to smile, but her lips quivered. Her eyes took in the large desk, the registrar, but as they stood in front on him, she barely heard his words, feeling as though Dolly’s eyes were boring into her back.
In what felt like minutes it was over, the registrar announcing them man and wife, Pearl at last turning to look at Kevin.
He smiled. ‘Well, that’s it, love. We’re married.’
As he leaned forward, their lips meeting, Pearl heard Dolly’s grunt of disgust.
Bernie, though, came to their side. ‘Congratulations,’ he said, smiling warmly.
They had to sign the register then, Pearl unable to ignore Dolly, her hand trembling as she held the pen. It had been so quick that it felt unreal, and then the witnesses were called forward to add their signatures. They too offered their congratulations, but Dolly offered none, only saying impatiently, ‘Right, now that’s over with we can get back to the café.’
‘Come on, Mrs Dolby,’ Kevin said as he led Pearl outside.
She looked down at the narrow band on her finger. Instead of being Pearl Button, she was now Pearl Dolby, and it sounded strange to her ears.
‘Thanks for coming,’ Bernie said to the witnesses, shaking their hands. ‘I’m sorry that we’ve got to go straight back to the café, but I’ll buy you a drink later.’
The couple nodded, and after she had said goodbye to them, Pearl thought she saw sympathy in their faces as they walked away.
Dolly was still morose as they drove back to Battersea High Street, but her expression changed the minute she got out of the car. Many faces were turned their way, and now with a fixed smile she spoke loudly.
‘Right, you two, have a nice lunch and we’ll pop a bottle of champagne this evening.’
Bernie was out of the car too, but he leaned forward to speak to Pearl through the window. Unlike Dolly, his voice was soft. ‘I’m sorry, love. It doesn’t seem much of a wedding day. I still think we should’ve had a bit of a do.’
‘It’s all right, I don’t mind,’ Pearl said, and it was true, she didn’t. There had been some discussion with Kevin about a wedding reception, but she’d been unable to think of anyone other than Bessie to invite. The Dolbys weren’t a large family, and though she faced less animosity these days from the locals, she doubted any would want to attend. In the end it had been Dolly who vetoed the idea, saying that she’d spent enough money on the solicitor, and a reception was just a waste of money.
Bernie smiled sadly, but then Dolly pulled at his arm, saying that it was about time they opened the café. For a moment they both stood on the pavement, Dolly’s smile still fixed as they waved the newlyweds off.
Derek Lewis surreptitously watched the scene. He knew he was mad – that if anyone knew they’d tell him so to his face – but despite everything, he still loved Pearl. It was hell every time he saw her, her stomach growing with another man’s baby. Kevin’s baby. When he’d seen them leaving for the registry office, he’d reacted without thought, like an idiot running after the car. Christ, what was the matter with him? Pearl was a tart, yet he had actually wanted to stop the wedding.
The costermonger next to Derek sniffed loudly. ‘Well at least you didn’t chase after them this time, mate.’
‘I know, but for a moment this morning I wanted to give the cow a slap,’ Derek lied.
‘Can’t say I blame you,’ the man said, turning as a customer came to his stall.
Derek nodded, relieved that the other costermongers had believed his excuse, but he was tired of putting on an act. It was this that had sealed his decision. He’d miss the market, but at least he wouldn’t have to see Pearl every day. She was married now, and once and for all he had to put her out of his mind.
Kevin drove to Richmond. He’d booked a table at a pub/restaurant by the river, and as it was early they’d be able to have a couple of drinks before ordering their meal. His mother had stuffed some money in his hand that morning, but she had done so begrudgingly. Kevin was worried, really worried. He hadn’t been to Soho for ages and was desperate for relief. In the past, he’d been able to manipulate his mother for extra money, but nowadays she was punishing him and was being as tight as a duck’s arse.
It had been hell holding back with Pearl, but until she dropped the kid it would have to remain that way. ‘What did you say?’ he asked impatiently when she spoke.
‘I said I can’t believe that we’re really married.’
‘Well, we are.’
‘You seem upset. Are you regretting it already?’
‘For Christ’s sake! What do you want me to do – break out in song and dance? Now shut up and let me concentrate on the road.’
He glanced round to see that Pearl had lowered her head, and at last he smiled. At least the silly cow didn’t answer him back and that made him feel better. He’d be the man in this relationship, and she might as well learn that from the start.
When they arrived at the pub Kevin pointed to a table, and as Pearl took a seat he went up to the bar. The landlord was a short, stocky man, looking harassed as he issued orders to several young women in waitress uniforms. It seemed that this wasn’t only a restaurant, there was a function room too, one that had been booked for a wedding party.
Kevin listened with interest. The pub was in a prime riverside location, and the bloke must be raking it in. An inkling of an idea began to form, but one that would need careful planning – along with insider knowledge. Almost on cue a tall, plain-faced barmaid came to take his order.
‘Hello, love,’ he said, giving her his best smile.
She flushed, but her eyes lit up with interest. ‘What can I get you, sir?’
‘A pint of bitter and an orange juice,’ he said, and by the time he was carrying the drinks to their table, he knew he’d cracked it. With her looks, the barmaid would be grateful for any attention, and he’d give her plenty of that whilst he fished for information.
Kevin sat drinking his pint, his eyes constantly scanning the pub, and then anxious to get to the bar again he turned to Pearl. ‘Come on, drink up.’
‘I don’t want another one yet.’
‘Please yourself,’ he said, taking his own empty glass and smiling softly at the barmaid as she approached, ready with his favourite chat-up line.
‘What can I get you?’ she asked, smiling shyly.
‘I’ll have the same again, but I have a bit of a problem that you might be able to help me with.’
‘A problem?’
‘Yes. You see I’ve forgotten my telephone number, so could you give me yours?’
For a moment she looked bewildered, but then, pink-faced, she smiled. ‘You … you want my telephone number?’
‘Yes, please.’
As her eyes flicked to Pearl he leaned a little closer over the bar. ‘She’s just a friend.’
‘Mary, there’s other customers waiting,’ a voice said, and Kevin scowled as he saw the landlord approaching.
She quickly pulled on the pump, filling his glass with bitter, her manner brusque now. ‘Sorry,’ she mouthed as he took his money, and quickly scribbling on a scrap of paper, she passed him her telephone number.
‘I’ll ring you soon – very soon,’ Kevin told her, smiling as he walked away. She was a good choice, one he was sure would spill the beans.
When they arrived back at the café, Kevin unlocked the back door to find Nora sweeping the floor. He ignored the woman as he always did, his mind still distracted. He’d lingered over the meal, too preoccupied to take much notice of the food as he‘d watched everything,