by Kitty Neale
George was over the moon for his mum. He liked Albert and could see how happy he made her. As he set off for work, the only blight on his landscape was the thought of having to stand next to Roger all day and not punch his face in. Sarah hated violence, and he’d promised her he wouldn’t touch the man, but it went against the grain. It wouldn’t be easy to rein in his temper, but he would do his best to ignore the man whom he had once considered a friend.
Thankfully, when George arrived at the market, Roger was nowhere to be seen. According to Sarah he’d taken a beating, so he was probably too embarrassed to show his face, thought George. He hoped he’d stay away for a long time. Having to work in such close proximity with the bastard who’d hurt Sarah would be a struggle, but at least today he’d have a reprieve.
The morning wore on uneventfully, and George was getting fed up with answering questions about Roger’s whereabouts. At least a dozen housewives had enquired, and he saw a familiar face approaching him. It was the girl from the café, the one he’d heard making arrangements with Roger.
‘Hello, do you know where Roger is today?’ she asked.
George could see why Roger had been interested in her. She was striking, with olive eyes and mahogany hair, but she was younger than George had first thought. ‘No, love, and to be honest, I couldn’t give two hoots. I’ll give you a bit of advice – if you’ve got any sense, you’ll stay well clear of him.’
‘I’ve heard you and Roger have had your differences in the past, so why should I take any notice of anything you say?’ the girl asked, then marched off haughtily before George could answer.
‘I’ll tell you why,’ he shouted, ‘’cos his girlfriend caught him in bed last night with someone else’s woman!’
The girl spun round and looked at George with disbelief. ‘You’re just bloody jealous of him ’cos he’s got the looks and you’ve got – well … look at you, you’re hideous,’ she spat, then walked off again.
George reeled. He felt as though he’d been smacked across his face, but the girl was right, he was hideous, and it was no wonder that Sarah wasn’t interested in him. He’d learned to live with his scars, and sometimes forgot he had them, until he caught sight of his reflection and was reminded again.
‘Take no notice,’ a woman said who’d been within earshot of the unfriendly exchange. ‘She’s just a silly little girl who doesn’t know what you’ve suffered. As for Roger, we all know what he’s like and she’ll find out for herself the hard way.’
The woman was just a few years younger than his mum and had been friends with her for many years. ‘Thanks, Kath, but she’s right. I am hideous, and I’ve got no chance of anyone taking me on when I look like this.’
‘You just need someone who can look past your scars, George. Keep your chin up, lad. I have a feeling that there is just the girl for you out there. Leave it to me, lad, I might have a nice surprise for you.’
The daft bat, thought George fondly, wondering what Kath was on about, but before he gave it any thought, a customer required attention and he found himself busy for the rest of the day.
Chapter 46
The following two weeks passed in a bit of a whirl for Sarah. She’d employed a nice young girl, Violet, to work in the shop with her. She’d been pleased that Lena approved her choice. She’d been busy during the day training Violet up, and her evenings had been filled with discussing what type of outfit Lena would wear. The woman refused to entertain a wedding dress, saying she hadn’t worn one for her first marriage, so didn’t need one this time. Anyhow, she was too old to be a blushing bride.
George had taken Sarah to a concert at Battersea Town Hall on Saturday night, and they had been for a long walk in the park on Sunday. Now it was Monday morning again and she was back behind the counter at work.
‘Violet, I’m going to make us a drink. Would you like tea or coffee?’
‘Neither, thanks. I’m not keen on them.’
‘What about some orange squash?’
‘Yes, please.’
Sarah went into the back room, but a few minutes later she heard the bell over the door ring, and went back into the shop. It was Violet’s second week, so she didn’t want to leave her alone. ‘Good morning,’ she chirped, but was horribly surprised to see two policemen standing in the shop with their backs to her as they spoke to Violet.
Her heart began to race as she feared her father might be paying her a visit, and if he was, it wouldn’t be a friendly one. When the policemen turned around she blurted, ‘Oh, I thought one of you was Sergeant Lyons. Ron Lyons.’
