Sing as We Go (23 page)

‘Oh yes,’ George smiled wryly. ‘Beatty always had her eye on the main chance, though where she got her social-climbing ideas from, goodness knows. Her parents were lovely folk. Oh dear – ’ he grimaced comically – ‘that sounds terribly disloyal to my wife, doesn’t it?’

Kathy whispered, ‘There’s only you and me here and you can trust me.’

His dark eyes, so like Tony’s, looked deeply into her. His voice was a little unsteady as he said, ‘Aye, I know that, lass. I know that.’ He paused and then went on with his story. ‘Her uncle – the old boy – used to come shooting on our land. James too, when he was old enough. And because Anthony had no daughter of his own – James was his only child – he used to make a big fuss of Beatty. Perhaps that’s how she got a taste for the luxurious life. Her own father, John Charlesworth, was just a good, honest working man but he wasn’t a high flyer like his brother-in-law. It was always said Anthony had the Midas touch. He started as a market trader on Lincoln market, would you believe? And look at him now. Must be worth thousands. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s not a millionaire.’

‘And you fell in love with Beatrice?’

George sighed again. ‘I suppose I must have done.’ It seemed he was having difficulty in believing it himself. So much had happened since then to kill any love he’d had for the resentful, bitter woman that he could hardly remember the golden days of their youth. ‘Oh, that sounds awful,’ he groaned. ‘But you wouldn’t recognize the girl she was then in the woman you see now.’

‘But what’s made her like she is? Is it just because of what happened in your family?’

‘I suppose so. Unless it’s because I’m so – so boring and – and ordinary. I think she despises me.’

‘She’s no right to do that,’ Kathy declared hotly. ‘You’re a lovely man.’

He smiled sadly. ‘You’re a dear girl to say so.’

‘It’s true. She should’ve supported you when your family hit such a terrible time. Not – not turned against you and blamed you.’

‘She thought she was marrying into a well-to-do family. Folks with land and property and a prosperous future. She didn’t know it was all going to disappear. Nor did any of us. I have to say her uncle’s been good to us. Still is. He, and James too, have given Tony a marvellous opportunity. But even then Beatrice is still resentful, seeing it as a right rather than a privilege. I sometimes wonder, though, if he’s really up to the job. If he’s just there because of who his relatives are.’

Kathy tried to be objective. ‘I don’t think so. Everyone thinks very well of Tony, at least—’ she hesitated.

‘What? Tell me, lass.’ He smiled wryly. ‘Since we’re being honest with each other.’

Kathy lifted her shoulders in a helpless gesture. ‘It was just that he was known as rather a “ladies’ man”. He had a reputation for having several girlfriends and – and, well – not treating them very well.’

George nodded. ‘I guessed as much.’

‘You – you knew about the flat?’

‘I guessed. When he didn’t come home some nights, I guessed he must be staying somewhere. For some time I though it was at a friend’s house or at a girlfriend’s. But when he never brought any of them home, I guessed he must have a little place of his own somewhere.’

‘But he brought Muriel Curtis home, didn’t he?’

‘Yes. She was the first.’ He was quiet for a moment before murmuring, ‘In fact, the only serious one before you. Poor Muriel. She was a nice lass. I never really knew what happened and to be honest, I don’t think Tony did either. He was quite cut up when she broke off their engagement without giving any real explanation.’ He held Kathy’s gaze steadily. ‘I always thought Beatty had something to do with it, but I don’t know what.’

Kathy couldn’t prevent the colour rising in her face.

‘But you know, don’t you?’ he added softly.

She couldn’t lie to him. Slowly, she nodded. ‘Yes, I do know, but I was told in confidence and I can’t betray that person’s trust.’ Already she’d tested Jemima’s belief in her, and she would never again lie to the woman who had befriended her or break her confidence. ‘The only thing I will tell you is that, yes, you’re right. Your wife did interfere.’

‘Aye, well, lass, you’re not breaking your promise to anyone by telling me that. I guessed as much and I’m sorry.’

George put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. His voice was husky as he added, ‘Just mind you don’t let her break you two up, eh?’

‘No,’ Kathy said firmly. ‘I won’t.’

‘You’re lucky with the weather, my dear. It’s cold but fine – at the moment. Let’s hope it holds,’ Jemima said, as she entered Kathy’s bedroom on the morning of the wedding carrying a tray of cereal, toast and a small pot of tea.

