Lime Street Blues (37 page)

Antony was two weeks old when he and Lachlan had a photograph taken that appeared in three national newspapers and the
Liverpool Echo
. It showed Lachlan in his leather gear, bare-chested, hair sprouting wildly from under the band around his forehead, looking like some sort of space age pirate, as he cradled his tiny, naked son next to his heart. Antony’s eyes were wide open and they appeared to be looking straight into his father’s tender eyes. the survivor and his son had been one of the headlines. Jeannie had ordered half a dozen copies and they were scattered around the house.

Lachlan adored his son. Jeannie was the only person in the world who knew the truth, yet the secret didn’t feel safe, not even with her. It was a terrible secret to have to keep over an entire lifetime. She was worried that one day she would blurt it out, unable to help herself.

In view of the changed circumstances, they had decided not to sell the house. Jeannie had thought it perfect for a family, and now they had one. She couldn’t wait for the nurse, who stayed for two months after the birth, to leave, so she could have her son to herself.

‘She was very nice, but I’m glad she’s gone, aren’t you?’ Jeannie whispered to Antony on the day the nurse
left for good. Antony, sucking contentedly at her breast, looked at her wisely with his big blue eyes, and nodded. At least, Jeannie could have sworn he nodded. ‘I don’t care what I’ve done,’ she told him. ‘Lachlan’s happy, I’m happy, and you look happy enough to me, so where’s the harm?’

Tom Flowers had been sent invitations to his children’s weddings, his grandchildren’s christenings, their birthday parties, but not once had he replied, let alone turned up. Jeannie was therefore astonished when her father arrived at the church for the christening of Antony Peter Bailey, now two and a half months old. He was accompanied by Mrs Denning, plump and grandmotherly in fuchsia silk. Tom was an erect, uncompromising figure, still with an enviable head of thick wavy hair, now completely grey. Jeannie was even more surprised when he came back to the house for refreshments. His change of heart might have been due to Jeannie having gone to the funeral of Colonel Corbett, who had died earlier in the year. The other Flower Girls had sent wreaths in appreciation of the colonel’s help at the start of their careers.

‘Oh, my God!’ Rose Flowers gasped when she saw Tom come marching in. ‘What on earth is he doing here? I don’t know whether to speak to him or not.’

Perhaps because it was August and the weather so fine that every one of Jeannie’s invitations had been accepted. All the Baileys were there. Marcia had left her brood in Harwood Hall and come alone. She was already heavily pregnant with her sixth child. Gerald was there with Helen and their two children, Zoe with her latest boyfriend, Stella and her new husband, and Fly and his
new wife. Kevin and Sadie McDowd had stopped over on their way by plane to Ireland. Rita had brought Mavis who’d learnt to drive and chauffeured her everywhere. It was a strange relationship, people thought. It was hard to know who was in charge. Sean McDowd was in America – Jeannie hadn’t sent him an invitation.

There’d been a crowd waiting outside the church anxious for a glimpse of the Survivors and any other stars who might be present. Now the crowd was outside the house, being held at bay by two enormous bodyguards.

Noah’s Ark was at its best in summer, but then most houses were. The French windows were thrown open, the house bright with sunshine, and the gardens in full bloom. The pool was packed with children, screaming and gleefully splashing water at each other and any unfortunate adult who happened to go near.

Jeannie and Elaine were sitting on a bench in a shady corner where they could keep an eye on things. ‘Soon,’ Jeannie told Antony who was fast asleep in her arms, ‘you’ll be doing that, splashing everyone in sight.’

‘He’s gorgeous,’ said Elaine, ‘and so good. It’s a pleasure to be godmother to such a well-behaved child. He didn’t turn a hair when the vicar poured water over him.’

‘That’s not surprising,’ Jeannie remarked. ‘He hasn’t got a hair to turn. Well, only a few and they’re hardly visible. I hope he gets some soon.’

‘He’s still gorgeous, bald and gorgeous. I wonder if his eyes will turn brown like Lachlan’s?’

‘We’ll just have to wait and see,’ Jeannie said casually.

‘Can I hold him a minute?’ Elaine sighed happily as she took the little boy with exaggerated care. ‘I’d begun to think you two would never have a baby and, seeing as they could find nothing wrong with you, then it must be
something to do with our Lachlan, a low sperm count maybe.’

‘It seemed a waste of time finding out.’ Jeannie shrugged. ‘It never crossed his mind it could be his fault and nothing could have been done if it was – at least not yet. Imagine how he would have felt. The great sex symbol, unable to father a child.’

