Читать книгу Desperate Measures - Kitty Neale - Страница 11

During the next couple of weeks, Val tried to concentrate on her work, but as usual found it boring. She saw Betty at least four times in the evenings but, worried that rushing things would frighten the woman off, no further confidences had been exchanged. Though they had little in common, they were becoming relaxed in each other’s company. Val appreciated Betty’s warm personality, her motherly nature and, obviously lonely, Betty always seemed so grateful to see her.

When Val started out, other than Paula, she hadn’t expected to grow attached to her recruits. She’d seen them as a means to an end, a way to bring closure – not just for Paula and herself, but for them too. Instead she found herself becoming emotionally involved, and that now included Betty too.

While trying to recruit Betty, she’d hadn’t seen much of Paula, but kept in telephone contact with both her and Cheryl. So far there was little to tell them, but after this trip to the second-hand shop, Val decided that over coffee she’d open up again. Surely it would work this time? Surely Betty felt confident enough now to confide in her?

She and Betty were searching the racks, but Val felt a wave of displeasure. Yes, the clothes were nice, of good quality, but nevertheless they weren’t new. At one time she had shopped only in the best outlets, her clothes all bearing designer labels, but because of Mike Freeman, look what she’d come down to. Her wages were low, her car an old wreck, and she was forced to dress in clothes that other women had discarded.

Val’s thoughts were cut off as Betty held up a busily flowered skirt, smiling with delight as she said, ‘I like this one, Val.’

‘Yes, it’s pretty, but maybe something that isn’t gathered so fully around the waist would be better. Something like this,’ she suggested, holding out a fawn, linen skirt that would skim the hips to gently flare out at the hem.

Betty looked doubtful. ‘Do you think so?’

‘Why don’t you try it on?’

‘All right, but I’ll try this one too,’ she said, taking both skirts to the changing room.

Val waited outside and when Betty came out wearing the fawn skirt she was beaming. ‘I’ve never worn this shape before, but I must admit it makes me look slimmer. My broad hips have always been a problem and, as you know, I usually wear full skirts to conceal them.’

‘Yes, but to be honest, gathers or pleats make them look wider. That skirt looks wonderful and the length is perfect.’

‘Do you know,’ Betty said as she eyed herself in a full-length mirror, ‘I think you’re right. I can’t afford both and won’t bother to try the other one.’

The purchase made, they left the small shop, Betty chatting about what she could wear with the skirt. ‘I’ve got a couple of blouses – when we get home, would you help me to choose one?’

‘Yes, if you’d like me to.’

It didn’t take long to drive to Battersea, and after parking they went into the flats. ‘Treacle will need a walk as usual, but then I’ll pop up.’

‘All right. See you soon. And thanks for taking me to that shop, Val.’

‘I’m glad you liked it,’ she replied, saying goodbye before going inside. As usual Treacle went mad when he saw her, and after clipping on his lead Val was outside again and on her way to the park. She wasn’t looking forward to talking about Mike Freeman again, but had to get Betty talking too – and sooner rather than later.

When Val returned, Betty opened her door with a flourish. ‘Come on in. I’ve been sorting out a few blouses for you to look at.’

Treacle made straight for Betty and, seeing that the dog was panting, she hurried to get him a bowl of water. He lapped it up then headed for the rug where he settled down. ‘He was thirsty. What would you like to drink, Val?’

‘Something cold would be nice.’

‘Lemonade?’

‘Yes, lovely.’

Val looked at the blouses, but saw only one that might be suitable. When Betty returned holding two glasses, she pointed it out. ‘That plain pale blue would go nicely with the skirt and I’m sure I’ve got some beads that would tone in nicely.’

‘I can’t take your beads,’ Betty protested.

‘They’d be no loss. I haven’t worn them for ages.’

‘If you’re sure, then thank you very much. I noticed you didn’t buy anything. Wasn’t there anything you liked?’

‘I saw a lovely dress, but with a couple of bills to pay this month I couldn’t afford it.’ Val sighed, ‘My wages were a lot higher when I was a sales manager.’

‘Why did you leave such a good job? Was it to do with that man you mentioned?’

The conversation was going as Val had hoped, but now her expression saddened. ‘Yes … Yes, I’m afraid it was.’

‘I’m sorry, Val. I’ve upset you and shouldn’t have asked.’

