Page 13 of Neighbors at War

‘You all right in there?’ Mrs Jeune asked from the other side of the scullery door.

‘Yes, thank you.’ Helen wished she could have remained in the peaceful room for a bit longer but had pushed her luck more than enough already. ‘Coming now.’

She rearranged her clothes with her free hand, glad she had become more adept at doing so as the months passed. She wondered how long she would keep producing milk and hoped it would be for a while yet. At least her milk was free. She kissed her sleeping baby’s forehead, relieved he was calm now.

Helen opened the door and joined Cook and Dulcie in the kitchen. She ignored Dulcie’s judging glare and settled Bobby in his pram before returning to the scullery to fetch the chair and return it to the kitchen.

‘Sit down and drink this,’ Cook said, pushing a cup and saucer towards her. Dulcie mumbled something under her breath. ‘I don’t know what you just said, my girl,’ Cook snapped. ‘But whatever it is, keep it out of my kitchen. Now, bring a plate with a few of those biscuits I baked yesterday. I think we could all do with one.’

Brightening instantly, Dulcie did as Cook asked and came back to sit with them.

Helen waited for the women to take a biscuit each. She knew she needed to address her situation with Dulcie.

‘I know me having a baby is a bit of a shock for you, Dulcie.’

Dulcie opened her mouth to reply, but caught Cook’s warning glare and picked up her teacup instead.

Helen was grateful for the support but felt the need to explain herself. ‘I think Dulcie deserves an explanation if I’m to stay working here.’ She hoped Cook wouldn’t disagree.

‘If you like.’ Cook took a sip from her cup.

‘Thank you.’ Helen tried to work out exactly what to say.

‘I thought you was a nice girl,’ Dulcie said.

‘That’s enough of that, Dulcie.’ Cook snapped.

‘I’m aware what people think of me, Mrs Jeune, and that’s fine,’ Helen said in Dulcie’s defence.

‘It is not fine,’ Cook argued. ‘I will not have people judging others in my kitchen. If Mrs Edwards approves of you working in this house and I’m happy for you to assist in my kitchen, then that’s all Dulcie needs to know.’

Mrs Jeune was far more understanding than most. Helen wondered if maybe something similar happened to someone close to her, or was she simply a very accepting person?

‘I appreciate your kindness, I really do, but I want Dulcie to understand that I had expected to marry Bobby’s father, but it wasn’t to be.’

Dulcie’s face softened slightly. ‘Did he die?’

Cook slammed her cup onto her saucer so hard Helen was surprised it didn’t smash the porcelain. ‘Dulcie. You’ve been told more than you needed to hear, and I’ll thank you to keep whatever questions you might have to yourself. Do you understand?’

Dulcie’s eyes lowered. ‘Yes, Cook. Sorry, Helen. I didn’t mean to offend.’

‘It’s fine,’ Helen said hoping to defuse the situation.

* * *

The day passed slowly and Helen only needed to interrupt her work a couple of times to take care of Bobby before the day finally ended. It was a relief to be able to go home.

She fetched her coat. ‘Thank you for your understanding today, Mrs Jeune.’

‘No need for thanks, Helen. If your aunt is still at Overdale tomorrow, I don’t mind you bringing the little un back here. He’s been no trouble today, not really. I wouldn’t do it every day, mind. And he’s getting bigger and will soon want to move around. But for the time being you may bring him with you if you have no alternative.’

Helen couldn’t believe her luck. ‘That’s very kind of you. Thank you.’

She walked home feeling less panicky about the following day. As she passed First Tower and neared Tynemouth Terrace her thoughts returned to her aunt and what she would soon have to face. Helen took a deep breath, desperate not to cry in public.

It had been devastating having to face a future without Richard, but losing her aunt was unimaginable. She didn’t know if she had the strength to deal with it.

Chapter Seven