‘I’m glad it worked out all right in the end.’ Elaine regarded Antony critically. ‘He’s ever so like Lachlan, but I think he’s got your mouth.’

‘Could be.’

Lachlan came and sat on the arm of the bench. He had changed out of his formal suit into jeans and T-shirt. ‘Ace is just the first of many, isn’t he, babe? We’re going to have at least another three, all boys,’ he told his sister.

‘Please don’t call him Ace, Lachlan,’ Jeannie groaned. ‘It makes him sound like a card sharp.’

‘Yeah, well he’s an ace kid.’

‘Elaine just said he was gorgeous, but it doesn’t mean we have to call him that.’

‘Actually,’ Elaine said, ‘I quite like the name Ace. It’s unusual.’

‘So’s Gorgeous, except his name’s Antony and that’s how it’s going to stay.’

‘Hello, Rose.’ Tom Flowers came into the kitchen where his wife was pouring wine for her daughters to take around the guests.

‘Hello, Tom.’ Rose was pleased her hand didn’t show the slightest tremor. ‘How are things with you these days?’

‘Good, Rose. Very good indeed.’ He rubbed his palms together vigorously as if to prove how good things were. ‘And how are you?’

‘Very well. We’ve just heard Amy’s passed the eleven-plus. Next month, she’s starting at Orrell Park Grammar School.’

‘Just like our Jeannie.’

‘Yes, just like Jeannie. But that seems an awful long time ago.’

‘It’s twenty years, Rose.’

‘So it is! How time flies.’ She couldn’t believe this man used to be her husband, still was according to the law of the land. It was like talking to an old uncle she hadn’t seen in ages.

‘He used to be keen on you.’ Tom nodded in her direction and gave a dry chuckle.

‘I beg your pardon?’

‘Colonel Max. He really fancied you.’

Rose realised he was nodding not at her, but at the ruby and diamond ring on the middle finger of her right hand. The bulk of Colonel Max’s estate had gone to cousins he’d hardly known. There’d been just a few bequests; Tom and Mrs Denning had been left a thousand pounds each, and to Rose’s utter astonishment, the colonel had bequeathed her his mother’s engagement ring.

‘I’m sure that’s not true, Tom,’ she said uncomfortably.

‘It’s as true as I’m standing here. I hadn’t planned on asking you to marry me until you were eighteen. After seeing the way the colonel looked at you the night of that party, I thought I’d better get a move on.’

He chuckled again and Rose felt even more uncomfortable at the idea of two middle-aged men vying for her heart. It made her feel slightly sick and she wondered if she would still have wanted to marry Tom when she was two years older.

‘One of the reasons I came today,’ Tom was saying pompously, ‘was so I could have a word with you about a divorce. You can have one whenever you like. Just tell your solicitor to send the forms and I’ll sign them.’

‘Thank you, Tom.’

‘Me and Nora – Mrs Denning – might tie the knot one day. I’m not sure when. We’ll just have to see.’

‘Don’t leave it too long. You should snatch all the happiness you can out of this life.’

He gave a rather stiff smile. ‘Well, you certainly did, Rose.’

‘Yes, but I only wish I’d done it sooner, Tom.’

Alex came in just as Tom stomped out of the door. ‘What did he want?’ He wore a white suit, white tie, and a coral shirt. He still had a taste for snazzy clothes.

‘To say I could have a divorce.’

‘You should have told him to screw his divorce. We’re perfectly happy as we are.’

‘I know, but I’d like us to be married for the girls’ sake.’ She put her arms around his neck. ‘We could have a honeymoon, somewhere romantic.’

‘And take the girls?’

‘Of course. Oh, kiss me, Alex. Kiss me. All of a sudden, I’m not sure if you’re real.’

‘I’m real all right, darling.’ Alex kissed her. ‘And tonight I’ll show you just
how
real.’

‘You know, I wouldn’t mind having a few kids before I get too old,’ Mavis mused.

Rita looked at her in astonishment. ‘You’ve never said anything like that before!’

‘I’ve never thought it before, that’s why. It’s just that that baby looks so bloomin’ scrumptious, I could eat him.’

‘You’re already too old,’ Rita said cruelly. ‘And you’re too fat and probably too unhealthy.’

‘I’m forty-one. I ain’t exactly ready to kick the bucket, darlin’. If the truth be known, I’m as fit as a bloomin’ fiddle. When have you ever known me take to me bed with anything wrong? Not like the person who happens to be sitting next to me. See that woman over there? She ain’t no chicken, but she’s got two little girls. I must say, her old man’s a bit of all right. I like a bloke who’s a snappy dresser.’

