A Mother's Duty (39 page)

Immediately they both looked at her and the girl sat on a chair as if her legs could no longer support her. Her right foot twisted round one of the front legs of the chair as if to anchor her there.
Not so confident
, thought Kitty, feeling relieved.

‘What do you mean?’ said John.

‘What I said!’ Kitty returned his stare. ‘How do we know she’s telling the truth, John? Has she proof?’

John looked at her dumbly.

‘Don’t look at me like that, love,’ she said, deliberately keeping her voice low. ‘You’re too trusting. We don’t know this girl from Adam. She just writes claiming to be your daughter and you believe her without questions.’

‘She’s the spitting image of Margaret. I know she’s my daughter,’ said John, looking at her bewildered and gripping Jeannie’s shoulder.

For a moment Kitty could not think what to say because his words had taken her breath away. Any jealousy she might have felt for his first wife had been short-lived. She was dead and gone but if this girl was so like her she was going to be a constant reminder to John of that tragic first wife, and what would that mean to their lives?

‘I have proof,’ said Jeannie, whose cheeks had paled. She reached for her handbag and from its depths took out an envelope and handed it to John. ‘Your wife’s right. You should have asked for identification. I have a cousin who’s very like me.’

Clever! She’s agreeing with me
, thought Kitty, surprised into admiration. She watched John take out the contents of the envelope. He looked at them before silently handing them over to Kitty. There was a wedding photograph and a birth certificate, both of which were proof enough even for Kitty. She accepted the inevitable. ‘Welcome to the family,’ she said, handing the envelope back to Jeannie and standing up. ‘I’ll show you to your room. You’ll be wanting to freshen up before meeting anyone else.’

‘Thanks,’ said Jeannie, looking at her father who nodded. She rose and they followed Kitty out of the kitchen.

‘It’s not very big,’ said Kitty, leaning against the chest of drawers and letting her gaze wander round the room to take in the single bed, chair, washstand and Jack’s dismantled cot. ‘Sorry about the cot but it comes in handy when the odd guest brings a baby.’

‘It’s fine.’ Jeannie placed the suitcase John had carried upstairs on the bed. He’d had to leave them and see to some luggage that needed collecting. ‘It’s not much smaller than the one I had at Aunt Emily’s.’

‘If you’re still here next week I’ll be able to give you a bigger room, only space is at a premium this week. Your father explained, did he?’

‘About the horse racing? Yes. He said you were very busy. If there’s anything I can do to help just let me know. I’m good about the house.’ Her hazel eyes met Kitty’s squarely.

The offer was unexpected and Kitty was unsure how to respond. Did the girl mean it or was she just being polite? ‘I’ll bear it in mind,’ she said, adding, ‘What did you do in Brighton? John never said whether you worked or just looked after his sister.’

‘I did both. Aunt Emily lived on what her husband had left her, which had depreciated. She’d also made some bad investments which meant I had to earn my own living.’

‘And how did you do that?’

‘I worked in an hotel.’ She smiled. ‘Quite a coincidence, isn’t it?’

Kitty could scarcely believe it. ‘Does your father know?’

‘He didn’t ask. I suppose he didn’t think about it.’

‘I suppose with your looks and manner you were a receptionist?’

‘That’s right. Aunt Emily got me the job. The proprietor was a friend of hers and she wanted someone keeping their eye on me.’

‘Why?’ said Kitty bluntly.

‘My looks.’ Her mouth twisted. ‘First Granny and then Aunt Emily worried about someone running off with me. It drove me crazy. You can understand why I wanted to meet my father once I knew who he was. He’d done it hadn’t he? He’d managed to escape them both and live a free life.’

Kitty stared at her, puzzled. ‘But not for the reason you’re getting at. They didn’t want him. It seems to me both your granny and aunt cared about you.’

‘Oh, they did! I’m not complaining about that. It could be overpowering, though. They were overprotective and demanding at the same time. If I’d known my father was alive earlier I would have left. Perhaps that’s what they were scared of?’

‘Perhaps,’ said Kitty, uncertain what to make of Jeannie. She seemed so sure of herself. Yet could any girl be that confident at twenty?

‘I really wanted to meet him,’ said Jeannie, almost to herself. ‘You can’t imagine what it’s like never having known either of your parents and then suddenly discovering one of them’s alive. I had this wonderful feeling of being found. I wasn’t alone anymore! Up north I had a father!’ She sank onto the bed and her eyes met Kitty’s. ‘I don’t expect you to understand and I do realise that you mightn’t want me here.’

