7,19 €
Mehr erfahren.
- Herausgeber: Allison & Busby
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
As if everyday life in London's slums wasn't hard enough for Jane Roberts and her three children, the day that ne'er-do-well husband Bert walks out on his family as rent day draws near is a particularly dark time. In the wake of his desertion, the family pull together to find their way forward, and Jane takes the steps she needs to get a divorce and free them all from Bert in the future.With help from a neighbour who is not all she seems, a lucky break and fresh opportunities, the road ahead starts to look more promising. But will Bert wreck the new start the Roberts family have their sights set on?
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Seitenzahl: 486
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020
Ähnliche
3
From This Day Forward
BERYL MATTHEWS
Contents
Chapter One
Lambeth, London, 1880
In desperation Jane Roberts tried to wrestle her purse away from her husband. ‘That’s all I’ve got to feed us. If you take everything then you won’t get any dinner tonight.’
Bert Roberts pushed her roughly away and slipped the money in his pocket. ‘I don’t care, cos I won’t be here, so you’ll have to find another way to get money. I’m fed up with you and the kids and I’m leaving.’
Her son Charlie rushed to catch her before she fell, and then rounded on his father. ‘Don’t you dare treat Mum like that!’
‘You shut up, kid, or I’ll give you a hiding you won’t forget.’
She held her son’s shoulders to stop him from getting into a fight with his father. ‘Where are you going?’
He smirked. ‘Found myself another woman, and she’s real handsome. You ain’t nothing like the smart girl I married.’ 6
‘Is that surprising after sixteen years of worrying about keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table? I’ve never known if you were going to give me any money or if you were gambling it away at the dogs. That is enough to break anyone’s spirit.’ Jane studied the man in front of her with disgust. ‘You’re not the dashing man who persuaded me to defy my parents and marry you, either.’
‘And what a bloody mistake that was. They disowned you and threw us both out.’
She almost gasped, surprised just how much that hurt after all these years. ‘You hadn’t expected that, and it ruined all your schemes for an easy life, didn’t it?’
‘Too right, and I was stuck with you, but I ain’t putting up with it no more.’
‘Who is this woman? I suppose she’s got money.’ Jane was stunned by what she was hearing. She knew her husband hadn’t been faithful to her, but she had put up with it for the sake of the children.
‘She’s got enough.’ He tipped her handbag upside down to make sure there wasn’t anything of value there.
‘How can you do this, not only to me, but to your children? Don’t you care what happens to us?’
Bert shook his head, then threw the house keys on the table and headed for the door. Before leaving he looked back. ‘You are going to have to manage on your own. It ain’t no good creeping back to your high-and-mighty family, cos they haven’t even bothered to find you after all these years. There’s always the workhouse if you can’t pay the rent.’
With that he slammed the door behind him and she stared at it in disbelief. He really had gone, and dread rushed in and hit her like a tidal wave. 7
‘Mum?’
She looked down at her youngest son’s worried face and gathered him close, dismayed that Joe had witnessed that unpleasant scene.
‘What did Dad mean? We haven’t got to go to the workhouse, have we? That isn’t a nice place.’ His bottom lip trembled as he gazed imploringly at his mother.
‘No, no, we won’t let that happen.’
‘We certainly won’t!’ Charlie ruffled his younger brother’s hair and dredged up a smile in an effort to reassure the eight-year-old boy. He stood behind Joe so the youngster couldn’t see his expression, and looked at their mother, his hazel eyes blazing with fury. ‘What was that all about? What did he mean about your parents?’
Jane shook her head, worry and disbelief etched on her face. ‘He was talking nonsense in an effort to hurt me as much as he could before leaving. He’s taken every penny we had, Charlie.’
‘Is there anyone we can go to for help?’
She shook her head. ‘Everyone in this slum has enough trouble feeding their own families. We can’t ask them to help us.’
Little Joe was gazing from his mother and then back to his older brother. ‘Helen will help.’
Jane took a deep, silent breath in an effort to steady herself, knowing she had to stay strong in front of her children. ‘I was hoping not to trouble her with this.’
‘She’s got a right to know,’ Charlie stated. ‘She’ll be furious if we don’t tell her.’
‘You’re right, of course. I’m not thinking straight at the moment.’ 8
‘I’ll go and see her now.’ Charlie shot out of the door and ran up the street at speed.
‘Helen will know what to do,’ Joe declared, seeming more at ease now Charlie had gone for their big sister. ‘She’s clever.’
‘Yes, she is.’ She looked lovingly at her youngest son. He was clearly frightened and she had to get control of her feelings in order to calm his fears. ‘I need to go into the other room for a while, so why don’t you do those arithmetic lessons I gave you.’
He nodded and sat at the table to do the work she had set him. Jane hurried out of the scullery, determined to clear her mind, because the last thing she must do was panic.
She sat down and closed her eyes, allowing her mind to go back to that time sixteen years ago. Most of her young life she had lived in different countries as her father had moved around. It had been a life of luxury, with servants on hand to meet her every need. Being an only child, she had been spoilt and denied very little. They had returned to this country when she was eighteen and London was exciting. She had slipped out one day on her own and stopped by the river to watch some swans. A young man had come up to her and given her a crust of bread to feed the birds and they had laughed at their antics. That’s how it had started, and from then on she met him every time she was able to get out on her own. One day, without telling her what he was going to do, he had come to her house and introduced himself to her parents. Her father had immediately seen what he was and had forbidden her to ever see him again. She had defied him and continued to meet Bert, believing herself to be in love. 9
Jane moaned in disbelief. How could she not have seen what he was really after? He had seen a young girl of good class on her own, and spotting an opportunity for gain had courted her with charm and laughter. After her father’s rejection of him he had set about to persuade her that if they were married he would be accepted into her family. He had made all the arrangements and she had gone along with them, completely fooled by his declarations of love.
