It Had To Be You (20 page)

‘Yes, Mum,’ said Dorothy, turning away and watching neighbours and friends gathering together in a circle. ‘Come on, let’s join in with the hokey-cokey.’

‘Our Maggie could do this,’ said Elsie, glancing about her. ‘Where is she?’

Dorothy looked around but could see no sign of her sister and neither could she spot Uncle Teddy. Should she be worried? There were plenty of people about, so surely Maggie was safe from him. ‘She’s probably around somewhere.’

‘I hope she hasn’t gone to see that Irene Miller,’ said Elsie, taking Dorothy’s hand. ‘Come on or we’ll miss out.’

Dorothy allowed herself to be persuaded and soon she and her mother were
putting their right leg in and their right leg out, in out, in out, shake
it all about!
After that there was a request for the conga, but there was still no sign of Maggie. Where could she be, and where was Uncle Teddy?

‘I’d best be going,’ said Maggie.

‘OK!’ said Irene, glancing across at her. ‘Are you sure you’ll be all right on your own?’

‘It’s not dark yet and there’s still people about,’ answered Maggie.

‘I’ll walk so far with you,’ said a voice out of the dusk. The next moment Pete Marshall limped into view, leaning on two sticks.

‘I appreciate the offer, Pete,’ said Maggie in a soft voice, ‘but it is a bit of a way for you to walk.’

‘I need the practice,’ he said gruffly. ‘And I didn’t say that I’d walk all the way.’

‘So you didn’t.’ Maggie smiled. ‘OK, come on, then.’

They set off towards Linacre Road and once there turned in the direction of the lift bridge over the canal. ‘Where’s your Norm tonight?’ asked Maggie.

‘At the Gianellis’,’ he replied. ‘I said I’d meet him at the bus stop near theirs. Our Dougie is planning on catching the bus with us as well.’

Maggie nodded, slowing her pace to match his. ‘It’s a wonder Irene wasn’t at the Gianellis’ as well.’

‘So she didn’t tell you that her ma insisted on her staying put. Apparently she moaned that she
hardly sees anything of her, and as this is a special occasion …’ He raised his shoulders and let them drop.

‘I wonder why she didn’t tell me,’ mused Maggie.

‘You haven’t long been there, so most likely she didn’t see the need.’

They crossed the bridge and had just got to the other side when an unwelcome voice said, ‘So there you are, Maggie! What the hell d’you think you’re playing at, going off without telling anyone where you’re going?’ And her Uncle Teddy hovered into view.

Maggie found herself reaching for Pete’s arm. ‘There’s no need for you to come looking for me, Uncle Teddy,’ she said, a tremor in her voice. ‘I’ve only been away a short time and I’m on my way back now.’

‘Don’t give me that rubbish,’ snapped Teddy, thrusting his head forward. ‘I can see you’ve a lad with you. You can tell him to bugger off.’

Maggie clung to Pete’s arm. ‘No! You’re drunk, Uncle Teddy! Why don’t you just go back to Mum, before she starts missing you?’

‘No, you’re coming with me!’ snarled Teddy, grabbing hold of Maggie’s free arm.

‘Pete, don’t let him take me!’ she cried, hanging on to the youth.

Teddy tried to drag her away, but not only did Maggie hang on to Pete but he also dropped one of
his sticks and kept hold of her. ‘Listen, mate, you’ll have the three of us over if you carry on the way you are,’ said Pete, struggling to stay upright.

‘Bugger off,’ said Teddy, thrusting his free hand into Pete’s chest.

The lad lost his balance and went down, pulling Maggie to the ground with him. She managed to kneel up, intending helping Pete to his feet, but her uncle seized her by the hair and yanked Maggie upright. She screamed.

‘What’s going on here? Is that you, Pete?’ asked Dougie, appearing out of the gloom.

‘Never mind me,’ gasped Pete. ‘Stop him from hurting her!’

Dougie glanced up and recognised the man that Dorothy had pointed out to him. He was dragging a screaming teenage girl along the road. Instantly, Dougie went after them and seized Teddy by the shoulder.

He brought him to an abrupt halt and forced him to let go of Maggie’s hair. Teddy took a swing at him but his fist barely grazed Dougie’s chest, and as Maggie collapsed to the ground, Dougie grabbed a handful of Teddy’s jacket and lifted him off his feet. Beer and whisky fumes wafted into Dougie’s face. ‘I’m arresting you for being drunk and disorderly,’ he said, ‘and I’m taking you to the station.’

Teddy swore at him and Dougie brought up his fist and gave him a swift uppercut and he collapsed
like a deflated balloon. Dougie turned and looked down at the two teenagers struggling to get to their feet. ‘Get yourself to the bus stop, Pete,’ he ordered. ‘Norm should be there by now.’

