MAGGIE SCOWLED AT the elderly man atop the cart and despite her own heartache, Sally chuckled. She pulled her into a hug.
‘Don’t blame him, Maggie.’
‘Well, I still reckon he’s a blighter, taking you away from me.’
Sally kissed her cheek and held her at arm’s length. ‘Look after yourself and remember, this isn’t for ever. I don’t know when … but we will see each other again, you have my word. Goodbye. Thank you, for everything.’
Lowering her head, Maggie’s tears dripped to the cobbles. ‘Goodbye, love.’
Guilt thumping, she turned to Ellen, who was holding a solemn-looking twin under each arm. ‘Goodbye. Thank you for all you’ve done for me. Goodbye, Harry, Flo. Be good for your mother and grandmother, won’t you?’
The children broke free and ran to her, and Ellen covered her face with her apron, unable to watch the daughter and grandchildren she adored upset.
Small arms wrapped around Sally’s waist. She stooped and kissed the bewildered faces. ‘Shield shall miss you both very much. Would you like to give him a hug before we leave?’
They nodded and threw their arms around his neck. ‘Bye, Shield,’ they said in unison. He licked their faces, and giggling, they ran back to their grandmother.
Sally climbed aboard, Shield clambered beside her and she set the canvas bag and basket by her feet. Too large for the cart, the perambulator still stood beneath Maggie’s kitchen window. She hoped leaving it behind wouldn’t offend Con.
Thoughts of him brought an ache to her stomach. She’d seen nothing of him since revealing she was leaving. He’d been upset, it showed on his face, but still … Hurt stabbed again as she scanned the street. She’d hoped to see him, say goodbye, thank him for everything. She’d miss him greatly.
Swallowing disappointment when it became clear he wouldn’t show, she held out a hand to Maggie, who gripped it. ‘When you see Con, tell him … Tell him I’ll be forever thankful for his friendship.’ She squeezed her hand then glanced to Ed’s friend. ‘I’m ready, now, Mr Lynch.’
At his command, the large bay set off. She waved to her lovely friends, tears running down her face. Only when the cart turned and they were out of sight did she look away.
Drowning in conflicting emotions, she gazed around at the fetid homes and the tall chimneys invading the skyline.
‘Goodbye, Manchester,’ she whispered.
Maggie was certain afterwards that if the cart had departed a mere minute later, her friend would still be here.
As it happened, Sally didn’t see Father Collins passing down Davies Street in the opposite direction. She didn’t see him halt beside Maggie, or catch his words. Neither did she see Maggie’s hand fly to her mouth, nor hear her hopeless cry of, ‘Sally, wait! You’ll never believe … Sally, come back!’
Ivy leaned towards the bubbling pot and sniffed appreciatively. After stirring the broth, she turned to the table. She’d already laid out the pretty crockery and she nodded, satisfied with her efforts. Today was important and she’d worked hard, cleaning and cooking since dawn. It looked queer seeing five places set again. Queer but nice, she admitted.
‘All right, wench?’
She glanced up as Arthur entered the kitchen. ‘I were just thinking, it’s queer seeing the table set for one more again, in’t it?’
Her fixed smile didn’t fool him. He took her in his arms. ‘Tha had to let go some time.’
‘I had a feeling it were coming. Even Martha did, said all what’s happened would bring them closer, but …’
‘I know. It’s a big deal forra mother, losing her son to another wench. I remember what you were like with our James’s betrothal.’ She smiled crookedly and he chuckled. ‘Be happy for him, eh? I know you’ve a soft spot for the lad but he’s a grown man. It’s time to let him go.’
‘Aye, I know. I just want him to be happy. I’ve only ever wanted all of them to be happy.’
‘And they are. You’ve done a sound job, Ivy, better than any mother could’ve. Anyroad, you’ll not lose him right away. It’ll take them months to save for the wedding and afterwards, they’ll be dwelling here till they find their own cottage.’