‘That’s Jeannie’s mother. Have you had too much to drink or something? One minute you’re wanting kids, next you’re eyeing up some other woman’s husband.’

‘I’m feeling broody,’ Mavis announced. ‘It’s that baby, Antony, and all these other bloomin’ kids. There must be at least twenty and not a single one of ’em’s mine. I’m jealous.’

Not long after this conversation, Rita made her excuses and the two women left. It was the first time they’d been to a christening and Rita resolved it would be their last; weddings too. She’d had no idea Mavis nursed a desire to become a mother and it was a desire she had no intention of encouraging. She needed Mavis too much herself.

‘I think I’ll put him down,’ said Jeannie. ‘It doesn’t look as if he’s prepared to wake up and charm everybody.’

‘I’ll come with you. He’s probably bored out of his mind with all these people and is staying asleep on purpose.’

‘You’re becoming awfully cynical in your old age, Elaine Bailey.’

‘If I’m old, what about you? You’re three months older than I am.’

‘Yes, but I’m not cynical.’

They went into the house, passing Lachlan, who was saying to Stella, ‘We’re hoping to have another three, all boys.’

‘It’s all right for him,’ Elaine snorted. ‘The man’s part of the procedure is minimal – and highly enjoyable. It’s not quite so simple for women. How do you feel about more children, Jeannie?’

‘However I feel, it’s easier said than done, isn’t it? It took years for us to have Antony.’ She kissed her son’s white forehead and laid him in his cot beside the bed in their room. There’d been a nursery prepared for months, but neither she nor Lachlan could bear to let him sleep on his own. If only she could tell Elaine the truth, that Antony wasn’t Lachlan’s child and there was hardly a chance in the world of her having another. ‘I’d sooner he wasn’t an only child,’ she murmured. ‘I can’t imagine being without Max and Gerald when I was growing up.’

‘I would have been quite happy without our Marcia, but not my brothers.’

‘Your Marcia’s not so bad these days.’

‘Our Marcia will never be all right until she’s permanently gagged.’

‘My, you
are
becoming cynical.’ Jeannie stared at her friend. A few years ago, Elaine had started to wear glasses, the stern, horn-rimmed sort. Her dark hair was piled in an untidy, unflattering knot at the nape of her neck, and she wore no make-up or jewellery. The youthful prettiness was still there, but you had to look hard to see it. ‘Don’t you want to get married and have children of your own? It can’t exactly be pleasant, spending all day delving into people’s brains.’

‘I find human behaviour fascinating,’ Elaine said a trifle defensively.

Jeannie wrinkled her nose. ‘I’d find it nauseating myself.’

‘And, in order to be married, it’s necessary to be asked first.’

‘Is that what you’re waiting for, to be asked?’

‘I can’t very well drag some man to the altar and marry him against his will, can I?’ She sounded waspishly annoyed. ‘Anyroad, there aren’t many single, thirtyish men left. I haven’t met one I fancy in years.’

‘You will, one day,’ Jeannie said, more confidently than she felt.

‘Are you sure you don’t mind me going, babe?’ Lachlan enquired worriedly. ‘I’ll be gone three whole weeks.’ It was his first long trip away since Antony was born.

‘Of course I don’t mind. I’d hate it if you didn’t go and let so many people down.’ The tour of Eastern Europe had been arranged since last year and was booked solid. They both knew it couldn’t be cancelled at such short notice and were playing a little game of charades, sitting up in bed on Sunday morning while, beside them, their son slept soundly in his cot. A car was coming to collect him in less than an hour. His bags had been packed the night before and were waiting in the hall with three of his precious guitars.

‘You won’t be lonely on your own?’

‘I won’t be on my own, will I? I’ll have Antony.’ Jeannie chortled. ‘I’ll never be lonely again.’

‘You’re making me feel jealous, babe.’ He grinned. ‘I don’t want to be jealous of our Ace.’

‘Don’t be daft. And don’t call him Ace.’

‘I’ll ring every night, ’case you’re pregnant again.’

‘I won’t be able to tell, will I? I’m still breastfeeding and I haven’t had my periods back.’

‘Women can get pregnant dead easy when they’ve just had a baby.’

‘You’ve already told me that a dozen times, Lachlan,’ Jeannie said patiently. She hoped there was a chance it might happen, but it was a very faint hope. ‘We’ve been trying extremely hard. Let’s pray it works.’

Lachlan slid down the bed and pulled her down with him. ‘Let’s have one more try before I leave. Today I’m feeling lucky. ’Fact, if we have another boy, that’s what we’ll call him – Lucky!’