Hope in the valleys, p.33
Hope in the Valleys, page 33
‘Carry on,’ said the judge.
‘Is it true that you’d been communicating with Miss Bryce, who had been paying you for information about her daughter, who she had abandoned and was consequently adopted by Mr and Mrs Hughes?’
‘I – No. It’s not true.’ Rose stuck her bottom lip out like a sullen child.
‘And are you, maybe, hoping to share some of the compensation that Mrs Bryce is hoping to obtain?’
‘Course not.’
‘For you’ve been heard to say on a number of occasions, that you’d get your own back on people?’
‘No.’
‘And isn’t Mrs Meredith one of those people you’d like to get revenge on?’
‘No!’
‘Do not shout in my court,’ said the judge.
‘I put it to you, Miss Pritchard, that the events of August eleventh are just as the other witnesses have described, and that your account is different because it’s a lie, an opportunity, as seen by you, to sully the name of someone you want to ruin.’
‘That’s not true! I am telling the truth. She can’t bribe me, see, Mrs Meredith, ’cos I don’t work in the mine, and neither does my father.’
‘I have no more questions, my Lord.’
‘In that case, we move onto the last witness. Call Sergeant Rhodri Harries.’
Elizabeth became nervous. It was one person’s word against a few, yes, but what if the judge believed her mother had threatened the witnesses? What did the sergeant have to add when he wasn’t even there? He wasn’t known for his investigative skills, and she wasn’t aware of them bringing in any detectives.
The prosecuting lawyer had no questions for Harries, so the defence lawyer stood. ‘Sergeant, you didn’t witness the accident on eleventh August.’
‘No sir, but I took the witness statements, most of them on the day. The only person who came forward later was Rose Pritchard. She said she was afraid to come forward before, in case Mrs Meredith was able to pull strings and get rid of her father from the butcher’s.’
This was bad, thought Elizabeth. She put her arm through Tom’s whole one and leant against it. Their father’s face was emotionless.
‘And do you think that was the case?’
‘In my opinion, no, sir. I talked to witnesses who said they remember Miss Pritchard standing outside the butcher’s, a few doors down. I went and stood there myself, and there wasn’t the best of views.’
‘I see.’
Elizabeth sat upright. Harries had actually had doubts and done something about it off his own bat? That made a change.
‘Furthermore, in Miss Bryce’s bag, I found a collection of one-pound notes, twenty in all.’
There was a gasp from the spectators.
‘Talking to the police in the surrounding areas, I eventually found that the serial numbers on the notes followed or were similar to notes recovered from a felon arrested in Merthyr Tydfil a few months back, who’d made money selling stolen goods to profiteers. I’m afraid that a similar numbered one-pound note was spent in the confectioner’s in Dorcalon.’
‘Where is this going?’ said the judge.
‘We’re getting there, my Lord,’ said the lawyer. ‘Carry on, Sergeant.’
‘Mrs Davies, the shop owner, mentioned it to me only a couple of weeks ago, after she heard that pound notes were found in Miss Bryce’s bag. Unusual, it is, for anyone to pay with a note round here. It transpired that it was Miss Pritchard here who’d given it to her. She assumed at the time she’d acquired it from her father’s butcher’s. I asked Stanley Pritchard about it, and he had no knowledge of it. He came to see me a few days ago, said he’d been searching in her room for money that had gone missing from his own shop, and he found a few letters – from Delyth Bryce.’
‘He did what?’ Rose screamed, jumping up from her seat at the front.
A court official rushed over and made her sit back down.
‘And what do these letters reveal?’
‘That Rose Pritchard was indeed passing on information about Delyth’s abandoned daughter, Rhian, as she called her. But it was obvious they were talking about Sara Fach Hughes.’
A number of voices started muttering. Elizabeth looked at Anwen, whose face was scrunched up in anger. ‘How dare she!’ she hissed.
The judge banged the gavel several times. ‘Silence in court! Carry on.’