She pulled away when footsteps sounded on the stairs. Fixing on a smile, she turned to look at her sons.
Having scrubbed the half-day’s work from their skin and hair, they stood stiffly in their best clothes. Tommy glanced from the table to her. He flashed a smile but didn’t speak. Shaun, on the other hand, grumbled to himself, wriggling on the spot.
‘Mam, must we wear this lot? This shirt’s itching summat awful. Dolly won’t mither if we’re not in our best.’
Her temper rose to the fore. ‘Give over grousing, Shaun. This here’s an important day. I’ll not have the lass here and us favouring a bunch of vagrants. She might think twice about accepting and run a mile at the thought of wedding into a family of ragbags. Stop your fidgeting and go and fill the pail at the well.’ When he’d gone, she turned to Tommy. ‘I were only pulling his leg. I’ve not worried thee, have I? Me and my big bloody mouth, saying things like that on a day like today.’
‘Nay, Mam.’
‘Good. Anyroad, the lass would need her head looking at, wouldn’t she, Arthur? He’s a good catch, our Tommy, in’t he?’ At his nod, she smiled proudly. ‘Nay, she’s fair smitten. Have no fear, lad.’
When his mother turned back to her cooking, Tommy shot his father a look. ‘Nay, she’ll not turn me down.’
Dull acceptance in his tone brought a sigh to Arthur. They stared at each other helplessly.
Unaware of the silent message passing between them, Ivy nodded to Shaun as he re-entered, lugging the heavy pail. ‘Put it by the hearth, lad.’
‘Wind’s picking up out there. Oh, and I’ve just seen Dolly turn into the row.’
‘What? And you didn’t think to mention it as soon as you come in? You put the pail back and even remarked on t’ bloody weather afore telling us! She’s bleedin’ early,’ she muttered, patting her hair. ‘And you remember what I said earlier, Shaun. Don’t you go letting owt slip afore our Tommy’s had chance to ask her. He got Nat Jenkins’s permission yesterday but she knows nowt of it. Think on, d’you hear?’
‘Aye, Mam.’
Arthur went to stand beside her and she squeezed his hand. ‘You all right, Tommy?’ she asked, glancing across.
‘Mam, I …’ His breaths came in short gasps. ‘I don’t think …’
She frowned. ‘Son?’
Glimpsing the warning in his father’s eyes, he swallowed hard, forcing a smile. ‘I, I don’t think there’s a mam in t’ whole of Bolton better than thee. Thank you. You’ve done me proud.’
‘Eeh, Tommy.’ Love thickened her voice but when her bottom lip wobbled, she quelled it with laughter. ‘Ay, you soppy bugger, there’s no need—’ Knocking silenced her. She breathed deeply. ‘Good luck, lad.’
The walk to the door was like stepping to the gallows.
Luck? A damn miracle couldn’t save him.
The journey hadn’t been a comfortable one. Hours of bumping through ditches and potholes, squashed by Shield’s bulk, all the while struggling to placate the grizzling baby, had left Sally stiff and weary.
All the way, her emotions had swung dizzily. Excitement at meeting Ivy turned to dread with thoughts of her being the woman attacked. Throbbing anticipation at seeing Tommy, she’d forced away. Indulging in the memory of him was becoming impossible to suppress; it was almost an obsession.
Frequently, thoughts of Joseph had replaced them, bringing a churning sickness. Yet whilst her feelings for Tommy strengthened in her absence, anxiety over Joseph had blessedly diminished. The prospect of seeing him still sent fingers of fear up her spine – that would never leave her completely – but it wasn’t the all-consuming, gut-wrenching terror she once knew.
She’d noticed the shift over the weeks. So much had happened since leaving. She felt a different woman. She was stronger, clearer of mind. She was in control. Never again would that monster hurt her.
Her shawl, lying loose across her shoulders, she involuntarily drew over her head when grey-brown Deansgate appeared. Eyes flicking around, her hand tightened on the basket. She released her breath when they passed and, after peeking back, just to be sure, lowered her shawl.
