‘Hello, Fred. You look as if you could do with a pint,’ he said.
Before Fred could answer he had a fit of coughing. Tom, filled with concern said, ‘Here, best sit down. I’ll bring you a pint over.’
Wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead, Fred thanked him. ‘I need this before I go home. Lily will be waiting.’
The words were painful for Tom to hear. Looking at Fred, he knew that any plans for him and Lily to be together were now doomed. It was obvious that Fred was ill. Lily would certainly never leave him now.
‘You well, Tom? Got yourself married yet? The last time we met you’d just become engaged.’
Shaking his head Tom said, ‘No, not yet. There’s plenty of time. Drink up, we must celebrate your first day of freedom.’
‘No thanks, best not. I’m anxious to get home. I haven’t seen Lily since I was sent down. I wouldn’t let her visit me, you see, and I can’t wait to be with her. I’m sure you understand.’
Taking a deep breath, Tom tried to hide his despair. Oh yes, he could understand only too well how Fred felt. ‘Take care then.’ He watched Bates leave the bar, knowing that he was going to the woman he loved. He would be holding her, making love to her … His thoughts were tormenting him, driving him insane. Getting up from his seat, he called to Declan, ‘I’m off back to work.’
Lily looked up as the front door opened to see Fred standing there, an expression of uncertainty on his face. ‘Hello, Lily.’
She was shocked at how pale he was, the circles under his eyes, the new grey strands in his hair. He looked so ill. My God! She thought. He’s come home an old man. She saw his trembling fingers holding his paper parcel and her heart was filled with compassion.
‘Well, don’t just stand there, you daft bugger. Come and give me a kiss. I’ve waited long enough.’
Breathing a sigh of relief Fred stepped inside the room, shutting the door behind him. Putting the parcel on the table, he caught hold of Lily tightly, like a child needing comfort from its mother. He could smell the carbolic soap she’d washed with. To him it was as great an aphrodisiac as any expensive French perfume. He felt her warm flesh, her bosom like a soft pillow as he nestled his head against her. He was filled with a physical longing for her so strong, the pain was almost unbearable.
Feeling his arousal, Lily lifted his head and kissed him passionately. Softly she said, ‘I’m glad they haven’t knocked all the stuffing out of you.’
He started to tremble as he caressed her bosom. ‘Talking about stuffing, Lily – let’s go to bed.’
‘I was going to fill you a bath in front of the fire. I had it all planned.’
With a lopsided grin, he said, ‘Don’t be bloody silly, girl. I’ve been without a woman for six months. Do you think I’ve got time for a bath?’
Kissing him on the forehead she whispered, ‘Come on upstairs then. I’ll give you the time of your life.’
As he preceded her up the stairs, he said, ‘I stopped off for a pint before I came home. Tom McCann bought it for me. He looked well.’
Lily’s heart lurched within her. The last time she’d climbed these stairs with a man, it had been Tom. She was filled with guilt. To have been unfaithful to Fred in his own house was unforgivable. Never again would she be tempted. Now her main task was to get Fred well.
The following weekend in The Sailor’s Return, Tom waited for a quiet word with Lily. ‘How’s Fred?’
She shook her head, her face etched with worry. ‘He’s not good. If he doesn’t improve, I’ll get the doctor in.’
Tom’s gaze searched hers. ‘Does this mean there is no chance of us ever having a future together, Lily?’
‘How many times do I have to tell you, Tom, before you believe me? Fred is my life.’
He stared at her, his face full of sadness. ‘I wish with all my heart it could be different, Lily. I’ll always love you, you know that?’
‘I know,’ she said with a sigh, ‘but the gods have decided differently. Get on with your life, Tom. Forget me.’
Tom’s heart was heavy as he watched her walk away. She was all he wanted in the world. But he understood that now she must look after Fred. She wouldn’t be his Lily if she left the man who so obviously needed her care. With a deep sigh, he finished his drink and left.
The following day, Tom and Mary made a date for their wedding.
On Friday evening, when Lily was performing at The Lord Roberts, Vittorio came into the bar accompanied by the big man Lily had seen outside the Club Valletta.
For a moment the buzz of the patrons died down, such was the reputation of the man, but as he sat quietly with his glass of whisky, the place returned to normal.
The Maltese looked with interest at Lily standing by the piano whilst she went through her whole programme. He applauded her performance enthusiastically, then beckoned her over.
