Desperate Measures

Val drew in a deep gulp of air, forcing her shoulders to relax. Take it slowly – just be friendly, she told herself. She called Treacle and, knowing that the dog wouldn’t be able to resist chasing the wildfowl that Betty was feeding, she clipped on his lead.

‘Hello again,’ Val said. ‘Treacle wanted another walk, but I didn’t expect to bump into you again.’

‘It was too nice to stay indoors and lovely to have Battersea Park opposite our flats.’

‘Yes, and with a dog but no garden, it’s a godsend. Do you mind if I sit down?’

‘Please do,’ Betty said eagerly, her smile one of pleasure. With Treacle around the ducks had waddled quickly away, and after shoving a paper bag into her pocket, Betty bent to stroke the dog’s head. ‘I’d like a dog too, but as I work full time it wouldn’t be fair to leave it in my flat all day.’

‘Fortunately my employer is a lovely man and lets me take Treacle to work. He even got him a basket to sit beside my desk.’

‘That’s nice,’ Betty said, then raised a hand to wipe it across her forehead. ‘Goodness, it’s hot.’

Treacle had moved to lie in the scant shade of the willow tree, panting, his tongue lolling, and worriedly Val said, ‘Yes, and I think it’s a bit too much for Treacle. I’d best take him home. If you’re ready to go, perhaps we could walk home together.’

Betty stood up, her expression eager. ‘Yes, all right. I’d like that.’

With Treacle beside them, they began to stroll slowly, Betty speaking enthusiastically about the flowerbeds that lined the path. ‘Look at those petunias. What a wonderful display. I used to have a large garden and miss it.’

‘I’m afraid I know nothing about gardening, but they’re certainly colourful.’

Betty indicated another flowerbed. ‘They’ve used red geraniums in that one.’

They continued to chat about the plants, but when they arrived at the flats, Betty sort of hovered at the door, smiling tentatively. Val could sense the woman’s loneliness, and hoped she’d accept her invitation as she said, ‘It’s my birthday today. If you aren’t busy, would you like to join me for tea?’

‘Oh, Happy Birthday and yes, I’d love to.’

‘I expect you want to freshen up first. Give me half an hour to make some sandwiches and then pop down.’

Betty looked delighted as she climbed the stairs, calling, ‘See you soon.’

Val went inside her own flat to make a plate of cucumber sandwiches, and then finding a packet of individual chocolate rolls she arranged them on a plate before gong to the bathroom to refresh her make-up.

Shortly afterwards the doorbell rang and Val tucked a stray lock of hair back into her French pleat as she answered it, a smile of welcome on her face. ‘Come on in.’

Betty stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room. ‘This is lovely – I just love your décor. Youngsters nowadays go for all the modern stuff with bright, garish wallpaper, whereas this is so soothing, so sophisticated.’

‘I prefer soft colours and as I can’t tackle wallpapering, I just gave it all a coat of paint. Would you like tea or coffee?’

‘Tea please.’

‘Sit yourself down. I won’t be a tick,’ Val said, going back to her small kitchenette.

When the tea was made she carried the tray through. ‘I hope you like cucumber sandwiches.’

‘Yes, lovely,’ Betty said, whilst eyeing the plate of chocolate rolls with appreciation.

Val sat opposite, poured the tea into small, delicate china cups and then offered cubes of sugar from a bowl, complete with little silver tongs.

Betty took two lumps, then saying, ‘Well, Happy Birthday again.’

‘Thank you.’

‘My daughter was waiting for me when I came home from the park this morning. She couldn’t stay long as she was off to buy new clothes for a holiday in Spain.’

‘That’s nice. Is she going with her husband?’

‘Anne isn’t married. She’s going with her boyfriend.’

‘Do you have other children?’

‘Yes, a son, and he’s single too.’

Val didn’t want to sound too inquisitive, so said, ‘I’m sure your daughter will love Spain. I once went to Barcelona and the architecture was stunning.’

‘You’re lucky. I’ve never been abroad.’

‘Yes, well, nowadays I’m lucky if I can afford a day trip to Brighton.’

‘Me too,’ said Betty.

So, the woman was hard up, Val thought as she mentally stored this small piece of information. ‘There are some lovely places in England and I’ve always been fond of Dorset. Do have a sandwich,’ she encouraged, whilst fumbling for common ground. ‘I suppose you heard that Judy Garland died on Monday?’

