Before Emmet knew it, they had hailed down a black cab and were heading for the run down council house that Rose shared with her family. That's when it dawned on her that Emmet probably had never seen such a grotty little house.
As the taxi turned into Rose's cul-de-sac, Emmet didn't know where to look. He could see to some extent why Hyacinth wanted to hide her relatives. Still who was he to judge. He didn't own a house. He, like Rose had a roof over his head due to the generosity of his sister.
"Anywhere here is fine, thanks mate, keep the change." Rose said handing the driver a fistful of coins before following Emmet out of the vehicle.
"I'm afraid it's not much." Rose said humbly as she gestured towards the most run down looking house on the street. "Though hopefully you won't be paying much attention to the decor," She said discarding the broken gate which was sat on the path. Rose pulled Emmet into her seductively as they reached the tatty front door.
He inhaled her scent, cheap, over powering perfume, mixed with subtle tones of tobacco and peppermint. "I, I'm not sure this is a good idea," he stammered. She felt his rapid heartbeat beat against her chest.
"Oh Emmet, I hope you aren't going to let me down." Rose teased. "I tell you what, seen as you are here, how about I make us a nice cup of tea and we take things from there?" She suggested, whispering in his ear.
"Yes why not, after all Liz will be in bed by now and I do enjoy company." The whisper had made him feel all warm and shivery. He didn't know what it was about Rose, one minute she terrified him and the next he was totally captivated by her. No other woman had ever made him feel this way, before.
"Excellent," beamed Rose as she unlocked the front door. "Just try to be a bit quiet, Daisy, Onslow and Father will all be in bed."
She led her guest into the front room. Rose decided it would be best for both of them if she didn't put the main light on. Instead she turned on the lamp with the wonky shade that sat next to the grubby telephone.
She really didn't want Emmet seeing the squalor she and her family lived in.
"Sit yourself down, I'll make the tea. How do you take it?" She asked as she affectionately tapped the greying, shaggy dog that was stretched out on the settee. Reluctantly, the dog obeyed Rose's pat and jumped down off the sofa so Emmet could sit down.
"Er, milk and one sugar please." He replied, sitting down on the dilapidated brown sofa. He cringed as he saw the empty cans of beer, crisp and chocolate wrappers strewn all over the floor. As Rose made her way to the kitchen she threw her blue shawl over the back of the sofa.
"Feel free to help yourself to chocolate, our Daisy usually has a box of Milk Tray open somewhere, mind you there's usually only the Turkish delight left." She called from the kitchen.
"I'm fine," he said, watching the dog carefully as it jumped up onto Onslow's chair.
"Here you are," she said as she tottered back into the living quarters carrying two cracked mugs and a bottle of brandy tucked under her left arm. She placed that and her mug on the coffee table which was littered with an overflowing ashtray, wrappers, papers, books and magazines before thrusting the second mug into Emmet's hands.
"Help yourself to brandy," she said extracting one of Onslow's cigarettes from the packet on the table.
"Why would I want brandy when you've just made tea?" A bemused Emmet asked.
"Keep up Emmet," Rose mumbled as she attempted to light up. "It's to put in your tea, a bit of Dutch courage, help you relax."
If he didn't know better he would have thought it was her who needed the Dutch courage. Judging by the way she played with her cigarette between inhaling. Rose took a few sips of her tea before pouring a very generous glug of brandy into the mug.
She quickly became bored of her cigarette and stubbed it out with force. "Cheers," she said raising her mug before taking another sip. "So, Emmet besides playing the piano do you have any other hobbies?"
"Umm, I like to write and I'm interested in history and art." He replied and followed suit, adding a decent amount of brandy to his beverage.
"Oh you are cultured." Rose said, rather too enthusiastically.
"How about you Rose, do you have any hobbies?"
"Well there's two of 'em there." She nodded to the messy coffee table. "My favourite pastimes are, drinking, smoking and men. Not necessarily in that order." She winked before taking another swig of her very alcoholic tea.
Emmet gave an uncomfortable laugh, "I've never met anyone like you, Rose."
She moved closer to him, "That I can believe, shall we get down to business?"
Emmet flushed as Rose kissed him, passionately. It took him a few moments to return the gesture as he took in her predictable taste of cigarettes and alcohol. Rose shifted so she was straddled across his lap. As the passionate embrace continued Rose took off his jacket, undid his tie and unbuttoned his shirt before removing his belt, all with ease. Whilst Emmet rather clumsily fumbled hopelessly with the one little button and zip on the back of her gown.
"Upstairs?" She seductively suggested. He nodded and allowed her to lead him up the staircase by the hand. He was desperately hoping he wouldn't fall over as he wasn't used to drinking copious amounts of alcohol, (well only before and during Hyacinth's 'occasions.') Meanwhile, Rose was desperately hoping she wouldn't trip over her incredibly long dress as they ascended the stairs.
