A Rare Ruby (21 page)

After that first day back at work Ruby decided to let Florrie and the others know what had happened. A few had mumbled their condolences, and after that the matter was quickly dropped.

‘I was sorry to hear it.’

‘Thanks.’ They began walking along together.

‘I was wondering if you fancied coming out on Sunday?’

‘I can’t. I’ve got too much to do at home.’

‘That’s a pity.’

‘Things should get better when I’ve worked out me routine.’

‘Yes. I’m sure they will.’

‘P’r’aps we could do something then?’

‘Yer. Why not?’

The conversation was very subdued. Ruby was worried. They had almost reached the point where he turned off. Would she lose him? Would he find someone else to talk to if they didn’t meet?

‘Ernie, I
will
try and come out one day.’

He smiled. ‘I know that. Anyway, I’ll see you around.’ He left her to walk home.

Ruby was near to tears again. She wanted to be with him so much. She was hurting wanting his love and comfort. Could that kind of happiness ever be for them? She didn’t realise that as he walked away Ernie was going over and over the words
he
had wanted to say. He really liked Ruby. He wanted to be with her all the time. Were they too young to have feelings like this? What could he offer her? Would love be enough for her? He would wait till things got better for them. But would she want him?

 

Two weeks had passed and Beth hadn’t come up with any work for Ruby’s father. He was so different these days; he was doing things Ruby had never seen him do before. He swept and washed up, and although he couldn’t get the range as shiny as her mother had, he tried. One thing he wouldn’t be seen doing, however, was whitening the step. He seemed prepared to look for a job, but with so many men out of work Ruby knew it was going to be hard for him to find one after all these years.

It was Friday, and as she walked home she tried to work out how this week’s money would pay the rent and food. She had just about earned eight shillings. One shilling had to be put aside for the week’s gas, two and six for the rent, then there was at least two shillings for coal, that left two and six for food. Perhaps they could sit in the dark a bit longer to save the gas. Ruby felt miserable, her arms ached and today she had burnt her arm.

‘Hello, love. All right?’ asked her father.

How could she tell him that money was so short that she didn’t know where the rent was coming from? ‘Mustn’t grumble.’

‘Been down the docks today.’ He was sitting making some toast. ‘Got some eggs boiling. Not a lot of work to be had down there.’

He was a different man; was it guilt that had brought him out of his shell? ‘I’m sure something will turn up one day.’

‘Dunno.’

‘Where’s Tom?’

‘He’s running an errand for Milly. Taking someone a few groceries they couldn’t carry. She gives him a penny for it.’

Ruby knew the neighbours were all trying to help the Jenkinses as much as they could; it was charity but she had to accept it.

‘Dad. Dad!’ Tom came racing into the kitchen. ‘Guess what? I’ve gone and got meself a job.’

Ruby saw a flash of disappointment cross her father’s face, but he hid it at once.

‘That’s nice. Doing what, son?’

‘That lady I had to take those bits to, she wants me to collect some wooden boxes from the market and chop them up for her. I can manage a lot; I can take the pram to the market. She reckons I could sell little bundles.’

‘Tom, I’m really pleased for you,’ said Ruby.

‘I’ll only get tuppence from that lady, but it’ll help, won’t it, Ruby?’

‘Course it will.’

‘I could give you a hand. Come on, have this toast,’ said her father.

‘You’ll get something soon, Dad,’ said Tom. ‘I know you will.’ He didn’t actually want his father helping him. He wanted to show them that he could do something on his own.

‘Course I will.’

Ruby looked at her father’s sad face. After all these years he was really concerned about getting a job. If only her mother were here to see the dramatic change.

 

Ruby was hurrying round the market when to her delight she caught sight of Elsie. It was ages since she had seen her. ‘Elsie!’ she called.

Elsie turned and a huge grin spread across her face. She ran to Ruby and hugged her. ‘How are you?’ She held her at arm’s length and suddenly caught sight of Ruby’s black armband. ‘Oh no. Is it your dad?’

‘No, it was me mum.’

‘Your mum? I’m so sorry. What happened?’

‘It seemed her heart just gave out.’

‘You poor thing. I know what it’s like to lose your mum. How’re you managing?’ Elsie tucked her arm through Ruby’s as they walked slowly along.