Jane allowed the tears to run freely down her face as she recalled that terrible time. Furious that she had defied him, her father had disowned her and turned them both away. It was devastating and she’d looked to her new husband for support, but it wasn’t there. He was in a rage that frightened her, and he brought her to this slum, telling her that she must get used to it because it was all they could afford. It was the first time she had seen where he lived and, disgusted with the squalor, she had scrubbed to remove the filth until her hands were raw. She soon found out he expected her to meet his needs, cook and do as she was told. The sensible thing would have been to leave him immediately, but she had no money and nowhere to go.
Since she had been in this disgusting place she’d had three children. Helen was now fifteen, Charlie thirteen and Joe eight. Helen was a determined girl and would fight her way through any obstacle. Charlie also had the same spirit. He was tall and strong in body and mind, but Joe was the one she worried about the most. He was gentle and kind to everyone, always wanting to help, and he was the most vulnerable of her children. That didn’t mean he wasn’t intelligent, because behind those clear eyes there was a sharp mind that didn’t miss much. At least 10something good had come out of these nightmare years, and she would never regret that. She was prepared to do anything needed to keep them safe, but at the moment she was reeling with shock and the disaster facing them seemed insurmountable. Helen, she prayed silently, I need your clear thinking and positive attitude.
‘Psst …’
Helen Roberts put the bucket down and turned her head to see who was making that hissing sound, and then gasped in surprise when she saw her brother’s head peering round the kitchen door. She rushed over to him. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘That is what I was going to ask.’ The housekeeper, Mrs Tarrant, swept over to them. ‘Come inside, child, and close the door.’
Charlie stepped inside hesitantly and wiped the perspiration from his brow with the back of his hand, but held the stern housekeeper’s gaze without flinching. ‘I need to see my sister, please. It’s urgent.’
‘From the state you are in that is apparent. You may talk to her.’ She stepped back a pace but didn’t move away.
‘Thank you, ma’am,’ he replied politely.
Helen caught hold of her brother’s arm, very concerned. Something bad must have happened or Charlie would never have come here for her. ‘How did you get here?’
‘I ran all the way.’
‘What? It must be five miles or more. Why didn’t you take the bus?’
‘Couldn’t. Didn’t have any money, and I had to get here. We need you, sis.’ 11
Then she asked the question she had been avoiding. ‘What’s happened?’
‘Dad’s gone,’ he told her.
‘What do you mean, “gone”?’
He cast a quick glance at the housekeeper and the rest of the staff who were all listening intently, and with a shrug he turned his attention back to Helen. ‘He left. He took all his things, the money out of Mum’s purse and the rent money out of the jar, threw his door key on the table and stormed out.’ Charlie lowered his voice for a moment and then said in a quiet voice, ‘Said he’d found himself a better woman.’
Furious now, Helen erupted. ‘What the daft bugger means is he’s found a woman with a bit of money he can gamble with. How’s Mum?’
‘Worried sick. There’s no food in the place, the rent man is due in two days’ time and we can’t pay him.’ He looked at his big sister imploringly. ‘We need your help, sis. Dad said if we get chucked out, they’ll take us to the workhouse.’
‘Oh no they won’t!’ Helen clenched her work-worn hands into fists. ‘That’s not going to happen to my family.’
Charlie breathed an audible sigh of relief when he saw his big sister’s determined expression. ‘Tell me what I can do.’
Mrs Tarrant made an angry sound of disgust and turned to Cook. ‘Make up a basket of food for Helen’s family.’
‘Thank you, Mrs Tarrant. I must go home.’
‘Of course you must. You can have a week to deal with this crisis. I will hold your job open for you that long, but no longer. You are a good worker and I hope you will return before the week runs out.’ 12
‘That is kind of you, and I will be back as quickly as possible.’
The lady gave one of her rare smiles. ‘How old is little Joe?’
‘He’s eight and Charlie is thirteen.’
‘Quite a difference in your ages. Just the three of you?’
‘Yes,’ Helen told her. ‘Mum didn’t think she was going to have any more after me and Charlie, but she did eventually have Joe.’
While they had been talking, Cook had given Charlie a meat pie and a large cup of tea, which he devoured rapidly, muttering thanks in between mouthfuls.
‘Good heavens, child,’ Cook exclaimed. ‘How long is it since you’ve had something to eat?’
‘A while,’ was all he said, watching as his cup was refilled. When that was quickly emptied, he smiled at Cook. ‘It was a long run.’
The butler pulled a coin out of his pocket and gave it to Charlie. ‘You and your sister are to take a ride home.’
‘Oh, thank you, sir.’
He patted the boy on the shoulder and said to Helen, ‘Your brother is like you, polite and well spoken.’
‘That is kind of you to say so, Mr Gregson. Mum taught us to read and write before we went to school, and insisted we had good manners.’
‘Very wise of her. Now off you go and see what you can do for your family, and hurry back.’
She rushed upstairs to collect her things, and then ran back to her waiting brother. ‘Come on, Charlie, let’s sort this mess out.’
Cook handed her a basket full of food. ‘That should keep you going for a couple of days.’ 13
Helen hugged her, her eyes misting over with gratitude. With a heavy heart she walked out of the door, wondering if she really would be able to return. She was only a lowly maid, but the staff treated her kindly and she was grateful for the job.
