The bond between Kath Clancy and Joshua Gittins had become stronger since the day he found her crying in the garden. The thread as grandparents was held together with young Harry Gittins being the knot.
Joshua had visited Kath often over the past months and they enjoyed each other’s company over tea, although she had said many times that was not to be misconstrued as them being in a romantic relationship. She had to admit however, that she enjoyed his company. Nevertheless he found himself waiting eagerly for their next meeting and his heart warmed at the thought of Kath.
Sitting in his chair by the fire, Joshua allowed memories of her to flood his mind. Her sparkling eyes, shiny hair and her pleasing fragrance; her tinkling laugh like falling rain, her clear skin and her womanly figure – his mind was full to bursting with her. He had once been determined to solve the mystery that surrounded her, but now he realised this only added to her charm. He had also considered asking again if she would be his sweetheart, but decided against it – he would not jeopardise the friendship they had. If friends was all she offered, he would accept that gladly and live in hope of more.
Joshua’s thoughts shifted to his son and his family. He had not thought the match between Spencer and Violet a good one in the beginning, but that young wench had proved him wrong. Nothing of Violet’s background ever came to light, and in time he had dismissed it from his mind. She had proved her worth time and again in Wednesbury, and along with Spencer had worked wonders in the small town, finding work for so many people, and increasing their wealth in the process. Joshua’s own financial situation had improved considerably too since the demise of Frank Woolley. His young grandson, Harry Gittins, would be a wealthy man indeed one day.
Watching the dancing flames of the fire, Joshua luxuriated in the happiness that surrounded him. His only regret was that he may never have another wife to accompany him into old age.
*
The day eventually arrived for the opening of the new building and it seemed everyone in Wednesbury had turned out to see it. Despite Violet being in full health and active again, Spencer delighted in the knowledge it had managed to remain a secret from her.
With Spencer, Violet and young Harry in one carriage, Kath had accompanied Joshua in his. They drove up the long carriageway that separated what would be, in time, two vast lawns. The new building, although not very big, bore no resemblance to its predecessor and stood proud against the blue sky, being lit only by the sunshine of an early springtime.
Over the door hung a sign, ‘Violet’s Play House.’
As Violet stepped down from the carriage, Joshua saw her gasp with pleasure at the sight before her. Applause and cheers rang out as she walked up to the door. Nancy and her helpers were waiting and pushed open the door to allow her entry. Violet thought, This must be what Queen Victoria feels like!
They all walked around the inside which had been whitewashed; one room had a row of small beds, another a small kitchen, yet another housed the wooden toys, and outside a lavatory. It had everything needed to enable the caring of the children of Wednesbury.
Joshua had gleaned that the message had travelled the town grapevine, which was in fact just gossip that for a nominal sum, mothers could bring their children here, leaving themselves free to find work. The building had been erected in a very short time and he wondered if Spencer had employed every man in the town who had been out of work. He also wondered how his son had afforded it and made a mental reminder to ask him later.
Feeling a touch on his arm, Joshua turned to see Kath beaming. ‘Well Granddad Josh, don’t we have clever children?’
‘Indeed we do, Grandma Kath,’ he laughed, ‘my question now is, what will they do next?’
Shaking her head gently, she walked with him back to his carriage; Joshua enjoyed the feeling when she slipped her arm through his. Was this walking out? Did people think it was? Did she even realise she’d done it? Pushing the thoughts away, he laid his hand on her arm that lay so comfortably along his own.
For all the world they looked like a courting couple and Joshua revelled in the idea.
*
‘Violet’s Play House’ didn’t take long to fill up with the youngsters of the town and every day women came to the factories looking for work. Some were in a position to take on outwork making nails, others were not so fortunate.
Riding across Stone Cross to Spencer’s factory, Joshua wanted to hear any ideas his son may have regarding putting some of the many still unemployed to work.
‘Hello Father!’ Spencer said in greeting. ‘I was about to have tea… join me?’
‘Ar lad, never say no to a good cuppa.’
Spencer asked, ‘What can I do for you Father?’
‘Well lad, I was wondering about this here “bread line”. Every day women come looking for work on the nailing and men are standing by the marketplace waiting for any work that might be had.’
‘Yes,’ said Spencer as he steepled his fingers, ‘I’ve had women here too, but what with the new building, I’m not in a financial position to take on more workers just now.’
‘You are all right for money though, son?’ Joshua asked, his concern evident.
‘Oh yes Father, but I don’t want to stretch what I have any thinner at present. In time maybe I can, but not right now. I need to take care of my own family first.’
‘Good thinking lad, good thinking.’
Spencer smiled saying, ‘I hear you’ve been seeing quite a lot of Kath Clancy lately.’
‘Ar,’ Joshua confirmed, ‘and no, we ain’t a couple, although I wish we were.’
‘Ask Kath, Father.’
‘Ask Kath what?’ Joshua gave his son a wry smile.
‘Ask her about any notions of helping Wednesbury people to find work. She’s a wise woman, she and her friends may have some good ideas. Besides, you lose nothing by asking.’
‘Good idea, lad,’ Joshua said with a smile as he stood to leave, ‘in fact I think I’ll do that right now.’
Spencer watched him go. He smiled, shaking his head, his father hadn’t even stayed long enough for that cup of tea!
*
Kath made Joshua welcome, as usual, with tea and cake. As they settled, he explained his feelings regarding the poor people of Wednesbury.
‘It ain’t right, Kath, these folk are as poor as church mice and every day they stand in that bloody “bread line” without a hope in hell of finding work!’
Laying her hand on his on the table, she said, ‘Now, Joshua, don’t get so het up, let’s discuss this and see what we can come up with.’
‘Maybe those friends of yours might have a few ideas an’ all?’ he asked.
‘The ladies can usually find an answer if they think on the problem long enough,’ she laughed.