The skin about Pete’s mouth was white and he was obviously in pain. ‘I’ll go with him,’ gasped Maggie, staring at Dougie. ‘Thanks.’

He nodded and hoisted Teddy over his shoulder and made off at a run. Maggie picked up Pete’s sticks and handed them to him. ‘So that’s your big brother,’ she said. ‘Gosh, he’s not half strong.’

Pete said nothing but sought a secure hold on his sticks. She guessed from his expression that he was feeling angry and embarrassed by what had happened. She felt really sorry for him. ‘I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t been with me,’ she said.

‘You don’t have to soft-soap me,’ muttered Pete.

She fell silent, walking alongside him, and now she began to shake inwardly. They reached the bus stop where Norm was waiting, talking to a youth whom Maggie recognised as Tonio Gianelli. She paused only a moment to say ‘ciao’ and ‘ta-ra’ and then she took off at a run, barely able to believe that she had been rescued in the nick of time and that her uncle was on his way to jail. He was going to be hopping mad when he woke up in a cell with a sore jaw and a terrible hangover.

She found her sister and mother dancing the
conga with a line of people up the middle of their road and so she collapsed onto a chair to get her breath back and to wait until the dance eventually came to an end. She waved to her sister and saw the relief in Dorothy’s face.

‘You haven’t been there all the time,’ she whispered, collapsing beside her.

‘Tell you later,’ said Maggie, watching her mother stagger across the pavement to their house. She stood up. ‘Come on, Dot, we’d best follow her in. I want my bed and I’ve something to tell you about Uncle Teddy that you just have to put in a letter to Emma and Betty. They’ll be made up.’

Elsie stared down at the letter from Betty’s headmistress and knew she must not get annoyed with Emma or her niece for writing to the woman. But she’d had enough to contend with lately, having listened to Maggie’s tale of Teddy’s attack on her and the crippled brother of that nice-looking policeman who had danced with Dorothy. Then she’d had to cope with Teddy and his massive hangover, after his being let out of jail, and listen to his excuses. They hadn’t satisfied her but she hadn’t said so because she’d had to go to work. It wasn’t until she had returned home later in the day to find him slumped in the armchair that they’d had the row. Yet she had been unable to bring herself to accuse him of
raping her niece, scared that he might become even more violent. She fingered the bruise beneath her collarbone where he had gripped her and forced her down into a chair. She had not slept with him but spent the night on the sofa, thinking through what she must do. Now, here was this letter from the headmistress that must be dealt with right away.

She came to a decision and checked the contents of her purse and would have sworn there was ten shillings less than there had been last night. No doubt Teddy had taken it, but as he had already left the house, she could not ask him. She made sure she had her bank book in her handbag and, shoving writing pad and a couple of envelopes and fountain pen inside its capacious interior, along with her purse, she hurried out.

Emma picked up two envelopes from the doormat. She slit open the one that had her name typed on the envelope. On discovering it was from the headmistress of Betty’s school, she read it through swiftly and then she tore open the other envelope. A postal order fell out as she opened the single sheet of paper. She picked up the order and saw to her amazement that it was for twenty pounds. Placing it on the table, she read the letter with growing incredulity.

Emma could only wonder what had happened in the Gregory household for Betty’s aunt to send such a letter. She wasted no time going into the kitchen where Betty was at the kitchen sink, washing strawberries.

‘I’ve two letters here that you must read,’ said Emma, her eyes alight. ‘One’s from your headmistress and the other from your aunt.’

‘What!’ Betty’s face was a picture of amazement.

Swiftly, she dried her hands and took the letters from Emma. Sitting down at the table, Betty began to read. When she had finished she looked up at her half-sister. ‘What’s been going on at home, I wonder?’

‘I’m sure we’ll find out sooner or later. It wouldn’t surprise me if Dorothy writes and lets us know. In
the meantime, you’re going to have to decide what to pack to take with you to Waterloo,’ said Emma.

‘Will you come with me?’ asked Betty, her voice quivering.

Before Emma could answer, the door knocker banged vigorously. She hurried to answer it and pulled open the door to find Lila on the step. Her face was drawn and there were signs of tears on her cheeks.

‘What’s happened?’ asked Emma, reaching out and bringing her into the house. She made her sit down in the front room. ‘You look dreadful.’

‘Mam’s terribly ill,’ cried Lila, twisting a crumpled handkerchief between her fingers.

Emma’s eyes widened. ‘What’s wrong with her?’

Lila raised her hand in a helpless gesture and then let it drop. ‘The doctor said it’s food poisoning. Several people have already died up at the hospital. They’re blaming the meat pies they had for the party on Coronation Day. It’s touch and go.’

