Page 25 of Maybe Tomorrow

Pauline looked up for a second then went back to her ironing. ‘They look fine, Anthony.’

‘It doesn’t match the jacket.’

‘Of course it does. They’re both black.’

‘But the jacket seems lighter.’

‘That’s because you’ve had it longer than the trousers. Anthony, trust me, you look fine.’

The doorbell rang.

‘Bloody hell, that’ll be Leo.’

‘You swore.’

‘I know I did,’ she said, grabbing the dress and heading for the stairs. As much as she liked Leo, she really didn’t want him seeing her in her dressing gown and without a touch of make-up. ‘Give me chance to get upstairs then let him in,’ she said over her shoulder, taking the stairs two at a time.

By the time Pauline came back downstairs, she was wearing a knee-length black dress with shoes, tights, coat, and hat all in the same colour. She’d added a touch of mascara to her eyes, rouge to her cheeks and a deep-red lipstick to add a touch of colour. She’d also sprayed the expensive perfume she’d treated herself to last summer. Today was a sombre affair, but it was rare for her to dress up.

In the living room, Leo had sorted out Anthony’s tie and helped him spit-polish his shoes. Both of them looked handsome in their funereal dress, though Leo looked almost edible in his fitted suit and white shirt. It was the wrong time to tell him, obviously, but she’d remember to bring it up at a later date.

‘You look… so elegant,’ Leo said, smiling.

‘Thank you,’ she said, giving a little curtsey. ‘You’re looking very dashing yourself, Mr Mulligan.’

‘Mu-um,’ Anthony groaned.

‘I’ll just go and get my bag,’ she said, heading into the kitchen.

‘Have you got plenty of tissues?’ Leo called after her.

‘Yes. Three packets.’

‘I saw Geoff yesterday as I was driving home from the office,’ Leo said. His voice had taken on a lower tone. ‘He looks shocking.’

‘Jane was telling me that the weight has just dropped off Judith. She’s not looking after herself.’

‘It can’t be easy. Losing a child like that. I’ve wanted to go round, but I can’t think of anything to say that they probably haven’t already heard a dozen times.’

‘Come on, we don’t want to be late,’ Pauline said, making a play of looking at her watch. ‘Now, Anthony, are you sure you still want to go?’

‘Yes. I want to say goodbye to Alice.’

Pauline took a deep breath and gave him a placating smile. She loved her son so much. She just wished she knew what was going on in his mind, and, more importantly, what he had really been doing on that night three weeks ago.

All traffic was headed for one destination– St Hilda’s Church at West Cliff in Whitby. Parking was restricted. Leo had to park four streets away and he, along with Pauline and Anthony, had to walk the rest of the way. The streets were lined with mourners in black, heads bowed, as they made their way to the church. Most would get a seat inside, but many would not.

When they entered the church, Pauline grabbed Anthony’s hand and held it tight. Normally, he would pull his away, but this time, he held onto his mother firmly. They found a space in a pew towards the back of the church and sat down. Pauline hoped they could leave unnoticed the moment the service was over. She wanted this day to be over with as soon as possible.

‘So many people,’ Leo whispered to her.

Pauline raised her head and risked a look around. Fortunately, she was wearing a low-brimmed hat so most of her face was covered. It was standing room only and all the pews were full.

She didn’t say anything to Leo and turned to her son. He was sitting up straight, staring forward.

‘Are you all right?’ she asked him quietly.

He nodded.