Copper, page 7
She snuggled down into bed, carefully trying not to disturb Alice who was fast asleep. She decided that she would allow herself to dream of Morgan tonight and not feel guilty this time.
After being woken up by winter sun streaming through the bedroom window, Ria came humming into the kitchen, poured herself a coffee and as customary, gave her mother and father a morning kiss.
Her father, as usual, was already up sitting at the pine table with a bowl of porridge and cup of tea in front of him. Her mother was scrubbing the porridge bowl in the sink before it stuck to the sides and became almost impossible to remove.
The rest of the house was quiet as everyone was enjoying a weekend lie in and no doubt, her older brothers would be nursing sore heads after a night at the Red Lion.
‘You’re up early for a Sunday. Off to Church with your Mam are you lass?’ Her Dad teasingly questioned her, long ago knowing that Ria had outgrown Sunday School. Evan knew that these days the ‘youngsters’ only seemed to go to Church on special occasions. His wife would be making her way there in about a hour or so. He could not really blame the younger generation. He himself had always felt a little uneasy with what he thought were the constraints of the Church. He chose to live his way in a path that he was comfortable with, not one that had been dictated to him by some religion.
‘No, Morgan is taking me to the Copper Works today. We arranged it yesterday.’
‘Oh, that is what you were doing outside the door last night. Good job I put the light on for you then.’
Megan stifled a giggle and rolled her eyes at her husband teasing, hoping that Ria had not caught on. Images of her youth with Evan came flooding back when she recalled their ‘discussions’ on her parents door step. Perhaps a couple of prayers would be called for in Church today!
Chapter 28
Morgan made a mock bow. ‘Welcome to the White Rock Copper Works. Do you know that Swansea was actually known as Copperopolis in the 18th and 19th centuries?’
Ria ran her fingers over the 1737 date plaque. ‘Yes, I remember the Museum saying that 90% of all copper smelting in Britain in 18…?’
‘1820,’ Morgan supplied her with the answer, although figuring she knew the answer and was just teasing him.
‘….. was based within 20 miles of the city.’ She supplied the rest easily.
‘Well done!’ Sensing the playful, teasing tone, Morgan suddenly grabbed her close, encircling her with his arms. He had been desperate to hold her yesterday, but had decided to take it really slow, not to frighten her off again. He did not think she would ever know how hard it had been for him all day.
He wasn’t going to kiss her either when he walked her to her door, but when she had turned to him to say goodbye, his stomach had summersaulted. She was breathtakingly beautiful, he just had to kiss her. He had no control over his desire for her. He smiled to himself now, although last night he had sworn under his breath. What had curbed his desire was the bright light that had been turned on by her father! What a good deterrent that had been! He would have to remember that trick when he became a father!
‘What a good student you are. Let’s see what else you can be taught.’
Ria felt his breath on her lips just before he cupped the back of her neck and his lips descended. The emotions swirled around in her quickly, slightly frightening her with their intensity at first. She forced herself to relax, this is what she wanted. She could already feel his arousal, which had a glorious heady effect on her. She pulled his head closer, grabbing his hair with her fingers, his arms started moving up and down her back making the surges through her body almost unbearable. Suddenly, she felt hot, her clothes an unwanted barrier. They were both so wrapped up in each other’s passions, they momentarily forgot where they were.
A tapping of shoes and a small polite cough brought them back to reality.
‘Good job we are in a public place.’ Morgan muttered as he removed his mouth from her warm lips. He picked up a strand of her hair and brought it to his nose to smell. He could see the arousal in her green eyes slowly clear. He kept his other arm wrapped around her back. He still needed contact with her to steady himself.
‘Do you know how appropriate your hair is here? The beautiful copper colour?’ Another person passed, Morgan sighed and put a short distance between them. He grabbed her hand and carried on alongside the old furnaces, that would have once manufactured pans and pots to be distributed over Europe. He was hoping he would find a quiet spot.
