by Kitty Neale
Mary once again stiffened. Ethel was leaving! Her stomach sank at the thought of it; Ethel had become like a mother to her and she didn’t want to stay working at the house without her.
‘I’m so sorry, Ethel. Where will you go?’
‘Don’t worry about me, Miss. There’s a letting agency just across the common and I’ll ask them to find me a nice little flat to rent. I’ll have my pension so I’ll be all right.’
‘I expect Albie will rent us a flat too.’
‘Yes, I should think so, and as your father is helping him out financially, he won’t have a problem finding a deposit.’
‘No, I suppose not,’ Constance said disconsolately.
Mary couldn’t understand why Constance was so unhappy. She was having Albie’s baby, he was going to marry her, and it sounded like they’d have a few bob too. She wished she could swap places with Constance, but after hearing what Ethel said at least she had thought of a way of getting out of this house too. She waited until Constance had gone upstairs and then quietly approached Ethel and said, ‘Can I talk to you?’
‘Bloody hell, girl, you made me jump. I’d forgotten you were there.’
‘I heard all that. I can’t believe that Albie is going to marry Miss Constance. She isn’t his sort and if you ask me he’s off his rocker.’
‘Look, I know you like him, but Miss Constance is having his baby and I wouldn’t want it born a bastard.’
‘Why not? I was.’
‘Sorry, love, I didn’t know.’
‘It doesn’t bother me. Most of the kids in the home were bastards and anyway, that isn’t what I want to talk to you about. I heard you say you’re leaving,’ she said, wiping her nose on the cuff of her sleeve.
‘For Gawd’s sake I’ve told you before, use a hanky,’ Ethel said, pulling a clean one from her apron pocket and passing it over before continuing. ‘Yes, I’ve been asked to go, but I don’t mind. With my legs in this state I was going to retire anyway.’
‘Would you take me with you, Ethel?’
‘What? No, I can’t do that.’
‘Why not? I heard you saying that you’re going to find a flat. I could share it with you, get a job to pay my share of the rent and surely that would be better than living alone.’
Ethel’s brow rose and then she smiled. ‘You’re not as daft as you look, are you? I must admit it sounds like a good idea.’
‘What do you say then?’
Ethel cocked her head to one side, obviously thinking it through and then said, ‘Well, my girl, despite that nasty habit of using your cuff as a hanky, I must admit I’ve grown very fond of you.’
‘I’ll stop doing it. I promise I will.’
‘Make sure you do, and as for moving in with me, I think that’s a lovely idea.’
Mary did a little jig of delight. All she had known was sharing a dormitory with lots of other girls, followed by sleeping in the little room at the top of this house. Now for the first time in her life she would be living in a proper home. Her smile was wide as she bent to kiss Ethel’s papery cheek. ‘I’m fond of you too. You’re like a mother to me.’
‘At my age, more like a grandmother, but I think we’ll rub along nicely together.’
Feeling choked up, Mary sniffed back tears of happiness as she looked forward to the future.
Chapter 10
‘Well, how did you get on?’ Dora asked her son as soon as he returned from the register office.
‘You were right about taking my birth certificate, and Constance will need to show them hers, but it’s all booked.’
‘For when?’
‘You have to wait a month and that takes us up to the end of the year, so we’re booked in for the fourth of January at eleven o’clock.’
‘Oh dear, Constance will be showing by then.’
‘So what?’ Albie shrugged.
‘At least you’re marrying the girl and I’m pleased about that, but somehow I think it was only the money that persuaded you.’
‘Yeah, well, can you blame me? Constance ain’t much to look at and she just isn’t our sort. She’s been waited on hand and foot, and I doubt she even knows how to boil a kettle let alone cook a meal.’
‘She’ll have a lot to learn then,’ Dora said, then voiced something she’d been thinking about, hoping that Albie would agree. ‘Of course if you move in here, I could teach her not only to cook, but how to wash and iron too, as well as doing housework.’
‘Yeah, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea,’ Albie mused.
