The Woolworths Girls (20 page)

The room fell into silence, with only the ticking of the clock taking the two women towards the time when the prime minister would spell the fate of the country, perhaps even the world.

Sarah looked towards the beautiful gown. She only needed to take it down from the hanger to make her first step towards her new life. The delicate froth of veil was draped across the bottom of the bed. A headdress of silk orange blossom was waiting to be placed upon her head.

She stood up and folded her dressing gown around her. ‘I do believe I’ve been rather silly. I’m so sorry, Betty.’

Betty smiled. ‘I’d never use that word, Sarah. You’ve had a lot to think about. I’m sure Alan will come back and you will live happily ever after, as the fairy stories tell. However, I don’t want you to live the life I’ve led. Yes, I’ve been happy, but in a different way to what I planned. I don’t want you to miss out on being Mrs Alan Gilbert and having the chance of a normal life, for however long.’

Sarah hugged Betty. ‘Yes, you’re right. I hope no one listened to me and started putting the wheels in motion to stop the wedding, as that would be just too awful.’

‘I’m sure they haven’t, Sarah. You have to remember how much everyone loves you and Alan. Why, look at the wonderful party that the staff threw for you yesterday at work. I’ve never witnessed anything like it, and I’ve worked at the Erith branch for many a year.’

‘It was lovely, wasn’t it? It was a complete surprise when we walked into the staffroom at the end of the day to see the bunting and so many presents. And to have invited Nan as well was so nice of everyone.’

‘I’ll remember it forever. In fact, the staff magazine is going to feature it in the next edition, which is such a bonus for the branch. Now, why don’t we go downstairs and join your family? We will just be in time to listen to the broadcast on the wireless. I don’t know about you, but I could do with a hot cup of tea.’ She peered to where Ruby had left Sarah’s tea and toast on the chest of drawers. ‘I think this is past saving.’

‘Yes, and I must open my birthday presents. I keep forgetting I have the key of the door today.’

The two women had just reached the bottom of the staircase when the front door burst open and Alan rushed in, followed by Freda and Maisie.

Sarah was shocked to see her intended standing out of breath and red-faced in the hallway. ‘Alan?’

‘Bloody ’eck, you mustn’t see the bride before the wedding. It’s unlucky,’ Maisie shrieked, grabbing Alan by the jacket and trying to pull him back out of the open door.

‘I think it’s just the dress he mustn’t see,’ Freda advised.

‘No, it’s the bride and the dress,’ Betty added helpfully. ‘However, it’s too late now, so let’s leave the pair of them alone while they talk.’ She ushered the two girls towards the front-room door. ‘I’ll call you before the prime minister makes his speech. I’m sure you won’t wish to miss that.’

Alan led Sarah to the bottom of the stairs and they sat down together. ‘What’s all of this about, my love? I was just having a shave when Maisie and Freda burst in to tell me you’d changed your mind about marrying me. Look, I’ve nicked myself.’

Sarah ran her finger over the small cut on his jawline. ‘Oh, Alan. I’m so sorry. I’ve been an utter fool. Everything just got on top of me, and then this news about Neville Chamberlain making an announcement on the wireless was the final straw. No one is going to want to go to a wedding on a day like this, are they? Surely they won’t want to celebrate our happiness on such an awful day?’

Alan put his arm around Sarah. ‘I was thinking about this while I was shaving. Mum’s house is full to brimming with family and friends popping in to say good luck. Not one of them said we should cancel the wedding. We’ve given everyone cause to put on their finery and have a happy few hours sharing our joy. Why let Hitler spoil our plans?’

‘You’re right. Come on, let’s go join the family. I don’t intend on anything else spoiling our day.’ Sarah rose to her feet.

‘But just before we do, come here, Mrs Gilbert.’ Alan pulled Sarah into his arms.

‘Aren’t you being a little presumptuous, Mr Gilbert?’

‘What’s a couple of hours between a husband and wife?’

‘When you put it like that . . .’

‘What on earth is happening here?’ Irene Caselton stepped into the hallway and pulled Sarah away from Alan just as their lips met. ‘Don’t you know it’s unlucky to see the bride before the wedding, let alone be so familiar?’

‘I think it’s just the dress he mustn’t see,’ Freda said again from behind Irene’s back, where she was trying to see what was happening.

‘No, it’s the dress and the bride – Betty told us just now,’ Maisie called out.

‘Whatever the superstition, it’s too late now,’ Ruby added. ‘Get yourself both in here and sit down. The wireless has warmed up and we want to know what’s going to happen.’ She ushered her family into the crowded front room as the solemn announcer introduced the prime minister.

‘
This morning the British ambassador in Berlin handed the German government a final note stating that unless we heard from them by eleven a.m. that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us.

‘
I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received, and that consequently this country is at war with Germany . . .
’

‘Oh my God!’ Ruby exclaimed, reaching for her son’s hand.

‘Ssh, Mum. He’s still speaking.’ George patted his mother’s hand, even though he felt just as shaken.

The family continued listening, leaning towards the wireless so as not to miss one word of the life-changing speech.