Morgan carried on telling her about the Copper Works so he could regain some composure. ‘The early copper and brass smelting industries moved here because of the coalfields. Smelting relied on vast amounts of coal, so it made sense to put the factories near the coal fields and import the copper from mining areas such as Devon and Cornwall. The River Tawe could carry ships up to the smelting works along the river side. The returning cargo to the West Country was the coal, which was used to fuel steam-engines pumping water out of the copper mines.’
Morgan looked around and realised that they were on their own again. He turned to her and put his arms back around her waist, it felt so good. He started to nibble her ear as he carried on, ‘During the Industrial Revolution copper and brass was in such demand that two more copper smelters where built by 1780.’
Ria giggled, the nibbling and warm breath causing havoc with her system, ‘Stop, I cannot concentrate.’
‘Oh, I will test you later on. Perhaps I can think of some punishment for wrong answers?’ Morgan teased. ‘Copper was being used for coins, fire-boxes, electrical transmission wire and even candlesticks by then.
Apart from the bosses benefiting, life was not so grand for the people living in Swansea. They … did however,……..build ………houses ………and churches for the……..workers. Even……Welsh speaking ………chapels in an…….. unprecedented ………scale.’ Each word was punctuated with featherlike kisses. It was getting harder for him to speak; he was enjoying seeking out all Ria’s sensitive spots.
‘Like the house that I live in?’
‘Yes,’ he mumbled losing his thoughts, he started making his way down her jaw to her neck where her pulse was frantically beating.
‘……but the communities had to live with the sulphur smoke produced by the Works. It produced acid rain which affected them and the farmlands.’ The last sentence becoming a whisper as Morgan’s concentration was solely on Ria now.
‘Which is why the rich people moved over to the West side of the river, to get away from the smog. It must be nice to be able to buy your way out of life’s problems.’ Ria reflected.
Morgan felt Ria physically stiffen and pull away. He was frustrated that she still felt that wealthy people were somehow ‘better’ just because they happened to be born into money. He sighed as he loosened his arms to circle her in a light grip.
‘Yes, but remember the rich did give back into the communities. Remember when I was nibbling your neck, I was talking about houses and chapels being built for the communities? Or were you too distracted?’ He was pleased when he felt her relax and lower her eyes to conceal her sudden shyness.
‘Take John Vivan for instance. In its day, his works was one of the most up-to-date industrial enterprises in the whole of Europe. Vivian & Sons were the largest exporters of copper in the UK. The Vivians’ built an area for their employees called Vivianstown or Trevivian. We know it today as the Hafod. They built a school, a church and the housing workers lived in. That would not have happened without the money of the Vivians. People with money aren’t all bad you know?’ He hoped she was listening to his words, he didn’t want his wealth to be an issue between them. ‘Eventually copper ores were being smelted in their countries of origin and most of the copper industries stopped in the 20s.’
‘Doesn’t the Hafod and Morfa Copperworks still deal with copper?’ questioned Ria.
‘Yes, but just secondary copper processing and who is to say that is going to go on much longer?’
Ria grew pensive. ‘I suppose it is the same for mining. Dad is always going on about people that are changing from coal fires to central heating – perhaps Michael and Dad will be out of a job soon too.’
As Morgan had feelings growing for Ria he suddenly felt uncomfortable that life for Ria and her family might not be straight forward. Being born into money definitely had its benefits, a slight ache and protective wave for her knotted deep in his stomach.
‘Come on, let’s get you home. Will you promise to come to the cinema with me on Wednesday? They are showing the new film with Charlton Heston, Yule Brynner and Anne Baxter. It is called ‘The Ten Commandments.’
‘Yes, I would love to.’ She paused, ‘I still don’t want anyone to know about us in work, if that is alright? I just wouldn’t feel comfortable if anyone knew that we were seeing each other.’ She smiled, ‘I don’t think I could manage with Marge!’
