Nobody’s Darling

by Nobody’s Darling (retail) (epub)

  At the front of the house, she paused to look back. In the distance she could see the two familiar figures: Thomas was going into the stables, while Johnny strode off in the direction of the spinney. She was sorely tempted, and might even have followed him, but just then her husband came to the door with the child in his arms.

  ‘Oh! There you are, my dear,’ he said with a broad smile. ‘We’ve been looking for you.’ He glanced at the child, a fine healthy boy with dark eyes and a bright lively face. ‘We should spend a little time with our son before your brother and his intended come calling.’

  ‘Oh, hell!’ She stamped her foot. ‘I’d forgotten all about Luke and that dreadful Cicely Banks.’

  ‘Don’t be churlish, my dear. If you ask me, they make a splendid couple.’ He held the boy out to her, and the child reached up his arms, waiting to be taken.

  ‘Nobody’s asking you!’ she snapped, brushing past the pair of them. ‘I’m going to my room, and don’t disturb me until you have to.’

  At the foot of the stairs she crossed paths with her father. ‘I’ve got a headache, she said in a pitiful voice, at the same time tenderly stroking her fingers over her brow. ‘I have to lie down for a while.’ Looking at him with beseeching eyes, she pleaded, ‘Must I come down when Luke arrives?’

  Oliver Arnold had seen it all before, and he was not moved. ‘Of course you must,’ he insisted. ‘Isn’t this the very reason I asked you and your family here this weekend… to celebrate the fact that your brother is shortly to wed? There are all manner of things to be discussed. And besides, I have a little announcement of my own to make.’

  He wasn’t surprised when she turned on her heel and rushed up the stairs without another word. Teresa was sullen. He had come to expect it of her.

  At the sound of running feet, he swung round. Ida flung herself into his arms. ‘Daddy! Do you think Luke and Cicely will let me be bridesmaid?’ she asked, nestling into the curve of his arm.

  ‘I shall insist on it,’ he joked, and she flushed with happiness. ‘Tony’s in the drawing-room,’ she said. ‘He told me that Teresa had gone to bed with a headache.’ She made a face. ‘I don’t believe it. I think she’s hiding from Cicely and Luke.’

  ‘Now why would she want to do that?’ It wasn’t right that Ida should think such things, even if they were true.

  ‘Because she’s already told me she doesn’t like Cicely.’ ‘Nonsense. She hardly knows the poor girl.’

  Ida giggled. ‘Teresa doesn’t have to know anyone to dislike them.’ She looked up at him with adoring eyes, ‘I think Cicely’s sweet. And I think she’s too good for Luke.’

  ‘That’s a harsh thing to say.’ He was careful not to admit that the very same thought had crossed his own mind. They were coming to the drawing-room now, and when she drew away from him, he went directly to the settee and plucked the boy from its depths. ‘And how is my grandson then?’ He hadn’t got used to being a grandfather, and spoke to the child as he would to a business colleague. Ida giggled again, and Tony looked on with amusement. He was a good man, but his love for Teresa put him at her mercy.

  No one heard the boy’s nanny enter until her crisp voice announced: ‘I’ll take the boy upstairs for his bath now.’ She crossed the room with long strides and bundled the child out of Oliver’s arms. There was no resistance — not from the father, and not from the grandfather. This capable woman’s authority was unquestionable and essential to the boy’s well-being, especially since his mother took little or no interest in him.

  When the door closed behind her, Ida informed the men, ‘I’m going to ask if I can help. If she won’t let me help, then I’ll just watch.’

  ‘Go ahead, child,’ Oliver told her. ‘Tony and I have things to talk over.’ For two days now, ever since his daughter and her family came to stay, he had been quietly mulling over two matters in particular. First, he had seen how despicably Teresa treated both her husband and son, and intended to rebuke his son-in-law for allowing it. Second, he had a mind to settle a few business issues, and as Tony was a sensible young man, thought to seek his opinion; although having already spoken to his own solicitor, his mind was made up and could not be changed. He knew that

  Teresa would not like what he had to announce that evening, but then she was altogether a contrary person. Besides, he believed that what he was about to propose was fair to all parties concerned.

