A Winter Baby for Gin Barrel Lane Read online

  ‘Thank you, Bess, you too, Gwen.’

  Dolly left quietly, hoping there would be news of Jack on her return, but she wasn’t holding her breath.

  Bess sent Gwen to the neighbouring public house kitchens with a message to be given to the cooks and maids to let them know if they discovered Jack’s whereabouts they were to pass a message back.

  On her return, Gwen asked, ‘Do you think anyone will have seen where Jack went?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ Bess answered.

  ‘But you told D—’

  ‘I had to say something, the girl was beside herself!’

  ‘I wish he’d come back so everything could go back to being normal again.’

  ‘So do I, Gwen, but it’s not likely. He’s too proud to come skulking back with his tail between his legs.’

  They sighed in unison as they returned to their work.

  Whilst Dolly was getting sound advice from Bess, Jack had been considering the options open to him. The conclusion he kept coming back to was that he needed to find a job in a pub. It was work he knew and he was good at it. So, as he had earlier in the day, he walked from inn to tavern enquiring at each one he came to.

  As the afternoon wore on, Jack was feeling more and more despondent. No one was looking to hire a barman or cellar man. He knew he would have to find shelter by night-time and he began to worry he would never find work.

  Coming to the end of a street he didn’t know the name of, he realised he was totally lost. He’d never been to this area before and he recognised nothing. The buildings were unfamiliar to him and there were no landmarks from which to get his bearings. What to do now? Which way to go? Should he back-track to the shop he’d bought his food from? Could he even find his way back there?

  Looking around, he saw houses crammed together. A sharp odour hung in the air and he guessed the fish market must be somewhere near, but he didn’t know in which direction. I need to keep walking, then maybe I’ll find somewhere I know.

  Miserable, tired and hungry again, he wandered on, wishing he was at home with Dolly and his mum.

  ‘You all right, lad?’ a woman asked as he walked towards her.

  ‘I’m lost.’

  ‘Where are you looking to get to?’

  ‘I’m actually searching for work.’

  ‘Ah, well, you’ll not find any of that round here.’

  ‘Can you point me in the direction of the Bull Ring then, please?’

  ‘Oh, bless your cotton socks. At the end of this road you’ll see St Martin’s Church and the Bull Ring is at t’other side.’

  Thanking the woman, Jack moved on. As he walked, he recalled how the Bull Ring had acquired its name. An area previously known as Corn Cheaping had a green in the centre of it, which was used for bull baiting. The ring was a hoop of iron to which the bulls were tied before they were taken for slaughter. The Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 had put a stop to that, though, as it forbade the keeping of a place for baiting or fighting bulls, bears, dogs or any other animal.

  Coming to the end of the street, Jack saw the church and heaved a sigh of relief, at least now he knew where he was. He was still, however, out of work and had no home.

  Finding an inn on Moat Lane, not far from the Bull Ring, which rented rooms, Jack booked in for the night. Ordering hot stew and fresh bread, he settled himself beside the roaring fire. At least he would have a good meal and a bed tonight, but he would need to be careful with what money he had left.

  Overnight the temperature plummeted and the little puddles in the road froze solid. Lacy patterns crawled over windows and icicles hung from eaves looking like crystal stalactites which glittered in the light from the gas-lit streetlamps. The winter had come early, which meant it would be a long one.

  Jack was delighted to find a stone bottle filled with hot water in his bed when he retired, and snuggling down beneath the thick blankets and eiderdown he pondered his fate. He watched the moonbeams cast pretty designs on the ceiling, lighting the room brightly, looking like a kaleidoscope. The sky was clear and the stars shone like diamonds on black velvet.

  Tomorrow was a new day and he wasn’t looking forward to trudging the streets in the icy weather. Having left his socks on, he rested his feet on the hot bottle. Tonight at least he was warm and dry. Tired from walking the day away, he drifted into a fitful sleep.

