Many a Tear Has to Fall, page 24
At that moment she saw Irene approaching with a young lad. ‘Hi, Maggie! Let me introduce you to my younger stepbrother Patrick. Patrick, this is Miss Gregory.’
He smiled at Maggie. ‘I’ve heard your name mentioned. You’re the lady on the train.’
His words caused a slight shock to shiver down her spine. ‘Jerry still calls me that?’
‘Yes,’ said Irene.
‘Let me take your coat and shoe bag and I’ll put them in the guest bedroom,’ said Patrick.
She handed them over without a word, wondering how the mention of her being the lady on the train had come up in conversation, but decided not to ask. Instead she said, ‘Looks like it’s going to be a good party.’
Irene agreed. ‘I hope you don’t mind me bringing this up, but what with Patrick mentioning you being the lady on the train, I thought I’d tell you that Jerry has never forgotten you.’
Maggie flushed. ‘I don’t know why he hasn’t. I’ve only seen him once since then, and that was at your wedding.’
‘He said you looked like a princess when he first saw you on the train. If he could see you now, he might think the same. That’s a lovely outfit you’re wearing.’
‘Thanks. You look nice too.’ Maggie was uncertain what to make of Irene’s words. She had never been one for paying her compliments in the past. She now felt unsettled, having started to believe that she was putting what had happened between her and Tommy behind her. Yet she could not resist asking after Jerry. ‘How is Jerry? He’ll be at school now, won’t he?’
‘Yes, and loving it. With a bit of help he made a Christmas card for his father, which Marty enclosed with a letter to Tommy.’
‘You … you’ve been in touch with him?’
‘Yes, although I can guess what you’re thinking,’ Irene said.
Instinctively Maggie dropped her voice. ‘Does Jerry know that his father is in prison?’
‘Would you tell him if you were in our shoes?’
Maggie moistened her lips. ‘I honestly don’t know.’
‘We decided to leave it to Tommy to make that decision if he responded to the card that was sent.’
‘And did he?’
‘Yes.’
Before Irene could expand on what she had said, they were interrupted by Lenny and Dorothy, who appeared at her shoulder along with Josh.
Josh smiled down at Maggie. ‘Hello, stranger. I hope you’re feeling better now.’
‘So Dot told you I’d had a rotten cold that went to my chest?’
‘Yes, she said that otherwise you’d have come with her to the coffee bar for food,’ Josh said. ‘You’re looking well now. In fact, really stunning.’
‘Thanks!’ She could feel her cheeks warming. ‘You’re looking pretty good yourself.’ He was wearing dark trousers with a maroon waistcoat over a blue shirt. His tie was also maroon coloured, and fastened in a neat Windsor knot. She suddenly felt as frivolous as a butterfly in the lime green top and bright floral skirt, and was aware that Dorothy appeared distracted and was looking about her. As for Irene, she had drifted away in Betty’s direction. ‘I like what you’re wearing,’ Maggie said. ‘Maroon is one of my favourite colours, and goes so well with blue or green.’
‘So speaks the ex-model with excellent taste in clothes and style,’ said Lenny.
‘I suppose Dorothy said that,’ Maggie said, smiling.
Hearing her name, Dorothy looked at Maggie. ‘It’s true. I hope you never lose it, despite working in kitchens.’
‘I reckon it’s something I’ll never lose,’ said Maggie. ‘I’ll be going up to the cottage soon.’
Dorothy frowned. ‘I thought you might have been staying on with Jared and Emma, and in that case you could have given Josh a hand in the kitchen here.’
For a moment Maggie could think of nothing to say in response to that and, before she could find the words, Dorothy had slipped a hand through Lenny’s arm. ‘Now how about a glass of champagne, folks?’ she called out.
Josh said, ‘I’ll catch you later, Maggie. I must see to the champagne.’ He hurried off.
‘Now all I need is someone to hand round the hors d’oeuvres,’ said Dorothy.
‘I can do that if you like?’ offered Maggie.
‘No, you’re a guest.’
Maggie said, ‘I was going to tell you that I’ve another idea how to make money in order to support myself. One that I’m sure you’ll approve of.’