Dora dreaded the thought of being left here alone and felt a surge of pleasure as she drove her point home. ‘You’re not working yet, Albie, and that money won’t last long if you have to find rent for a flat, along with all the bills that come with running a home.’
‘True, but are you sure you don’t mind putting up with Constance?’
‘I don’t know the girl, but I’ll do my best to get along with her. Not only that, she’s carrying my grandchild and I’m proper chuffed about that.’
‘All right, Mum, you’re on.’
Dora sat back in her chair, smiling happily. It’d be nice to have another female in the house, even if she was a bit posh, and it wouldn’t be long before she’d knock the girl into shape. Dora had her routines, her way of doing things, and like it or not Constance would have to learn to follow her instructions.
Later that day, Charles went to see Hettie, but once again there was no change in her condition. At one point he thought she tried to say their daughter’s name, but as if the effort was too much she once again closed her eyes. He tried to reassure her, told her that Constance was to be married soon, but there was no response.
After another ten minutes Charles went to speak to the doctor, who said there was little they could do for Hettie other than to ensure her comfort. Adamant that his wife would receive better care in a private hospital, he arranged for her transfer. The following morning she would travel by ambulance to the private wing of St Thomas’s Hospital, where, after she’d been assessed, Charles would talk to her consultant. Now, feeling that he’d done all he could, Charles drove to Battersea, intending to surprise Jessica with an afternoon visit.
Once he’d parked his car, Charles quietly let himself into the flat, and smiled when he heard Jessica singing, the sound drifting from the bathroom. Softly, he opened the bathroom door, and once again smiled, loving the sight of Jessica in the bath covered in bubbles.
‘Hello, my darling,’ he said.
Jessica shrieked, her arms flailing and bubbles flying everywhere. ‘Oh my goodness, Charles,’ she said, recovering her equilibrium, ‘you made me jump.’
‘Yes, I saw that,’ he said, and taking a bath towel from the rack, he held it up for her. ‘Come on, out you get. I require a bit of love and attention.’
‘Oh dear, has something happened?’ she asked as she stepped out of the bath to be enveloped in the towel.
‘Not really, though I’ve arranged to have my wife transferred to a private hospital and I’ve told my daughter that I won’t be going to her wedding.’
‘Why not?’
Charles raised his eyebrows. ‘Isn’t it obvious? My daughter has shamed us, and the young man she is to marry is a common scoundrel.’
‘Common? In what way?’
Charles signed heavily. ‘He isn’t of our class, or education, and his diction is appalling.’
‘I see,’ Jessica said tartly. ‘I didn’t realise you were such a snob, Charles.’
Charles sensed her withdrawal and frowned. ‘I’m not. I just think that Constance could have done better. Instead she is now pregnant and has to marry a man I consider beneath her.’
‘Has it never occurred to you that I am not of your class either, Charles?’ Jessica said curtly.
‘No, not really.’
‘So, if you were free, would you marry me?’
Charles blinked, unable to understand what had caused this outburst, and said impatiently, ‘I’m not free,
which makes your question unanswerable. I don’t know what has caused this reaction, but I didn’t come here to put up with you in this mood.’
‘I know, as you said when you first arrived, you came here for a bit of love and attention.’
‘Yes, that’s right.’
‘And I must give it to you,’ Jessica said. She was silent then, just for a moment, and then her mood changed again like lightning. ‘I’m sorry, darling, I really am. I don’t know what came over me.’
‘Is it your time of the month?’
‘Yes, and it makes me a bit moody.’
‘Never mind. You’re forgiven, and as you aren’t feeling your best, I’ll leave. I’m going back to the hospital to visit Hettie again this evening, and after that I think I’ll go home for an early night.’
‘You poor dear. With all that’s happened you must be exhausted.’
‘Yes, I am rather,’ he said, giving Jessica a hug and finding that for the first time he wanted nothing more.
Jessica was relieved to see him leave. Though he was no spring chicken, she had thought Charles a progressive man, one who accepted the social changes that were occurring, but now she realised that it was just a front. The things he’d said about Constance’s husband-to-be had grated on her, and more than ever made her see the gulf between them. Charles was an upper-class rich man, and she his common mistress, a role she was finding more and more difficult.