‘Yes, I saw it in the newspaper. It said she died from an overdose of sleeping pills.’

‘I was so sad to hear of her death. Since I saw her in The Wizard of Oz she’s been one of my favourite actresses.’

‘I loved her in A Star is Born,’ Betty enthused.

‘Do you go to the cinema much?’

‘Not really, but I did go to see Maggie Smith in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.’

‘Me too. I was so glad when it won the Oscar.’

Betty just nodded, munching on her sandwich and, when it was finished, Val held out the cakes.

‘Thanks,’ Betty said, taking one and biting into it with obvious relish.

Maybe food could be a common interest, Val thought. ‘I’m not much of a cook. What about you?’

‘I used to be, but as I only cook for myself now, it’s usually something simple.’

‘I love eating out, and often go to a little French restaurant in Chelsea.’

‘I’ve never tried French food.’

‘It’s delicious, Betty, and if you aren’t doing anything tomorrow, we could go there for lunch.’

Betty’s eyes lit up for a moment, but then her face straightened as she said, ‘I … I don’t know. Is it expensive?’

‘Not really, but don’t worry, it’s a family-run business and I know the owner. He usually gives me a discount.’

‘In that case, I’d love to.’

‘Wonderful,’ Val said as she stood up to take a packet of cigarettes from the mantelshelf. Inviting Betty to tea had been a good move and she was pleased that there’d now be another opportunity to get to know her better. ‘Would you like a cigarette?’ she asked.

‘No thanks, I don’t smoke.’

‘At six shillings a packet I know I should stop too, but I have managed to cut down.’

‘Do you work locally?’ Betty asked.

‘I’m a receptionist for a solicitor in the King’s Road.’

‘It must be nice to work in an office and so interesting.’

‘It can be sometimes, though most of my work is just routine. What do you do, Betty?’

‘I’m just a sort of cleaner-cum-housekeeper in Kensington. I used to live in Surrey, but saw the job advertised in The Lady. I applied for it and got it, but it meant moving to London. My employer’s away at the moment, but when in town he keeps me busy with his incessant demands.’

‘He sounds a bit of an ogre,’ Val sympathised.

‘He’s all right, but used to servants seeing to his every wish. His home is just amazing and it’s such a shame that it remains empty for most of the year. He has a large staff, but when his wife died he retreated to his country home taking them with him. I was lucky to be taken on for his London house, but as I said, only as a sort of cleaner-cum-housekeeper.’

‘If you’re the only one there, don’t you find it lonely?’

‘Sometimes, but I keep myself busy. It’s a very large house with plenty to do, and just polishing the silver can take all day. I’d love to work in an office like you, but I was a stay-at-home wife and mother so I’m not trained for anything else.’

‘There’s nothing wrong with being a housewife and mother,’ Val said. She had caught the trace of bitterness in Betty’s voice again, and though tempted to ask questions, it wouldn’t do to rush things. ‘Would you like another cup of tea?’

‘I’d love one.’

‘I’ll just top up the pot,’ Val said, taking it through to the kitchenette. So far she’d gleaned a little information, but if she didn’t want to scare Betty off she would have to play this carefully. In her experience, Val had found that if you shared a confidence it was likely to be returned, but it was too early to try this ploy now. She would have to wait, but nevertheless crossed her fingers, hoping that Betty would turn out to be a suitable candidate.

Chapter Three

On Sunday, Betty climbed into Val’s rather battered old car. ‘It’s smashing not to have to wait for a bus. This is lovely,’ she said.

‘I’d hardly call this old banger lovely,’ Val said dryly ‘and it isn’t a patch on the company car I used to have. Still, it’ll get us there.’

Betty gazed at Val and, seeing how elegant she looked, felt old and frumpy beside her. Other than her home-made clothes, there had been one or two outfits she’d worn when entertaining, but they were nothing in comparison to the beautiful dresses worn by the wives of Richard’s friends. Betty knew these women looked down on her, laughed at her behind her back, and so wherever possible she avoided them. The children became her life, the garden her refuge and her pleasure as she watched the things she had planted burst into life.

Yet now that she was alone, Betty craved friendship and companionship. It had been lovely to meet Val – lovely to be invited out to lunch. Would they become friends? Oh, she hoped so and, who knows, maybe Val would be able to give her a few tips on style.

‘Right, let’s go,’ Val said, smiling warmly as they drove off.

The sun was shining and they chatted happily as they drove over the Thames. In what felt like no time at all, they arrived at the restaurant where Val was treated like a long-lost friend.