Eventually, the clogged air grew clear. Green strips winked on the horizon and her heartbeat quickened.
‘Please, Lord, don’t let Joseph discover my return,’ she prayed. ‘Please let Mrs Morgan be well.’ Swallowed by the rumble of cart wheels and thudding hooves, her quiet pleas went unheard by the driver. ‘And please, please, give me strength to act naturally upon seeing Tommy,’ she added, flushing with shame.
At the turning of Spring Row, she signalled to the driver and with his assistance stepped from the cart. Shield sniffed the air and whined, as though sad to be back.
‘It’s all right, boy. You have me, now,’ she told him.
From beneath Jonathan’s covers, she lifted the pouch containing what little money she possessed. She’d given Maggie several shillings to see her through until she found work and had calculated that, after paying Mr Lynch, she’d enough to keep herself for a few weeks. She just hoped she’d soon find employment, wherever she decided upon, following this visit.
‘Thank you, Mr Lynch. I’m most grateful. I’ll be fine from here.’
‘Nay, lass, keep your brass. You owe me nowt.’
‘But of course I do!’
‘Nay, you don’t, for your aunt and uncle paid me last night, said as how you’re to keep your money for yourself and the babby. You’ve a sound family back there. Don’t leave it too long, eh, for Grace’s sake.’
She took the basket and canvas bag from him, eyes misty. ‘I don’t know what to say. Please thank them for me.’
He tapped his cap. ‘Take care, lass.’
Heart overflowing with love, she sent up a prayer that, one day, her relationship with them – all of them – would be repaired. Shield trotting alongside, she entered the row.
She avoided looking at her cottage and fixed her gaze on the Morgans’. Nearing the gate, she saw their front door ajar and her heart leapt. Worry they might be absent had niggled at her throughout the journey. Not really knowing another soul, what to do would have stumped her.
Picking up scents of his former home, Shield wandered off. He turned when she halted and she flapped a hand.
‘It’s all right, Shield. Go and explore,’ she told him, and off he went to visit his old haunts.
When she was midway up the path, a voice drifted from the cottage. Tommy. Tommy. Heady heat quivered through her. She forced herself forward, knocked then peeped around the door.
Gazing upon the scene, her smile froze. She barely noticed Ivy, Arthur and Shaun. It was the objects of their attention which struck her dumb and made her want to turn tail and flee.
Sitting with her back to the door was a woman. And on bended knee at her feet, holding a ring aloft, was Tommy.
Shock hit her like a slap to the face. In those seconds, streams of memories swamped her. His soothing voice, how he’d cradled her in his strong arms … Their time together after retrieving the money, his smile, his laughter, how he’d sweep back his hair … Hopes she’d harboured for weeks, countless nights she’d lain awake thinking of him …
She’d never felt as foolish, ashamed, confused. What had she been thinking? Had she really believed he felt anything for her? She was a married woman; nothing could have come of it … Such wild imaginings … What in God’s name was wrong with her?
In the same moment that Ivy spotted her, the woman threw herself at Tommy, crying, ‘Oh! Course I’ll marry thee!’
‘Sally? Is that you? I don’t believe it!’ Ivy’s words surprised everybody. As one, they turned to the door.
The sight of the older woman dragged Sally to the present. She sagged with relief. Her dear friend was all right! It wasn’t Ivy who had been attacked! She laughed brokenly. ‘Hello, Mrs Morgan.’
‘Oh, lass!’ Ivy rushed forward and drew her into her arms. ‘What the divil are you doing here?’
‘I heard that a woman from Spring Row … Oh, Mrs Morgan, thank goodness you’re well.’
Ivy half smiled and looked away, and Sally turned her attention to the others. Shaun was smiling, as was the woman. Though Arthur flashed a smile, he wore an expression she couldn’t fathom. Yet she forgot everything when her eyes locked with Tommy’s.
