Stay as Sweet as You Are (59 page)

‘We don’t mind that,’ Jack said. ‘As long as Lucy’s all right.’

‘I’m fine, now.’ Lucy pulled the sheet up to her chin. ‘I’ve
got to admit I was terrified when I heard that man walking up the stairs, though. I knew he was coming ’cos I heard him and me mam talking in the hall. She told him not to come, but when he took no notice of her she didn’t even try and stop him. And she should have stopped him. Even if she doesn’t love me, she should have stopped him. But it’s over now, and I do feel a bit better knowing me dad will soon be back home.’

‘Yeah, in a couple of days when you and yer dad are settled down, yer’ll be fine,’ Jack said. ‘And we can come in your house for a game of cards, for a change.’

‘And don’t forget we’ve got the wedding to look forward to.’ Greg wanted to see the smile back on Lucy’s face. ‘Yer’ll have yer dad here to make sure ye’re the prettiest bridesmaid this street has ever seen. And he’ll be so proud of yer.’

Before the smile came to Lucy’s face, she allowed time to finish what she was thinking. That one day, when she was a bit older, she’d go and see her mother. Just to ask why she couldn’t find it in her heart to love her husband and her daughter.

Ruby struggled to keep up with Wally while carrying three big, heavy bags. He was walking with his hands in his pockets, his anger showing in every step he took. Not once did he offer to help by taking one or two of the bags from her. ‘What a bloody performance,’ he growled. ‘For two pins, that big feller would have marched us off to the police station and we’d have been in big trouble.’ Not for a second would he allow himself to admit to being in the wrong. He’d only gone up to Lucy’s room to take a peek at her. To stroke her long hair, or her pretty face, perhaps. He only wanted to touch her, not hurt her.

‘I did tell yer not to go upstairs.’ Ruby daren’t raise her voice or say that everything that had happened was his own fault. ‘I told yer what she’s like.’

‘Oh, shut up, woman!’ Wally needed a scapegoat, someone
to vent his anger on. Gone now were the words of flattery as he looked sideways at her. ‘If ye’re coming to live with me, there’s going to be some big changes. D’yer understand?’

‘Yes, Wally.’

‘For a kick-off, yer get yerself a full-time job to pay yer way. I’ll get rid of the cleaner and you can do the housework – that’ll save me a few bob.’ Wally was beginning to think he might be on to a good thing here. More money coming into the house and his own personal servant who would cater to his every whim. And she’d put up with it because she was crazy about him. He’d be waited on hand and foot, and she’d be there for the taking, any time he felt like it. ‘And another thing – that blonde hair looks ridiculous, let it grow out.’

‘But it’ll look terrible while it’s growing out! It’ll take ages!’

‘Ask the hairdresser if she can dye it back to its original colour. I don’t care what yer do, but get rid of the blonde, it makes yer look like a tart.’

‘All right, Wally, I’ll have a word with the hairdresser. And I can go full-time where I work, they’ve asked me to a few times. Anything you say is all right with me, yer know that. I only want to make yer happy.’

I speak and she jumps, Wally thought. I’d never get another woman as obliging as her. He held out a hand. ‘Give us one of those bags to carry, they must be heavy.’

Nellie Carson opened her door to find herself facing a woman of about her own age, with her hair combed back into a bun, a black shawl draped around her shoulders and wearing a big grin. ‘I know who you are,’ she said instantly. ‘Ye’re Mrs Aggie.’

‘And you are Mrs Nellie.’

Both women laughed and Nellie held the door wide open. ‘Come in, ye’re very welcome. I’ve been dying to meet yer ’cos I’ve heard so much about yer.’

‘All good, I hope.’ Aggie’s eyes were taking in the spotlessly clean and comfortable living room. Here was a woman after her own heart.

‘Well, from what Bob and Lucy have told me, yer’ve got the heart of a saint and are the funniest woman on two legs.’

‘Only when I’m standing on me two legs, queen? I thought I was just as bleedin’ funny standing on me head.’

Nellie chuckled. ‘If yer wear fleecy bloomers like I do, then ye’re probably a damn sight more funny standing on yer head.’ She waved Aggie to a chair. ‘Sit yerself down and I’ll put the kettle on.’ Her hand on the kitchen door, she turned. ‘Did Bob know yer were coming?’

Aggie shook her head. ‘There was bleedin’ murder at Bob’s house last night, that’s why I’m here. But you put the kettle on first, then while we’re waiting for it to boil I’ll tell yer what went on.’ She followed Nellie into the kitchen and when the gas plopped under the kettle, she leaned back against the sink. ‘I wasn’t there to see all this, more’s the pity. But Irene repeated it word for word, so I’ll give it to you as she gave it to me.’

