Untitled Josephine Cox 4 Read online

  Beth put him right. ‘Everything is absolutely fine, thanks for asking. And I sincerely apologise for the last time you came to see us. Mike was not very welcoming. But he had been feeling a little under the weather, and his workload was impossible at the time. And you know what he’s like when he can’t get his paperwork done and delivered to his clients.’

  Ronnie nodded in agreement, although he knew his brother-in-law to be a nasty sort if he took a mind to be. ‘But you’re all right, are you, Beth?’

  Because of the greeting he’d got last time from that miserable brother-in-law of his, Ronnie was beginning to feel guilty at having come here today. ‘Look, sis, if my being here is going to cause bad blood and tempers flying, I can turn around right now and walk away. It’s not a problem, really.’

  ‘No!’ She wrapped an arm about him. ‘You’re here now, and I want you to stay awhile. Besides, where are you off to … with that heavy knapsack over your shoulder?’

  ‘Come on, sis! You didn’t answer my question. Are you all right? Have things been okay between you and the man of the house?’

  ‘Absolutely! We’re very happy. So, will you stop whittling, and sit down.’ She added somewhat nervously, ‘About the last time you were here … Mike was really sorry for being like that after you’d gone.’

  ‘It’s all right, really. Please, Beth, let’s just forget about it now. I do absolutely understand why Mike was unable to let me stay. He has a responsible job and I know he works at home a great deal of the time, so it’s only right that he should have his quiet space without me padding about all over the place. Water under the bridge, as they say. So, where’s that cuppa? I’m absolutely parched.’

  As Beth turned away to put the kettle on to boil again, Ronnie could not help but wonder whether she was altogether telling him the truth with regards to her husband and herself being ‘very happy’.

  Since the first time he’d met his brother-in-law, Ronnie believed that his sister had chosen a man who was self-centred and miserly, and with a nasty temper to boot. Ronnie had sensed Mike’s dark nature, and he vowed to keep a wary eye on this pompous man, who had carefully chosen the placid Beth as his doting wife.

  So far, Ronnie had found no real cause to intervene to protect Beth in any way whatsoever, but that was not to say he was happy about his gentle sister being married to this arrogant man.

  To Ronnie’s mind, it was like putting a young chicken and a fox together: one was timid and afraid, the other capable of tearing it apart before devouring it.

  Ronnie’s sister appeared content most of the time, although over the years of her marriage she had often suffered with bad nerves.

  Whenever Ronnie attempted to talk with her about the reasons for these attacks of nerves, she would simply brush him away with excuses: ‘I’m just overtired, that’s all.’ ‘A few good nights of sleep and I’ll be right as rain.’ Thankfully, however, she did appear to get herself through these attacks.

  Ronnie had no choice than to go along with what she said, although his deeper suspicions about her husband had never gone away. He had managed to extract a promise from Beth that if ever she felt the need to confide in him, or ask for his help for whatever reason, she would, without hesitation. But she had insisted there was no need for him to worry about her in any way because she loved Mike and was content with him.

  ‘So, Ronnie, what’s going on in your world then?’ Beth asked, pouring water into the teapot. She thought to mention it now, by way of an apology on her husband’s behalf. ‘I’m sorry we let you down the last time you were here,’ she whispered nervously. ‘Mike was really sorry about turning you away, but please, don’t judge him too harshly, will you?’

  Ronnie appreciated her trying to build bridges between himself and her husband, but the very idea of being friendly with that man was abhorrent to him. ‘Please, Beth … let’s leave it alone now, eh? There is no harm done … honestly. As far as I’m concerned, it’s all water under the bridge.’

  He put on a smile. ‘I’ve got plans, and I need to find work and a place to stay temporarily until I get myself properly settled. That’s why I’m here, to tell you of my plans, and to say cheerio. And to tell you not to worry about me, because I’ll be fine, although I might not be able to call you for the next few days.’

  Beth looked relieved at his positive tone, but, even so, he sensed her nervousness. ‘Well, I’m very glad you came round to explain what’s happening. I’m sure Mike will be pleased to see you too, he should be home any minute.’

