Edwardian man

.

The Turtle

Dodgy handed Jimmy an ale. “There’s a job for you.”
Jim smiled. Dodgy hoped beer would muster his aggression, but he doubted it. If it weren’t for the grime, he’d look like a ruddy choirboy. Still, his choice, we all have to earn our money where we can. Half an hour later and a greater commotion disturbed the bustling street. The tide of people separated as Father Dolling propelled two boys, held either side of his cassock, by their ears, to his gymnasium. If they wanted to fight, they would play by Queensberry rules, in a ring, and with gloves.
“A quid on Eddie,” Sam said.
Ted ran the book. Dodgy bet a guinea. Charlie backed Jimmy-he was hungry. The regulars backed their chosen boys. The mob deserted The Turtle for the gymnasium.
Ted looked at his empty pub. “Great.”
Charlie didn’t win. He lost his takings to the hat passed a whip-round by Father Dolling for the gymnasium’s benefit. Jimmy had a bloody nose and a black eye. The mob carried him above their heads to The Turtle. By the evening, his eye had closed, his nose swollen, and he was drunk. But he had 2/6 in his pocket. He was on his way.

Charlie Price and Lillian Miller

“Lillian.” He stroked her hair and wiped away her tear with his index finger. “Lillian.”
“Please.”
He took her hand. “I’ve hurt you. I apologise.”
Lillian frowned.
“Lillian forgive me. I wouldn’t hurt you; not for the world.”
“What’s done is done,” is all she said.
He held her arm. “We can’t undo it, but we shouldn’t regret it.”
“Charlie, I hardly know you.”
“You do now.” Charlie struggled not to smile.
“I’m not a slut.”
“Lil, I know that.”
“I don’t blame you.”
Charlie knew she wouldn’t, he had, of course, not forced her. “I love you.”
“I don’t know what came over me.”
Charlie smiled. He drew her to him and kissed her. “Me,” he said.