Sandy muttered, ‘Watch your step with him, girl.’
He looked very surprised when she grinned at him and said, ‘Don’t you worry, we’re old friends.’
Sitting beside Vittorio, Lily said, ‘Good evening. I haven’t seen you in here before. Slumming, are you?’
His slow smile was mesmeric. His eyes seemed to see into her very soul as he looked at her. Catching hold of her hand, he said softly, ‘I don’t usually come to places such as this, my dear, but you’ve been making quite a name as a performer. I thought I should see for myself if you are as good as I’m told.’
‘And?’ she asked cheekily, raising her eyebrows.
His fingers were caressing her hand and she was beginning to feel unnerved by his touch. She made to pull her hand away, but he tightened his grip. ‘You are very much better.’
Lily was delighted. ‘Thank you.’
He looked around at the peeling paintwork of the bar with distaste. ‘But what on earth are you doing in a place like this?’
‘What’s wrong with it?’ she asked indignantly. ‘It’s full, and with honest people too.’
His gaze searched her face, looking at every feature. Lily was uncomfortable under such close scrutiny. ‘You are even more beautiful now,’ he declared. ‘You’ve matured since the first day we met.’
Her eyes sparked with pleasure. ‘And you, Vittorio, what about you? You don’t look any different. Making an honest living these days, or are you still in the same dodgy business?’
He burst out laughing. ‘Oh, Lily. You are an extraordinary girl. No one speaks to me the way you do.’
‘Frightened of ending up in the drink, I expect.’
She saw his expression change. His smile didn’t falter but the sudden cold look from the piercing eyes made her quake inside and she knew that everything she’d been told about Vittorio was true.
‘You are sometimes very foolish, Lily,’ he said smoothly, ‘but I put that down to your inexperience. Come and have dinner with me one night. I might have an interesting proposition for you.’
Tilting her head on one side, she asked, ‘What sort of proposition?’
‘I see you are a little intrigued. You will like it, I promise.’
Lily glanced over towards the piano where Sandy was playing soft music, keeping an eye on her. She looked back at Vittorio. ‘I’m sorry, but I’m not free to accept such invitations.’
The smile left his lips. ‘Don’t tell me you’re married?’
Shaking her head, Lily said, ‘No. But I’m spoken for.’
The sudden anger in Vittorio’s voice made her start. ‘What is wrong with you? I can give you everything a girl could desire and you waste yourself on some useless man.’
She was angry. ‘Fred isn’t useless. He’s a lovely person and at the moment he’s not well, so don’t you talk about him like that.’
He calmed down. ‘I see I’ve upset you. I’m sorry, that was not my intention. I’m sure this character you’re involved with is an upright figure of the local community.’
‘Yes, he is.’
The same small smile played in the corners of Vittorio’s mouth. ‘But can he give you what I can?’
‘And what would that be?’
He appraised her figure. ‘You have a great body, a beautiful face and a dream of a voice, but in this setting, it loses so much. You could sing in my club, with my band. I could make you a success. You would be somebody. I could lift you out of these sordid surroundings. Clothe you in the most expensive gowns. You would have money, jewels, position … and me.’
Lily’s eyes widened. This was far more than she’d bargained for. ‘What do you mean … and you?’
He brushed his finger gently down her cheek. ‘You would be my mistress.’
‘Your mistress?’
He chuckled. ‘Is the idea so repugnant to you?’
‘What does repugnant mean?’
‘Don’t you like the idea? Is it distasteful to you?’
Looking at his smooth skin, his powerful figure in his well-cut suit, the spotlessly clean shirt, tapering fingers with clean nails and his fascinating smile, she couldn’t honestly say yes, so she didn’t answer.
There was a look of satisfaction on his face as he said, ‘I see it isn’t. That gives me great pleasure. If only you’d let me help you, Lily. You have talent. You need someone to take care of you.’ He smiled. ‘I would very much like to be the man to do that.’
‘Well honestly, Vittorio, you’ve really taken me by surprise. I don’t know quite what to say.’
He chuckled. ‘For the first time, Lily, I do believe you are at a loss for words. Think about it. I know one day you’ll come to me, but I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.’ He kissed the back of her hand. ‘Until that day, my dear.’ He excused himself and left the bar.
Lily was stunned. Yet she was aware that she had been the centre of attention; the customers were still gazing at her with speculative looks.
