The Woolworths Girls (18 page)

Maisie waved her hand in the air to dismiss the question. ‘It’ll only take me a day or two to run up. Now that the queen’s attendants are going to wear their own party dresses underneath the cloaks, there’s not much to prepare for the carnival – just Her Majesty’s frock to alter. I really hope it doesn’t rain, as water is a bugger on satin.’

Betty flinched at Maisie’s turn of phrase and smiled at Sarah. ‘It was fortunate that the carnival committee had a gown that had been donated.’

‘And that the girl who wore it before was larger than Sarah,’ Freda added quickly. ‘It only needs taking in at the waist and the hem shortening slightly.’

Sarah looked sad. ‘I just wish it wasn’t white. I wanted my first full-length white dress to be my bridal gown, not a second-hand carnival-queen outfit. Not that I’m not grateful for being given the honour to be queen,’ she added quickly, in case Betty thought she was being fussy. After being shown photographs and being told the history of how money was raised for the local cottage hospital, along with the part that the Erith branch of Woolworths played in events, she understood how memorable a day it was for the residents of Erith.

‘Hmm, I have an idea.’ Maisie pulled some green taffeta round Sarah’s waist. ‘How about if I make an overskirt of taffeta and add a matching collar to the dress? Once you’re wearing the cloak, there won’t be much white left to see.’

Sarah frowned. ‘But that’s my bridesmaid material and everyone will see it before my wedding day.’

‘Don’t be a ninny. This is the material for Betty’s dress. I can pop up to Woolwich Market and get a remnant for your frock. Give me some ideas for colours and I’ll see what I can do.’

Betty grinned. ‘You are certainly resourceful, Maisie. I’ll make sure you are reimbursed for any money you spend and insist that you are given an afternoon off to complete the preparations.’

Maisie was just finishing the measurements for her boss’s bridesmaid dress when there was a tentative knock at the bedroom door.

Sarah jumped to her feet from where she was sitting on her bed with Freda. She quickly covered her wedding gown in case it was Alan. She felt bad that he’d been left to entertain her mum for so long. ‘Yes. Who is it?’

‘It’s Mummy, darling. Can I come in?’

‘Is Alan with you?’ Sarah called back.

They all heard Irene sigh from outside. ‘Certainly not, and I do hope that you don’t make a habit of allowing young men upstairs.’

‘Come in, Mum. Of course I don’t.’

‘No need to worry about yer daughter, Mrs Caselton. She’s as pure as a lily is Sarah. No man will step over the threshold of her bedroom till she’s got a ring on her finger,’ Maisie called.

The girls all giggled as Irene entered the room and looked around at the fabric and other sewing implements scattered about the small bedroom. ‘This all looks very cosy. I hope Miss Billington doesn’t feel uncomfortable being measured for a home-made dress in your nan’s little house, Sarah?’

Alan had no doubt answered many questions about Betty Billington while keeping Irene company downstairs. She had adopted a deferential air, almost doffing her cap in front of the other woman, who was presently standing on a stool in her petticoat while Maisie pinned fabric round her waist.

‘Goodness, no,’ Betty exclaimed. ‘I grew up in a house just like this one in Deptford, and my own house is a two-up, two-down in Belvedere. It’s very good of Sarah’s grandmother to invite me to her home. In fact, Sarah, you must remind me that I have a small gift for Mrs Caselton Senior in my bag. I don’t wish to forget and take it home with me again. It’s just a selection of seeds for her garden. I know how much she is enjoying her new hobby, as she told me about it when she visited the store.’

Irene nodded her head graciously and observed Betty as she stepped from the stool and put on her grey woollen dress. ‘Are there many women in management at F. W. Woolworth, Miss Billington?’

‘More by the day, Mrs Caselton. I’ve already informed Sarah that she too could be in a supervisory position one day.’

‘Not if she’s a married woman, and no doubt with child before too long.’

Betty picked up her handbag. ‘Times are changing, Mrs Caselton, and women will be required to do their bit if the menfolk go off to war.’

‘So Sarah could be in management just like you even though she is destined to be a housewife?’

‘That’s correct,’ Betty agreed. ‘Now, shall we go and taste that delicious-looking cake that is waiting for us downstairs?’

As Freda and Maisie followed Sarah down the steep stairs, Freda whispered, ‘Miss Billington is very nice, isn’t she?’

