Kitty Neale - A Daughter’s Courage - A powerful, gritty new saga from the Sunday Times bestseller

‘Oh, Mum, you won’t believe it. I’m not meant to say anything until it’s official but I’ll burst if I don’t tell you. Robbie asked me to marry him and I said yes!’

Alice was genuinely pleased for her daughter, but had been secretly fearing that this day would come. Her heart sank. She could help to make Dorothy’s wedding dress, but, suffering from agoraphobia, she doubted she’d be able to get to the church to see her walking down the aisle. These damn stupid fears, she thought, cursing the affliction that would cause her to miss her only child’s wedding day.

Not only that, but Alice didn’t know how she’d cope without Dorothy. She hadn’t left the house since before the Blitz, not even to take shelter as bombs had dropped around her, razing houses to the ground. Thankfully Dorothy had been evacuated to Devon and Alice’s neighbours had rallied round, getting her shopping and anything else she needed. She had missed her daughter so much, but when the war ended and Dorothy was old enough, the young girl had taken over any outside tasks that Alice had been unable to do.

She had tried to step over the threshold of her front door on many occasions, but her phobia had always beaten her and she had retreated back into the safety of her home. Though she knew it was selfish, Alice worried how she would manage without Dorothy’s wage. She felt sure that Robbie wouldn’t want to live with his in-laws, especially in this part of Battersea. Their house didn’t have any of the modern conveniences like an inside toilet, and, from what Dorothy had told her, Robbie lived in the posh part of the borough. Apart from anything else Alice knew that they would want to start a family soon, and then Dorothy wouldn’t be able to work.

As if sensing her qualms, Dorothy quickly spoke.

‘It’s all right, Mum, you won’t have anything to worry about. Me and Robbie will make sure you and Dad are well looked after. We’ll have two salaries coming in, and I reckon he must earn a good one working as a mechanic. Whatever happens, I’ll still get your shopping in, and as for my wedding day, we’ll sort something out, even if it means I have to get married in the back yard.’

Guilt flared again at her daughter’s words, but Alice was so proud of Dorothy. What a thoughtful girl to be thinking about her mum and dad! Robbie was a lucky man, and she hoped he realised it.

Dorothy was far too excited to sleep that night, tossing and turning as she began trying to plan her wedding dress down to every fine detail. She pulled the thin blankets up under her chin and shivered. She wasn’t sure if the tremble was down to the chilly night or the memory of Robbie’s touch and what had happened in the alley. All her good intentions of losing her virginity on her wedding night had gone out of the window, but at least the man who had taken it was destined to be her husband. It hadn’t hurt like she’d heard it would. Actually, looking back she’d found it very enjoyable and couldn’t wait to be living with Robbie, sharing a bed with him every night.

But that was something to ponder on, and, though she had reassured her mother, Dorothy wondered what she was going to do about her parents. She couldn’t just abandon them. With her mother too afraid to leave the house, her father mentally unstable and no other family to share the burden, it would be down to her to ensure their security. Yet Dorothy was sure that Robbie would be understanding and supportive. He was fully aware of her situation so she wondered if he might consider moving into their home. It was an idea, but when she thought about the house that Robbie shared with his older brother Adrian she feared he wouldn’t agree. It was much larger and grander than this place, and in a better area too. She’d been surprised when she’d first seen the house and met Adrian. He was very different from his brother. Whereas Robbie was tall and good-looking, Adrian was short, tubby and balding, though his face was nice to look at.

Her mind drifted back to where they would live. If she could persuade Robbie to move in here it would be the perfect solution, at least until they were ready to start a family. They would have to rethink the situation then as there was nothing she wanted more than a child of her own, lots of them in fact – a house filled with little Robbies. Dorothy thought about how gorgeous they would look if they took after their father with his dark hair and big brown eyes.

She remembered how her dad used to play with her when she was a child. He was always so attentive and such fun to be with. Now, though, her dad’s illness was the only shadow in her landscape, but maybe holding a grandchild in his arms would bring him back to them.

Dorothy smiled, hoping her dreams would all come true as she pictured her future with the man she was going to marry and loved with all her heart.

Adrian replaced the telephone receiver and turned his attention to Robbie, who was looking agitated as he paced the office floor. Adrian knew they would never be taken for brothers. Robbie was tall, slim and dark with swarthy good looks, whereas Adrian knew his weight detracted from his pleasant face – and they were poles apart in character too.

Before his younger brother had a chance to speak, Adrian guessed that Robbie would be asking for money again. He took a deep breath, resolving that this time would be different; he wouldn’t be a pushover. He would stand his ground and be firm. It was about time he gave the young man a few home truths. He knew it would be difficult but it needed doing as Robbie’s finances appeared to be spiralling out of control.

‘Hello, Rob. Why aren’t you at work?’

‘It’s a bit slow today. We haven’t got any vehicles in so Roger sent me off early, not that I’m complaining. He doesn’t dock my wages and I bloody hate working in that greasy pit.’

Adrian sighed. ‘I told you to continue your education, Rob, but would you listen? No. You insisted on leaving school and in fact you’re lucky to be in your position. Lots of people would love to be a mechanic and earn the money you do. So stop complaining.’

‘Yes, but I wish I’d listened to you now.’

Adrian narrowed his eyes. That remark was enough for him to know that his brother wanted something and he could guess what it was. ‘So what brings you here?’

‘You couldn’t see me straight for a few bob, could you?’

Adrian looked at his brother’s confident stance and couldn’t believe his audacity. He didn’t even look sheepish about asking. He just came straight out with it.

‘I’m sorry, Rob, but no. You still haven’t paid me back from last time, or the time before that. I suppose you’ve been gambling again, but it’s about time you knocked that card playing on the head and took responsibility for yourself. I’m fed up with bailing you out all the time. You’re twenty-six years old, a grown man, and it’s time you acted like one.’

Adrian spoke firmly. He didn’t like being so harsh, but knew it was the right thing to do. Since their parents had died of influenza when Robbie was thirteen, Adrian had become very protective of his younger brother. However, Robbie was trying to take advantage of his generosity one time too many and his patience was wearing thin.

‘Don’t be like that, it’s not like you can’t afford it. This business of yours makes you a fair packet.’

‘Whether I can afford it or not is irrelevant. I’ve worked hard to build Ferguson Haulage up to what it is today, and to be honest, Rob, it’s not just about the money.’

‘What are you on about?’

‘I’m always clearing up the mess you leave behind with your reckless behaviour. Christ, man, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to console an upset woman because you’ve led her a merry dance with your lies and philandering. Not to mention the many times I’ve reimbursed the money you’ve swindled out of them. I’ve had it up to here with you.’