‘Sergeant Lyons retired, miss, and moved down to Cornwall.’
‘Oh, I see,’ Sarah said, puzzled.
‘Are you Sarah Jepson?’ one of the constables asked.
‘Yes,’ Sarah answered, her heart still racing.
‘We’re investigating an alleged assault that took place in a house that you live in.’
‘Yes,’ Sarah muttered.
‘Roger Brooke sustained substantial injuries during an attack which we believe was carried out by Samuel Edwards. We haven’t been able to locate Mr Edwards since the assault, but we believe you were the last person to see him. Did he tell you where he was going?’
‘No,’ Sarah said, thinking that even if she knew she wouldn’t tell the police. As far as she was concerned, Roger deserved what he got, and she hoped that Sam got clean away.
‘So you have no idea where he can be contacted?’
‘No,’ Sarah said brusquely.
‘Thank you, Miss Jepson, sorry to have bothered you, but if you do happen to hear from Mr Edwards, please let us know immediately.’
Sarah nodded, but she knew it was unlikely that she’d ever see or hear from Samuel again. As the policemen left, she walked out to the back room again, her thoughts on Ron Lyons. Surely he was too young for retirement? It crossed her mind that maybe he’d run away from her to protect himself and his wife against his past mistakes.
Good, Sarah thought. She had been frightened of him and his threats, but now it was another chapter of her life she could lay to rest.
George’s heart had sunk when he’d seen Roger turn up on his stall, but he’d had a couple of weeks to calm down, and was now only simmering. Sarah seemed to be recovering from the heartache Roger and Mo had caused her, though he knew it would be a long time yet before she would get over losing Tommy, if ever. They’d talked for hours, and getting things off her chest seemed to do Sarah good, but she still refused to allow George to lamp Roger one.
He looked over at the man, pleased to see the remnants of the beating that Samuel had given him.
‘So it’s to be in November, George. Are you getting excited?’
George tore his eyes away from Roger to see Kath standing in front of him, carrying her usual woven cane shopping basket. ‘Hello, Kath. November? Oh, yeah – my mum’s wedding. To be honest I’ll be glad when it’s done and dusted. All I hear at home nowadays is her and Sarah talking about dresses, cakes, hairdos and all the other stuff. It’s driving me bonkers.’
‘Well, you can’t blame your mum for pushing the boat out a bit.’
‘Don’t get me wrong, I’m really happy for her, but what she said was going to be a small do is suddenly turning into a full-blown affair. Mark my words, she’ll be booking Westminster Cathedral next.’
Kath laughed. ‘You do exaggerate, George. Anyway, me and Joan are going to organise a bit of a ladies’ get-together before your mum’s big day. You’ll have to tell Sarah to join us.’
‘I will. It’d probably do her good. Oh, and by the way, Kath – what were you going on about the other week? You know, all that stuff about you having a surprise for me?’
‘You’ll see soon enough,’ Kath said, then winked mysteriously again at George as she walked off to do her shopping.
Blinking women, thought George with an affectionate smile. He’d never understand them.
Mo woke up and looked at the clock. It was gone lunchtime, but it w
asn’t unusual for her to sleep for most of the day. She didn’t have much reason to get up. Since Samuel had beaten Roger up she hadn’t seen either of them, or Sarah, and now spent her days and nights alone.
She’d sent several letters to Samuel, hoping they would get through to him via his brother’s address, but hadn’t heard back. She didn’t know where he was, and missed him so much that her heart ached. As she climbed out of bed, Mo stepped over an empty brandy bottle. The room looked like a tip, but she didn’t care. The biscuit tin was now empty, all the savings gone. She’d given the lot to Sam, but now rent was due and she had no means to pay it. She doubted she even had a job to go back to, not after being absent for so long without word. Things were pretty dire for her, and were made worse when she picked up the milk, sniffed it and found that it had soured.