  * * *

  At six-thirty, Luke arrived, disheveled and unusually merry. It was obvious to all that he had been drinking.

  ‘Good heavens man, you ought to have more sense!’ Oliver was furious as he propelled his son straight upstairs. In fact, he began to wonder whether he had made the right decision after all. Perhaps he should postpone the planned announcement? ‘Where in God’s name have you been since yesterday? Have you forgotten your future wife and her father are joining us for dinner in less than two hours?’

  ‘Don’t worry, Father,’ Luke said charmingly. ‘By the time our guests arrive, I shall be both sober and handsomely turned out.’ Falling against his father he giggled like a schoolboy. ‘I promise you’ll be proud of me.’

  Disgusted, Oliver gave no reply. Instead, he opened his son’s bedroom door and pushed him in, ordering in a hard voice, ‘You’re a fool! I’ll send up a pot of black coffee. Drink it! After that you’d better get some sleep. I’ll see to it that you’re woken in good time.’ He swept a disgusted glance over him. ‘I thought I would never again see you like this.’

  Even with his mind fuddled, Luke realised he had gone too far. These past months he’d been careful not to bring his drinking home with him, staying overnight wherever he could lay his head, and presenting a responsible and sober image to his father the next day. Last night, though, the thought that he would soon be marrying one woman when he desperately craved another was suddenly too much for him. He had tried to escape the reality of it by skulking off to Manchester where he had availed himself of the first whore who offered. After that he sought solace in drink, then another and another, until he fell into a stupor. All night and all day today he had lain in that hotel bed, thinking and cursing, not wanting to come back, yet knowing he had no choice. Finally, he dragged himself down to the bar where he gulped down two hairs of the dog that bit him, then another, and another, until he had enough courage to face the celebrations.

  ‘I’m truly sorry, Father,’ he lied. ‘It’s the thought of wedding bells, I expect.’ He grinned. ‘I’ve never been a husband before.’

  He could see his father softening, and he played on it. ‘I’m nervous,’ he admitted. ‘I expect you were, when you got married?’ For a moment Oliver was taken aback, thinking he might have been too hard on his son. After all, Luke’s behaviour had been exemplary of late. He was showing a surprisingly responsible attitude where the business was concerned, and had found himself an eminently suitable woman. Cicely Banks was a good catch by any standard.

  ‘All right, son,’ he said, placing a friendlier hand on his shoulder. ‘I do understand. Marriage is a big step in a man’s life, and I can see how it would make you nervous.’ He laughed. ‘Come to think of it, yes, I do believe I felt the very same.’ His face grew grim then. ‘However, I can’t recollect going away to get quietly drunk.’

  ‘It won’t happen again.’ Luke was secretly gloating. He had won, and it was his father who was the fool.

  ‘See that it doesn’t,’ Oliver warned. Yet again he had found a reason to forgive his only son. But he comforted himself with the knowledge that a man usually only wed once. It might be as well for Luke to sow any wild oats now, before he was finally committed to the sanctity of marriage.

  * * *

  When Cicely and her father arrived at precisely eight o’clock, Luke greeted them at the door. Just as he had promised, he was both sober and well presented, looking quite debonair in a dark suit with silk waistcoat and white embroidered shirt.

  ‘Oh, Cicely, you look lovely,’ he murmured, kissing her dutifully on the mou
th. The fact that she did indeed look very pretty in a new soft grey dress with little pearl buttons at the throat, was of no interest at all to him. He was playing a part, and he played it with practised skill. ‘How do you do, Mr Banks?’ he said, extending a friendly hand to his future father-in-law. ‘It’s good to see you. I’m sure we’re going to have a wonderful evening.’

  ‘Thank you, son.’

  Jeffrey Banks felt suitably proud that his daughter had the good sense to find herself such an agreeable and accomplished young man. The word was already out that, on the occasion of this forthcoming wedding, Oliver Arnold intended making part of the business over to his son. If that was the case, then Cicely’s future was indeed secure, because where Jeffrey himself had one foundry, Oliver Arnold had many more. In fact, only this year he had secured the deeds to yet another, not in Blackburn but situated in the heart of the Midlands.