‘And what’s that?’
‘Dolls’ clothes. Except I thought of making historical costumes. I just so loved those ones you wore in the play.’
There was a sudden popping sound and someone gave a cheer.
‘The champagne,’ said Dorothy brightly. ‘If you’ll excuse us, Maggie.’
‘Of course.’
Maggie watched her go, wondering if Dorothy had actually heard what she had said. She supposed it was understandable, her being distracted at her own party. She watched the couple cross the room to where Josh was pouring champagne into glasses on a long table covered by a pristine white cloth. There was a beautiful flower arrangement of spring flowers in the middle, which could only have been imported from the Channel Isles, she thought.
She wandered over to where the musicians had settled themselves in a corner. She recognized ‘Love Me Tender’, which had been a hit for Elvis in 1956. She had even seen the film. Tony Gianelli was doing the vocals and Nick was on guitar. Then she noticed Monica join him at the microphone. She might not have as good a voice technically as Tony’s, but she certainly could sing.
‘Champagne?’ said a voice in Maggie’s ear.
She glanced up at Josh and took a glass from a tray. ‘Thanks.’
‘What d’you think of the group?’
‘I think they’re great, but then I would say that. I’ve known a couple of them for years,’ Maggie murmured, taking a sip of champagne. The bubbles tickled her nose and she put up a finger and held back a sneeze.
‘How long have you known Monica?’ asked Josh.
‘I met her that day I came into the coffee bar and she followed me in. The day you brought me the meal I’d ordered from Lenny.’
‘I remember. You were upset over a bloke called Norm.’
‘Actually, I wasn’t. Your uncle got it wrong. I was over Norm but I let Lenny think what he did.’
‘So was it the other bloke, Tommy, you were upset about?’
‘You make me sound pathetic,’ muttered Maggie. ‘Like I’m a real wet.’
‘I don’t think that. I’ve been serious about a few girls myself. But none of the relationships worked out and I’m glad now.’
‘It’s different for men. They seem to like playing the field.’
‘That’s a bit of a sweeping statement,’ Josh said.
‘Maybe it is.’ She bit her lower lip. ‘Sorry. Tell me why you think they didn’t work out for you?’ She really wanted to know.
‘Could be because I’d signed on to stay in the army after doing my national service. Not every woman fancies living in army married quarters.’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘Or it could have simply been that their feelings for me weren’t strong enough when it came to the test.’
‘Test?’
‘If something is going to last, it needs to be strong enough to survive when difficulties arise.’
‘I’ve never thought about that,’ said Maggie.
‘Look at your sister and Billy and her wanting kids.’
Maggie was taken aback. ‘He’s spoken to you about that!’
Josh nodded. ‘Despite him being a few years older and above me in the ranks, we hit it off. I felt able to go to him if I had problems, and I like to think he respects my opinion enough to discuss the difficult stuff with me.’
‘And what do you think? Because I guess he doesn’t want children as much as she does.’
‘Only because he enjoys married life with just the two of them. So it’s a testing time. If you love someone you should be prepared to make sacrifices, and it doesn’t come easy. Especially in their case.’
Maggie could see what he meant and sighed. ‘I’d like my sister to be happy.’
He smiled. ‘Naturally.’
She changed the subject. ‘Anyway, why did you ask me about Monica?’
‘I like her. She often comes into the coffee bar and I worry about her. Same with Lucia; she’s even asked if she can have a job here.’
‘Why do you worry about them?’
He glanced about him. ‘I’ll tell you later. I’m going to have to go.’ He moved away.
Maggie watched him as he continued to hand out champagne; he was more of a deep thinker than she would have believed. Then she looked to where Lucia, Tony’s cousin by marriage was seated. She remembered how the younger girl had once had a crush on Jimmy. No doubt, now he was married, she would turn her attention to someone else in the group. Maybe Nick? She thought about what Jimmy had said about Nick being Dorothy’s son, and of how his other adoptive father had been murdered by his brother. How was it that some young people turned out so well with all that baggage to carry with them in life? Was he aware that Dorothy was his mother? Did she know he was her son?
