Playing With Fire Read online

  Edith’s arrival on the Tuesday of Easter week brought great excitement to the household. Ideally, Susan would have accompanied her father to the airport to meet her, but Trevor made it obvious that he would prefer Alison’s company, so Susan remained at home to keep her mother company. However, the minute the car stopped in the driveway, Susan was there gripping her aunt close.

  ‘It’s wonderful to see you again, Aunt Edith. I’ve missed you so much. How’s everyone back in Darlington?’

  ‘And I’ve missed you too, love. Everybody’s fine! They all send their regards.’

  ‘Look here!’ Trevor said tersely. ‘I’ll put Edith’s case up in the spare room. Don’t keep her standing in the cold, Susan, or your mother will be out here, too.’

  Tired of waiting, Rachel had indeed ventured to the door. Edith quickly climbed the steps to the house and the sisters eyed each other at arm’s length. ‘You look great,’ Edith exclaimed. ‘I expected an invalid.’

  ‘I’m coming along fine, except for this.’ Rachel motioned towards her left arm.

  ‘I’m glad to see you looking so well.’

  ‘You look wonderful too, Edith. And how’s that big husband of yours?’ Rachel had always had a soft spot for Billy Devine. He had the ability to make her laugh - something Trevor seldom did.

  ‘The same as usual. Wouldn’t hurt a fly. By the way,’ Trevor was descending the stairs and, with a twinkle in her eye, Edith informed him, ‘Billy sends his best regards, Trevor.’

  Knowing full well that she was taking the mickey, he ignored her remark and growled, ‘Will you all come inside and close that door before we freeze to death’.

  They moved into the hallway and, closing the front door, Susan edged them towards the lounge. ‘Let’s get you two settled. You can have a long natter while Alison and I make some lunch.’

  Sitting on the settee, Rachel said fondly, ‘Susan tells me you have a stall in the market, Edith.’

  ‘Yes, and we’re doing very well, I’m happy to say.’

  ‘I’m glad for you. Billy has the right disposition for dealing directly with the public. So do you, for that matter.’

  ‘I was a bit doubtful at first, you know. Didn’t want to risk using our savings, but Billy talked me round to his way of thinking. Now we’re doing so well I’m glad he did. I’m sure Susan told you we’ve bought a new house?’ Edith lifted an eyebrow and, receiving a nod of confirmation, continued, ‘Well, we have also just last week invested in a brand-new van. What do you think of that?’

  ‘That’s wonderful news, Edith.’ It was Trevor who answered her. ‘About time Billy gave you some kind of a decent life.’

  Greatly affronted, Edith cried, ‘I beg your pardon? I’ll have you know that I’ve never wanted for anything in all the years I’ve been with Billy Devine.’

  ‘Are you trying to tell me you don’t regret running off with a married man? Cutting yourself off from family and friends. Huh! For a Catholic into the bargain?’

  ‘I can honestly put my hand on my heart and say I’ve never had a day’s regret.’

  ‘Hmm! Are you still living in sin, then?’

  ‘Oh, don’t be so old-fashioned! Besides, it’s none of your business, Trevor Cummings, but for your information, Billy and I got married years ago, after the death of his wife.’

  ‘Poor woman. You probably sent her to an early grave.’

  In spite of herself Edith’s voice rose shrilly. ‘No. She died of cancer. We had nothing whatsoever to do with it,’ she informed her brother-in-law with a glare. He was going too far!

  During this discourse Rachel had tried to make her voice heard, but in vain. Trevor seemed determined to insult Edith. Catching sight of her sister’s anguished look, Edith joined her on the settee.

  ‘Don’t pay any attention to us, Rachel. You know what we’re like when we get together. It’s just a bit of banter, isn’t it, Trevor?’

  Her brother-in-law had the grace to look ashamed as he became aware of his wife’s distress. ‘Of course it is! Don’t upset yourself, love. Would you like a glass of sherry before your lunch, Edith?’

  ‘That would be lovely, Trevor. How is your business doing in the present climate?’

  ‘Not bad. Not bad at all.’

  To the relief of all, Alison put her head round the door and announced that lunch was ready. In the dining room the tension eased as the conversation became general. Relieved, Rachel inquired about Edith’s new granddaughter.

