Lily of Love Lane (38 page)

Suddenly he swept her into his arms. He held her tenderly, then passionately. Drawing his hands over her face he looked into her eyes. ‘Oh, Lily, my sweet girl.’

Lily thought she was about to expire with joy. So this was what it felt like to be in his arms, to be so close to him that she could feel his heart pounding. Her body trembled as he kissed her
forehead. Slowly he drew her chin up and tenderly placed his lips over hers. Lily wondered if her heart would stop. Desire gripped her like an exquisite physical pain. She had never felt like this
before. She knew she was in love and that whatever he asked of her, she would do.

‘Oh, Lily, Lily,’ he whispered, kissing her again. Then in the firelight, he began to unfasten the buttons of her dress.

The meeting at the Mission Hall had followed its usual pattern. Someone had a complaint, then another trumped in. Noah Kelly was beginning to think his sister had been right.
He was cold right through and he’d only joined Charlie in order to get out of the house for a few hours. But these were old men, past the age of action. The Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin,
was usually the first to be slated. But tonight it was the Jarrow marchers. The poor buggers were struggling all the way down from the north and intended to present Baldwin with their petition.

‘Let’s join ’em when they arrive,’ several old boys up the front shouted. ‘They’ve got the same troubles as us, with their shipbuilding and steel works in the
grip of depression. They’ve got mouths to feed and want jobs as bad as we do. Let the East End dockers meet up with ’em at Hyde Park and put our four penneth in.’

‘Like we did at Cable Street?’ cried another contemptuously.

‘Our blokes was infiltrated there,’ someone replied, ‘by the commies and fascists. Cable Street was a fiasco and everyone knows it.’

Noah knew that all this talk was ineffective hot air. The men filling this smoke-filled hall could hardly wield their walking sticks, let alone muscle at Hyde Park. He couldn’t distinguish
one grey head from another, except for the odd balding pate like his own.

A bent figure in the next row finally spoke some sense. ‘Oh sit down and shut up. How is a lot of old codgers going to help them poor sods from Jarrow? Our time is over.’

‘They should go to the horse’s mouth, Baldwin himself,’ was the vehement reply.

‘Baldwin will snub ’em!’

‘Labour won’t let him!’

‘Labour won’t do nothing except sit on the fence!’

‘The King might. He’s off to Wales to see the jobless.’

Noah sighed to himself as the voices grew louder. He’d heard it all before, in other words, with different faces, but now every bone in his body ached. He wanted to go home where there was
a hot cup of tea and nice fire and time to nap.

Then a voice made him sit up and take note. ‘I heard the commie’s have a welcome in store for the Northerners! Me son-in-law works in city town hall. He’s heard they plan to
accompany the lads from Jarrow when they march on Downing Street.’

At this, the small, smoke-filled room was filled with a new and energetic exchange. Charlie next to him, nodded fiercely.

‘I told yer, Noah.’

‘You think they’re going for another Cable Street?’

‘Why not? Baldwin fears a civil uprising and that’s what the subversives are after.’

‘I haven’t forgot what you told me.’

‘Your girl don’t want to be involved in any of that.’

Noah shook his head firmly. ‘It’s how to tell her that’s the problem.’

‘Just keep your ear to the ground for now.’

Noah glanced at his friend and decided to keep his seat a while longer. He wanted to hear what more was going to be said on the theme of anarchy. He had a vested interest in its outcome. So,
stamping his feet on the flagstone floor, he took out his tobacco and carefully rolled a thin smoke, turning his better ear to the next speaker.

Lily lay next to the man with whom she had fallen in love on the first day she had seen him, six years ago. Now she had surrendered her body. Charles’ lovemaking had been
the most thrilling thing that had had ever happened to her. She was a woman now and it was Charles who had taken her to this place of self-discovery. He had seemed shocked as she had cried in pain
the moment he entered her.

‘Lily, I’m your first!’ he’d whispered huskily. ‘I had no idea.’

Lily hadn’t known what to say. She was frightened and excited all at once. She loved him and wanted to make him happy, but she didn’t know how. Then as he swept her away on a wave of
emotion, all her worries had disappeared. She had never felt a man’s naked body beside her and Charles was the most beautiful of men. His lean, muscled frame, long limbs and strong hands were
like a work of art. He had aroused her until she had cried out again, but this time with a wanton desire. The need inside her became all consuming and she couldn’t deny it.

