by Joan Jonker
‘Yer make a lovely picture, Aunt Vicky,’ Paul said. ‘You and the baby look so contented with each other.’
‘Yes, we’re going to get along fine.’ There was a knowing look in her eyes when she said, ‘Will yer bring his present down now, please?’
The present turned out to be a cradle in dark polished wood with ornate carving on the sides and spindles. And it had a handrail for rocking the cradle from side to side. It was a very handsome present and a complete surprise to everyone. Doreen was stunned for several seconds, her hand to her mouth. ‘Oh, it’s beautiful! How and when did yer get it, and why wasn’t I told?’
Phil was wondering how much happiness a body could take. He’d said so many times over the last few months that he couldn’t be any happier, and yet things kept happening to prove him wrong. Right now, he felt as though his heart was ready to burst. ‘Aunt Vicky bought it as a present for the baby. We had it delivered to the back door so no one would see, and we didn’t tell you because we wanted it to be a surprise.’
‘That’s a surprise and a half, that is,’ Molly said. ‘Baby Bobby is a very lucky child. None of my children had anything so grand. It really is beautiful.’
‘Yer can say that again.’ Nellie and her chins thought it was very grand. ‘I haven’t never seen one so posh.’
Doreen, the pain of childbirth forgotten, was clasping her hands. ‘Ooh, can I go and bring some bedding down and make it look pretty?’
‘You, young lady, can sit on the couch and rest yer legs.’ Molly didn’t give her daughter a chance to argue as she pressed her gently on to the couch. ‘A week of taking it easy, sunshine, then we’ll let yer do a little bit more each day. So do as ye’re told and I’ll bring everything down that yer need. I’m just as eager to see me grandson in his posh cradle as you are.’ She was halfway across the room when she heard Nellie speaking. ‘What did yer just say, Nellie?’
It was Phil who answered. ‘She was just saying how lucky the baby is, Mrs B.’
‘Don’t be telling no lies, son, or God will punish yer.’ Nellie’s hands went to her hips and she pretended to glare at her friend. ‘What I said was that there’ll be no stopping yer now ye’re a grandmother. Ye’re going to be bragging all the time and getting on me bloody nerves. I dread the day he starts teething and I get a running commentary from yer every day on how bad his pains are. I just hope he grows them all in one night and gets it over with, otherwise me life won’t be worth living.’
‘Ah, me heart bleeds for yer, yer poor thing.’ Molly sniffed up and wiped away an imaginary tear. ‘But yer won’t be left out, I’ll see to that. For every night I sit up with the baby while he’s teething, we’ll let you have him the next night. Now I can’t say fairer than that.’
‘Nah, I wouldn’t be arsed, girl. I’ll hang on till your Jill has a baby. Then, ’cos my son will be the father, we’ll be on equal terms. We can spend out time each trying to outdo the other with bragging.’ Nellie shook her head and tutted in mock disgust. ‘No, our lives have changed forever, girl, they’ll never be the same. I can see it all now. Instead of trying to coax a leg of lamb off Tony in the butcher’s, yer’ll be saying, “The baby’s gained two ounces this week, Tony, isn’t that fantastic! And he smiled at me this morning. He’s far more advanced for his age than most babies.”’
Molly chuckled. ‘I’m one ahead of yer, sunshine! I’m going to ask Jack to put his name down for a job in his works when he leaves school.’
It was Phil’s turn to chortle. ‘I’m sorry, Mrs B, but I beat yer to it. I’ve sorted it out with me boss and the lad’s coming to work with me when he leaves school.’
Nellie had a smirk on her face when she waddled over to Molly. ‘Go on, girl, let’s see if yer can go one better than that.’
‘I’ll give it some thought later, sunshine, ’cos at the minute me mind’s full of getting the cradle ready for my grandson.’ Molly had her foot on the bottom stair when she said, ‘I’m sure when he’s settled down, Doreen will let yer rock it.’
‘Ay, yer know what yer can do with yerself, don’t yer, girl?’
‘No, and I don’t want yer to tell me, either! I’ll not have yer swearing or using naughty words in front of me grandson. He’s going to be a little gentleman, so there!’
‘I’ll come upstairs with yer, then, and whisper it in yer ear.’
