by June Francis
‘You don’t have to make excuses for me.’
‘No. But I think it’ll be in your interest if I do so.’
Rose sighed and the veil fluttered. ‘I suppose you’d like a cup of tea?’
‘I am a bit thirsty. You get all sorts flying in your face on a motorbike.’
‘You should get rid of that contraption. David could tell you how dangerous they are.’ Rose paused to call down to Patsy to bring some tea to her bedroom.
It did not take Patsy long to prepare a tray and take it upstairs. The bedroom door was open so she popped her head round and said, ‘I’ve brought the tea and a plate of buttered scones.’
‘Thanks,’ said Greg, turning away from the window. ‘Could you put that down on the table, please? She’ll be back in a minute.’
‘Mrs Tanner has improved a lot since she came home from Blackpool.’
‘I’m glad to hear it. Have you seen her scars?’ he asked, dropping his voice.
‘No! I do quite a bit for her but she’s really careful to keep her face hidden,’ whispered Patsy. ‘It’s a blinking shame. She was a good-looking woman.’
Greg agreed. ‘Has she been out at all since she came home?’
‘No. She’s had the doctor and a nurse here a few times.’
‘It must have been a really bad accident.’
‘She was lucky to survive,’ said Patsy. ‘Do you want me to pour?’
‘Thanks.’
She poured milk into the cups. There came the sound of Rose’s stick tap-tapping. ‘I’d best go,’ whispered Patsy. ‘She’ll have heard me come up.’
‘A bit sharp, is she? I’ll speak up for you,’ said Greg, smiling.
‘No! But thank you for the thought.’ She left the bedroom, stepping aside to allow her employer to pass. As Patsy went along the landing, she overheard Rose say, ‘How long was she here? I thought I heard the two of you talking.’
‘Only briefly.’
‘That’s as maybe but you shouldn’t have kept her talking. These girls’ heads can be so easily turned.’
‘You’re a snob, Rose. I haven’t forgotten where we came from even if you have,’ drawled Greg.
‘You make it sound as if we were the lowest of the low when we weren’t,’ said Rose angrily. ‘My father was a decent hard-working man and pulled himself up by his boot straps and that makes me middle class.’
‘Don’t let’s get started on the class system,’ said Greg. ‘I’m not saying anything against him. But I don’t remember having servants living in when we were growing up. Just a woman who came in daily for a couple of hours to do the rough work.’
‘OK, OK! I’ve had enough of this conversation. I’d rather you thought of something to cheer me up.’
‘You’re lucky to be alive,’ said Greg. ‘Who was this friend who was killed?’
‘I suppose Mother wants to know but his death upset me dreadfully. He was a good friend. I feel dreadfully low at times.’
‘How fond were you of him?’
Rose’s head shot up. ‘What has Patsy been saying to you about him?’
‘She hasn’t told me anything.’
‘David then?’
‘Not a dicky bird.’ Greg bit into a scone and the pastry seemed to melt in his mouth. ‘These are good.’
‘Yes. I can’t cook or bake at all now. I have to leave it all to her. My main complaint is that Patsy has no sense of her position in this household.’
Greg said, ‘Maybe, but useful to have someone who does a bit of everything.’ Rose made no comment but lifted her veil slightly, so she could eat and drink. ‘Tell me, do you stay up here most of the time?’ he continued.
‘Yes. I find the stairs difficult and I can’t risk falling.’
‘I’m sure David would carry you down.’
‘And what if he stumbled and dropped me and I lost the baby?’
Greg sat up straight. ‘So I did hear you mention having a baby. I thought I’d misheard.’
‘If you’re going to say Mother will be pleased I don’t believe you. She only ever cared about her boys.’
Greg did not deny it. ‘How does David feel about this miracle?’
‘Thrilled to bits,’ said Rose with a trill of laughter. ‘He can’t wait for it to be born. I’m hoping for a boy just like his father. Perhaps you could tell Mother all this. It will help her to understand why I haven’t visited in ages and why I can’t help with Grenville’s children.’
‘I’ll explain to her that you’re still using a stick and having trouble going downstairs. She’s not completely lost her wits so she’ll understand.’