  ‘She’s a wee beaut, so she is. They have named her Angela because she looks like a wee angel.’

  ‘Hah! There speaks the doting grandmother,’ Trevor said drily.

  ‘Just you wait and see. You’ll be exactly the same when Susan’s baby is born,’ Edith assured him.

  ‘I don’t think so. It will be a wee bastard, after all. So how could anyone in their right mind be proud of that?’

  Shock struck them all dumb. Susan kept her head bent over her plate to hide the tears that threatened to fall. She willed someone to say something. Anything to break the tension. It was her mother who broke the ghastly silence.

  ‘Well, I for one will be more than proud to welcome my grandchild and it will live here in this house with its mother, as long as Susan wishes to stay,’ she cried with a defiant look in her husband’s direction.

  Edith waited until Trevor looked up, and then, catching his eye, she upbraided him. ‘Do you know something, Trevor? You are a nasty bully. You miss out on so much with your false puritan ways. Because we know you’re not as good as you make out to be, don’t we? You were a Jack-the-lad in your younger days. Weren’t you?’

  Colour flooded his face and a sneer twisted his mouth. ‘No matter what you may say, this child is a bastard. There’s no getting away from that!’ Crumpling his napkin into a ball, he threw it on his plate and, pushing his chair away from the table, left the room.

  Later that day, when Rachel was having her afternoon nap, Edith expressed the desire to take a trip into town to see all the changes that had taken place since her last visit. Declining a lift from Trevor, who was in the doghouse since his remarks at lunchtime, she and Susan headed for the bus stop. Alison accompanied them on her way to visit Graham.

  ‘I was sorry to hear about Graham’s accident, Alison. Coming on top of your mother’s stroke, it must have been very traumatic.’

  ‘It was, Aunt Edith. I can assure you, I didn’t know whether I was on my head or my heels. You met Graham, didn’t you?’

  ‘Yes, and I found him a very nice young man.’

  ‘Oh, yes, he’s that all right,’ Alison agreed with her. ‘Every parents’ idea of a perfect son-in-law. But I’m a bit annoyed with him. He never even phoned to say he had managed to get down to see Susan.’

  ‘I think he got a bit of a shock when he did see her,’ Edith said soothingly.

  ‘No matter! We’re engaged to be married. He should have let me know.’

  They had reached the bottom of Castle Street, where Alison was leaving them to catch a bus up the Falls Road to the hospital.

  ‘Will it be all right if I come up to see Graham, after we’ve had a walk round town? Would I be intruding?’ Edith asked tentatively.

  ‘Of course you won’t be intruding. I’m sure he’ll be glad to see you. Will you come too, Susan?’

  ‘All right. You can wait with Graham and come home with us.’

  ‘Not if his mother’s there, I won’t,’ Alison said with a grimace. ‘If she’s there I won’t stay long.’

  They left her and headed for the big stores. As they went from shop to shop Edith tried to lift the gloom that had enveloped her niece since her father’s remarks at the dining table. ‘Don’t pay any attention to your dad, Susan. He won’t be able to resist the baby once it’s born. Nobody can resist a wee baby. Especially when it’s their own flesh and blood.’

  ‘Still, he’s right in what he says. It’s what everyone else will be saying behind my back. It’s not fair to the baby, either, not having
its father’s name.’

  ‘If it’s going to worry you, love, come back to Darlington with me. Mind you, there will be those over there who will call it a bastard as well, you know. My daughter-in-law, for one, although I don’t think you will worry about the likes of her.’

  ‘I certainly won’t. Has she been taking my name in vain then?’

  ‘Only if Donald is there. She tries to make him admit he’s the father and says he should make a honest woman of you before the child is born. She’s just winding him up. However, she had better watch her step. I think our Jack’s getting a bit fed up with the way she taunts Donald.’

  ‘And what has Donald to say about all this?’

  ‘He says he would be only too willing to marry you, but you won’t have him.’

  ‘Dear Donald, he’s too kind for his own good.’

  ‘He really cares about you, Susan.’

  ‘I know he does. But we’re just very good friends, that’s all. We’re not in love with each other.’