He rose slowly. At his intense stare, blood rushed to her cheeks. To her surprise, the woman stepped forward.
‘Hello, Sally. It’s nice to meet thee at last. I’m Dolly Jenkins, soon to be Morgan.’ She gave a tinkling laugh. ‘Eeh, it sounds lovely saying that!’
Hurt and envy crashed back. ‘Please accept my apologies for interrupting.’
‘It’s all right, you weren’t to know.’ She looked adoringly at Tommy. ‘Anyroad, nowt could’ve spoiled that.’
Sally glanced over Dolly’s shoulder. ‘Congratulations, Tommy.’ His eyes creased but he didn’t speak. To her horror, she felt tears prick.
‘’Ere, I’ve not congratulated youse yet, have I? Come here, lad.’ Ivy caught him in a hug. ‘And you, lass. Welcome to the family.’
As Dolly joined the embrace, Sally tore her gaze away. Catching Arthur’s eye, she squeezed out a smile. ‘Hello, Mr Morgan.’
It was a moment before he returned it. ‘Sit yourself down, lass. Have you just come from Manchester? Did all go well with your aunt?’
‘There’s time aplenty for questions, Arthur. Why don’t youse lot fetch a jug from Ma Thompson’s to toast the happy occasion? Take your time,’ Ivy added, shooting him a look. ‘There’s no rush back.’
‘Aye. A walk will do us good after that feast.’ Shaun and Dolly followed him to the door but Tommy remained motionless.
Sally gazed into the grey-blue pools. She sensed Arthur watching but couldn’t tear her eyes away. Tommy broke the spell. He sighed softly and followed them out.
She stared after him. The way he’d looked at her … It was as though he’d wanted to say something. Was he angry she’d interrupted his special moment? She’d have to apologise, later, however uncomfortable it would be.
‘You shouldn’t have come, lass. It ain’t safe.’
The seriousness of Ivy’s tone took her aback. ‘It’s quite all right, Mrs Morgan. I made sure to cover my head while passing Deansgate. I had to come, to see … Mrs Morgan? What is it?’
Ivy’s hand strayed to her throat. ‘You need to return to Manchester. You need to get far from here and never come back.’
‘Mrs Morgan, you’re scaring me. What …?’ She shook her head as realisation dawned. ‘It was you, wasn’t it? Joseph …’
‘The bastard sneaked in when the men were at work. He wanted to know where you’d gone and did this when I’d not tell him.’ Ivy lifted her chin, revealing angry welts, adding, at Sally’s horrified whimper, ‘It’s all right, lass, he didn’t do much damage. Dolly interrupted and he scarpered.
‘Nay, you can’t stay. As lovely as it is seeing thee, it don’t bear thinking of if he got his hands on you. Please, for me, go back to Manchester. You’re not safe.’
Sally dropped to her knees at Ivy’s feet, her guilt akin to nothing she’d ever known. ‘I’ve brought this on, all of it. Oh, Mrs Morgan, how can you ever forgive me?’ She crumpled, gasping with sobs.
Tears glistened on Ivy’s lashes but her voice was firm. ‘Now you listen to me, this ain’t your fault. You’ve nowt to be sorry for and I’ll not hear another word like that, d’you understand?’
‘I brought this trouble to your door. It’s all my fault.’
‘Nay, it’s bloody well not. No one’s to blame but him. Sally, look at me. Are you listening? It’s not your fault, lass.’
As they clung to each other, her blood boiled with rage. ‘I loathe him with every fibre of my being. Why won’t he just die, Mrs Morgan?’
‘He’ll not get away with it, have no fear. Arthur and Tommy went looking for him at that sister’s of his. He weren’t there but wherever he’s footed it, they’ll sniff him out. He’ll pay for what he did – to me and to thee. I just pray they’ll not go too far, however much the bastard deserves it.’