There was silence in the room as the two women climbed the stairs. Everyone had their ears cocked, and they could hear Nellie puffing as she pulled herself up by the banister. Then they burst out laughing when they heard Molly saying, ‘No, I will not bugger off, Nellie McDonough, there’s work to be done here. So behave yerself or I’ll send yer home with yer tail between yer legs.’
Molly cast an anxious eye at her daughter. There had been a constant stream of visitors since six o’clock and Doreen looked exhausted. It had been a long and over-exciting day for her; too long, in her mother’s opinion. After all, she’d only come out of hospital that morning. It hadn’t been so bad with her own family, ’cos Jill and Tommy understood when she’d explained that Doreen was still weak and mustn’t over-exert herself. They’d produced their presents of baby clothes and bedding and left after half an hour. She’d even chased away Jack and Ruthie, much to the disgust of her youngest daughter who wanted to sit and rock the baby in his cradle. Mind you, Molly could understand the young girl because the baby looked adorable in his new white clothes, lying on sheets and pillowcases hand made and embroidered by Bridie and Rosie, and covered with a pale lemon blanket lovingly made by Jill.
Molly shook her head mentally to clear her mind. It was no good sitting here being all sentimental when she could see her daughter’s smile becoming more forced and her eyelids drooping. But she couldn’t be so outspoken to the visitors who were here now because they were Phil’s family. Maggie Mitchell had been brought to see her new great-grandson by her daughter Beth and her husband Noel. And Maggie’s happiness knew no bounds when she was told the baby was to be christened Bob. She would have smothered the child with love if Beth hadn’t stepped in.
‘Mam, I think the baby’s been handled enough now, let Doreen put him down.’
Molly saw her chance to say what was on her mind without sounding impolite. ‘Yes, I think mother and baby have both had enough for one day.’
Phil agreed. He’d seen his wife growing more tired but didn’t like to say anything because he didn’t want to upset his grandma. ‘Yeah, the nurse told me Doreen should get plenty of rest for the next two weeks. In fact, she should have gone straight to bed when we got home from the hospital, but we’ve had a lot of visitors and she didn’t want to miss anything.’
‘I was so pleased to be home and to see all my family again,’ Doreen admitted, ‘and it’s true I didn’t want to miss anything. Besides which, I wanted to swank and show me beautiful baby off to everyone.’ She stifled a yawn. ‘But I’m ready for bed now.’
‘Are yer feeding the baby yerself, sweetheart?’ Maggie asked.
Doreen dropped her head to hide the blush she knew would cover her face. Young and inexperienced, she found it embarrassing to discuss anything so personal. ‘Yes, every two hours I take him upstairs. For now anyway, but as Bobby grows older the times between feeds will be longer.’ She raised her head. ‘The Ward Sister told me to feed him when he’s hungry and not to keep watching the clock. She said he’ll soon let me know when he’s hungry or wants his nappy changing ’cos he’s got a great pair of lungs on him.’
‘She’s got a lot of sense, that nurse,’ Maggie said, nodding in agreement with a woman she’d never meet. ‘There’s too many folk around these days with fancy ideas. They think they know more on how to bring a baby up than the mother does. Silly stuff and nonsense they talk. Nobody knows better what is right for her child than the mother. And as the days go by and yer come to know each other better, yer’ll get along just fine.’
Beth laughed. ‘After passing all that knowledge over, Mam, d’yer not think it’s time we
left so Doreen can see to the baby and then get herself off to bed? From the sound of things there’s been loads of visitors calling and the poor girl must be worn out.’
Maggie pushed herself from the chair and leaned over the cradle for one last look at her great-grandson. She couldn’t help a stray tear escaping as she remembered the son she’d lost. How happy and proud he’d be if he were here now. Then she took a deep breath and pulled herself together. ‘Yes, we’ll leave yer in peace to get some rest. But I want yer to know, Doreen, and you, Phil, that yer’ve made an old lady very happy.’
‘I’m not half getting soppy in me old age,’ Molly said as she and Jack were cuddled up in bed that night. ‘If I’ve cried once today, I’ve cried a hundred times.’
