The Cockney Sparrow (37 page)

‘I heard tell he’d taken another pub, but I never knew which one.’ Nell’s bosom heaved and all her chins wobbled. ‘Cyril left me for another woman. He never told me her name, but suddenly I’m thinking it might have been you Edith.’

‘Mum, that’s just a wild guess.’ Ned gave her a hug. ‘Like Ronnie says, it’s just a coincidence.’

‘She had red hair,’ Nell insisted. ‘I know, because someone saw him with the whore shortly after he abandoned us. You was only two at the time, Ned. So you don’t know what went on.’

‘This is madness,’ Edith protested. ‘I never took your old man, Nellie. I met Cyril when he come into the pub where I worked. It must be twenty years ago, or more. He was so handsome and he fair turned me head with his charming ways.’

‘He was tall and dark with a dimple in his chin,’ Nell said angrily. ‘And he had a tattoo on his chest.’

Edith’s mouth worked silently for a moment. She stared at Nell, wide-eyed. ‘It – it were a red rose.’

‘That it was – and you stole him from me, you bitch.’

Nell broke away from Ned and lunged at Edith, but Clemency leapt between them. ‘Stop it, both of you. This is silly. Why, it would make Ned and me …’ She stared at him in horror. ‘It would make us half brother and sister.’

His eyes opened wide with shock and the colour drained from his cheeks. ‘It can’t be true.’

‘There’s one way to prove it.’ Nell barged past him and disappeared into the parlour. Sounds of drawers opening and closing echoed round the silent kitchen. Annie put her head round the
scullery door and drew back again, like a startled tortoise retreating into its shell. Seconds later, Nell erupted into the kitchen holding a framed daguerreotype, which she thrust under Edith’s nose. ‘There. That’s my Cyril. Now tell me that ain’t your man. Deny it if you can.’

Edith collapsed against Ronnie’s chest in a dead faint.

Clemency turned to Ned and was startled by the look of fury and disgust in his dark eyes. ‘Ned, it’s not our fault. None of us knew.’

He went into the bar and the door slammed behind him.

Nell threw herself onto a chair with tears flooding down her cheeks. Clemency went to her and laid a tentative hand on her shoulder. ‘Nell, I’m so sorry. But it wasn’t Ma’s fault. She couldn’t have known.’

‘She must have guessed that he was some woman’s husband, but that didn’t stop her. I’ve tried to overlook the fact that your mum was a drunken slut, but now I can’t abide the sight of her.’

‘Here,’ Edith shrieked. ‘Who are you calling a drunken slut? I ain’t touched a drop since I come here, even though it’s there for the taking. I worked hard to repay you, you fat old cow. It weren’t my fault that Cyril preferred me to you.’

Ronnie placed a restraining arm around Edith’s waist as she threatened to scratch Nell’s
eyes out. ‘Come now, Edie, love. This won’t solve nothing.’

‘You heard what she called me, Ronnie. What sort of man are you to let her call me names?’ She struggled in his arms, but unable to break his grasp, she tore off her mobcap and tossed it at Nell. ‘No wonder Cyril left you.’

Nell half rose from her seat and then collapsed back onto it, choking on a sob. ‘Get her out of me home. I don’t never want to see any of you again.’

Clemency could see that it was useless to argue. She wanted to go through to the bar to make things right with Ned, but instinct told her that this was not the right time. She patted Nell’s heaving shoulder. ‘We’re leaving. I’m so sorry.’

‘Just go.’ Nell buried her face in her apron.

‘Is it all right if I go upstairs to collect Ma’s things?’

Edith broke free from Ronnie’s grasp. ‘I wouldn’t stoop so low as to take anything what she give me. I’d sooner run naked through the streets of London than wear her old cast-offs.’

‘And I doubt if it would be the first time you’d done so.’ Nell uncovered one eye and glared at Edith.

Clemency and Ronnie made a grab for Edith’s hand just in time to prevent her from attacking Nell. Together they managed to get her out through the scullery, past Annie who was
cowering in the corner and whimpering. When they reached the back yard, the fight seemed to leave Edith and she collapsed against Ronnie’s chest, weeping. ‘It weren’t my fault, Ronnie. I never knew he was married.’

He stroked her tumbled auburn locks back from her forehead. ‘Of course you didn’t, love. He was the one in the wrong, the wicked sod.’ He rocked her in his arms until her sobs subsided. ‘Clem,’ he said softly. ‘See if you can find a cab. I got just enough money to get us home.’

