by Joan Jonker
‘I think it would be nice if the whole family were here,’ Molly said. ‘So I’ll make the tea, love, while you give Nellie a knock and then carry on to pick up Jill and Steve. And we can’t leave Tommy and Rosie out.’
‘What am I supposed to tell them?’
‘Just tell them it’s a family gathering, there’s no need to go into details. But don’t stand gabbing to them or the night’ll be over before we know it.’ After Jack had left, Molly gave Phil a rueful smile. ‘I’ll tell Ruthie when she comes in, and I’ll tell her in me own way. Yer see, although she knows Tom Bradley wasn’t yer real father, that yer dad had been killed in an accident, I didn’t go into the details or the ins and outs with her. She’s a bit young yet to be told about the birds and bees. So if yer ever hear me telling a little fib, that’s the reason.’ She rubbed her hands together. ‘And now to make that pot of tea.’
Once again the Bennett family were all together, this time to hear something that had the women reaching for their hankies. As the story had progressed, they were filled with admiration for the determination shown by the two friends. And of course they were overjoyed for Phil. They made a great fuss over Nellie, too. She was the centre of attention and lapping it up. Sitting on the carver with her chubby elbows resting on the arms, and looking so proud of herself, all she needed to complete the picture was a crown on her head. ‘Ay, girl, tell them about the café, yer left that out.’
‘Because it had no bearing on what we were discussing,’ Molly said. ‘Your appetite and rumbling tummy were side issues.’
Nellie grinned. ‘When we go down tomorrow I’m going to have another side issue ’cos it was very tasty. And it’ll be even tastier tomorrow when it’s your turn to pay.’
‘Ye’re in for a nasty shock, sunshine, ’cos I’m not forking out for a scone for yer. I don’t mind paying for the bacon butties ’cos that’s our lunch, but I draw the line at scones. They’re a luxury.’ Molly happened to turn her head and noticed Doreen whispering in her husband’s ear. ‘Ay, what’s going on? We’ll have no secrets in this house, not tonight, anyway.’
‘Phil’s got something he wants to tell yer, Mam.’ Doreen squeezed his hand. ‘Go on, love, tell them.’
His face was pale, stomach in a knot. Trying to take in the enormity of what his mother-in-law and her friend had brought about had been too much for Phil and he felt physically sick. Tomorrow he’d be jumping for joy and looking forward to taking his wife to meet his grandma and the rest of the family. But right now he just wanted to go back over the road, share his happiness with Aunt Vicky, then hold his wife close and quietly contemplate the difference there’d be in their lives, and in the life of the baby she was carrying. But first he must do as she asked.
‘When me and Doreen got married it was the happiest day of me life, a dream come true. But there was one thing which marred the day for me, and that was having to give her the name of Bradley. She said she didn’t mind, didn’t care about the name as long as we became man and wife. It preyed on my mind, though, because I had cause, as yer all know, to hate that name.
‘So one day I took an hour off work and went to see a solicitor in Castle Street. I’d heard about people having their name changed by deed poll, but I didn’t know how to go about it or what it entailed. Anyway, the solicitor explained everything to me, charged me five pound and set the wheels in motion for our name to be changed from Bradley to Mitchell. That was four months ago and it hasn’t come through yet, but we’re hoping it will be before our baby is born. I don’t want any child of mine to bear Tom Bradley’s name. The solicitor is doing his best to speed up the process so we’re keeping our fingers crossed. We didn’t tell yer ’cos we wanted it to be a surprise, but nothing could beat the surprise you and Mrs Mac have given us today.’
After a few seconds of shocked silence, everyone started talking at once, Jill and Rosie claimed Doreen, while Phil joined the men, and soon there was a hubbub of conversation, with each one wanting to add their views. And looking on, with a heart threatening to burst with happiness, was Molly. There was nothing in the world that pleased her as much as seeing the closeness of her family, and the smiles on their faces.
She was standing at the side of Nellie’s chair. The two women watched and listened. ‘We did well today, sunshine, made a lot of people very happy.’
Nellie nodded. ‘Yeah, not a bad day’s work, girl! I don’t half enjoy this detective stuff. I wonder what the next case will be for the Bennett and McDonough Detective Agency?’
