Nobody’s Girl (18 page)

Pearl still hadn’t gone to Mo’s to collect her things; instead she spent the whole of Sunday indoors. She felt ill with nerves, her stomach churning every time she thought about returning to the café and, after a restless night, woke heavy-eyed on Monday morning.

She forced herself to get ready, Bessie sympathetic and telling her she could still change her mind. Finally, with her head down, she emerged from the shop, feeling as though every costermonger in the market was looking at her. She didn’t look towards Derek’s stall, couldn’t bear to see his face, and was relieved to scuttle into the cafe.

‘Morning, love,’ Bernie said. ‘Dolly wants to talk to you before the others arrive, but listen, there’s something I want to ask you first. Kevin said that you threw yourself at him. Is that right?’

Pearl’s eyes rounded. ‘No, I … I didn’t throw myself at Kevin, but I do like him. When I was living in my bedsit, he came up to my room and … and it just sort of happened.’

‘Did he force you?’

She shook her head in denial, but then Dolly’s head emerged from behind the kitchen door. ‘Pearl, get in here!’

With a swift, frightened look at Bernie, Pearl hurried to do her bidding, but instead of yelling in anger, Dolly’s voice was surprisingly calm. ‘Right, to start with I’ve managed to talk Derek Lewis into keeping his hands off Kevin.’

‘Oh, I hadn’t thought of that, but I … I didn’t tell him the baby was Kevin’s.’

‘Well, he knows now, and if it wasn’t for me he’d be looking for blood.’

‘What … what did you say to him?’

‘I had to convince him that my son isn’t to blame.’

‘But—’

‘If Derek thinks that Kevin took you down against your will, he’ll give him a beating. Anyway, the truth of the matter is that Kevin didn’t force you, and you can’t deny that.’

Pearl lowered her head. Dolly was right. She
had
allowed it to happen. She should have been more forceful in her protest, yet in reality she hadn’t really wanted Kevin to stop. She had given in too easily, and what did that make her? Selfloathing made her stomach twist. ‘No, Kevin didn’t force me, and I don’t want Derek to hurt him.

‘I should think not. Derek knows you weren’t forced, but he still wants to give Kevin a hiding. I had to concoct a story, lay the blame on you, and if you want to keep Kevin safe, you’ll just have to go along with it. It ain’t gonna be easy for you. Derek is well liked around here and you’ll probably face some aggravation, but for Kevin’s sake, keep your mouth shut.’

‘All right,’ Pearl whispered, wondering what story Dolly had come up with. She was about to ask when the woman spoke again.

‘Now, there are other things to sort out. A lot of people around here would like to see me brought low, so I don’t want them thinking I’m against this marriage.’ Her lips tightened. ‘I ain’t happy about it, but nevertheless we will
all
put on a happy front. Is that clear?’

Pearl bent her head in acquiescence, but then, hearing voices, Dolly spoke quickly. ‘That sounds like Madge and, despite being my cousin, she’s another one who would like to see me brought low. Mind you, I know how to put her straight. Now get that look off your face and replace it with a smile. We’re about to put on the show of our lives and make sure you follow my lead.’

With that, Dolly beckoned Pearl to follow her, and together they emerged into the dining room. ‘Morning, Madge. Have you heard the wonderful news?’

‘What news is that?’

‘Blimey, you must be the only one around here who hasn’t heard that I’m to be a grandmother. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am. Of course, it’s a shame that Pearl and Kevin aren’t married yet, but that’s the way things seem to be happening nowadays and can soon be remedied.’

‘What … you’re pleased?’ Madge sputtered.

‘Why shouldn’t I be? I’m dead chuffed that Pearl is to be my daughter-in-law and, as I said, I can’t wait to be a grandmother.’

‘Well, stone the crows. I thought you’d go barmy.’

‘Oh, so you
had
heard?

‘Well … yeah … and I can’t believe you’re taking it so well. After all, Pearl’s engaged to Derek Lewis.’

‘Oh, that was just a fleeting thing,’ Dolly said, beaming as she placed an arm around Pearl’s shoulders, hugging her with affection as she told a few more lies. ‘You see, Pearl went out with Kevin first – in fact she threw herself at him, but they had a falling out. She didn’t think he’d take her back and that’s why she agreed to go out with Derek. Isn’t that right, Pearl?’

‘Er … yes.’

Madge frowned. ‘Going out with him is one thing, but getting engaged is another. If you ask me, it was a bit quick.’