Emma was stunned and for a moment could not think what to say, and then she put her arm around her friend. ‘Your mother’s strong. She’ll get over it.’

Lila shook her head. ‘I’ve never seen her laid low like this and neither has Dad. We don’t know what to do, but one thing is for sure, I’m not going into work. I’m only here now because I had to do some shopping. I can’t linger.’

‘Do you want me to come back with you?’ asked Emma.

‘No. It’s OK. I just wanted to let you know.’ She brushed a tear away.

‘Can’t you even have a cup of tea?’

Lila hesitated. ‘OK. A quick one and then I’ll have to go.’

Emma called to Betty to put the kettle on.

Lila glanced at the table. ‘I thought you might be working on a client’s accounts today.’

‘I’ll do that this evening. I’m making strawberry jam this morning. Something interesting happened today. I received two letters. One from Betty’s headmistress and one from her aunt. She’s sent money, so Betty can stay near to her school and do her exams.’

‘Gosh, that is good news! Will you be going with her?’

Emma knew that if Lila needed her, then she must be there for her. ‘I’ll go with her, but not stay.’

Lila nodded. ‘Look, forget the cup of tea. You and Betty have enough on your hands. I’ll let you know how things go.’ She stood up and hurried out of the cottage before Emma could stop her.

Emma returned to the kitchen, but there was no need for her to tell Betty what had happened because she had overheard the conversation.

‘Gosh, Mrs Ashcroft’s got food poisoning and might die!’ exclaimed Betty. ‘When Aunt Elsie put it
about that I had it, I never realised it was so serious.’

‘I know.’ Emma hesitated. ‘You don’t mind if I can’t stay with you in Waterloo?’

‘Of course not, I’d like your company but I understand that Lila and Mr Ashcroft might need you.’

‘Of course, I’ll come with you as far as Liverpool.’

Betty shook her head and tilted her chin. ‘No, it’ll cost money. It’s unlikely that I’ll bump into Uncle Teddy if I keep away from Litherland. Somehow, I doubt Aunt Elsie will have told him that I’ll be doing my exams.’

Emma gazed at her half-sister with a smile and thought,
You’ve grown up a bit more since you’ve been here. You seem to be recovering your confidence
. ‘OK, luv, if you’re all right with that, then we’d best carry on with the strawberries or they’ll spoil. I must get the jam done today as tomorrow is going to be another busy day. You’d best write a letter to the widow woman and let her know that you’ll be there on Saturday afternoon.’

The news came via the postman that Mrs Ashcroft had died. Betty told Emma not to worry about her, but to see what she could do to help her friend. Emma thought that was good of her, considering her half-sister must be apprehensive about the journey to Waterloo and her swiftly approaching exams.

There followed a difficult time for Emma,
and it was with almost a sense of relief that she accompanied Betty to the station and saw her into a carriage. At the last minute, she handed her a parcel. ‘A little gift for your landlady and I hope all goes well with your exams. I’ll be praying for you. See you soon.’

Betty put her arms around Emma’s neck and hugged her. ‘Thanks for everything. I’ll be back.’

Emma kissed her cheek and then stepped away from the train. She waved until it was out of sight, then she returned to her cottage. She had agreed to do a buffet for the funeral guests, so there was plenty to occupy her, but she knew that she was going to miss Betty’s presence in the house.

Emma glanced surreptitiously at her friend’s pale face as they knelt side by side in the pew, and asked herself again how Lila and her father were going to cope without Mrs Ashcroft. He had a war pension and there were Lila’s wages going into the house, but life was going to be more difficult for them.

The prayers came to an end and the vicar announced the final hymn. As the organist played the first chords of ‘Abide with Me’ the congregation rose. Even Jack Ashcroft managed to struggle to his feet, despite his obviously being in pain. When the time came to follow the coffin down the aisle, Lila had the task of pushing him in the wheelchair
while Emma slipped out by a side door. Jack had wanted to go straight home and dispense with the niceties. For once his daughter had argued with him, saying that it wouldn’t be right. Her mother had been a respected nursing sister at the hospital and a member of the WI.

As Emma’s cottage came into sight, she was surprised to see three figures standing outside her door. As she drew closer, they materialised into the recognisable persons of Dougie, Dorothy and Maggie. Dorothy was wearing a red swagger coat over a red pleated skirt and yellow blouse, and on her blonde hair was perched a pillbox-shaped hat made of red feathers. Emma felt quite envious and wished she could look so smart.

At any other time she would have welcomed them with open arms, but right now they presented her with a problem. She wondered if they knew that Betty was in Waterloo, or had Mrs Gregory decided to keep that a secret? Still, it looked like she might discover soon what had happened to cause Betty’s aunt to behave the way she did.

‘Hello, you three,’ called Emma. ‘It’s lovely to see you, but your being here isn’t very convenient.’