Sally cringed, her shame overwhelming. That she’d dragged this lovely family into her mess … It was little wonder the men hadn’t seemed themselves. They resented her bringing trouble to their door, and rightly so.
‘I’m so very sorry, to all of you.’
A cry broke the silence and Ivy’s face brightened. She lifted Jonathan from the basket. ‘He’s bloody huge, lass!’
Sally allowed herself a proud smile.
‘Eeh, I have missed you,’ Ivy cooed, brushing her nose against his. ‘It were nice having a babby in t’ house again. It weren’t half quiet when you’d gone.’
Though it pained her, Sally kept an even tone. ‘I dare say you’ll be hearing the patter of tiny feet, shortly. I must apologise for interrupting. The door was ajar … I did knock.’
‘Nay, don’t be daft, you weren’t to know. I left it open, for it were stuffy after cooking. Ay, I can’t believe my Tommy’s to wed. Her face were a picture when he asked her; fair brought a tear to my eye, it did, soppy bugger that I am.’
‘You must be very happy.’
‘Aye. But it’s hard letting one of your own go. You’ll see when this fella’s owder.’ Ivy’s expression turned serious. ‘Sally, I’ve thought of what I’d say if I saw you again but now the time’s come, well, I don’t know how to put into words …’
‘Mrs Morgan?’
‘Thank you,’ she said simply. ‘That brass for our Shaun – thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You’ve freed him from the pit, lass. He’s gorra place with a carpenter. He’s doing what he loves, what he were born to. What you did … You’re an angel, that’s what you are.’
‘Oh, I am pleased! I so wanted to repay you a little for all you did for me.’
‘Nay, it’s more than a little. You’ve changed that lad’s life. It’ll not be forgotten, not by none of us.’ Ivy cleared her throat of emotion. ‘Anyroad, what’s been happening with thee? Did all go well with your aunt? How you faring at that Manchester? ’Ere, I hope you’ve kept that carving safe; be worth some money, that will, when our Shaun’s a world-known carpenter,’ she teased.
At the mention of Thunder, tears sprang to Sally’s eyes.
‘Eeh, lass, what’s wrong?’
‘Oh, Mrs Morgan, it’s been dreadful, simply dreadful. I cannot go back.’
She told her the whole, sorry lot. Afterwards, Ivy sat back, stunned.
‘Word spread here of that murder but not forra second did I think it had owt to do with you. How could so much happen in a few short weeks? How the bleedin’ hell haven’t you turned stark, staring mad, lass?’
‘I’ve come close. Do you see, I cannot go back? All of it … I’ve had enough.’
‘What will you do? You know I’d have you back here in a heartbeat, but Joseph …’
‘I know. As of yet, I’ve no idea. I’d fare better in one of the larger towns; there would be more chance of securing employment. I just have to decide which.’
‘Well, you’re stopping here the night, at least. You can think on what to do the morrow.’
Thoughts of spending all night beneath the same roof as Tommy had Sally shaking her head but before she could think up an excuse, the cottage door opened. Arthur, his sons and a giggling Dolly entered and her stomach dropped. But with Ivy waiting for her response, she had no choice but to accept.
One night, she told herself. Smile, act naturally for one night, and tomorrow I can be on my way and it will all be over.
She glanced at Tommy and her heart missed a beat to see him staring back. She dropped her gaze. Knowing he didn’t share her feelings was painful enough. That he now hated her for Joseph’s actions hurt far, far more.
It was going to be a long night.
Alice was ready to do battle when the knock came. The previous performance caught them off guard. Not this time.
She jerked her head to Joseph and when he disappeared upstairs, pointed a warning to the children. It wasn’t necessary; she’d threatened what would happen if they slipped up. Still, it was best to remind them.
She wrenched open the door, all set to vent her fury, but before she knew what was happening, the visitor pushed her aside and rushed in.
