‘I don’t do it any more, Tommy. I don’t have a shop any more; I’m just collecting things Fred can repair at home,’ she said. Her voice ached with the pain of saying the words which hurt her so much. Until she’d seen Tommy sitting waiting for her, she’d felt content with her life. Now she realised she missed saying she was the owner of Shadwell’s.
‘’ow can you just stop? It’s not fair. Wivout your shop, we don’t get money for the rent and stop me auntie from bein’ nasty to me mum,’ Tommy said with the petulance of the child he was. Ruby had to remind herself he wouldn’t understand her thoughts on the matter.
‘It’s hard to explain, Tommy. And I’m sure there are other places you can sell your things. Let’s go inside.’
‘Nah, you’re all right. I’ve gotta find a buyer for this or I’m in bovva – again,’ Tommy said, waving the picture frame, and kicked a stone away. ‘See ya. ’appy birfday.’
With his head down, Tommy walked away from her and Ruby put aside her thoughts that she should help him financially. It wasn’t her trouble, or her job to keep buying his goods. His aunt and mother had a responsibility to the child.
‘Come and see me tomorrow, Tommy,’ she called out. It hurt her when he never turned around.
Ruby pushed open the door and dropped her basket in the hallway. She could hear Helen’s voice in the living room, and Beatty’s laugh booming at something Fred said. She tidied her hair in the hall mirror and stopped when another voice joined the mix. John. He’d kept his promise to visit, and Ruby couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present. She took control of her fluttering emotions and pushed open the door.
‘Well, this is a nice surprise,’ she said and smiled when John stood up. ‘At ease, soldier,’ she teased, and turned to Helen. ‘Hello, is that a new cardigan I see?’
Helen touched the sleeve of the cardigan. ‘It is. I made it from the wool I bought from Shadwell’s before … well, before.’
‘Fred tells me it’s your birthday, Ruby,’ John said, moving the conversation onto a lighter subject, for which Ruby was grateful. The loss of the shop still pained her.
‘Seventeen today,’ Ruby replied.
‘So young.’ Helen and Beatty sighed out their words at the same time. Ruby looked from one to the other and held up her hands as a sign of apology, then followed it up with a giggle.
‘Older in mind than your body though,’ Fred muttered.
‘Fred.’ Beatty gave him a withering look. Ruby knew behind his words were a hidden warning.
‘And you are older in mind than in body, Fred. We make a good team.’ Ruby went to him and kissed his cheek.
‘Careful, girl. It’ll be your turn before you know it. Age has a way of sneaking up on you.’ Fred responded with a pat of her hand.
‘I’ve a lot to learn, see and do before age catches up with me.’
Ruby looked at John.
‘Visiting gardens in Canada might be something I’ll achieve after the war. Or playing on a Cornish beach, or riding a camel in the desert. Or I’ll simply remain here and help rebuild this city. And, as exciting as those first things sound, I like the thought of remaining here. Who knows what the future will bring?’
Beatty rose from her chair and walked towards the kitchen. ‘It might bring sweet treats. Our friend here –’ she pointed to John ‘– brought us two chocolate bars, and I’ve cut them into slices for us all to enjoy.’
She returned with a plate of chocolate treats and gasps of delight escaped the lips of all, except John.
‘They threaten rationing in my home, but it hasn’t reached my mom’s ears yet and she sends food parcels so often I’d be greedy not to share.’
He waved away the plate when Ruby held it out to him. ‘I’ve one left back at my digs. You enjoy them.’
‘It’s kind of you to think of us, John,’ Ruby said and handed the plate to Helen.
‘I always think of you.’ John left a short gap before speaking again, but Ruby understood the message he sent her way. ‘You are now classed as my English friends when I write to my parents. I’ve told them about the way you’ve all come together, and of the bond between you all. I suspect the next parcel to me will include a little extra for you guys.’
Fred tapped his pipe on the fireplace, and John looked over at him. ‘Reminds me of my pops; he’s a pipe smoker. The noise sounds the same. The sound of a man about to enjoy five minutes.’ John laughed, and Fred gave a suck and puff of agreement.
‘How long have you been part of the war, son?’ Fred asked.
John leaned back in his seat and Ruby took pleasure in seeing him relax in her home. He looked as if he belonged amongst them.
‘I joined up the day Prime Minister Mackenzie King announced we were at war with Germany. Seven days after you. Pops is too old, but does his bit at home. My mom didn’t speak to me for days, but soon realised she’d best do so as I wasn’t going to be around for long. I got sent to London in the October.’
‘Any regrets?’ Fred asked.
‘None, sir,’ John said, directing his answer to Ruby.
Helen gave a discreet cough, bringing the attention back to Fred’s conversation.
‘Do you have brothers or sisters, John?’ Ruby asked, finding a way for them to remain looking at each other.
‘I have a sister. Older by two years. She’s working in Halifax to help build ships. Quite different to the typing job she used to have.’
‘Oh, that’s interesting,’ said Helen and she shifted forward in her seat. ‘My sister-in-law lives in Halifax. I didn’t realise they built ships there. It’s more wool factories – or was.’
‘Ah, this is Halifax in Canada. Nova Scotia, to be precise. Our aunt Mary lives there, and Marsha is staying with her. According to her letters, she’s doing well, although the work is tough.’
‘Well, if she ever moves into making chocolate, let me know and I’ll visit her,’ said Beatty as she popped another slice into her mouth.
John laughed. ‘I’ll remember to let you know, Beatty.’
‘Fred, I have a bottle of Scotch to be shared, if you’ll join me. You ladies too, if you enjoy a glass. I picked it up in Edinburgh during my last posting.’ John rose to his feet and went into the hallway. Ruby followed. His greatcoat hung at the end of the coat hooks, and it surprised Ruby she hadn’t seen it when she’d first arrived home.
‘It’s good to see you, Ruby. How are you doing?’
‘Coming to terms with what’s happened, and rethinking what I want to do now.’
‘Whatever you do, it will be for others. You have a good heart, Ruby Shadwell.’ To her surprise, John leaned forward and kissed her cheek. He stepped back, lifted a bottle from his pocket and waggled it in front of her. ‘Best go and soothe the guard dog. Fred’s watching us like a hawk,’ he said and walked back to the others.
Ruby stood for a moment and placed her hand on her cheek. John had filled her heart with happiness, and made the day more enjoyable. A day she’d wanted to forget, but now would remember for ever.
The following morning Fred nursed his head from too many celebratory tots. The smell of bacon wafted around the house and Ruby enjoyed a slice, accompanied by an egg from the now steady supply from their hens.