‘My Lord,’ said the defending lawyer, ‘It seems clear to me that, given the number of witnesses who claim that Mrs Meredith was going at a reasonable speed, and given that Rose Pritchard was too far away to be a reliable witness, and had an interest in blackening her ex-employer’s name, that the speeding claim is untrue. Therefore I recommend that this case be dismissed. Furthermore, despite Mrs Bryce’s claim that she was supported by her daughter, I have acquired a letter that states that Mrs Bryce cut her daughter out of her life four years ago, and they have not seen each other in that time.’
‘May I see it?’ said the judge.
The lawyer handed it over. The judge read through, frowning. After he’d finished he said, ‘So she can’t have been supporting her mother.’
Elizabeth looked towards Blodwen, whose mouth was pinched in as she glared at Anwen.
‘No,’ the lawyer confirmed. ‘I have no more questions.’
The prosecuting lawyer stood. ‘I have no further questions, my Lord.’
‘In which case,’ said the judge, ‘I declare there to be insufficient evidence to prove any kind of negligence, so there is no case to answer. And, either way, there are no grounds for compensation. Court dismissed.’
Elizabeth looked over at her mother, whose relief was obvious. It was the most relaxed she’d seen her in weeks.
‘You can’t do that!’ Blodwen Bryce balled, but the judge stood, ignoring her.
‘Thank God that’s over,’ said Herbert.
‘Is it, though?’ said Elizabeth, wondering what their ex-cook might do next to get her own back.
‘Look, what’s happening there?’ said Anwen, pointing towards Rose.
Sergeant Harries was going over to her, along with the two constables who’d been sitting behind Margaret in the dock. Tom started to speak, but Elizabeth hushed him.
‘Rose Pritchard, we’re arresting you on suspicion of receiving stolen goods.’
‘I’ve not stole nothing. I was given that money.’ She tried to sidestep them.
‘Which was obtained by selling stolen goods,’ said Harries.
‘But I didn’t—’ She struggled as they handcuffed her, trying to bite the older constable, but soon they had her confined.
‘Let’s face it, Miss Pritchard, it’s not the first time, or the second, is it? Take her away, boys.’
At the back of the courtroom, Blodwen Bryce was also being questioned by a couple of policemen.
When Elizabeth’s attention drew away from the scene, she realised her father had gone down to meet her mother. She and Tom waited for them to return.
‘We’ll leave you to it,’ said Anwen. ‘There’s a motorbus due in ten minutes, so we’ll go and catch it.’
‘Of course,’ said Elizabeth, ‘and thank you, both of you.’
‘Thank you, Anwen – and you, Gwen,’ said Tom, smiling.
Gwen smiled back before following Anwen out. The other witnesses had already left.
Tom put his arm around Elizabeth. ‘Come on, let’s get our mother home. I think we have cause for celebration, at last.’
‘Are you going to tell them now, about Gwen?’
‘On Sunday. Let’s get this over first.’
‘I’m so pleased you’ve found someone, Tom. What with a possible end to the war soon, this could be the start of a new phase of hope for us all.’
‘I do hope you’re right, Lizzie.’
* * *
Today was the day. Gwen sat at the table in her kitchen, with her back to the wall, watching her mam, da and mamgu as they drank their post-dinner cups of tea. She felt slightly sick as her stomach rolled. This should be a happy day, but how would they take it, especially as she’d kept it to herself all this time? Surely they’d understand her reasons. She didn’t have much time, so she’d better make this quick.
‘I suppose it’s back to normal at the Big House, tomorrow,’ said Mamgu Bertha. ‘No more worry about a looming court case. It must have been strained these last coupla months.’
‘It will certainly be a relief,’ said Gwen.
How she wished she could tell them exactly what it had been like: Mrs Meredith in the house all of the time, mostly in her bedroom; Elizabeth in charge; she and Tom trying to act normally. In most ways, she hoped things did go back to normal, and yet, Elizabeth had been a much easier person to work for. And would she even keep her post after today? It was a good job she’d made a start on the sewing, doing bits and pieces for people of an evening. She’d had a look at some of her older clothes, working out how to update them and maybe sell them on.
‘I, um, have something to tell you all,’ she started.