  Maids came and went, carrying in a tray here, taking out another there, emptying the ashtrays into long funnel-like objects and hovering discreetly, ready to pander to the smallest whim. This was their place in life and they prided themselves on their talent for cossetting the gentry. As for the gentry themselves, waiting for dinner to be served was a pleasant enough pastime, a short interlude for aperitifs and small talk in the drawing-room, a time when barriers were broken down and everyone put at ease.

  Luke and Cicely were seated on the settee, Teresa and her husband occupied the two armchairs, and the two older men stood with their backs to the great fireplace. The general conversation ran through the state of the nation, the problems of running a large household, business in general and the workforce in particular. Wedding plans were at the fore, and yet another key issue was lightly touched on when Jeffrey Banks outlined his plans for a complete overhaul of safety and welfare at his plant.

  ‘Oh, I agree,’ said Oliver, feverishly nodding his head. ‘It’s becoming more and more important to stay ahead of all these blasted rules and regulations which seem to overwhelm us these days. But then, of course, it is an employer’s moral responsibility to look after the men in his building.’ He went on to describe how he himself had instigated an expensive programme whereby: ‘Starting with the main foundry, which will be the essential prototype, every aged beam and platform in all my foundries will be replaced within two years. Like yourself, I produce only the finest steel. He sighed long and deep. ‘Steel is only as good as the metals you introduce into it, and you must know it costs a fortune to buy in nickel, tungsten, manganese and the like. However, these elements are essential, are they not? So it goes without saying that if you want to produce good strong steel, you have to pay the market prices for the ingredients.’

  Much to everyone’s embarrassment, Cicely interrupted. ‘Much like baking a cake, I think,’ she said, growing quiet when her statement drew blank faces. ‘I mean, your cake is only as good as the ingredients you put in,’ she finished lamely.

  Oliver broke the uncomfortable silence. ‘Quite, my dear,’ he said with an encouraging look. Continuing, he addressed himself to Jeffrey Banks, ‘Of course, all our best iron and steel is being put aside to provide a whole new interior structure.’ He glanced proudly at Luke. ‘Isn’t that right, son?’ On an affirmative answer from Luke, he went on proudly, ‘These days I come to rely on this young man more and more.’ He beamed at his son and Luke went up in Jeffrey Banks’s estimation by the minute.

  * * *

  During dinner there was an underlying air of conspiracy, particularly between Teresa and her brother. In spite of her husband’s bid to draw her into the social spirit of the evening, Teresa sulked from the moment she sat down. Embarrassed by this hostile reception, yet eager to make it apparent that she was open to friendship, Cicely smiled sweetly at one and all The two elder men were soon deep in conversation, and Luke busied himself by heaping attention on his intended, making her blush and giggle in turn. To all intents and purposes he was in love, and there was no doubt that he was the perfect gentleman

  Only Teresa knew his little game, and she watched him with amusement all evening long, occasionally catching his eye with a sly little grin that sent shivers of fear down his spine. He knew what a predatory animal she could be, and cursed himself for having confided in her when he had been the worse for drink. Consequently she knew his inner thoughts: how he was marrying Cicely only for monetary and power gains. She knew also that he still nurtured a dark loathing of their father and that he was obsessed with taking revenge. That was partly why he had connived with other weak and deceitful creatures to rob his father by selling out the top-grade steel which was earmarked for the interior construction work, then buying in second-rate pig-iron and skimming off the money that should have gone to pay for vital quantities of other metals needed to produce first-grade steel.

  It wasn’t only revenge that prompted Luke to commit such a foolhardy and dangerous act. Nor was it the fact that he had cunningly betrayed his father’s trust. There was another motive and that was insatiable greed. The more he had, the more he wanted, and the more his loathing of his father ate away at him. He could not forget how he had suffered deep shame and humiliation when his father took him out of school and forced him to be educated at home, alongside his younger sisters. Marrying Cicely Banks would give him the means whereby he might prove his own superiority, and eventually strip his father of everything he owned.

