Читать книгу Sins of the Father - Kitty Neale - Страница 15

Horace Bell was elated. When Emma’s eldest brother had returned, there’d been some resistance from him, a heated argument before the young man stormed out again, but now the room was calm. He could see that Emma was upset, and glancing at Tom Chambers, he saw the man’s face was still dark with fury. He had thought at one point that Tom was going to strike his son, but Emma had intervened, telling Dick firmly that she’d made up her mind and wouldn’t change it.

As though sensing his thoughts, Tom growled, ‘That young tyke is getting too big for his boots.’

‘Don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll come round to the idea,’ Horace said, wrinkling his nose. This awful room reeked of damp but before he could leave, there was still much to discuss. He wanted to persuade Emma to marry him sooner rather than later, and he might need her father’s support.

Horace turned to Emma now and, composing his face, smiled, his voice deliberately gentle. ‘Emma, we haven’t had a chance to talk, and I haven’t thanked you yet for agreeing to be my wife. I’m sure we’ll be very happy, my dear, and with this in mind I’d like to set a date for the wedding.’

‘When are you thinking of?’ Tom asked.

‘I’d like it to be as soon as possible, perhaps next month. Also, if Emma doesn’t mind, I’d prefer a civil ceremony.’

‘Well, it’s all the same to me, but I don’t know about Emma. What do you think, girl?’

Both men now looked to Emma for her response. When it came her voice sounded dull, but resigned. ‘Whatever you say.’

Horace breathed a sigh of relief. Unlike a church wedding, a civil marriage would be quick and easy to arrange, and he’d get on to it first thing in the morning. Emma rose to her feet and he watched her as she went to the sink, filling a mug with water before gulping it down. She looked pale, yet despite this, when she returned to her stool he was once again struck by her beauty. Yes, he had chosen well. She came from a poor background, but unlike his first wife, Emma would be undemanding. Of course her clothes were appalling and he’d have to buy new ones that were more suited to her position. For a moment, the thought of spending money made his lips tighten, but then he brightened. After the initial expense there would be no dress allowance, no unnecessary expenditure. Yes, things would be different this time, and he’d make sure the purse strings remained firmly in his hands.

‘If I’m to make the arrangements tomorrow, I’ll need Emma’s birth certificate, and of course, your permission, Tom.’

‘Yeah, right,’ Tom said, finding the certificate in an old biscuit tin and handing it over.

There was a racket outside, the door flying back as three girls rushed into the room, followed by a young lad. They were filthy ragamuffins, and Horace moved hastily out of their path. As his eyes met those of the young lad, Horace paused, seeing that under the grime he was an exceptionally handsome boy. Their gazes locked, and Horace shivered, finding himself uncomfortable under the lad’s intense scrutiny. There was something in his eyes, something deep and unfathomable, almost as if the boy could see into his soul.

‘This is Luke, my second son,’ Tom said, ‘and the girls are Susan, Bella and Ann.’

‘Emma, what’s for dinner?’ one of the girls cried.

Horace dragged his eyes away from the boy. He would have liked some time alone with Emma, but it was obvious that she had her hands full.

‘I’ll leave you to it,’ he told her, ‘but I’ll see you in the morning and we’ll talk again.’

Her brow creased. ‘You…you want me to come to work?’

Horace could have kicked himself. Until Emma was his wife, he’d have to tread carefully. ‘Goodness, what am I thinking of? I can’t expect you to do the cleaning now. I’ll find someone else to look after the house, but I doubt they’ll keep it as lovely as you.’

‘No, it’s all right,’ Emma said hurriedly. ‘With so many lovely ornaments, I wouldn’t want anyone cleaning them without supervision. We can find someone to replace me after we’re married, but until then I’d rather look after them myself.’

‘Married!’ a voice squeaked.

Horace turned to see that the exclamation came from a snotty-nosed girl and shuddered.

Emma’s smile seemed forced as she answered the child firmly. ‘Susan, we’ll talk later.’

Emma had been brought up in this area, and Horace knew that her diction needed work, but he’d soon sort that out. Little did she know that he had no intention of employing another cleaner, but that was something she’d find out after their marriage. Nevertheless, he was gratified that she showed such concern for his valued pieces of porcelain. ‘Thank you, Emma. You’re right; many of the ornaments are delicate and your concern is commendable. I’ll see you in the morning, my dear.’ Moving towards the door, he nodded briefly at Tom, about to leave when the man spoke.

‘Hang on, I’ll come with you. We should have a drink to celebrate.’

Horace hid a scowl as Tom joined him. He wanted nothing to do with the rest of Emma’s family and the sooner Tom Chambers found that out, the better. He waited until they were outside before making his feelings plain.

‘Now that Emma has agreed to marry me, you can continue to live in your flat rent free as agreed. However, when Emma is my wife, I won’t stand for any interference. You and the rest of your family will not be welcome at my house, and this is the last of the free handouts.’

‘Now then, there’s no need for that,’ Tom wheedled. ‘Who said anything about free handouts? Come on, man, you seem to be forgetting that I’m soon to be your father-in-law. I only suggested a celebratory drink.’

‘You’re buying, are you?’ Horace said sarcastically.

‘Well, I must admit I’m a bit short at the moment…’

‘Yes, I thought so. All right, Tom, I’ll buy you a drink, but it’ll be the last one you ever get out of me.’

* * *

Emma was relieved to see her father leave with Mr Bell. The children clamoured around her, Luke the most affected by the news.

‘But why are you going to marry him, Emma?’

‘Because he’s got a lovely house, lots of money, and once we’re married you can all come to live there.’

‘Will I get a room all to myself?’ Susan asked eagerly.

‘I should think so.’

‘And me?’ Bella piped up.

It was Luke who burst the bubble. ‘Has he said we can move in, Emma?’

‘Well, no, but I’m sure he’ll agree.’

Luke’s face was grave. ‘I don’t think he will.’

‘What makes you say that?’ Emma asked, her voice sharp.

‘I dunno. It’s just a feeling.’

Emma paled. Luke didn’t do this often, but as on other occasions, when he had a feeling about something it usually turned out to be true, like the time he had somehow foreseen that Susan would fall down the stairs, his prompt action averting a nasty accident.

Emma hid her concern, hoping she sounded more assured than she felt. ‘Look, don’t worry. I’ll speak to Mr Bell about it in the morning and I’m sure it’ll be all right.’

With her eyes veiled, Emma’s thoughts raced. If Horace refused to let the children move in, what would happen to them? If he said no, how could she leave them to fend for themselves? Unexpectedly, the responsibility of the children weighed heavily on her and she felt a surge of resentment. At first she’d been horrified at the idea of marriage, but then the thought of living permanently in that lovely house had swayed her. She had fantasised about it being hers, and now her fantasy was coming true. Of course, talking to Alice had helped, especially when the woman assured her that the sexual side of marriage wasn’t as bad as she had feared.

Emma rose to her feet, ushering the girls from her side as she began to prepare their dinner. It all rested on what Mr Bell had to say about the children in the morning, and now she found herself wishing the hours away.