‘Valerie, how lovely to see you,’ a dark-haired woman with a pretty French accent said. ‘How is Mr Warriner?’

‘He’s fine, Yvette, and as busy as ever.’

‘I’m not surprised. He’s a wonderful solicitor. Now let me find you a nice table,’ she said, leading them to one by the window.

Betty sat down, admiring the décor. The tables were covered with blue and white checked cloths, each with a small vase of fresh flowers in the centre. The chairs were raffia-backed, the seats in the same check material; though she had never seen a French bistro before, this was just how she would have imagined it.

Yvette handed them each a menu, saying, ‘Raymond’s special for today is daube de boeuf, but while you’re making up your mind, what can I get you to drink?’

‘Betty, would you like red or white wine?’ Val asked.

‘I’m afraid I don’t drink. Would it be possible to have a glass of tonic water?’

‘Of course,’ Yvette said. ‘What about you, Valerie?’

‘I’ll have a glass of your house red, please.’

Yvette bustled off and when Betty picked up the menu, she baulked. ‘Oh dear, it’s all in French.’

Val smiled, ‘Don’t worry, I can more or less tell you what’s on offer. As you can see, it isn’t overly expensive,’ she added.

‘How do you know the owners?’

‘When Raymond and Yvette wanted to buy this place, the solicitor I work for handled the conveyance. There were a few sticky moments, with the seller wanting to up the price at the last moment. Raymond would have paid it, but Mr Warriner convinced him to hold out and so saved him a lot of money. Raymond and Yvette seem to think that I had some input, even though I’ve told them I’m only his receptionist.’

Betty nodded, her eyes returning to the menu. ‘What’s the special that Yvette mentioned? The daube of something?’

‘Daube de boeuf. It’s a sort of beef stew,’ Val said as she too scanned the menu. ‘I’m not sure whether to have that or the poulet Basque.’

‘Sorry, the what?’

‘It’s a chicken stew with tomato and onions, but then again the quiche Lorraine is delicious too. If you want something light, it’s ideal, a sort of open tart filled with egg, ham and cheese.’

‘Yes, and as it’s the least expensive, I think I’ll have that.’

Yvette returned with the drinks and, after giving her their order, they sat back to wait. As Val smiled at her, Betty plucked up the courage to say, ‘I wish I knew how to dress like you. That outfit you’re wearing looks so elegant, but it must have cost the earth.’

‘At one time I could afford to go to all the best shops, but those days are gone. This dress would have cost the earth if it was new, but it’s actually second-hand.’

‘Really? Goodness, I used to go to the occasional jumble sale in our village hall, but I never found anything like that.’

‘It’s from a shop that sells only top-quality secondhand clothes. Finding it has been a godsend.’

‘Well I never. Mind you, even if I found it, I doubt there’d be anything to fit me.’

‘They carry a range of sizes. If you like, I’ll take you there.’

‘Would you? Oh, thanks, Val.’

‘If you’re free, we could go next Saturday?’

‘Can we make it in two weeks? I’m a bit short at the moment.’

‘Yes, that’s fine.’

Betty picked up her glass to take a sip of tonic water, unable to help wondering about Val’s past. She had at first appeared haughty, but in reality it was just the way she held herself, head high, a slight lift to her chin. Poised, Betty thought, like a model. Earlier Val had mentioned a company car, and now said that once she’d frequented the best shops. Something must have happened to change all that, but Betty didn’t have the nerve to ask what. Maybe when they got to know each other a little better Val would confide in her. But for now she smiled with appreciation as Yvette returned to place a plate in front of her. ‘It looks lovely.’

‘Yes, it does, and thank you, Yvette,’ said Val.

The two of them tucked in and Betty found the quiche Lorraine delicious. Between mouthfuls they talked about the merits of French cooking. She loved the salad dressing, and when Val told her how to make it she was determined to buy the ingredients.

In no time their plates were empty and when Yvette returned to clear them she asked, ‘Can I get you anything else, and – as I know you love it, Val – perhaps a slice of tarte tatin?’

‘Lovely, and Betty, you must have some too. It’s a sort of apple tart, French style, and I’m sure you’ll love it.’

Betty agreed to try it, and when it arrived they tucked in with relish. ‘Wonderful,’ she enthused, ‘and thanks for bringing me here, Val.’

‘You’re welcome, and anyway it’s nice not to eat alone for a change.’

