The East End Girl in Blue

by Fenella J Miller

  She looked around her domain, satisfied everything was where it should be. She was halfway up the stairs when the telephone jangled loudly, almost making her miss her step. This was one aspect of Dr Jones leaving she’d not taken into account. Those who had telephones still thought he was living here and would naturally ring in an emergency.

  ‘Mrs Smith speaking. How can I help you?’

  A deep plummy voice answered and she guessed at once who it was. ‘Mr Billings here. I need to speak to Mr Denny.’

  ‘I’m afraid that won’t be possible. He’s asleep and I’ve no intention of waking him up whatever your emergency might be. He told me he’d not slept for thirty-six hours and if you think I’m going to let him ride his motorbike back to London half-asleep you’ve got another think coming. I suggest that you telephone in the morning.’ She didn’t give him a chance to reply but put the receiver down firmly.

  Thank goodness it wasn’t an emergency in the village. Whatever crisis that Billings bloke had, he wasn’t going to be dragging David away to deal with it. It couldn’t be that important as there was no way on God’s earth that he could be back in London in less than an hour and a half.

  She hesitated at the bottom of the stairs waiting to see if the man would ring back. He didn’t. She no longer cared about appearances. If the village biddies found out and decided she was a loose woman, no longer acceptable at the WI or WVS, then so be it.

  Maybe if that happened then she’d sell the house – it must be worth a fortune – and move somewhere nearer London where nobody knew the truth, and it would be easier for David to visit. Romford would be ideal but there was a risk someone would recognise her as she’d been based at Hornchurch for a while. She drifted off to sleep still considering her options and didn’t wake up until the alarm rang at six thirty.

  Getting up so early meant she had the bathroom to herself. She would take David a cup of tea as soon as the kettle boiled and she supposed she’d better tell him about his boss ringing up and that she’d given him short shrift.

  The dog was chasing pigeons in the garden and would be happy enough out there until she returned to the kitchen. She knocked quietly on David’s door and heard a grunted reply.

  ‘Good morning, love. I’ve got a nice cup of tea here.’

  He sat up in bed, his chest naked, his hair tousled, and the hot tea slopped over her knuckles. He was handsome whatever he was wearing but knowing he was naked beneath the covers just made him even more attractive.

  His smile sent heat racing around her body. ‘You’d better give it to me, darling, before you drop it on the floor.’

  ‘Here you are. I’ll open the curtains and let a bit of light in. Do you want me to open the window as well?’ Her voice ended in a squeak as he embraced her from behind.

  ‘I want to make love to you. Stop talking about the bloody curtains and come to bed.’

  She didn’t argue. He picked her up as if she wasn’t a fat lump and carried her to the bed. He’d already shut the door and turned the key whilst her back had been turned.

  Making conversation was impossible; thinking straight was difficult. He’d removed her clothes in seconds – including her underwear. He kissed her tenderly and then ran his hand over her huge bosoms and distended belly.

  ‘I can’t live without you, my darling, and as you refuse to marry me, I’ll settle for this.’

  An hour later she lay in his arms and didn’t regret her decision at all. ‘I didn’t know you could make love when you were as big as I am.’

  ‘It can’t possibly hurt the baby and as long as the mother is happy and comfortable during the process…’

  ‘Process? Don’t call what we just did a process. That makes it sound so clinical.’

  ‘I think I heard movement from the children’s room, sweetheart. You’d better skedaddle if you want to keep this relationship a secret from them.’

  She had never dressed so fast in her life and he remained, stretched out on the bed, laughing at her and making her fingers even clumsier. She was tempted to tip his cold tea over his head but that would just make her more work changing the sheets.

  When Mary came down with the children Nancy was cutting bread and stirring porridge as she always did. Porridge, so Mary insisted, was good for the children. When she had sole charge, when Mary left, there’d never be porridge made in her kitchen again.

  ‘Where’s Uncle David? Is he still here?’ Billy asked between mouthfuls.

  ‘I certainly am, young man, I just had a lie-in. I’m not a fan of porridge so I hope there’s something different for me.’

  ‘Eggs and bacon – the children are having that too, after they’ve eaten their porridge. I’ll bring it through to the dining room when it’s done.’

  ‘There’s no need for you to wait on me, Nancy. I only agree to sit in there if you eat with me.’

  She nodded and he picked up his full mug of tea and wandered off. Once she’d served Mary, Fred and the children she dished up a similar plate for herself and David. There was already a rack of freshly made toast on the tray. The marge and jam she’d taken in and put on the table when she’d laid up earlier.

  They were halfway through their breakfast when the telephone rang noisily. He was on his feet before her and disappeared into the hall to answer it. She’d quite forgotten to tell him about the late call from his boss and she had a nasty feeling it would be him on the other end of the line.

  *

  ‘Denny speaking.’

  ‘Thank God – I rang you last night, Denny, but a Mrs Smith refused to fetch you and told me to ring this morning.’

  David smiled. Good for Nancy. Whatever the emergency he wasn’t going back for a couple of days and was going to spend it here with those he loved.

  ‘I was incapable of making the journey without sleep. What do you want?’ His response was terse but he no longer cared what this man thought of him.

