Sunshine and Showers

by June Francis

  Flora threw down the blouse and stormed out of the shop.

  ‘Oh lor’, I didn’t handle that very well, did I?’ said Alice, bending to pick up the blouse. ‘It’s just that her attitude to everything at the moment, and me in particular, is driving me mad.’

  ‘She’s jealous,’ said Joy. ‘Quite normal, really.’

  ‘Flora has no need to be jealous. Anyway, let’s not talk about my daughter right now. Instead, tell me why you’re here.’

  Joy explained and Alice’s expression lightened. ‘I’ll just turn the sign round to “closed” and we’ll go in the back. I’m really looking forward to making this wedding dress for Wendy. It’ll lift my spirits like nothing else will at the moment.’

  ‘Business bad?’

  Alice shrugged. ‘I’m sure it’ll buck up now the railway strike is over. Putting the wedding aside, how are you?’ She turned the sign round on the door and was about to bolt it top and bottom when Joy stayed her hand.

  ‘I’ll answer that after I’ve seen our Hanny. I’ll slip out now and I’ll be back in about an hour.’

  ‘But…’ began Alice.

  She was too late. Joy had already slipped out and closed the door behind her.

  * * *

  Joy stood beside her sister on the balcony of the house overlooking the River Dee. ‘I still find it difficult to believe that it’s really happened to me,’ she said.

  ‘I know. You getting pregnant so quickly does seem a bit of a miracle,’ said Hanny. ‘I’m delighted for you.’

  Joy said grimly, ‘I could do without this kind of miracle. The thought of supporting a child – that’s if something doesn’t go wrong – I mean it’s early days yet.’

  ‘You’ll be fine,’ said Hanny bracingly. ‘And what with Wendy getting married and she and Grant living with you, I don’t know what you’re worrying about. They’ll be there to support you. The child will be a consolation to you in your old age.’

  Joy rolled her eyes. ‘Thanks a lot! Getting old is the last thing I want to think about right now.’

  ‘Sorry, but you know what I mean. If you’re worrying about baby clothes, pram, cot, playpen, I can help you out there. I haven’t thrown anything of the twins away,’ said Hanny. ‘I thought if I did, then I might immediately fall pregnant again.’

  Joy said, ‘I’ll be glad of them. I just need to let Wendy and the family know now.’

  ‘I wonder how Rita will take the news,’ said Hanny, glancing at her sister. ‘I suppose she’ll be as mad as can be that Wendy will be living with Grant under your roof.’

  ‘You can say that again. Perhaps I won’t mention it yet. If all goes well, then I’ll announce it after the wedding.’

  ‘Is it all right if I tell Tilly in my next letter?’ asked Hanny.

  Joy thought about that and nodded. What harm could it do?

  Chapter Twenty

  ‘What are you doing, Patsy?’

  Patsy lifted her head and looked towards where Rose Tanner was sitting in a deckchair with her hands folded across her swollen belly. Her face was almost concealed by a huge floppy sun hat but Patsy would bet a penny to a shilling that she wore a discontented expression. Recently she had started dispensing with the veil and experimenting with cosmetics.

  ‘I’m bringing in the washing, madam,’ said Patsy.

  After the kerfuffle on the stairs Rose had been very cool towards Patsy but since the girl did almost everything for her, she had to speak to her. Rose was still refusing to go out and mix with people and was often lonely. She was now over six months pregnant and was getting crabbier by the minute. Patsy had overheard her discussing her confinement with the midwife. Rose wanted both a midwife and a doctor in attendance.

  ‘But the sun’s lovely and hot after it being dull for days,’ said Rose.

  ‘The washing is dry and I could iron it today and put it away. It’s my afternoon off tomorrow and I’m going to see a wedding.’

  ‘Whose wedding is it this time?’ asked Rose in pettish tones.

  ‘Robbie Bennett’s niece. My sister helped make her wedding dress.’

  Rose’s head jerked up. ‘Oh, poor Robbie Bennett! To die so suddenly just like poor Brendan.’ She drew in a shuddering breath. ‘Life can be so bloody. How is Robbie’s wife?’

  ‘She’s pregnant. My friend wrote and told me.’

  ‘Good God! I suppose that’s why they married.’