Now she lay listening to his rhythmic breathing. He had brought her here, to her own bed, to make love to her. This was the only regret she had. Was Delia’s memory never to be forgotten?
She had felt his wife’s ghostly shadow for just a few moments, but as he had made love to her, that had soon passed.

How wonderful had been that moment in front of the fire! He had been a gentle lover at first as he removed her clothes. His dark eyes had been filled with hunger as he’d gazed at her
nakedness. She had felt self-conscious and tried to hide her fear, but sensing her embarrassment, he had taken her hands and shown them where to explore.

She had been so nervous that he’d held her to him again. As she had relaxed, and his manhood had become apparent, Lily had thought she was going to faint at the desire that she knew she
had caused. The man whom she had never seen other than fully dressed, was naked in the firelight. Their clothes had been scattered at their feet. Suddenly she hadn’t cared, as the flames of
the fire glowed on their bodies like one of the old pictures painted by a Master.

Suddenly Charles stirred, bringing her back to the moment. She felt afraid all over again. Would he still want her? Was this night going to end with a brusque goodbye? Her heart was already
beginning to ache as he turned and drew her against him. Lily gasped at his arousal.

‘My darling, do I frighten you?’

‘Oh no, no,’ was all she could say as his lips found hers. This time their lovemaking was even more wonderful. Lily felt ashamed that Charles had to teach her so much. It seemed that
he brought life into her soul, as though she was tasting heaven.

Lily knew she would never forget this night. Even if it was the only night she was to spend with Charles. She had never felt so complete.

As he continued to kiss her, she gave herself completely. He was an experienced lover, older and wiser and the passion that he lavished on her made her hungry for more. She didn’t know she
could ever feel such abandon.

When at last he lay asleep, Lily thought of the things they had done together. Had her own parents done it too? And Mrs Parks and Mr Parks? And Hattie and Reube?

She listened again to his breathing. Would he still want her tomorrow? Her desire for him had increased but was it the same for Charles?

B
en crossed the road and knocked on the door of number thirty-four.

‘Oh, Ben, come in a minute. I was just making me Christmas pudding. It’s only November, but I like to have everything ready.’ Josie wiped her hands on her apron.

‘Smells lovely. Won’t keep you a minute.’

‘Would you like a cuppa?’

Ben stepped inside. ‘No thanks, Mrs B. Got to get up to the city for the Christmas fares. Don’t run the lorry or the Chariot much now.’

‘Oh, why’s that?’

‘I’m making a good enough living with me cab.’

‘You’re going up in the world, dear. But you deserve it, you work all hours God sends.’

Ben glanced down the hall to the kitchen from which a delicious aroma came. ‘Have you had word from Lil?’

‘Yes, and I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed again. Like I told you last week and the week before, she ain’t coming home.’

‘But I thought she was?’

‘No, ducks. She sent me a note saying she’s been asked to work again. It’s Christmas soon and Mr Grey has a lot of entertaining to do around the festive season.’

‘Will she be home for Christmas?’

‘I hope so. It would be nice to be all together and we could have a few carols round the piano. Your mum and Hattie and Reube are coming over on Boxing Day. And I hope you’ll come
too?’

‘Yes, that’d be nice.’

‘After all, you don’t want to be alone in your little house. Do you like living up at Stepney?’

‘Yes, it ain’t bad.’

‘Do you know any of the neighbours yet?’

‘Not really. I’m out at work a lot. But what I’ve seen of them they’re a good natured lot.’ Ben turned his cap in his hands. He wanted to ask more about Lily but
felt he couldn’t. ‘Well, I suppose I’d better let you get on with your cake. I was only making sure that Lil was all right for a lift.’

Josie smiled. ‘Between you and Mr Grey she does very well for transport.’

That didn’t help much, thought Ben silently as he tried to smile. He wanted Lil to be happy, course he did, but he realized he was losing her. He’d been content to feed off the
crumbs, collecting and delivering her when her lord and master was away, but now even that was being taken from him.

‘Are you sure you wouldn’t like a cuppa, dear?’

‘No, I must be off.’

‘Is that you, young man?’ Noah Kelly appeared, pulling on his coat.

‘Mornin’ Mr Kelly, where are you off to?’

‘Up the shops for me tobacco.’