‘No, it’s all right, and anyway, perhaps talking about it will help.’ Val paused to take a sip of her lemonade, then saying, ‘I’ve already told you how I met Mike Freeman so I’ll go on from there. We met as often as we could and I found myself falling in love with him. I was so happy, Betty, and we actually began to plan a future together, but then my sales director announced his retirement. Applications were invited for the position and, as it was such a wonderful opportunity, along with a huge rise in salary, I decided to apply.’

‘Oh dear, and I suppose Mike was against it?’

‘No, it was nothing like that. As I said, Mike and I had become very close, and in the same industry we had a lot in common. Being a sales rep or manager can be a lonely life. With so much travelling, along with working long hours, it’s difficult to maintain friendships. As Mike was in the same position he understood, becoming not just my lover, but my dearest friend.’

Betty’s eyes widened and for a fleeting moment Val thought she saw an expression of disapproval. She should’ve guessed that Betty would be old-fashioned in her views and worried that she had put her foot in it by saying that Mike was her lover, she quickly continued, ‘To gain the promotion, my application had to be dynamic, innovative, and through someone I knew, someone that risked their job to tell me, I got a whisper that their research company was very close to developing a ninety-six-well microplate for scientific assays and—’

‘A what plate?’

‘It doesn’t matter, Betty; suffice to say that when it became available it would save laboratories a fortune on manpower. I knew that if our company wasn’t to be left behind it would need to be first in offering to sell this technology. With Mike’s help I drew up my proposal to gain an exclusive contract with the manufacturer, along with other ideas I had for growth and change.’

‘It all sounds very impressive, Val.’

‘I thought it was, and Mike did too. He promised to say nothing to his company about the new technology until I’d secured the position, and I thought my promotion was in the bag. Oh, Betty, I was such a fool, a complete and utter fool. I loved Mike, trusted him without realising the cost. I thought he loved me too, but instead he betrayed me.’

‘What did he do?’

‘He told his company about the new microplate – who would be supplying it – and got the contract for his firm ahead of mine. Not only that, he was indiscreet and word got round that he got the information from me. When it reached my employer’s ears, I was thrown out of my company. I lost my job, my career – and it was all down to Mike Freeman.’

‘My God, if you ask me the man should be shot.’

‘Yes, and I felt like shooting him too, especially when he gained promotion whilst I couldn’t get another decent job in the industry. I even applied to be a sales rep again but, as I said, word had got out that I wasn’t to be trusted. That and the fact that I was now considered too old. At the time I was nearly forty-three. I’m forty-five now.’

‘But that isn’t old,’ Betty protested.

‘Yes, well, that’s how I was seen within the industry. Mike Freeman destroyed my reputation, took away all that I had worked towards. I loved my job and was good at it, but it all counts for nothing now.’

‘Huh, men. If you ask me, they’re all the same.’

‘Oh dear, have you been treated badly too?’ Val asked, trying not to look too eager as she took another sip of lemonade.

‘Yes, but I … I’m afraid I can’t bear to talk about it.’

‘Did it happen recently?’

‘No, it was four years ago, but I still can’t get over it.’

‘I’m so sorry,’ Val said, and seeing that Betty’s eyes were full of tears she added, ‘I can see that you don’t want to talk about it, but if you ever change your mind and want to get it off your chest, I’ll be a sympathetic ear.’

‘Thanks, Val.’

Betty had clammed up, and hiding her disappointment, Val rose to her feet. ‘Well, thanks for listening to me, Betty. It certainly helped, but it’s time I did a bit of housework. If you aren’t busy tomorrow, perhaps you’d like to join me for tea again.’

‘I’d love to, and I could make a nice Victoria sponge.’

‘Lovely,’ Val said, waking Treacle from his snooze. She’d hoped that confiding in Betty would encourage her to do the same, but it hadn’t worked, and her expression was now grim as she made her way downstairs. Talking about Mike Freeman had opened up the wounds, so once inside her flat she went straight to her drinks cabinet to pour a large glass of sherry. She would have to ring Paula and Cheryl to report her progress, but there was little to tell them. Val gulped down her drink then poured another, consoling herself with the thought that there was always tomorrow. Maybe with a little more urging, Betty would finally tell her story.