Molly closed the door behind her and stepped down right into the path of Paul McDonough. ‘I’m sorry, sunshine, did I step on yer foot?’
‘No, yer missed by a quarter of an inch.’ His brown eyes twinkled. ‘I’ve got an eye for measurements, yer see, I’m never more than a yard out. Anyway, where are yer off to?’
‘I’m sitting with Miss Clegg while Doreen and Phil go out. I suppose yer mam told yer what we got up to yesterday?’
‘Yeah, she did, and I think yer did a brilliant job. So Phil’s off to meet his family for the first time, eh?’
Molly nodded. ‘I’m all excited so I don’t know how he must feel. And Doreen was a bag of nerves at dinnertime. God knows what she’s like by now.’ She raised her brows. ‘Where are you going on yer lonesome?’
‘Me and Phoebe were supposed to be going to Blair Hall, but Auntie Ellen said she’d come home full of cold and had taken herself off to bed. So I’m going on me own, seeing as there’s nothing else to do. I don’t fancy staying in all night.’ Again the deep brown eyes twinkled. ‘I hate playing cards with me mam, she cheats.’
‘Is Lily out with Archie?’
‘Yeah, they’ve gone to Blair Hall, too. I was running late and said me and Phoebe would meet them there. I didn’t know she was going to be sick.’
‘She did the right thing by going to bed, it’s the best way to get rid of a cold. And I know yer won’t be short of dancing partners, so enjoy yerself.’
‘I’ll see yer, Mrs B. Ta-ra.’ Paul was whistling as he walked down the street. He didn’t really fancy going on his own to a dance now, he was used to dancing with Phoebe. But he’d promised Lily and Archie and he didn’t want to let them down. Besides, as he’d said, he didn’t fancy staying in all night.
When Paul opened the door of the dance hall he was met by the strains of a slow foxtrot. His eyes went around the couples on the floor seeking sight of his sister and her boyfriend, and he nodded when he caught their attention. He was startled when a hand took hold of his arm and a voice said, ‘Hello, Paul.’
He turned his head to see Joanne Mowbray standing beside him. He hadn’t seen much of her since the New Year and was surprised to find her looking up at him now. ‘I’ve never seen yer here before, is this yer first time?’
Lies came easily to Joanne, particularly if she wanted something badly. ‘I’ve been once or twice, that’s all. Me mate from work was supposed to meet me here, but there’s no sign of her yet.’ She pouted. ‘I bet she turns up when it’s time to go home.’
‘Don’t worry, she’ll get here.’ Paul noticed a girl standing on the edge of the dance floor. He’d danced with her many times before he started going out with Phoebe. ‘D’yer mind if I leave yer, I’ve spotted an old dancing partner?’
‘I can dance, yer know.’ Joanne laid a restraining hand on his arm. ‘My favourite dance is a slow foxtrot.’
Paul was about to make an excuse when he saw a bloke walking on to the dance floor with his old dancing partner. ‘Okay, then, but I hope yer really can dance.’
‘Yer’ll never know if yer don’t try.’
It turned out that Joanne wasn’t a bad little dancer at all. She was smooth and could match all his steps. The only thing that put him off was the look Lily gave him when she danced by with Archie. It was a look which asked him what the hell was going on. Where was Phoebe and what was he doing with their hard-faced neighbour?
When the dance finished, Paul thanked the girl a
nd excused himself. ‘I’ll have to join my sister and her friend.’
‘What’s going on?’ Lily asked. ‘Where’s Phoebe?’
‘In bed with a heavy cold. Her mam said her eyes and nose were running and she had a temperature.’
‘Yer didn’t come with that brazen article, did yer?’
‘Hey, hold yer horses, Sis! I didn’t even know she came here. I’d just come through the door and was looking around for you two, when the next thing I know she was standing beside me. She said she was meeting a friend from work here, but so far there’s no sign of her. Then she asked me to dance and I could hardly tell her to take a running jump.’ Paul rolled his eyes at Archie. ‘I haven’t spoken above six words to the girl since New Year’s Eve!’
‘I haven’t opened me mouth, mate,’ Archie said, dark hair slicked back and white teeth gleaming. ‘And I’ve never ever spoken to the girl in me life, but from the sound of things I’d say she’s a bit forward.’