Her arms folded across her tummy, Aggie soon got into her stride. And before long there were gasps of horror and tuts of disgust coming from Nellie. ‘I’d have strangled the buggers with me bare hands.’

‘Yeah, me too, Nellie. They want stringing up. But you haven’t met Irene yet, or her husband, George. They’re a match for anyone, believe me. And they think the world of Lucy. I believe they did right not sending for the police because it would have only filled neighbours’ mouths. As it is, George and Irene put the fear of god into this Wally feller, so he’ll never show his face again. And Irene, God love her, had the sense to send Ruby packing with him. Lucy was very upset, she was as white as a sheet going to work this morning. It must have given her an awful fright having this man come into her bedroom. But she’ll soon
get over it when her dad’s back home. They dote on each other.’

‘Yeah, Aggie, I know. Bob will be over the moon at being able to go back to his house, but he’ll be blazing about how it came about. I’ve got to know him really well, and I know he’ll blame himself for leaving Lucy there. Still, once they’re settled down they’ll soon put all the trouble and heartbreak behind them.’ Nellie poured boiling water into the brown teapot. ‘Now we’ll sit and have a nice cuppa. Are yer waiting for Bob to come home, to tell him?’

‘No, I’ll leave that pleasure to you. I left Irene cleaning the house so it’s nice for him to come home to, and I’m buying a bit of shopping for their larder on me way back. But I will have that cuppa with yer, Nellie, ’cos me throat’s parched. And yer can tell Bob we’re all looking forward to seeing him later on today.’

‘Would yer think it was cheeky if I came with him?’ Nellie asked. ‘I’ve heard so much about all of yer, I feel as though I know yer.’

‘We’d love yer to come.’ Aggie knew if Titch could hear what she was about to say, he’d shake his head and tell her not to be so nosy. ‘Why don’t yer bring Kate along with yer? I’d like to see if she’s all Bob said she is.’

Nellie finished pouring the tea and set the pot down. There was a twinkle in her eyes when she asked, ‘Yer wouldn’t be matchmaking by any chance, would yer, Mrs Aggie?’

‘I certainly am, Mrs Nellie. I most certainly am.’

‘Good! That makes two of us! I can see you and me are going to get along like a house on fire. We’re both as devious as each other.’ She handed a cup to Aggie. ‘I’ve grown very fond of Bob, and I want to keep him in the family. I know he’s a married man, but me son-in-law, Howard, said there’ll be no problem with a divorce. And after what happened last night, and Ruby going to live with another man – well, that should make it easier.’

Nellie sipped her tea, then rested the cup and saucer on her
lap. ‘The trouble is, Aggie, both our Kate and Bob are so shy, they’ll never make a move. I think you and me are going to have to give them a nudge in the right direction.’

‘You have my full support, Nellie. Even if I say it meself, I’m pretty good at giving nudges. So let’s drink to our partnership.’ Aggie had the cup to her lips when she said, ‘D’yer know, I haven’t used a swearword since I came in?’

‘Oh yes, yer have. Yer halo slipped when yer were telling me how bleedin’ funny yer are standing on yer head.’

Both women laughed so much the tea spilled over on to their skirts. But they didn’t care. It wasn’t every day you found a friend and ally.

‘Ay, I wish yer’d slow down a bit,’ Rhoda said, red in the face and puffing. ‘I know ye’re dying to see yer dad, but there’s no need to kill me in the process.’

Lucy’s face was aglow. She’d told her friend what Mrs Pollard had said they would tell all the neighbours – that Ruby had left home and gone to live with another man. Nobody knew the man or where he lived. There’d be gossip for a few days then it would be forgotten. ‘I can’t wait to see me dad, Rhoda, so I’m going to run on. You can take yer time, then.’

‘Will I see yer tonight?’

‘Not tonight, Rhoda, ’cos me and me dad will have loads to talk about. I’ll call for yer as usual in the morning. Ta-ra.’ With a wave of her hand, Lucy took to her heels and didn’t slacken her pace until she came to her front door. With her heart beating like mad, and her tummy churning with excitement, she delved in her pocket for the key. Holding it in the palm of her hand, she gazed at it for a while. Then, with a grin on her face, she put it back in her pocket and lifted the knocker.

When Bob opened the door he had to swallow hard to keep the tears back. Never, even in his dreams, did he think he’d be back in this house and opening the door to his daughter. He
stepped down to the pavement and picked Lucy up to spin her around. ‘I feel drunk, pet,’ he said, laughing up into her face. ‘Drunk with happiness.’