  The following morning, after a good cooked breakfast, Jack set out into a frost-covered world. He shivered as the cold blasted his warm face and nipped his nose and ears. Walking carefully lest he slip and break a bone, he wandered away down Bradford Street and crossed the Deritend bridge which stood over the River Rea. There were at least sixteen pubs in the area but not one of them was looking for staff, he found out as he visited each. So, Jack moved on.

  His fingers and toes were cold so he stamped his feet and blew on his digits. He began to realise how desperate his plight was and he thought of others in the same situation. There were families having to live outdoors in this freezing weather, many of whom would not see the spring. Diseases such as pneumonia would carry off the old, the weak and the very young. Graves would be scraped out on the heath with bare hands by those left behind, for there would be no money for funerals.

  Coming to Bordesley Street, Jack ducked into yet another public house to ask for work.

  The landlord, a man in his fifties Jack guessed, had hair as grey as a badger and he looked through thick spectacles, saying, ‘Aye, I could do with a good barman who won’t thieve from me. What experience do you have?’

  ‘I was raised in the Crown Saloon and was manager of the Emporium of Dreams for a while.’

  ‘How come you ain’t there now?’

  ‘A woman.’

  ‘Ah! Well, I don’t pay much but there’s bed and board if’n you’ve a mind to take it.’

  ‘I will, thank you. My name is Jack Larkin.’

  ‘Will Jeavons. Welcome to the Hole in the Wall.’

  They shook hands and Jack was led up the dark stairs to his room overlooking the yard. He shivered as the cold hit him.

  ‘You can light a fire as long as you’re careful to put the guard up. Plenty of coal in the bunker at the back, help yourself,’ Will said pointing to the window.

  ‘Thank you, I’m grateful.’

  ‘Aye, well, get it lit then and come down and I’ll show you the ropes.’

  Jack hastily built a fire in the small grate and placed the guard securely in front, then went downstairs, counting his blessings. He knew he had been extremely fortunate in finding a job so soon, and Will Jeavons seemed a nice bloke.

  Shown where everything was, he now stood with Will behind the bar. The few customers were sat around the fire making their drinks last. It was clear they had no money for more and Jack wondered how the place could survive amongst the many pubs in Birmingham. One day he would count them, but for now he was just happy to be working again.

  ‘The last fella was pinching money out of the till, so before I sacked him I gave him a sound thrashing,’ Will said.

  ‘I don’t blame you,’ Jack answered.

  ‘I ain’t got a cook or maid so we have to do all that ourselves.’

  ‘I can cook.’

  ‘Good, ’cos I can’t. I can burn water, lad, so that’ll be your department.’

  Jack smiled.

  ‘We ain’t busy as you can see, so why don’t you nip to the kitchen and find something for us for tea?’

  With a nod, Jack did as he was bid. The old brownstone sink was piled high with dirty dishes and Jack sighed. The range threw out plenty of heat and he filled pans of water to wash the crocks once they boiled. He shoved the kettle onto the range, and searched for tea, sugar and milk. The pantry was well stocked and he found bacon, eggs and sausages on the cold slab, which would make them a good meal along with some fried bread.

  Taking a cup of tea through to Will, who smiled his thanks, Jack returned to the kitchen and set to at the sink. Before long, the smell of bacon filled the
kitchen and floated through to the bar.

  The aroma reminded the customers it was probably time to go home and once they’d left, Will locked the doors and joined Jack in the kitchen.

  ‘Bloody hell! You’ve been busy, lad!’ he said as he took in the sight of a clean and tidy kitchen.

  ‘Sit, your tea’s ready,’ Jack said, producing a plate of steaming hot food.

  ‘Ta lad, any more tea in that pot?’

  ‘Freshly brewed,’ Jack answered as he sat down too.

  ‘Bostin’!’

  Jack grinned. As he tucked into his meal, he felt blessed to have fallen on his feet and to have found a safe place to stay.

  27

  Over the next couple of weeks, nothing came back from the messages sent out as to Jack’s whereabouts. Both Dolly and Nellie were inconsolable with worry. No one had seen Jack or knew where he was, and Dolly convinced herself he must have moved to another town, but which one she had no idea.