At the top of the landing she went to open the door leading to her boudoir.
"I haven't got anything, you know, protection." Emmet nervously blurted out. He instantly felt embarrassed as he knew what her reply would be.
"I've got a draw full, don't worry!" She could tell he hadn't been intimate since his divorce.
"May I just use your bathroom to freshen up?"
"Of course it's just through there" she said pointing to the door at the end of the hall, desperately hoping it was still clean and tidy.
Having composed himself, Emmet entered the bedroom after giving a very feeble knock. The room was very 'Rose' the decor was loud, tacky and ridiculously over the top but somewhat cosy. Emmet was shocked to see how immaculate Rose's bedroom was in comparison to the living quarters. Saying that the bathroom was in a better state than he had expected. Must have been Rose's doing he thought.
He found her stood by the dressing table in front of the drawn purple satin curtains. She had lit a few candles and was dressed in nothing but baby blue stilettos and matching laced underwear that left very little to the imagination. He was captivated by the way the high rise knickers accentuated her curvy hips so many men, Emmet included, found sexy.
Emmet stood frozen on the spot. The nerves started to become overwhelming and Rose could sense it.
"Wow, Rose, you look.." Was all he could stutter.
She walked round towards him and seductively unpinned her hair and shook her blonde curls free. "You like it? Well come over here and take it off me," she purred pulling him onto the bed.
The actual encounter was clumsy, loud, sometimes awkward and at risk of ending prematurely until Rose took the lead.
They both lay in silence after. Rose was more than satisfied to have had her wicked way with Emmet Hawksworth. Even if it the actual deed wasn't anything to write home about. Emmet, on the other hand was just glad to have overcome that particular obstacle.
A few hours later it was morning. Rose woke to find Emmet hadn't done a runner, he was still sleeping peacefully. She looked at the time, she could smell bacon cooking downstairs which surprised her as it was still early for their house.
She put on her black silk negligee and matching gown before slipping her feet into her white fluffy slippers and snuck out the room.
Downstairs, Daisy was in the kitchen cooking breakfast while her husband sat in his favourite chair reading the racing post.
"'Ere Dais, I hope your Rose and her latest victim didn't get up to anything in my chair." He called to his wife.
"I don't think she would, not after the last time. What makes you think they did anything down here? We could hear them very clearly at it in her room."
"'Cos she's had your father's best brandy out and half the poor prat's wardrobe is on the floor by my chair, that's why." He said looking at the jacket, tie and belt Rose had discarded the night before.
As if on cue, Onslow's sister-in-law entered the room.
"I heard that!" She dramatically cried. "Don't worry Onslow we didn't get up to any kind of mischief on your chair. I got the dog to move from the sofa this time. Anyway father has been told to cut down on his drinking. So we were doing him a favour." The blonde giggled.
"Oh nice. I bet the poor dog loved that, having to get up for your love life."
"Bog off Onslow!" Rose quipped as she made her way to join her sister in the kitchen.
"I told you that Mr Roderick fancied you." Daisy said with her back to her sister and her eyes firmly on the frying pan.
"Oh he didn't, he only invited me last night to make his ex wife jealous. Daisy, will you do me one of those bacon sarnies and a couple of teas when you've got a minute, please?"
The elder sister sighed. "Yes I suppose I can do. It's a good job we've got enough bacon. So if it's not Mr Roderick upstairs, who did you bring home, our Rose?"
Rose let out a little squeal of excitement. "Oh Dais, you'll never guess!"
"You're right, I probably won't." Daisy replied more interested in turning the bacon over than who the latest man Rose had brought home was.
Rose rolled her eyes, annoyed her sister wasn't as excited as she was. She bit her bottom lip and whispered, "It's Emmet!"
"Emmet?" Daisy muttered, buttering four slices of bread. "Do we know an Emmet?"
"Yes! That dishy neighbour of our Hyacinth's!" Rose squealed as she leant against the poorly fitted angel Gabriel blue worktop.
"Very funny Rose, who was it really?"
"Go upstairs and see for yourself if you don't believe me!"
Daisy could tell from her sister's stern blue gaze she was telling the truth. "Our Hyacinth won't like it, I thought you weren't going to keep pestering him, our Rose. The tea should be mashed, pass us t'pot."
Rose took the grubby looking tea cosy off the tea pot and slid the shoddy looking vessel across the counter. "I didn't pester him, I bumped into Emmet at that do at t'town hall. After we went for a drink and we got talking and ended up back 'ere." Rose explained as she poured the milk into the two mugs Daisy had filled with tea.
"You got him drunk then."