Sarah nodded. Betty seemed to have summed up her mother straight away, and in her eyes that wasn’t such a bad thing at all. She was sure that Betty would be a good friend, and that was marvellous considering her position at work.

Sarah was happy that so much was happening at Woolworths to distract her, as her wedding was beginning to play on her mind. Mr Benfield not only had the staff practising fire drills, but had also arranged for gas-mask training so that customers and staff could join in too. She hated the smell of the rubbery mask but knew that it may well save her life. It was the children who upset her most, as many feared the scary masks, and to see a small baby placed inside such an ugly contraption had brought her to tears more than once. Even Maisie, who could be guaranteed to liven up any occasion, was growing tired of fire drills, although she’d taken up a new hobby making pretty covers for the gas-mask cases. Mr Benfield had pointed out that it wasn’t prudent to fill the small box with lipstick and compact, but Maisie had just laughed. She assured her boss that if there was the slightest chance of her being required to use the mask, she would be the first to pull it out of the carrying box and pull it over her perfectly styled hair.

Alan hadn’t heard a thing from the RAF, but Sarah knew it wasn’t worth getting her hopes up that he would not be accepted for training, as she knew he’d be bitterly disappointed. Whatever she thought of her future husband joining the forces, she had to keep it to herself. It was just a matter of time before he received the official letter. She only hoped that it wasn’t before the wedding.

Another problem that kept her awake at night was Irene. Her mother wanted the wedding breakfast to be catered at a hotel, or even a nearby golf club. Each time a letter arrived from Devon, her mother had included more suggestions for posh hotels and fancy food. Sarah considered taking her nan’s advice and using her mother’s favourite fancy pink notepaper as tapers for the coal fire that Ruby had ready to be lit if the nights should turn cold. As it was, she tried to placate her mother by explaining that everything was in hand. Ruby had told her not to worry so much and that the day of her wedding and her twenty-first birthday would be one she would always remember. Every bride had worries before the big day and Sarah was no different.

It was with a heavy heart that Sarah pulled on her hat and coat, and picked up her handbag to head for work. Tomorrow was the carnival, and try as she might, she could not find the enthusiasm required to be Erith’s carnival queen. Pulling the front door closed behind her, she was surprised to see Alan standing at the gate.

‘Thank goodness I didn’t miss you,’ he said, kissing her cheek and putting his arm through hers. ‘I have a surprise for you.’

Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. ‘You’ve heard from the RAF?’

‘No, darling girl. It’s a special treat. I’ve arranged it with Betty. You’re taking the day off from work and we are going on a little trip.’

‘But where and why?’

‘Why? Because I love you to distraction and want you to myself for the day. You are constantly fussing over dresses with your friends and being drilled on your royal duties as carnival queen. I can see you look tired with so much on your mind. It’s time we stopped thinking about weddings and me joining the RAF and everything, and just acted like two young people in love with each other. Where? Just you wait and see.’

Sarah felt the weight she’d been carrying on her shoulders almost vanish. She was the luckiest girl in the world to be engaged to such a caring, thoughtful man. ‘Oh, Alan, a day to ourselves would be lovely. Wherever you are taking me, I’m sure I’ll love it.’

‘Well, come on, my love, our transport awaits.’

Although puzzled, Sarah happily walked the short distance to town before heading down the High Street towards a small jetty by the River Thames, where passengers were boarding
The Kentish Queen
paddle steamer. A wooden board announced, ‘Day trips to Margate.’

‘Oh my goodness, this is so exciting. I’ve wanted to go on a trip on the Thames for ages. Freda will be so jealous when I tell her what I’ve been up to.’

‘Don’t you worry about Freda. She knows about your surprise, and I’ve promised that once the wedding is over, we can all have a day out together. Now, mind your step – I don’t want to have to dive in and fish you out of the water.’

Sarah hung on to Alan’s hand as she climbed aboard. The steamer bobbed slowly up and down as gentle waves lapped against its sides. A smiling young woman took the tickets Alan held out and welcomed them aboard. She pointed out where they could sit and admire the view.

‘Do you think that she works on the boat?’

Alan nodded. ‘The Sayers family have run the paddle steamer for generations. Gracie works with her dad, Ted. They’re a local family just like us.’