Despite the passing of time she still longed to see Eric Dobson, his dark hair and eyes haunting her dreams. All her resolutions about never being poor again were fading in her longing to be with him, but along with that came a deep sadness that she didn’t know how to find him. She sighed heavily, unpinned her hair and got dressed. Now, knowing that she was free for the rest of the day and this evening, an idea formed. She’d go back to Hackney and this time she wouldn’t change her mind. Eric had once mentioned a pub he liked, so it could be a good starting point. Of course she’d still have to keep away from the street where her parents lived, but that wouldn’t be too difficult. Her mother had never strayed far from the house, but the same couldn’t be said for her father and he was the one she feared the most.
Though feeling a shiver of apprehension, Jessica fought it off, this time determined to find Eric, or at least get news of him.
When Albie had been to see his gran, he’d always gained entry to the house by the basement, but that evening he walked up the steps to the front door. He gazed at the Burton Blakes’ impressive home, smiling as he thought about the fact that Constance was an only child. He was sure that one day she would inherit the property, which would then make it his. He hadn’t wanted to marry her at first, but now he’d come to see the benefits that time would eventually bring. Of course he’d have to be patient, but wasn’t there a saying about good things coming to those who wait? Yeah, well, he could wait, and as her father was getting on in years, and her mother was ill, maybe it wouldn’t be too long before all this fell into his hands.
‘Albie,’ Constance said when she opened the door. ‘Do come in.’
He followed her into an imposing room, recognising that much of the furniture was expensive and antique, and gazed at the large fire burning in the impressive hearth. ‘Nice front room,’ he said.
‘This is the drawing room.’
Albie stiffened, annoyed that he’d been corrected, but managed a tight smile. ‘Yeah, well, we haven’t got a drawing room and as you’re moving in with us it’s something you’ll have to get used to.’
‘Moving in with you …? But—’
‘Do you know how to cook, Constance?’ he interrupted.
‘Err … no.’
‘What about washing and ironing?’
‘No, though surely it can’t be that hard to learn.’
‘And cleaning. Do you know how to do housework?’
‘No, but again, it can’t be hard to learn.’
‘Maybe, but until you do I ain’t prepared to put up with living in a tip with me shirts unironed and no food on the table. Mum’s gonna teach you how to do it all, and maybe once you’ve got the hang of it I’ll find us a flat.’
‘So … so you’ve booked the wedding?’
‘Yes, for the beginning of next year, on the fourth of January at eleven o’clock, but before then you’ll have to go to the register office to show them your birth certificate. It won’t be a big affair, just us, my mum, and your parents.’
‘My parents won’t be there. I doubt my mother will have recovered enough and my father has already told me he won’t be attending.’
Albie shrugged. ‘As long as he pays me what he promised, I don’t give a shit. In fact, until the morning of the wedding we don’t need to see each other. Tell your father I’ll pick you up to take you to the register office at around ten and he can pay me then.’
Constance stiffened her back and said defiantly, ‘That suits me. I don’t particularly want to see you either and I’ll pass your message on to my father.’
Albie had thought her shy, but now saw another side to Constance. She had a haughty attitude that he didn’t like, but he wasn’t worried. Once married he’d soon sort Constance out, put her in her place and show her who the boss was. ‘Right then, I’ll be off and I’ll see you on the fourth of January.’
‘Fine,’ Constance snapped. ‘You can see yourself out.’
When Constance came down to the basement, Ethel saw that yet again she had been crying. ‘Are you all right, Miss?’ she asked.
‘Albie just called round to see me.’
Ethel felt a surge of distress. Albie had been to the house but hadn’t come to see her. Of course she knew why but it still hurt. Though reeling, she managed to say, ‘What did my grandson have to say?’
Constance was about to speak, but stopped when she noticed Mary.
‘It’s all right,’ Ethel told her. ‘Mary knows all about it. She overheard us talking, but she isn’t one to gossip.’