Mo heard a knock on the front door, and covertly looked through the window. Her heart hammered when she saw it was Mr Terence doing his rent collection. There was nothing she could do – she couldn’t pay him, and if he found out she was alone and jobless, he’d throw her out.
Mo climbed back into the bed and buried her head under the pillow, hoping Mr Terence would go away. Finally, the knocking stopped and she heard his car drive off. She’d managed to avoid him, but she wouldn’t be able to hide forever. It would only be a matter of time.
Throwing back the bed covers again, Mo walked to the mirror and looked at her reflection. She was a mess, and so was her life. She had no man, no friends, no family, and it wouldn’t be long before she had no home. She had one thing going for her, though – her looks. She could tidy herself up and visit Barry. He’d never make her a top model, but he would pay her to pose for pornographic photos. She’d done it before, and on reflection, it hadn’t been so bad, and now, without Samuel’s feelings to consider, she’d be prepared to do whatever Barry wanted, just as long as he paid the right price.
Chapter 47
There were only three weeks to go until Lena’s wedding, and on a Thursday evening Sarah was at Joan’s house with Kath and George’s Aunty Min. She thought they were a lively bunch of women and liked being with them.
Lena suddenly yelped, and Joan said, ‘Sorry, love, I didn’t mean to stick you with a pin, but this dress needs to be taken in a bit more.’
‘With all the running around I’ve been doing it’s no wonder I’ve lost a bit of weight,’ Lena tutted.
The long dress was in ivory, with a matching bolero. Sarah said, ‘You look beautiful.’
‘Thanks, love,’ Lena responded, smiling warmly.
‘Right, that’s you done for now, Lena. Come on, you’re next,’ Joan said, ushering Sarah to her.
She stood on a small footstall as Joan pinched in the material on the waistband of the bridesmaid dress Sarah was wearing.
‘You’ve lost a bit of weight too,’ Joan commented.
‘I hope you ain’t working too hard in that shop and you’re eating the sandwiches I pack you,’ Lena said sternly.
Aunty Min stood up and beckoned Lena to the corner of the room. ‘Leave the girl alone,’ she said quietly. ‘Don’t you remember how the weight fell off you when your Les was killed?’
‘Yes, you’re right, it did. I don’t think I ate much for several months after he died. Poor Sarah, she puts on ever such a brave face though. Credit to her, she’s coped much better than I did,’ Lena answered.
‘She’s a good girl,’ said Aunty Min, her voice hushed. ‘I’ve only met her a handful of times but I’m ever so fond of her.’
‘Me too. If I’d had been blessed with a daughter, she’s just what I would have wanted,’ Lena said sincerely.
They didn’t think Sarah could hear them, but she’d heard every word. She found herself blushing. She wasn’t used to having women fussing over her, or giving her compliments and showing affection
‘I didn’t tell you, Lena, but I’ve lined up a date for your George,’ Kath said.
Sarah’s ears pricked up. George was going on a date, and she found that she didn’t like the idea. But why? He was her friend and she should be pleased for him, yet instead she found herself thinking that if he was seeing someone else, she would miss his company.
‘He didn’t say anything to me,’ Lena said.
‘That’s ’cos I ain’t told him yet. But you know my niece Julie, well, she said she’d love to go out with him.’
‘Julie … ain’t she a bit young for him?’ Joan mumbled through the pins she was holding in her mouth.
‘She’s eighteen,’ Kath replied.
‘Blimey, time flies. She was just a nipper the last time I saw her.’
‘Yeah, well, you should see her now. All grown up and very pretty too,’ Kath said proudly.
‘Have you told her about George’s scars?’ Lena asked.
‘Yes, and I also said what a smashing man he is. She’s training to be a nurse and things like that don’t bother my Julie. She’s one of them who only looks for the good in people,’ Kath said. ‘I’ve always said she’s an old soul, and she’s got a heart of gold.’
‘Ah, she sounds lovely, Kath. When’s George supposed to be taking her out then?’ Lena asked.
‘Saturday night. There’s a big dance thing on over in Carshalton where she lives. She said she’d like George to take her.’