  Nellie was more short-tempered and snappier than usual so Nancy kept her tongue behind her teeth lest they have a real fall-out.

  The work in the gin palaces went on as usual but there was no joy in it, for everyone feared something bad might have happened to the boy who was so well liked.

  However, over in the Hole in the Wall, Jack was settling in nicely and proving his worth both behind the bar and in the kitchen. He had given Will Jeavons scant explanation as to how he had ended up on the landlord’s doorstep, and Will had not pushed the matter. If the lad had his secrets, then let him keep them.

  Will had told Jack he was a widower and had no other family; he and his late wife had not been blessed with children.

  The pub was not a busy place but had enough custom for it to tick over, and Jack learned fast how to tap and vent barrels of ale. He got to know the regulars and spent many hours listening to their tales of bygone days.

  ‘We need to get the empty barrels out today ’cos the draymen are coming,’ Will said early one morning.

  ‘Righto, I’ll make a start after breakfast,’ Jack replied.

  ‘We’ll do it together, lad; can’t have you straining yourself and being fit for nothing.’

  Between them, they rolled the empty barrels out of the cellar and lined them up against the yard wall ready for collection, and mid-morning the dray cart arrived.

  Jack supervised the restocking of the cellar, then he and the men from the brewery went inside for a drink, Jack for his tea and ale for the others.

  It was as he walked through to the bar, tea in hand, that he stopped dead in his tracks.

  ‘Jack! My God, everyone’s been so worried!’

  ‘Hello, Wilton.’ Jack sighed. Of all the people to come across it would have to be Wilton Burton.

  ‘Your mum and Dolly will be elated to know you’re all right.’

  ‘How did you find me?’

  ‘I wasn’t looking – not as such, anyway. Will’s pub is one of our regulars.’

  ‘I’d rather you didn’t tell anyone you’ve seen me.’

  ‘But Jack…!’

  ‘I think you two should be having this conversation somewhere more private,’ Will Jeavons said, cocking his head in the direction of his few customers who were listening avidly.

  Jack and Wilton moved to the kitchen and conversation in the bar settled to a quiet buzz.

  ‘I don’t want Dolly or my mum to know where I am because they’ll be on the doorstep causing a ruckus.’

  ‘Whyever did you leave? Everybody is still in shock at how you just walked out.’

  ‘You know why, Wilton.’

  ‘Me? How would I know?’

  ‘Wilton, don’t play the innocent with me!’

  Wilton frowned at Jack’s outburst. Was he supposed to have done or said something that was the cause of all this?

  ‘Jack, I have no idea what you’re talking about.’

  ‘Then let me spell it out for you! All the flirting with Dolly! The little jaunt out to your brewery…’

  ‘Hold on there!’

  ‘No, Wilton! You and Dolly – it was plain as a pike staff!’

  ‘You have it all wrong, Jack.’

  ‘Do I? I don’t think so. How do you think it made me feel having to watch you two laughing and joking?’

  ‘I had no idea you had feelings for Dolly.’

  ‘Would it have made any difference if you had?’

  ‘Does she know? Have you told her?’

  Jack shook his head. ‘How could I? I know she’s in love with you.’

  ‘No! We have a good relationship, I’ll grant you, but it’s strictly business.’

  ‘I don’t think Dolly sees it that way.’

  ‘My dear fellow – I’m a married man!’

  The words hit Jack like a slap in the face.

  ‘What?’

  ‘Yes! I’m married and my wife has just given me a healthy baby boy!’

  ‘Does Dolly know this?’

  ‘Why would I discuss my private life with her?’

  Jack dragged his hands down his face and groaned.

  ‘You left the Emporium because you thought Dolly and I…?’

  ‘Yes. It was tearing me apart and I couldn’t stand the hurt any longer.’

  ‘You idiot!’

  Jack’s eyes shot fire and he jumped up from his seat at the table, his fists raised.

  ‘Sit down and listen to me,’ Wilton said quietly.

  The gentle tone disarmed Jack and he dropped back onto his chair.

  ‘The way I am with Dolly is the way I am with all of my clients. It’s business, Jack, nothing more. I’m sorry if you got the wrong impression.’