Morgan laughed, appreciating what she meant. ‘Fine, if that is what you want. Hey, does that mean we can hide in one of the dark corners of the stockroom then?’ He teased her while escorting her back to the car.
Chapter 29
Morgan and Ria entered the foyer of the cinema, walking over the heavily patterned Axminster carpet, which was immaculately clean and still smelling of new carpet. They made their way over to the gold painted Pay Kiosk where the lady behind was dressed in her hat and uniform. She was currently staring at a couple that were trying to enter an ‘A’ movie, trying to make sure they were old enough to watch the film. Not that she needed to be too strict, if there was any trouble the Manager was always called and nearly always booted you out! She must have decided they were as she gave them their tickets.
‘Two for the balcony please,’ Morgan asked the lady in the kiosk. Ria smiled to herself when she noticed the kiosk lady giving Morgan her best smile, which Morgan was totally oblivious. The balcony seats were the best, Ria had never been in them before.
‘Hurry now you two. The lights are just about to be dimmed and you don’t want any tuts from the audience already seated do you? You might just have time to grab an ice cream from the usherette if you need!’ advised the lady in the kiosk.
They watched ‘The Ten Commandments’. Morgan sneaking in kisses whenever he could. He loved the way Ria pretended to be watching the film, when he could feel by her pulse that she was enjoying what he was doing. The smile on her lips confirming it. Morgan put his hand on Ria’s waist while they waited for the National Anthem to finish before they made their way to the door.
Morgan cast a side look at Ria’s happy face when they were leaving through the double doors, something thumped in his heart. This was mad; he was sinking and not just with pent up desire. For the first time in his life, he realised, that he was in love. He suddenly knew that he wanted to make a commitment to her and wondered when she would be ready to do the same to him. He was a patient person. He would just have to keep going out on dates with her until she felt the same.
After a couple of months of seeing each other, Morgan decided now was the time to start pushing Ria for some commitment. He wasn’t a monk after all! He didn’t know how long he could continue being satisfied with just kisses. Christ, he had even stopped sleeping properly, Ria’s face and body invading his dreams to make his frustrations even worse!
‘My parents are off to London for a long weekend. Do you think you would be able to stay over Friday night?’ Morgan nodded his head to a passing couple, ‘Somewhere we will not be interrupted by anyone?’
Ria hesitated. Surely she trusted him enough to be alone with him? All alone, overnight? She knew if she said yes, he would expect more than kisses and cuddles. Was she ready for this next step? He had been very patient with her; she wasn’t so young that she hadn’t felt his desire on many occasions.
‘I think so, I will arrange something.’
Morgan’s face lit up, so she was willing to make the next step to commit to him, he knew what his next move was.
Chapter 30
Megan was busy wiping her floury hands on her apron. Evan was sitting at the table reading the newspaper.
‘Would you like another mug of tea, Evan?’
‘No thanks love. You just carry on with what you are doing. It smells wonderful, as usual. Apple tart for tea is it, love?’
Megan smiled lovingly at her husband of twenty five years. She loved it when he sat contented in the kitchen, where she did not have to worry about him down the mine. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She waited a second; if it was any of her friends they would let themselves in after their knock. No one came through the door, she finished wiping her hands and went to see who wanted them this morning.
Megan felt a little flustered when she opened the door to find Morgan Templeton standing there.
‘Oh! Please excuse all the flour. I’m in the middle of baking.’
‘Yes, I can smell something good. Would it be possible to come in and have a word with you and Mr Dillwyn? I took the liberty to find out that it was his day off. Is he here?’
‘Oh yes, do come in. Evan, it’s Mr Templeton, Ria’s friend.’
‘Please, call me Morgan.’ Morgan came striding into the little kitchen. What Evan did not realise, it was not confidence he was witnessing from Morgan, but a good show of him trying to hide his nerves.