Once outside, Charlie took the basket from her. ‘Sorry I had to come for you, sis, but I didn’t know what else to do.’
‘You did the right thing. I’ve been saving up for a new pair of shoes, so I’ve got enough money to pay the rent man this week. That will give us some breathing space, but we need to find a way to earn some money – and quickly.’
He linked his arm through his sister’s, confident that she would find a way. Helen could do anything. ‘Dad said some peculiar things before he left.’
Helen snorted in disgust. ‘That doesn’t surprise me.’
‘I know, but he talked as if Mum comes from a wealthy family and they threw her out when she married him. I asked her about it, but she said he was just talking nonsense.’
‘Well, we know she has had a good education, but he probably thinks that anyone with a couple of shillings in their pocket is wealthy.’
‘I expect you’re right.’
On the journey home Helen’s mind was racing, trying to find a way for them to survive, and she was also curious about their father’s remarks.
The moment they walked in the house little Joe rushed up and threw his arms around her, holding on with all of his might. He gazed up at her, his bottom lip trembling. ‘Don’t let them throw us out on the street, Helen – please!’ 14
She ruffled his curly brown hair and smiled. ‘No one is going to do that. I’m not going to let anything hurt our family, Joe.’
He grasped her hands, holding on tight. ‘I’m hungry.’
‘I know, sweetheart. I’ve brought a basket of food with me and Charlie’s unpacking it now. We’ll eat as soon as I’ve seen Mum, so you set the table while I do that. Where is she?’
‘She just went in the front room.’
Joe rushed off to carry out his task and Charlie said quietly, ‘She’s doing her best to hide it but she’s in shock and needs shaking out of it or we are going to be in a real mess.’
‘I’ll do that.’ She gazed affectionately at her brothers, both looking happier now, and determination surged through her. Charlie was old enough to understand the situation, but the terrified look in Joe’s eyes had upset her.
Jane Roberts was sitting in a chair and staring into space, her eyes red from crying. Helen stood in front of her and spoke sharply. ‘Mum, pull yourself together − and why the blazes are you crying over that man?’
Her daughter’s reprimand made her jump in surprise, unaware she had come into the room. ‘He’s left us.’
‘About time too. You are too good for him – always have been.’
‘That’s what my parents said, and I wouldn’t listen to them.’
Ah, that was the first time her mother had ever mentioned them. Helen pulled up a chair and sat in front of her mother. ‘You are educated and he’s an ignorant man who can’t read or write. All he can do is bet on the dogs and drink beer with his friends.’ 15
‘I tried to teach him just like I have the three of you, but he wasn’t interested.’
‘All he cares about is the pub and the dogs. As long as he could make out the numbers in the races, that was enough for him. That man has dragged you down to his level, but now that is going to stop.’
She stared at her daughter in disbelief. ‘He’s taken every penny I had. I can’t pay the rent or buy food for any of us. We’re at rock bottom.’
‘That’s true. There is only one way we can go now and that is up!’
‘That is a good thought, but how on earth are we going to do that?’
The spark was back in her mother’s eyes and Helen drew in a silent breath of relief. ‘I’ve got a plan, but it is going to need every one of us to pitch in and make it work.’ She stood up. ‘I’ve got enough to pay the rent this week and I’ve brought food for all of us. Go and wash your face and join us for a meal. You mustn’t let the boys see how upset you are.’
Jane hauled herself out of the chair, drained of all energy by this sudden turn of events. ‘I’m sorry about that but it hit me hard and I let it show, so I came in here for a moment to try and get my thinking straight. Thank you for coming, Helen. I hope you haven’t lost your job because of this?’
‘They’ve given me a week to sort this mess out.’
Her mother straightened up. ‘Then we had better see what this plan of yours is.’
‘I’ll explain when we have all had something to eat. Joe is starving.’ 16
Jane gave a slight smile at the mention of her youngest son, and then walked out of the room, her step sure and her head up.
Good, Helen thought. That was the first hurdle over.
Cook had filled the basket to overflowing, and when they had all eaten their fill there was still enough left over for the next day. As an extra surprise the kind woman had even put in one of her famous large fruit cakes.
Joe’s eyes opened wide when he saw it and exclaimed excitedly, ‘It’s so big! Can I take Granny Jarvis a slice? She doesn’t get many treats.’
‘Do you still go and see her?’ Helen asked. Charlie had told her all about Joe’s determination to look out for the elderly woman who had moved in next door two months ago.
He nodded. ‘Every day. She hasn’t got any family left and no one bothers to visit her. I get her shopping and make sure she has enough to eat.’
Her youngest brother was such a kind boy, and Helen loved him dearly. ‘Does she have enough money to pay her rent and buy the food?’
‘I’m not sure, but she must have, or they would have turned her out before now. She can’t have much, so I wait until the shops are about to shut and I get the best bargains I can for her.’ He grinned at his mother. ‘Like you do, Mum. Can I take her a slice of that cake, please?’
‘Of course you can. We must share our bounty.’ Jane cut a large slice, wrapped it in a napkin from the basket and handed it to her son.
With a huge smile on his face he jumped to his feet and raced out to the elderly woman’s house. 17
Charlie gave a quiet laugh. ‘He really cares about that old lady. I went with him once just to check that everything was all right, but there’s nothing to worry about. He chats away to her and there is noticeable affection in her eyes as she watches him trotting around doing any odd jobs for her. She tries to give him a penny at the end of each week for what he does, but he won’t take it. When I asked him why, he said he doesn’t do it for money. He likes her and she needs someone to make her smile and help in small ways.’
