‘I’ll swing for her in a minute if she doesn’t shut her trap,’ Eddie growled.
‘You can stop talking about my mother liked that as well, Eddie Caselton,’ Ruby said, looking stern. ‘Have you found another job yet?’ she repeated.
‘I’m not likely to, what with people like her spreading rumours,’ he huffed.
‘Oh, come off it. Erith is a large town. I wouldn’t think you getting the sack is known by every person who lives here, let alone every business owner. You need to pick yourself up, get out there and find yourself something else.’
‘I doubt anyone else would have me, around here. It’s time to pack up our bags and leave,’ he answered, without meeting her eyes. He knew his wife’s views on staying put in Erith.
‘Oh, for heaven’s sake. I’m tired, my feet ache and I’m hungry. I don’t expect to come home after a hard day’s graft and have to put up with a drunk husband, an argumentative mother, and no food on the table. Sort yourselves out. I’m going over the road to have a cup of tea with Stella and collect our son. I’ll be back in an hour and by then I want you to have a smile on your face, Mother – and you to have sobered up, and have a few positive thoughts in your head about finding another job, Eddie. We are not moving, have I made that clear? If you want to leave Erith, you can pack your bag and leave right now. But you will be on your own,’ Ruby said angrily, before walking out of number thirteen and slamming the door behind her.
Stella topped up Ruby’s empty cup with hot tea while giving her a sympathetic smile. The younger woman had poured her heart out as Stella had sat and listened without speaking.
‘Blimey, you don’t half have to put up with a lot. I’d have kicked him up the backside by now and shown him the door. But then, when you love someone it’s a bit different, I suppose.’
Ruby sniffed. ‘Love – what’s that when it’s at home? The Eddie I married has long disappeared.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that. Me and my old man, well, I’m as happy as the day we met. I suppose not many can say that. You’ll just have to find your happiness elsewhere,’ Stella commiserated.
Ruby was shocked. ‘You mean, carry on with another man? I couldn’t do that. I took my vows seriously, even if Eddie didn’t.’
Stella slapped a hand to her mouth. ‘Gawd, love, I didn’t mean carry on with another bloke. I meant . . . well, find interests outside the home. You could go to church. I hear they have many interests for women.’
Ruby snorted with laughter. ‘I’m not one for church-going, but I agree I have to get myself out the house and away from Eddie and my miserable mother. I suppose me and George could take some trips on the tram. Visit new places and get some sun on our faces. Speaking of my lad, where is he?’
‘He’s out the back with my boys. They’re teaching him how to play cricket. I need to call them in as their grub’s ready. I’ve warmed up that pie you sent George over with, and he can have it with some mashed potato I prepared for their tea. They’re having leftover rabbit stew from yesterday.’
‘Cheers, Stella, he loves being with your boys. I’d best get back home and see what’s happening over there.’
‘Don’t you worry about George, he’s always welcome over here. He adores my sons and having a little lad about the house makes me feel quite broody, even at my age. I’ll have one of them bring him over later.’
‘What would I do without you, Stella? You’re a real diamond. I’m hoping Eddie has put some thoughts to finding another job. Either that or he’s packed his bag and sodded off. I don’t much care. Since losing my Sarah, I just want peace and quiet and a decent roof over my head. I was just about feeling at peace since finding her grave, and now all this with my Eddie . . . It feels as though someone up there’s got it in for me.’
Stella, who knew all about Ruby’s trip to the cemetery, nodded in agreement. ‘It might feel like it at the moment, but stay strong and things can only get better. I’ll ask the boys if they’ve heard of any jobs going begging. You never know – he could be back in work by Monday. Look, why don’t you make him wait a little longer. Stay and have some grub with us, eh?’
‘No, ta, it’s enough that you can look after George for me. I don’t want to put upon you any more than I have already.’
‘Anytime at all. You don’t have to thank me. That’s what friends are for. And I hope Eddie has had time to think about what you’ve said to him.’
‘I hope so, too.’ Ruby gave her friend a quick peck on the cheek and prepared herself to face whatever was going on over the road.
Letting herself back into number thirteen, she found Milly sitting alone in the front room. ‘I’ve tidied up out there. I got rid of the empty bottle, so there’s no need to check,’ her mother said in a tight voice.
Ruby slumped down in the other armchair. ‘Where is Eddie?’ she asked, wondering whether he had indeed packed his bags and gone. The thought made her feel sad. Perhaps deep down she still loved him, but that was of no use when he treated her so badly and seemed uninterested in being a father to George or a provider for the family.
‘He’s out the back, digging over the garden. After you left, he muttered something about putting in some vegetables and disappeared out the back door.’
Ruby looked at her mother and they both burst out laughing. ‘Why, Eddie wouldn’t know one end of a potato from the other,’ she said, as tears of laughter ran down her cheeks.
‘I