"Would I do such a thing?!" She protested, stirring the sugar into her guest's tea.
"Do you really want me to answer that? Am I to do you any breakfast?"
"No ta our Dais, I'll get me usual in a minute."
"No you won't, those cigs are mine." Onslow called out.
"Might I remind you who gave you those fags?" Rose said storming back into the living room.
"You did as part of your apology for violating me chair!"
"Exactly! I bought 'em."
"No you didn't, that Mr Finchley gave you 'em when he took you on that booze and fag run in France, last week."
"Well, since he paid for me ferry ticket and most of me cigarettes and booze, I did give him some petrol money for his trouble." She giggled raucously, remembering what fun she had on that trip, especially the time spent in Mr Finchley's van.
"I bet that's not all you gave him." Laughed Onslow.
Rose didn't bother retaliating, she just placed her hands on her hips in protest.
"Rose?!" Daisy shouted. "What sauce does he want on his bacon?"
"How should I know? I'll take both up with me our Daisy."
"You might not know what he wants on his bacon but judging from the noise last night, you know how he likes his sausage!" Onlsow sniggered as Daisy reappeared with her husband's breakfast.
"Shut up!" Rose cried. Snatching half of Onslow's bacon sandwich, she bit into it before throwing the remainder back on his plate.
"Oh nice!"
"How do you put up with 'im?" She asked still chewing.
"Because I love him." Daisy replied proudly. She then handed her sister the battered brown tray with the mugs, sandwich and brown and red squeezy sauce bottles on.
"Ta our Dais, I best get back to my um friend."
Rose quietly opened her bedroom door as she juggled being laden down with the breakfast tray. She found Emmet was still asleep.
"Rise and shine, room service." She huskily called out.
Confused and still full of sleep, Emmet rolled over. Everything came back to him when he saw Rose stood there in her silk night dress.
"I've brought you breakfast." She said smiling sweetly.
"Umm thanks." Was all Emmet could muster.
"Count yourself lucky, I don't usually make breakfast for me overnight guests." She said placing the tray on his lap before running round to the other side of the bed. "I would have done you coffee but I didn't know how you take it. Mind you we only have instant coffee not that posh stuff our Hyacinth has. And before you ask there's no brandy in the tea. Its a bit too early for that and we did drink rather a lot last night." Giggled Rose.
"Yes, I did drink a bit too much. Tea's fine, thank you, Rose." Emmet said as he put brown sauce on the bacon sandwich and Rose took a mug from the tray.
Rose sipped her tea. "Oh you are very welcome. I enjoyed last night." She said with a smirk.
"Yes me too," her companion smiled. "It was definitely different to how I usually spend my Friday nights."
"As long as it helped boost your confidence." She placed her mug on the bedside table and moved in closer.
Despite feeling overwhelmed by Rose's enthusiasm he couldn't help but feel slightly aroused looking at her perfectly toned legs.
"You certainly put me at my ease last night. Thank you." Due to Rose's blatantly casual attitude towards sex, Emmet hadn't felt as jittery compared to how he'd felt on pervious dates. She definitely had taken the pressure and most of the awkwardness away.
"My pleasure, though I'm sure the brandy contributed. I'm always happy to help, if ever you need a bit of practise. "
Moments later, Emmet had discarded his breakfast and the duvet and was on top of Rose. This time it was more fun, more comfortable and it lasted considerably longer. Emmet enjoyed exploring Rose's body and Rose certainly appreciated his.
This time there was no awkward silence after. Emmet managed to stutter, "That was incredible. Do you know, I've never enjoyed sex more." Emmet felt liberated from the oppressive shackles that had previously held him back with other women.
"That's because you did it with me," She giggled before sitting up and lighting a cigarette.
"In all seriousness it's because there was no pressure. Gives you chance to enjoy it. I told you I would put you at your ease."
"You did and I cannot thank you enough." He smiled.
Rose exhaled cigarette smoke, "So who's the luckily lady this is all in aid for." Rose knew this hadn't been about her for Emmet. If it had been they would have been intimate ages ago.
"I don't know what you mean, what makes you think that." He chuckled nervously.
"You clearly needed to get over the hurdle of getting back on the horse, which makes me think there's a woman you have your eye on."
"Her name's Caroline, she works in personnel at my work. How ever did you know?"
"I've been around the block more than once. It's alright, I don't mind sharing you. I'm used to sharing men." She laughed hollowly, stubbing out her cigarette.
It was Emmet's turn to pry. "I know it's none of my business but why do you go for men that are unavailable?"
"I guess subconsciously I know it will end in tears so its a feeble attempt to protect myself from getting hurt. That and the fact most married men are gagging for it. Makes things easier for me. Plus they tend not to be fussy. I know it's none of my business but are you going to ask this Caroline out now?"