By the time they reached the house in Finsbury Circus, Edith had regained much of her composure, although Ronnie’s handkerchief was sodden. Clemency felt numbed with shock at the realisation that Ned was her half brother, and even more disturbed by the fact that he had harboured feelings for her that were not at all brotherly. Once, a long time ago, she might even have returned them, but that was all in the past. She was just thankful that Jack had left for Epping. By the time he returned she would be able to face him with the startling news. At least she would be spared that particular ordeal for a few weeks.

They entered the house through the servants’ entrance, and found Augustus and Nancy in the kitchen, drinking tea and talking earnestly.

Nancy looked up, barely registering surprise when Edith followed Clemency into the room.
‘Oh, hello, Edie. Nice to see you, ducks. Have a cup of tea.’

Edith sank onto a chair and Clemency was alarmed to see the colour drain from her face. ‘Are you all right, Ma?’

Edith nodded. ‘It’s just hit me, Clemmie. I got nowhere to live. I suppose I could go back to Flower and Dean Street. I always got on well with old Ma Blunt.’

‘What’s this?’ Augustus peered at her over the rim of his teacup. ‘I thought you was happy at the pub.’

‘Not now,’ Ronnie said hastily, taking a seat next to Edith. ‘It’s a long story. Best leave explanations until later.’

‘Fetch more cups, Clem,’ Nancy said. ‘Maybe this will all work out for the best. We’re short of help now that Fancy has gone off to the country with Jack. I’m sure Mr Stone wouldn’t object to you staying here at least for a while, Edie. That is, if you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves and doing a day’s work?’

‘You’re very kind,’ Edith said tiredly. ‘To tell the truth, I weren’t too keen on going back to Mrs Blunt’s lodging house, just in case he’s still hanging around.’

Nancy shot a curious look at Clemency, but she was not in the mood for long explanations. ‘I’ll go upstairs and make sure it’s all right with Jared,’ she murmured, and hurried from the
kitchen. She was about to mount the stairs when the front door opened and Isobel marched into the hall, slamming the door behind her so that the crystal chandelier tinkled a merry tune. But the look on her face was anything but happy, and Clemency could see that she was bristling with indignation. ‘What’s up?’

‘I thought it would all work out nicely,’ Isobel stormed, tossing her parasol into the umbrella stand. ‘With that idiot Darcy Fairbrother discredited, I thought that Grandmama and Jared would have changed their minds about forcing me into a convenient marriage. I thought that now they’ve met Nick, they would see what a truly wonderful man he is.’

‘And they didn’t?’

‘Well, yes. Grandmama acknowledged that Nick is a worthy person, but she still insists that he isn’t a suitable match for me. What do they think I am, Clemency? A bloody princess?’

Clemency stared at her aghast. She was used to hearing men and women using much worse language than that, but it was quite shocking coming from Isobel who was normally so proper and ladylike.

Isobel glared at her and stamped her foot. ‘Bloody, bloody, bloody!’

‘Calm down, Izzie. It can’t be as bad as all that.’

‘Oh, can’t it? Well, Grandmama has forbidden me to see him again. She explained so nicely that
she didn’t want to see me struggle for the rest of my life, but she just wouldn’t listen to my side of things. It’s so unfair.’

‘I’m sure she was just thinking of you, and maybe they’ll come round.’

‘I thought you would be on my side,’ Isobel cried passionately. ‘Of all people, I thought you would understand. Well, I won’t listen to you or them. I’m not giving Nick up, and I’m going to continue going to the meetings of the women’s movement. So there!’ Isobel raced up the stairs, sobbing with rage.

Clemency sank down on the bottom step. Poor Izzie, she was such a child. She had led a sheltered existence, and had no idea of the hardships and tribulations that were suffered by other people. She huddled up, wrapping her arms around her knees, and resting her chin on them, as thoughts tumbled through her mind. The father she had never known was a cheat and a liar who had left Nell and taken up with Ma, only to repeat his callous behaviour, abandoning his children and leaving them to fend for themselves. She could never forget the poverty they had suffered in Stew Lane, which had forced her onto the streets as a common thief, and the dark menace of Hardiman that had loomed over them for so long. Had he really gone for good? Or was he still somewhere in the background? Was he lurking in the shadows like the Ripper, who still
roamed free? She was so deep in her thoughts that she had not heard Jared’s footsteps on the stairs and she jumped as he laid his hand on her shoulder.