‘It’s very difficult.’

‘How’s your dad taking it?’

Ruby let a slight smile lift her troubled face. ‘It somehow seems to have brought him out of his shell. In fact, he’s even trying to get a job.’

‘No!’

‘He’s not having a lot of luck though.’

‘It ain’t easy. But I’ll keep me ear to the ground and if I hear of anything I’ll let you know.’

‘Thanks, Elsie.’

‘It seems such a long time since I saw you. I’ve got a lot to tell you. What’s your news about work? You still in the ironing room? That Florrie giving you trouble?’

‘We have had a few clashes.’

‘Look, I’m dying to find out all about it. Let’s go and have a cuppa.’

‘I can’t, I’ve got too much to do.’

‘Oh, come on.’

‘I can’t afford it.’

‘Did I ask you to pay?’

Ruby shook her head.

‘Well then.’ With her arm through Ruby’s, they made their way to the café.

As soon as they sat down Elsie took off her gloves and flashed her left hand under Ruby’s nose. ‘D’you like it?’

‘Elsie! It’s lovely.’

‘So’s the chap what gave it to me.’

‘You gonner get married?’

Elsie nodded. Her eyes bright as buttons. ‘Christmas. We’ve got to save a bit, as I want a posh wedding and I can’t expect me dad to pay for it all.’

‘Oh Elsie. I’m so happy for you. Where’re you gonner live?’

‘With his mum. She’s a lovely lady. She makes me ever so welcome. Charlie, who’s an only child, ain’t got a dad, so we’re gonner live at his house. That way his mum won’t lose my Charlie’s money, and I can still go to work till we start a family. I’m so happy.’

‘And I’m so pleased for you.’

‘Look, I’ve been rabbiting on, anything exciting happened in your life? What about Ernie?’

Ruby took a mouthful of tea, looked down into her cup and said softly, ‘I see him sometimes.’

‘You dark old horse. So, is it for real?’

‘I don’t think so. We just used to go for walks and sit in the park. But it’s difficult now, without Mum. I have to do so much at home.’

‘Ruby, what can I say?’

Ruby began to grin.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘You’ll never guess. Ernie went out with Mrs Watson one night.’

‘What?’ exploded Elsie.

Ruby laughed. ‘I thought you might like to hear about it?’

‘I should say so.’

Ruby went into great detail of what had happened and how Florrie and her lot had been trying to prise it out of her ever since.

Elsie sat back, still laughing. ‘Well I never. I wouldn’t have liked to sit next to him if he stank of mothballs.’

‘He said he didn’t care, she was paying.’

‘So she’s not a bad old stick after all? I would have loved to have seen him.’

‘So would I. It must be nice to get all dressed up.’

‘That’s why I want a white wedding with all the trimmings.’

‘I bet you’ll look lovely.’

‘You’ll be able to see for yourself.’

‘What? Don’t worry, I’ll try to be there outside the church.’

‘Not outside. Inside with me family.’

‘I’ve never been to a wedding.’

Elsie laughed. ‘Well, you’re coming to mine. As soon as the date’s settled, I’ll come and tell you.’

‘Me going to a wedding. What do I wear?’

‘Don’t worry, we’ll sort something out. It’s so good to see you again. Here, what’s happened about all the washing your mum used to do?’

‘Had to let it go. I couldn’t do it, not with going to work. When Tom took all the stuff back a lot of Mum’s customers was very upset.’ Ruby shrugged. ‘But it couldn’t be helped.’

‘So you don’t see that Mrs Bell then?’

‘No. I don’t know who does her washing now.’

‘I often think of her smashing place. I’d like things like that in my home.’

‘It was the buildings that I didn’t like.’

‘It was a bit rough round there.’

They talked a bit longer, then Ruby stood up. ‘I’m really sorry, but I must be off. Let’s try and get together again.’

‘I’d like that.’

Ruby hugged Elsie.

‘I’m really sorry about your mum.’

‘Thanks.’

Elsie kissed Ruby’s cheek and wandered away. Ruby waited till her friend was well out of sight before she began scrambling round the back of the stalls for tomorrow’s veg.

