‘But I don’t want a new mum,’ Susan, the first one to react, cried.
‘Me neither,’ Bella said.
It was Luke who asked the question: ‘Who’s he going to marry?’
‘You all know her, and she’s nice. It’s Polly Letworth.’
‘Polly, our school dinner lady?’ Bella said, her eyes rounding. ‘She’s nice, and one day when I had some money for a school dinner, she gave me lots of custard on my pudding.’
‘I like her too,’ Susan said, tears drying on her cheeks.
‘There, I told you so. I know it’s come as a bit of a shock, but when you get used to the idea and she comes here to live, I’m sure it’ll be lovely.’
Ann ran to Emma’s side. ‘Will she give me lots of custard too?’
‘I’m sure she will,’ Emma told her, relieved that it had gone better than she’d expected. ‘Polly is a lovely woman, but listen, I’ve got to go now. We can talk again later.’
‘Does Dick know?’ Luke asked.
‘Not yet, but I’ll tell him on my way to work, and please, kids, keep the noise down. I don’t want Mrs Dunston doing her nut again.’
Emma walked through the market, seeing familiar faces, some stall-holders greeting her with waves as usual. Her life would be so different when she married Horace. She would have to find new shops, discover new neighbours, but she doubted they’d be as friendly as these locals. Emma shivered, wondering what sort of reception she’d receive from Horace’s friends, sure they would find her unworldly, gauche, and she’d be tongue-tied in their company. She would have to change, learn to be a lady, and had better start soon.
Charlie Roper’s stall was ahead and, dismissing her worries, she planted a smile on her face.
‘Hello, Charlie.’
‘Hello, Emma love, how are you doing?’ he asked. Picking up an apple, he polished it before slapping it into her hand. ‘Here you are, girl. That’ll put a bit of colour in your cheeks.’
‘Oh, thank you, Charlie. Is it all right if I have a word with Dick?’
‘Of course it is. Oi, Dick, your lovely sister is here to see you.’
‘Give us a minute, Em,’ Dick called as he poured potatoes from the scales into an old woman’s shopping bag. ‘What else can I get you, Mrs
Moore? How about a nice head of cauliflower, fresh from Covent Garden this morning?’
‘Oh, go on then, but make sure it’s a nice white one.’
Charlie winked at Emma, his voice a whisper. ‘All the old girls love Dick, and he can usually persuade them to buy a bit extra.’
Emma smiled, and as Dick came over, Charlie took over on the stall. She kept her voice low, telling him about their father’s marriage, seeing her brother’s face pale with shock.
He shook his head, bewildered, but then his eyes narrowed. ‘Hold on, Em, it’s all a bit strange, if you ask me. I haven’t heard any gossip that Dad’s been seeing Polly Letworth and news doesn’t take long to spread around here. Now all of a sudden, just as you’re getting married, he is too. I’d like to know what his game is.’
‘He told me that he’s been seeing her for a while.’
‘If he has, he must have been keeping her well under wraps.’
‘Perhaps he knew there’d be gossip.’
‘Yeah, maybe. How do you feel about it, Em?’
‘I was shocked at first and disappointed too. I had hoped to have you all living with me. Horace agreed and said he’d discuss it with Dad.’
Dick’s eyes narrowed again. ‘Huh, I can’t believe that Horace Bell would want to take us lot on. If you ask me there’s more to this than meets the
eye. I’d like to have been a fly on the wall when they had their little chat.’
‘But Horace hasn’t seen Dad yet.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, of course I am. I asked Dad if he’d seen Horace when he came home last night and he said no.’
‘I still think there’s something fishy going on.’
‘No, I don’t think so. Dad’s marriage is just a coincidence, that’s all.’
‘Dick, lad, we’ve got customers,’ Charlie called as a small queue formed in front of the stall.
‘Yeah, sorry, Charlie.’
Emma said goodbye to her brother, hurrying away, but if she had looked back she’d have seen that Dick’s eyes were still narrowed in doubt.
When Emma told him of her father’s forthcoming marriage, Horace composed his face to one of sadness.
‘Oh, well, never mind. It would have been nice to have your brothers and sisters here, but with your father getting married again I suppose there’s no need.’
Inwardly Horace was elated. He’d planned to see Tom Chambers again that evening, but thanks to Emma he already had the news he’d been waiting for. He wasn’t too happy at the loss of revenue from the Balham property, although he was cheered by the thought that the house would still go up in value.