‘You’re not giving this job up already, are you?’ said Ruth. ‘You’ve not got the sewing business up and running yet.’
‘No, it’s not that, Mam. Though it’s possible I will have to give the job up. It’s just, there’s a young man I’ve been walking out with. He wants to come over and speak to you later.’
‘You kept that quiet, fach! Is there something wrong with him?’ said Albert.
Gwen thought about Tom’s arm, but that wasn’t what her father meant. ‘No, Da, in fact he’s very respectable and, well—’
There was a loud rapping at the front door.
‘Oh who’s that, now? Just as you’re telling us something important,’ said Ruth.
‘I’ll go,’ said Albert, making for the door.
‘Who is this young man?’ asked Bertha.
‘I’ll wait until Da gets back.’
When he returned, she wasn’t sure whether he was pleased or puzzled about something. ‘Well, there’s a mystery solved. Come in, lad.’ He leant out of the door and gestured someone in.
He’d come already? They’d agreed on half past two and it was only quarter past. She wasn’t ready.
Through the door came a figure, but it was one in uniform. He removed his cap and shoved it under his arm.
‘Hello Gwen, Bet you’re surprised to see me. Come to claim my girl, I have.’
It was Daniel Williams.
Chapter Thirty-Six
‘So, what is this important news you have to tell us?’ said Margaret, pouring the post-luncheon coffee in the drawing room. ‘It’s all very mysterious.’
Tom couldn’t believe the change in his mother since the court case two days ago. After walking like an old woman weighed down with years of trouble for the last couple of months, she was upright once more. Yet she hadn’t gone back to her old self, the sniping, controlling, always gloomy personality she’d become in recent years. It was like someone had dressed her in a youthful cloak of hope and possibility.
‘If it’s to do with the artificial limb, we already know about that,’ said Herbert.
Tom looked at his sister, who knew what was coming. She smiled and gave a nod of encouragement.
‘You see, I’ve met someone with whom I want to spend my life.’
‘But you’ve not been anywhere,’ said his mother, looking concerned. ‘Oh, in Cardiff, when you’ve been going on your own? Well, who is she?’ Margaret leant forward. He could tell she was trying to smile but was worried about what was coming.
‘No, not someone in Cardiff. It’s Gwen.’
‘Gwen? You mean our maid, Gweneth?’
‘Only our maid for the time being. She’s starting a clothing business.’ He hoped this might help his mother see that she was enterprising.
‘I’m very happy for you, son,’ said Herbert. ‘She seems like a very nice girl. Lizzie, you don’t seem surprised.’
‘No, Papa, I confess I already knew.’
Margaret still hadn’t offered any kind of opinion. She just said, ‘Mmmm,’ and stood to straighten her skirt. On sitting, she said, ‘She reminds me of myself at that age, full of life and confidence. I hope she never loses it. After all, I married a working-class man, even though I was middle class, well, lower middle class, I suppose, and that worked out all right.’ She took the hand of Herbert, sitting next to her, offering him an affectionate smile.
‘Is that it?’ said Tom.
Margaret looked back at him. ‘What else did you expect? I’m tired of fighting everyone. It’s time for some peace in my life. And to be honest, it’s just a relief that you and Elizabeth are to be settled down. I thought it would never happen. You’ve got a job now, and I’m sure you could apply for all sorts of very good desk jobs with your education, especially after the new limb is fitted. So, have you asked her parents for her hand?’
‘Not yet. I said I’d go over this afternoon.’
‘No time like the present, lad,’ said Herbert.
‘But it’s only ten past two and I said – oh well, I suppose it’s better to get it over with. Then maybe Gwen and I could take a walk while it’s still sunny.’
‘But you must bring her back here for us to congratulate her,’ said Margaret. ‘It would be better out of work hours.’
‘Very well!’ He jumped up. ‘Wish me luck.’
* * *
Daniel seemed to be enjoying relating his account of being shot and left for dead, then being recovered by the French, concussed and unable to remember anything.