‘I don’t half love yer, Dad.’ Lucy’s arms were tight around his neck. ‘More than anything in the whole world.’

‘And I love you, pet.’ Bob set her down. ‘Let’s go in and see what a nice surprise I’ve got for the working girl.’

‘Have yer made me a dinner, Dad? Is that the surprise?’

Bob tapped his nose. ‘Wait and see.’ With a secret smile on his face, he pushed her ahead of him and closed the door. Then, filled with emotion, he watched as his daughter stood on the threshold of the living room, her eyes and mouth wide open.

There wasn’t a sound in the room that was full of people with happy, smiling faces. Mrs Aggie and Mrs Nellie were sitting in the fireside chairs either side of the hearth, Titch and Olive were seated at the table opposite Irene and George, and Mrs Kate occupied a corner of the couch. And standing in the kitchen doorway, still in their working clothes, were Jack and Greg Pollard, with Steve.

Lucy took her hand from her mouth. ‘I don’t know what to say. I think I’m going to cry.’

‘Don’t you dare cry, sunshine,’ Irene said, not far from tears herself. ‘We’ve all come to welcome yer dad back to where he belongs.’

Titch scraped his chair back and held out his arms. ‘Come here, sweetheart.’ And holding her close, he said, ‘How can I tell yer the plans me and Olive have made for the wedding if ye’re crying yer eyes out?’

Lucy sniffed up. ‘I won’t cry, I promise. Tell me what the plans are, I’m dying to know.’

‘Hadn’t yer better say hello to yer visitors first?’

‘Never mind saying hello, I’m so happy to see them I could kiss them all to death.’ Her eyes swept the room, taking in Mrs Nellie and Kate. ‘Me old friends and me new ones.’

‘Yer can kiss them as much as yer like when I’ve told yer what the arrangements are.’

Lucy grinned up at him. ‘I’m all ears, Mr Titch.’

‘Well, before I begin, can I ask Bob to sit down on the couch with Kate? She’s all on her lonesome, there. Anyone would think she had an infectious disease.’

When Bob did as he was told with alacrity, Kate smiled that gentle smile that had already made her a favourite with Bob’s neighbours. They’d taken to her right away.

Titch chuckled. ‘That’s better. I don’t like having me thunder stolen by someone else sharing the stage.’ He pulled on one of Lucy’s curls. ‘Now to the big day. Me and Olive are tying the knot five weeks on Friday. We couldn’t get a Saturday because the priest said they’re booked solid for three months ahead. It’s at two o’clock and I want to see yer there with a big smile on that pretty face of yours.’

‘I’ll have a smile on me face every day, now me dad’s home. But I’ll have an extra special one on the day you and Mrs Fletcher get married.’ Lucy’s infectious giggle filled the room. ‘I’ll cry me eyes out all morning and get it over with. Then I’ll put a cold flannel over me face to take the red blotches away. How about that, then?’

Titch gave her a hug. ‘Me and Olive will have to go now, we’ve got a lot of sorting out to do. I’ve to be away by six in the morning.’

‘If there’s anything I can do while ye’re away, just shout out,’ Bob said, feeling he was at last the master in his own house. ‘And remember, everyone is welcome here now. My front door is always open to yer.’

Jack piped up, ‘Does that mean we can come here and play cards, Mr Mellor?’

Bob thought his heart would burst. He owed so much to these people he’d never be able to pay them back. When he got home it was to find Irene had cleaned right through the house and it was warm and welcoming. Aggie had stocked their larder and made a steak and kidney pie which was now
in the oven on a low light and smelling delicious. ‘Of course yer can! At last I can repay the hospitality yer’ve always shown me and Lucy.’

George chuckled. ‘I think yer might have reason to regret saying that, mate. My two will never be away.’ He rapped his fingers on the table and for a few seconds considered whether anyone would be upset if he said what was on his mind. Having decided, he turned to Aggie, who had been unusually quiet. ‘Ay, Aggie, haven’t yer always said the day would come when Bob would be back home?’

Looking very superior, Aggie nodded. ‘I did predict it, George, yes. Yer all thought I was crazy, but I’ve been proved right.’

Olive smiled across at the woman who would soon be her mother-in-law. ‘Aggie, in all the years I’ve known yer, yer’ve never been wrong.’

‘I’ve been thinking about that,’ Bob said, from his seat next to Kate. ‘I’ll sit up and take notice next time yer make a prediction.’

‘I’ll make another prediction for yer lad, so take notice. The happiness yer feel right now is nothing to the happiness that’s going to come your way.’