The Pawnbroker's Niece Read online

  ‘Thanks, Sam,’ said Rita. ‘I’d be thinking “I’m glad Sam didn’t want to worry me” as he cuts me throat!’

  Sam muttered. ‘D’yer have to go on? I’ve told you now, so there’s something else for you to worry about.’

  ‘I’d rather worry and be on me guard,’ said Rita.

  Margaret nodded. ‘You can wait while I get dressed, Sam. I want to see the damage for myself. I just hope there won’t be any more surprises.’

  She might as well have saved her breath, thought Rita a few days later. As happens in life, a string of events were to happen that were to completely take them by surprise.

  *

  ‘Salt, pepper, mustard, vinegar!’ chanted Babs, turning the skipping rope.

  ‘Excuse me, duck, but is this the house where Miss Sinclair and her niece Rita have moved to?’ Babs turned a flushed face to the woman. ‘Yeah! Who are you?’

  ‘An old friend!’ The woman waved a cigarette holder. ‘Who are you?’

  ‘Babs! Me mam works here. Who shall I say is calling?’ said the girl, carefully pronouncing every word, remembering her orders for when people called.

  ‘Just say Ellen’s come to call.’

  ‘Ellen!’ repeated Babs, slinging the skipping rope round one of the railings that fenced off the entrance to the basement and opening the gate. She ran down the steps into the kitchen where her mother was cooking supper. ‘Visitor for Miss Rita called Ellen.’

  ‘Run up and tell her.’

  Babs ran up the stone steps which led to the rear of the hall and shouted, ‘Miss Rita! Visitor!’

  A door opened upstairs. ‘Who is it?’

  ‘An Ellen!’ Babs jiggled about on the tiles at the foot of the staircase. ‘She’s dressed like someone out of a pantomime and’s smoking out of a long stick.’

  ‘My God!’ Rita hurried downstairs, feeling a mixture of emotions. She remembered with gratitude the good times she had shared with Ellen but she could not forget Billy had been in love with her. ‘Where is she?’

  ‘Outside.’

  Rita opened the front door, wondering what had brought Ellen to Liverpool. Perhaps she had come for news of Billy and, finding none of the family up at the yard, had been directed here. She stared at the woman with her back to her. Smoke formed a cloud about her head and, even from this angle, there was something glamorous about that figure. On her head was a glistening skull-shaped hat. She appeared to be wearing a long cloak in a variety of colours. The heels of her shoes were at least three inches high. Already she was attracting the attention of several of the students clustered round the garden gates in the centre of the square. Rita felt an old familiar stab of envy. No wonder Billy had fallen for Ellen. She was like a tropical bird among sparrows. ‘Ellen!’

  She turned and her eyes widened. Then she laughed and ran up the steps holding out a hand. ‘You’ve grown up! It’s great to see you.’

  ‘Same here!’ Rita meant it. Interesting things always happened when Ellen was around. ‘Where’ve you been for the last two years? It was as if you’d been whizzed away in a flying saucer.’

  ‘That’d be different! I’ve been here, there and everywhere — by ship, mostly — but not once have I bumped into Billy. It’s him who’s the real missing person.’

  ‘You should have caught a slow boat to China.’

  Ellen sighed. ‘No thanks. He must be crazy. I visited Alice in the States. She thinks he’s dead. It’s a sad loss if he is but I’m not going to believe it. He’s as tough as old boot leather, so I told her she shouldn’t give up on him yet.’

  Rita was grateful for those words. She would rather Billy was alive and married to Ellen than his corpse was rotting in some Chinese city. ‘You must have supper with us. You look well.’

  Ellen pulled a face. ‘It’s all window dressing, duck. Clothes home-made. I’ve told you before, us lady musicians are hard done by.’ She paused to draw on the long cigarette holder. ‘But I have friends and I still love to travel.’

  ‘You know Jimmy’s back in Liverpool?’

  ‘That idiot! Alice is worried about him so I said I’d look him up, but he wasn’t at the yard.’

  Rita said, ‘No! He’s an idiot, as you said. Come on in.’

  Ellen stepped into the hall and stopped. ‘Holy Mary, mother of God! This would make a bloody brilliant set for a play. I can just see Gertie gliding down those stairs.’

