Lizzie's Secret (10 page)

‘And who is going to pick up the pieces next time? It's taken all this time to pay off the bill at the…'

‘Jane, be quiet!' Uncle Jack spoke in a tone Lizzie had never heard from him. ‘I won't have you nagging her over a silly thing like a lift from a gentleman she knows – I'm sure Lizzie would never get into a car with a man she didn't know.'

‘Of course not,' Lizzie said. ‘Please don't argue over me – and please don't worry about me. I'm not a child.'

‘Have it your own way,' her aunt muttered. ‘Get on with the supper, Lizzie. I'll be working. Call me when it's ready…'

Lizzie looked at her uncle as the door closed behind Aunt Jane. ‘Uncle Jack – what was she going to say? Something about a bill… was it for the sanatorium? Has it taken years to pay it off?'

He sighed heavily. ‘I didn't want you to know – but it cost me quite a bit of money. I had to take out a loan and there was interest on that, so I've only just managed to pay the last instalment.'

‘I'm so sorry. I would pay it back if I could…'

‘Nonsense, my love; I shouldn't dream of it.. You are my niece. I couldn't leave you in that institution any longer, Lizzie. You were slipping away from us; they told us you would never recover. The doctor at the sanatorium brought you back from the brink and I would've paid any price…'

‘Oh uncle,' Lizzie said. She knelt by his chair and put her arms about him, resting her cheek against his. ‘I do love you. You've been so good to me.'

‘You have become my life,' he told her simply. ‘Just be happy, my love.'

‘You mustn't quarrel with Aunt Jane on my behalf…'

‘It was time I told her what's what, Lizzie. I know she resented my paying that money, but it was mine. I earned it and she always had her share.'

Lizzie felt the sting of tears as she got up to make the tea. She'd wondered why her aunt was so careful with money, always nagging Lizzie about every penny she spent, and now she understood. It must have been difficult for her uncle to pay that bill and he'd never uttered one word of reproach to her – never even let her know that it had cost him to send her to that private sanatorium.

She tried to remember where she'd been before that, but although she felt cold all over, as if a dark cloud had descended, she still couldn't recall anything before the doctor in the sanatorium had spoken to her about going home.

‘I'm sorry I've caused so much trouble for you both,' she said as she brought her uncle a cup of tea.

‘No, Lizzie,' he said firmly. ‘I sent you out that evening to buy my cigarettes. If I'd gone myself, it would never have happened…'

‘My accident,' Lizzie said. ‘I've never known exactly what happened. Did I fall and hurt myself… or was I attacked…?'

Uncle Jack's face was very pale. ‘What makes you ask, Lizzie? You haven't remembered that night?'

‘No – but sometimes I've wondered…'

‘The doctor told us that it was best if we didn't tell you, Lizzie. He says that if you want to remember it will come back in time, and if your mind doesn't want to let it in it won't. I think he knew what he was doing, love. Until he started to treat you, you didn't know us. I thought you were lost to us forever…'

‘Please, do not distress yourself, uncle. I just wish I could repay you for all you've done for me.'

‘You do that every day with your smile and your caring,' he said and shook his head. ‘No more questions, Lizzie. You'd best get the supper on before your aunt goes on the rampage.'

Lizzie noticed Tilly's red eyes when she took the trays round with everyone's tea. She served all the others and then took her mug back to the girl's bench, perching on one corner.

‘What's wrong, Tilly? You've been crying…'

Tilly swallowed hard. ‘My husband had an accident at work yesterday. They took him to hospital and I was allowed to visit for ten minutes last night… but he was asleep and didn't know I was there…'

‘I'm so sorry. What happened?'

‘He slipped as he was moving some heavy crates and one fell on him. He could have been killed…'

‘I'm so sorry,' Lizzie said. ‘If there's anything I can do to help just tell me.'

Tilly hesitated, then, ‘There is, if you mean it?'

‘Yes, of course. What can I do?'

‘I can only visit for a few minutes at night, because Mum looks after my little one all day and she won't stay longer than half past seven. On Saturday I could have an hour visit with him, but Mum's going to a friend's wedding. I can't ask her to take care of Sally…'

‘What time is visiting Saturday afternoon?'

‘From three thirty to four thirty…'

‘I could have your little girl,' Lizzie said. ‘I go to Ed's house and do a few jobs, but I could take the child with me. I think Madge would love to see her, and if you're home by five I can meet my friends as arranged for the evening.'

‘Oh, Lizzie, you are a darlin',' Tilly said and hugged her. ‘You'd best clear it with Ed and his wife first…'

‘I'm going there tonight,' Lizzie said. ‘I'll ask Madge, but I'm sure she would love it.'

Ed was a little uncertain when Lizzie mentioned the idea later but he said he had no objection if his wife agreed. They worked in harmony until midday and then, just as Lizzie was going to lunch, Mr Oliver came up to them.

‘Sebastian took both the hats you made as well as his usual order,' he said. ‘ and he's ordered three of the pleated variety, one in black, pale blue, and emerald green, and he wants six of the cheaper one in whatever colours you think will look stylish…'

‘He must have liked them,' Lizzie said, feeling a little shocked. ‘When does he need them by?'

‘Like everyone else, he wants them yesterday,' Mr Oliver grunted. ‘I told him Saturday morning – but I still want the other orders on time, so you'll have to work in your break if necessary, Lizzie.'

‘I don't mind, but what do I get out of it?' she asked, holding her breath as he glared at her. ‘Well, they were my designs and if I have to work extra hours.' Lizzie held her breath but after all they were her designs and she didn't see why she shouldn't get something out of it.

‘I'll give you five bob if you get them done on time, and Ed still gets his orders out,' her employer told her. ‘It's up to you how you work it between you…'

‘That told him, Lizzie girl,' Ed whispered. ‘Good for you, standing up for yourself. You should be paid for new designs. He would have to pay anyone else – and designers charge the earth for their services; that's why we stick to the same styles. Bert Oliver won't waste money if he can help it… but you took a risk, lass. You got away with it this time, but you might not be so lucky next.'

*

‘Of course you can bring Tilly's little girl on Saturday,' Madge said when Lizzie asked her. ‘It will be a treat for me. She can sit on my lap while you're busy and perhaps she'll just go to sleep.'

‘Well, we'll have the pram so she can go in that if she's trouble,' Lizzie said. ‘As long as it isn't too much for you?'

‘I'm feeling a bit better in myself again,' Madge said. ‘I've told Ed that he needn't come home midday if he's busy at work because I can make a cup of tea and a sandwich now. I feel a bit awkward about letting you do so much, but I don't want to stop you coming, even if we only have a chat…'

‘You're not fit to polish or scrub floors,' Lizzie said. ‘All Ed wants is to see you well again – and I like coming…'

‘Well, I've got something for you, a surprise,' Madge said. ‘I couldn't give you money and I know you wouldn't take it if we tried – but I do have something you might like.'

‘You don't have to give me anything,' Lizzie said. ‘Honestly, I just want to help Ed and see you…'

‘Well, this isn't any good to me now, but it might be of use to you.' Milly pointed to something hung over the back of a chair. ‘Bring it here, Lizzie, and hold it up against you.'

Lizzie picked up what she immediately saw was a pale blue dress. It had short fitted sleeves, a shaped neckline, narrow waist and a gored skirt. The material was silky but not real silk, of course, and the buttons at the front were pearly and very pretty.

‘It's much too long,' Madge said, ‘but you could shorten it, Lizzie, and I think it looks as if it will fit?'

‘It's my size,' Lizzie said, ‘and I can easily make any adjustments – but this is such a lovely dress, Madge. It's the one you told me about – for your first dance… you can't want to give it away?'

‘I'd love you to have it,' Madge said. ‘I think it will suit you and I shall never wear it again. Please take it with my love. It isn't payment, it's a gift from me to you…'

‘It's lovely and I can't wait to wear it,' she said and kissed Madge's cheek. ‘Now, I'm going to finish that ironing before I leave and your meal will be ready in five minutes…'

*

Aunt Jane looked at the dress as Beth placed it carefully on the old daybed in the kitchen, smoothing the skirts out reverently. It must have been expensive new.

‘Where did you get that? It isn't new?'

‘It belonged to Madge. I shall have to cut the length, because it's too long, but I don't think it needs much else doing.'

‘Are you sure it's clean? I don't want fleas in my house.'

‘It is perfectly clean. Madge told me she had it cleaned before she put it away.'

‘Well, I dare say it smells of mothballs. I should steam it and hang it in the scullery until the smell goes, if I were you. If you really want charity…'

‘It smells of lavender,' Lizzie said, hurt that her aunt should make stinging remarks about the gift. ‘I'll cut the skirt to my length and hem it and then I'll steam and iron it. I shall wear it this weekend.'

‘Going out with your friend again I suppose?'

‘First of all, I'm going to collect Tilly's little girl so that she can visit her husband in hospital, and I'm going to take her to Madge's house. Afterwards, I'll get changed and go to Beth's house…'

‘And what is Beth doing all afternoon?'

‘Her boyfriend is taking her up West for tea and he is going to buy her a present…'

‘And what happens this evening – do you play gooseberry or do you have another friend?'

Lizzie took a deep breath, then, ‘Harry Oliver is coming too. We're going as a foursome.'

A flash of annoyance showed in Aunt Jane's eyes. ‘You are being very foolish. It can't come to anything, Lizzie. No matter what your uncle says, about you being old enough to know your own mind, you will end up with a broken heart and you will have only yourself to blame.'

‘Why? Why shouldn't I be happy? I'm not saying I shall marry Harry but I might if I like him enough and he asks…'

‘He wouldn't if…'

‘Jane, no,' her uncle intervened from the doorway. ‘I've told you before…'

‘I shall leave you to get the cocoa,' Aunt Jane said looking angrily at her husband. ‘I have some work to finish.'

Lizzie was puzzled. Why was her aunt so certain that no one would ever want to marry her? She'd thought it was because she was plain, but Harry said she was pretty… so why did her aunt say such things?

‘I've been looking forward to this all week,' Harry said when they met outside Ed's house. Lizzie handed him her little overnight bag and he put it in the back of his van. ‘Let's go to the Italian cafe, Lizzie. We can have coffee and cream cakes – they're delicious at Luigi's.'

‘Shall we get back in time to see the first big film? We've got to meet the others at half past six.'

‘We'll get there, though we might miss the cartoons,' he said. ‘But the Pathé News and the big film won't start before a quarter to seven. I'll take you and Beth home in the van afterwards, Lizzie.'

‘Yes, all right,' she said, taking his arm. ‘But we mustn't be late.'

They finally arrived at the cinema just ten minutes later than promised. Beth smiled and greeted them, but Lizzie could see that Tony wasn't too pleased. So Lizzie felt a bit guilty as she queued with the others for the one and ninepenny seats. They had just got to the head of the queue when the manager announced that the seating had all gone and there was only standing room, unless you paid two shillings and sixpence for the circle.

‘Damn,' Tony muttered, fishing in his pocket for the extra. ‘If we'd gone in earlier it would have saved us money.'

‘It's my fault so I'll pay,' Harry said cheerfully and pulled a ten bob note out of his pocket.

Harry paid for their tickets and then bought some sweets at the kiosk near the entrance to the darkened cinema. The usherette showed them to their seats just as the newsreel began, and they sat down to watch. The modulated voice of the Pathé News commentator told of Britain's first military conscripts, and showed how they were settling in at their camps; the King and Queen had visited the World Fair in New York, and in Germany several hundred Jews had been deported to Poland. There were also pictures of the sinking of the Thetis submarine during trials in Liverpool Bay and pictures of post-boxes blown up by what were thought to be IRA bombs all around the country.

Lizzie was glad when the news was over, because not much of it was good, and it seemed there was unrest everywhere. She relaxed when the big film started. It was the
Bishop's Wife,
a romantic comedy, and starred Loretta Young, Cary Grant and David Niven. She'd wondered what kind of film they were going to see and relaxed as she heard her friends laughing at the poor Bishop's tangled troubles.

Harry gave her the box of Fry's chocolates he'd bought and munched a nutty toffee beside her. She liked it that he didn't try to put his hand on her knee or even around her shoulders. It would certainly have spoiled the evening for her if he had, but as it was she was able to enjoy the whole experience and thanked him warmly as, at the end of the evening, they all piled into the little van he used for delivering hats.