‘Now, sit up,’ she commanded. She set the tray across Kathy’s knees and then moved across the room to open the curtains.

‘Oh, Aunt Jemima, you shouldn’t have!’

‘Every bride should have breakfast in bed on her wedding day and since your mother isn’t here to do it, I’m the next best thing.’

‘You’re very good to me,’ Kathy said huskily, her eyes filling with tears.

‘Now, now, none of that. This is a happy day, the happiest day of your life.’

Kathy smiled but said nothing. Though she didn’t voice it, her tears were not for herself but for this woman who had shown her such brisk kindness. A woman whose own past was something of a mystery, but who, Kathy believed, had once known love herself. And yet, though something must have gone terribly wrong, Jemima, instead of wallowing in bitterness, had done everything she could to encourage Kathy’s romance with Tony. ‘Aunt Jemima,’ Kathy said hesitantly.

‘Yes, my dear. What is it?’

‘Just – thank you. Thank you for everything.’

Jemima waved her hand and said, ‘Oh, phooey, girl. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. And here comes Taffy to wish you well today.’

The cat jumped on to the end of the bed, kneaded the eiderdown with his huge paws, turned round three times and then lay down, curling himself into a neat circle.

Kathy laughed. ‘Are you sure, or does he just want a comfy bed to sleep on?’

Jemima’s eyes twinkled. ‘Probably the latter. Shall I take him away?’

‘No, no, I like having him here. He’ll be company while I get ready.’

‘All right, but just don’t let him get his claws in your wedding gown.’

Kathy finished the bowl of cereal and nibbled at the toast. She drank half the cup of tea and then lay back against the pillows and glanced through the open curtains.

Fluffy white clouds scudded across the sky, but the pale winter sun was shining and today she was going to marry the man she adored.

What more could a girl ask for?

She was almost ready when there was a flurry of activity downstairs and the sound of voices all talking at once. Footsteps sounded on the stairs and the bedroom door was flung open.

‘There you are,’ Amy began and then stopped, her mouth open in a gasp. ‘Oh Kathy, you look beautiful.’

‘I was just beginning to get a bit worried. You’ll have to be quick getting ready.’

Amy waved her hand in the air nonchalantly. ‘Don’t worry. I’m all ready apart from putting my dress on. Are you okay? Need any help?’

‘It’s just my veil, but I was waiting deliberately. I – I was hoping Mam might help me put it on. I think she’d like that. She – she has come, hasn’t she?’

‘Well – er – yes. She’s on her way,’ Amy said, as she stepped into her dress and Kathy helped her with the tiny buttons.

‘What do you mean “on her way”? Didn’t she come with you?’

‘No. There wasn’t room for both of them in our car, not with the four of us.’

‘Both of them?’ Kathy was startled. ‘You – you don’t mean . . . ?’

Amy nodded. ‘I do. Your father’s come and he’s insisting on giving you away. Says he doesn’t want the neighbours gossiping about him for refusing to give his daughter away.’

‘I see,’ Kathy said grimly. ‘It’s not because he wants to do it either for me or for himself, but because of what others might say.’

‘I – suppose so. I’m sorry, Kathy.’

‘It’s not your fault.’

There were soft footsteps on the stairs and the two girls said no more as Edith came into the room, her arms outstretched to envelop her daughter and tears of happiness in her eyes.

‘Oh Mam, I’m so glad you’re here.’

‘Amy’s told you? About your dad?’

Kathy forced a smile. ‘Yes. Isn’t it great?’

‘Ted understands. He says he’s pleased ’cos it’s only right and proper.’

Kathy nodded. If truth be told, she would rather have had the kindly Ted Robinson leading her up the aisle than her own father. But that secret thought remained unspoken.

Edith drew back and looked at her daughter. ‘Darling girl, you look beautiful.’

Jemima’s voice drifted up the stairs. ‘Edith, Amy – time you were going to the church.’

There was a flurry of activity downstairs and then the house was suddenly quiet. Taking a deep breath as she prepared to face her father, Kathy went carefully down the narrow stairs and into the kitchen.

Her father was standing with his back to the range. They stared at each other for several moments, before Kathy felt obliged to say, ‘Thanks for coming, Dad.’

He frowned and muttered. ‘I hope you’re not going to expect me to pay for any of this. Hiring a car, for heaven’s sake. A lot of fuss. And it won’t last. You mark my words, it won’t last. A man in his position marrying someone like you. Huh!’