If they could have read Joanne’s mind at that moment, they would have said crafty and calculating were far more suitable words to describe her. She’d taken herself off to the ladies’ room, her plan of action being to take things slowly. So far she’d been lucky in guessing the right dance hall, they could have chosen to go to Barlow’s Lane or the Aintree Institute. And Paul didn’t have his girlfriend with him which was more than she could have hoped for.
As she looked into the spotted mirror on the wall, Joanne patted her nose with a powder puff before applying fresh bright red lipstick. She might never have another chance to get Paul on his own again, but if she made a blunder and came on too quick, she’d never get a chance anyway. Particularly if that sister of his had her way. She hadn’t half thrown daggers Joanne’s way when she saw who her brother was dancing with. So as she snapped her handbag shut, she muttered under her breath, ‘Just take it nice and easy. Don’t let him see that ye’re interested.’
It was when the interval came that she set her plan into action. With a shy look on her face, she approached the trio with the lies ready on her tongue. ‘Me mate didn’t turn up after all and I don’t know anyone here. I feel like a lemon standing on me own so would yer mind very much if I stand with yer?’
Paul decided to keep out of it. ‘Yer’ll have to ask me sister, I’m off to the gents’.’
Lily felt like throttling him. Fancy dropping her in it like that! She’d sound childish and churlish if she told the girl they didn’t want her company. ‘Please yerself. But once the dancing starts we’ll be up for every dance.’
‘I don’t mind being on me own when the dancing starts ’cos I’ve been getting asked up for dances. It’s just while the interval is on and everybody seems to have someone to talk to. I won’t make a nuisance of meself.’ And she didn’t. She was quiet and well behaved, only speaking when she was brought into the conversation.
Lily wouldn’t have admitted to being surprised, though, she still thought the girl was up to something. Probably had her eye on Paul. Well, she’d be wasting her time if that was the case, he seemed to be quite settled with Phoebe.
When the music started up, Joanne excused herself. ‘I’m going to comb me hair now, but thanks for letting me stand with yer.’ She smiled and turned to weave her way through the crowd of boys who hadn’t made up their mind who to ask for a dance, and girls who were waiting and hoping their mates weren’t asked up before them. There was nothing worse than seeing a self-satisfied smirk on your friend’s face when she was asked up and you were left swinging on yer own, trying to look as though you couldn’t care less.
Joanne came back from the toilets and stood near a group of girls. She was asked up for several dances and pretended she didn’t see Paul as he waltzed by with a different girl in his arms for every dance. One of the blokes who asked her up wanted to make a date with her, but she told him she already had a boyfriend who wasn’t with her tonight because he did shift work. The boy, who was a good dancer and quite good-looking, wasn’t put off by this. ‘Ye’re not old enough to be courting serious so what harm would it do if yer came out with me one night? We could go to the flicks or anywhere yer want.’
Because he was so presentable, Joanne kept her options open with more lies. ‘Me boyfriend’s on afternoon shift this week and nights next week. So I could meet yer here next week, if yer like?’
‘Yeah, that would be great! Me name’s Sam, by the way. What’s yours?’
‘Joanne.’
‘That’s a nice name,’ he said, twirling her around, ‘it suits yer. Can I take yer home?’
‘Not tonight, I’m going with some friends who live in the same street as me. Perhaps next week.’
When the last waltz was announced, Joanne left the hall quickly before anyone asked her up. She collected her coat from the cloakroom, slipped her arms into the sleeves but didn’t fasten the buttons up. Then she lay in wait. As Lily and Archie came through the door followed by Paul, she moved into their path, fastening the buttons as though she’d just put the coat on. ‘Oh, I may as well walk to the bus stop with yer. A bloke asked if he could take me home but I’d never met him before so I refused. Yer can’t always tell what people are like when yer first meet them. They could act as nice as pie outside but be horrible inside.’
‘Yer’ll be all right coming with us,’ Archie said. ‘Safer, anyway.’
Paul had nothing to say. He had no objection to the girl tagging on, she’d be safer than being on her own this time of night, but he knew Phoebe wouldn’t see it that way. So best to keep his mouth shut and then he couldn’t get into trouble. Or so he thought.