 

A week later Ruby was surprised to see Elsie waiting for her outside the laundry.

‘This is just a quick visit, I can’t stop. Here, take this.’ She shoved a piece of paper into Ruby’s hand.

Ruby turned it over. ‘What is it?’

‘Does your dad still want a job?’

‘Yes.’

‘That’s an address.’

‘Where, where is it?’

‘The Green Man off Lurcher Street. Me dad said George wants a pot man as his old boy had dropped dead. What d’you say?’

‘Well, there’s no harm in him going to see him.’

‘Must go.’ Elsie quickly kissed Ruby’s cheek and hurried away.

‘Bye,’ Ruby called after her. ‘And thanks.’ She looked at the paper. Although in many ways Ruby was pleased her friend had thought of her, the problem was she knew where the Green Man was: it was near the docks and not a very nice area. Would he take it, or was it all just a front on his part?

Ruby was surprised at her father’s reaction when she told him her news.

‘I’ll have a walk round there tomorrow and have a word with this George.’

‘Just be careful, Dad.’

‘Ruby, I keep telling you. Things are different now.’

‘Yes, I know, Dad.’ She kissed the top of his head.

Ruby was having mixed feelings. Lurcher Street was also a short walk from the buildings. Should she have told him about the job? She could have kept it to herself, but she knew she had to help her father get back out into the world. But what if when he walked home late at night someone set on him? If anything happened to him she’d never forgive herself. She could still remember the state he was in after the incident with the horse. Had she done the right thing?

 

The following morning Thomas went to the Green Man. He knew where the pub was and as he passed the docks and slums he barely glanced at the men lolling against the wall; he knew it didn’t do to look them in the eye. This wasn’t what he wanted, but he had to do something. Ruby had been trying hard to get him a job, but with the work situation as it was, he had to take anything. It was going to be hard after all these years but he wanted to show Ruby he was capable of helping to look after his family. She was too young to shoulder such responsibilities alone.

‘So you’re Thomas,’ said the landlord when he walked over to him.

This place was very different to the Royal Albert; the sawdust on the floor was sparse and the place stank of stale beer.

‘I only want you Friday and Sat’day nights. Me missus helps out at other times. The name’s George by the way.’ He threw his dog end to the floor to add to the others.

‘What time do you want me?’

‘After seven.’

‘Does it get a bit rough round here?’

‘A bit. Can you handle it?’

‘Yes. Yes, of course.’ He wanted to ask how the other pot man had died, but thought that was a little unwise at the moment.

‘Me wife don’t like coming down here on those nights; being pay day it tends to get a bit boisterous.’

Thomas gave him a half-smile. ‘I can understand that. So I’ll see you on Friday.’

‘OK.’

As Thomas walked home his head was pounding. Would he be able to stand the noise and the people? He had to for Ruby and Tom’s sake. But he knew it was going to be very hard.

That evening her father told Ruby he was starting work Friday night. ‘He only wants me Fridays and Sat’day nights. He seems a decent enough bloke.’

‘Are you sure you’ll be all right, Dad, walking home on your own?’

‘I ain’t a kid.’

‘I know, but you ain’t used to walking about in the dark.’

His voice rose. ‘Stop fussing. I’ll be fine.’

But would he? Ruby knew that was the worst time to be round that way.

 

Friday was his first night, and he had left by the time Ruby got home from work.

‘Dad said to make sure you wash up the pot when you finish that bit of stew. Look at me hands. I’ve got blisters from chopping up all that wood. Mr Cox gave me tuppence for a bundle.’

‘Did he now?’

‘I should have pulled a few sticks out, but I didn’t have time.’

Ruby tutted as she took her dirty plate into the washhouse. ‘I hope I’ll be able to get more boxes. Some of the other kids do it as well.’

‘Well, just make sure you keep out of trouble,’ said Ruby over her shoulder. ‘I don’t want you coming home with a busted nose.’

Tom laughed. ‘I ain’t that daft.’

After Ruby had finished the washing up she set about doing the bit of ironing that had been hanging around all week. She looked at the pile on the chair and knew there would certainly be some sewing in that lot. Tom was very good at losing buttons. Her mother had taught her well; Ruby had been sewing and knitting for years.