Anthony chose the egg and then whispered to his mum, ‘And can I have some of that after?’ pointing to the Victoria sponge with oodles of jam and cream emerging from the centre.
Sarah nodded in response.
‘This is lovely,’ Sarah said. ‘Ronnie tells me that you’ve all been here since 1923? And that you’re both teachers at the local school.’
‘So, our Ronnie has been giving you all the family history, has he?’ Dot asked, casting a cheeky look at Ronnie.
‘Skeletons and all,’ Ronnie replied, laughing.
The humour lightened the tension that Sarah felt. She didn’t want her nervousness to come across. They were being so kind.
‘He’s told me a brief background to how he came to the Isle of Wight, yes,’ Sarah replied. ‘And all about Micklewell. It sounds a lovely place.’
‘Are you a country girl at heart, Sarah, or have you always lived in the town?’ Dot asked.
‘Well, I was born in Wales, in a mining town. My father was a miner. It’s about the only job you can get in that area of the country. He didn’t have much choice really. He died of silicosis.All miners’ wives knew their husbands’ time would be limited,’ Sarah replied. ‘It was a fact of life down there. My ma didn’t last long after him, either. She had a heart attack.’
‘So, neither of them knew little Anthony?’ Amelia said. ‘That’s very sad.’
‘Yes, it is, but my aunts have absolutely doted on him since we moved to be near them,’ Sarah replied. ‘He’s a very lucky little boy. He gets treated to all sorts. They spoil him.’
‘How do you like your job, Sarah?’ Dot asked.
‘Well, it brings the money in. The men are a bit rough and ready, but they always watch their manners when they’re around me. I would really like to be doing something a bit more creative. I’m sure teaching is a very fulfilling job to have.’
‘Yes, it is,’ Dot said. ‘But quite exhausting sometimes, wouldn’t you agree, Amelia?’
‘Definitely. I’m always ready for my bed on any weeknight. What do you mean by creative, Sarah?’ Amelia asked.
‘Not teaching. I’m not clever enough for that,’ Sarah said.
‘Don’t underestimate your talents, Sarah,’ Ronnie interrupted. ‘You’d make a wonderful teacher. I’ve seen how much you encourage Anthony with his drawing and reading. He will go to school already able to read, write his name and count to twenty or more, I’m sure.’
‘No, I’m too old to do the training now — besides, I need to earn our keep,’ Sarah said.
‘That won’t be your sole responsibility for ever, though, will it?’ Ronnie said, reaching for Sarah’s hand and squeezing it. ‘Who knows what the future will bring?’
Dot and Amelia exchanged glances.
‘I’m sure you could turn your hand to many creative things, Sarah,’ Dot said. ‘Now, how are you and Anthony at playing snap? How about it, Anthony?’ Dot asked.
‘That’s a good idea. We love snap, don’t we, Anthony?’ Sarah replied.
Anthony nodded and then whispered something to his mum.
‘Anthony says could he have just one more piece of cake, please?’ Sarah asked.
‘Of course,’ Amelia replied, serving him another slice of her delicious sponge.
Ronnie was so pleased that the afternoon was going well. He would, as Dot suggested, arrange to take Sarah and Anthony to meet the rest of his family as soon as he could arrange it.
The afternoon passed cordially, and Dot and Amelia steered clear of the subject of divorce until it was time for them to leave. Sarah took Anthony to the toilet and Amelia used the opportunity to whisper to Ronnie, ‘I’ll get on the case of finding a solicitor. I have some contacts in the profession. It would help, I’m sure, if there was a witness to his violence.’
‘Thank you,’ Ronnie replied. He was relieved that he had disclosed the problem of Sarah’s husband and was hopeful that they might be able, in some way, to help.
‘And you be careful of her husband. If he’s a violent man, you need to steer clear of him,’ Dot added.
Chapter 14
