely Mrs Kenny wouldn’t have invited Joan and Edna, or Arthur, Vera and Carol? And where was Mrs Kenny?

  It was Carol who broke the silence. She freed herself from Vera’s grip and rushed to throw her arms around Eileen. ‘Hello, Auntie Eileen. We’re having a party.’

  Eileen absent-mindedly stroked the girl’s hair, her mind in a whirl. She cleared her throat. ‘Will someone tell me what’s goin’ on? If this is supposed to be a joke, then I’m not amused.’

  Mary and Harry pushed her gently to one side to make room for Maggie. Eileen stared at her mother open mouthed. ‘Mam, what are you doin’ ’ere? Yer said yer didn’t want to come to the party.’

  ‘I don’t, lass, but I wasn’t going to miss this.’

  Eileen gazed at the faces watching her. ‘Will someone tell me what’s goin’ on, please?’

  No one spoke as Bill stood in front of her, a key lying in his open hand. ‘The key to your new home, Eileen Gillmoss. Or should I say the home your heart has never left?’

  Tears sprang to Eileen’s eyes. ‘Don’t do this to me, Bill, please. It’s not funny, it’s cruel.’

  Young Billy couldn’t bear to see his mother cry and he rushed forward to put his arms around her. ‘Me dad’s not pulling your leg, Mam, he wouldn’t do that to you.’ He looked over her head and saw Mavis standing just outside the door with a glass in her hand. He motioned for her to pass it over. ‘Take a drink of this, Mam, then me Dad’ll tell you all about it.’

  Eileen pulled a face as she swallowed the whisky, bringing a smile to those who were watching in silence. Bill waited till the glass was empty and Eileen calmed down enough to take in what he was telling her.

  Mrs Kenny had reached the stage where she could no longer cope with living on her own, and had finally agreed to live with her son and his wife in Wallasey.

  ‘That’s what all the secrecy has been about, chick. She told Billy she was leaving, because she wanted him to tell you how much she’d loved living here, and this put Billy in a quandary because, like everyone else, he knew how you felt about this house. So he told me, and we took it from there.’

  When it slowly registered in Eileen’s mind that what was happening was true, the corners of her mouth curled upwards. She nodded knowingly as her gaze swept the room. ‘An’ yer were all in on the secret? That’s why our Joan an’ Edna were gigglin’ when they left the ’ouse, an’ why Mary an’ Harry looked as though they’d won the ruddy pools!’

  ‘Are you happy now you’ve got what you’ve always wanted?’ Bill asked. ‘Don’t I even get a kiss?’

  ‘We ’aven’t got the ’ouse yet.’ Eileen’s grin was getting broader by the second. ‘We’ll ’ave to wait an’ see what the landlord ’as to say.’ Eileen heard the titters and giggles her remark brought forth, and her eyes narrowed. Pointing a chubby finger, she asked, ‘What’s so flamin’ funny, Arthur Kennedy?’

  Arthur put his arm across Vera’s shoulder before shaking his head. ‘Let Bill tell you.’

  ‘There’s no landlord, chick, I’ve bought the house.’

  Eileen looked for somewhere to hang
on to, and her son’s arm was the nearest thing. ‘What yer talkin’ about, Bill Gillmoss? Yer couldn’t buy the ’ouse. We’ve got no money.’

  Bill took her hand, forced it open and laid the key in the palm. ‘I took a couple of hours off work, went down to the building society and put down a deposit. The landlord wasn’t going to rent it again, he wanted to sell.’

  ‘Oh, my God, we’ll end up in the work-house.’

  Bill explained that the mortgage wouldn’t be any more than the rent they were paying in Orrell Park. And with the girls’ wages coming into the house, they could pay it off quickly. He closed Eileen’s hand over the key and smiled into her eyes. ‘By the time the two girls get married, we’ll own our own house.’

  It took a few seconds for Eileen to sort her thoughts out, then she began to chuckle. ‘Oh, you lovely man, Bill Gillmoss, I love the bones of yer. I love all of yez.’ Her hand moved to include everyone. ‘I’ve got the best family and the best mates in the whole world.’

  Then Eileen saw Maggie standing in front of the fireplace. ‘Oh, Mam, I’m forgettin’ you! Do you want to come back ’ere?’

  ‘I can’t wait, lass.’

  The advantages started to spring to Eileen’s mind. ‘I’ll be livin’ opposite me son, isn’t that marvellous? Our Joan’s feller is only two doors away, an’ I think our Edna’ll be made up livin’ near ’er friend. Then there’s Milly Knight, I’ll be able to get tick when I’m a bit skint . . . ooh,’ her hips swayed, ‘we’ll all be so happy.’

  ‘Except me and Mary.’ Harry gave a lopsided grin. ‘We’re used to having you near us, now we’re losing you.’

  ‘Go on, yer daft ha’porth. Yer couldn’t lose me even if yer wanted to. Me and me mam will visit yer, won’t we, Mam? An’ yer’ve got the car, so yer can come down whenever yer feel like it.’

  ‘We’ve got some news for you,’ Vera said. ‘I’ll let Arthur tell you.’

  With one arm around Vera and the other around Carol, Arthur’s face was the picture of happiness. ‘Mrs Kenny has done us all a favour. We’ve been down to see your landlord and he said we can have your house when you move out. So me and Vera have made arrangements to be married three weeks today and we want you to be matron of honour and Bill our best man.’