  Patsy did not like this slur on Joy’s morals and thought Rose had a cheek to say that about her friend. ‘I’m sure that’s not true. The baby’s not due until January.’

  ‘Don’t be impudent,’ snapped Rose. ‘And don’t be back late. I need you here. I had hopes of Greg paying me a visit. I feel I’m being neglected. I haven’t had word from my family in Seaforth since just after the Duchess of York gave birth to the little princess. You’d think that Greg would have made an effort but I bet he’s cross with me because of Mother; he just doesn’t understand how I’ve suffered.’

  Patsy remained silent, thinking what a selfish madam Rose was, but she wished Greg would visit. He hadn’t been snobby at all and she had enjoyed talking to him.

  ‘I rather like the name Elizabeth. If my baby is a girl I might just name her after the princess,’ said Rose. ‘Although, I’m hoping for a boy just like his father.’

  ‘Well, Mr Tanner is good-looking,’ said Patsy.

  Rose made no comment but asked, ‘What else does your friend have to say?’

  ‘There was a lot in the letter and I read it in a rush. I do remember a mention of a silver mine,’ lied Patsy casually.

  ‘A silver mine? What does she know about silver mines?’

  ‘Not much. But her American husband has bought shares in one.’

  ‘I believe there are plenty of working silver mines in America. I remember Brendan saying his American cousins owned one out west somewhere.’

  So the O’Hara silver mine was out west, thought Patsy. If she got the opportunity tomorrow, then she would pass on that snippet of information to Joy.

  * * *

  ‘Are you sure you’re all right?’ asked Elspeth, hovering in the lavatory doorway.

  ‘Yes!’ Joy wished Grant’s sister would go away and leave her to throw up in peace. It was three hours to the wedding, and if all the other days when she had suffered morning sickness were anything to go by, then she would be fine within the hour and able to change into her wedding outfit. She would then put on a pinny and take her place in the kitchen to make sure the buffet would be ready in time. There were to be no more than twenty guests. She felt a lump in her throat, thinking about how Robbie would have enjoyed throwing a party for his niece’s wedding. What would he have said about the baby? Probably boasted of his prowess as a lover.

  ‘Would you like me to make you a cup of weak tea?’ asked Elspeth.

  ‘Kind of you but not right now,’ muttered Joy, wiping her mouth as she straightened up and leant against the wall.

  She found Elspeth difficult. A fluttery, clingy kind of woman, she was so different from her brother. From the moment she had arrived at the house, it was obvious that she believed that because she and Joy were widows they were going to be company for each other and the best of friends. Her husband had been killed in the war and the woman had suffered nervous debility. She had told Joy that if it had not been for Grant, then she would have expired from grief. She was driving Joy mad but she could not rebuke her too strongly when they had to live under the same roof. What Joy needed was a widow whom Elspeth could latch onto, so she would leave Joy to her own devices.

  ‘Better now?’ Elspeth patted Joy’s arm and gave her an encouraging smile.

  Joy nodded. ‘Yes, thank you. Now I need to get ready.’

  ‘Perhaps I can help you?’

  ‘No, I’m fine. You go and get yourself ready.’

  ‘I am ready,’ said Elspeth.

  Joy stared at the skinny figure in the black frock that dipped at the hem an inch or two above her ankle
s and was almost lost for words. Then she said gently, ‘Don’t you think it’s time to put off your mourning? I’m sure your husband would want you to look bright and happy for your only brother’s wedding. I know that’s what Robbie would have wanted me to do.’

  Elspeth looked dismayed. ‘Are you saying you won’t be wearing black?’

  Joy said, ‘No! I’m certain Robbie would want bright colours and happy faces at Wendy and Grant’s wedding.’

  Grant’s sister pursed her lips. ‘Did he tell you that?’

  ‘What do you mean?’ asked Joy, surprised by her tone of voice.

  ‘Wendy’s mother was saying that your husband’s other wife was a medium and you helped her during séances. I just wondered if you’d been in touch with your husband.’

  Joy was annoyed with Rita for gossiping to this woman about her. ‘Certainly not! Robbie was a non-believer. He would never attempt to get in touch with me nor I with him. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Elspeth.’