  Ronnie explained that the house next door to Cathy’s, where he had been lodging, was now being let out, and the present tenants had been ordered to move on. ‘So when I saw the way things were going there, I went back and grabbed my things. I was laid off at the garage a few weeks back, so I’m making a new start.’

  ‘I know you’ll find work, and a home, even if it is only temporary. At least it will carry you through until you decide to put down roots with Cathy.’

  Ronnie agreed. ‘I love her so much,’ he confessed. ‘I mean to do her proud. Whatever it takes, I want to marry her, to give her a home where we can raise our children. I’ll miss her terribly while I’m away, but I hope it won’t be too long before I fulfil my ambitions for the two of us.’ He smiled shyly. ‘Cathy is the only one I have ever wanted, and I mean to do my best for her.’

  ‘And you will, I have no doubts about that. I’m sure Cathy will be waiting for the day you get back. But … you must keep in touch with her – and with me – in the meantime. Do you promise?’

  ‘Of course! You don’t even need to ask.’

  ‘Good!’ She gave him a fond hug, to seal the promise.

  While Beth was setting out the tea things, Ronnie noticed that the garden underneath the back window was becoming overgrown. Before Beth had realised, he was out there weeding and clearing up for all he was worth to save Beth the job.

  Suddenly her voice startled him. ‘No! Please, Ronnie, don’t be doing that,’ she called anxiously from the kitchen door. ‘That’s Mike’s job, and for whatever reason, he likes to work on that area himself. I think it’s probably because he’s always sitting at a desk, and never gets much exercise.’

  ‘Oh dear, I’m sorry. I should have asked before diving in, only I thought that maybe you were the one who tended it,’ Ronnie replied. ‘I’m really sorry, sis. I should have asked.’

  ‘It’s all right, don’t worry.’ Sounding somewhat nervous, but with a bright smile, she called, ‘Come back inside. I’ve got a slice of walnut cake with your name on it.’

  After returning to the kitchen and washing his hands, Ronnie sat with Beth at the table.

  The two of them were sharing cake and a precious moment of laughter about something that had happened when they were children when the door was flung open and Mike stood there, eyes wide and legs straddled, looking startled to see his brother-in-law.

  ‘Well, if it isn’t Ronnie! Hmm! Welcome to our humble abode. All right, are you?’ Whipping his coat off, he flung it over the back of the chair. ‘And what, might I ask, brings you here?’

  ‘Well, first of all, thank you, yes, I’m fine. And, I hope you don’t mind, but I just popped in to see you both and to tell you my news, that’s all.’

  ‘Really? And what “news” might that be?’

  Before Ronnie could reply, Mike gave a twitchy little smile as he caught sight of Ronnie’s bag. ‘Ah, by the look of it, you’re on your way somewhere, so I take it you’ll be off any minute now, will you?’

  ‘Well, yes, that’s the plan.’ Clearly Ronnie’s brother-in-law could not get rid of him soon enough.

  ‘Oh well, that’s all right then. I was thinking there for a minute that you might be looking to stay awhile. But I’m afraid the answer would be exactly the same as last time: no can do.’

  Ronnie was disappointed but not altogether surprised at Mike’s caustic comments, and he thought he should make tracks sooner rather than later.

  ‘I’d
best be off and away, before it gets dark.’ Ronnie pushed his chair back and stood up. Then he pushed the chair back in, and after tidying his plate and cup away he picked up his knapsack.

  ‘Thanks for the cake, sis.’ He gave Beth a long hug. ‘You always were a good cook.’

  Mike nodded. ‘It looks like we understand each other. You see … I’ve taken on a bit of extra work at the accountants, and I’m still using that little boxroom as an office. Sorry, mate! We would put you up if we could, but no can do, I’m afraid.’ He ended the sentence with a sharp click of the tongue, almost as though applauding himself.

  Going across the room, Mike put his arm about his wife in a possessive way and gave her a sound kiss on the cheek. ‘Sorry, sweetheart, you haven’t already promised to put him up, have you? Maybe the next time your brother needs somewhere to lay his head we might be in a position to give him a helping hand, but not this time, I’m afraid.’

  Ronnie fully understood, but to avoid upsetting Beth, he was determined not to reveal his dislike of this arrogant man.