Dorothy looked at her with concern. ‘What’s up? You look tired.’

Emma shrugged. ‘I’m OK. But Lila’s mother died and I’m providing tea for the mourners and Betty has gone off to Waterloo to do her exams.’

Dorothy blinked. ‘What! How come?’

‘You must be wishing us anywhere else but here,’ said Dougie, frowning.

‘We could give you a helping hand,’ offered Dorothy.

Emma smiled. ‘Thanks, but it’s OK. The food’s all prepared and a couple of women from the village are coming to help out.’

‘So it’s best if we’re out of the way,’ said Dorothy. ‘But, before we toddle off for a walk, tell us how it came about that Betty is in Waterloo?’

Emma hesitated. ‘I’ll give you the bare bones of it. I wrote to the headmistress of Betty’s school and she must have got in touch with your mother. She’s sent a postal order for Betty’s board and lodgings while she does her exams. We did wonder why your mother should suddenly get in touch and be so helpful.’

Dorothy smiled and glanced at the other two. ‘We have an answer but we’ll explain later because you’re busy right now. We’ll come back in an hour or two.’

‘That’s fine,’ said Emma.

She was about to turn away, when Dougie said, ‘If you don’t mind, girls, I’d like to pay my respects to Mr Ashcroft and Lila.’

Dorothy could scarcely conceal her disappointment. ‘Of course, you’ve met them.’ She gave a wry smile. ‘I confess I’d rather you showed us the village and
the ruins but we’ll have to manage without you.’

Dougie looked relieved. ‘Thanks for understanding. You shouldn’t have any difficulty finding your way around.’

Emma agreed, although she would have preferred not to have Dougie under her feet while she was getting things ready. ‘See you later,’ she said to the sisters.

They nodded and walked away.

Emma went inside the cottage, followed by Dougie. She removed her jacket, and after washing her hands, put the kettle on before taking milk from the larder.

‘Is there anything I can do?’ he asked.

She glanced up at him. ‘You can pour milk into cups but don’t be too heavy-handed with it.’

He was just about to do so, when there came a knock on the back door. It opened to reveal Emma’s two helpers. ‘Coo-ee! Can we come in?’

‘Of course you can come in,’ called Emma, smiling.

She introduced Dougie, knowing full well that they already had a fair idea who he was and were glad to have a closer look at him. She had little opportunity to see the effect he had on other people as they entered the house, but she did notice Lila’s expression as soon as she caught sight of him. He wasted no time going over to her and Mr Ashcroft and stayed talking to them for quite a while.

Most people had departed by the time Dorothy and Maggie returned from their walk. Hearing their voices, Emma glanced out of the window and saw them looking at the hens. She opened the door and called to them.

A few moments later, Dorothy limped into the kitchen. ‘Is it OK for me to take off my shoes, Emma?’ she asked. ‘I’ve gone and got a blister. You wouldn’t have a plaster, would you?’

‘I’m bound to have one somewhere,’ said Emma, pulling out a chair. ‘Sit down and make yourself comfortable.’

Dorothy sat in a chair and eased off her court shoes. ‘These really aren’t suitable for walking. Next time I come I’ll be prepared and maybe Dougie will take me hill walking.’

‘Fell walking, Dorothy, and you’ll need a proper pair of boots,’ he said, smiling at her.

‘I know,’ she said ruefully. ‘Perhaps you can advise me on the kind I should buy.’ She dimpled up at him.

‘I’d be happy to,’ said Dougie.

Lila glanced at him and then looked away.

‘Cup of tea, Dorothy, Maggie?’ asked Emma, after taking a tin of plasters out of a drawer and placing the tin on the table by Dorothy’s elbow.

‘Just what I need. You’re an angel,’ said Dorothy.

She glanced at Mr Ashcroft. ‘I’m sorry about your wife. I know what it feels like to lose someone
you love,’ she said sincerely. ‘I lost my father not long after the war.’

‘Thank you,’ said Jack Ashcroft gruffly. ‘You’ll be Betty’s cousin. You don’t look like her.’

‘No, but my sister here does,’ said Dorothy, smiling. ‘Dougie was telling me that you make models out of matchsticks.’

‘Aye, I do,’ he said, glancing at Dougie. ‘I hope he didn’t build me up to be a marvel at the job.’

‘Actually,’ said Dorothy, leaning towards Jack, ‘he did. And I’ve been wondering if you’d make one for my brother.’

‘Your brother!’

‘Yes,’ said Dorothy, waggling her foot. ‘It’s his birthday in autumn and hopefully he’ll be home from Korea by then. He’s been doing his national service. Dougie told me that you were making a ship for him. I wondered if you could make a sailing ship for Jared. He used to enjoy reading the Hornblower books.’