Ruby walked to the side of her garden, where a short wooden fence and bushes separated number thirteen from number fifteen. She’d yet to be formally introduced to her neighbour, and had given up trying after being rebuked by the woman. This time, she intended to try to be friendly, although it was proving difficult. ‘I have no idea who the Reverend Grayson is, but if he wishes to speak to me about my laundry, he is more than welcome. Where will I find him?’ she smiled graciously, while counting to ten under her breath.
Miss Hunter gave Ruby a steely look. ‘Why, in church, of course. You do know where our churches are in Erith?’
Ruby bit her lip. ‘I’m new to the area. I have a home to sort out, a child, and a job to do each day. I’ve also been poorly as I lost my baby. I have yet to find time for pursuits outside of my family. If you had heard all of my private discussion with my husband you would know that I am not able to do my washing on Monday as I need to be working.’ Even more so now Eddie doesn’t have a job, she thought to herself.
‘Could your mother not do your washing, so you do not offend the Lord?’
‘My mother is a busy woman. She works in the Prince of Wales Hotel. I’m surprised you don’t know this,’ Ruby explained, wishing she could add, you nosy old witch.
‘I have never entered a public house,’ Miss Hunter sniffed, before adding: ‘You will keep your child under control?’
‘My son is a good boy. I wish you would keep your views to yourself. Why is it I feel as though you’ve been watching my family?’ Ruby asked as she started to shake with anger. ‘For a God-fearing church-goer you certainly seem to like saying horrid things about people you hardly know.’
‘It is my Christian duty to speak as I see things. You’d do well to sort out that husband of yours. I had to walk the length of the back pathway collecting the coal he dropped and had not cleared up.’
Ruby was confused. What was the woman talking about? ‘Where is this coal you collected?’
‘I placed it in my coal shed.’
Ruby laughed out loud. ‘Was that your Christian duty, too? I promise you, I will speak to my husband. However, I will do it in the privacy of my home, and if he is upset by what you have told me I’m sure he will be knocking on your front door very soon.’
Miss Hunter gasped, reaching for the cross she was wearing on a chain at her throat, before hurrying into her house.
Ruby knew she’d gone too far, but if that’s what it took to stop the prying old witch, then so be it. She had enough problems already without adding a difficult neighbour to the list.
Shaking her head as she walked towards the house, Ruby stopped at the door that opened into the coal shed, next to the outside lavatory. Both were built into the back of the house, which had fascinated Ruby when they first moved in. She was astonished to see such pristine facilities, having always shared an outside lav with others in the building where they’d had rooms. To Ruby, this was luxury. Also, having their own coal hole, as Milly called it, meant no one would pinch what coal they could afford to buy. Ruby knew before too long she’d have to dip into her savings to stock up on fuel for the winter. After pulling open the door to look inside, she stepped back in shock. The coal shed was full to the brim. So that old bat had been speaking the truth about Eddie dragging bags of coal down the back pathway.
Ruby’s spirits dropped as she realized that Eddie must have pinched it from the coalyard before he was given the sack. She was married to a liar and a thief. Slamming the door shut, she stormed indoors. If it took every penny of the money she had hidden away at the back of the stone pantry, she would pay back the coalyard owner and beg for his forgiveness. She’d not have anyone label her family as thieves, although in her heart of hearts she knew Eddie had indeed been stealing.
Storming into the house, Ruby shoved past her mother and opened the door of the pantry. Pushing aside packets and a few cans, she grabbed the small battered tin where she kept her secret savings. Pulling off the tight lid, she cried out in shock. There were only a few coins left.
‘Ruby, love . . .’ Milly started to say, as she saw her daughter’s distressed face, ‘don’t get too upset.’
‘What do you mean, don’t get upset? Where’s the bloody money?’
‘It’s not what it seems, love.’ Milly tried to hold on to her daughter. ‘I took most of it . . .’
Ruby froze to the spot. There she was thinking Eddie had pinched her money, and all along it was her mother. ‘I don’t understand – why would you take the savings? I thought I was the only one that knew there was money here. Why, Mum, why did you steal it all?’
Milly shook her head, her eyes full of sadness. ‘I’m upset that you think I’d do such a thing, when all along I’ve been doing what’s best for this family.’
‘I think you’d better explain,’ Ruby said. ‘Only hours ago I was telling Eddie to leave the house, but maybe I should have told you to pack your bags and go. Stealing from your own family – is there anything worse?’ she said bitterly.
‘I want you to come and sit down and listen to me,’ Milly said. ‘If after what you hear you still want me to leave home, then I will. No doubt one of your sisters will put me up.’
‘I doubt it, when they know what’s happened,’ Ruby snarled; but she did follow Milly into
