Riches to Rags Read online

  ‘Thank you for everything,’ she whispered. Then she took the two shillings and gave him fifteen tea cloths. Holding up the two shillings, she grinned at everyone. ‘We’ve given him fifteen for the money. The kisses were free for a friend.’

  Now in a thoroughly good humour, the crowd surged forward to buy various items. Bet had a wicked gleam in her eyes and gave him a wink of thanks.

  Seeing he wasn’t going to get a chance to speak to Jen, Matt asked, ‘Can I come to visit you?’

  She nodded, smiled and went back to serving customers.

  It was about four o’clock when Matt arrived home, tired but content after seeing Jenny so happy. He could still feel the touch of her lips and grinned to himself. That had done more for his recovery than all the doctors.

  His mother had just returned from working at the centre, and she was in the sitting room with a tray of tea and cakes in front of her.

  He kissed her cheek and tossed the tea cloths in her lap. ‘Present for you.’

  Her mouth twitched at the corners. ‘Very nice.’

  ‘I thought you’d like them,’ he joked. ‘Jen’s got a job at the market and I bought them from her.’

  As they relaxed, he told his mother about Ma leaving Jenny her furniture and the fun she seemed to be having working on the market stall. By the time he’d finished, she was nodding with pleasure.

  ‘I’m relieved she now has a secure home and a job at last.’

  Matt helped himself to a cake. ‘She was enjoying herself today. I’ve never seen her so happy.’

  His mother studied him with a thoughtful expression on her face, and then changed the subject. ‘Tell me how things are at the garage.’

  This took about another twenty minutes, and then he yawned, tiredness suddenly swamping him.

  ‘Why don’t you have a rest before dinner, Matt?’

  ‘I think I will.’ His legs felt heavy and his whole body ached as he went to his room. Kicking off his shoes, he flopped on the bed and was instantly asleep.

  The first dinner gong woke him and he scrambled to his feet with a groan. He had felt all right when he’d been out, but now he was aware that he’d overdone his first day. He had always been fit and healthy, and it was hard to make himself take it easy. Still, the doctor had said the weariness would fade as he began to move around more.

  All he had time for was a quick wash and change into a suit. They didn’t dress for dinner unless they had guests, but his father did insist on a jacket and tie.

  He arrived in the dining room just as they were sitting down.

  ‘Your mother told us about your day out,’ his father said. ‘How did you feel?’

  ‘Rather tired when I got back, but the doctor said I’d feel stronger each day.’

  ‘Is Jenny now going to stay at the same house?’ John asked. ‘You remember I mentioned Winford a while ago to Henry Eddison – well, he asked if we knew where Winford’s daughter could be found. I said we did, so we don’t want to lose track of her now.’

  When his brother paused, Matt leant forward. ‘And?’

  ‘He said he’d spoken to some people who had known Cyrus Winford, and it seems there’s a lawyer by the name of Dwight Roberts who’s on his way here to see her.’

  Matt frowned. ‘Did he say why?’

  ‘No.’ John was obviously as puzzled as everyone else. ‘But I don’t like the sound of it. This lawyer booked a passage as soon as he heard we knew where she was. I hope it doesn’t mean more trouble for the girl.’

  ‘Why do you think it might?’ their mother asked.

  Gilbert poured himself another glass of red wine. ‘Well, my dear, this man Greaves has been desperate to get his hands on her, and now Mr Roberts is coming all the way from New York, saying that he has been searching for her.’

  Matt felt his insides tighten as he pictured Jenny’s smiling face. Was there more trouble heading her way? Luke had found a marriage certificate for the Winfords, but was it a bigamous marriage? If so, that would mean Jen was illegitimate. His mind began to search for another reason, any reason, for the lawyer’s visit, but everything he came up with was bad. ‘We mustn’t leave her alone with him!’

  ‘We don’t intend to,’ his father said, his mouth set in a determined line. ‘He’s coming on the Mauretania and arrives at Southampton the day after tomorrow. Luke and I will be there to meet him when he docks, and we’ll bring him back to stay with us.’