  Going over to Beth, he took her hands in his. ‘Look after yourself, sis. If you need me – for whatever reason – write or call Cathy.’ He looked into Beth’s eyes and knew she understood exactly what he was implying. ‘I haven’t got an address just yet, but I’ll be in touch with her, so don’t fret, I’ll be fine … soon as I’ve tracked down a job … which I am determined to do.’

  ‘Oh, I see …’ Mike had a curious little grin on his face. ‘So you’re unemployed, are you? Well, I’m sorry to hear that. What’s your plan, then?’ He added with sarcasm, ‘I do so hope you and Cathy are not having difficulties?’

  ‘No, Cathy and I are as strong as ever. We love each other, and as soon as we can, we’ll be planning to get married.’

  ‘Really? Hmm!’ Mike gave a grudging smile. ‘Well, I hope she knows what she’ll be getting herself into.’ He chuckled. ‘Sorry. That was just a tease. No offence meant.’

  Ronnie felt the urge to punch him, but then he thought of his sister and held back his anger. He didn’t want her to suffer after he was gone.

  ‘Well, I’d best be off …’ He wrapped his arms about Beth. ‘I need to find a place to stay, a base of sorts so I can look about for work. There doesn’t seem to be much work going in these parts at the minute, not that I’ve heard of anyway.’

  ‘You’ll find work, don’t worry,’ Beth assured him, ‘Someone is always looking out for good workers, and I’m sure they won’t get better than you.’

  ‘Thanks, sis, for that boost of confidence. I’ll let you know how I get on.’

  ‘Good! And just make sure you do!’ Beth reached up and cupped Ronnie’s face in the palms of her hands. ‘I’ll be thinking of you.’

  A moment later, the two of them hugged goodbye, and then Ronnie picked up his knapsack and slung it over his shoulder. He was going out the door when Mike called him back.

  ‘Hey! What kind of work are you looking for?’

  ‘Well … I’m not all that fussy, and I’m not afraid of hard work. I’ll be up for anything that can earn me good money. Like I said, Cathy and I have plans, and I am determined to come back with money in my pocket so I can make her my wife sooner rather than later.’

  ‘Well, let’s hope you get fixed up then, eh?’ Mike was ever so slightly jealous. ‘You should remember, though, never to promise more than you can deliver or you’ll have both Cathy and her family on your back, not to mention my wife!’

  His snide comment was quickly overridden by Beth. ‘If Ronnie says he’ll do a thing, I’m sure he will, because he’s always been a person of his word, even as a boy.’

  ‘Oh, really?’ Mike had a dark scowl on his face. ‘You know that for certain, do you?’

  ‘Of course I do.’

  ‘Well, then! He should have no trouble charming himself into a job of sorts, and good luck to him.’ He turned to Ronnie, ‘Yes, good luck, mate. I expect you’ll let your sister know what happens, will you?’ Beneath the smile his dislike was palpable.

  As Ronnie went out the front door, Mike followed him. ‘Look, if you’re not afraid of hard work, as you say, you might do well to contact the council office. They’ve always got work going on. If you’re prepared to work down the sewers and pick up all the uncomfortable jobs that others would never touch you might just be lucky and get taken on. It’s worth a try, don’t you think, unless of course, you would rather not get your hands dirty?’

  Realising that the other man was deliberately goading him, Ronnie gave a little smile. ‘Oh, don’t worry, Mike. And thanks for the tip anyway, but I’m used to getting my hands dirty. The thing is, we can’t all have cushy numbers in a warm, spick-and-span office, can we, eh?’

  When he caught the little warning grimace on his sister’s face, he realised he should not have goaded her husband like that. He hoped she wouldn’t have to pay for his annoying Mike.

  Now he tried to make amends, for Beth’s sake. ‘What I mean is, Mike, if I had your ability with figures and such I would not be so eager to shovel muck. The trouble is, I never did much learning. Instead I used to skip school at every opportunity. I was always off somewhere messing about with muck and rubbish, and wasting my time sailing silly paper boats down the canal.’

  ‘Well, there you go, eh? You reap what you sow – isn’t that what they say?’