  ‘I need you back here to take my list today. I’ve got an important meeting that I can’t possibly miss.’

  The fact that Billings thought him good enough to take his list meant David had achieved his ambition and in a fraction of the time he’d expected. It made no difference to his answer.

  ‘No, I’m owed time off and I’m taking it. Find someone else.’

  There was an ominous pause. ‘Remember to whom you speak, Denny. It was my influence that made you and I can just as easily break you.’

  ‘Go ahead. If I’m not wanted at the Royal Free then I’ll go elsewhere. I’m now fully qualified and experienced and I’m certain any of the big hospitals will be only too happy to have me.’

  ‘I’ll ruin you. I can assure you that nobody will touch you once they hear of your appalling behaviour towards the young woman carrying your child.’

  ‘Do your worst. I’ll take my chances.’ He hung up saddened that he’d not be returning to his colleagues at the Royal Free, whom he’d come to appreciate since he’d worked there.

  Billings’ last remark had been shouted at him and he was aware that Nancy had been standing behind him anxiously listening to the one-sided conversation. With any luck she’d heard the remark and this might persuade her to change her mind.

  ‘Did you hear that? I’ve just lost my job.’

  ‘I didn’t hear what that man said but I did hear you say you would have no difficulty finding another position. This doesn’t change how things are between us at the moment.’ She smiled but it was a poor attempt. ‘We need to talk. Come into the sitting room – we can be private there.’

  There was something going on and he wasn’t sure if it was good or bad as far as he was concerned. As soon as the door was closed, she explained.

  ‘I don’t want the children to suffer because of me not being married to anyone. I want to know if I can sell this house or is it only mine if I live in it?’

  ‘The house is yours to do what you want with. I have no say in the matter.’

  ‘In which case I’m definitely going to mov
e. I want to live somewhere nobody knows our business. I’m going to find something in a town where people don’t poke their noses in like they do here.’

  ‘Have you anywhere in mind?’

  ‘I thought at first I’d go to Romford but someone might recognise me and that won’t do. I’m not going any closer to London than that because of the bombs. I don’t know much about geography. Can you suggest somewhere that will be easier for you to come to us, but will be safe?’

  ‘St Albans or Guildford would both be ideal. St Albans is in Hertfordshire and Guildford in Surrey. It would be feasible for me to get back on my days off to either of them.’

  ‘Then after the baby’s here I’ll put the house on the market and start looking.’

  ‘Why don’t you let me do it? I’m a free agent at the moment and I really don’t want you traipsing about the country with a small baby in tow.’

  ‘I don’t know much about buying or selling houses so if you don’t mind, then I’d much prefer that you did it for us.’

  ‘I’m going to speak to Simon when he turns up, see if he wants to buy the house and the practice.’

  ‘I told him that I owned the house.’

  ‘Then he’ll understand how things are between us. It makes perfect sense for him to buy it. Then Jill can sell her house and move in here when they’re married.’

  She bit her lip. ‘I suppose it doesn’t make any difference now what you tell him as we’ll be moving away in a few weeks.’

  ‘After I’ve spoken to him I’ll go to Guildford and see what’s available. What do you want me to look for?’

  ‘Not nearly as big as this house, but indoor plumbing, a decent-sized garden and not too far from the shops.’

  It was a shock to think that Nancy still thought indoor plumbing a luxury. She’d lived in a small terrace in Poplar, surrounded by a loving family and friends, until she’d joined the WAAF. Their upbringings couldn’t have been more different. He had every advantage that money could buy but there was no love in his house. He was always seen as an unwanted mistake by his parents.

  ‘I also want it to be within walking distance of the station so I can get to work – that’s if I can find another job.’

  ‘Why do you have to work in London now? They must need surgeons at all hospitals and there’s bound to be one in Guildford or St Albans, isn’t there?’

  ‘I’m young and fit and should be doing my bit for the war. I have to be where I’m most needed and that’s where the bombs are dropping.’

  He shouldn’t have to explain this to her – he thought she understood his motivation. Was the difference in their ages and outlooks the reason she’d asked the question? The reason she didn’t fully understand who he was?

  ‘I know that. I’m not stupid. I meant that there must be injured pilots and so on that need your assistance and they have to go somewhere, don’t they?’

  ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I just saw Simon walk past. Excuse me, I’ll go and speak to him before Jill gets here.’

  She was clearing the plates with more clatter than usual and knew he’d upset her. Why was she being so stubborn about things? She should just marry him and stop this nonsense as it would make things so much easier.

  ‘Nancy, don’t you see? Everything’s changed now I’ve left the Royal Free. Your objections are no longer valid. Marry me. How can you possibly ruin my career if I haven’t got one?’

  She paused and stared at him. ‘Can I think about it for a bit? You’ve pulled the rug out from under my feet and no mistake. Do you still have a valid licence?’

  ‘I certainly do. I just have to persuade the registrar to find us a slot in the next couple of days.’

  ‘You speak to Doctor Jones and I’ll let you know my answer when you come back.’