  ‘Don’t worry, Matt, we won’t tell him where she is if it means more trouble for her,’ Luke assured him. ‘But it must be important for him to dash over here so quickly.’

  ‘That’s what worries me.’ Matt stared grimly at his plate of succulent beef, his appetite gone. ‘From what we’ve heard, her father was destitute after the crash. We also know he had another family in New York, so perhaps they’re going to question her legitimacy.’

  ‘But what would be the point in that?’ Louise frowned.

  Matt shrugged helplessly.

  ‘We could go on speculating all night,’ their father declared, ‘but we shall soon find out. Damned strange business, though.’

  They all agreed with that statement.

  The end of her first week at the market saw Jenny buoyant with hope. Bet’s husband wouldn’t be able to work before Christmas, so the job would give her enough to pay the rent for a few weeks if she was careful.

  After lighting the fire and making herself toast and tea, Jenny tipped her money on to the table and counted it. She had earned a guinea, which was a fortune to her, and on top of that Bet had paid for her lunch each day. It had been such fun, and she had surprised herself at the way she shouted and joked with the customers. Bet said she was a natural, but it was a talent she hadn’t known she possessed.

  She counted the money again, just to be sure, then surged to her feet to tell Ma how lucky she was, and what a special Christmas they would have this year. The pain hit her when she reached the front room and saw the empty chair. Was she ever going to get used to Ma no longer being here? ‘Oh, Ma, I miss you so much,’ she murmured. ‘I long to tell you how well things are going.’

  She went back to the table, put nineteen shillings in the tin and two in her purse, and finished her tea as she gazed at the wedding photograph Edna had sent her. They were a happy pair, and it gave Jenny huge pleasure to look at it. It had pride of place on the mantelpiece.

  ‘Hello, Jen!’ Ivy called, poking her head round the kitchen door. ‘Dad tells me you’ve been selling kisses. It’s the talk of the market.’

  Jenny roared – she could just imagine the gossip flying around The Cut. ‘Do you want some tea?’

  Ivy took another cup off the shelf and sat down. ‘So tell me all about it.’

  Jenny related the story of Matthew’s visit to the stall. They both ended up giggling.

  ‘Weren’t you embarrassed?’

  ‘No.’ Jenny shook her head. ‘Matthew started it, and the crowd enjoyed the fun. Anyway, joining in was my way of thanking him for what he did. He’d asked for a kiss, so I gave him one.’

  ‘He’s nice and so brave.’ Ivy gave her a studied look. ‘You could marry him – you come from the same background.’

  ‘Eugenie Winford did, but I’m no longer that person. I’m Jenny Baker who comes from Lambeth and scrubs floors or works at the market to make a living.’ She smiled wryly. ‘I’m happier at the moment than I can ever remember being. I’m sad about my father and I miss Ma dreadfully, but I’ve got lovely memories of them. I don’t look ahead too far or yearn for things I can’t have.’

  Ivy nodded. ‘We takes each day as it comes as well. Mum always says that it’s the best way. Her favourite saying is that it’s no use trying to cross your bridges before you get to them.’

  ‘Very wise. That’s something I’ve learnt over the last couple of years.’

  ‘Yes, Mum’s got good sense.’ ‘Ivy finished her tea. We wondered if you’d like to come in tonight for a chat instead of sitting by yourself.’
/>
  ‘I’d love to, thanks.’

  31

  The car sped towards Southampton, his father driving, Luke in the front seat and himself in the back. Matt had insisted on going, as he was eager to see the American lawyer and find out what he wanted with Jenny.

  They got lost trying to find the right dock, but, much to Matt’s delight, they arrived just as the Mauretania was approaching her berth. Although launched in 1906, she was still a magnificent sight. She had been painted white for her part-time cruises to exotic places like Bermuda, and, with the pale winter sun glinting on the four funnels, she was breathtaking.

  There was a great deal of activity and shouting as the liner was eased into the berth, and the excitement was catching. Even Luke, who was laconic at the best of times, was chatting and pointing out what was happening as the huge ropes secured the liner in place.