‘Mr Hammond has lent us his chauffeur for the day. It’s not costing us anything.’

‘Who’s Mr Hammond when he’s at home?’

‘The owner of the store where I work and where Tony is the manager. Tony’s related to him.’

For a moment, Jim Burton’s eyes gleamed. ‘Wealthy, is he? Is the lad in line to take over some day then? Maybe you’ve got a bit more sense that I gave you credit for.’

‘Mr Hammond senior is Tony’s mother’s uncle and I think he will always see that Tony has a good job. But no, he’s not in line to take over as you put it. Mr Hammond has a son of his own.’

Jim sniffed. ‘Huh! I thought as much. I thought you hadn’t the sense you were born with.’

There was the sound of the car drawing up outside. Relieved, Kathy said, ‘Time to go, Dad.’

They paused in the porch and Amy, smiling from ear to ear, slipped in behind them as the organ music struck up and they began the slow procession up the aisle. The congregation was pathetically small, but Kathy felt a flood of happiness sweep through her. The only people who really mattered to her were all here. Even Morry. Though she knew she could never love him as he deserved to be loved, in the way that he wanted, she was extremely fond of him and the only cloud on her day was the thought that she was hurting him. As she drew level with the end of the pew where he was sitting, she risked a glance at his face.

Morry’s eyes were full of tears but he was smiling and he gave a little nod of encouragement. He leant forward and whispered, ‘You look wonderful, Kathy. Be happy.’

Those words from Morry meant more to her than anything anyone else could say to her on her wedding day.

A few more steps and she was standing beside Tony. She looked up at him to find him smiling down at her. He looked so handsome in his dark suit that her heart turned over with love for him. She glanced beyond him and saw that James Hammond was standing beside him as his best man. A movement in the pew just behind them caught her eye. Kathy’s eyes widened as she saw Tony’s father sitting there, and beside him, dressed in black from head to toe, was Beatrice Kendall.

Twenty-Three

Kathy smiled tremulously at Tony, who reached out and squeezed her hand. ‘This is it, darling? You ready?’

‘Oh, yes,’ she breathed, as the vicar moved closer and opened his prayer book. He smiled benignly at the young couple, silently praying that their hopes and dreams would be fulfilled and that their future would not be torn asunder by this dreadful war. He was conducting so many marriages these days, hastily arranged, before the imminent departure of the groom into the armed forces. This, he knew, was another such one.

‘Dearly beloved . . .’ he began, and Kathy, delirious with happiness, tried to concentrate on what he was saying and on being sure she made the right responses in the right place.

The service went on, and then it came to that moment that all brides and grooms joke about and tease each other. ‘Therefore if any man can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together . . .’

The vicar got no further. From the front pew came a gasp, a moan and then a thud. Everyone turned to see that Beatrice had slumped sideways onto the pew and had only been prevent from rolling on to the floor by George grabbing her. He knelt in front of her.

‘Beatty – Beatty!’ he hissed in a fierce whisper, but the woman only moaned and put her hand to her chest. Her eyes closed, her face white, she whispered, ‘Oh the pain, the pain. George – my pills.’

Tony turned away from Kathy and knelt beside his father, cradling his mother in his arms, while George scrabbled in her handbag for the box of pills.

A murmuring ran around the small congregation and necks craned to see what was happening. Kathy stood watching the scene. Her heart pounded. Her hands trembled until her bouquet shook and all the happiness slowly drained out of her. But no one was taking any notice of Kathy. All their attention was focused on Beatrice Kendall.

Dad, we should call an ambulance,’ Tony whispered worriedly. ‘This is a bad one.’

‘Let’s see if her pills work first. Just hang on a moment, son.’

‘Dad, I’ll never forgive myself if . . .’

‘Hold on, son, just hold on a minute.’

‘Can I help?’ the vicar enquired. ‘A glass of water, perhaps?’

Tony glanced up, ‘Yes, yes, please.’

The vicar laid down his book and hurried away towards the vestry. He returned in a moment with a glass of water, but by now Beatrice was limp in Tony’s arms, her eyes closed, her mouth gagging open.

‘Dad, she’s unconscious. We must call an ambulance.’

George stood up, pausing only a brief moment to look down at his wife before he turned to James Hammond, who was standing close by looking on anxiously. ‘James, would you find the nearest telephone box and ring for an ambulance, please?’