‘He’s an extraordinary little boy,’ Jane remarked. ‘I knew from the moment he was born that there was something different about him. I am desperately sorry I frightened him.’
‘Don’t worry, Mum, he’s fine now. Anyone else want a piece of cake before Joe decides everyone in the street should have a slice?’
They all laughed and Charlie patted his stomach. ‘I couldn’t, but I will manage a piece later on.’
‘We’ll save it for then.’ Jane stood up and began to clear the table.
By the time the washing-up was done, Joe burst back into the house.
‘Granny said that was the best cake she had ever tasted. I made her a pot of tea to go with it.’ The smile faded from his animated face. ‘I told her that Dad had left us and she said I wasn’t to worry because everything was going to be all right. It will be, won’t it, Mum?’
Jane smiled down at him. ‘Everything is going to be just fine. I was shocked that your father should even think about leaving us, but Helen’s here now and she has a plan.’ 18
He nodded, the bright smile back. ‘Helen’s clever.’
‘She is, so there is nothing to worry about. Now, we have decided to keep the cake for tea, but would you like a small piece now?’
‘I can wait. I’m full up after that lovely meat pie we had.’ He ran to his sister. ‘What is your plan? Can I help?’
‘It will need every one of us. Let’s sit down and I’ll explain.’ Once they were seated, Helen handed round paper and pencils. ‘I’ll want you all to write down what you are good at. It doesn’t matter what it is, just put down anything that comes to your mind. For instance, I’m good at scrubbing floors.’
That made them all laugh and turn their attention to the task.
Helen watched to see they were all busy writing before starting her own list. She had no idea what the outcome of this would be, but a way had to be found for the family to survive. The situation was desperate and the meagre amount of money she was earning at the house would nowhere near cover their needs. If they failed, then the spectre of them living on the streets begging for food was frightening, and the final humiliation would be the workhouse. She wouldn’t let that happen to those she loved. She wouldn’t!
For a moment the desperate situation they were in tried to overwhelm her, but she pushed it away. The last thing she must do is let in fear and doubt. It was obvious her mother was shocked and not thinking clearly, so they were all depending on her to find a solution and give them hope. She wouldn’t let them down.
When everyone had stopped writing she looked up and smiled. ‘All right, let me see what you’ve written.’ 19
Joe handed his over first, looking rather dejected. ‘I couldn’t think of much.’
He’d only put down that he could read and write, and run fast in the school races. ‘Oh, we can add quite a few things to your list,’ she told him gently. ‘You are good at looking after people, like you do with Granny Jarvis. You are good at figures and know how to get the best value for money. You are kind and care about people.’
The boy straightened up as he watched his sister add to his list.
Helen tapped him playfully. ‘But you, young man, have forgotten the most important thing. Not many people can write as beautifully as you can. In fact, quite a few around here can’t even sign their own name.’
‘Mum taught me,’ he said proudly. ‘I’m the best in school at reading, writing and adding up. But how can that help us?’
‘I have an idea, but we’ll go through that when I’ve read all the lists.’
Charlie had put down quite a few things. He was tall for his age and strong. If anything needed fixing, he was the one to go to. He was good with his hands and would tackle any job.
Her mother’s list was short, but Helen already had an idea for her. That left her contribution. She had learnt a lot from the staff where she worked about the running of a large household. It took planning to make everything run smoothly and the attention to detail fascinated her. She would use those organising skills to drag her family out of this mess. After writing on a fresh piece of paper for a while, she sat back and looked around at the expectant faces watching her. ‘Right, 20this family is going into business. We are going to put cards in the corner shop window advertising our services.’
They all stared at her in disbelief.
‘What services?’ her mother asked.
‘Joe will write letters for people who can’t do it for themselves. The charge will be a halfpenny for a short note and a penny for a long letter. If it is for the authorities, then I will help with the wording.’
He wriggled in his chair excitedly. ‘I can do that.’
‘I know you can. Now, Charlie, you will offer to take on any building or repairs, for a price to be agreed between you and the customer.’ When her older brother smiled agreement, she turned to her mother. ‘You are educated and have given us lessons in many subjects, so you are going to set up classes for those who need to learn how to read and write – whatever their age.’
Jane’s expression was one of astonishment. ‘But the people round here can’t afford to pay for something like that.’
‘To begin with you will take anything they can offer. If it’s a farthing or a cabbage that will do. We are going into business to survive. However, we mustn’t forget that the people in these slum areas are desperately poor, so if we see a very needy person, you can relax the rules and teach them at no cost. Everyone around here must be aware of what we are trying to do, and above all they need to be able to respect and trust us. I want people to come to us with their concerns, knowing we will not take advantage of them. Do you understand what I’m saying?’
‘You mean we are going to have to go slowly at first and build up a reputation for being honest and caring,’ her mother stated. 21
‘Exactly.’ She glanced round at each person, her expression serious. ‘It isn’t going to be easy and there will be times when we want to give up, but that mustn’t be allowed to happen. We keep going, whatever the difficulties.’
When they nodded, Helen sat back and sighed deeply. It was a plan, but it remained to be seen if it would work.
Chapter Two
When the boys were in bed, Helen and her mother sat in the front room enjoying a quiet cup of cocoa.
Jane was staring at the empty fireplace, a worried expression on her face. ‘Winter’s coming and I should have ordered the coal by now, but your father kept saying there was plenty of time and wouldn’t give me the money. There’s only one sack in the shed, and we must keep that for the stove so we can cook and heat water.’
