Low Moor, late October 1916
An unlikely friendship that brings hope
‘Rene, it is good to see you.’
‘Well, I can’t believe you’re here. I don’t know how you managed this, Eloise. And, though I don’t mean to sound rude, never in a million years did I think I would ever be sitting in a teashop with you, in the North of England, discussing ways of helping others! What happened to change you?’
‘I know. I was an empty-headed, silly girl, but war gives you food for thought. I’ve been working through a gradual process of wanting to do something to help, as you know, but when Andrina died it – it did something to me, and quite the opposite to what I expected. It made me stronger, and it made me think more of others.’
‘I didn’t want to mention Andrina, but I’m glad you have. It broke my heart when I heard the dreadful news from my mama. I’m so sorry. I didn’t believe the stories passed through the servants’ grapevine.’
‘They were probably true.’
Talking to Rene seemed to help. Rene was an independent ear, someone who hadn’t been involved and, whilst she was saddened and shocked, she was not knocked off-balance by it all.
‘Oh dear, poor Andrina. I wanted to come down for the funeral, but I couldn’t. I had no leave due, and a friend’s death didn’t come under the rules for compassionate leave.’
Eloise understood, and told Rene that all of her family had known she would have been there, if she was able to. They talked about the funeral, and discreetly dabbed away tears over the loss of Andrina, before the conversation turned to Edith. Rene had met Edith on a couple of occasions, and her way of looking at things gave Eloise some hope as she said, ‘I’d say that Edith is all right. From what I saw, she was a determined woman, who became a doctor against all the odds of a woman achieving this. Why you haven’t heard anything could be down to a number of things, not least poor communications due to the war. The Army has taken over most of the services, and has priority. Edith will find a way to survive, and a way to get in touch when she can.’
Rene’s reasons for not hearing from Edith sounded plausible, given how long it took for letters from her Aunt Marianne to arrive from France. The last one was dated months prior to its delivery.
‘I think you are right – of course you are. Now, let’s talk of other things. The reason I am here, for one.’
‘Yes, of course. Ada. Poor soul, she’s lost and doesn’t know which way to turn. She’s staying with her sister Beryl, but there is a bitterness between them. I think I told you about Ada’s husband’s affair with the sister, and it resulting in a pregnancy?’
‘You did. How awful for Ada.’
‘Yes, well, she needs to get out of there. Her cottage was destroyed and she lost most of her things, but thank God she found the mementoes of her sons. She is a proud woman, Eloise, so your charity won’t be easily accepted.’
‘Have you spoken to her about me?’
‘No, I didn’t think it wise. She might not have agreed to come. I just wrote to her telling her that I had time off, and would she meet me here? She’ll be along soon, I am sure.’
Ada released a sigh of relief and frustration as she closed Beryl’s door behind her. The atmosphere between Beryl and Bill made for an uncomfortable life in their presence. Beryl – rounded as if she was carrying a dozen young ’uns, and about to drop her babby at any time – moped around, not wanting to do anything, whilst Bill was in a permanent bad mood.
Trying not to be alone with Bill was a strain, but if she didn’t dodge him, he would start on the same subject. And he asked questions, always questions: did she know about the affair? Couldn’t she tell Paddy was having it off with another woman? Oh aye, she could answer that one, as suspecting it had been part of her daily life, or even knowing he was at it, and suffering the humiliation it wrought upon her.
In some ways it would have been better if Bill had left Beryl and let that be the end to it, because what he put her through amounted to cruelty. It had shocked Ada to find that he had a side like this to him, as he’d always seemed such a nice man. Not that she blamed him altogether; she had little sympathy for Beryl at times, and forgiveness hadn’t come wholeheartedly from her, and probably never would. But, in her condition, Beryl didn’t need the constant aggravation and reminder of her sins that Bill subjected her to.
Leaving the house and the troubled folk inside it behind her, Ada walked down the hill. Every step caused her pain, as many of the ribs broken by the force of the explosion still weren’t fully healed. Biting on her lip, she tried to ignore the discomfort and decided she would make it to the tea rooms, which were about a mile away.
It would be lovely to see Rene again. Ada didn’t know how someone of her standing could look upon her as a friend. Her experiences of moneyed folk in the past had led her to believe they were all a toffee-nosed lot, who’d rather look down on you and label you as scum than talk to you. But, in Rene, she saw someone who cared.
Her thoughts went to Joe. Poor Joe. If only she could visit him, but they had put him on remand in a prison down south, to await a trial date. His case seemed a helpless one, and in her nightmares the gallows loomed. So often she awoke with sweat running down her body, her hands clawing at herself and unreleased tears and screams strangling her throat. Would she ever see Joe again?
‘Hey! What world are you in, Ada? I’ve shouted at the top of me voice to you, and you haven’t acknowledged me!’