Kitty moved away from the chest of drawers, placed the vase of daffodils on the floor and sat on the chair. ‘I don’t want trouble.’

‘And you think I’ll cause trouble?’ A laugh fell from Jeannie’s lips and she kicked off her shoes. ‘It’s the last thing I have in mind!’

‘I’m sure it is but that doesn’t say it won’t happen. You’re a lovely looking girl.’

Unexpectedly Jeannie’s face showed strain. ‘I’ve known a lot of women not like me but Gran always said beauty was only skin deep.’ She curled her feet under her on the bed.

‘Skin deep or not it’s what attracts the men,’ said Kitty, leaning forward. ‘I’d feel happier if you were married. I’ll admit to being surprised nobody has snapped you up.’

A mischievous expression flitted across Jeannie’s face. ‘I’ve had eleven proposals of marriage but I turned them all down.’

‘Why?’ Kitty was truly interested.

‘Most were in love with my face. A couple made the effort to try and get to know me but neither of them matched up to the picture of the man in my head.’

‘Your dead father,’ said Kitty.

Jeannie stared at her. ‘How did you know?’

‘My own father died at sea when I was seven. I never knew him well enough for the picture I had of him to get spoilt. He was blond and strong with far-seeing blue eyes, and he lived what I thought was a life of adventure.’ She paused. ‘You see now why I think you could cause trouble. I know what it is to dream.’ She stood up. ‘I’ll leave you to have a rest. We don’t eat until eight-thirty, after the guests have had their meal. Your father and I will be busy until then. The family rooms are up here and down in the basement. Make yourself comfortable downstairs if you want. I’ll see you later.’

She was at the door when Jeannie said, ‘You’re very honest. But thanks for welcoming me into the family. Believe it or not, it’s what I’ve been looking for all my life. I don’t want to cause trouble.’

‘Don’t do it then,’ said Kitty, smiling at her before closing the door.

As she went downstairs she was remembering how during the Depression steamers had advertised a pound a day cruises to Norway. She remembered dreaming for days of sailing away to meet her father’s side of the family. It had been out of the question, of course, and so remained only a dream. Part of her admired Jeannie for seeking out her father but another part of her was on her guard.

She squared her shoulders and decided she had coped with Jeannie the best she could in the circumstances. John might not think so but then he was a man. She and Jeannie were going to have to work things out differently between them. As for the boys’ reaction to her, that was still something that had to be faced and Kitty prepared herself to watch her two elder sons be smitten.

Teddy entered the kitchen having arrived home astride the love of his life, a second-hand ex-TT 250cc Rudge motorbike which he had parked in the yard. He had grown in the last few years but was still shorter than he would have liked. To compensate for his lack of inches and to make himself look older, he was growing a moustache. ‘Did she turn up?’ He glanced at his mother who stood by the table making dumplings as if in a dream.

‘Yes,’ said Kitty, stirring herself to take a couple of large casseroles out of the oven.

‘What’s she like? How old is she?’

‘Twenty. And you have to be nice to her – as is only right for someone who’s John’s daughter.’

Teddy blinked. ‘You’re joking!’

‘Do I look like I’m joking?’

He stared at her and thought he had not seen her looking so stony-serious since she’d had Jack. ‘You mean the big fella’s really got a daughter?’

‘How many times do I have to say it?’

‘But how?’ he demanded. ‘I mean – I thought he only had one daughter and she died when she was a baby.’

‘That’s the one. Get her to tell you the story. It’s quite moving. Her grandmother told her that John was dead.’

‘It sounds unbelievable.’

‘It’s true.’ She sighed.

‘What’s up, Ma?’ He went over to her and put an arm round her shoulders. ‘Is she that bad?’

‘Bad? No, I’m sure she isn’t.’ She looked into his face and thought how Irish-looking he was with his dark hair and sensitive face. What would he make of the girl and what would she think of him? Kitty had had first place in her boys’ affections for so long that it caused her pain knowing that one day she would lose that position. For a moment she allowed her cheek to rest against his shoulder. ‘It takes some accepting,’ she said. ‘It’s knocked me for six.’

‘How did the big fella take it?’

‘He’s over the moon. To be expected, I suppose.’ She straightened and another sigh escaped her as she moved away from him.

Teddy toyed with his fledgling moustache and said thoughtfully, ‘This makes you a stepmother like in Cinderella.’