  Joy brushed past her and went into the bathroom to wash her hands and face. The door she locked behind her because she believed that otherwise Grant’s sister would follow her in. As she turned on the tap, Joy gazed at her reflection in the mirror above the sink. She looked peaky and had lost weight. Perhaps she might manage to fit into the outfit she had bought off the peg a few years ago. Suddenly she thought how helpful it would be if Robbie could get in touch with her and tell her where those blinking shares were but she was certain it would never happen.

  She went into her bedroom and riffled through her clothes until she found the outfit that she wanted. Memories flooded back of the day when the champagne had flowed and they had danced to the music played by some of Robbie’s friends from the Palladium cinema orchestra. Neighbour Leonard Parker had been a welcome guest then, although she had always been a bit suspicious of the man’s polished manner. She shook her head in an attempt to rid herself of the disturbing memories and began to get dressed.

  It was a relief to discover that the dress and jacket still fitted her and she reckoned the russet-brown shade with dark-brown piping about the neck and cuffs was just right for a woman in her circumstances. The matching brown hat decorated with a cream artificial flower flattered her face. She smiled at her reflection before removing the hat. After she had dealt with the catering, she must remember to come back for it.

  * * *

  As Patsy watched Wendy float down the aisle on her brother’s arm, she wondered, if she were ever to get married, whether her brother, Micky, would be available to give her away. If only her father had not been swept overboard, she would have loved him to do it. Still, she would have to put up with Mick, although it was almost a year since she had last seen him. She was concerned that they might lose touch altogether. Where was he now? She prayed for him and her other siblings.

  Afterwards when she came out into the sunshine it came as a surprise to be hailed by Kathleen. ‘What are you doing here?’ asked Patsy, delighted to see her sister.

  ‘I helped make the wedding gown, didn’t I?’ said Kathleen, her manner as proud as Punch. ‘What do you think of it? Doesn’t Wendy look lovely?’

  Patsy agreed. ‘What part of the gown is your handiwork?’

  ‘Some of the plain sewing and the embroidery on the bodice and round the hem, of course,’ said Kathleen. ‘My reward was being invited to the wedding. I’m really looking forward to the buffet. Pity my favourite man isn’t here, but Peter is and I won’t have you there watching me from the sidelines, ready to spoil my fun.’

  Patsy pounced. ‘Who is this favourite man? I hope you haven’t been silly.’

  Kathleen’s smile faded. ‘I wish you’d have some faith in me. I’m not stupid, you know.’

  ‘When you talk about a favourite man and then mention Peter Wright in the same breath, is it any wonder I worry about you? I wish you wouldn’t say such things.’

  ‘Have you ever thought I might do it to get you going?’

  ‘Do you?’

  Kathleen smiled.

  Patsy said, ‘I only worry about you because I care.’ She sighed. ‘Let’s change the subject. How are you getting on with Flora Bennett?’

  ‘She hates me,’ said Kathleen cheerfully. ‘But I’m determined not to let her get my goat. It’s almost as much fun teasing her as it is my working in the shop. But not quite. I enjoy talking to the customers about the latest fashions and there’s several who are always wanting to know whether Mrs Bennett can copy the new styles for a tenth of the price.’ Kathy struck a pose. ‘Do you like my latest ensemble?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Patsy, thinking the beige and white dress and jacket suited her sister’s colouring. The neckline of the jacket was unusual in being shaped like a horse’s collar. Also she appeared flat-chested and altogether slimmer. ‘You’re as lean as a lamp post and you look older.’

  Kathy grinned. ‘Thanks, that’s the effect I’m after.’ She glanced about her. ‘I’d best go. My Mrs Bennett is waving to me. We must be leaving for the house. Take care.’

  She blew Patsy a kiss and skipped across the churchyard towards Alice.

  Suddenly Patsy spotted Joy and sped across the churchyard to catch her up just as she went through the gate onto Belmont Road. ‘Mrs Bennett,’ she called.

  Joy turned and smiled. ‘Patsy! I didn’t see you in church. How nice of you to come and watch Wendy’s wedding. I suppose Kathy wrote and told you the date.’

  ‘No. I had a letter from Tilly.’ She hesitated. ‘I just want to say congratulations on the baby.’