‘Want a lift?’

‘That’d be just the job.’

‘Noah, you’re not going out in this freezing weather,’ said Lily’s mum and Ben smiled.

‘Josie, it ain’t freezing.’

‘Well, you’re a—’

‘A daft old man, yes I know. Now, is there anything you want up the shops?’

‘No, thank you. Now I see you have your cap, but don’t forget your gloves.’ She handed them to him from the stand, arching an eyebrow.

The two men left the house and climbed into Ben’s vehicle. ‘How’s Mr Bright these days?’ Ben enquired as he drove.

‘Same as always, under the thumb. Don’t put no energy into resisting it.’

The two men smiled knowingly at one another. ‘Sorry to hear Lily’s not coming home,’ said Ben.

‘Me too, son.’

‘The job must be going all right, then?’

‘Looks that way.’ Noah pushed his pince-nez along the ridge of his nose. ‘Did you hear the news this morning? The Prime Minister has refused to see the poor sods from Jarrow.
Said he fears a civil uprising.’

‘Sounds as though he’s worried after what happened at Cable Street,’ Ben nodded. ‘There were a lot of injuries and the law took a fair trouncing too.’

‘I wish I was ten years younger. I’d have been right up the front meself.’

‘Only ten?’

‘Well, twenty or thirty then. Fifty’d be nice.’

They both laughed. Ben drew up at the row of shops in Manchester Road. ‘This all right for you?’

‘Thanks, son.’

Ben jumped out and opened the door. The wind cut across him as he helped the old man out. ‘You know, it is a bit parky, Mr Kelly. Do you want me to wait for you?’

‘No, you get off.’ But before Ben could leave, the older man gripped his arm. ‘Son, I don’t want to put the wind up you, but I don’t like me girl not coming home.
We ain’t seen her in a month.’

‘I’m sure she’s all right.’

‘Yes, but you hear some funny things going round these days.’

‘Now you’re worrying me,’ Ben frowned.

‘Oh, take no notice,’ his companion shrugged. ‘Josie says I’m a daft old man and she’s probably right.’

‘You’re far from that. Look, I intend to knock off early tonight, do you fancy an ale down the Quarry. Mr Bright too, if he’s up for it.’

‘Now you’re talking, lad.’

‘See you about seven then?’

‘Thanks, son.’

‘Don’t mention it.’

Ben jumped back in the car and drove away. The more he thought about what Noah Kelly had said the more he was puzzled. What had he heard that was connected to Lily that had put the wind up him?
Well, whatever it was he’d find out tonight when they had a good old chinwag.

Lily gazed at the tall Christmas tree standing in the hall. It was now the first of December. She was going to put up the decorations before the guests arrived. Most evenings
now, Charles was busy with entertaining. There had been many new faces at the house and Charles had impressed it on her that it was important she told no one about the meetings. These men were very
important to his career and they came from all over the world to see him. She was flattered he had taken her into his confidence. Even though she couldn’t converse with their visitors, she
imagined herself as the lady of the house. Then, as they sat behind closed doors until late into the night, Lily would go upstairs and wait for Charles.

When the tap came on her door, she fell into his arms. Every time he made love to her, it was more wonderful than the last. As the weeks passed, she wished she could talk about the love of her
life. But Hattie was the only one she could tell.

Lily was decorating the tree when Mrs Brewer appeared. ‘The beef and the vegetables are all prepared,’ she said as she took off her apron. ‘Enough for your six guests
tonight.’ Lily knew Mrs Brewer would like to have known who they were. But Charles had told Lily she must never mention any names. ‘Are you sure you don’t want me to come back and
help?’

‘No, that won’t be necessary. I can serve it up easily.’ Charles now only wanted Lily to be present.

‘That looks pretty, dear,’ Mrs Brewer went on, casting an eagle eye over the tree.

‘Yes, it makes the house festive.’

‘Which reminds me,’ Mrs Brewer said as she reached for her hat and coat on the stand. ‘Mr Grey has given me two weeks off. And you’ll be going home for Christmas no
doubt. So how will he manage?’

Instead of going home, Lily intended to be with Charles at Christmas, though of course she couldn’t tell Mrs Brewer that. The house would be their own with no one to disturb them. It would
be like being a real married couple. ‘I’ll make sure he’s catered for,’ she assured the daily help.