‘It’s half-past eleven, Victoria, I think yer should go to bed,’ Molly said. ‘I thought they’d have been in by now but they have got a lot of years to make up. I don’t mind if they don’t come in until the early hours but it’s taking you all yer time to keep yer eyes open.’
‘I want to hear all their news, Molly, I couldn’t sleep if I went to bed. And I bet they won’t sleep a wink, their heads will be swimming.’
‘Yeah, it’s a pity it’s not the weekend and Phil could have a lie-in. Still, we can’t always have everything tailor-made for us.’ She’d just finished speaking when there was a tap on the window. ‘This’ll be them,’ she said, hurrying to the door, ‘I can’t wait to hear how they got on.’
‘Wonderful,’ Phil said, having heard his mother-in-law’s words. ‘Me and Doreen decided on the way home that wonderful was the best word to describe tonight.’ He went straight over to his Aunt Vicky and took her hand. ‘They can’t wait to meet you, to thank yer for taking me in and giving me a home.’
‘Mam, Phil’s the spitting image of his two uncles.’ Doreen threw her coat over the arm of the couch. ‘But it was sad at first, ’cos his grandma started crying when she saw him. She said it was as though her son had come back to life. They all said the resemblance was really remarkable. Phil doesn’t only look like his dad, but his voice and laughter are the same, and his expressions and the way he walks.’
‘I know it’s a daft question, son, but I gather they made yer welcome?’
‘Mrs B. I feel as though I’m walking on air. To have found a whole family when I’ve spent most of me life on me own . . . No one cared a toss for me or showed me affection, until Aunt Vicky came to my rescue, and then you and all yer family. And I can’t leave the McDonoughs or the Corkhills out, they’ve shown me nothing but kindness and friendship.’
‘And when are yer seeing them all again?’
Phil shook his head as though bewildered. ‘Yer’ve no idea how good it feels to be able to say these words. Me grandma’s coming on Sunday afternoon, with me Auntie Beth and her husband Noel. They’re going to take it in turns to come, otherwise they’d never all get in, and anyway it would be too much for Aunt Vicky.’
The Westminster chiming clock on the sideboard struck the midnight hour and Molly reached for her coat. ‘I’ll come over in the morning and Doreen can take her time telling me and Victoria every littl
e detail. But right now I’ll have to get home, Jack will be waiting up for me.’ She kissed the old lady first, then Phil. ‘Try and get some sleep or yer’ll be good for nothing in the morning.’ Her daughter came in for a special hug and kiss, with the words, ‘You have an extra hour in bed, young lady, yer need plenty of rest.’
‘Mam, meeting Phil’s family tonight did me more good than sleep. It was the best tonic I could have. But I’ll be a good girl and have an extra hour in bed, just to please you.’
Molly opened the front door and called, ‘Goodnight and God bless.’ Then she quickly crossed the cobbled street and pulled a face when she saw a light on in her living room. Poor Jack, he’d never get up in the morning. She’d better make sure the alarm clock was set or they’d be going out to work without any breakfast. And men needed something inside them to start the day. As she slipped the key in the lock, she reminded herself it was tomorrow already.
Chapter 20
Phoebe came down next morning with eyes and nose red from constant wiping. There were beads of perspiration on her forehead which told of a temperature.
‘Yer can’t go to work like that,’ Ellen said. ‘Ye’re still full of it.’
‘I’ll be all right when I’ve had me breakfast. I’d rather work it off than be stuck in bed for another day.’
‘Being stuck in bed for another day would probably do the trick, love. A Beecham’s every four hours and I’m sure yer’d feel much better tomorrow. Besides, yer workmates wouldn’t thank yer for going in and spreading yer germs around.’
‘Do as me mam says, Phoebe,’ Gordon said, to nods from Dorothy and Peter. ‘Yer look like death warmed up.’
‘Thanks, that’s cheered me up no end.’ But she did feel lousy and was sensible enough to know that bed was the best place for her. ‘I think I’d better do as yer say, Mam, but there’s no powders left, I emptied the box last night.’
‘I’ll nip to the corner shop before I go to work, and ask Nellie to pass the message on to Paul that yer won’t be going out tonight. Now, up to bed with yer and I’ll bring yer a cup of tea and a round of toast.’