Free Birmingham Rose by Annie Murray

more tea, laying Harry down on a chair. He had fallen asleep with a streak of milk still wet on one plump cheek.
    ‘So that’s my life, Mr Harper-Watt,’ Dora said, pouring more water into the pot. ‘Not much to show for it, is there? Sorry you had to listen to it all, but it’s been a relief to have a talk.’
    ‘No.’ Ronald sat forward to emphasize what he wanted to say. ‘You don’t realize. It’s been a privilege.’
    She noticed suddenly that his large hands were trembling, and she felt disarmed by it.
    ‘In fact,’ he went on, ‘you’ve probably helped me more than I could ever help you. You see, I’ve been feeling very – out of place, shall we say? – in my work. I’m thinking of moving to work in a parish such as your own – like St Joseph’s.’
    Dora stared at him. ‘You’re coming to St Joseph’s?’
    ‘Well, no. But I’d like a parish near the middle of the – a – city. In places which aren’t quite so . . .’ He was lost for tactful words.
    ‘In the slums, you mean. Well, if you’re asking me, I’d say do it. I’ll be frank with you, Mr Harper-Watt. I’m not a churchgoer myself, but I’ve been to more than the odd wedding and funeral at St Joseph’s and that Reverend Gasbag, or whatever he calls himself, he ain’t living in the same world as the rest of us. We could do with someone a bit more human like you.’
    Ronald sat back, feeling he’d received a great compliment.
    ‘And by the way.’ Now Dora had found her tongue again she couldn’t seem to stop using it. ‘I’ve never thanked you and your wife for all your kindness to my Rose. You’ve done a lot for her. And your Diana’s a good kid. I thought it wasn’t on at first, them two being pals, but now I’m glad it’s happened.’ And she almost smiled.
    ‘We think Rose is a marvellous girl,’ Ronald said, sipping his cup of extremely sweet tea, and to his surprise enjoying it. ‘We’re all very fond of her. She’s a bright child, you know. Given the right opportunities she could go far.’
    Even as he spoke, Ronald realized that he was talking out of a different world. Opportunities were not things that had arisen much in Dora’s life. She just nodded at him.
    When he got up to leave they shook hands, warmly.
    ‘Thank you for talking to me,’ he said. ‘And for the advice.’
    ‘It were good of you to come,’ Dora said bravely. ‘I know I can’t sit moping here forever. Life has to go on, and I’ve got my young genius to look out for!’
    In silence Rose watched his tall figure walk across the court. Just before disappearing through the entry he turned and waved to her. At that moment she really thought he must be an angel.

Seven
July 1936

    ‘I’ve got a job!’
    They were Rose’s first words as soon as Diana opened the door.
    ‘Jolly well done.’ Diana beamed at her. ‘I’m so glad.’
    Catherine came into the hall to add her congratulations, looking as stately as ever. She was wearing a cool, cream dress that flattered her curves and her thick hair was pinned up in a fashionable style round her head.
    ‘Come and have a glass of home-made lemon,’ she said to Rose. ‘We were just sitting outside.’
    They went out to the back of the house where there was a blue-brick terrace facing the old walled garden. Tendrils of wisteria hung down from the house and the garden felt warm and languid as bees buzzed round the hollyhocks and tiny yellow roses climbing the garden wall.
    Judith looked up from the book she was reading on her lap. She was quite unlike Diana and William, with a smaller frame and dark hair and eyes. ‘Hello Rose,’ she said. ‘I suppose you’re all going to talk now.’ She slipped off the chair and went to lie with the book on her stomach on the grass.
    ‘Come on, tell us about the job,’ Diana said as she sat down. ‘Was it the first one?’
    ‘Yes,’ Rose said proudly. ‘My first interview. It’s at Lazenby’s Butcher’s Remnants Company near the market.