‘I see. Well, then, Albie said we are to be married on January the fourth next year, and that’s only just over a month away. I don’t want to do it, Ethel. I don’t want to marry him.’
‘I’m sorry to be blunt, but if you don’t marry him your baby will be born a bastard and surely you won’t want that?’
‘Oh, Ethel.’
‘Yes, I can see you’re shocked and I’m sorry about my language, but there isn’t another word for it.’
‘No, I wouldn’t want the baby to be a bas … bastard, but I don’t think Albie’s keen to marry me either. It’s just my father’s money he wants.’
Ethel knew that Albie must know the circumstances of his own birth now, but he obviously hadn’t told Constance. ‘I’m sure there’s more to it than money. Albie wouldn’t want the baby to be born outside of marriage either and once it arrives things are sure to change. You’ll both love it and it will bring you closer.’
Constance didn’t look convinced, but then said, ‘Ethel, will you come to the wedding?’
Ethel felt like crying and croaked, ‘I can’t, love. Albie won’t want me there.’
‘But I do. This baby will be your great-grandchild.’
‘I know, and bless you, but it’s best if I stay away.’
‘My father said he isn’t coming, and I doubt my mother will be well enough, so that just leaves Albie’s mother. What’s she like, Ethel? Albie said that because I don’t know how to cook and clean we’re going to live with her and that she’ll teach me.’
Ethel chose her words carefully. ‘My Dora might appear stern, but she’s had a hard life bringing Albie up alone. She has got a softer side, and she’s sure to love being a grandmother.’
Constance still looked unhappy. She would have to adjust to a totally new way of living, and Ethel’s heart went out to her. Instead of this lovely house, where everything she needed was provided, Constance was going to find herself living in a tiny terrace where there’d be little privacy. She just hoped that both Albie and Dora would be kind to her.
‘Well, that’s it then,’ Mary said when Constance went back upstairs. ‘We’ve got just over four weeks to find somewhere to live.’
‘I’ve worked for the Burton Blakes for nearly twenty years, but I’ll be glad to leave now. After I’ve cooked their breakfast in the morning, I’m going to visit that letting agency.’
‘I’ll come with you.’
‘What about the cleaning?’
‘I’ll make Mr Burton Blake’s bed, but that’s all. Once he leaves for work he’ll be out for the rest of the day, so he won’t know if I skip the rest. Other than Miss Constance’s bedroom, they’re all unused anyway and I doubt Miss Constance will mind a bit of dust.’
‘If she comes down here to find us both out, she might worry. When you see her in the morning, you’d best tell her we’re going out and why.’
‘All right, but what if she tells her father?’
‘Ask her not to, Mary, but even if she does I’m past caring. Once we’ve found a flat I want to move into it as soon as possible and Mr Burton Blake can find himself another cook.’
‘Yeah, and he can find another cleaner too.’
‘Well, love, you’ll work a fraction of the hours you do now if you take on office cleaning, or even working in a factory.’
‘The children’s home arranged this job and it’s the only one I’ve had. I don’t know where to start when it comes to looking for another one.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll help you, but there’s no immediate hurry. Let’s settle in to our new home first.’
‘Oh, Ethel, I can’t wait,’ Mary said, giving one of her skips of excitement. ‘My first proper home and one I’ll be sharing with you.’
Ethel smiled happily too. Once they’d found a flat she’d give Constance the address and ask her to visit them, and to bring the baby when it was born. Then her face sobered. When Albie told Constance what she’d done, she doubted the girl would want to see her again. That meant she wouldn’t get to see her great-grandchild, another member of her family lost to her.
‘What’s up, Ethel? You look like you’re gonna cry.’
‘I … I’m all right,’ she managed to croak, wishing that she had the power to turn back time, but knowing it was impossible. Her family was lost to her, but she felt some comfort when an arm was flung around her shoulders and Mary hugged her. The girl might not be family, Ethel thought, but Mary was the closest thing she now had to a granddaughter, and at least she wouldn’t have to live alone.