Sister's Trio Squad

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Annie came into the kitchen with a basket full of wash ing. 'It's as wet as it was when it first went out. There's no drying this weather and Ellen's coming up the path, you can hear her clattering that ruler all along the wall.'

'Put it all on the airer in front of the fire, Annie. Then we'd better start supper. Has d**k fixed that tap yet?' 'No, it needs a new washer. He's coming over to do it later on so he said.'

Ellen came through the door and Margaret eyed her with resignation, shaking her head. 'You look about as tidy as a tinker's horse! Have you lost your ribbons again? You cost your Pa a fortune in hair ribbons."

"They always fall out because my hair is too fine. Why can't I have it cut?' 'Would you just listen to the bold piece, Annie. Wanting her hair cut at her age. Shame on you, Ellen Vannin!"

'I'm nearly grown up!' 'Oh, no you're not. I can't see what's the matter with it, you have lovely hair.' Margaret took off the navy blue velour hat and pushed the soft, light brown hair back from the child's face. She and Ellen had become very close. 'Look at the state of your dress. Did you spill your dinner down it?' She looked down at the thin legs in the fawn-coloured lisle stockings. 'You've got another hole in the knee again, and will you stop rattling that ruler along the wall, you know how it irritates your Pa.' 'He's never home, so why does it irritate him?"

'People complain.' Ellen ignored all this. 'Is that a letter from your Nancy? Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could see her?" go and

'Now don't start that again, Miss! Could you imagine your Pa's face if you said you wanted to be like Nancy? And it's a letter from my Ma and it's not a nice one, either. It's desperate. So, go up and get changed, wash your hands and then do your piano practice before Pa gets home, so you won't disturb him." Ellen grimaced but did as she was told. your

Later, when the dishes had been cleared away and the tea tray laid, Margaret and Ellen went into the small parlour that adjoined the library where Lewis Vannin was reading, Ellen with her homework, Margaret with the ledgers and invoices. The door was open and Lewis Vannin often looked up from his newspaper and watched them.

He was content with his life now; Ellen had become much quieter and less trouble since Margaret had come and he had to admit Margaret O'Maxwell was worth her weight in gold. She was very prudent and economical with his money and she ran his household far more efficiently and with less fuss than her predecessor had done. In fact, things had not gone so smoothly since before Molly died, he thought. Even Elizabeth wasn't so obnoxious. Margaret seemed to have a calming effect on people, he deliberated, watching the two heads bent over their work.

Margaret was considerably younger than him, but she had the qualities of a much more mature woman. It was as though she'd gradually taken over Molly's role. Occasionally he wondered what he would do if she ever got married and left him, but he hated disorganization, so he seldom dwelled on that subject. She seemed to spend her time off either with Ellen or shopping, and as far as he knew she'd only ever attended one Church Social, but she did go to Mass nearly every morning at six o'clock.

He returned to his newspaper. Ireland again. That accursed country! Were they never to be free of it? Having fought the British Army for four years, they were now intent on massacring one another. The former Rebels were now a recognized Government and were seeking British aid in the way of arms with which to subdue their fellow countrymen. He would never understand them! A noise from the other room distracted him and he lowered his paper to see Ellen closing her books. Margaret was Irish but she displayed none of the belligerence or devious ness that he associated with the race he read about. Maybe she was just different, or maybe it was only a handful of them that were so unruly and violent? He rose and walked to the sideboard and looked at the whisky decanter, then he went back to his chair. He took the odd drink now and then, but it was so easy to let it become a habit and he didn't approve of drinking, not to excess anyway.

Ellen had left the parlour and was about to barge into the kitchen as she usually did to tell Annie to boil the kettle for the late evening supper, but hearing raised voices she stopped. It was Annie and d**k and they were talking about Margaret. She pressed her ear to the door.

'Well, it's the talk of the Parish! Him in his fifties and her so young and unmarried and living under the same roof!'

'I thought you liked her, Annie?' 'I do, but that's not the point, is it? It's what people are saying about her and him that matters, and it's not very nice I can tell you, d**k Watson! She even sits beside him when they go to Mass on Sunday. You'd think that the child would at least sit between them! It's not proper at all and I'm not the only one who thinks so. It's the scandal of the neighbourhood!'

'I'd watch your tongue if you want to keep your job.' 'I'm only thinking of her! It's a wonder that sour-faced Elizabeth hasn't said something to him about it, but as soon as she hears about it she will, you mark my words.' 'And I suppose you'll be the one to tell her?'

'Not on your life! I'd not ell that one that people are saying her Pa and Margaret O'Maxwell are ... co-habiting. Aye, that's the word for it!'

Ellen drew away, her cheeks burning. She hated Annie! How could she say such terrible things about her Pa and Margaret? Then she went cold. What if someone did tell Lizzie and she came round in a temper and then then Margaret would have to go away! She wished she'd never listened. Margaret said it was rude to eavesdrop on other people's conversations. She turned around to find Margaret standing behind her.

'Ellen, what's the matter, you look terrified?' 'I... Oh, I hate that Annie Gillespie! Get Pa to get rid of her now, this minute."

'Annie? Why?' Ellen clung to her arm. 'She's been saying horrible things about you and... Pa. . . and if Lizzie hears

about it.

'What horrible things?' Ellen looked up at her with tears in her eyes. All her old fears flooding back as she saw her world in danger of

crashing about her ears again. Margaret shook her. What things, Ellen?'

"That you and Pa are . . . co... you're living under the same roof and that it's a disgrace co-something! That and that you even sit beside him at Mass and that I should sit between you and that if Lizzie hears them all gossiping she'll get mad and then you'll have to go away and I don't I want you to go away! I hate Annie and I hate Lizzie!' It all came out in a rush, without even a pause for breath and she hid her face on Margaret's chest and began to cry.

Margaret stared hard at the closed door, a tremor of shock running through her. She'd never even thought about it like that! She worked for Lewis Vannin, that was all. She worked for him like Mrs Rickard had worked for him, didn't people understand that? It was so malicious and hurtful and so very, very untrue.

'Wipe your eyes and go on up to bed. I'll bring you up a drink. I have to speak to Annie.' She disentangled the child's arms from around her waist. 'Go on and don't fret yourself. I'll get to the bottom of this.'

Her mouth was set in a grim, determined line as she

opened the kitchen door.

I've put the kettle on, it won't be long,' Annie said brightly. 'I'm glad you have something to be so cheerful about, you've just upset Ellen terribly!'

'Ellen?'

'She overheard you telling d**k what a disgrace it is that I'm co-habiting with Mr Vannin! Fortunately she doesn't know what that means!"

Annie's face was bright red and her mouth dropped open. Then she began to splutter helplessly. 'Don't try to deny it, Annie. A child wouldn't make up

something like that! She's terrified that someone will tell Mrs Winskill of these vicious lies." 'Oh, I didn't mean it - it's only what I've heard, what

others have been saying!' 'What others?' Margaret was trying to keep calm but her temper manifested itself in the pink tinge in her cheeks and the glow of anger in her eyes. 'What others?' she demanded.

'My friend, Emily, lives near your Aunt Maura and she said her Ma said