  ‘Yes, and it’s true! I became a bit of a wanderer after I left school. Mum and Dad had died and I didn’t want to live in the house all alone. I wanted excitement and adventure, but I soon learned that there was no future in that.’

  Satisfied that he had diffused the atmosphere and played up to the other man’s bloated ego, he again said his goodbyes. ‘I’ll be in touch, and make sure the two of you are looking after each other, eh?’

  As he shook hands with Mike, he gave as genuine a smile as he could manage. ‘Thanks, Mike. I apologise for having interrupted your day. I know you would have put me up if you had the room.’

  He had learned over the years that his sister’s husband was a proud and peevish man, who loved a bit of flattery.

  ‘Oh! Think nothing of it, Ronnie, we do what we can, but at the moment, I’m afraid our space is limited.

  ‘Best of luck then!’ Mike lost no time in closing the door.

  Outside on the pavement, Ronnie felt the need to say some final words, a proper cheerio to his sister, so he tapped on the parlour window, where he could see Mike talking sternly to her. Beth rushed outside to him. ‘Oh, Ronnie, I’m sorry we weren’t able to help you … again.’ Obviously upset, she flung her arms about his neck. ‘Please look after yourself, and stay well,’ she murmured. ‘Promise me that you will keep in touch. I’ll be worrying until I know you’re all right.’

  ‘Don’t fret.’ He hugged her hard in return. ‘You know I can take care of myself if I have to. It’s you I’m worried about.’

  ‘I shall be all right,’ Beth said quietly, and her tacit acknowledgement that there was cause for worry rent Ronnie’s heart. This was his big sister, who had been so protective of him when he was very little and she wasn’t much bigger. Now it was she who seemed small and vulnerable.

  Suddenly a reckless idea flew into Ronnie’s head and he found himself saying it aloud without thinking it through.

  ‘Come with me, Beth. Leave Mike and let’s go make our fortunes together. He’s not good for you and I hate to see you so … so cowed by his temper and his bullying.’

  ‘No … no, I can’t … we’re fine.’

  ‘We could go right away from here, find a place that will take us both on, somewhere you will feel safe and happy. ’Cos I think you feel neither safe nor happy with Mike, do you? You’re brilliant at baking – that walnut cake was the best I’ve ever eaten – someone would pay good money to employ you to bake like that for them. There’s a whole world of possibilities, of people who would recognise your talents out there, Beth, and I don’t want you to … well, to throw your life away because you’ve made a mist
ake and married the wrong man.’

  ‘I can’t, Ronnie,’ Beth said in anguish. ‘I can’t just go. I married him, I promised to love, honour and, yes, obey him. I can’t just walk out when things get tough.’

  ‘But they shouldn’t be tough,’ Ronnie reasoned. ‘They should be loving and kind and fun. That’s what marriage should be; that’s what I want to give Cathy.’

  ‘And it’s what Cathy deserves. She’ll be a lucky girl the day she becomes your wife, but we all have a free choice and I have made mine. I can’t just walk away now without trying as hard as I can to make it work.’

  ‘Beth, please—’

  ‘I’m sorry, Ronnie, but that’s the way it has to be.’

  ‘Then there’s nothing else I can say.’

  ‘I think we’ve both said enough,’ Beth replied with a sad little smile.

  In return he hugged her again, and now he was heading away.

  At the corner of the street, he turned to wave a farewell, calling out, ‘Look after yourself, Beth, love you! I’ll let you know how I get on.’ And then, he was gone.

  Left behind, Beth felt incredibly lonely and abandoned.

  For what seemed an age, she remained there, standing very still, gazing at the spot where her brother had lingered. But he was gone now, and she was truly sorry.

  After a while, she turned away, and, glancing towards the house, she felt a sudden urge to run from there, as far and as fast as she possibly could. She wished now that she had been strong enough to tell Ronnie how deeply unhappy she was in her marriage. He had guessed, but she should have had the courage to admit it, and maybe gone with him.

  But that would not have been fair to him, especially when he had no work and no place to live. She would have been a burden to him.

  In that lonely moment, the driving urge to go after Ronnie was very strong in her. She so needed to confess her soul to him, about the truth of her marriage. But she was so afraid of what might happen if she did.