  John had sent a telegraph to the ship yesterday to let Mr Roberts know they would be meeting him. However, once the passengers began to disembark, Matt realized just how easy it would be to miss him, as they didn’t have any idea what he looked like. He turned to his father. ‘How are we going to find him in this crush?’

  ‘Leave it to me.’ Their father strode towards the liner and up the steps, pushing his way through the passengers coming down.

  Luke grinned and shrugged his shoulders as their father disappeared from sight.

  After no more than fifteen minutes he reappeared, talking to a spare-looking man of around fifty with a shock of white hair.

  ‘These are two of my sons, Luke and Matthew.’

  ‘I’m sure glad to meet you.’ His smile was warm and his handshake firm.

  ‘Shall we collect your luggage for you, sir?’ Luke asked.

  ‘I have it here.’ Dwight Roberts held up a small suitcase. ‘I always travel light, and, because you know where Miss Winford is, my business here shouldn’t take more than a couple of days. I want to get back home in time for Christmas.’

  ‘Well, as you have all your luggage, we can get back to London straight away.’ Gilbert Stannard led them towards the car.

  Much to Matt’s disappointment, the lawyer wouldn’t discuss his business during the journey. This was understandable, of course – they were not related to Jenny – but he had hoped to find out if it was good news or bad.

  ‘Did you have a pleasant journey?’ Louise said, when she greeted their guest on arrival.

  ‘A bit on the choppy side, ma’am; this isn’t the best time of year for a transatlantic crossing.’ Dwight Roberts’s chuckle was full of amusement. ‘But I’m a good sailor and didn’t miss any meals. I hardly saw some people the whole way across.’

  ‘We were about to have afternoon tea, Mr Roberts. Will you join us or would you prefer to go to your room to rest before dinner?’

  ‘I would enjoy your English tea. And please call me Dwight.’ He waited until Louise was seated before sitting down. ‘It’s kind of you to put me up while I’m here.’

  Matt was impatient listening to the social pleasantries; it was obvious they weren’t going to be told a thing. All Dwight talked about was how beautiful the ship had been, with her exquisite wood panelling and the large domed skylight in the library. As interesting as this was, it was not what Matt was eager to hear about.

  ‘We thought you would be more comfortable here than in an hotel,’ Louise said, handing him a cup of tea.

  ‘Indeed.’ Dwight gazed around the room in appreciation. ‘This is a lovely house.’

  ‘It has been in the family for nearly a hundred years,’ Luke told him.

  Matt couldn’t stand it any longer. ‘We understand you’ve been trying to trace Miss Winford.’

  ‘Yes, indeed.’ Dwight put his empty cup on the table. ‘Is she here? Would it be possible to see her now?’

  ‘She doesn’t live here and will still be at work,’ Matt said rather too hastily. ‘Can you tell us why you need to see her?’

  ‘I’m afraid I can disclose my business only to Miss Winford.’

  ‘We understand that.’ Gilbert stood up and walked over to the fire, resting his hand on the marble surround. ‘But you must understand that we have all become fond of the girl, and we would not wish to see her upset.’

  Matt was staggered by his father’s announcement, but grateful he had said what they were all feeling.

  Dwight frowned. ‘It is imperative that I see her. That’s all I can say.’

  ‘We will bring her here to meet you.’ Louise offered Dwight some small cakes, and when he shook his head she replaced the plate on the table. ‘As you can see, we have become protective where Eugenie, or Jenny, as she prefers to be called now, is concerned. Would you object to my being present when you talk to her?’

  ‘And me,’ Matt said.

  She nodded. ‘And my son Matthew, who has recently come out of hospital after being injured saving Jenny from a violent attack.’

  Dwight was appalled. ‘Attacked? That’s terrible! Would you tell me what happened?’

  Matt explained about the violent incident and who was responsible.

  ‘Nasty things have been going on.’ Dwight shook his head in concern. ‘I now understand Miss Winford’s need to get away from her aunt, but if she had contacted me, then none of this would have been necessary.’

  ‘She couldn’t if she didn’t know anything about you,’ Matt pointed out.