‘Pearl tells me that she was heartbroken when she and Kevin broke up and she agreed to marry Derek on the rebound.’

‘Oh, yeah?’ Madge said, her voice registering disbelief.

Dolly’s face darkened. ‘Madge, you of all people should understand. After all, when that bloke you were courting ran off, you married Eddie almost immediately.’

Madge reddened, but before she could say anything, Dolly spoke again. ‘When Pearl found out she was carrying Kevin’s baby, she told Derek and broke off the engagement. She didn’t try to pass the child off as Derek’s, unlike
someone
I could mention.’

Madge’s colour deepened. ‘I can’t believe you’re bringing that up after all these years. If you want to start mudslinging, I could say a few things about
your
hasty marriage too.’

Dolly gasped, eyes narrowing in anger, but thankfully Bernie stepped in. ‘Now come on, you two, there’s no need for this. We’re all family and should stick together.’

Obviously fighting to stem her fury, Dolly heaved in a great gulp of air. ‘Yes, Bernie’s right. I shouldn’t have said that, Madge, so let’s forget it and start again. As my husband has pointed out, we
are
all family, and as your marriage worked out well I’m sure you wish the same for Kevin and Pearl.’

‘Of course I do, but what you’ve told me is a different story to the one on the grapevine.’

‘What have you heard?’

‘Most people are saying that Pearl is a nice girl, and if Kevin got her pregnant it must have been against her will.’

‘That’s rubbish and I won’t stand for my son being blamed! As I said before, Pearl threw herself at Kevin. All right, he shouldn’t have taken things as far as he did, but you know what men are like, Madge. They’re not going to turn it down when it’s handed out on a plate.’

Pearl had listened quietly, but now gasped. She’d agreed to take the blame, but Dolly was making her sound awful.

Madge looked at her disdainfully, her lips curling. ‘I’m surprised at you, Pearl.’

‘Now then, Madge,’ Dolly rebuked. ‘Pearl is to be a part of this family and I don’t want you being funny with her. All right, what she did was wrong, but what’s done is done. From now on I want us all to put on a united front. I want everyone to see that we’re happy about this baby,
and
the forthcoming marriage.’

‘Right – if you say so, Dolly.’

‘There’s one other thing, Madge. You’ve heard what happened from the horse’s mouth, so if you hear any further gossip that Kevin is to blame, I hope you’ll put them straight.’

‘Of course I will.’

‘Good. Now then, the morning rush will be starting soon so I’d best get back to the kitchen.’

No sooner had Dolly disappeared than the first customers of the day walked into the café, taking a seat at one of Madge’s tables. ‘Well, here we go,’ she said, ‘time to tell them
Dolly’s
version of the truth.’

Pearl watched from under her lashes, saw the men’s quick glance in her direction, and then they began to speak earnestly to Madge. She shook her head emphatically, leaning forward as she spoke. Then, taking her pad, Madge took their order, pausing as she passed Pearl on her way to the kitchen.

‘I’ve put them straight but it didn’t go down well. Derek is well liked, and once the news spreads I reckon things are going to get tough for you. I wish you luck, girl,’ cos I think you’re gonna need it.’

Surprisingly, when Pearl saw Gertie, the woman smiled. ‘Dolly tells me that congratulations are in order.’

‘Yes, Pearl, I’ve passed on the good news to Gertie,’ Dolly said, ‘and will do the same when Mo comes in. Have you been round to her place to pack up your stuff?’

‘No, not yet.’

‘You can go tonight, but she’d better not be funny with you. You’ll be a part of this family soon and I’m not having her calling my future daughter-in-law a tart again. In fact, Kevin can go with you, and if Mo gives you any trouble she won’t have a job to come back to.’

Despite being upset by the lies Dolly had told, Pearl felt a surge of gratitude and relief. Dolly was now standing up for her and her dread of living in the same flat lessened. Maybe, just maybe, it would all be all right.

The next hour was trying, with most costermongers making their displeasure obvious. Derek Lewis was one of their own, but when Frank Hanwell came in, he gave her the first friendly greeting she had received that morning.

‘Well, I can’t say I wasn’t shocked by the news and, as you can imagine, Derek ain’t taking it too well.’

The fixed smile she had affected so far dropped, tears flooding her eyes. Frank touched her arm, his voice soft. ‘Despite the rumours, I reckon the blame lies with Kevin, not you. I never did think much of that young man. You could do with someone in your corner and it’s a shame that it’s my last morning on the market.’