‘Well, I’ve got to admit to being more than a bit emotional meself, love. After all, it’s not every day yer daughter gives birth to a baby and yer become a granddad. Sitting there watching Doreen, me mind went back over every stage of her life, from a baby and toddler to her first day at school.’ Jack pulled his wife closer. ‘And as clear as day, I could see her in her teenage years. She could be wilful and as stubborn as a mule at times, and outspoken when she thought she was in the right. Her and Jill were as different in nature as chalk and cheese. But from the time she met Phil, Doreen changed. He’s been a good influence on her and it’s easy to see they love the bones of each other.’
Molly sniffed. ‘Every time I looked at her today I got a lump in me throat. My little girl is now a mother herself. It takes some getting used to but I know she’s going to make a perfect one.’
‘She did very well for presents for the baby, didn’t she? I couldn’t believe it when I saw them all stacked up on the sideboard. There’s enough matinee coats to last the lad until he starts school.’
‘You weren’t there when me ma and da came. I cried me eyes out when me ma handed Doreen the christening shawl she knitted for my christening. She’s had it wrapped in tissue paper for all those years and it looks as good as the day she finished knitting it. Our Doreen was in floods of tears, and she wasn’t on her own because me and Victoria joined in. And I saw Phil turn to wipe his eyes.’
‘It’s been a day for tears, love, but they were tears of happiness. And it’s a day we’ll remember all our lives.’ Jack removed his arm to plump his pillow. ‘It’s turned midnight and I have to be up for work. I’ve set the alarm and just hope I hear it ringing.’
‘Before yer go to sleep, sunshine, just let me tell yer about me last bout of tears. It was when I saw Doreen putting the baby down in his new cot. Everything was perfect, from the embroidered pillows and sheets, to the soft blankets. And Doreen did it so gently, with so much love, I had to turn away so she wouldn’t see her mother blubbering like a big soft kid.’ Molly turned her head and kissed Jack on his forehead. ‘Goodnight and God bless, sunshine. It won’t be so hectic tomorrow, we’ll have more time to get to know our grandson.’
‘Mam, d’yer think it will be all right if me and Archie call and see the new baby?’ Lily called from the kitchen where she was getting washed. ‘We’ve kept away for three days because Auntie Molly said Doreen was tired with all the visitors, but I’d hate her and Phil to think we weren’t interested. Besides, I’m dying to see the baby.’
‘Yeah, of course yer can call! It’s not as though yer’d be making a night of it.’ Nellie pushed herself up and swayed to the kitchen. ‘Did yer ever buy a present for the baby? It’ll look terrible if yer don’t take anything.’
‘Yer said Doreen had got stacks of presents, Mam, so me and Archie decided not to buy anything. Instead, we’ve opened an account at the Post Office in the baby’s name and we’ve put five pounds in. That way, Doreen can keep the account open and put a few coppers in each week, or she can draw it out whenever she likes.’
‘Ay, that was a good idea.’ Then Nellie frowned. ‘How can Doreen draw it out if it’s in the baby’s name?’
‘We’ve put her name on the book as well, as guardian. She’ll have no trouble if she wants to take it out.’ Lily gave her face a good rub with the towel. ‘I don’t think she will, though, ’cos Phil’s on good money and they’re not short.’
Paul left his seat to join them in the kitchen. ‘I’ll come over with yer. But, sad to say, I won’t be bearing gifts because I wouldn’t have a clue what to buy for a baby.’ He pulled a face. ‘It’ll look a bit mean not taking anything, won’t it?’
Nellie folded her arms across her tummy and puckered her mouth. ‘I know what yer could buy, son, if the sweet shop is still open. They’ve got money boxes in the shape of animals and I think they’re only about two bob. Yer could buy one of those and put a few bob in. That would be a good present.’ Then she had a brainwave. ‘Ay, yer dad hasn’t put his hand in his pocket yet, he’d give yer a few bob to put in it.’
‘I heard that, Mrs Woman!’ George called. ‘Don’t be so fond of giving my money away ’cos I’m not loaded.’
‘Just listen to the tight-fisted so-an-so,’ Nellie said, winking broadly before shouting back, ‘Keep yer flaming money, yer lousy nit! I just hope yer get a hole in yer pocket and it all falls through. It would be the price of yer.’
‘Now then, Nellie, can’t yer take a joke? Yer know darn well I wouldn’t begrudge giving the bairn a few bob.’