Rose hesitated. ‘I suppose she’s made her will.’
‘You’d be best asking David about that,’ said Greg in a colourless voice. ’Is there anything else you’d like me to tell her before I go?’ he asked politely.
‘Don’t tell her about the veil,’ she blurted out. ‘I don’t want her laughing at me.’
Greg frowned. ‘Why the hell should your mother laugh at your misfortune? Have you looked at yourself lately?’
‘No! Now, go away. You don’t have to come again. If you need to let me know anything about Mother you can speak to David.’
‘If that’s what you want,’ said Greg, tight-lipped.
He left the bedroom and went downstairs. Hearing a girl singing he went outside and saw Patsy sweeping water from the step with a yard brush.
‘You’re busy,’ he said.
She stopped and smiled at him. ‘Mind you don’t get your feet wet.’
‘Bit difficult not to,’ he responded, setting aside his irritation with Rose. ‘Those scones melted in the mouth. You could make a living as a pastry cook.’
Patsy’s eyes shone. ‘You think so? I’d like a full-time job as a cook. I really enjoy food, preparing it and generally following a recipe. But I also like to experiment when I don’t have the right ingredients. Like now with the strike on there’s stuff I can’t get.’
‘I’m sure you’ll come up with something tasty for their supper,’ said Greg. ‘See you around, Miss Doyle.’
‘Tarrah!’ Patsy waved as he went down the path to where his motorcycle was parked. ‘You look after yourself on that contraption now,’ she called.
Whether he heard her or not she did not know but he waved a gloved hand before roaring off along Anfield Road. Patsy sighed, wondering when she would see him again.
* * *
Bang, bang, bang, bang!
Patsy looked up at the ceiling. Here we go again! Carefully she flattened the one-page bulletin of the Echo and placed it on the hall table before running upstairs. It was two days since Greg’s visit and Rose had been in a right mood since. Patsy could not help being curious about what they had discussed which had resulted in her mistress’s prolonged and, even more than usual, demanding behaviour. Perhaps it had nothing to do with him but was down to the continuing strike.
So far there was no sign of a peaceful agreement. Instead there was every indication of a tightening up of the strike organisation. The transport men were obstructing supplies of food, although a boat from Cork had arrived in Liverpool with food supplies and another eighteen ships were expected to dock soon. Two thousand men were expected to help discharge the food. The strike had extended to Liverpool’s postmen, who were neither collecting nor delivering post. There was also a network of charabancs going from Liverpool to London to support the miners’ demonstration.
‘What were you doing?’ asked Rose.
Patsy detected a suspicious note in her voice. ‘I was in the kitchen. I’m thinking we’ll be eating from tins today. Maybe tomorrow we’ll get some fresh meat.’
‘Why tomorrow? Why not today?’ demanded Rose, shifting restlessly on the bed.
‘Because, although ships are coming in with food supplies, the transport workers are determined to prevent carts and wagons from leaving the docks.’
Rose was silent for what seemed a long time and then she said, ‘I want you to help me d
ownstairs.’
‘What!’
‘You heard me,’ said Rose, reaching for her stick and pushing herself upright. ‘It’s time I saw what was happening downstairs. How do I know you’re not stealing from me?’
Patsy bristled. ‘I’m no thief. I’ve a good mind to go on blinking strike myself.’
‘Don’t be silly! You don’t belong to a union.’ Rose made for the door.
Patsy hurried after her. ‘How are you going to climb downstairs?’
‘I’ll slide down.’
‘That’s stupid. You mightn’t be able to stop yourself at the bottom and hurt yourself further.’
‘Don’t you call me stupid,’ said Rose angrily. ‘You’ll get in front of me, so that if I start sliding you’ll break my fall.’
‘Ha! D’you think I’m an idiot? I could end up toppling over and possibly breaking my neck,’ cried Patsy.
Rose glared at her through her veil. ‘Think of the baby. If you have a good grip on the banister while going backwards you won’t lose your footing.’
‘If you come sliding down on me, I could do. Better to wait until Mr Tanner comes home,’ said Patsy.
‘No, I want to go down now and when I get there I’m going to have an enormous G and T.’