‘Your last morning!’

‘Yes, love, I’m handing my pitch over to the new bloke and we’re moving to Shepherd’s Bush tomorrow. There’s a decent market there and I’ve managed to find a spot for my stall.’

Pearl lifted a hand to dash the tears away. ‘Good luck, Frank.’

‘Thanks, love. Now I don’t know how it happened, but suddenly your name is mud around here. They’re all gunning for you, but don’t worry, I’ll do my best to put them straight before I go.’

‘No, Frank! Please, don’t say anything.’

‘Why not?’

Pearl hung her head. She had to protect Kevin, but dreaded saying the words. ‘Because what you’ve been hearing is true. I am to blame.’

‘Are you sure about that?’

‘Yes, I’m sure. I … I’m just sorry that Derek’s been hurt.’

‘Yeah, me too. He’s a good bloke and thought the world of you. Well, love, despite how you’ve kicked Derek in the teeth, I wish you luck. Marrying into this family, I reckon you’ll need it.’

When Pearl went into the kitchen, she saw that Mo had arrived. The woman said nothing, her expression sour, but Dolly caught the look.

‘Now listen to me, Mo,’ she snapped. ‘I’ve told you the truth of the matter and I won’t stand for you being funny with Pearl. My son is a handsome young man and you can’t blame her for throwing herself at him. She is to be a member of my family, my daughter-in-law, and I insist that you show her some respect.’

‘Respect! You want me to show that tart respect?’

‘Be careful, Mo. You’re not irreplaceable, so either change your attitude or get out.’

Mo’s body straightened and, hands on hips, she glared at her employer. ‘I’ve stood a lot from you over the years, Dolly Dolby, but this is the last straw. On Saturday you agreed that Pearl was a tart, but now all of a sudden I’m supposed to believe that you’re thrilled to bits that she’s having Kevin’s baby. You say she agreed to marry Derek on the rebound, but I ain’t stupid. The dates don’t work out so think on that before you spread your lies.’

‘How dare you speak to me like that? Get out!’

‘Don’t worry, I’m going.’ And turning to glare at Pearl she spat out more venom. ‘Have you forgotten the night you went dancing with my daughter? Kevin was there and accused you of being a tart. He told my Emma that you were easy, but like fools we didn’t believe him. Well, miss, he was right, and if you want your things, you’ll find them outside by my dustbin. I don’t want the likes of you putting a foot over my doorstep again.’

‘Get out!’ Dolly screamed again, her voice bouncing off the walls.

Mo grabbed her coat, brushing past Gertie as she almost ran out of the back door. For a moment there was silence, but then Dolly exhaled loudly. ‘Now I’m stuck without a vegetable cook.’ She closed her eyes for a moment. ‘Right, Pearl, ask Madge to come in here. I might be able to persuade her to take over for the time being, but it’ll mean you’ll have to manage the tables on your own.’

‘Please, can I do the vegetables? I’d rather be out here than in the dining room.’

‘Are you having a hard time of it?’

Pearl nodded, her breath held as Dolly cocked her head to one side. ‘Do you know how to cook?’

‘No, not really, but you know I’m a fast learner.’

Dolly threw a glance at Gertie, speaking softly so the woman wouldn’t hear, ‘Yeah, you’re fast all right,’ she said sarcastically, ‘and you’re carrying Kevin’s child to prove it.’ She puffed loudly. ‘All right, you can work out here, but I’ll still need to talk to Madge. She might not take kindly to the extra tables. Go and get her.’

Madge agreed to do Pearl’s tables, but only if she was given a pound a week more. Tutting her impatience, Dolly showed Pearl how to prepare the vegetables for the lunchtime rush.

Pearl didn’t mind, she was just pleased to be away from the customers. As she picked up yet another potato to peel, she tried to forget the snide remark Dolly had made. Dolly had said she was to be a part of the family, her daughter-in-law, and had stood up for her against Mo. Everything had happened so quickly and it must have been a terrible shock for Dolly. Once she and Kevin were married things would settle down, and surely then it would be all right.

Pearl had more to face when she finished her shift. Kevin was out, Dolly telling her to go back to Bessie’s until he returned to take her to the registry office.

It was freezing as Pearl stepped outside. Hurriedly turning up the collar of her coat, she made to cross the street.

Connie Lewis suddenly loomed in front of her, blocking the path. ‘I want a word a word with you, my girl,’ she spat.

‘Please, Connie, let me pass.’