There was nothing now to keep him from the registry office, but before that he might as well use this opportunity to show his largesse to Emma. It would make her happy, exceedingly grateful, and also quell any suspicions that might arise.
‘I’m pleased for your father, my dear, and do
you know I think I’d like to do something to help him, though I’m not sure what. Have you any ideas, my love?’
‘No, not really. You’ve already agreed to let him live in our flat rent free.’
‘Yes, and I hope that makes things a great deal easier for him, but there must be something else I can do.’
Emma was quiet for a moment, but then said, ‘If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, perhaps you could have the roof repaired. It…it leaks into the attic on my father’s side.’
‘Does it? How awful, and I had no idea,’ he lied. ‘Why didn’t he report it?’
‘I think he did.’
‘Oh dear, I am sorry. I’ve been so busy and it must have slipped my mind.’ Horace rubbed a hand around his chin, his eyes widening as though struck by a thought. ‘Yes, I could get the roof fixed, but I have a better idea. I have a lovely three-bedroom property in Balham, and I think I’ll offer it to your father.’
‘Really! Oh, that would be wonderful.’ And to Horace’s gratification Emma threw herself into his arms.
He was only able to hold her momentarily before she stepped away, her face flushed, but it was enough to arouse him. God, he couldn’t wait to get her into his bed.
With this in mind he said, ‘I must go now. You were rather late this morning, but I wanted to see you before I left. It’s time I went to the registry office to book our wedding.’
‘Sorry I wanted to tell the children about our father’s marriage before they heard it from anyone else, and I’m afraid it held me up.’
‘Emma, you have no need to apologise. I know you’re still doing the cleaning, and I’m grateful, but you are my fiancée now, not my employee. In fact, you don’t have to keep to regular hours. You can come and go as you please.’
Emma’s head lowered. As though it took great courage to speak she heaved in a deep breath, saying on a rush, ‘It’s very kind of you, but you see, until we’re married, I…I need my wages.’
‘Oh, Emma, Emma, how thoughtless of me! We need to talk, my dear, but I’m afraid it will have to keep until I return. Will you wait for me?’
She nodded, her expression still one of embarrassment. Swiftly kissing her cheek, Horace hurried out.
Things had happened so quickly that he hadn’t had time to think of everything but now the financial ramifications of his marriage had to be worked out. Once Emma was his wife he would give her a small housekeeping allowance, but make sure she knew nothing of their financial situation. In fact, with a little ruse planned, he was sure she’d
agree to do without a cleaner. After all, he told himself, she managed perfectly adequately now, and it would be an unnecessary expenditure. Until then he would have to continue with her wages, but there was still the question of her clothes. She was to be his wife and he didn’t want her turning up at the registry office dressed like a ragamuffin. My God, there was her family too! He shook his head. Well, he wasn’t prepared to buy outfits for that lot, and somehow he had to ensure that they didn’t attend the service.
Horace continued on his journey, planning and scheming, pleased when he finally found a way around the problem.
Dick was still suspicious about his father and Polly Letworth. When his day’s work was finished, he helped Charlie to clear the stall, storing the fruit and vegetables in the old man’s lockup.
‘What’s up, lad? You ain’t been the same since your sister came to see you. Did she bring you bad news?’
Dick hesitated but, feeling the need to unburden, he shrugged. ‘It depends on how you look at it. Apparently my father is going to marry Polly Letworth.’
‘Blimey, it seems a bit quick.’
‘Yeah, it is, and I didn’t even know he was seeing the woman.’
Charlie was quiet for a while as they stacked the crates. Then: ‘I’ve heard rumours that the woman’s a bit of a goer. How do you feel about the marriage, lad?’
‘I’m none too happy, even more so if there’s any truth in the rumours.’
‘You know what folks are like round here–it’s probably just gossip. Maybe if your dad remarries it won’t be such a bad thing, and it’d keep him out of the boozer.’
‘Huh, that’ll be the day.’
‘Well, Dick, I’m sorry to say it’s your father’s decision and you’ll just have to accept it.’
‘Yeah, maybe…’ Dick stacked the last crate and heaved a sigh. ‘Right, that’s done. I’ll see you in the morning, Charlie.’
‘Yeah, see you, lad.’