"I don't know. I don't want to mess it up. I might leave it a while."
Rose smiled at that, "Well in the meantime if you fancy a bit of fun, feel free to look me up."
Emmet didn't reply but he gave her a cheeky smile. Rose had brought out a reckless streak he didn't know he had. He thought it was about time he should have some fun. He just couldn't believe he was considering doing it with Hyacinth Bucket's sister.
Hyacinth. Just the thought of that name caused Emmet to go into panic. "You won't tell Hyacinth about this will you?"
Rose laughed. "Oh, I don't think she would believe me. She thinks you've only got eyes for another."
"Who?"
"Someone unattainable, someone who is allegedly a leading light in local social circles." Teased Rose.
It suddenly hit Emmet what she was hinting at. "Not?" He couldn't bare to finish the sentence.
"Oh yes," Rose smirked. "She's taken me aside several times to warn me off you. I'm not your type apparently."
"And she thinks she is?!" Emmet cried. "Ye gods! What on earth makes her think that!"
"'Cos you always are so nervous around her."
"That's because she's always singing at me! Its not because I'm in love with her! Christ! Liz was right. I thought she was winding me up!"
Footsteps on the stairs approached the bedroom door.
"Father's wondered off again, Our Rose." Daisy called out. "We are going to go and look for him and see if our Hyacinth has seen him. Does Emmet want a lift home?"
"No!" he shouted. "I thought you weren't going to let on I was here!"
"Our Daisy won't say anything, don't panic." She replied. "He's okay thanks, he doesn't want our Hyacinth knowing he's been here." The sister shouted back.
"I don't blame him. If Father comes back while we are out can you ring our Hyacinth?" Daisy replied from behind the door.
"Yeah, will do." She called as Daisy's footsteps retreated down the stairs.
"I best get home, Liz will wonder what happened to me. Do you know when the next bus is?" Emmet said as he sprung from the bed like a jack in the box.
"I'll quickly shower and get dressed and then I can walk you to the stop." She said rising much more casually from the bed.
Twenty minutes later Rose had showered and Emmet had last night's clothes on. Making sure he had collected his jacket, tie and belt from the living room.
The pair casually walked through the run down council estate towards the bus stop. Rose felt a lot more comfortable in her pink low cut t-shirt and tight black mini-skirt compared with last night's more sophisticated attire. At least she wouldn't have to worry about tripping over the hem.
As Emmet's bus came into view, Rose kissed him on the cheek which took him by surprise.
"Thank you for a lovely time Emmet."
"No, thank you Rose. We should do it again sometime." Usually he said that and didn't mean it but this time he did. He was intrigued by Rose.
"Ring me."
"I don't have your number."
"Ask our Hyacinth for it." She joked. "Our Daisy goes to her book club every Thursday teatime. I can get Onslow to go to the pub and I'll give Father his tea and pills early so he won't disturb us."
"I'm at the church hall this Thursday evening but could do the week after." Rose grinned and stepped out into the road to flag down Emmet's bus.
"Perfect, call round about sixish. Say hello to our Hyacinth for me." She grinned.
"Goodbye Rose." He kissed her cheek as he boarded the bus.
"Still got it." She muttered as she watched the bus disappear out of sight. Rose decided to head towards pub in case her wayward father had stumbled in there. She had a spring in her step, finally she had gotten her wish of seducing Hyacinth's dishy neighbour.
Emmet turned onto the Avenue whistling happily as he walked. He felt like a new man. Never would he have envisaged himself having such casual sex, let alone enjoying it. He had always been old fashioned like that. But that hadn't gotten him anywhere.
Parked outside Hyacinth's was Onslow's battered old Ford Cortina.
Emmet smiled before deciding to get into character and rush inside hoping to escape the clutches of Rose and Hyacinth so his sister wouldn't suspect who he had spent the night with.
"I'm home," he called out to his sister. "I see I timed it right, I saw that car next door and didn't know if I would be seduced or sung at, or both."
"Emmet, where have you been? I've been worried." His sister said as he sat down. Elizabeth couldn't help but notice the bright red lipstick stain on his right cheek.
"I would have rung you but I thought it might be a bit of a turn off getting to a lady's house and having to telephone my sister saying I wouldn't be coming home."
"Oh Emmet! Who is she? Do I know her?"
A sly grin spread across his face. "You may have seen her around."
"So last night was a success then?"
"The charity gala wasn't, I'm not even getting paid it seems. But after it perked up." He smiled.
"Are you going to be seeing this mystery woman again?" Probed his sister.
Emmet gave Elizabeth a coy look, "Maybe, she was very keen for me to come round on Thursday but it's the over sixties singsong so I said I might see her the week after."