‘Plate.’
Maggie glanced at Patrick, who was going to be another heartbreaker by the look of it. She smiled. ‘Thanks.’
‘Bobby and my sister Rosie will be around in a few minutes with the hors d’oeuvres.’ He moved away.
‘Love Me Tender’ had come to an end, and Maggie watched as Josh handed a glass of champagne apiece to Monica and Tony. Nick and the drummer refused the bubbly, and a few minutes later he brought them glasses of beer. Maggie became aware that her cousin had sat in the chair next to her, but before they could exchange a word, Bobby and Rosie approached with trays of hors d’oeuvres.
‘Wow, this is a real feast,’ said Maggie, gazing with a caterer’s interest at the variety of food on offer. There were strips of smoked mackerel on fingers of toast, small chunks of ham and pineapple, chicken liver pâté on toast, small portions of diced potato and green pea salad in mayonnaise, and potted shrimps garnished with lemon.
‘Did you make these, Bobby?’ asked Betty.
‘Rosie and I did the ham and pineapple and mixed the potato with the green peas and mayonnaise,’ answered Bobby. ‘Rosie wants to work in the catering business. She also did the potted shrimps garnished with lemon and made a trifle. Josh did everything else.’
‘Josh told me that I should join the WRAC if I’m really interested in catering, because I could get to travel as well,’ said Rosie excitedly. ‘I’m going to mention it to Dad. I know I’m too young yet, but the sooner I put the idea into his head, the better. Aunt Gertie told me that’s what you need to do with some men when you want to get your own way.’
At that moment there was a commotion in the doorway and heads turned. Betty’s face lit up and she stood up and hurried over to the newcomers.
Maggie bit into a finger of toast and smoked mackerel and stared at Pete and Peggy. She wondered if she might learn something more about Jerry and Tommy from them, because Irene seemed to have forgotten she had been about to tell her something further. She sighed, thinking she would be better off not thinking of them.
‘So what do you think of the smoked mackerel?’ asked Josh, appearing in front of her. ‘I was tempted by some smoked eel, but decided it isn’t to everyone’s taste.’
‘I love smoked mackerel. Perhaps it’s something I should think of having at the tearoom,’ said Maggie, her eyes alight. ‘I reckon it would go well with a salad and crusty bread in summer; a change from Lancashire hotpot if we were to have a heat wave.’
His lips twitched. ‘How likely d’you think that would be?’
‘One never knows,’ Maggie replied, managing to balance her glass and plate with dexterity.
‘D’you remember the summer of forty-seven?’ asked Josh.
Maggie counted back to how old she would have been then. ‘Just about. It was so hot that tar melted between the cobbles. It had been really cold at the beginning of the year and the snow had seemed to last for ages.’
‘There were power cuts and we had to have candles,’ said Josh. ‘I reckon we’re due another heat wave. If you’ll excuse me, Maggie,’ he added, and left her sitting alone before she could ask him why he worried about the girls.
But she was not left alone for long, because Peggy and Pete came over with Betty. ‘Hello, you two. Long time, no see.’
‘You look nice, Maggie,’ said Peggy, drawing up a chair. ‘I’m dead jealous of that green number you’re wearing. It’s fabulous. I reckon Norm’s eyes would be out on stalks if he saw you now.’ She glanced up at Pete, who was standing behind her with his hands resting on her shoulders. ‘What d’you think, love?’
‘I don’t think Maggie cares what he thinks. He’s history.’
Maggie agreed. She was more interested in the music. Nick had begun to play the introduction to ‘The Twelfth of Never’. Monica moved over to the microphone and began to sing.
‘I love Johnny Mathis singing this song,’ whispered Peggy. ‘It’s so romantic.’