‘I do believe I’ve seen her shopping in Woolies,’ Sarah said as she looked out over the Thames towards Essex.

Seagulls flew overhead, dipping and diving and calling out to each other. The river was a hive of activity, as around her, ships that had travelled from exotic locations around the world unloaded their goods at the many warehouses and jetties. She felt the warm morning sun on her face and visibly relaxed from the worries that had kept her awake for so many nights.

‘This is lovely. I feel better already. Will it take long to reach Margate?’

‘I’m not sure, but let’s just enjoy the journey and some time to ourselves. There never seem to be enough hours in the day for us to spend time together.’

Sarah snuggled up against Alan. ‘You’re too generous with your time. How many people have you helped erect Anderson shelters? You must be an expert at the job. Then you’re busy decorating Maureen’s house. There can’t be an odd job left to do.’ Sarah was proud of Alan, but there were times when she thought he gave too freely of his time.

‘About half a dozen or so, but our neighbours are elderly and can’t manage on their own. Everyone’s doing their bit to make sure folk will be safe when the war starts.’

‘
If
the war starts.’

‘OK, if.’ Alan squeezed Sarah closer to him. ‘You know it’s going to happen, though, don’t you?’

Sarah sighed. ‘Yes, there’s more chance now of war than I ever thought there would be, but I want things to stay the same and for everyone to be safe and happy, so if you don’t mind, I’ll continue to say “if ” rather than “when”.’

Alan took Sarah by the shoulders and looked her in the eyes. She looked sad and he wished he could make everything right in her world, but it was beyond his capabilities. ‘My love, you must face up to things. Now is not the time to close your eyes to world events. Those Nazis are a pretty bloodthirsty lot and we need to sort them out before they turn our country into another part of their empire. There will be a war and there’s no way we can avoid it.’

Sarah tried to pull away from Alan’s grip, but he was strong and kept hold of her. Why was he spoiling their day with talk of war? She didn’t want to think about it. ‘But, Alan . . .’

Alan placed a finger under her chin, turning her head so she looked into his eyes. He didn’t like to see Sarah upset, but she had to face up to the future. ‘Look, love, I’m going to be away for long periods of time, and when I am, I want you to be brave. Promise me you’ll take care of my mum as well as your nan, and keep an eye on young Freda too? That will keep you busy and stop you worrying so much. Once this is all over, we can plan for the future. Our own home and perhaps even a family. Promise me?’

Sarah blinked to stop a tear from falling. ‘I promise, but I’ll be counting the hours until you’re home and safe. You’re just not to do anything dangerous, do you hear me?’

Alan laughed and pulled her into his arms, holding her close. ‘I hear you, my love. I’m not exactly keen to be shot at by the Hun, you know.’ He silenced any further protest by claiming her lips. Sarah melted into him, content to stay that way for as long as possible, until the sound of tutting from nearby made them part.

‘Well, really. I know a date has been set for the wedding, but there’s no need for such goings-on in public.’

They both turned to see Vera, from up the road, sitting nearby with her daughter.

‘Good morning, Mrs Munro. Isn’t it a lovely day?’ Alan called, before grabbing Sarah’s hand and pulling her to her feet. ‘Let’s go find those refreshments, shall we?’

Sarah giggled. She’d enjoy her day with Alan. Nan had told her how she treasured all her memories of Granddad and how important they were to her now he was no longer with them. She’d do her best to create some of her own memories today to hold close and cherish. Whatever happened in the future, she would remember Alan’s love of life, his smiles and his laughter. Today would be an entry in her album of memories. Hopefully there would be many more to come and she could look back on them in her old age and relive their day together.

‘So, did you go on the waltzer? What about candyfloss? Did it taste nice?’

‘For Gawd’s sake, Freda, stop nattering and wave yer bloody hand like the Queen does and smile at the punters. Anyone would never think you’d been to a funfair or the seaside.’ Maisie beamed around her and winked at the butcher’s boy, who was pedalling fast to keep up with them.

Freda gripped the side of the lorry as it moved slowly down Pier Road towards Woolworths and waved enthusiastically at the crowds that lined the pavements. Youngsters ran alongside the lorry calling out to Queen Sarah as she sat on her throne on the low-backed vehicle. ‘I’ve never been to the seaside, so of course I want to know all about it.’