  Besides revenge and money, and the power that would come with it there was one other need that drove him, and that was the need for a woman. Not the many women he had bedded and discarded; they were nothing but a pastime to him, something to keep him amused while he plotted and schemed. The woman he wanted was Ruby, and as yet she was unattainable. But already he was working and scheming to the day when she would beg him to take her Unlike the indomitable maid, whose love and devotion for Cicely was her own weakness, he saw Cicely as only a pawn by which he might realise all his heart’s desires.

  Apart from Ruby’s identity, Teresa knew all of this, and he could never be certain whether she might betray him. But then he suspected she had her own secrets – the child for one whom he knew was not Tony’s son. If she ever made life difficult for him he would see to it that she was made an outcast. The thought amused him as he returned her devious little smile. Such an air of confidence appeared to confuse her. Satisfied, he attended to his meal with a heightened appetite.

  Dishes of steamed fish and succulent vegetables were served on the finest china plates. Then followed soufflés and a meringue that melted in the mouth. Best wine was poured into long crystal glasses, and as it flowed, conversation quickened, embracing everyone, even Teresa, who was mellowed by the drink. All in all, everyone had a splendid time, and soon it was time for the main announcement.

  ‘Take up your glasses,’ Luke called, rising to his feet, ‘and drink a toast to my lovely Cicely.’

  Everyone’s eyes turned to Cicely, who was visibly shrinking with delight and embarrassment. ‘Come, my dear,’ he invited. ‘Stand beside me.’ In a moment she was pressing against him and he, pretending to enjoy her nearness, announced in a cool strong voice, ‘Cicely and I have considered our respective fathers’ wishes and have now chosen a date for the marriage.’ He bent to place a gossamer kiss on her upturned face before going on grandly, ‘The date is to be the fourteenth of June, less than three months from now.’

  There followed a rush of congratulations. In anticipation, Oliver had already ordered the very best wine to be brought up from the cellars and made ready. Once this was poured, all glasses were raised and the toast was given by Oliver himself: ‘To Cicely and Luke.’

  When Luke saw that Teresa was slyly smiling, his own smugness fell away, and he wondered furiously what could be done about her…

  ‘If you will all remain standing,’ Oliver’s voice rang out now, ‘I have a special announcement of my own to make.’ All eyes were on him as he continued, ‘For some time I have been considering the prospect of taking life a little easier. Up to now, it has been
unthinkable. Like you, Jeffrey,’ he nodded in the direction of Cicely’s father, ‘my life is fraught with responsibilities. However, now that my son has achieved an age when he can be trusted implicitly to execute his duties to the full, I have come to a decision.’

  He paused, gazing round the sea of faces that all stared at him, Jeffrey Banks’s with surprised interest, Cicely with politeness, Teresa with amused curiosity, and Tony Hargreaves playing his fingers against the tablecloth until Teresa put a warning hand over his knuckles and shrivelled him with one dark look.

  Luke gave his full and undivided attention to what was being said. His mouth was half open, his astonished brain rapidly assimilating his father’s words and daring to believe that he was about to be put in sole charge of the business. ‘In giving Luke a free hand with regard to these new safety measures at the first plant, I wasn’t quite certain whether it would be something I might come to regret. In the event, I am more than delighted. He has proved himself to be keen and conscientious. He has a natural winning way with the men, and all reports show him to be immensely capable of stepping into my shoes so to speak.’ He turned to his son and raised his glass. ‘You’ve done well.

  ‘Thank you, Father.’ Luke sounded suitably humble.

  Replacing his glass on the table, Oliver went on, ‘I want it to be known that there was a time when I despaired of my only son. On more than one occasion after his mother died, I was summoned to his school and asked to take him off the premises. There was then no choice but to educate my son with his younger sisters… a grinding humiliation for any young man. But he rose above it admirably, and now I have a son to be proud of. I’m a very lucky man.’ He glanced down at the tablecloth, reliving those bad days and thanking God they were over.