‘
. . . The government have made plans under which it will be possible to carry on the work of the nation in the days of stress and strain that may be ahead. But these plans need your help.

‘
You may be taking part in the fighting services or as a volunteer in one of the branches of civil defence. If so, you will report for duty in accordance with the instructions you have received. You may be engaged in work essential to the prosecution of war for the maintenance of the life of the people – in factories, in transport, in public utility concerns or in the supply of other necessaries of life. If so, it is of vital importance that you should carry on with your jobs.

‘
Now may God bless you all. May He defend the right. It is the evil things that we shall be fighting against – brute force, bad faith, injustice, oppression and persecution – and against them I am certain that the right will prevail.
’

‘Well, there it is. The country is at war. What do we do next?’ Irene looked around the room at the shocked faces.

‘First we put the kettle on; then we have a wedding to get to,’ Ruby announced. ‘Why don’t you open your birthday presents, love? There’ll not be much time later. We can worry about the war tomorrow.’

Sarah nodded and reached for a small package that Maisie held out. ‘It’s a joint present from me and Freda. We chipped in together.’

Sarah carefully peeled back the layers of tissue to reveal a flat, square box. Inside, she found a powder compact, the lid inlaid with mother-of-pearl. ‘Oh, thank you. I’ll treasure it forever.’ She hugged both of her friends closely.

George returned with a tray of cups and saucers. Freda followed with another containing a large brown teapot and a plate of sandwiches. ‘Before we do anything else, we should drink this and eat something. It’s going to be a busy afternoon and no doubt we won’t eat until we tuck into the lovely spread that Mum and the girls have prepared for the wedding breakfast.’

There was a frantic knocking on the front door. Irene turned to look through the bay window. ‘It’s that irritating woman from up the road. What is her name?’

‘It’s “Vera from up the road”,’ the girls all chanted together, and burst into a fit of giggles.

‘Well, there’s a fine thing,’ Vera exclaimed as she entered the room. ‘The world is at war and you are all sitting here giggling. Why, Sarah, I thought you of all people would have been distraught not to be getting married.’

Alan, who had stood up as Vera entered, faced up to her. ‘Mrs Munro, there is to be a wedding today. In fact, once I’ve drunk my tea, I’m going to jump on my bike, ride over to Crayford and check that everything is ready for us at St Paulinus Church.’

‘You shouldn’t be here – it’s unlucky to see the bride before the wedding,’ Vera spluttered as she heard Alan’s words.

George smiled politely at Vera. ‘I’m glad he is, Mrs Munro. It’s been a strange day, but now we know what’s what, we can get stuck in and win this war. Once we’ve enjoyed Sarah and Alan’s wedding, that is. Would you like a fish-paste sandwich?’ He held out a tea plate, but just then a low moaning noise could be heard. The sound continued to gain speed as it grew higher and louder.

‘Oh my God. It’s an air raid. Quick, everyone – into the shelter. George, where did I put my insurance policies?’

‘Don’t worry, Mum. They’re all in the little case by the door, along with your gas mask. I’ll pop this tea into a flask.’ George started to marshal his family into action. ‘You never know how long we might be in the shelter. Irene, dear, close your mouth and move yourself. There’s a love.’

Tea and sandwiches were put down as Sarah, her family and her bridesmaids headed towards the back door.

Just then Vera put her arm across the door, stopping the frightened wedding party from heading towards the Anderson shelter. ‘There are too many of us. The shelter will only hold six at a squeeze.’ She pushed to the front of the queue. ‘The last three will have to stay here.’

Ruby frowned at her neighbour. ‘Well, for a start, you, Vera Munro, have your own shelter, so I suggest you scuttle up the road and join your daughter.’

‘But I might be blown up in the street,’ Vera moaned, going rather pale at the thought.

‘Not if you run fast. I’m sure the Germans aren’t looking for you. More likely it’s the docks.’

Sarah felt Maisie grip her arm. Joe, Maisie’s husband, was working a Sunday shift on the docks. Was he safe? ‘It may be a false alarm, or perhaps they are testing the sirens,’ Sarah suggested.

‘Best to be safe anyway. Come along, everyone, let’s get to the shelter,’ Irene insisted, pushing Vera out of the way and taking Betty’s arm. ‘Miss Billington, I’ll show you the way.’

It was Alan who took control. ‘I’ll just see Mrs Munro up the street and I’ll return. Sarah and I can sit it out in the cupboard under the stairs; the rest of you, please hurry and get to the shelter as soon as you can.’

‘I don’t think that you should be alone in such a confined place,’ Irene objected. ‘It’s not proper.’

George took his wife by the arm. ‘For goodness’ sake, Irene, they will be married in a few hours, as long as we or the church aren’t blown to kingdom come. Now come along.’

Sarah pulled a couple of overcoats from the hooks on the wall in the cupboard and laid them on the bare boards under the stairs. One had been the old coat that her granddad had worn when gardening. She held it to her face and inhaled. She could still smell her granddad and she ached to have him with her once more. ‘Oh, