Mother’s Ruin (10 page)
Ruth made a decision on Monday and was relieved when her boss agreed to her request. If he hadn’t she may have had to pack the job in, but it seemed he was happy to employ a Saturday girl to take her place. She’d miss the day’s pay, but with Arthur in danger of losing his leg, Sally would have the weekend free to spend more time with him.
It came as no surprise to see that Tommy was hanging around outside when she arrived home from work. At least he looked a little more nourished now and uncaring of what his mother might say, Ruth would continue to feed him up. As usual Tommy was inadequately dressed, but during her lunch break she had been on a little shopping trip.
‘Hello, missus,’ he said, his nose blue with the cold.
As always Ruth’s heart went out to him. ‘Hello, love. I’ve got something for you,’ she said, pulling the grey, hooded, duffel coat from the bag. ‘Here, this will keep you nice and warm.’
‘For me? It’s for me?’
‘Yes, love, and though it isn’t brand new there’s hardly a mark on it.’
‘Cor, fanks!’ he cried, hurriedly putting it on and then flinging his arms around Ruth.
She held him for a moment, fighting tears. It was just a coat and hadn’t cost much from the second-hand shop, but Tommy was acting as if she’d given him a pot of gold. The difference between Tommy and Angel was marked. Angel had always been able to take it for granted that she would be fed and kept warm, whereas Tommy had to learn to survive with barely any parental care. Not that Ruth begrudged Angel her comforts, and though spoiled, her granddaughter had a sensitive side to her. Gently, Ruth pushed Tommy back. ‘Sorry, love, I’ve got to go in, but come back around seven and I’ll give you a bite to eat.’
He nodded, looking up at her for a moment before running off. ‘I’m gonna show me mates me coat.’
Ruth was still smiling as she went indoors, and said straightaway, ‘I’ve had a word with my boss, Sally, and from now on I’ll be home on Saturdays. It’ll give you more time with Arthur.’
‘Mum, I’m only allowed to visit him for half an hour.’
‘You didn’t tell me that.’
‘Didn’t I? I’m sorry, Mum, with all the worry I didn’t realise.’
‘Never mind, love, it’ll be nice to have my weekends off, so no harm done.’
‘Nanny, have you got any sweets for me?’ Angel said, running up to her.
‘Not tonight, pet.’
‘Blimey, that makes a change,’ Sadie commented.
Ruth saw that Angel looked disappointed, but the child didn’t go short, which was more than you could say for Tommy. ‘I’ll buy you some tomorrow,’ she said.
The telephone rang and Sally went to answer it, while Ruth kicked off her shoes and rubbed her toes, hoping that a pot of tea was ready. Sally had already got the dinner on and the aroma of lamb stew filled the room, making Ruth’s mouth water. ‘That smells good.’
‘Yeah, she’s learning how to cook cheap but nourishing meals. I told her to add lots of pearl barley.’
Sally was soon back, saying as she walked in, ‘That was Joe Somerton. He wanted to visit Arthur, but I had to put him off. He was disappointed, but said he had some good news. Apparently they’ve got planning permission for the site.’
Frowning, Ruth said, ‘I can’t see Arthur up to working for some time yet, and if he loses his . . .’
‘Mum,’ Sally warned, nodding at Angela.
‘Blimey, I nearly put my foot in it,’ Ruth said, and hoping to distract the child she added, ‘Go into Gamma’s room and find the cards, Angel. After dinner I’ll give you a game of snap.’
Angel ran out of the room and at the same time there was a knock on the door. Ruth answered it and Nelly Cox said, ‘Can I have a word with Sally?’
‘Yeah, come on in.’
‘Hello, Sadie, how are you doing?’ Nelly asked as she walked ahead of Ruth into the kitchen.
‘I’m fine, Nelly. Why shouldn’t I be?’
‘I only asked,’ she said, then turning to Sally, ‘Are you still looking for a flat?’
‘Yes, but with all that’s happened to Arthur I’m afraid I’ve been too preoccupied to put much effort into it.’
‘Right then,’ Nelly said. ‘I’ve heard of a flat going in Maple Terrace. Ted Johnson, the tobacconist, bought a house there recently, one divided into maisonettes and he’s done them both up.’
Ruth bit her lip. If this flat came off, she’d miss them.
‘Mind you,’ Nelly continued. ‘I can’t see them hanging round for long so if you fancy one you’d better get yourself off to see Mr Johnson. He doesn’t usually close up until seven.’
‘Mum,’ Sally appealed as her daughter came back into the room. ‘Will you keep an eye on Angela?’
‘I suppose so.’
‘I won’t be long. Angel, be a good girl,’ Sally said as she grabbed her coat.
As the door closed, Sadie said, ‘You should have told Sally not to take the upstairs flat.’
‘Why?’
‘I can’t say it in front of
you know who
,’ she said, looking at Angel. ‘But what if a certain someone won’t be able to climb the stairs?’
Nelly looked puzzled, but Ruth knew what her mother was hinting at and prayed she was wrong.
Sally was breathless by the time she reached the top of Long Street and rushed into the tobacconist’s gasping for air.
‘My goodness, where’s the fire?’ Ted Johnson said, his eyebrows lifting.
Sally fought for breath. ‘Nelly Cox told me that you have some flats to let.’
‘Yes, that’s right, though there’s only the downstairs one left. Are you interested?’
‘Has it got two bedrooms?’
‘It has, and a small back garden too.’
‘How much is the rent?’
‘It’s eight pounds a week.’
‘Eight pounds!’ Sally squeaked.
‘It’s a fair rate for such a nice flat, and if you can’t afford it there are others that can. I’d want a month’s rent down as a deposit too.’
Could they afford to pay that much? Sally wondered. She had no idea how much Arthur and Joe were going to pay themselves.
‘There’s another couple interested in looking at it,’ the man warned.
Sally glanced at the clock hanging up behind the counter and saw it was six-fifteen. She could still go to the hospital afterwards, even if it meant missing dinner. ‘Can I go to see it now?’
‘Yes, but I can’t leave the shop so you’ll have to go on your own,’ he said, taking a set of keys from his pocket and handing them over. ‘It’s number seventeen, and when you’ve had a look at it, make sure you return those keys.’
Once again Sally found herself running, but unable to keep it up, she had to resort to a rapid walk until at last she turned into Maple Terrace. It was tree-lined and not only that, each house had a small front garden. Most of the properties looked well cared for, and at number seventeen, Sally was impressed by how neat the house looked. The window frames had been freshly painted, and she saw two front doors, one for the upstairs flat and the other for the down. Both were painted dark blue with brass letterboxes.
With her heart thumping in anticipation, she walked up the small path, hoping the flat would be just as nice inside. The door was a bit stiff, but when Sally pushed it open, it was love at first sight.
The front room had a bay window, and she even liked Ted Johnson’s choice of pale blue, embossed striped wallpaper. Unlike the garish patterns that were in vogue at the moment, this décor would look lovely with the antique furniture she and Arthur loved, all of which was still in storage.
Sally hurried to the kitchen and found it modern with frosted glass wall cupboards. The kitchen window, just above the sink, had a view of a small back garden, perfect for Angel to play in. With time pressing, Sally was anxious to get back, but she gave the two bedrooms a cursory look, finding both fine. The bathroom was newly fitted, half tiled with a lovely big Ascot that would supply plenty of hot water.
With a last glance over her shoulder, Sally locked up and hurried back to see Mr Johnson. ‘I’ll take it,’ she said.
‘I thought you would,’ he said, smiling smugly. ‘As I said, I need a month’s rent in advance, along with your first weekly payment.’
Sally was glad that she had automatically picked up her handbag and now fumbled inside for her cheque book. Arthur usually saw that she got her housekeeping funds in cash so she rarely used it, but soon she was writing one out with a flourish.
‘I see you’ve given me the deposit and a month’s rent on top of that. When are you moving in?’ Ted Johnson asked.
‘I’m not sure, but until I do, I’ll see that the rent is paid on time.’
‘Good, because if you get into arrears you’re out,’ he said. ‘I’d normally ask for references, but I’ve known your family, and your husband’s, for years. I heard on the grapevine that he’s in hospital at the moment and no doubt that’s why you aren’t moving in yet. I hope he’s on the road to recovery.’
‘Yes, he is,’ Sally said dismissively, sure that she was right. ‘Now can I keep the keys?’
‘Of course, and if you have any problems with the flat, let me know and I’ll see they’re put right.’
‘Thanks, I’ll do that,’ Sally said, saying goodbye whilst thinking that Mr Johnson seemed a fair man and she hoped a good landlord.
Once again Sally found herself hurrying, this time to get home. As soon as she walked in the door her mother asked, ‘Well, how did you get on?’
Sally threw off her coat, saying with a smile, ‘It’s a smashing flat and I took it.’
‘How much is the rent?’
‘Eight pounds a week.’
‘Bloody hell,’ Sadie said. ‘It’s a flat in Maple Terrace, not Buckingham Palace.’
‘Sally, the rent does sound a bit steep,’ said Ruth, ‘but tell me what it’s like while you get that dinner down you.’
‘I’ll eat when I get back, Mum. I’ve got to get to the hospital now. The flat is worth the rent and I can’t wait to tell Arthur. It’s bound to cheer him up,’ Sally said, bending down to kiss Angel. ‘Be a good girl for Nanny.’
As usual Angel started to protest, saying she wanted to see her daddy, but with no time to mollify her, Sally was off, leaving her mother to calm her down.
Had she looked back Sally would have seen her mother quickly ushering Tommy inside, but intent on seeing Arthur her eyes were fixed ahead. She couldn’t wait to tell him about the flat. He was going to be thrilled.
Though another week had passed, there was still no sign of Arthur responding to the treatment. Despite this, Sally was determined to have the flat ready for when he came home. Bert had his men deliver their furniture from storage and now Sally looked around the living room with delight, running her hand over the oak sideboard. She could remember how excited Arthur had been when they’d found it.
The second-hand shop in Northcote Road had mostly been full of junk, but they had spotted it against the back wall. It was filthy, but under the grime they could see that the doors were carved oak. After a bit of bartering they got it for a good price, and flushed with success they spent many happy hours scouring second-hand shops for other choice pieces. The brown leather three piece suite had been a good find too, the hide cracked and worn in places, but they loved it nevertheless.
There was a knock on the front door and, wondering who it was, Sally rushed to open it. On the step she saw a slim young woman, with short, straight blonde hair that framed her elfin face. She had heavily made up eyes, amazingly long eyelashes, and an almost childlike, innocent smile. My goodness, Sally thought, she looks like a porcelain doll.
‘Hello,’ she trilled, ‘I saw your furniture arriving and thought I’d better introduce myself. I’m Patsy Laurington and I live upstairs.’
‘Oh, hello,’ Sally said, liking this young woman on sight. ‘I’m Sally Jones, please, come on in, though I’m sorry I’ll have to leave soon. My husband is in hospital and I’m going to see him this afternoon.’
‘Oh dear, what’s wrong with him?’
‘He had a car accident and broke his leg, which unfortunately has led to complications,’ Sally told her. ‘What about you? Are you married?’
Those large blue eyes now darkened with pain. ‘I was,’ Patsy said quietly, ‘but not any more.’
Sally bit back her questions. Not any more – what did that mean? Was Patsy a widow? Or perhaps her husband had left her? Instead she said, ‘How are you finding the neighbours?’
‘I haven’t met any yet, but I’ve seen that there’s a young couple living next door. On the other side I reckon a young bloke lives in the upstairs flat and an elderly couple downstairs.’
‘Do you work?’ Sally now asked, then kicked herself. God, she sounded like a right old nosy parker.
‘I work for myself. What about you?’
‘I have a five-year-old daughter, and I also stay at home to look after my grandmother,’ Sally told her, tempted to ask what sort of business Patsy had.
‘What does your husband do for a living?’ Patsy asked, forestalling Sally’s question.
‘Until recently he was a partner in his father’s removals company, but now he’s investing in building houses.’
‘Goodness, that sounds impressive!’
‘It isn’t really,’ Sally said, then glanced at her watch. ‘I’m sorry, but I’ve got shopping to do before I go to the hospital so I must get back. I hope we can get together again when I move in.’
‘Yes, that would be nice. Give me a knock and I’ll show you my flat.’
‘Thanks, I’ll do that,’ Sally said, and grabbed her coat to go back to Candle Lane. Her thoughts turned to Patsy as she walked. She would like to get to know her better. Perhaps they could become friends.
Sally got everything on her shopping list and found that thanks to the furniture arriving early, she still had time before she went to see Arthur. ‘Hello, I’m back.’
Angel ran up to her, brandishing a painting. ‘Are you going to see Daddy today?’
‘Of course I am, darling.’
‘I want to come. I want to give him this.’
‘I’m sorry, pet, you can’t. I’ll give your painting to Daddy. I know he’ll love it.’
‘No, I want to come with you.’
Sally knew that unless Angel was distracted she’d go on and on so she said, ‘Listen, when Daddy comes home from hospital we’re moving into a nice new flat. You’ll have your own bedroom and there’s a garden for you to play in.’
Angel’s brow furrowed. ‘Is Nanny coming too?’
‘No, she’ll stay here with Gamma. Don’t worry, the flat isn’t far away and you’ll still see each other every day.’
‘I want to stay here too.’
‘I can’t see you moving out before Christmas, Sally.’
‘I can’t either, Mum,’ she said, sighing.
‘Come on, Angel,’ her mother said. ‘I’ve got someone coming round with a Christmas tree soon and you can help me find the decorations.’
‘Like last year, did it fall off the back of a lorry?’ Sadie asked.
‘That’s for me to know,’ Ruth said, with a cheeky wink.
Christmas, Sally thought, just over a week away and then it would be a new year. Would it be a good one? Yes, of course it would. Her gran was fine, and before long she and Arthur would be in their own home again.
An hour later and Sally was about to get ready for her Saturday visit to the hospital when there was a knock on the door. With her mother and Angel still searching for Christmas decorations, she expected it to be the man with the tree, but instead she found herself shoved to one side as Laura Walters barged inside.
‘Where is he?’ the woman spat as her eyes darted around.
‘Where’s who?’
‘Don’t play games with me. Where’s my son?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘Don’t give me that. The little bugger is always in here.’
‘I doubt that,’ Sally protested, ‘and he isn’t in here now.’
Laura ignored her and staggered through to the kitchen, snarling when she saw Ruth. ‘Oi you, where’s my boy?’
‘Get out of my house!’ Ruth cried.
‘Not until Tommy’s with me!’
‘He ain’t in here.’
‘You’re lying! Where is he?’ she shouted, her eyes wildly looking around the room.
‘You heard my daughter,’ Sadie said, joining in the affray. ‘She told you to get out!’
‘Shut up, you old witch,’ Laura spat.
Sally could see that Angel was frightened, and riled she grabbed Laura’s arm. ‘I won’t have you upsetting my daughter or my grandmother. If you don’t go I’ll call the police.’
‘All right, miss high and mighty, I’ll go, but I’m not finished with your mother yet. I’ve told my boy to stay away from her, and if he comes in here again I’ll flay him alive.’ On that note Laura stumbled outside, shouting as she went, ‘Tommy! Where are you, you little sod!’
Sally closed the door swiftly behind her and then marched back to the kitchen. ‘Mum, you know I don’t like Angela mixing with that boy. I hope this fiasco stops you fetching him in.’
‘I’m sick of hearing you say that. Even if he didn’t come in here, she still sees him at school.’
‘Yes, but they’re in a different year and I doubt they mix.’
‘I like Tommy,’ Angel wailed. ‘He . . . he stuck up for me.’
‘Did he now,’ Ruth said, pulling Angel into her arms, ‘and when was this?’
‘It was last week, in the playground. Some boys were pulling my hair, calling me a ginger-nut, but Tommy sorted them out, though his coat pocket got ripped.’
Sally’s stomach lurched at her daughter’s words. She too had suffered bullying at school, and knew how awful it was. ‘Why didn’t you tell me, darling?’
Angel shrugged. ‘’Cos Tommy sorted them out.’ Sally closed her eyes. She took a good look at herself and didn’t like what she saw. Tommy had stood up for Angel, but she had judged the lad and found him wanting. When had she turned into a snob? A snob who’d decided that the boy wasn’t good enough to associate with Angel. ‘Oh, Mum, I’m sorry. I’ve been awful to Tommy, and now I realise that he doesn’t deserve it.’
‘I’ve been telling you that all along but you wouldn’t listen. He may swear, but that isn’t his fault. He really is a good kid when you get to know him.’
‘Yes, I see that now, and in future, if Angel wants to play with him, that’s fine with me.’
‘Good, I’m glad to hear it, and I
am
trying to do something about his language.’
‘Well, I ain’t happy about the bleedin’ kid being in here, and you heard Laura Walters, it’s got to stop,’ Sadie said, her face stretching with amazement when both Sally and Ruth dissolved into tears of laughter. ‘What’s so funny?’
‘Mum, you’re worse than him,’ Ruth gasped.
‘I flippin’ well ain’t.’
‘You flippin’ well are,’ Angel told her, arms akimbo.
Sally doubled up again, her eyes watering with mirth. At last able to pull herself together, she said, ‘I’d best get ready for the hospital, Mum.’
‘Yeah, off you go. Now come on, Angel, we still haven’t found those decorations.’
Sally left, feeling lighter as she got ready. All right, Arthur might not be home for Christmas, but the New Year looked bright and she found herself looking forward to 1967.