Maggie could not have agreed more. To have someone to really need you as well as love you to the end of time was surely what everyone wanted? And when Tony joined Monica at the microphone, a tingle went right down Maggie’s spine. The girl’s voice added an extra dimension to the rendering of the song. How could she have forgotten that Monica wanted to be a pop star? Maybe if a recording agent spotted her, she might just get her wish. How would the girl’s grandmother and the rest of the family respond to that? Thinking of them, she wondered how they had reacted to Tommy’s arrest and imprisonment after hearing of Bernie’s death. Did she dare ask? Did she really need to know? Then she saw Marty go over to Monica, and decided that perhaps it was best to leave things as they were. After all, what had she to do with Monica’s family? She should just enjoy the party.
There was more food, and Maggie had to admit that Josh and his helpers had made a good job of the catering. The bacon ribs were really tasty and the slices of chicken and roast beef were tender and moist and melted in the mouth. There were crispy fried potatoes and buttered carrot batons. By the time dessert had been consumed, which was a choice between trifle, fruit salad and cream and homemade chocolate Swiss roll, Maggie knew that she might have to let her waistband out.
Champagne glasses were recharged and Lenny thanked everyone for coming. He revealed that he and Dorothy would be leaving Liverpool for America in a few days’ time. They would be making their home there for good. A collective gasp filled the room because most there had believed the couple would be returning to Liverpool later in the year.
‘Did you know about this?’ Maggie asked Josh, who happened to be standing nearby, clutching a half-empty champagne bottle.
He nodded. ‘But I was sworn to secrecy.’
‘So you’re going to be the new owner of the coffee bar, not just an employee?’ she asked. ‘It is something I have thought possible when I guessed Dorothy and your uncle were likely to marry and him accompany her to America.’
He nodded. ‘I’m going to give it a go, at least until the lease runs out, which will be in a couple of years’ time.’
‘It’ll be very different to your life in the army,’ said Peggy, who was sitting nearby.
‘It’s risk that makes life interesting. I’ve done the travelling and now I’m ready to settle down.’
‘You’re lucky,’ said Pete, glancing across at him. ‘I wanted to go to sea but I had an accident and that put an end to it. But what you said about change … I’ve been considering having a go at something completely different.’
Peggy nudged Maggie. ‘I’ve heard this. I’m going to the toilet. D’you want to come?’
Maggie decided she might as well go with her. The room was becoming smoky and a bit too hot.
The toilet was occupied so they waited outside.
‘Lenny’s nephew seems a nice bloke,’ said Peggy.
‘Mmmm!’ murmured Maggie.
Peggy cocked her head to one side. ‘You’re not struck?’
‘I didn’t say that. I like him.’
‘What if he asked you out?’
‘I’d consider saying yes.’
‘Only consider? You are being cautious. I suppose that’s because of what happened with Norm and Tommy,’ said Peggy. ‘My brother’s not all bad, you know. Ask Pete.’
‘I know that.’
The lavatory door opened and Betty emerged. ‘I’d go for the nephew. You’d never have to cook a meal for him, Mags.’
‘I said I’d consider saying yes,’ repeated Maggie to shut them both up.
Peggy slipped inside the toilet and left the cousins alone.
‘So what was this Tommy really like, Mags?’ asked Betty. ‘I don’t remember ever meeting him.’
Maggie sighed. ‘I really don’t want to talk about him. You’d be better asking Peggy. Or ask Irene, I’m sure she’ll have a different opinion of him. After all, she’s been stuck with his son.’
‘I don’t think family are always the best judge. They think they know you back, front and inside out. The same with parents, who only see what they want to see. So I’m asking you. There must have been something about him that hit the spot, because you’re a fussy so-and-so and not easily pleased.’
‘Am I?’ Maggie folded her arms in a defensive gesture across her breasts. ‘Maybe that’s because of Dad. He was the best, kindest, most generous and courageous man I’ve ever known, so most others fall short in comparison.’
Betty’s face softened. ‘I know. Uncle Owen was a lovely man, but nobody’s perfect, Maggie. I suppose what it boils down to in the end is whether you love someone enough to tolerate their faults.’
Maggie’s eyes flashed with annoyance. ‘Tommy lied to me. He didn’t even trust me with his real name.’
‘Maybe he was trying to be the person he wanted to be with you and found it easier to suppress the truth than to admit to all his imperfections,’ said Betty.