Betty expected someone like Val to have a wide circle of friends or family, but it appeared that if she hadn’t been invited to tea yesterday, Val would have spent her birthday alone. Unable to resist the question, she blurted out, ‘Do you have any family?’

‘I have a few distant relatives, but I haven’t seen them in years.’

They continued to chat as they ate, Val going on to tell Betty that she had lost her parents many years ago. Betty found herself warming more and more to Val, so grateful for this budding friendship, and all too soon the meal was finished.

They split the bill, Yvette smiling warmly as she said goodbye. ‘Come again soon, Valerie.’

‘I will,’ she said, kissing the pretty French woman on both cheeks before they left.

Betty had loved the meal but, though it hadn’t been too expensive, she would still have to cut down on food for the rest of the week to cover the cost. It had been worth it, though, and lovely to be in Val’s company, but her mood lowered now they were going home. The rest of the day stretched ahead of her, followed by a lonely evening, but she brightened when Val spoke.

‘I’ll have to take Treacle for a walk, but after that why don’t you join me for a coffee?’

‘Lovely, but it’s my turn, so why don’t you come up to my flat?’

‘Yes, I’d like that,’ Val said, smiling warmly.

They continued to chat but when they arrived home and climbed out of the car, Betty saw a young woman sitting on the wall outside the entrance to the flats. She looked scruffy, pale, and anxious as she jumped to her feet, rushing to Val’s side. ‘Oh … Val … Val,’ she cried.

‘Paula, what’s wrong?’

‘I … I saw him.’

‘Come on, come in,’ Val urged, and as they stepped inside, she said, ‘Sorry, Betty. I … I’ll see you later.’

Without waiting for a reply, Val ushered the girl into her flat, the door closing swiftly behind them, leaving Betty mystified. The girl hardly looked the type to be a friend of Val’s. Who was she? And why was she so upset?

Chapter Four

Treacle yelped with excitement when Val and Paula walked in, his small tail wagging as he jumped up at Val’s legs but, intent on Paula, she said impatiently, ‘Get down, boy. I’ll take you for a walk soon, but not now.’

‘Oh … Val,’ Paula cried again.

‘Sit down,’ Val urged, worried by the girl’s obvious distress. ‘Tell me what happened.’

‘It was so hot in me bedsit and I felt stifled, so much so that I risked going out. I only went for a little walk, but … but I saw him.’

‘Did he see you?’

‘N – no, and before he got the chance I legged it. I … I ran, Val, almost all the way here.’

‘Oh, darling, I’m sorry I wasn’t in,’ Val consoled.

‘It ain’t fair. He … he ruined my life and shouldn’t be out there walking the streets.’

‘I’ll get you a drink,’ Val offered as she rose to her feet, her thoughts taking her back to the first time she had met Paula Richardson. She’d been to Clapham Junction and was walking back to where her car was parked when she saw a young girl ahead of her, limping and in obvious pain. The girl then stopped, and as it looked like she couldn’t walk any further, Val had gone to offer her assistance. That girl had been Paula. She had tripped badly, her ankle swollen, and despite her protests Val had insisted on driving her to casualty. Whilst waiting for X-ray results they had chatted; luckily it turned out that her ankle wasn’t broken, just sprained. On the drive home, Paula had been quiet, but when they neared her street it was as though a long-held dam burst and she poured out the story of what had happened to her so many months earlier. As she’d listened, Val had been shocked, sickened by the girl’s dreadful ordeal. Paula had looked so young, sounded so alone, a diminutive blue-eyed blonde who wasn’t yet twenty. Paula’s ordeal had awakened something in Val. She too had been hurt. Oh, not in such a dreadful way, but she was living with bitterness and hatred. Yet why should she? Why should Paula? Val had found that she wanted to do something, and, like an avenging angel, to hit back.

The chance meeting with Paula had sparked off Val’s plans, but that had been eighteen months ago and they were still a long way from fruition. Paula had suffered so much, was still suffering, her need the greatest, and Val was determined that she should be the first to benefit from her plans. She wanted to give Paula her life back, to get on with it, her surge of impatience quickly stifled when Paula began to cry.

‘Oh, darling, don’t,’ Val urged as she gave Paula a glass of sherry. ‘You’re safe now, and soon, I hope, you’ll never have to be afraid again. The woman you saw is the one I told you about, and I’m hoping she’ll be a suitable recruit. If she is, we can go ahead with our plans.’