‘Oooo, I say. Fancy that, your George taking a young lady out! It’s about time, he’s a lovely chap and he deserves to have a nice girlfriend,’ Aunty Min said.
‘He’s got to ask her out first. I told her that George might not have the nerve, so she’s going to come with me to the market tomorrow and make it obvious that she likes him,’ Kath said with a wink.
Lena heaved a sigh. ‘I hope this girl is right for him. After all, he’s been barking up the wrong tree with you, Sarah.’
‘We’re friends, close friends, and I’m really fond of George, but just not in that way,’ Sarah said, her cheeks flushing again.
‘Right,’ said Joan, ‘I’ve finished pinning your dress so you can take it off now. Just make sure you don’t lose any more weight.’
‘I’ll try not to.’
‘Albert seems to be a lovely man,’ Aunty Min said.
‘Yes, he is, and a wonderful cook too. He’s always spoiling me with fancy lunches,’ Lena said, and patted her tummy.
‘Cor, a man that can cook! I can see why you’re marrying him now,’ Kath said.
‘There’s more to Albert than just his cooking. It’s the little things he does for me, like when he knows I’m coming over, he always has my favourite biscuits in, even though he ain’t got a sweet tooth. He’s a proper gent, holds doors open, puts Vera Lynn records on when I know he can’t stand her, and yesterday he told me I can redecorate his house to my taste. He wants me to feel like it’s my home.’
Sarah liked Albert but, hearing Lena talk about him, she realised Roger had never been thoughtful like that with her.
‘You’ve got yourself a good one there, Lena. My Bob was like that. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He used to go out of his way to make sure I was happy. I remember this one time, when I was pregnant with Emily. I had a craving for mashed potatoes, of all things, but I was out of spuds. It was late in the evening and all the shops were closed, but my Bob walked for seven miles in the rain, jumped over the fences at Hampton’s fields and dug me up a whole bleedin’ sack full of potatoes. He got home after midnight, drenched through to the skin and with a bad back after lugging them spuds all the way home. As if that weren’t enough, he peeled and boiled them too,’ Joan said.
‘I remember that,’ Kath said, ‘’cos I asked him why he just didn’t go down the allotments to pinch some.’
‘Yeah, the silly bugger said he never thought of that. Still, we ended up with enough potatoes to last us a month,’ Joan said and laughed.
The more Sarah listened to the women exchange fond memories of their late husbands, the more she realised Roger had never loved her. The only thoughtful thing he’d ever done for her was
bring her a bunch of flowers and a toy for Tommy, but that was probably only to impress her so he could charm her into bed. She cringed at the memory of him brutally taking her virginity. No love had been shown, and she regretted letting it happen. It had been so soon after Tommy’s death and she’d been all over the place mentally, craving comfort when there had been none.
A couple of hours later, after the women had enjoyed several glasses of sherry, their laughter was interrupted by George knocking on the door.
‘Tell Mum and Sarah I’ll be in the van outside when they’re ready,’ George said to Joan when she answered the door. ‘But tell them not to rush. It sounds like you ladies are having fun in there.’
‘Come in, George,’ she invited, and opened the door wider just as howls of laughter bellowed from the living room.
‘Nah, I’ll wait out here. That sounds like a blinking witches’ coven in there,’ George said, grinning.
Joan walked back to her large lounge and said to Lena, ‘It’s George. He’s come to pick you and Sarah up, but he said to take your time.’
‘He’s another one who’d make someone a good husband,’ Kath said, ‘and you never know, if him and Julie hit it off, we might be having another wedding.’
Sarah’s stomach lurched. It was one thing to feel strange about George going on a date, but she’d never imagined him married.
George hadn’t been sitting in his van for long when Joan’s front door opened and the group of women emerged. He was winding down his window when Kath came over.
‘Hello, George. I’m glad you’re here. I’ll be popping up to see you tomorrow at the market with that surprise I was on about,’ she said.
‘Oh, Kath. I hate surprises. Tell me what’s going on … please,’ George asked.