‘We’ll get some as soon as we have made enough money. As long as you can keep the stove alight it will be warm in the scullery.’
‘I know.’ She sighed wearily and looked at her daughter. ‘You have done well to cheer up the boys and give them hope, but you must know that making enough money to survive on our own is going to be impossible. I love your idea about me teaching people from deprived areas to read and write, but it won’t bring in any money, you must know that.’ 23
‘It’s going to be hard but not impossible, Mum.’ She saw her mother’s dejected expression and her heart ached for her. She mustn’t allow her to sink too low, so she spoke firmly. ‘It is going to take the determination of each one of us, and doubt mustn’t creep in. If we fail, then the alternatives are too awful to contemplate. We’ve got to be positive, and by setting our minds on success we could get out of the slums and give us all a better life.’
Jane smiled then. ‘My goodness, you have set your sights high. We are at the bottom of the heap and not many manage to scramble their way out.’
‘We will!’
‘I don’t know where you’ve got your strength of character and determination from. It certainly hasn’t come from me or your father.’
‘I must have inherited it from a past relative.’ She studied her mother intently for a moment. She was such a kind and gentle woman who loved her children and Helen wondered just how much she had endured over the years in order to protect them from an uncaring father. ‘You know, I’d love to hear more about where you were born and your family.’
A look of utter sadness crossed her mother’s face, but she didn’t reply.
Helen probed, still intrigued by what Charlie had told her. Her mother’s past had always been a mystery and she would dearly love to know why that was. ‘I’ve always felt that you weren’t born to this life, Mum. Will you tell me how you ended up married to a man like Bert Roberts?’
‘Where I came from and why I am living like this is 24unimportant. It is in the past and cannot be changed. The only thing that matters now is our survival.’ Jane took a deep breath. ‘We are on our own, darling, and that’s a frightening situation to be in.’
It was evident that her mother wasn’t going to talk about her life before she married, and Helen sensed it was too painful for her. That made her even more curious. There was evidently a big secret here and she was determined to uncover it one day.
‘Well, whatever happened, you’ve done well,’ Helen told her gently. ‘But you don’t belong here – I’ve always known that – and neither do your children. It has made me even more determined to get us all out of here.’
‘I used to have dreams too, but they have faded over time.’
‘Then it is time they were resurrected. You have shown enormous strength of character by surviving these years. You had to face them on your own, but that isn’t the case this time – there are four of us now.’ Helen stood up and pulled her mother out of the chair, giving her a hug and determined to see a spark of hope in her eyes again. ‘Come on − laugh, dance, you are free now. This can be a new beginning for all of us and it’s up to us to make it a fantastic one!’
Jane studied her daughter for a moment, and then a slow smile of realisation crossed her face. ‘You’re right, I am free at last, and we can move on and try to make a better life for all of us.’
They were both laughing and dancing around the small room, shouting, ‘The only way is up!’
‘What are you doing?’ 25
They stopped and saw the two boys standing by the door, both grinning widely.
‘Can we join in?’ Joe asked, giggling at their antics.
Helen held out her arms. ‘Come on, boys. It has been too long since laughter was heard in this house. Tomorrow we begin a new life. It isn’t going to be easy, but by golly we’ll make it work. When we have problems and setbacks we will talk them over, laugh about it, and then move on. From now on there are two words that will not appear in our vocabulary – “can’t” and “discouraged”.’
The boys shouted agreement and joined in the boisterous moment, spinning round and round in excitement.
‘There’s another word,’ Charlie suggested, slightly out of breath from jumping around. ‘“Failure”.’
‘Agreed.’ Jane stopped, and gathered her children towards her, smiling down at them. ‘I think we should all have a cup of cocoa and another slice of cake.’
There were shouts of pleasure as the boys dashed off to the scullery, eager to enjoy the late-night treat.
Their mother watched them leave and then hugged her daughter. ‘Thank you, my darling girl. You have given us all hope and something to work towards – our independence.’
‘The cocoa’s ready,’ Joe hollered.
Sleep was illusive that night as Helen’s mind continued to go over and over the plans. She had emphasised the fact that this was going to be a fight for survival, but it was more than that. Much more. Most people in the deprived areas never got past the continual struggle to pay the rent and put food on the table. They lived their entire lives like that, but working at the big house had opened her eyes, and she had 26begun to yearn for a better life for her family. It had seemed impossible, though, with that man ruling everything they did, and that was why she had gone into service. She just had to get away, and it had been a hard decision to leave her mum and the boys. Now he was out of their lives this was their chance to make a better future for themselves, and they had to grasp it with all their might. They all deserved better, and the way to get what they wanted was by hard work and determination. Failure must not be considered, no matter how tough the road in front of them was.
Aware of the enormity of the task facing them she drifted into a troubled sleep. It was still dark when she woke up and the worry for her family rushed in like a tidal wave. She had arrived back putting on a show of confidence and assuring them everything was going to be all right. It had been quite a performance so perhaps she should go on to the stage as an actress! Sitting on the edge of the bed she covered her face with her hands, allowing her fears to surface for a moment. Little Joe was causing her the most worry. Charlie was a bright boy and wouldn’t go down without a fight, but their darling Joe was a different matter. He was young, needing protection, and they must all pull together to see he didn’t suffer.