Looking up, Ada was shocked to see Bill. He’d pulled up in his car, a huge Ford Roadster that thought itself a Rolls-Royce, and was treated like one by Bill. How he afforded it, let alone afforded to run it, she had no idea.
‘Climb up. I know you’re not comfortable walking, and I thought it would sit well with your new friend to see you arrive in a car.’
‘Ta, Bill. That’s kind of you, but I wouldn’t have bothered you.’ But as she said this a little tickle set up in her belly, at the thought of riding in the open-topped car.
‘Let me give you a hand.’ Before she could object, Bill was out of the car and coming round to her. ‘Put your foot on the step and I’ll give you a push.’
His push enabled him to place his hands where he shouldn’t. Swinging her bag caused her deeper pain than walking had, but also caught Bill a glancing blow that had him stepping back in astonishment.
‘I – it were a mistake, Ada, I didn’t mean to . . .’
‘Oh, aye, your bloody hands slipped a bit low and then forward, did they? Don’t play them games with me, Bill. Anyroad, I thought you couldn’t do owt!’
‘Not with Beryl, I can’t. She’s too demanding. She’s like an animal grabbing me and expecting it every bloody night, despite her having it off with your Paddy at the same time. Not that I knew that. But she got me in such a state with her demands that I . . . Well, I couldn’t perform at all in the end. But with you, Ada, I—’
‘No, you bloody can’t! I ain’t like Beryl. Oh, aye, me Paddy were a passionate man and I were willing, but I ain’t for having another woman’s man. I’m a loyal person. I have me Joe now, and will be his until the end of me days. You just try them tricks on me again, Bill, and I’ll knock your block off.’
‘Sorry, Ada, I didn’t realize. Come on. I’ll be good, I promise.’
Unable to refuse the lift, she allowed him to help her climb in, and was glad that, this time, he kept his hands on her waist.
‘I’ll say something, though, Ada. I married the wrong sister.’
Ignoring him, Ada had thought she’d never see the day she’d sit in a car. Eeh, it’s grand! Though the seat is harder than I thought, specially with me having no padding on me rump now. I’ve to feed meself up and get back me figure, just in case Joe gets out.
She shook herself in disgust. These thoughts must be the result of what Bill had just done. She hadn’t wanted her feelings to be reawakened by such an incident, but had to admit that the touch of a hand there brought back memories of the pleasure it gave her, and she realized she missed coupling with a man. Aye, and at times she missed Paddy. He was larger than life, and with a sexual appetite that could satisfy many women at once. But mostly he had been hers. She would think of that when she remembered him, and not of the many times he had strayed.
‘You’re quiet. Enjoying your ride in a car then?’
‘I am, Bill, but I wish you hadn’t done what you did. It changes things between us. I won’t feel comfortable around you now.’
‘You can’t blame a man for trying, Ada. We have our rights, and you gave off something that said you liked me, so it was your own fault.’
Bloody men! Give them a smile and they think they can have you. And it’s your fault if they try when you don’t want them to! Some things need to change in this world. ‘So, if I ask you to take me to visit Joe, you’ll expect to be in me bed by the neet? Well, I have news for you, Bill. Friendship from a woman isn’t a reet to take her down. God, you men think with your cocks, and that’s why the bloody world is in the mess it is.’
‘Ha, you’ll be bleating “Votes for women” next. God only knows what state we’d be in, if that ever happens. You’ll all be voting for the most handsome man, whether or not he has any brains. God help us and save us from such a fate!’
‘Bloody cheek. You know, you are a handsome man, Bill, and well set up, but I don’t see the ladies braying at your door. So that knocks your theory for six. I hope those fighting for women’s rights win through. I don’t agree with how they go about it, but I’m with them and would help them if I could.’
Bill was silent and concentrated on his driving. Ada glanced at him. He was a handsome man. His tall, slender figure gave him an elegance and made him look good in his bespoke tailored suits; and his dark hair, parted in the middle and held to his head with some cream, suited him, as did his handlebar moustache. His brown eyes were attractive and had a look that said, ‘I’m an all right bloke.’ They made you trust him, but now she wasn’t so sure and wondered if she’d seen the last of his advances towards her.
‘Yes, I’ll take you to see Joe,’ he said, after a moment. ‘I’d like to meet the fellow. He must be something special, to have taken you from Paddy. Oh, I know Paddy was a wild one, but he was the kind that could get any woman, and a woman felt privileged to be wanted by him. I have often wished I had half what he had, in those stakes.’
