Page 54 of The Winter Bride

John had gone into the kitchen to wash his hands, and they were alone in the garden apart from Alfred who was frolicking around their feet with not a care in the world.

‘I, er . . . don’t suppose you’ve reconsidered my offer to take you out for a meal?’ Simon said hopefully.

Annie smiled. ‘I’d like that, but can we wait a while? I want to feel it’s safe to leave Nancy alone before I venture out at night again.’

‘Of course.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Anyway, I must be going. And do think about what I said about a telephone.’

‘I will, I promise.’ Annie let him out of the back gate before going back into the shop to join Marie and John. She told them what Simon had said, and they agreed it was an excellent idea.

‘In that case I’ll look into it first thing tomorrow.’

‘Why don’t you all come to us for dinner this evening?’ Marie asked kindly.

Annie shook her head. ‘Thanks for the offer but I might go back to Nuneaton for the weekend to see everyone – that’s if you think you could manage the shop? Nancy insists she’s okay, but I know this has really shaken her up so I think a little break away would do her good. I’m actually going to employ someone to help out. The shop is making enough profit for me to pay someone a wage.’

‘I am very pleased to ’ear it but I ’ope this will not mean that you no longer need me,’ Marie said with a frown.

‘Oh, not at all, your help is invaluable when I go buying. I really ought to be paying you something.’

Marie wagged a finger at her. ‘I would not ’ear of such a thing. I enjoy ’elping out,’ she said firmly. ‘Now John and I will go if you are sure there is nothing else you need doing?’

Annie saw them off then turned the sign on the door to ‘Open’ again. She couldn’t afford to let what had happened cost her money and she had to carry on as before, although from now on she would insist that Nancy didn’t go into the garden after dark without her.

The rest of the week passed uneventfully and on Friday evening she shepherded Nancy and Adam onto the train at Euston. Alfred had once more gone to stay with Marie and John, who absolutely doted on him, so she had no qualms about leaving him.

Nancy had been somewhat quiet since the attack and Annie was hoping a little break away from London would do her good. She had the distinct feeling that now the novelty had worn off, Nancy preferred a quieter life back in Nuneaton. In truth, she missed it too sometimes, especially when she remembered the happy hours she had spent on the cart doing the rag-and-bone rounds. But she was determined to make something of her life and the new shop in London was the next step towards achieving her dream.

As always, they received a rapturous welcome when they arrived at Peggy’s.

‘How lovely, we didn’t expect to see you so soon after your last visit,’ Peggy told them as she kissed Adam and Nancy.

The girl threw her arms about her and burst into tears. ‘Somebody whacked me over the ’ead when I went out to the toilet the other night,’ she told Peggy tearfully.

‘They did what?’ Peggy looked towards Annie for an explanation.

‘It’s just as she said,’ she admitted quietly. ‘We have no idea why or who it was, but it’s really shaken her up I’m afraid.’

‘An’ why wouldn’t it, indeed!’ Peggy was enraged. ‘I knew it weren’t a good idea you goin’ off all the way to London.’

‘Now, Peg, calm down,’ Levi urged as he saw the stricken look on Annie’s face. She was clearly blaming herself for what had happened. ‘It were probably just some down an’ out lookin’ about fer what they could steal. An’ let’s face it, it ain’t a lot safer round ’ere at present.’ Glancing at Annie, he explained, ‘Another poor lass were attacked two nights ago. Luckily, she’s still alive and in the hospital but it’s time whoever is doin’ this were caught. They’ve drafted in coppers from all over the county to try an’ catch the devil, but till then I won’t let Peggy venture out alone after dark.’

Adam started to whimper and rub his eyes; it was way past his bedtime and he was exhausted.

‘Anyway, let’s change the subject an’ get this little ’un tucked in.’ Peggy picked him up and headed for the stairs. ‘Poor little mite is near droppin’ on his feet.’

While Peggy was gone Annie put the kettle on and made them all a cup of cocoa, and when Peggy came back downstairs, they sat down together.

‘Just a weekend visit, is it?’ Peggy asked and Annie nodded.

‘Yes, I thought it would do Nancy good to have a break. Tell me what else has been happening here.’

For the next half an hour they caught up with the local gossip, until finally Peggy yawned and excused herself. She’d had a busy day at the shop and was ready for her bed. Nancy followed her up, and once they were alone, Levi asked, ‘Do yer have any idea who might ’ave hit Nancy?’

Annie bit down on her lip before saying tentatively, ‘Well . . . both Nancy and I have seen someone loitering in the doorway opposite a few times now, but we’ve never managed to see who it is.’

Levi frowned. He knew Annie so well, he could read her like a book. ‘And . . .?’

‘I did wonder if Reggie might have found out where we live,’ Annie admitted. ‘Although I can’t say for sure, of course.’