‘Oh no you don’t, not again— Oh, it’s you.’ Her anger turned to surprise then swiftly back. ‘What’s tha doing here? I told our Joseph from the off, I’ll not have whores in my home. Whatever he chooses to do is his business but I’ll have no carryings-on under my roof. Go on, sling your hook and wait for him at Nellie’s as you usually do, afore I scrag you out.’
Bent double, hands on her thighs, Nancy fought to catch her breath. ‘Is my Joseph back from Manchester?’
Alice frowned at her wide-eyed desperation. ‘Aye. He went yesterday morning but it were a waste of time. He found nowt out and were back by nightfall. Been in a right soddin’ mood since, an’ all. Why, what’s afoot?’
‘I saw her. She’s back.’ Nancy’s eyes darted to the stairs as footsteps thundered down. ‘Oh, love, you’re there. Eeh, I ain’t half missed you, lad.’
Joseph took the last few stairs slowly. ‘Did I hear you say you’ve seen Sally?’ At Nancy’s nod, he ran a hand across his mouth. ‘You better not be mistaken or I’ll—’
‘I’m not, love, honest. I saw her pass my father’s an hour or so since and disappear inside the Morgans’. I came straight here; ran most of the way, I did.’
Alice shook her head at her brother. ‘Well, I don’t believe it. Fancy you traipsing there yesterday and she winds up coming back of her own accord. Mind, why would she?’
With a hoot of glee, he slapped his leg. ‘Lord knows but I’ll tell you summat, this time, she’ll not be leaving. By God, she’ll not.’
‘You’re a lucky beggar, you are, our Joseph. You were stumped what to do not half a minute since and now, she’s fallen into your lap.’
He grabbed Nancy’s arm. ‘Come on.’
‘But how will you get to her with Arthur and that son of his?’
‘I’ll figure that out when we arrive. Now for God’s sake, get moving. I’ll not let her get away this time. The things I’ll do to that whore … She’ll hurt in more ways than she can imagine.’
Alice grinned. ‘Go on, lad. Go get the rotten bitch.’
As she hurried down the alley after Joseph, a sickly feeling rose in Nancy at the sheer venom in his voice.
She’d been numb with shock when discovering what he’d done to Ivy. She thought he’d meant to frighten the woman, not throttle her to within an inch of her life. Afterwards, she’d expressed her terror at what would have become of him. He’d laughed in her face, insisting if he had finished the old bitch off, he wouldn’t have swung. Alice would have given him an alibi.
What he was capable of frightened her. She couldn’t lose him. She’d sooner die than live without him.
Now, as he strode down Deansgate, she caught up and grabbed his sleeve. Peering into his jet-black eyes, she hesitated to ask the burning question tormenting her, petrified to think what his answer would be. But now was the time. If he gave the right one, whatever he planned this night, she’d support him all the way.
‘Joseph, you do love me, don’t you?’
Irritation flared in his eyes. He pushed her into a doorway, cupped her breasts and rubbed his palms over her nipples. She moaned and he smirked. Biting her lower lip, he stared deep into her eyes. ‘I can’t do this without you. You want the bitch gone, don’t you?’
His smooth tone brought a flush of pleasure to her cheeks. ‘Aye, course I do. It’s just …’
‘What?’
‘Well, just … This is for us, in’t it? You want us to be together, proper like, don’t you? Once she’s gone, we’ll be free to wed, won’t we?’
He nodded.
‘Oh, love. Then whatever it takes, I’ll understand. I don’t want to know what you’re planning but, well, whatever you must do … do it. Just be careful, eh, lad? Please, be careful. I can’t lose thee.’
With a twisted smile, he squeezed her buttocks. ‘Let’s get the bitch. If I need your help, you be a good girl and do as I say, d’you hear?’ At her nod, his smirk returned. His fondling intensified then he pulled away, leaving her panting against the wall. ‘Come on.’
She sighed in adoration. Cocooned in her conviction that he did, as she’d believed, love her, she scuttled after him, heart singing.
The fact that he hadn’t actually said the words, she ignored.