Drawing in a deep, ragged breath, she dressed and walked quietly down the stairs. Rising early to carry out her duties at the big house was a habit now, and she knew that returning to her job at the end of the week was going to cause her much heart searching. In this crisis her place was here, and yet she had a job. The pay was paltry, but it would help her family, and she might be able to get leftovers from Cook. Also, she would have her meals there 27and that meant one less person to feed here. Somehow, in a few short days, they had to make enough money for rent so she could return to her job.
While waiting for the kettle to boil she heard a movement behind her and turned to see a sleepy Charlie. ‘Did I wake you?’
He shook his head. ‘I heard you come downstairs and I want to talk to you before the others wake up.’
Helen made a pot of tea, cut slices of bread for their breakfast and, after pouring them both a cup, she smiled at her brother. ‘All right, I’m listening.’
‘I’m going to leave school and try to get a job. I’m the man of the house now and we can’t leave everything to you, sis. I’m way ahead of the other kids, and they are not teaching me anything new. Mum isn’t going to like it, though, so I need your help.’ He gave her an imploring look. ‘You went into service when you were fourteen, and I’ll soon be fourteen. I know Mum wants me to stay at school for as long as they will let me, but things are different now.’
‘Yes, they are.’ Helen sipped her tea while she thought this through. After a moment she said, ‘Don’t say anything to Mum at the moment, but start looking for a job straight away. If you can find something, then that will be the time to let her know. What would you like to do?’
‘Perhaps a carpenter. I love working with wood and could learn how to make useful things like furniture.’ His eyes gleamed with enthusiasm, and then he shrugged. ‘But I’ll take anything I can get.’
‘No, you won’t,’ she told him firmly. ‘This isn’t just a case of making enough money to survive on, it’s about making a better life for ourselves, and that means doing 28things we love.’ She reached across the table and took hold of his hands. ‘If you want to be a carpenter then be one. Don’t settle for anything less.’
‘You’re right, and by golly I’ll do it!’ He tipped his head to one side and studied his big sister. ‘What about you? You are too clever to be a maid, so what do you really want to do?’
When she hesitated, Charlie grinned. ‘Come on, sis, I’ve told you my dream.’
‘All right, but I’ve never told anyone this before. Instead of scrubbing floors and cleaning out fire grates I want to do something more demanding, but I really don’t know what yet.’
‘Then keep searching. There’s no point having dreams if we don’t even try to make them come true.’
Joe arrived at that moment and hugged them both. ‘What are you talking about?’
She poured him a cup of tea and put a slice of bread on a plate for him. ‘We were saying what jobs we would like to do. What are you going to do when you grow up?’
‘I’m going to be a policeman.’
They stared at their young brother in astonishment.
‘Crikey, Joe,’ Charlie exclaimed. ‘You walk down this street dressed as a copper and you’ll get bashed up.’
‘We won’t be living here then.’ The young boy spread a little butter on the bread and took a bite.
‘Er … where will we be?’ Helen asked.
‘In a nice house overlooking Clapham Common.’
Charlie shook his head, trying not to laugh at such an impossible idea. ‘How do you know this?’
‘I saw it in a dream.’ 29
‘Darling,’ Helen said gently, ‘we all have dreams at night, but they aren’t real.’
‘That’s right,’ Charlie agreed. ‘Sometimes I have the weirdest dreams, but they aren’t true.’
The young boy finished his bread and drained his cup, not at all troubled by their remarks. Then he grinned at his sister. ‘This one is. You’ve got to have dreams, and Helen is going to make it happen.’
The weight on her shoulders suddenly became heavier. This lovely, gentle child believed she could do anything, and she wondered how it was going to be possible to live up to such high expectations.
‘I’ve finished my breakfast, so can I go and see Granny now, please? It’s Sunday and she goes to church. I help her because her legs are not too good now.’
‘Of course.’
He jumped down and headed for the door, then spun round and rushed back. ‘Is there any cake left? She’d like a piece with her cup of tea before going to church.’
‘I think we can spare a little slice.’ Helen picked up a knife and opened the tin.
Joe peered inside. ‘Oh, not much there, so she can have my piece.’
‘There’s just enough for all of us.’ She placed a slice in a napkin and handed it to her brother.
He took it and hugged her, then tore out of the house.
She watched silently for a moment and then looked at her other brother. ‘What an extraordinary conversation. Does he often say things like that?’
‘Like what?’ Jane walked in looking more relaxed and rested.30
She told her mother what Joe had said. ‘He really believes it.’
Their mother smiled. ‘I took him to Clapham Common once and he loved it. He’s got a vivid imagination − but don’t worry, he’ll soon grow out of it.’
Chapter Three
There was a rap on the door and a face appeared wearing a huge grin. ‘It’s me, Granny.’
Dora smiled back. ‘Good morning, Joe.’
He bounded in. ‘It’s a dry day, so you won’t get wet when you go to church. Have you had your cup of tea yet?’
‘I’ve just made a pot. Do you want one?’
He shook his head and held out his gift. ‘I’ve brought you another piece of that cake you liked.’
‘It was lovely, but are you sure your family can spare it?’
‘There’s enough for us to have one more slice each and then it’s gone.’ He poured her a cup of tea and then bustled about tidying up while she enjoyed her treat.
Dora watched him with affection shining in her eyes, but there was also concern for the young boy. That callous, selfish brute of a father had left them without any money. How could any man walk away from such a lovely family? ‘Are you upset about your father going?’ she asked gently. 32
He turned around, a thoughtful expression on his face. ‘I ought to be, I suppose. Mum was upset and afraid of what was going to happen to us when we couldn’t pay the rent, and that frightened me because Dad mentioned the workhouse. I don’t want that to happen. We didn’t have any food either, so Charlie ran and got Helen. She came back with him and had a big basket of food.’