  Rita was impressed. ‘You mean you’ve met Gertrude Lawrence?’

  ‘There’s only one Gertie. She and Noel — Coward — came and watched the cabaret of which I was a small part on their way to New York.’

  ‘What a life you lead! I envy you!’

  ‘Don’t tie yourself up in knots. It’s not all sequins and glamour, but grotty cabins beneath the waterline and being groped by rich old men.’ She rolled her eyes and laughed. ‘You couldn’t give me a bed for the night, could you?’

  ‘I can let you share mine if Aunt Margaret gives the wink.’ Rita noticed Babs watching them, obviously taken with their guest. ‘Go and tell your mam there’s an extra one for supper. Right now we’d like tea and some of her delicious scones.’

  Rita took Ellen upstairs who lauded praise on the sitting room with its embossed ceiling. ‘Perfect for Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. Have you seen it?’

  ‘Too busy.’

  ‘You should make the effort. Sandy’s travelling theatre is due in Liverpool soon.’

  ‘You crafty thing! That’s why you’re here. One night will turn into a week, and so on.’

  Ellen smiled and waved her cigarette holder. ‘I always knew you were sharper than you appeared.’

  ‘I enjoyed seeing Sandy act. How d’you keep yourself informed of his whereabouts, though, when you’re never in one place for long?’

  ‘Friends of friends in the business.’ Ellen curled up in a corner of the sofa. ‘You’re a lucky duck. Much nicer here than those rooms over the pawnshop.’

  ‘Sam lives there.’

  ‘Sam?’ Ellen tapped her teeth with the cigarette holder. ‘I heard that name up at the yard — something to do with a lorry.’

  ‘We’re engaged. He’s a lovely bloke,’ she said, trying to sound casual.

  ‘I’m glad you realised Jimmy wasn’t.’

  They stared at each other and an unspoken message passed between them. ‘Poor Alice,’ said Ellen. ‘She really does love him, warts and all. I’m glad my brother’s not like him.’

  No more was said on the subject of Jimmy as Mrs Richards appeared with tea and scones. Sam and Margaret came in and joined them. The latter agreed for Ellen to stay but stated terms right away.

  ‘I’ll have to do the impossible and find myself a job,’ said Ellen.

  It was not until they went to bed, Ellen saying she would fetch her things from the left luggage in the morning, that she told Rita more about Sandy and the travelling theatre. ‘He’s planning on going out East because Dad’s leaving India and the pair of them never got on and so are best with an ocean between them.’

  ‘You mean Britain isn’t big enough for both of them?’

  ‘Dad would seek him out wherever Sandy was. He thinks acting is for sissies, not real men, and he’ll get at him.’

  ‘Poor Sandy. Where East is the company going?’

  ‘Ask me again when he gets here.’ Ellen yawned and snuggled beneath the covers. ‘A real bed to sleep in at last. Wake me up in a week.’

  Rita smiled and turned on her side. That night she dreamt of being on a stage which was decked out just like Chinatown; sitting in a rickshaw were Billy and Ellen and she wanted to tear them apart. Then Jimmy appeared carrying a brick, which he was going to hit her with and she was running, running.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Jimmy stood on the step, turning his hat round and round between his tanned fingers, looking the worse for wear.

  ‘You back again?’ Rita’s voice was unfriendly.

  A muscle in his jaw tightened and through clenched teeth h
e said, ‘I’ve come to say sorry.’

  ‘Oh aye! What do you want me to say? That I forgive you?’ She rested her shoulder against the door jamb.

  Anger flashed in his eyes. ‘It’s your aunt I want to speak to, not you.’

  ‘Well, she mightn’t want to speak to you. Besides, she’s busy right now.’ That was not true but why should she make things easy for him? ‘Come back in a couple of hours and maybe she’ll see you then.’

  There were footsteps in the hall behind her and Margaret said, ‘Rita, I think that’s up to me to decide.’

  Rita glanced at her aunt as she came alongside her and said, ‘I was only trying to protect you. I know how tired you are.’ There were dark circles under Margaret’s eyes because she was still waking in the night to feed the baby.

  Margaret thanked her but said she was capable of making her own decision. She fixed her gaze on Jimmy. ‘What is it you want? The same as before? Because, if so, you’re wasting your time.’