  *

  Nancy carried the dirty cutlery and plates into the kitchen and put them in the sink. The children were out in the garden with the dog and the house was quiet. Was David right? Could she marry him now without damaging his prospects? He didn’t need to work, as he had plenty of money in the bank, but he wasn’t the sort of man to sit about twiddling his thumbs.

  He was now a surgeon, top of his profession, and would be mixing with people like him. Their wives would be top drawer too, would speak with a plum in their mouths and would have been educated at boarding schools. They would have tinkling laughs, dress like something out of a magazine and would look down on her, that’s for sure.

  Maybe her reluctance to marry him was as much on her account as on his. She didn’t want to pretend to be posh, mind her Ps and Qs all the time, not be able to mention her family. If he was prepared to be a family doctor again then it wouldn’t matter as she reckoned she sounded posh enough now, but whilst he was determined to become a top surgeon, she just wouldn’t fit in.

  However much he loved her, eventually he’d stop taking her to social events, leave her at home to look after the house and the children; they would drift apart. If they didn’t marry she wouldn’t have to go anywhere with him and neither of them would be humiliated or embarrassed.

  There was always a possibility he would one day meet someone like Julia and marry her. Would she be able to deal with that if it happened? The relationship would be over the moment he made that decision as she didn’t approve of women who slept with married men.

  She gazed out of the window across the garden lost in thought. What if she had another illegitimate baby? She’d caught on the first time with Tommy so more children were definitely going to come along.

  He came into the kitchen but she didn’t look round as she wasn’t sure what she was going to say to him.

  ‘Simon’s going to buy the house and practice, darling, so I’m going into Chelmsford to get things started. I need to take the deeds of the house with me. You’ll have to sign some sort of paperwork but that can wait.’

  She was going to stop him but realised selling the house and practice to Simon would suit her perfectly whatever the outcome between her and David. She wanted to move away and intended to do so even if it was just her and the children.

  ‘Will you be back for lunch do you think?’

  ‘I thought I might as well go to St Albans and Guildford whilst I’m out and see what’s available. I’ll be home before it gets dark. I want your decision about marriage when I return.’

  ‘I promise I’ll tell you then. Whatever I decide, it makes no difference to how I feel about you – you do know that don’t you?’

  ‘I do, and I love you. I just hope it’s enough.’ He’d already shrugged into his overalls and put on his boots and so on. He said nothing else; didn’t kiss her even though they had the house to themselves, and strode off.

  This gave her the remainder of the day to dwell on what had been said. His last comment worried her. If he had doubts now, what would he be like in a few months when she had a new baby as well as two children and a house to take care of?

  During the afternoon she put her feet up and the children joined her in the sitting room whilst Mary and Fred went off to do some cleaning in what was soon to be their new home. The telephone rang and she lumbered to her feet and went to pick it up as there was no one else to do so.

  ‘Mrs Smith speaking. How can I help?’

  ‘Mrs Smith, it’s Mr Billings here. I’d like to speak to Mr Denny please.’

  ‘I’m afraid he’s out, Mr Billings. I could take a message if you like.’

  ‘Very well. Would you ask him to ring me as soon as he returns?’

  ‘I’ll certainly pass on your message but I can’t promise that he’ll do what you ask.’ As soon as she spoke, she realised she’d made an error of judgement and revealed that she wasn’t an employee but something more.

  There was a noticeable pause before he responded. ‘I do apologise, Mrs Smith. I should have realised that you’re not a member of his staff when I conversed with you the other night. Therefore, I assume that you know there was a heated exchange between us, which
I bitterly regret.’

  It was too late to deny that she wasn’t more than just his housekeeper. ‘You threatened to ruin his career and he no longer works at the Royal Free.’ If she’d stopped then things might have been all right but something made her reveal the truth – or at least part of it. ‘I’m a widow carrying my husband’s baby. David wants me to marry him so he can take care of us. He’s also adopted two orphan evacuees and believes that I will make an ideal mother to these other two.’

  ‘That explains it. He’s a good man. I jumped to an erroneous conclusion. Why did you change your mind about the marriage?’

  ‘I’m from Poplar. We’re like chalk and cheese, and I believe I’ll hold him back and that one day he’ll meet someone more suitable. I’ll look after his wards as I doubt that any future wife would wish to take them on.’

  ‘I don’t believe there are many young women in your situation, Mrs Smith, who would turn down such an opportunity. You’re absolutely correct. Better to remain friends as I’m certain that you would both come to regret such a catastrophic misalliance.’

  It was as if she’d been punched in the chest. She couldn’t answer and just put the telephone down and somehow found her way to her bedroom. Mr Billings had spoken the truth, however hard it was to swallow.

  Her decision was made – she was going to set him free. He was obviously going to be offered his old job back and now that his boss knew the true state of affairs they couldn’t even live together. She had to come up with a way of convincing him that they’d be better off getting on with their own lives and not hanging on to something that wouldn’t do either of them any good.

  25

  David had a successful visit to his solicitors who told him that it wouldn’t take more than a couple of weeks to complete the legal matters involved with the sale of the house and the practice.

  ‘I can’t complete on the sales until I’ve found somewhere else for Mrs Smith and the children to live. I’m going to see what’s available in both Guildford and St Albans today.’