A Daughter’s Sorrow. Cathy Sharp

in my pocket,’ he said and took it out to show me. ‘I’ll manage and I want Tommy to have it. Just don’t let Mam know you’ve got it.’

      ‘She’s not getting a penny of it,’ I said fervently and tucked it down the front of my bodice. ‘Thank you, Jamie. I’m glad you came to see us, and I wish you could stay.’

      ‘I’d do for her before the night was out. If I had to stay here I’d not be responsible for my actions. No, it’s best I go, Bridget darlin’. Besides, I’ve got to see Rosie. I’ve a present in my pocket for her. Many’s the time she’s helped me out …’ He saw the look in my eyes and laughed. ‘No, I’ve finished with all that, but I owe Rosie. I’ve bought her something nice. She wouldn’t take money but she’ll like this.’ He showed me a little velvet box with a gold brooch inside.

      ‘That must have been expensive?’

      ‘Joe got it second-hand for me. That’s his business, Bridget – buying and sellin’. It was far less than I’d have paid in a shop. He got me one for Mary too …’

      Something in his voice then made me look at him sharply. ‘You like Mary Robinson, don’t you?’

      ‘Sure – anyone would like Mary,’ he said. ‘Mrs Robinson told me to bring you for tea one afternoon on a Saturday. Would you like to come if I fetch you?’

      ‘Yes, please … but it depends on Tommy.’ I caught back a sob. ‘He doesn’t know he’s going away yet. I’m not going to tell him until after Christmas.’

      ‘Poor little bugger,’ Jamie said again. ‘If you need me, Bridget, you can find me here …’ He gave me a scrap of paper with an address in Canning Town. ‘This is Joe’s house. He’ll always know where to find me. I’m going to be working for him on one of his barrows after Christmas.’

      ‘I thought you said he bought and sold second-hand goods?’

      ‘Joe’s got his finger in a dozen pies,’ Jamie said and grinned. ‘He’s a bit of a goer, Bridget. I like him and I think you will.’

      ‘Thank you for all you’ve done,’ I said and tucked the paper away safely. ‘When shall I see you again, Jamie?’

      ‘Not for a while,’ he said. He hesitated, then kissed my cheek awkwardly. ‘Keep your chin up, Bridget. Things will get better. I’ll do what I can for you.’

      ‘You’ve done enough already.’

      ‘I’ve a bit put by if you need it,’ he said. ‘I was savin’ it for something but it will keep. Have a good Christmas – you and Tommy.’

      ‘I’ll be getting him some new boots with what you gave me. His old ones let water.’

      ‘Buy what you think right. I went to see Bridie Macpherson earlier. She says Lainie doesn’t work there now. Do you know where she went? Was it with Hans?’

      ‘I don’t know,’ I replied truthfully. ‘She didn’t tell me she was going and I haven’t heard from her, but Hans may have come back suddenly. Perhaps she’ll bring Tommy something for Christmas.’

      ‘She’s a fool if she didn’t wait for Hans,’ Jamie said. ‘I’ll ask Rosie if she knows anything. She hears all sorts of tales when she’s out and about.’

      ‘Let me know if there’s any news?’

      ‘O’ course, me darlin’. Enjoy yourself and tell Tommy I’ll be thinkin’ of him at Christmas.’

      ‘He’ll be pleased with his presents.’

      I watched my brother walk down the lane before going back into the house. It was good that he had come home with money and gifts, but I felt an aching loneliness after he had gone.

       Five

      ‘So you were wanting to talk to me about Tommy?’ Father O’Brien indicated that I should help myself to the jam tarts his housekeeper had set on the table in front of us. He had already done justice to them himself, which was perhaps the reason he was rather too plump for his height. ‘The doctor confirmed your fears then, Bridget?’

      ‘Yes, Father. Dr Morris said he’s in the first stages of consumption and needs to get away to the sea. If you can’t find a place for him they’ll likely put him in the infirmary after Christmas.’

      ‘Maggie Ryan told me she thought you would be coming to see me,’ the priest said and nodded as I took a bite of the jam tart. ‘Now, what has she told you?’

      ‘That it might be possible for Tommy to have a holiday at the sea.’

      ‘That isn’t quite the way of it,’ he began, then as he saw my expression of disappointment, he continued: ‘No, it’s not a question of money, Bridget. It’s not simply a holiday for the boy. For a start he will be in a sanatorium. Tuberculosis is something that needs to be kept under strict supervision, and for a while the doctors might not want you to visit. As Tommy begins to get better, you’ll be able to see him, and that’s when he’ll be able to spend time enjoying the seaside. We usually pass the children on to families once they’re over the initial stages. It’s so they can continue enjoying the fresh air and benefits without being in hospital.’