‘Oh, Val, I hope you’re right. Before I met you, I … I didn’t think I’d be able to go on.’

‘Darling, don’t say that. I know you were dreadfully depressed, close to ending it all, but there’s no need now. We’ll get him, you’ll see.’

‘And you think this woman will help?’

‘With any luck, yes. Her name is Betty Grayson. She lives alone, and works as a housekeeper in Kensington. She also has two grown-up children.’

‘Won’t they be a problem?’

Val was pleased to see that Paula had calmed down. ‘No, I don’t think so. They live out of London and whilst I’ve been watching her, I’ve only seen the daughter once.’

‘It sounds like you’ve done all right so far. Have you told Cheryl about her?’

‘Not yet. She’s on duty all day but I’ll give her a ring this evening.’

Treacle began to clamour again, and knowing the signs that a walk couldn’t wait, Val said, ‘I’ll have to take him out, but why don’t you join me? After that, I’ll run you home.’

‘Yeah, all right, but I was hoping to stay a bit longer.’

‘I’m sorry, darling, but Betty has invited me up to her place for coffee and, if we want to get things moving, I must take every opportunity to work on her.’

Paula’s voice was lacklustre. ‘Yeah, I suppose so, but will I see you next weekend?’

Val wanted to use the valuable time to get to know Betty, but with Paula looking at her so hopefully, she just couldn’t refuse. ‘How about next Saturday? I could pick you up at around eleven o’clock.’

‘Great, and … and thanks, Val.’

The two of them left the flat to take Treacle for a walk, the dog almost dragging Val to the nearest tree. When they crossed into the park, Val let him off the lead for a run, whilst Paula’s feet dragged, her eyes flicking nervously around her as they ambled along. Val hated to see her like this, the poor girl a nervous wreck, and felt a wave of determination to move things forward. She’d share a confidence with Betty and cross her fingers that it would be returned.

Impatient to get on with it, Val made it a short walk, then clipped on Treacle’s lead to take him to her car. She opened the back door, the dog scrambling onto the seat. ‘Good boy, and stay there,’ she ordered.

Paula climbed in beside her. Obviously reluctant to be driven home, she said sadly, ‘I hate me bedsit.’

‘Why don’t you look for a better one? It would give you something to do and take your mind off things.’

‘I’d still feel like a prisoner, stuck in the house, too scared to go out.’

‘Not for much longer,’ Val said firmly, hoping she was right.

Soon they pulled up outside the tall, narrow house near Clapham Junction where Paula had a bedsit on the first floor. ‘Bye, Val … and see you next week.’

Val said goodbye, but saw how Paula’s shoulders were stooped with unhappiness as she climbed out of the car to walk to her door. A surge of rage made her heart pound. It was dreadful that Paula had to live like this, and Val’s hands gripped the steering wheel as she drove off, her knuckles white. They had to move forward – had to – and now her thoughts focused on Betty and a way to draw the woman out.

When Val returned to the flats she went straight upstairs to knock on Betty’s door.

‘Val, come on in,’ Betty invited, her face alight with pleasure. ‘When I saw that young woman waiting for you, I wasn’t sure you’d be up for coffee.’

‘I’m a bit late, but Paula was upset and I had to run her home. Do you mind if I bring Treacle in?’

‘Of course not. It was awful to see the poor girl in such a state.’

‘She’s fine now,’ Val said, unwilling as yet to talk about Paula, ‘and just someone I took under my wing.’

In Betty’s flat, Val saw ornaments in abundance, with a fussy crochet runner along the surface of the sideboard. There were embroidered linen chair-backs on the three-piece suite, fussy net curtains at the windows and, though it wasn’t to Val’s taste, it was homely, cosy – a perfect reflection of Betty’s personality.

Treacle made a fuss of Betty as she bent down to stroke him, and then he made straight for the rug in front of the fireplace where he settled down immediately. ‘Well, would you look at that?’ Val said. ‘He’s made himself at home already.’

‘He’s lovely,’ Betty said, smiling wistfully. ‘Now, sit yourself down and I’ll make us a drink. I’m afraid I’ve only got Camp coffee. Will that do?’

‘Sorry, Betty, in that case I’d rather have tea.’

‘Tea it is,’ she said, bustling off to her kitchenette.

Val sat back, her eyes closing as she rehearsed what she was going to say. It wouldn’t do to give too much away yet but, with any luck, if she spoke about her own situation, it would encourage Betty to do the same.