‘What about the rent money, Joe?’
‘Sis had been saving up for a new pair of shoes, so we’ve got the rent for this week and a bit left over for food.’
‘How are you going to manage after that?’
‘Helen has a plan.’ He broke into a gleeful grin. ‘The Robertses are going into business.’
‘My goodness, that sounds interesting.’
The young boy nodded. ‘Helen’s clever, like Mum, and they’ll see we are all right. Now, are you ready for church? You don’t want to be late.’
With her walking cane in one hand and the other one resting on his shoulder they left the house. The church was only ten minutes away and she listened to Joe chatting away. His sister had obviously done her best to put her young brother’s mind at rest, but he wasn’t a fool. It hadn’t taken her long to discover that behind the bright smile was a sharp mind, and she hadn’t missed the brief flashes of concern in his eyes.
‘Shall I wait for you?’ he asked when they reached the church door.
‘No, you run off home. Someone will walk me back after the service.’
‘All right. I’ll pop in later to see you are all right.’
‘Thank you, Joe.’ As she went to enter the church, he 33caught hold of her sleeve and she looked down to see what he wanted.
His expression was serious now and he asked softly, ‘Will you pray for us?’
‘I always do, but I’ll make a special prayer for all of you today.’
The smile was back as he turned and ran for home.
She watched him for a while and then went in to take her seat. Yes, she thought, she had been right. He was well aware of the perilous situation his family were in, and Dora was determined to watch carefully to see they didn’t suffer.
She relaxed, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere before the service started, a slight smile on her face as she remembered how she had first met Joe. After finishing her shopping, she was on her way home when she tripped and fell. Her purchases were scattered everywhere and her handbag had flown quite a way from her. While she was trying to get up a young boy ran over and picked up the handbag. She had expected to see him turn and run away with it, but instead he rushed up to help her, asking all the time if she was all right. Once back on her feet again, he handed her the bag and then set about retrieving all of her shopping. He had insisted on helping her back home, and when they arrived he had immediately made her a pot of strong tea, explaining that his mother said it was the best remedy for a shock. Then he’d watched her drink two cups, washed up and told her he would come back later to check she was all right. That was just after she had moved into Fallon Street, and he had been coming every day since, insisting on doing her shopping and any 34other odd jobs. She had tried and tried to get him to take a small payment, but he wouldn’t, declaring he didn’t want money from her. He came because he liked her, he’d told her, and she needed someone to help her.
Jane Roberts was a good mother to her three children who were all the image of her, and nothing like their father, thank goodness. She didn’t know the daughter well because she was in service and only came home on her free time, which was very little. The other boy had come in one day, obviously checking to see what his young brother was up to, and no doubt making sure he was quite safe when he visited her. Charlie was a fine lad, in fact all three children were polite, well spoken and a credit to their mother. Dora often wondered what such a cultured woman was doing married to a man like Bert Roberts and living in this dump.
The service began and she stood with everyone else for the opening hymn, determined to send up a special prayer for that darling boy and his family.
At the end of the service Dora was speaking to the rector and a few other people, when a man approached her.
‘Allow me to walk you home, Mrs Jarvis.’
She smiled at him and rested her hand on his arm. ‘Thank you, Mr Preston.’
They walked out of the churchyard talking politely, but as soon as they were away from everyone else they lowered their voices.
‘Do you have any news yet?’
Dora shook her head. ‘Nothing definite, but I’m sure he’s the man responsible. He fits the description perfectly and lives in the last house at the end of the street. The neighbours talk openly about his criminal activities.’ 35
‘We need proof before approaching the police again.’ He cast the elderly woman a concerned look. ‘I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, it is not wise to stay there. They are a rough lot, and even the police will only go down there in pairs.’
Dora gave an inelegant snort. ‘And that is why the man is still free. I will not let him get away with what he did.’
‘I understand how you feel, but you could be in danger if they find out who you really are. Quite frankly, I’m worried about you and wish you would leave this to the police.’
‘I know what I am doing, and you mustn’t be concerned. I give the impression of being an old woman who is not in good health, and neighbours talk to me. I’ve heard a lot about the people who live on that street, and everyone tells me that man is a criminal and a bully.’
‘Hearsay is not enough,’ he pointed out.
‘I am well aware of that, but I’ll get proof against him for something, even if not for the crime he committed against us.’
They turned into Fallon Street and Ian Preston grimaced. ‘How long do you intend to stay in this disgusting place?’
‘As long as it takes.’
‘Please be careful, and you must send for me at the slightest hint of trouble.’
‘I will.’ She smiled and patted his arm. ‘Don’t worry; I’ll be fine. The people here are not all bad; in fact, I want you to do something for me. I want you to look into the history of Mrs Roberts, who lives next door to me. Her family is in dire trouble and I long to help them, but can’t do so openly.’ 36
‘Certainly not! That will make everyone here suspicious about you. What do you know about her?’
‘Nothing, really, but she is well educated and clearly doesn’t belong here. She has brought her three children up to be well spoken and polite. I would like to know where she came from.’
‘I’ll do some checking. Is that young boy who helps you one of her children?’
‘Joe, yes.’ She smiled up at him. ‘He is such a caring little boy and has taken it upon himself to look after me.’
‘Well, I’m pleased someone has. If I find out anything, I will tell you next Sunday.’
‘Thank you, Ian. I am so pleased you have taken over my husband’s firm. He always spoke very highly of you.’
‘He is sorely missed.’