Ada thought it best to let this go. Bill was hoping for a compliment, but he wasn’t going to get one. She was happy that she was being driven in his car. If it meant she had to deal with his advances, well, she’d be ready for him. Nothing she could say would change his, or any man’s, ego; they’d still think every woman wanted them. Theirs was a culture that made them think there was no such thing as rape. Well, she knew there was. Many times Paddy had forced her to open her legs when she hadn’t wanted to. Though she had to admit that sometimes, when he had, she’d been glad. But then that was because he was her husband and she held a big sexual attraction in her for Paddy. Those men who took a woman against her will in different circumstances: that was rape by any name and repulsed her. Aye, there’s a lot that needs changing, but whether any of it will happen in my time, I don’t know.
Her nerves jangled when the car drew up outside the teashop. The shop looked the same as every other time she’d passed it. Its net curtains were draped in immaculate folds and were a pristine white. The windows gleamed. A posy of flowers sat in each window, and the white paint of the windowframes was set off by the black paint of the outside sills and the door.
It wasn’t a place she’d ever thought to come to. Hettie Baxter, the owner, thought herself higher than other people, and didn’t want the likes of Ada and other working-class women on her premises. Her cakes were for the toffee-nosed lot who lived on the hill. Well, she lived on the hill now and could be classed as one of them. This made her giggle a little.
‘What’s amusing you then, Ada? First time in the teashop, is it?’
‘It is, Bill, and I can’t wait to see Hettie’s face. She’ll not like it.’
‘She’ll have to lump it. You’re as good as the next one, and the lady you’re meeting with is above most of them, from what you tell me. Go in with your head held high. You look lovely in that frock that Beryl has lent you. Blue suits you – it sets off your red hair. And, with Beryl’s fur wrap, you look the business. Beautiful!’
Once he’d finished, Bill cleared his throat. Ada gave him a warning look and he held his hands up and shrugged his shoulders, but didn’t argue with her.
‘I’ll park up the road a bit and wait for you. That hill is enough to kill anyone, let alone someone who’s still carrying an injury.’
Ada wasn’t sure she wanted this, but knew it would be difficult to climb the steep hill to his and Beryl’s house. ‘Ta. That’s kind of you, Bill. But no funny business.’ She slithered off the seat, missing the step, and winced with the pain the movement caused her.
‘You should have waited. I was on my way to help you out.’
‘Aye, I know the kind of helping hand you give. I’ll see you in a while.’ Glad to escape the disturbing banter, Ada hurried inside, nearly jumping out of her skin at the loud clang of the bell over the door. All eyes looked her way. But those that held hers – the piercing, disapproving ones of Hettie – made her cringe with embarrassment. A voice saved her.
‘Oh, Ada, you made it. Here, we’re over here, my dear.’
Hettie leant heavily on the counter in front of her. Her over-plump frame, fed on a million of her freshly baked cakes, shook the structure and she stood back quickly, letting out a loud huff.
Ada smiled sweetly at her and then turned towards Rene. Hettie was getting her comeuppance, and that felt good. But this feeling soon died when she realized Rene had someone with her. Her nerves fluttered in her stomach once more as she walked in between the mostly occupied white-clothed tables, with dainty china set out on them.
‘Oh, Ada, it is good to see you, and you look lovely. How are you?’
Ada’s voice seemed stuck in her throat, so she just nodded and smiled.
‘This is my friend, Lady Eloise Mellor.’
A lady! Oh God, I shouldn’t have come. The lovely smile the lady gave her settled Ada some, as she took her outstretched hand. She gave a bob, then reddened as she felt sure that wasn’t the right way to address a lady. ‘Pleased to meet you, Your Ladyship.’
‘Just call me “Lady Eloise”. Don’t try to get your tongue around anything more, or you will just make me giggle, and then I will feel rude.’
This was said with a grin. Lady Eloise had a sense of humour. Rene giggled, which set Ada off. She was always prone to the giggles when she was nervous, and she tried to swallow down the one that threatened to escape now, but didn’t manage it. All three of them joined in the laughter, despite receiving a few disapproving glances and similar huffs to the one Hettie had uttered.
‘Oh dear, we had better behave ourselves. It is so nice to meet you, Ada. Please sit down.’
It shocked Ada to know that she could sit in this lady’s presence and feel comfortable doing so. ‘Thank you, Lady Eloise. It is nice to meet you too, and to see you, Rene. Eeh, you look bonny without your uniform on, lass.’
‘You do, Rene dear. But not as pretty as you do, Ada. That dress is lovely.’
‘Thank you. It’s me sister’s – she married well.’
‘Good to hear she is doing something nice for you. Oh, I mean . . .’
Now Rene was the one to look embarrassed, thinking she had said the wrong thing. Hoping the moment would pass, Ada straightened the skirt of her soft woollen frock, which had a sort of fishtail-style hem that hovered just above her ankles, and was in the prettiest peacock-blue. ‘Aye, she’s trying to mend her ways. But she ain’t happy, and hasn’t been for a long time.’