Kitty pulled a face. ‘I’m glad you missed out the word
wicked
.’

He grinned. ‘It’s a good job we’re not girls.’ He struck a pose. ‘Sorry, Cinders, but you cannot go to the ball tonight. You’ve got our socks to darn and the kitchen floor to scrub.’

‘I don’t darn socks,’ said a female voice unfamiliar to his ears.

Teddy turned with his hands in his pockets and froze as Jeannie’s heels tip-tapped on the tiled floor towards him. ‘I’m Jeannie McLeod. Which one are you?’

‘Teddy Ryan.’ He took the hand she offered and gripped it like a drowning man would a lifebelt, terribly conscious that in high heels she was at least four inches taller than him. ‘Er, welcome – to Liverpool. I hope you enjoy your stay.’

‘Thanks. You’re the one with the motorbike.’

‘Er, yes. Who told you?’ He glanced at his mother but she was putting the casseroles back in the oven.

‘Jack. Our half-brother.’ Jeannie’s smile was warm. ‘He said you make engines.’

Teddy took a deep breath and tried to relax muscles which seemed to have gone into a coma. ‘Engine parts.’

‘You like your work?’ She sat on a spindle-backed chair.

That’s better
, thought Teddy, leaning against the table and looking down into eyes which caused sensations similar to those issued by the shock machine at a funfair. ‘Love it. D-do you work?’

‘Would you believe, in an hotel?’

Teddy glanced at his mother. ‘Did you know that, Ma? It’s perfect, isn’t it? She’ll be able to help you.’

‘I didn’t say I was staying,’ said Jeannie, frowning. ‘Although, I read up on Liverpool in the library before I came. It’s had strong trading links with America for years in tobacco and cotton and—’

‘Don’t mention slaves,’ said a loud voice behind her. ‘They’re well gone and they never were that important to the economy of the port. It was cotton that was king. Still is important and so’s tobacco and a helluva lot of other commodities.’

Teddy could have hit his elder brother who was standing in the doorway. Mick was tall, dark, good-looking and oozed confidence. ‘Hello. You must be Jeannie,’ he said as he strolled towards her. Following on his heels came Ben and Jack with Nelson.

‘She’s my sister,’ said Jack, trotting to keep up. ‘You didn’t know that did you, Ben? Pops told me she’s my sister.’ He gave his brother a superior smile.

‘Sister?’ Mick stared at Jeannie.

‘Half-sister.’ It was Teddy who answered. ‘She was the baby who died but it was all a lie.’

‘How come?’ asked Mick.

‘The grandmother lied,’ said Teddy.

‘I’ve proof,’ said Jeannie hastily.

Mick looked down at her as he held her hand and Teddy swore inwardly. What chance had he with his brother around?

John entered the kitchen. ‘So you’ve all met,’ he said.

‘Only just.’ With obvious reluctance Mick freed Jeannie’s hand.

‘I haven’t introduced meself,’ said Ben, poking Mick in the ribs with his elbow and looking up at Jeannie. He liked lovely things and she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever set eyes on.

Mick said, ‘This is Ben, my bad-mannered brother. He can be trouble so watch him.’

Ben smiled at her like an angel. ‘I’ve never had a sister before. Hiya!’

‘You did have a sister,’ said Kitty in sharp tones. ‘She never breathed but she was your sister for all that.’

‘I didn’t know that,’ piped up Jack. ‘When did it happen?’

‘Before you were born,’ said Teddy, glancing at his mother and stabbing at a guess what was riding her. His gaze slid to John who was staring at Kitty.

‘You can’t expect the boys to remember her the same as you, Kit,’ he said reasonably.

Kitty stiffened. She knew he was trying his best to comfort her but his words were no comfort at all. How could he understand how she felt about her dead little girl anymore? His daughter had come back to life. She eased some air past the constriction in her throat and said, ‘I know that. Anyway, they can all get out my kitchen. I’ve work to do. Mick, Teddy, get changed. You’ll be needed to wait on table soon.’

Both looked at her face and came to attention. ‘Right, Ma!’ They hurried out of the room.

Jack and Ben went after them. ‘Stepsister,’ hissed Ben. ‘Can you believe it?’

Teddy still found it difficult. He did not know how a stepbrother was supposed to feel towards a stepsister but he definitely did not feel brotherly towards her. He seldom took an interest in girls, preferring his mates and his motorbike, but now his equilibrium was disturbed; his breathing was all peculiar and his body felt as if it might float away.