  ‘Sometimes that’s the best basis for a happy marriage.’

  ‘Not for me and Donald. It wouldn’t be fair to him. Does Margaret see much of him?’

  ‘Not to my knowledge. But then I’d be the last to know, wouldn’t I? Besides, where would she get the time, what with the baby and all?’

  ‘She’s still very fond of him, you know.’

  ‘Yes, I’m aware of that. But thank God we both know where his interest lies. You could do a lot worse, Susan. He’s more than fond of you.’ Receiving no answer, she continued, ‘I wish our Jack would put his foot down. Billy’s forever warning me to keep my nose out of their affairs, but I don’t want to see Jack hurt again.’

  Susan wasn’t too sure where Donald’s affections lay. Without her as a buffer against Margaret’s wiles, who knew what might happen? But she couldn’t add to Edith’s worries by mentioning this to her. ‘I’m sure Margaret realises how very lucky she is to have you for a mother-in-law. She won’t want to do anything to alienate you.’

  ‘I can only do my best. Margaret isn’t an easy person to get close to.’ Recalling Alison’s remarks about Graham’s mother, Edith asked, ‘Does Alison not get on with her future mother-in-law?’

  ‘Well, I don’t really know. I think it’s them being confined in the hospital ward together for long periods. Alison has got a couple of weeks compassionate leave off work on account of Mam, so it will probably be easier when she returns to work. Graham’s mother expects too much of her. He’s an only child and his mother haunts the hospital. They’re bound to get on each other’s nerves.’

  ‘It must be awful for his parents watching him lying there. How’s he coming on?’

  ‘I’m not sure. He seems to be progressing favourably, but they still don’t know whether or not he’ll walk. I’m sure he’s worried sick, but you wouldn’t think it to look at him. He puts a brave face on it.’

  Later that afternoon it was with apprehension that Edith followed Susan into the small private ward now occupied by Graham at the Royal Victoria Hospital. The idea of a strong man like Graham lying helpless tugged at her heart strings. She was also wary of meeting his mother. The poor woman must be devastated. She could imagine how she would feel if it was her Jack. What did one say to his mother? A quick glance showed that Graham’s mother wasn’t present and she breathed a sigh of relief. But neither was Alison.

  Clasping her hand between both of his, Graham cried, ‘Edith! It’s kind of you to visit me, and you only here for a few days.’

  ‘It’s a pleasure to see you, Graham. Billy and Donald sent their best wishes. Where’s Alison?’

  ‘She’s nipped down to the hospital shop to get me a box of tissues. She won’t be long.’

  ‘Where is this shop? I wanted to buy you something in town, but Susan said you would be annoyed if I did. But I really would like to.’ She flashed her niece a reproachful look. ‘Is there anything in particular that you’d like, Graham?’

  ‘I wouldn’t mind a bottle of mineral water, Edith, if it’s not too much bother.’

  ‘Of course, it’s no bother at all.’

  ‘The shop is on the next floor up. You can’t miss it, so I’m told. It’s near the head of the stairs.’

  ‘No doubt I’ll find it. Is there anything else you need?’

  ‘No, thank you.’

  Edith quickly left the room and Susan looked at Graham in amazement.

  ‘I know! I know what you’re thinking, and normally I wouldn’t ask anyone to trek to the shop to buy me anything, let alone a visitor from England. But this is a God-sent opportunity. I couldn’t let it pass. Do you realise I haven’t had one minute alone with you since you came home? Please come closer, I want to talk to you.’

  Slowly she approached the bed. Before she was aware of his intention, he reached for her hand and gripped it tightly. ‘Susan, I can’t stop thinking about you.’

  ‘Graham, this will never do! You’re upset. You don’t know what you’re saying. It’s because you’re lying here with all different wild ideas running through your mind. Ideas that have no foundation whatsoever.’ She struggled to release her hand, but he clung on desperately.

  ‘How come I don’t believe you?’

  ‘Well, it’s the truth! And I’ve done all I can to convince you.’

  ‘In vain, I’m afraid. I still don’t believe you.’

  At her wits’ end, her voice rose shrilly. ‘Nevertheless, it’s the truth.’