Sandy came rushing over. ‘What the hell was that all about?’
‘I’ve just been propositioned.’
‘By The Maltese? What did he want?’
With a grin she said, ‘He wants me to be his mistress.’
Sandy’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. ‘Oh my God! I need a drink and so do you, I shouldn’t wonder.’
They sat together with a glass of brandy each. ‘Medicinal purposes only,’ said Sandy as he took a sip.
‘Well, what do you think?’ Lily asked him.
He looked at her in astonishment. ‘You are joking, I hope?’
‘Why? Don’t you want to see me dripping in diamonds?’ Her eyes were twinkling with delight. ‘You saw the power he has. He walked in here and there was silence. Power, Sandy. And he’s rich.’
The pianist couldn’t believe what he was hearing. ‘You surely aren’t considering his offer?’
‘No. Of course not, you silly old fart. But don’t you think it’s worth putting to the back of my mind for a rainy day?’
‘Stop messing about, Lily.’ Sandy was becoming agitated. ‘You know the man’s reputation. He’s dangerous.’
‘Yes, he is,’ she agreed. ‘But frankly, he’s also quite fascinating. I actually like him!’
‘Then you’re probably the only person that does.’
‘Rubbish. He’s got a mother somewhere. She must love him.’
Shaking his head Sandy retorted, ‘That man wasn’t born. He’s the Devil’s issue.’
‘You think I’m being tempted by the Devil? How exciting.’
‘Don’t joke about it, Lily. Please, do me a favour. Forget about Vittorio Teglia.’
But Lily knew she couldn’t. There was still only one man she really wanted, but there was something about Vittorio. Always had been. Somehow he was to be a part of her life. She knew that, and so did he.
Today was Mary Harris’s wedding day, and she was beside herself with excitement. Today she would become Mrs Thomas McCann. There was a time when she had thought this day would never come, but all of a sudden Tom had had a change of heart and wanted to rush the wedding through. She wondered what had changed his mind, but pushed any doubts to the back of her thoughts.
Tom had rented a two-up and two-down in the adjacent road to her parents. She’d pleaded with him to look further afield, but he’d become stubborn. ‘I don’t want to walk bloody miles to work, woman, just so you can say you live in a better neighbourhood than your friends.’
It would be a start at least. Later, when they’d saved and had a child, then she would insist on a move and a good school. She could wait. She insisted, however, she have her way with the furnishings, telling Tom that after all she was used to nice things at the doctor’s house and had good taste. He gave in for the sake of peace and quiet.
Now she stood before the long mirror in her bedroom and looked at her reflection. Her wedding dress was of the palest ivory satin, scalloped around the hem of the skirt. On her head, covering her riotous raven black hair, held in place with tortoiseshell combs, was a short veil, with artificial flowers in a crown to keep it in place. She was to carry a small posy of cream and peach-coloured roses.
She was pleased at the pretty picture she made, but couldn’t stem a feeling of trepidation about becoming a wife. She’d let Tom kiss and fondle her during their courtship because she thought she’d lose him if she didn’t, but she hadn’t enjoyed these moments of intimacy very much. She was ignorant about her marital duties, for Jessy had not taken her aside to explain them, and she wondered what would happen tonight … But as she smoothed her dress and twirled around she resolved to put aside these worrying thoughts and enjoy the day ahead.
As Tom dressed for his wedding, he was already regretting the haste with which it was taking place, but he’d been so devastated when Lily confirmed there was no future for them, he’d rushed headlong into it. Now it was too late. Anyway, he thought dispiritedly, it was time to get on with his life. Today would be a new beginning.
After the wedding ceremony, the bride walked nervously from the registrar’s office clutching her posy of roses in one hand, her new husband’s arm with the other.
They were immediately surrounded by family and friends offering their congratulations. Mary smiled shyly at Tom as they were showered with confetti.
Tom, dressed in a new navy suit, looked at her with an encouraging grin. ‘Well, Mrs McCann, you look beautiful. In fact, I’d go so far as to say we make a very handsome couple.’
‘Oh, go on,’ Mary scolded, but was thrilled with the compliment.
As the small procession of guests followed them through the narrow dingy streets towards her mother’s home in College Street, Mary tried to adjust to the fact that after the wedding breakfast, she would leave as a married woman, with a home of her own and a man to look after.