Family Drama 4 E-Book Bundle

‘Well, that was short and sweet. She ain’t one for conversation, that’s for sure. If Lily isn’t ill, I wonder why I haven’t seen her lately.’

Pearl shook her head. ‘I’ve no idea, but maybe you’ve been too busy to notice.’

‘I suppose so.’ But there was doubt in Bessie’s expression.

Pearl was right and, two weeks later, the last of the laundered blankets had sold. There were still loads more unlaundered items, let alone those in the back bedroom so, feeling confident, she suggested that they use Nora again.

‘These quilts would come up a treat, and even if we pay Nora for the hours she spends at the laundry, we’d still make a profit.’

‘I’m not arguing. You’ve achieved wonders in just a month. It was a good idea to display some of our choice pieces in the window and I’ve never had so many customers.’

Pearl smiled with satisfaction, glad that she was earning her keep. She glanced at the clock. Bernie would be arriving to pick Johnny up soon and she wondered if there would be any news. He’d said on Monday that a man might buy the café, but wanted to look at the account books first. She looked out of the window, seeking Derek passing the shop, and as their eyes met he lifted his hand to wave. Living in such close proximity, she often saw him out and about, reminded every time of how much she had hurt him. He looked nice, Pearl thought, smart, and thankfully there was no animosity in his manner. She missed his friendship, missed Connie, and as he moved out of sight, she turned away.

When Bernie arrived a few minutes later he held out a bag and her portfolio. ‘We’ve been sorting out the bedrooms and you left this stuff behind.’

‘Thanks, Bernie.’

‘We’ve got a buyer for the café, Pearl.’

‘Is it the chap you mentioned on Monday?’

‘Yes, and he’s keen to get the purchase through as soon as possible. We could be moving out in less than a month.’

‘Have you found a place in Dorset?’

‘No, and to tell you the truth we haven’t been looking. Dolly thinks we shouldn’t rush into anything so we’re going to rent a little house for a while. It’ll give us a chance to find the sort of premises we’re looking for, and who knows, we might just find an established business.’

Pearl wheeled the pram from behind the counter. ‘Johnny’s had his bottle and he’s taking solids too. He scoffed a bit of rusk mashed down with milk, and then went to sleep.’

Bernie smiled fondly. ‘He likes his kip, that’s for sure. I’ll fetch him back in a couple of hours as usual.’

He called a goodbye and as soon as the door closed behind him, Bessie nodded at the portfolio. ‘What’s that?’

‘I went to art classes for a while and they’re my efforts.’

‘Can I have a look?’

At Pearl’s nod, Bessie began to flick through them. ‘Blimey, girl, these are really good. If you stick them in the window you could make a few bob. They’d look even better in frames and if you have a rummage round, I think you’ll find some.’

‘I miss art classes, and one day I hope to get back to them. I’m not good enough yet and I can’t see anyone wanting to buy these.’

‘Don’t be daft. I reckon the ones of the market will fly out.’

‘I could give it a try, but I won’t be able to sell the portraits.’

‘Why not?’

‘Can you imagine what they’d say? Take Dolly, for instance. I don’t think she’d be happy to see her face displayed in the window.’

‘Yeah, I suppose you have a point, but …’

The door opened, Nora poking her head inside. ‘You got job for me?’

Bessie and Pearl exchanged looks, both wide-eyed with surprise.

‘Blimey,’ Bessie asked, ‘how did you know that?’

‘Just do,’ Nora replied.

‘Pearl, we only just decided to give her some work. Don’t you think her turning up on cue it a bit strange?’

‘After living with you for a month, I don’t find anything strange.’

‘You cheeky moo.’ But Bessie’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Nora. ‘Maybe she’s a bit psychic.’

‘Goodness, I hope not. I don’t think I could cope with two of you.’ Pearl then bundled up some quilts. ‘Here you are, Nora, you can take these to the washing baths, but I hope they aren’t too heavy for you.’

‘Hang on, I think I’ve got an old pushchair in the yard,’ Bessie said, heading for the back door.

‘She nice,’ Nora said.

‘Yes, she is,’ Pearl agreed. She was happy – happier than she’d been in a long time – and it was all thanks to Bessie.

Bernie carefully lifted Johnny from his pram and, though he stirred a little, he didn’t wake. As he walked into the living room, Dolly indicated the sofa, and as he laid the child down, she looked at her grandson fondly.

‘Bernie, we need to talk. There’s a lot to sort out before we move.’

‘I know that, love. You’ve got so much stuff piled in cupboards that we’ll probably need two removals vans.’

‘No, it’s not that. We need to talk about Johnny. He shouldn’t be stuck in that bloody dump of a shop. If he came with us we could offer him a decent home and he’d want for nothing.’

‘Now then, we’ve been over this before and you know that Pearl won’t come with us.’

‘If Kevin knew what was going on, I reckon he’d agree with me. He’d want the best for Johnny.’

‘Maybe, but Pearl has made up her mind and we can’t do anything about it. At least we’ll be having the lad for the occasional weekend.’

‘Huh, that’s big of Pearl,’ Dolly said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ‘I’ve been thinking, Bernie, and I reckon you should go to see Kevin. Tell him what’s going on and persuade him that Johnny would be better off with us. He must have some say in his son’s upbringing and could sign something to give us guardianship until he comes out of prison.’

‘Dolly, surely you’re not suggesting that we take him away from Pearl?’

‘I am, and what’s wrong with that?’

‘Christ, I don’t believe this. We can’t take the child away from his mother!’

‘Yes we can.’

‘Don’t be daft. Pearl would never agree to it.’