  ‘Susan, I should never have got engaged to Alison. It’s you I want. Even if the child isn’t mine.’

  Angry now, she snapped, ‘Let go of my hand. They’ll be back any minute.’

  Her tone of voice brought him to his senses and he relaxed his grip. ‘I’ll let go if you promise not to run away.’

  Hearing footsteps approaching she whispered, ‘I promise.’>

  Reluctantly he let go of her hand and she quickly put some distance between them.

  The footsteps passed and he said softly, ‘Alison told me Jim Brady has asked you to marry him.’ She nodded, but didn’t bother to inform him that that was before Jim knew about the baby. He continued, ‘Susan, please don’t do anything rash. I feel so helpless lying here. I beg God every day to grant me the power of my legs that I might be in a position to pursue you.’

  Alarmed, Susan whispered furiously, ‘Graham, stop this nonsense! You have no right to speak like this.’

  ‘Are you going to marry Jim?’

  ‘What I do is none of your business. You’re engaged to Alison! I don’t understand why you’re acting like this. But no, I’m not going to marry Jim, if it makes you feel any better.’

  ‘Please don’t be angry with me, Susan. I can’t bear it when you’re cross.’

  ‘Well then, behave yourself!’

  To appease her, he quickly changed the subject. ‘What do you think? Dad has had his study turned into a bedroom for me. He’s arranged for a therapist and a nurse to come in every day, so that I can go home. I’ll be glad to get away from this place. They’re letting me out on Saturday. You’ll visit me at home, won’t you?’

  Beside herself with worry, she hissed, ‘Not if you behave like this, I won’t.’

  ‘I promise to be good.’

  ‘I wish I could believe you. Hush,’ she warned as he opened his mouth to answer her. ‘Here they are now.’

  Edith came in first with a huge bunch of flowers and a bottle of mineral water.

  Embarrassed, Graham chastised her. ‘Edith, they’re beautiful, but you shouldn’t be spending all your money on me.’

  ‘I’m glad to.’ She looked vaguely around the room. ‘What will I do with them?’

  ‘I’ll show you where the sluice room is,’ Alison volunteered, and to Susan’s dismay she was once more left alone with Graham.

  ‘Susan, come a bit closer. I don’t mean to annoy you, but I feel so helpless lying here.’

  Remaining where she was, she said, ‘Graham, keep your voice down, for goodness s
ake. How can you go on like this? You’re not being fair to Alison. She’s desperately worried about you.’

  ‘I know she is! And I feel such a traitor. I’ve offered her her freedom, you know, but she won’t hear tell of it. So what else can I do? As for keeping my voice down . . . How can I, when you insist on standing away over there? Come a bit closer.’

  ‘If you’re sure you don’t love Alison, and it’s not just this silly obsession you have, then make her listen to reason.’

  ‘Can I tell her the truth? You know . . . about the baby? That would make her sit up and take notice.’

  ‘Don’t you start that nonsense again!’ she cried, tears of frustration filling her eyes.

  ‘Start what again?’ Alison asked as she entered the room holding the flowers. Placing the vase on the bedside locker, she looked inquiringly at her sister. ‘Mm?’>

  Susan’s heart was in her mouth. Edith was eyeing her with a quizzical expression on her face. Just what had been said? What had they heard? She couldn’t think straight. Graham came to her rescue.

  ‘She was chastising me. I was going on and on about hating this place. You will all be glad to hear they are letting me go home on Saturday. I think they’re glad to get rid of me and my constant whining.’

  Diverted, and with a gasp of relief Alison sat on the side of the bed. ‘Why, that’s wonderful news, Graham, so it is. But how will you manage?’

  ‘Dad has had the study converted to suit my needs and the hospital is lending me a wheelchair. I want to buy one of my own, but they insist I wait a while. They seem to think it might not be necessary.’

  ‘That’s good news, Graham. It means they think you might be able to walk again. Oh, I can’t tell you how pleased I am to hear this.’

  He hit the top of his thigh with a fist. ‘I find it hard to believe, with these two useless things lying here. But enough of that! Time will tell.’ He gave all his attention to Edith. ‘Susan tells me you have some snaps of Jack’s baby. Did you bring them along to show me?’