Free Mother’s Ruin by Kitty Neale

didn’t, but look at me hand,’ Tommy said, holding it out like a trophy.
    ‘But . . . but you was on top of the bonfire and . . .’
    ‘Nah, you silly sod. It was a guy that I dressed in me old clothes. You can’t have a bonfire without a guy on top.’
    ‘Mum, I found Angel in the wardrobe,’ Sally admonished, ‘and she was very upset.’
    ‘I thought she was asleep,’ Ruth said, flushing with guilt. She then turned to Tommy. ‘Come on, lad, I think it’s time you went home.’
    ‘But what about me hand?’
    ‘It isn’t a bad burn and doesn’t even need a bandage. I’ve rubbed some margarine on it and it’ll be better in no time.’
    Tommy reluctantly rose to his feet, but paused on his way out to say to Angel, ‘You daft bugger. Fancy thinking I fell into me bonfire.’
    Sally hated his language but held her tongue as the boy left. ‘Say goodnight to Nanny,’ Sally told her daughter before taking her upstairs again.
    ‘Why didn’t Daddy come home?’ Angel asked as Sally tucked her into bed.
    ‘I expect he got held up at work,’ she replied, yet thinking there was more to it than that.
    ‘But he promised to buy me some fireworks.’
    ‘I know, darling. I’m sure he’ll make it up to you,’ Sally placated as she began to hum a lullaby, relieved when at last her daughter settled down. Angel had been badly frightened, and Sally’s anger was aimed at Tommy’s parents. How could they let the boy light a bonfire without supervision?
    It was fifteen minutes later when Sally crept from the room, her mother saying as soon as she walked into the kitchen, ‘I had no idea that Angel was still awake. Is she all right now?’
    ‘Yes, but I’m worried about Arthur. He was supposed to be home by seven and now it’s gone ten.’
    Just at that moment Arthur walked in. ‘Well, well, it’s about time,’ Ruth drawled.
    ‘Where have you been?’ Sally asked. ‘You said you’d be early and that you’d buy Angel some fireworks.’
    ‘Did I? Sorry, I forgot.’
    ‘I don’t see how when you must have seen endless fireworks going off.’
    ‘Look, I’ve got a lot on my mind. Now just leave it, will you.’
    Sally was unable to believe his attitude and now watched as Arthur took a seat by the fire, gazing into the flames. It was as though his mind was elsewhere. What was he thinking about, or who? One thing was certain; he obviously didn’t want to talk. ‘If that’s how you feel, fine. I’m going to bed.’
    ‘Are you all right, Sal?’ Ruth called.
    ‘Yes. Goodnight, Mum,’ she managed to say, aware as she left the room that Arthur was still staring into the fire.
    With one foot on the stairs, Sally paused as tears filled her eyes. She and Arthur were growing further and further apart. If only Gran wasn’t so ill, if only they could find a place of their own. Suddenly Sally was struck by another thought. Arthur hated living here, but he hadn’t mentioned moving out for some time now. Why?
    Was he going to leave her? With a sob, Sally ran upstairs feeling as though her life was falling apart.
    *   *   *
    A few minutes later Sally heard their bedroom door open and through tear-filled eyes she asked, ‘Arthur, are you seeing another woman?’
    ‘What? Of course I’m not. Whatever gave you that idea?’
    Angel stirred and worried that she would wake, Sally kept her voice low. ‘It isn’t just work that keeps you out late. You often arrive with the smell of beer on your breath and you never mention moving out now.’
    ‘I’ve got a lot on my mind and buying a house has been put on the back burner.’
    ‘So if it isn’t a woman, what is it?’
    ‘It’s to do with work and if you must know, Sal, I’ve been looking for a way out.’
    ‘What! Surely you don’t mean a way out of your father’s firm?’
    ‘That says it all, Sally. His firm. Not mine.’
    ‘But he’s your father and takes it for granted that one day the business will go to you.’
    ‘Yes, one day , but he isn’t