Battles Lost and Won by Beryl Matthews

Author:Beryl Matthews [Matthews, Beryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Severn House
Published: 2011-09-01T04:00:00+00:00

Twenty

Sales that day had been exceptionally good, not even counting the huge amount Mrs Russell had bought. That wasn’t normal trade, so Ruth didn’t include it in her day’s takings. She would put it aside for a rainy day. Her dad’s job seemed secure at the moment, but it wasn’t wise to take it for granted because so many men were out of work. It was even tough at the market, and that was why she had sent John to buy something from the man who made wooden toys. People were watching the pennies and didn’t have anything to spare for luxuries.

John smiled up at her as they made their way home. ‘We had a good day today, Ruthie. Thank you for the toys. The man was ever so pleased when we bought so much from him.’

‘I expect he was. We must help people when we can. Times are hard.’

The boy nodded. ‘Why are some people rich and others poor, Ruthie? It don’t seem right.’

‘I know how you feel, John, but it’s always been like this. A lot of things need to change before it gets better. Men need decent wages and secure jobs. Many of the slum houses should be torn down and new ones built to buy or rent at reasonable prices.’

He pursed his lips thoughtfully. ‘Do you think that will ever happen?’

‘I hope so.’ She placed an arm around his shoulder as they walked along. ‘But Dad and me don’t intend to wait for that time to come. We’re both working hard to get us out of the slums. One day we’ll have a nice house away from here, you’ll see.’

He smiled again. ‘I’ll help too.’

‘You are helping, John.’

When they walked into the scullery everyone else was home, and there was a lovely smell of cooking from the large pot bubbling away on the stove.

Ruth sniffed appreciatively. ‘Smells like your famous suet bacon roll, Mum.’

‘I thought you’d both be hungry after a day at the market.’ Daisy took some of the parcels from them. ‘What on earth have you got here?’

‘We’ve had a good day, Mum,’ John told her proudly. ‘The captain and his wife came to see us, and they bought ever such a lot of things. Oh, and Lilly was with them, as well.’

‘Why were they here?’ Steve asked, frowning.

‘They came to the house first, but you were all out, so they came across to the market. I’ll tell you about it later.’

Steve and Daisy nodded, knowing their daughter would rather talk to them alone.

‘What did you think of Lilly?’ Daisy asked her youngest son.

‘All right, I suppose.’ He turned swiftly to Eddie and Sally. ‘Ruthie sold so much today she’s bought us all a present. I chose them, but the man said we can change them if you’d rather have something else.’

‘What did you get me?’ Sally was jumping up and down in excitement.

‘A little dolls’ house, and I got a train for Eddie.’

‘Children, take your presents into the other room while I get the supper ready,’ Daisy ordered.

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