Ada, I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve told your story to Lady Eloise, including your plans for the future. You see, she is here for a reason. She wants to help you, and other victims of the explosion. She’s set up a new charity to help all victims of war.’
‘I don’t need charity, Rene.’
‘Rene said you would be averse to accepting my help, Ada. But please think about it. I can get you a new home and furniture and—’
‘I have money. A neighbour went back into me house and found me lads’ possessions, and he found me money. I’d hid it in a tin under the floorboards of me bedroom. I had a dream to start me own business, but now I will use it to help meself Well, I know it’s soon after the death of me husband, but I have a man-friend and he is in trouble. I hope to help him an’ all.’
‘That is admirable – well done. I do know about Joe, as Rene has told me your story. Lawyers are very expensive. But, Ada, I can help you with that.’
‘Thank you, but I do have enough. I was earning six pounds a week at the factory.’
‘Six pounds! Good gracious, I thought the national average was more like ten to twelve shillings a week.’
‘It is, but working on the munitions is dangerous work, and the workers face death every day. Besides, we do long hours. A friend of mine went to the pub with her mate, and they treated a corporal who was on leave and bought him a pint. He couldn’t believe it when he saw how much money she had, and she found out that she was paid ten times what he was – and he faced having to climb out of the trenches and dodge a thousand bullets. We do all right. You won’t find many among the munitions workers around here that need your help.’
‘Well! Ada, I’m as shocked as Lady Eloise is, but very pleased for you. But why don’t you listen to what she has to say. It may mean that you can use your own money for what you originally intended it.’
‘Yes, Rene is right. My father, Lord Mellor, is prepared to look into Joe’s case . . .’
As Ada listened, a small ray of hope warmed inside her. ‘He would do that for me? For Joe? Oh, ta. Ta ever so much.’ Without her bidding it to, a tear dropped onto her cheek.
‘Here, Ada, my dear, wipe your eyes. Everything will be all right, I’m sure of it.’
The dainty handkerchief Rene handed her smelt of violets.
‘You keep it. It’s a present from me.’
‘Thank you, Rene. I’m sorry I blabbed, but no one’s ever offered to do owt for me before – not without some sort of payment. Me sister used to help me out, but she took much more in return, as you know.’
‘I do, dear. Let’s not talk about her. Give the details about Joe to Lady Eloise, and then leave it to her. Soon a lawyer will be in touch with you. He will ask you a lot of questions about how it all happened, but just be honest with him. Don’t be afraid.’
Hettie stood in front of them now with a pen and little notebook. ‘What can I get you, ladies? And you, Ada O’Flynn?’ she asked in a mincing voice.
Ada felt as though she could spit in her eye, and would have done, if she wasn’t in the company she was in. Looking directly into Hettie’s eyes, she chose the same as Rene: a scone with jam and a pot of tea. Ada hoped that she looked and sounded dignified, as if she was used to sitting in Hettie’s tea room with two ladies. Hettie gave her a sly smirk, but Ada ignored this and turned her attention back to Rene.
‘It all looks so bad, Rene. Folk think I was having a thing with Joe, but I weren’t. I knew he loved me, but apart from thinking about him, I was never disloyal to Paddy. Not physically. I did tell Joe I loved him. But that wasn’t until every shred of love I had for Paddy had died, following all that he’d done.’
‘I know. Like you say, yours and Joe’s affection for each other will be a big issue, as it gives Joe a motive. But the truth will be seen, I’m sure. I believe you, and so does Lady Eloise.’
‘I do. I truly do, and I believe the lawyer will too. And if he does, he will defend Joe and, with any luck, get him out of prison and back with you, where he belongs.’
Ada had to use the hanky again. She still felt quite weak at times, and very vulnerable when it came to talking of Joe’s plight.
Without mentioning Ada’s tears, Lady Eloise said, ‘Now, let’s talk about this shop you want to run. What kind of shop? Where would you like it to be? And, if you need it, will you accept my help along the way, including financial help? My fund is for just such an event – someone who has been stricken by what the war has brought to them and who wants to build a new life.’
Ada told them of her dreams of owning a dressmaking shop, and felt cheered by the conversation. It felt as if talking about something that she wanted in the future actually gave her a future. A much brighter one than she had thought possible, and with that came hope. A hope that one day the dreadful pain that clutched at her heart, from the loss of her lads and what had happened to Paddy and Joe, would lift. And maybe, just maybe, in this new future she envisioned she would find happiness with her Joe.
But she knew one thing: she’d found another friend in Lady Eloise. She liked her as much as she liked Rene, though it still felt strange to have posh friends. She couldn’t call them mates – that wasn’t a word that fitted these ladies. But somehow she knew they were in her corner and that gave her comfort. And she knew that, with their help, she could climb a mountain. That’s what saving Joe would be like: climbing a huge mountain.