Betty awoke on Sunday morning to find that her thoughts immediately went to Val. It was wonderful to have a friend now, someone who trusted her enough to share a confidence. Betty’s heart went out to Val. She’d been treated so badly, losing a job she loved, and her bitterness was obvious. She’s as angry as me, Betty thought. Richard had ruined her life too, but she had never been able to talk about it – to confide in anyone. They would think her a complete fool, an idiot for allowing it, and her shame kept her silent. Yet now, as the memories returned to plague her, Betty found she wanted to get it off her chest, to unburden the pain that remained like a hard rock in her chest. Val had been betrayed too; she’d understand, and maybe, just maybe, if she could bring herself to talk about it, the pain would ease.

Once she’d towelled herself dry, Betty dressed, and after eating a light breakfast she set about making the Victoria sponge, pleased to see when she took it from the oven that the two halves had risen perfectly. The kitchenette was stifling and it had been daft to bake a cake, especially with the cost of the ingredients, but as she sandwiched the two halves together with jam and butter icing, just looking at it made her mouth water.

The rest of the day seemed to drag as Betty halfheartedly did a bit of dusting, but living alone and naturally tidy, there was little to keep her occupied. She read for a while, glad when at last it was time to get changed.

With the skirt on, Betty inspected the cut. It was simple, elegant, and would be easy to copy. If possible, she’d save a little money to buy some off-cuts of material and her old treadle sewing machine would come in useful yet again. With the blue blouse tucked in, Betty stood back, twisting this way and that as she looked in the mirror. Yes, it did look nice, and she was so grateful that Val had helped her to choose it. When she picked up her shoes, Betty frowned. They were scuffed, worn down at the heels and would spoil her appearance, but as they were the only pair that didn’t have holes in the soles, she would have to wear them.

Cake in hand, Betty went downstairs and was pleased to see Val’s smile of pleasure as she opened the door. ‘Hello, Val. I hope I’m not too early.’

‘Of course you aren’t and it’s lovely to see you. That sponge looks wonderful, and you do too. Come on in. I’ve been feeling a bit fed up so it’s nice to have a bit of company.’

Betty stepped inside, balancing the cake as Treacle rushed over to jump up at her legs. ‘Hello, boy,’ she said, handing the sponge to Val before reaching down to pat him.

‘Sit down, Betty. I’ve made some sandwiches and I’ve only got to fill the teapot.’

Betty sank onto the sofa and Treacle leapt up beside her to lay his head on her knee. She stroked him for a while, but then Val returned with the tray.

‘He’s certainly taken to you,’ she said. ‘Get down now, Treacle, there’s a good boy.’ Val was ignored, and she sighed. ‘As you can see, there’s little improvement in his behaviour. I’m sorry, Betty, he’s probably creasing your skirt – and it looks so nice too.’

‘It’s all right, I don’t mind.’

Val laid down the tray. ‘You pour the tea while I find that necklace.’

Betty eased Treacle to one side, feeling relaxed and at home as she picked up the teapot. She had only just finished pouring when Val returned, holding a strand of blue and pale cream beads.

‘Here, try them on,’ she said.

Betty slipped them over her head. ‘They’re lovely, but are you sure you don’t need them?’

‘I haven’t worn them for a long time and they look perfect on you.’

‘Thanks, Val. I’ll treasure them.’

Val took a seat and then held out a plate of ham sandwiches. ‘Tuck in and then we can have a piece of your sponge.’

For a while they munched companionably and after eating a slice of cake each, Betty sat back, replete. Treacle remained beside her. Absent-mindedly stroking him again, Betty said, ‘I’ve been thinking about what you told me yesterday, Val, and I still can’t get over how badly you were treated.’

‘I was an idiot, but thanks for listening.’

‘You’re not alone in that. I’ve been an idiot too.’

‘You can’t have been as daft as me.’

‘Oh, I was. My marriage ended four years ago, but as it lays the foundation for what happened to me, I suppose I should tell you a little of my background. You see, I grew up in Surrey, on the outskirts of a small village. My father worked on a farm and we lived quietly in a tiny cottage. We never travelled, other than the occasional trip to our nearest market town, and I suppose compared to a sophisticated woman like you, I’m a country bumpkin.’

‘Rubbish. You’re a lovely woman, warm and generous, and there’s nothing wrong with being brought up in the country.’

Now that she had started, Betty found herself unable to stop, the words so long held back, now pouring out. ‘My father ruled the roost at home and my mother happy to let him. It was from her that I learned how to make do and mend. When I married Richard, I just followed in her footsteps and, though we weren’t well off, I was happy. Richard eventually went off to fight in the war, but when it was over he came home with plans to start up his own business.’

