Songbird (20 page)

“Not much,” Ellen informed him. “Maybe we’ll catch up with the washing and ironing. Oh, and Grandad, I notice you’ve already filled the linen tub in the bathroom with shirts and such. I’ll have them washed and hung out before you can say Jack Robinson.”

“You will not!” Horrified, he explained, “I’ve always washed my own things, and I see no reason to change now that you’re here. I’ll have you know I’m more than capable of doing my own laundry. Besides, when have I ever suggested that you and Maddy should take on the task of being servants?”

Ellen groaned. “That’s silly, and you know it,” she gently chided. “I just thought that, being as I’m already doing a wash, I might as well throw your stuff in at the same time. It cuts down your electricity bill.”

“Listen to yourselves,” Maddy lightheartedly intervened. “Anyone would think you were having a barney.” She liked the banter, and normally, would have joined in. But her stomach was churning and she felt very queasy.

Nevertheless, she found a smile for the big man. “You have to admit it, Bob. Ellen is right in what she says.”

Grandad Bob looked from one woman to the other, knowing that whichever way he turned, the argument was already lost to him. “Oh, very well then,” he told Ellen. “Whatever you say. It does make sense, I suppose.” He glanced again at Maddy, who was sitting quietly. “Here, are you all right, lass?”

“Yes, thank you,” she answered. “I’m just not quite my usual self today, that’s all.” Feeling sick and exhausted, she gave him another smile. “Ellen and I do want to be useful though. You’ve been so kind, taking us in like you did. The least we can do is throw your washing in the tub when we’re doing ours.”

“I see that now,” he assured them, “and it’s fine by me. But I have to say, lass, you don’t look none too chirpy this morning.” Clambering out of his chair, he went round to Maddy and hugged her. “Why don’t you go back to bed, sweetheart? Have another hour’s sleep. It’ll do you good.”

“That’s what I told her,” Ellen chipped in, buttering a slice of toast.

“Stop fussing, the pair of you. I’m not ill,” Maddy protested. “I’m just a bit washed out, that’s all.” In truth, she felt like something the cat had dragged in. “The midwife described morning sickness as like having a tooth out; you feel really uncomfortable for a while, and then it’s over.”

Bob chuckled. “So, that’s what she said, is it? Okay, I’ll tek your word on it, though I’m just a cowardly man, so I’d rather have a tooth out any day.”

He turned his attention to the mail.

“Nothing but rubbish!” he kept saying as he slung it aside. “Look at that! Why would I want a big expensive kitchen when all I’ve got is a tiny scullery that takes a cooker, two cupboards and a fridge. Oh, and look, I’ve won a new car — I don’t think.”

He continued to tear the paperwork up and throw it aside, until he came across a postcard. “It’s from Peter, landlord of the Cart and Wheel in town, enjoying a break in Spain, lucky devil.”

He gave a grunt. “I’ve just realized, he owes me six pounds from that bet he did for me. The bugger’s spending it in Spain, I expect, sitting at the bar watching the pretty girls go by and supping his pint of golden ale. Whoa! Just wait till he gets back — I’ll have him. Six pounds with interest, that’ll tek the smile off his hairy face!”

The next was a large brown envelope, addressed to Ellen Drew and postmarked London. “I reckon this is yours, lass.” With Maddy running the taps at the sink, ready for the washing up, Ellen was collecting the crockery.

Both women looked up. Maddy remained at the sink, visibly anxious as Ellen tore open the envelope, then giving a sigh of relief when Ellen told her, “It’s all right, Maddy. It’s just that letter we’ve been expecting.” She knew Maddy would realize that she was referring to Raymond.

Bob tactfully excused himself. “I’ll best get out early,” he teased, “in case randy Nora from next door is peering through her net curtains, ready to pounce on me.” He paused, scratching his head as he asked, “Has anyone seen my newspaper?”

Maddy said no, while Ellen told him, “I’ll pop into the paper shop later and get you another one, shall I?”

“Okay, and while you’re at it, ask Mrs. Patel why my paper was not delivered… again! It’s happening too regular for my liking. Make sure you tell her that, will you? I’m sure she’ll sort it out.”