  Joy flushed and she laid a hand on Patsy’s sleeve. ‘Sshh! I haven’t told Wendy and her mother yet. It came as a bit of a shock. How’s Mrs Tanner?’

  ‘She’s keeping well but she gets really fed up because she won’t go out.’ Patsy hesitated. ‘Remember last time I called at your house you were talking about shares and a silver mine?’

  Joy stared at her intently. ‘Go on!’

  ‘I decided to see what I could find out from Mrs Tanner. She said that there were plenty of working silver mines in America and that Brendan had American cousins who owned one out west.’

  Joy smiled. ‘Clever you! Did she say where?’

  ‘No,’ said Patsy apologetically. ‘So I don’t think Brendan O’Hara sold her some shares.’

  ‘I suppose not. I’ll have to go, Patsy. Your Kathy made a lovely job of the embroidery on the wedding dress, by the way.’

  Patsy beamed at Joy. ‘I’m glad she seems to be fitting in all right over there.’

  Joy appeared to be about to say something else when Rita came up behind her. ‘What’s this I’ve just been hearing about you having a baby?’ she asked bluntly.

  Joy said a hurried goodbye to Patsy before facing her sister-in-law. ‘Who told you?’ she asked.

  ‘That Alice Bennett mentioned it and I had to pretend that I knew already,’ said Rita harshly. ‘I suppose this baby is the reason why Robbie married you?”

  ‘Trust you to think that,’ said Joy. ‘I was going to tell you today. As for Alice already knowing, she’s one of my oldest friends and her brother is married to my sister and I told Hanny first.’

  ‘All right, keep your hair on,’ said Rita, calming down. ‘Does Wendy know? If she does and she hasn’t told me there’s going to be trouble.’

  ‘Surely not on her wedding day?’ asked Joy, annoyed that Rita should make such threats. ‘Anyway, I haven’t told her.’

  Rita looked slightly mollified. ‘All right. I’m sorry if I accused you unjustly but I’d like to have been told earlier.’

  ‘I didn’t want to tell you in case something went wrong.’

  ‘All right. I accept your apology. I just wish our Robbie was here to hear the news.’

  ‘He mightn’t have been pleased,’ said Joy.

  ‘Of course he would!’ exclaimed Rita, looking shocked. ‘Hopefully it will be a boy and the image of him.’

  Joy realised that she had given no thought to whom the baby might look like but no
w she did. ‘He was a goodlooking man, Robbie.’

  ‘Yeah, he was.’ Rita sighed. ‘The lad won’t go far wrong if he looks like his dad. But one thing is for sure, I don’t want him growing up and wandering the world and doing damn stupid things like playing music and never settled down until he was in his bloody dotage. Fancy him being tricked into buying shares in a silver mine!’

  Joy stiffened. ‘I suppose Wendy told you about that?’

  ‘Who else?’

  ‘I don’t suppose you know anything about the shares he bought?’

  Rita’s eyes widened. ‘Why should I?’

  ‘I thought that maybe—’

  ‘No, he didn’t.’

  ‘Right. Now, if you don’t mind, Rita, I want to reach the house before the bride and groom do. Wendy looks lovely, doesn’t she?’

  ‘She’s not half as pretty as our Minnie and I’ll miss her money,’ said Rita grudgingly. ‘But I suppose she’s doing the sensible thing living with you.’

  Joy was about to say Is money all you ever think about? but then remembered she was forever thinking about money lately.

  Despite all their best efforts to make the wedding breakfast a happy occasion, it was an emotional time, especially when Grant proposed a toast to absent loved ones. Joy hugged them both before they left for a honeymoon in London. They were both delighted about the baby and she was pleased by their reaction because she felt their support would be vital to her in the coming months. Grant suggested that it wouldn’t be a bad idea if she got in touch with Rose Tanner after Joy mentioned what Patsy had told her. She said that she would think about it and waved them off.

  When she turned round and saw Elspeth standing behind her, Joy’s heart sank at the thought of having to cope with Grant’s sister during the coming week. But she need not have worried as Elspeth was at work during the day and went out soon after supper most evenings. Joy did not ask where she went and Elspeth did not tell her. Even so, she was glad when Wendy and Grant returned home and she had their company again.