‘Really, doing what?’

‘He wanted to open up a car showroom and repair shop. Every penny made was ploughed back into the business so we continued to live frugally. I had to take what little money he gave me for housekeeping and make it stretch. I never had a bank account or any money of my own, but I loved Richard and wanted him to succeed, so I never complained.’

‘And did he make a success of the business?’

‘Eventually, but I never saw the fruits of his success.’

‘Didn’t you? Why was that?’

The painful memories were too much and Betty found tears flooding her eyes. Unable to go on she gasped, ‘I … I’m sorry.’

‘Oh, please don’t cry. Look, I’ll make us a fresh pot of tea, and how about another slice of your lovely cake?’

Betty fought to pull herself together. She couldn’t eat another slice of cake, it would choke her; but she dabbed her eyes and felt a little calmer when Val returned to pour out fresh cups of tea.

‘You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to,’ Val said softly as she poured.

However painful, Betty wanted to talk – to get it out of her system. ‘It’s all right, but I think I’ll jump forward to when my children left home. I missed them so much, and with Richard so busy, I felt lost and lonely. Richard then told me we were moving and I was shocked when he took me to see the house he wanted to buy.’

‘Oh dear, was it too small?’

‘No, Val, it was huge with eight bedrooms, but it had been empty for some time and was in a bit of a state. It was even worse outside, with a massive garden that had gone to seed, with brambles, weeds and a knee-high lawn, let alone the shrubs that had grown out of all proportion.’

‘With just the two of you, why on earth did your husband want to take on a house of that size?’

Betty’s lips thinned. ‘He said he’d been advised that property was an investment, a way to build up assets for his retirement, but I didn’t believe that. He wanted it because he’s a social climber and during our marriage he went out of his way to make friends with the wealthy, well-connected families in the area. Richard wanted the house to impress, to keep up, but he took out a huge mortgage to buy it.’

‘It sounds like it needed a lot of work too.’

‘Richard paid builders to do the renovations, but after that he said money was tight and I’d have to manage without any help. It took me months to clean the house, and even longer to bring the garden up to scratch. In all, it took just over a year, but in that time I grew to love the garden, and the house.’ Betty paused, the next part so painful, and taking a deep breath she struggled to continue. ‘It wasn’t long after that when Richard dropped his bombshell. He … he … told me. Oh God, I … I was such a blind fool.’

‘You’re not alone in that. I trusted Mike Freeman – and look what happened to me.’

Yes, despite all her worldly ways, Betty thought, Val had been betrayed too. She felt an affinity with her new friend and it gave her the courage to go on. ‘Richard had been acting strangely for a while, going out in the evening with the flimsiest of excuses, but I still didn’t see what was going on right under my nose. When he finally said there was someone else I was shocked to the core. It was his secretary, a girl who worked in the showroom office, and yes, I mean a girl. She was only in her late twenties, where of course I was then forty-seven. Like his used cars, Richard decided to trade me in for a newer model.’

‘You must have been heartbroken. What a dreadful way to treat you. I hope he lives to regret it,’ Val said quietly.

‘Oh, so do I … so do I,’ Betty sobbed, finding herself crying in earnest. She felt Val’s arm around her shoulder, grateful that she wasn’t at all like the aloof woman she had first taken her for, and for the comfort she was now offering.

‘Have a good cry. It’ll do you good,’ Val said softly.

At last Betty was able to pull herself together, and said shakily, ‘I’m sorry for breaking down like that.’

‘Don’t be silly: you’ve been through hell. No wonder you’re upset.’

‘You haven’t heard it all yet, but to tell you the truth I’ve got a bit of a headache. I’ll tell you the rest another day, but for now I think I’ll go upstairs and take a couple of aspirin.’

‘All right, but I hope talking about it has helped. Pop down any time; perhaps tomorrow evening if you aren’t busy.’

‘Yes, all right. Bye, Val, and thanks for listening.’

‘Bye, my dear.’

Betty felt emotionally exhausted as she trod wearily upstairs. She hadn’t known Val very long, but strangely it was beginning to feel as if she’d known her for years. There was a deep feeling of empathy, so much so that she had finally unburdened herself.

Yet there was more to tell – worse to tell. Val had been so kind, so sympathetic, but how would she feel about a woman who had been so weak, so stupid, that she had let her husband walk all over her?