“I’ll do that, and I’ll bring you a paper home, don’t worry.” Ellen was not about to tell him how she had been scanning the papers first and if there was even the slightest mention of the London killings, she quickly got rid of it.

“I like my newspaper. I like to know what’s going on in the world. Even the radio seems to have given up the ghost.” Stony-faced, Bob blew out a long, slow sigh of exasperation. “I must put my mind to taking that thing apart and finding out what’s wrong with it.” He groaned. “Mind you, I suppose it must be going on fifteen years old by now. Happen it’s time I bought myself a new one.”

He was not to know how Ellen had also nobbled his radio.

As yet, Ellen had thought it best to keep secret the real reason why she and Maddy had turned up on his doorstep; though she knew her grandad was nobody’s fool. It was only a matter of time before he started asking questions, and then she would have to tell him at least some of the truth — though she would certainly leave out the part where she and Raymond had deceived Maddy so cruelly.

Now, with Grandad out of the way, Ellen quickly took out the letter; with it came another large envelope, sealed and marked
For Maddy
.

Ellen handed it to her.

Though curious, Maddy placed it on the table. “Read the letter first,” she asked of Ellen.

Equally eager to know what Raymond might have to say, Ellen flicked through the contents of the letter.

“So, what does he say?” Maddy was by her side as she finished reading.

“There you go, Maddy.” Having satisfied herself that Raymond had not said anything untoward, Ellen handed over the letter. “It might be best if you read it yourself.”

Taking the letter, Maddy walked to the chair and sat down, already concentrating on what Raymond had written:

Dear Maddy and Ellen,
First of all, I hope the both of you are well, and that you are all right in your new surroundings.
The word here is that Drayton will shortly be brought before judge and jury. The police have been busy questioning everyone who saw what happened, and now it seems they have more than enough evidence to put Drayton away for life.
They were keen to talk with you both, but nobody knew where you were, though everyone was certain you were not in the alley when the shootings took place. Carter’s henchmen argued that you were there — but as they were in Carter’s pay and already lying to guard their own backs, it seems their evidence was not taken too seriously.
The Pink Lady is now fully open again, and we’ve got a new manager. Drayton’s accountant and solicitor have been in and out, and now everything’s beginning to settle down again, though the clients are not coming in like they used to.
Everyone asks after you, Maddy. Some of them have known you for as long as I have. And we all miss you, very much.
But you need to stay away. A man like Drayton has longer arms than the law. Please remember that, my dear.
As far as young Jack and darling Alice are concerned, I can only imagine how much pain you must be feeling. But you must take heart, Maddy, for in time, it will ease.
I can tell you that, as soon as the police allowed it, Jack’s family took him home to Suffolk. As for Alice, I did everything that was asked of me. I took care of her, like I promised. She’s safe now, and you have my word, hand on heart, that for as long as I live, I will always take care of her.
One day some time in the future, I know we will meet up again. Until then, you and Ellen must keep yourselves safe. You know that’s what Alice would have wanted.
Please, do not contact me, or anyone at the club. It’s best if you keep your heads down for now.
I’ll keep in touch. Meantime, look after yourselves.
God bless, and lots of love,
Raymond
XX

“Has that eased your mind a little?” Ellen knew better than anyone how Maddy had been punishing herself for “deserting” Alice.

“Yes, I think so.” Maddy had been both saddened and uplifted by what Raymond had written. “I will never be able to thank Raymond enough,” she said, “but I won’t rest easy until I go to where she is, and tell her what’s in my heart.”

Ellen understood, and her guilt was tenfold.

Shifting her attention onto the large envelope as yet unopened, Maddy carefully tore it open, and as she tipped it upside down, an amazing array of photographs and folded posters tumbled onto the table. “Oh, my God!” Clasping her two hands over her mouth, Maddy was laughing and tearful all at the same time.

She couldn’t believe what she was looking at — photographs of herself in full evening wear, singing into the mike onstage. Some were of her performing with a visiting artiste, both of them smartly dressed in Fred Astaire top hat and tails, and brandishing a walking cane. And there were others, of her and Alice laughing at the camera, and fooling around in the club, and another one of her seated at the piano, next to a renowned jazz pianist. And oh, so many more, some she had completely forgotten about.

