Free A Rare Ruby by Dee Williams Page A

nice to have some flames around it,’ said Mr Cox.
    ‘Ain’t got money to waste on brandy. I’m just pleased I’ve been able to make a pudding,’ said Mary Jenkins.
    They all put on the paper hats Ruby had made out of newspaper. Tom yelled with excitement when he found the silver thrupenny bit in the pudding. Beth went over to the pram and with a great flourish pulled a bottle of port from under the covers.
    ‘Where did that come from?’ asked Mary Jenkins.
    ‘It came with the compliments of the season from Mr Thompson.’
    ‘From the pub?’ Mr Cox was sitting next to Ruby. ‘He ain’t known for his generosity.’
    Beth smiled as she poured them all a small drop of port into cups. ‘It’s because I’m good at me job, and don’t mind doing the odd extra bit when he asks me.’
    ‘Ain’t seen nothing of this husband of yours yet. Does he mind you working at the pub?’
    ‘It won’t be for ever, I’m just helping out.’
    ‘So how long you stopping with your aunt then?’
    ‘I don’t know.’
    ‘You must get very lonely without a man to keep you warm at nights. I expect your husband misses a pretty little thing like you.’
    ‘I hope he does.’
    ‘Still, you know what they say about sailors.’
    ‘Yes, I do. Ruby, pass me your cup.’
    ‘I don’t think Ruby should have any,’ said her mother.
    ‘Oh go on, it is Christmas. Don’t worry, I’ll not give her that much.’
    The laughter and noise got louder as the level in the bottle got lower. Beth began singing; Mr Cox had a flushed face; and her father, after a couple of cups of port, had Christmas pudding all down himself as he tried to find his mouth. Only Mary Jenkins was quiet.
    ‘Your mum says you’re at work now then.’ Mr Cox put his face close to Ruby’s; he had been at the pub in the morning and his breath smelt of beer. His hand was under the table, and he began groping her knee. ‘You’re getting to be quite a grown-up young lady. And a very pretty one, I might add. I expect we’ll soon have all the boys knocking for your attention.’
    Ruby quickly gave him a look. ‘I don’t think so. Mum, shall I start clearing the table?’
    ‘No, leave it for a bit, love.’
    Ruby could feel Mr Cox’s hot hand slowly moving up her leg. She wanted to slap his hand but knew she couldn’t do anything to upset him, as they only lived there because he let them and they could all finish up in the street, or the workhouse, if he turned them out.
    She tried to catch Beth’s attention, but Beth had her head back and, with her eyes closed, was softly singing.
    ‘Tom, how are you getting on with that colouring book?’ Ruby quickly pushed her chair back.
    Tom looked up from the floor with a bewildered expression on his face. ‘All right. Why?’
    ‘Thought you might want some help.’
    ‘No.’
    ‘Ruby, do you mind if I have a lay down?’
    Ruby looked at her mother. ‘No, course not. Mum, are you sure you’re all right?’ She’d noticed how silent Mary had been.
    Her mother smiled. ‘Course I am. It’s the port. I’m not used to drinking.’
    ‘Don’t worry about the washing up, Mrs Jenkins,’ said Beth, sitting up and opening her eyes. ‘We’ll see to it.’
    ‘Thanks. This is the best Christmas we’ve had for years. I shall be sorry when you do have to leave us.’
    ‘You’re not going away, are you?’ asked Ruby, suddenly filled with gloom.
    ‘No, course not.’
    Ruby watched her mother leave the room. This wasn’t like Mary at all. She always rushed about doing everything herself, yet she hadn’t protested at Beth’s offer. Ruby looked at her father, but now he had his eyes closed.
    Beth was still singing as she began to clear the table, then she disappeared into the washhouse.
    Mr Cox came over and put his arm round Ruby’s shoulder. ‘D’you know, you’ve grown into a very lovely girl.’ He ran his fingers through her hair. ‘This is very pretty.’
    She pushed him away. ‘I’ve got to help