  ‘As soon as her father died, I sent her a telegram asking her to get in touch with me.’ Anger blazed in the lawyer’s eyes. ‘It looks as if her aunt never gave her the message. You say they were trying to make her marry this older man?’

  ‘Yes, she has had a very difficult time.’ Louise refilled his cup. ‘But you haven’t said whether we may be present.’

  ‘I can see that Cyrus’s daughter has been badly treated and that makes me very angry. As you obviously care for her, I will agree if you promise that you will remain in the background and not interfere with the meeting in any way. And only if she tells me that she wishes you to be present.’

  ‘She will,’ Matt stated with confidence. ‘It’s Sunday tomorrow and I don’t think she’s working in the afternoon, so I’ll bring her to you then.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Dwight appeared satisfied with the arrangements and settled back to enjoy his tea.

  Matt studied him carefully: outwardly he was calm, but the expression in his eyes was one of fury. Dwight Roberts was a very angry man indeed.

  The moment Sunday lunch was over, Matt drove to Lambeth. Dwight had pressed them for her address over dinner last night, but they had refused to give it. At first he had been annoyed by their intransigence, but after listening to more of what had happened to her over the last two years, he had understood.

  Matt was apprehensive as he knocked on Jenny’s door. He desperately wanted to protect her, but the lawyer had come over as soon as he’d heard that someone knew where she was. They had no right to stop that meeting. He believed she was strong enough to face almost anything now, but, if not, he would be there to support her.

  ‘Come in,’ Jenny called at his second knock.

  She was sitting by the fire with a book on her lap. ‘Hello, Jen.’

  ‘Oh, hello. Come and sit by the fire. It’s cold out there.’

  ‘Thanks.’ He sat down and held his hands out to the warmth. He had been rehearsing what to say all the way here, but now he was reluctant to speak. She looked so relaxed and content; he didn’t like to think that they might now be about to throw her life into turmoil again.

  ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’

  He shook his head. ‘I’ve got something to tell you. There’s a Mr Dwight Roberts staying with us. He’s a lawyer from America who’s come over especially to see you.’

  ‘America? Did he know my father?’ Jenny frowned. ‘But why has he come to see me and not my mother? Or does he want to see both of us?’ The colour drained from her face. ‘Are there more debts we don’t know about?’

  ‘I’m sorry, Jen. He won
’t say more than that he’s been looking for you ever since your father died. You, not your mother.’ Matt reached out and took hold of her hands as they twisted with anxiety. ‘We wouldn’t let him come here, but I said I’d come to tell you he’s waiting for you.’

  She dipped her head, obviously trying to control her emotions, and when she didn’t speak, Matt said, ‘You don’t have to see him if you don’t want to.’

  Taking a deep breath, she raised her head, wide-eyed with worry. ‘I must know what this is all about. Are you sure he never said anything?’

  Matt shrugged helplessly. If only he could answer her question. ‘It must be something to do with your father.’

  ‘I can’t imagine what would bring him all this way. My father lost all his money in the crash and killed himself. End of story.’ She removed her hands from his and stood up. ‘However, I’d better see what he wants. If it’s more bad news, then I’d better face it. I’ll get my coat.’

  Matt helped her on with her coat, wondering what Dwight Roberts was expecting to see when he met Cyrus Winford’s daughter. He doubted it was this shabbily dressed girl with calloused working hands.

  The journey was made in silence and Matt didn’t try to talk, knowing that she was concerned about the meeting and probably wanted to stay quiet.

  When they arrived at the house, Mrs Stannard was waiting for them in the hall. ‘My dear.’ She kissed Jenny’s cheek. ‘We’ve put Mr Roberts in the library. He has agreed to let Matthew and I be with you, but if you’d rather see him on your own …’

  Jenny was relieved someone would be with her, for she was very concerned, and couldn’t think why a man should come from America just to see her. ‘I’d like you both there, please.’

  Matthew took her coat, hung it up and smiled. ‘Let’s see what this is all about, shall we? We’ll sit the other side of the library, but we’ll be there if you need us.’

  Glad of his strong presence and his mother’s quiet calm, she walked up the stairs to the library.