  ‘Oh, so it’s all my fault now, is it?’

  ‘No. Calm down, for goodness’ sake. What is your fault is not telling Dolly how you feel about her. She’s not a mind-reader, so how would she know?’

  ‘I couldn’t, not when I thought you and she… oh, God! I’ve made such a mess of things!’

  ‘You have, rather, but it’s not like you can’t put it right. All you have to do is take your courage in both hands and tell her.’

  ‘She’ll kick my arse to hell and back.’

  ‘For worrying her? Probably, and rightly so.’

  ‘Wilton, I’m sorry for holding you responsible,’ Jack said humbly.

  ‘You’re forgiven, but you have to sort this out because that girl is going out of her mind with worry, to say nothing of your mother.’

  ‘Oh, blimey! Once Dolly stops kicking my arse, my mum will take over!’

  Wilton laughed and Jack gave a crooked smile.

  ‘What will you do now you know the truth of it all?’

  ‘I don’t know. Will Jeavons took me in and gave me a job when I most needed it and I would feel I’d be letting him down if I go home.’

  ‘Does Will know anything about you?’

  ‘Not much.’

  ‘Then your first task is to explain it all to him and see what he says.’

  ‘I feel a right fool.’

  ‘That’s because you are.’

  ‘Wilton, do me a favour. Please don’t tell anyone you’ve seen me, not yet. I have a lot to think about so I can decide what to do next.’

  ‘I can’t lie for you, Jack. If I’m asked, I will have to divulge that I’ve seen you.’

  ‘I respect that. Give me a couple of days?’

  ‘All right, but after that I will visit Dolly and get everything straightened out from my perspective. I think it’s time I told her my good news – that I have become a father – and put a stop to any rumours and misunderstandings.’

  ‘Congratulations on that, Wilton, and I hope Dolly understands. For my part I’ll talk things over with Will Jeavons.’

  The two young men shook hands and returned to the bar where the landlord was leaning on the counter reading the newspaper in the dim lamplight.

  Wilton left them to their discussions.

  ‘So, you gonna be leaving then, Jack?’

  ‘About
that, Will,’ Jack said sheepishly.

  28

  Will and Jack slipped into the kitchen, knowing the customers would bang their coin on the counter if they needed their glasses refilling. Will doubted they would, though. Those four men would sit by his fire all day over a single glass of ale.

  When Wilton went he had given a promise to wait at least two days before visiting Dolly again.

  Jack made a fresh pot of tea and once they were settled at the table, he related his tale to his new friend.

  When he had finished, Will said, ‘As far as I see it, you should be getting back and whisking that girl down the aisle.’

  ‘You’ve been so good to me though, Will, and I don’t want to let you down.’

  ‘You won’t be doing that, lad. To be truthful, there ain’t really enough work here for the both of us.’

  ‘Then why did you employ me?’

  ‘I felt sorry for you, lad. You looked so lost and forlorn and I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I’d turned you back out onto the street.’

  ‘You’re a good man, Will Jeavons.’

  ‘And you’ll be a stupid one if you let Dolly get away from you, so take my advice and go home, and as soon as you get there, ask her to marry you. You thought you’d lost her once, don’t let it happen again.’

  ‘Thanks, Will.’

  ‘Go on, get going before it freezes over and is too risky to walk safely on the streets.’

  Jack went to his room to collect his things and then shook hands with the landlord who had been so kind to him. Will gave him his wages and Jack said, ‘I can’t take that.’

  ‘You can and you will, lad. You’ve earned it. Now get on with you.’

  ‘Thank you. If you need anything I’ll be at the Crown Saloon, I expect. I may not be given my job back at the Emporium but my mum will take me in again.’

  ‘Good luck to you, Jack.’

  ‘To you too, Will.’

  Leaving the Hole in the Wall, Jack walked towards home, praying he would be forgiven for making everyone so unhappy.

  Wrapped up warmly against the cold wind, he trudged through the dirty streets where palls of smoke from household chimneys swirled high about the rooftops.