‘Yes, he is,’ she said quietly. ‘Do any of the others know what I am doing?’
‘No, I am the only one, and with regard to Mrs Roberts, all they will know is that a client has asked us to look into her past. What is her first name?’
‘Jane, and the children are Helen, Charlie and Joe.’
‘I’ll see what I can find out.’
They stopped outside the house and she shook his hand politely. ‘Your kindness is much appreciated, Mr Preston.’
He bowed slightly. ‘My pleasure, Mrs Jarvis.’
She watched him stride away. He was a tall man in his forties with dark brown hair and gentle blue eyes. Her husband always told her that Ian had a fine mind and would take over the firm of solicitors when he retired. They hadn’t been blessed with children and Alfred had looked upon him as a son. 37
Giving a deep sigh of sadness she settled back in the armchair and closed her eyes for a moment. How she missed her dear husband. They had been married for forty-two years, and he was the kindest man you could ever hope to meet. He hadn’t deserved to suffer such an ordeal, and it broke her heart to imagine how afraid he must have been, knowing he was too frail to defend himself. Somehow, she would bring that nasty villain to justice before she died.
There was a gentle knock on the door and a familiar little voice called out, ‘It’s only me.’
She hadn’t realised that tears had wet her cheeks and quickly wiped them away. ‘Come in, Joe.’
He was immediately there, his bright smile in place. ‘Did you enjoy the service?’
‘I did, and I prayed for you and your family.’
‘Thank you. I’m sure your prayers are heard because you are a good person. I haven’t told my sister I asked you to say a prayer for us.’ He sat on a chair beside her, an earnest expression on his face. ‘Helen worries about us, but especially me because I’m the youngest. She’s the strongest, and we are all looking to her for help, so I don’t want to be a burden to her.’
‘My dear boy, you couldn’t be a burden to anyone, and certainly not to a family who love you.’
The smile appeared again. ‘I like talking to you. You are very wise, and I feel I can tell you things.’
Dora couldn’t help giving a quiet laugh. This child never ceased to amaze her with some of the things he said. ‘How I wish I were wise. What makes you think that?’
He shrugged. ‘I just know. I’m going to be a policeman 38when I grow up, and they have to be able to tell what someone is like.’
‘A policeman? Why choose that profession, Joe?’
‘So I can help people be safe. Some steal and do things to hurt others, and that isn’t right.’
‘No, it isn’t. The neighbours tell me that the man who lives at the end of this street is always up to no good.’
‘That would be Fred Baker. Mum warned us to keep away from him. Charlie says he kept pestering our sister and she didn’t like him. He won’t do that now, though, because my brother’s older and bigger now and he won’t let anyone hurt any of us.’ He jumped off the chair. ‘I’m chatting away again and forgetting why I came. Mum wants to know if you’ve got enough for your dinner today. She’s made a big pot of stew and dumplings from the food Helen brought home with her. Would you like some?’
‘That is very kind of your mother, but I have a piece of mutton in the oven.’ She smiled at the boy. ‘You got it from the butcher for me, remember, and there’s enough vegetables left to put with it.’
‘Shall I peel the potatoes for you?’
‘I did that before I went to church. I have everything I need, so you run off home and enjoy your dinner. And don’t forget to thank your mother for me. I appreciate her kindness.’
‘I will. See you tomorrow. I’ll do your shopping after school.’
Dora watched him leave the house, a frown on her face. Living in this street was certainly showing her another side of life. At one end was a nasty criminal who 39needed to be put in prison and at the other end a family in dire trouble who were willing to share what little they had with a neighbour. Perhaps coming to live here hadn’t been such a crazy idea, after all. It was certainly giving her a different perspective on life.
Chapter Four
‘Granny said thank you, Mum, but she’s got her dinner.’
‘You’ve been a long time.’
‘Ah, well, we had a nice chat. She likes to have someone to talk to.’
‘What do you talk about?’ Helen asked her youngest brother.
‘All sorts of things. Shall I lay the table, Mum?’
When she nodded, he dashed off and Helen looked at her other brother. ‘What can he find to talk about with an elderly woman?’
Charlie chuckled. ‘I wondered that, so I went with him one day. He just bustles around doing odd jobs and chatting away about school and anything else he’s done.’
‘And she doesn’t mind?’
‘She seems quite happy and joins in asking him questions. While I was there I noticed she has loads of books. I had a quick look and they were the kind of subjects only someone with a good education would have.’ 41
‘Oh, such as?’ This caught Helen’s attention.
‘The likes of Shakespeare and other authors I’ve never heard of. A few seemed to be on law.’
‘Really? How interesting. I’ll ask Joe to take me to see her sometime.’
‘What’s that?’ The boy appeared again.
‘I was just saying I would like to meet Granny Jarvis sometime.’
‘You can come with me tomorrow. She’d like that. Dinner’s ready.’
‘Why do you call her “Granny”?’ Helen asked as they settled themselves at the table.
‘A man helped me pick her up when she fell down and he called her that. I haven’t got a granny and I thought she was nice. She doesn’t mind.’
‘So you’ve adopted her, then.’
Joe nodded. ‘You’ll like her. She speaks like us so doesn’t tease me like some of the others around here.’
‘Don’t let that worry you,’ Charlie told him. ‘We all have to put up with that.’
‘I don’t mind.’ He grinned at his mother. ‘You taught us properly, didn’t you, Mum?’
‘I did indeed, and what did I tell you about the people who make fun of us?’
Joe frowned in concentration for a moment, and then said, ‘What others think is their problem, not ours.’