Nellie’s whole body began to shake with laughter. ‘Ten bob did yer say, George? Well I think that’s very generous of yer.’ She jerked her head at Paul. ‘Run down to the shop pronto, before they close.’
He was out of the back door like a whirlwind, shouting over his shoulder, ‘Don’t go without me, Lily!’
Phil opened the door and greeted them warmly. Until he saw Paul, then his smile seemed to flicker for a brief second. ‘Come in, it’s nice to see yer.’
Lily was the first to enter the room and her footsteps faltered when she saw Phoebe holding the baby in her arms. Oh, dear, she thought, this should be interesting.
Paul came in, laughing, saying, ‘Where’s this baby I’ve heard so much about?’ Then his eyes met Phoebe’s and he stopped dead in his tracks. The room was so silent you could have heard a pin drop. Then he seemed to shake himself. ‘Hello, Phoebe, how are yer?’
‘Hello, Paul. I’m fine, thank you.’ She dragged her eyes away from him and turned to Doreen.
Handing the baby over, she fought to keep her voice even. ‘I’ll leave now yer’ve got more visitors. But he’s lovely, Doreen, you must be very proud. If you and Phil ever want a babysitter, I’ll be more than willing. And as yer know, I’m used to looking after babies.’
‘Yer don’t have to leave on our account,’ Paul said, willing her to stay.
‘I’m not leaving on your account, I’m meeting a friend to go to the pictures.’ Phoebe smiled her goodbyes and left a room that was quieter than it had been all day.
Lily was the first to speak when the front door was heard to close. ‘Paul McDonough, ye’re a stubborn beggar. Why don’t yer go after her?’
‘I’m not running after her, Lily, so just leave it, will yer?’ He regained his composure and his smile, handing over the paper bag containing a money box in the shape of a cute piglet. ‘It’s not much, but I haven’t had much experience buying for babies.’
‘Oh, it’s lovely!’ Doreen made a great fuss to try and ease the awkward situation. ‘And it’s got money in it, too! When Bobby’s old enough, he’ll be able to thank his Uncle Paul.’
‘It’s got a rubber stopper in the bottom so yer can take the money out when yer want.’
Victoria held out her hand to inspect the money box. ‘We’ll make a habit of putting our spare ha’pennies and pennies in it. It’ll soon mount up.’
Archie had been given the Post Office savings book by Lily, to hand over. ‘Me and Lily didn’t buy anything because we knew yer’d be getting plenty of baby clothes and stuff. We’ve opened an account for the baby in the Post Office.’
While all this was going on in Victoria’s room, Phoebe was walking with a heav
y heart to meet her friend. She thought she was getting over Paul but when their eyes met tonight she realised she was only kidding herself. He was the only boy for her and had been for as long as she could remember. She’d never thought she stood a chance with him because he was so handsome she knew he could have his pick of any girl he chose. When he’d started to take an interest in her and finally asked for a date, her cup of happiness had overflowed.
Phoebe kicked at a small stone on the pavement, the ferocity of the movement far exceeding the size of the stone. It was to vent some of the anger she felt. Why did she have to run away from him? Because that’s what she’d done. She was far too early to meet her friend from work, so she’d cut off her nose to spite her face. The same as she’d done when she chose to believe what Joanne Mowbray had told her rather than Paul’s version. Just a few little words and she’d lost the love of her life. However, knowing she’d got what she deserved didn’t make the longing any easier to bear.
Nellie and George were in bed when the threesome got home from the dance, and not wanting to play gooseberry, Paul made the excuse of being tired and took himself up the stairs to give his sister and Archie some privacy.
‘The baby’s gorgeous, isn’t he?’ Lily smiled up into Archie’s eyes. They were sitting on the couch and his arm was around her shoulders. ‘He’s going to be blond and good-looking like his father.’
‘Would you like to have children when yer get married?’
‘Oh, yes! Holding Bobby in my arms tonight brought out my motherly instincts.’
Archie reached for her hand. ‘And when will that be?’
‘When will what be?’
‘When were yer thinking of getting married?’
‘That’s a daft question, Archie Higgins. How do I know when I’ll be getting married? It’s manners to wait until ye’re asked, and chance would be a fine thing!’
Archie took a deep breath and told himself not to be a coward. ‘How would the idea of marrying me appeal to yer?’