Mother’s Ruin by Kitty Neale Page A

said, her eyes full of sympathy as they met Ruth’s.
    Things were a little subdued at first as they sat down to make plans, but the tension soon eased. Food was the first thing they discussed, then drink, music, and a second list was drawn for guests. ‘It’s funny,’ Ruth commented. ‘I seem to remember helping you out with another party some years ago. The one you threw for Arthur before he left for Australia.’
    ‘Our first grandchild must have been conceived that night. Maybe lightning will strike again at Bert’s party,’ Elsie said, chuckling.
    Ruth smiled and soon they were reminiscing, until at nine- thirty, Elsie said she had to leave.
    ‘I’ll ring for a cab, but while I’m waiting can I pop upstairs for a peek at Angel?’
    ‘Of course you can, but for Gawd’s sake don’t wake her up.’
    Elsie was soon back downstairs again, smiling softly. ‘Angela looks so sweet, but don’t worry, she’s out for the count. I’m surprised that Arthur still isn’t home. I can’t imagine where he is.’
    Ruth managed a nonchalant shrug. ‘He knew Sally would be at the hall this evening so perhaps he went to a pub for a drink.’
    ‘Yes, that’s probably it,’ Elsie agreed, and then they heard the toot of a horn.
    ‘That’s the cab,’ Ruth said, and though she went with Elsie to the front door, then waved as the taxi drove off, her mind was churning. She’d been sure for a while now that Arthur was up to something, and though hiding her concern from Elsie, she was swamped with suspicion.
    Sadie was dozing, but Ruth kept glancing at the clock, until at last, half an hour later, Arthur came home. ‘Hello there,’ she said, doing her best to act normally. ‘You’re late. Have you had a busy day?’
    ‘Yes, a delivery to Devon. A big load too and I’m bushed.’
    As she lit a cigarette, Ruth looked at Arthur from under her lashes. He was lying of course, but why? All these late nights, and the lame excuses pointed to one thing. Arthur was being unfaithful to Sally. He was having an affair. Should she say something? Confront him? Ruth opened her mouth, about to have it out with him, but then the door flew open and Sally entered the room with a flurry.
    ‘Hello, darling,’ she said, her eyes on Arthur before anyone else.
    Ruth watched her son-in-law’s reaction, saw the fondness in his eyes as he wrapped his arms around Sally and berated herself. No, Arthur would never be unfaithful. He obviously loved Sally, but Ruth was still sure he was up to something, though what it was remained a mystery.
    When everyone had gone to bed, Ruth sat alone in the kitchen, her face set in sadness. When her sister had turned up with a bloke, albeit a black man, she had felt her own loneliness. There were times when Ruth craved to feel a man’s arms around her again and lighting yet another cigarette, she wondered if she dare take the chance. Yet what hope did she have of meeting anyone? Her life revolved around work and home. Not only that, women just didn’t go into places like pubs on their own.
    Taking a final drag on her cigarette, her shoulders slumped, Ruth at last went upstairs to her lonely bed.

Chapter Seven
    On Saturday morning Sally was humming as she absent- mindedly flicked a duster over the furniture. Angel had stayed overnight with Elsie and alone at last, she and Arthur had spent most of the night making love. It had been wonderful, Arthur’s eagerness matching hers and after waiting so long, the first time had been over quickly, so much so that it had proved to Sally that she had been silly to suspect Arthur of having an affair.
    ‘What’s that bleedin’ racket?’ Sadie complained.
    Sally moved across to the window, her lips set in a grim line when she saw Tommy Walters being thrashed by his mother. Angel was close by, watching the scene and obviously distressed as the boy screamed out in agony. Sally had no time for the lad, but no matter what he’d done, there was no need for Laura Walters to