“Ellen — look what Raymond has sent me,” she cried. “They’re all the photos and posters from the Pink Lady!” She was thrilled. “I never imagined they’d taken this many photographs… ooh, they bring back so many memories. And look!” She pointed to a particularly beautiful one of herself. “Some of them have never even seen daylight. Oh, Ellen!”

These things were such a powerful part of her life. “All my dreams and ambitions are written here,” she said now. “And this is what it’s amounted to — a collection of paper images.”

One minute she was laughing and excited, and the next, a great tidal wave of pain and rage swept through her as she swiped them all from the table. “They don’t mean anything any more!” Running from the room, she fled up the stairs, crashed into her bedroom, and flung herself on the bed, where she sobbed helplessly.

Ellen found Maddy lying across the bed, face down and breaking her heart. “I’ve made such a mess of my life,” she wept. “I’ve lost everyone I love, apart from you, Ellen — and I miss Alice so very much. She should be here,” she kept saying. “Poor Alice should be here.”

Sitting down beside her, Ellen gathered her into her arms. “It’s good if you cry,” she said earnestly. “Seeing those pictures of yourself and Alice, and of the life you shared… well, it’s hurtful. You need to let it out, Maddy.”

Not for the first time, Ellen wondered about her decision regarding Alice. But it was done now and could not be undone.

They sat for a while until Maddy — still shaken by the photographs and the memories they evoked — silently vowed to stay strong for Ellen’s sake. “I’m all right now,” she sighed, getting off the bed. “I’m sorry for that performance. I’ll go down and clear the photos away.”

Ellen followed her downstairs, and the two of them collected the discarded memories. “I’ll put them away and keep them safe,” Maddy decided. “Alice would want me to.”

The evening was spent quietly, with Ellen stitching new buttons onto her best jacket, and Maddy curled up on the sofa, reading a library book and enjoying the series of LPs playing in the background. Grandad Bob made background music of his own, when his whooshing, rhythmic snoring rippled through the room.

When the snoring grew louder, Maddy and Ellen would giggle, and Grandad would shift and grumble, and then snore all the louder.

All in all, it was a cozy scene.

Ready at last
to leave the hospital, Alice had been looking forward to this day for weeks. “All packed, are you?” Nurse Jackie was a trim, pretty young thing with a heart of gold.

Alice thanked her for everything. “I’ve already seen Sister and the other day nurse,” she said in her soft Irish lilt. “And I’ve left a note for the night staff.” Pointing to the white envelope on the bedside cabinet, she said, “Oh, and there are two boxes of chocolates in the cupboard. They’re good ones — I know that for sure, because Raymond chose them, and he likes to show off, so he does. Anyway, there’s one for you nurses and one for Connie, the cleaner.”

“Well, thank you, Alice.” The nurse was appreciative. “That’s a lovely gesture.”

“Ah well, I’m really grateful to all of you. But I’m
so
glad to be going home at long last, as you can imagine.”

“I’m sure you are. Even so, you must remember to follow the doctor’s instructions. Rest easy and try not to walk about too much. You’ve still got that weakness in your chest wall, which will take a while to heal completely, so keep away from anyone with a cold. You don’t want to be coughing and putting your muscles under any strain. Keep the corset on as instructed, and make sure you take the prescribed medication.”

Alice made a face. “All right, all right. I get the message. I’m an old crock who can’t do anything for herself.”

Nurse Jackie chuckled at that. “Oh, I don’t think that’s what you are,” she teased. “I’d say you were more like an impatient woman who hates people fussing round you. Isn’t that so?”

Alice laughed until her chest hurt, when she took a deep, invigorating breath. “You could be right.” Very carefully, she stretched her back, until she felt more comfortable. “I can’t deny it. I’m impatient, stubborn, fussy, bossy and aggravating.” She gave a mischievous wink. “But don’t tell anyone else, will you?”

The two of them were still chatting when Raymond arrived.

Guided by Alice’s gentle suggestions, he looked smart and presentable in gray trousers, a navy jacket and cream-colored shirt. His hair was newly cut and falling smartly about his ears, and as he approached them, his face was wreathed in a happy smile. Today, he was taking Alice home.

“My, but he’s a fine fella.” The nurse was first to see him enter the ward. “If I wasn’t already married, I could fancy him myself.”