‘Is there something wrong, Clemency?’

She scrambled to her feet. ‘No. I was just thinking.’

‘By the look of you, they weren’t happy thoughts.’ His tone softened. ‘Would it help if you were to tell me what is making you look so sad?’

She hesitated: she was tempted to trust him. She longed to be able to confide in him – but she could not go that far. She shook her head. ‘It’s nothing much. I was just a bit concerned about Izzie. She’s very upset because you won’t let her see Dr Wilson.’

‘I know,’ Jared said with a wry smile. ‘She shouted at me as she stormed past, and then she slammed her bedroom door in my face.’

‘Well, you are being hard on her. She loves him.’

‘She’s very young, Clemency. She will probably fall in love a dozen times, but not necessarily with the right man.’

‘And you know best, I suppose.’

‘Whatever you think of me, I love my sister. I don’t imagine that allowing her to marry the first young man she fancies is necessarily going to bring her happiness or security.’

‘If you forbid her to see him again, you’ll only make her more determined to flout you.’

‘I haven’t said any such thing.’

‘That’s what Lady Skelton told her.’

Jared sighed. ‘My grandmother is a splendid woman, but given to exaggeration. I’m not the ogre that you seem to think I am. Izzie can see her young doctor, providing she does it openly and in the company of a chaperone. My one and only condition is that she allows me to introduce her to other young men, who might be much worthier suitors.’

‘That sounds fair. I think.’

‘Good. I’m glad we’ve got that settled. Now, there’s something else, I can tell.’

‘My mother needs a place to stay for a while. She’s willing to earn her keep.’

‘I’ve no objection to her staying here. Heaven knows, we’ve got plenty of room.’

Jared’s eyes seemed to bore into her soul. It would be wonderful to unload her problems onto his broad shoulders, but he would surely take that as a sign of weakness. She made a move towards the staircase. ‘Thank you.’

‘Don’t thank me. I’m sure Nancy will make her work hard. By the way, Clemency, I’m taking you to a reception in the City tonight. There is a certain foreign gentleman who is to be our quarry. I have a special score to settle with him. Be ready by seven thirty.’ He strolled off without waiting for an answer.

The reception was in the Guildhall under the watchful eyes of Gog and Magog. The Lord Mayor of London himself was present, as were members of the illustrious Gresham Club, who were merchants, bankers and businessmen, all accompanied by their wives. Jared pointed out particularly important people, while Clemency gazed in awe at the women’s elegant apparel, set off with glittering jewels. She felt quite drab by comparison, although her own gown of peacock-blue silk was the very latest fashion, but she had not even the simplest necklace or earrings to complement her dress. However, she had little time to brood on such matters as Jared steered her through the assembly. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and pomade. The babble of voices grew in intensity as people competed to make themselves heard above the strains of the chamber orchestra. Clemency was aware that heads were turning in their direction. She thought that it must be Jared who was attracting their attention: he looked splendid in his evening dress, and most distinguished. She felt quite proud to be leaning on his arm, like a real lady. Then, just when she was least expecting it, he drew her aside. ‘Look over there,’ he whispered, pointing at a group of men just a few yards away from them. ‘Do you see the man who is talking to the Lord Mayor? That is Gaston Marceau, the fellow who was the chief architect
in my father’s downfall. He is wearing a pair of ruby cufflinks that once belonged to my father. They were a wedding present to him from my mother, and Marceau won them by cheating at cards. I want them back.’

Clemency craned her neck to get a better view. As Marceau raised the wineglass to his lips she caught a flash of fire from one of the rubies. ‘Who is he?’

‘He is an incredibly wealthy man. Gaston Marceau and his brother own several vineyards in Bordeaux. Gaston runs the export side of things. He also owns a small fleet of ships and a large warehouse in Wapping. When in London, he resides in the house that should, by rights, be mine. He won it by unfair means, and when my father attempted to win it back, Marceau bankrupted him.’

‘No wonder you hate him.’ Clemency shuddered. ‘He’s a nasty piece of work all right, but what is he doing here?’

‘He is an inveterate gambler, and he belongs to most of the gentlemen’s clubs in London. Perhaps he doesn’t want his family in France to find out how he spends his time.’

‘And is it just the ruby cufflinks that you want from him? It doesn’t seem much, considering what he did to your father.’