‘Well, you’re doing it on your own, madam,’ said Patsy tartly. ‘I’ve had enough. I’m giving notice.’
She made for the stairs and was halfway down when she heard a slithering noise behind her. She only had seconds to grab hold of the banister before Rose slammed into her. Patsy swung round and her shoulder thudded into the wood. She felt sick with pain and could not move. Rose screamed and the sound vibrated inside Patsy’s head.
The next moment she felt a hand on her shoulder and let out a cry. She glanced up to see David Tanner gazing down at her. ‘What the hell has been happening here?’ he demanded.
‘You ask the missus,’ gasped Patsy. ‘I can’t blinkin’ move. We’re stuck.’
‘Ignore her, David. Help me up,’ groaned Rose.
‘I’ll have to move Patsy out of the way first,’ he retorted.
David managed to extricate Patsy from her position and helped her to her feet. She staggered to one side and leant against the wall, nursing her shoulder. She watched him lift his wife to her feet.
Rose leant against him. ‘It’s her fault,’ she said, attempting to adjust her veil with trembling fingers. ‘She refused to do what I asked and then was bloody impudent.’
‘You’ve forgotten to add that I also gave notice,’ said Patsy, catching a glimpse of Rose’s scarred face. She almost felt sorry for her. ‘Mrs Tanner decided she was going to slide down the stairs, sir, and I was to go in front to break her fall if she lost control. Which she did! She could have broken my neck.’
David stared at his wife with such a look on his face that Rose shrank back. ‘I’m fed up with being upstairs all the time,’ she cried. ‘Besides, I don’t trust her. She could be stealing from us and giving stuff to a fence.’
‘What are you talking about?’ demanded David.
‘I’ve been reading a book from the library. She could have been an orphan leader who stole fruit from handcarts and bread from bakeries.’
Patsy’s head shot up and she lifted her arm painfully. ‘Can’t you tell the difference from what’s real and what’s not? It sounds like you’ve been reading Tilly Pearce’s book. Anyway, I’m packing my bags and leaving.’
David looked alarmed. ‘Don’t be too hasty, Patsy. We need you here.’
‘Let her go,’ muttered Rose. ‘You didn’t hear the way she spoke to me. She threatened to go on strike. Give her the sack. We’re bound to find someone else who doesn’t have so much to say for herself.’
‘Be quiet, Rose!’ snapped David. ‘Patsy would never steal from us and we’re lucky to have her. We wouldn’t get another maid who would do all that she does for the money we give her.’
Patsy said, ‘That’s true. Anyway, I need to sit down.’ She moved away, still nursing her shoulder, and headed along the lobby.
‘The arrogance of the girl,’ cried Rose.
David clapped a hand over her mouth. ‘No more, Rose,’ he said softly. ‘I have only so much patience. Where were you intending going when you came downstairs?’
‘The drawing room,’ she muttered. ‘I thought I’d have a G and T and play some music.’
Patsy did not hear what he said in response because she was out of earshot. She went into the kitchen and sat down in the rocking chair. The cat sprang on to her knee and she stroked it absently with her left hand. Annoyingly it was her right shoulder that she had damaged. She began to calm down and felt amazed and shocked that she had lost her temper and spoken to Mrs Tanner the way she had. Should she leave or should she stay? Mr Tanner wanted her to stay and so perhaps she should. But she was definitely in need of a day off. She tried to remember when last she’d had any time off and realised that it was not since Mrs Tanner’s return. Well, that needed to be rectified.
There was a noise at the door and Patsy turned her head and saw David Tanner standing there. ‘How is your shoulder?’ he asked.
Patsy noticed the lines of weariness and pain on his face and struggled to her feet. ‘Still a bit sore, Mr Tanner. I’m sorry I lost my temper and said what I did to Mrs Tanner. The thing is that I haven’t had any time off since she came home.’
‘Then you must have a day off. Take Sunday off and then let me know what your decision is about staying on here.’
‘Mrs Tanner doesn’t want me here. Not since Greg’s visit.’
David froze. ‘When was he here?’
‘A couple of days ago.’