This was terrible, that he’d just turned up, thought Gwen, standing like a statue as he related the story. Why hadn’t he written to tell her he was coming back, if he intended to keep up with the friendship? And why had he referred to her as his ‘girl’? When he hadn’t communicated after news of his discovery, she’d thought it a convenient opportunity to cease their connection, even though Esther had given her an address.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t write,’ he said. ‘My memory was still patchy until recently, and then Mam said how much you’d missed me and I remembered the letters, which must still be in my knapsack with the brigade. Hopefully it’ll find its way back to me eventually. Don’t suppose I’ll be going back to the war now, since it looks likely to come to an end soon.’
Had his returning memory played tricks on him about their relationship?
‘You’ve certainly been through a lot,’ said Gwen. ‘But the thing is—’
There was another knock at the door. She checked the clock. It still wasn’t half past two.
‘Who is that, now?’ said Bertha, all the while knitting as she listened to the unfolding events.
‘I’ll go again,’ said Albert, heaving himself up once more.
Daniel carried on, telling them about his train journey from Brighton to Dorcalon, his excitement building. Gwen wondered what was taking so long at the front door.
Daniel’s, ‘So, as I said,’ clashed with Gwen’s, ‘The thing is,’ and neither managed to finish before Albert led Tom into the room.
‘What’s he doing here?’ said Daniel.
‘I think there might be some kind of misunderstanding somewhere,’ said Albert. ‘Since Mr Tom has just asked for your hand in marriage, Gwen?’
‘He what?’ said Daniel. ‘He can bugger off. Gwen’s my girl. Been pining after me, she has. Mam told me. Didn’t know if I had a hope with her, but there you go. So, Mr Meredith, you’ve had a wasted journey. As if you could provide for her now, anyway.’ He indicated the arm.
Enough was enough. Gwen went to Tom, putting her arm purposefully around his stump. ‘I’m sorry, Daniel, but it is you who’s had the wasted journey. I have never said anything to your mam about pining for you. Tried to tell her we were simply friends, I did. She had completely the wrong idea, but I stopped contradicting her because I thought, well, that it didn’t matter.’
‘Because you thought I was dead?’
‘Well, yes. I’m sorry if she gave you the wrong idea, or if I inadvertently did so by anything I said, or didn’t say, but I was trying to keep her spirits up. I thought you realised I was just writing as a friend.’
‘Well, yes, I suppose I did, until she told me otherwise.’ He looked away and his feet shifted awkwardly. ‘I guess I’m not wanted here, then. I hope you’ll be very happy with Mr La-di-da.’
He slapped the cap back on his head and marched to the door, as if on parade.
‘I’m sorry, Daniel.’ He was in the hall before her last word was completely out. ‘Oh dear.’
‘It’s not your fault,’ said Tom.
Albert ran out after him, but the front door must have shut before he reached him, as her father was soon back.
‘Well, Gwen cariad, you are popular today,’ said Bertha.
‘Mam, Da and Mamgu, let me introduce Tom, who, well, I hope is my fiancé. Da?’
‘It’s all right, I give you my permission. Despite what I said before, it’s that relieved I am, that you’re not betrothed to Esther William’s son, though the lad hisself seems all right.’
‘Yes, he’s all right, but not a patch on Tom here.’ She snuggled up to him.
‘So, what does your mam make of this, then?’ said Ruth.
‘Both my parents are absolutely fine about it.’
‘They are?’ said Gwen, surprised. She had expected at least some objection from Mrs Meredith.
‘Yes, she is. She’s changed a lot since the car accident.’
‘Well sit down, bach,’ said Ruth. ‘I’ll get you a nice cuppa tea and you two can tell us your plans.’
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Gwen dusted the hall, singing to herself. She couldn’t believe that her and Tom’s relationship was not only out in the open but accepted by all the parents. She’d spoken with Mrs Meredith that morning, and they’d agreed she should continue working there until a new maid could be found. Gwen was sure her future mother-in-law didn’t think it ‘seemly’ for her to be the maid, and maybe she was right. She’d worried about losing the wage before. Now it seemed like an opportunity to get the sewing business going with her friends.