Evan, always a little unsure around people of money, forced himself to stand slowly and offered his hand towards Morgan for a firm handshake. ‘And what can we do for you this fine morning? ‘
‘Evan!’ Megan reprimanded her husband. ’Mr Templeton, sorry Morgan, might like a cup of tea or coffee before you have a talk.’
Morgan would have loved a cup of coffee, his mouth was so dry with nerves, but he just might spill it all down him the way his hands were shaking.
‘No thank you, Mrs Dillwyn. I might have a coffee after.’
Evan watched as he saw Morgan settle into a seat looking somewhat uncomfortable. He had to stifle the urge to smile; he could not say he did not get a little kick as seeing the young, usually confident man, hot under the collar.
‘You know I have been taking Ria out for a couple of months now.’ Morgan watched Evan raise an eyebrow.
‘Yes, I am aware you have been seeing my daughter on a regular bases. What of it? She isn’t in any trouble is she?’
He was not going to make this easy on him. Evan knew his daughter well enough that she would come to them if she was in any trouble. He just liked seeing the flustered look that came over Morgan’s face.
‘Goodness, no! I would like to ask your permission to ask for her hand in marriage.’
This time is was Evan’s time to be flustered. Megan’s face broke into a smile while she watched her dear husband digest the news that one of his children was going to get married.
‘Yes, why yes of course! Megan love, get that whiskey out, forget the coffee. We have some celebrating to do!’
‘Hopefully, I haven’t asked her yet!’ laughed Morgan as he watched Evan fill up a glass with whiskey. It was going to be a long morning!
Chapter 31
‘Yes Mam, I’m catching a movie with Karen tonight and I will stay overnight.’
Ria nibbled at her bottom lip. She never lied to her mother or anyone come to that. What on earth was she doing? She did not know. All she knew was that she was desperate to spend some time with Morgan, but knew that her family would not approve of her spending the night with him. She felt ready, she was sure she loved him, whatever love was.
Anyway, she wanted some time away from the house. Her Mam and Dad had been acting strange all week. Smiling at her and giving each other secretive looks. It had just about sent her barmy! Something was up with them, but she never had a straight answer when she asked them what was wrong.
Ria wished Tom was home from work. She often talked through problems with her brother. He had the knack of making problems seem much better. He knew how to give her advice and usually cheer her up as well. She was feeling nervous about lying to her parents and wanted to ask him should she tell her parents where she was going. She also wanted to ask him how she was supposed to feel when you think you are in love. Although, whether Tom had ever got to that stage would be amazing given the way he went through women.
What she really wanted to know, but also dreaded asking him, was that if a woman slept with him did it make him ‘go off’ them or did he still have respect for them? Even though she had had a wonderful couple of months with Morgan, every time things started to get past kissing, she backed off quickly. She was not so naïve that she could not read the desire in his eyes, hear the frustration and his restraint every time she backed away. He never complained though. She had come to the conclusion that he did respect her, perhaps even love her, although he had never mentioned those words to her.
She was still aware of her lack of experience with the opposite sex, confused as she had never been in love before. In her heart, she knew she loved him and hoped he loved her back. Her mind however, was always telling her to be cautious, remember the gossip. How would she feel it she gave her innocence to him and he walked away? Would she survive? Ria sighed, if she slept with him or not, she did not think she would ever be the same again anyway. No one would be able to affect her like Morgan did.
To settle her nerves, she still wanted to voice some of her fears to Tom. Where was he? He was usually home by now. As Ria looked at the clock on the mantle, she realised her time for chatting things over with him were running out.
Chapter 32
Morgan sat in the car and waited. He was sure he could feel his heart racing. It was like being a teenager again, waiting to pick up your first date.
Morgan smiled to himself. Well at least now his car did not have any rust spots like his first one did! There would be no fumbling in the back seats of the car either! He wanted the best for Ria and only hoped he could make it a night to remember. He checked the box was still safe in his jacket pocket.