Dick didn’t go straight home, instead he headed for the King’s Arms, unsurprised to see his father propping up the bar.
With effort he forced a smile on his face, saying as he joined him, ‘Hello, Dad, I hear congratulations are in order.’
‘Yesh, that’s right,’ Tom slurred, already three sheets to the wind. ‘Me mates here have heard the news too and we’re having a bit of a shelebration.’
‘I may be breaking a habit of many years,’ the landlord said, ‘but this time have a pint on me, Tom, and everyone in here will be like the three
wise monkeys when I pour one for your son too. After all, from what I’ve heard, none of you will be around these parts for much longer.’
‘Who told you that?’
‘Come on, man, my missus heard it from the horse’s mouth when she bumped into Polly this morning.’
‘What’s this, Dad?’
‘Mind your own fucking business,’ he snapped, but then shook his head. ‘Oh, well, what does it matter? With the mouths around here you’d have heard about it soon enough. Once me and Polly get hitched, we’re moving to Balham.’
‘Balham? But that’s miles from here. How am I supposed to get to work by six in the morning?’
‘It ain’t my problem, son, but if you want my advice, I suggest you find a place of your own.’
‘Just like that!’
‘You’re old enough to fend for yourself and it’ll be easier for Polly with one less to worry about.’
‘Hang on, Dad. This is all a bit sudden. When Emma told me this morning that you’re getting married, she never mentioned anything about Balham. How did this move come about?’
The landlord placed an overflowing pint of beer in front of him and Tom picked it up, downing almost half before putting it back on the bar. He grinned inanely. ‘Never you mind. Let’s just say it’s one of the perks of Emma’s marriage.
According to Bell, it’s a lovely place, with three bedrooms too.’
Dick frowned. ‘When did Bell offer this place to you?’
He saw his father stiffen, and instantly he seemed to sober.
‘What’s with all these questions? Now you listen to me. Keep your nose out, and you’d better not try to scupper Emma’s marriage or you’ll have me to deal with. I suggest you button your lip, and no matter what you think, or hear, keep it to yourself. Now finish your drink and clear off out.’
Dick didn’t need telling twice, and thanking the landlord for his untouched drink, he marched out of the pub. He was still confused, still unable to piece it all together, determined to talk it over with Emma when he arrived home.
All this changed when Dick walked into the flat. Emma ran excitedly up to him, her face alight with happiness.
‘Oh, Dick, where have you been? I’ve got some wonderful news and can’t wait to tell you,’ she babbled on, her hand gripping his arm. ‘I must admit I didn’t really want to marry Horace at first, but I’m glad I changed my mind. He’s so kind, Dick, and so chuffed that Dad’s getting married that he’s going to give him a lovely flat in Balham.’
Dick was about to blurt out that he already
knew, but then Emma let go of his arm, her eyes shining. It had been a long time since he had seen his sister so happy and for a moment he said nothing, but there were still lingering doubts.
‘I’m not so sure about Horace Bell.’
Her brow creased. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Oh, I dunno, Em. It just feels that the man’s been manipulating everything. Your marriage…Dad’s marriage…’
‘Don’t be daft,’ she interrupted. ‘How could Horace manipulate Dad’s marriage? I’m sure you’re imagining things. It’s just a coincidence, that’s all.’
‘Maybe, but are you sure you want to marry him? It’s not too late to back out.’
Emma smiled softly. ‘Yes, I’m sure. Of course I’m a little disappointed that you won’t be coming to live with us, but Horace has been so generous with his offer of a new flat for Dad. We’ll all be out of this dump, the kids will be fine with Polly, and Balham isn’t that far away so we’ll still see lots of each other. Oh, Dick, it’s going to be wonderful. A fresh start for all of us.’
Dick slumped into his father’s chair. Emma looked chuffed, and maybe he shouldn’t try to spoil things for her. He’d keep his mouth shut from now on, but his father had also made it obvious that he wasn’t welcome in Balham. Christ, bit by bit the family was breaking up. James and
Archie were with Alice Moon; Emma was leaving to marry Horace Bell, and the rest of them, without him, moving out of the borough. From now on he was on his own. At that thought he stiffened his shoulders. Well, sod his father, he’d cope, but at the same time he’d keep a quiet watch on them. There was still more to this than met the eye, and he had a sudden feeling that there would come a time when Emma would need him. Need him badly.