  ‘I’m come to say sorry for being so rude yesterday, but I’ve been under a lot of strain myself lately. I mean, the news about Pops and Billy really knocked me sideways.’

  ‘You managed to pick yourself up quick enough to get yourself over here and lay claim to the yard,’ said Rita.

  He glared at her. ‘I was worried about the place.’

  ‘You mean you wanted to get your hands on it! You don’t care about Billy or Mr Brodie.’

  ‘You can think what you like! I don’t care,’ said Jimmy.

  ‘Enough, the pair of you!’ snapped Margaret. ‘I will not let you take charge of the yard, Jimmy. I’ve sunk a lot of money into it and I’ve no intention of you getting the benefit.’

  ‘But Pops wanted me to have it!’

  ‘That’s before you left for America. Things have changed, but if you’re stuck with nowhere to stay and no job, then you can work up there and sleep in the house. You’ll have to knuckle under and keep your nose clean. You’ll take orders from Mr Dixon and do as you’re told or you’re out on your ear.’

  She waited, half-expecting him to refuse.

  Jimmy gazed at the ground to hide his fury. ‘I don’t seem to have any choice.’

  ‘Is that a yes?’ said Margaret in a cool voice.

  He nodded.

  ‘Right! I’ll write a note for you to give to Mr Dixon. Wait here.’

  Margaret left him standing on the step and went inside, but Rita stayed. ‘A thank you wouldn’t have come amiss. You’re a selfish sod.’

  ‘And you’re a crafty bitch. You and that Sam! I didn’t realise straight away that he’s the lad who worked at Fitzgerald’s. The pair of you done well for yourselves, haven’t you? Worming your way into your aunt’s and Pops’ good books.’

  ‘The pair of us have worked damn hard to get where we are and, besides, it’s none of your business.’ Her eyes were stormy. ‘You’d be better apologising to me for almost strangling me. I hope Mr Dixon really rubs your nose in it and works you off your feet. The horse show’s coming up so that should keep you out of mischief. I believe it starts here in this square. Aunt Margaret will be keeping her eye on you — so just watch the way you behave or you’ll be brushing the streets.’

  At that moment Margaret appeared and handed an envelope to him. ‘I’ve told Mr Dixon you can use the house but the rent’ll be part of your wages.’

  For a second it looked like Jimmy was going to argue, but Margaret did not give him a chance. He looked at Rita and swore under his breath. She gave a honeyed smile and closed the door in his face. There were far more important people to worry about.

  *

  A month passed and still there was no news of Billy or William. Ellen was under the impression that Jonathan was Mrs Richards’ baby and nobody had told her any different. Margaret was prepared to put up with her because she had managed to find work at the Blue Angel club in Seel Street. Ellen had written to Alice but she had little to do with Jimmy. The police were no nearer to finding the person responsible for the smash and grab.

  Outside the office window, the horse show was in full swing but Margaret was refusing to show any positive interest, complaining about the dust stirred up by the horses’ hooves and the noise of the crowds. Rita gazed out at horses decorated with ribbons and flowers; leather shone as did every bit of metal, including the brass bells which hung from bridles and saddles; coats gleamed and manes and tails plaited with raffia and ribbons stirred in the breeze.

  ‘I know what you’re thinking,’ said Margaret.

  Rita looked at her aunt and smiled. ‘Mind reader, are you?’

  Margaret forced a smile, twiddling her pen between her fingers. ‘I mightn’t be in the mood but the show is the reason why we closed the shop today, so you go and find Sam. Mingle with the crowds, have an ice cream, have fun.’

  Rita did not need telling twice. She kissed her aunt’s cheek and hurried outside, knowing it was no good moping. Them both being miserable wouldn’t do anyone any good.

  Harnesses jingled, horses snorted and gaily decorated carts, including the coalman’s and the Co-op’s, were being admired. People laughed and chattered. Despite the economy being in a mess and unemployment worse than ever, with protest marches being organised, folk seemed determined to enjoy themselves today. Rita bought a yellow balloon because she had never had one as a child, and also an ice cream from a STOP ME AND BUY ONE vendor, pausing to chat to several people she knew. She was looking for Sam but there was no sign of him. Then she caught sight of Jimmy sitting astride a huge dappled grey horse, which exhibited a rosette. They made a handsome duo and were having their photograph taken.