‘She didn’t mention it.’ He was silent for several moments before saying, ‘My wife does not pay your wages, Patsy. I do. You’ve proved yourself hard-working, trustworthy and patient. I want you to stay but you can give me a definite answer, as I said, after your day off. I’ll be here to see to my wife’s needs.’
Patsy felt much happier after those words. ‘Rightio, Mr Tanner. I’ll visit the twins and Jimmy. Hopefully I’ll be allowed to take them out for a couple of hours. I could pop in on Mrs Bennett and see how she’s doing as well. She might just have heard something about my sister, Kathleen.’
David smiled. ‘Good idea. Do give Mrs Bennett my regards.’
Chapter Eighteen
Joy’s mouth felt dry and her heart was beating faster than normal as she gazed at the calendar and counted yet again the weeks since her wedding. She had missed her monthlies and had felt nauseous for the last few mornings. She did not want to believe that she was pregnant. She had still not found herself a job but was living sparingly on what was left of Robbie’s insurance money. She had searched the house but had not found anything that resembled a share certificate. Grant had gone to Ireland busy with a case and had promised to see if he could find out anything from Brendan O’Hara’s kin whilst he was there, but she did not hold out much hope.
At least there were several items she could pawn and, if she was very careful with the money, then she should manage until January when she reckoned the baby would be born. But what then? She did not want to use up the small nest egg she was saving for her old age.
She clenched her fists and fought back the waves of differing emotions that still threatened to swamp her at times: guilt, anger, grief and a deep anxiety. The latter made worse by the thought of enduring the discomfort of pregnancy and the pains of childbirth alone.
She had yet to mention her fears to Hanny and was reluctant to do so, guessing that her sister would suggest that she sell the house and move back to Chester and share her home. As much as she loved her family, Joy was determined to stand on her own two feet. Besides, she did not want to leave her lovely home and live elsewhere. She and Rex were settled here.
She bent and stroked the dog, who was of great comfort to her. If she really was pregnant, then she was going to have to find a way to support the three of them which meant still being able to st
ay in this house.
There was a knock on the back door. ‘Come in!’ she called.
The door opened and to her surprise Patsy stood on the step flanked by her twin sisters and brother. ‘I hope you don’t mind us visiting you on a Sunday, Mrs Bennett?’ asked Patsy. ‘But I felt I had to come.’
‘Of course not! How are you all?’
‘Never mind us,’ said Patsy, gazing at her anxiously. ‘How are you? You look thinner and your face is all pale. I was so sorry I couldn’t come to Mr Bennett’s funeral but Mr Tanner brought Mrs Tanner home and I haven’t had any time off since.’
‘I understand,’ said Joy, looking concerned. ‘I hope that they’re not working you too hard, love.’
‘I’ve coped so far and Mr Tanner doubled my wages,’ said Patsy. ‘But she’s difficult and I can’t see that changing even when the baby’s born.’
‘So Mrs Tanner is definitely having a baby,’ said Joy, thinking of her own situation and how fortunate the other woman was to still have her husband after her misbehaviour. He must really love her to be prepared to forgive her and be a support to her. She felt envious. ‘How is she recovering from her injuries?’
Patsy began to tell her about Rose wearing a veil to conceal her facial scars but was distracted by the twins and Jimmy edging closer to Rex. ‘Gosh, is that the puppy? He has grown,’ said Patsy. ‘I bet he’s good company.’
Joy smiled. ‘I wouldn’t be without him. He was the best present I could have had in the circumstances. Why don’t the twins and Jimmy take his ball and play in the garden with him?’
The children did as she suggested.
‘It was a good idea of our Kathy’s,’ said Patsy, seizing the opportunity to ask, ‘Have you been in touch with your sister or brother at all recently? I presume you know that Kathy’s working for Alice Bennett in Chester?’
‘Yes, I do know,’ said Joy.
‘You wouldn’t know how Kathy’s getting on?’
‘I haven’t heard anything negative so she must be doing all right,’ said Joy. ‘Hasn’t she written to you?’
‘Only a brief note saying she’d got the job but after what you’ve said I’ll take it no more letters means no news is good news,’ said Patsy cheerfully.