  Typical of him to get into the limelight, thought Rita, irritated. Even so she felt compelled to pat the horse’s neck after the photographer had moved away, and ask Jimmy how he had managed to twist Mr Dixon’s arm to allow him to take the glory.

  He smirked. ‘I know how to get into people’s good books.’

  ‘You mean you’re two-faced.’

  His expression altered. ‘What is it you bloody want? If you can’t say anything nice to me, get lost.’

  ‘I intend to. I’m just looking for Sam.’

  ‘You’re wasting your time, then. He’s up at the yard tinkering with the lorry.’

  ‘Right! Enjoy the glory while you can. It won’t last.’

  He swore at her, pulled on the reins forcing the horse to turn, and if Rita had not darted out of the way the beast would have trodden on her foot. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him about Jonathan but she managed to restrain herself and walk away, looking forward to the day when all would be revealed and the smile would be wiped off Jimmy’s face.

  She found Sam with his head beneath the bonnet of the lorry. As she drew nearer he looked up and, grinning, gesticulated to someone sitting in the cab. ‘Sam!’ she called, waving a hand.

  His head turned in her direction and she thought he looked positively guilty, but then he smiled and the impression faded. ‘Hello, Reet! What are you doing here?’

  ‘I was looking for you at the show but Jimmy told me you were up here. How’s it going with the lorry?’ Rita was aware she was getting the once-over from a red-haired youth sitting in the cab.

  ‘Getting there. This is Archie, by the way. The bloke I told you I was teaching to drive.’

  ‘Nice to meet you.’ She held out a hand.

  Archie grinned and shook it. ‘Sam’s told me lots about yer. All good, I might add.’

  ‘Glad to hear it.’

  Silence.

  Archie glanced at Sam and Rita expected her fiancé to crack one of his jokes, but the silence stretched and she began to get the impression they wanted her out of the way. Men’s talk! she thought. ‘I can see you’re busy so I won’t hang around,’ she said with assumed brightness.

  ‘That’s right, luv,’ said Sam, looking relieved and pecked her cheek.

  She returned the gesture before strolling out of the yard, feeling slightly hurt. It was not like Sam to ma
ke her feel unwelcome. His love was something she had taken for granted for a long time. When she felt blue he was always there trying to cheer her up. What if he suddenly wasn’t there? How would she manage if Billy really was dead? A chill seemed to freeze her bones and she shivered. But what was she thinking of? Just because Sam wanted to get on with fixing a lorry there was no need for her to get all worked up, but maybe she had neglected him since Ellen’s arrival.

  For the rest of the week Rita made a fuss of Sam when he came in from the yard for a bath and supper before going to sleep at the shop. She talked about the wedding and her dress being almost finished at the local dressmaker’s. That was until Margaret said Sam was looking haunted and added she was getting tired of the subject herself. Rita felt the blood rush to her face, having given no thought to her aunt’s still unmarried state. ‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.’

  Margaret waved the apology away. ‘Take no notice of me. I suppose I just don’t want to lose you to Sam.’

  Rita was touched. ‘I’ll still be around.’

  ‘I know, but it won’t be the same.’

  At that moment the doorbell rang and Rita went to answer it. She flung open the door and caught her breath in amazement. ‘Mam! What the hell are you doing here?’

  ‘Well, that’s a nice welcome, I don’t think!’ sniffed Eve. ‘Aren’t you going to invite me in?’

  ‘I don’t know if I should!’ She frowned, having very mixed feelings about having her mother around. ‘You weren’t that keen on having me stay at yours last time I saw you. Besides, this is Aunt Margaret’s house and you haven’t answered my question. What are you doing here?’

  ‘She’s my sister, for God’s sake! And we’ve come for the wedding. Thought we’d come early and have a nice little holiday.’

  ‘Remembered you’ve got a daughter? You should have written. I wasn’t expecting you. You didn’t want me when your husband was due home. Where is he, by the way?’

  Eve glowered. ‘I’ve left him, but I’ve brought Josh.’ She glanced down the steps.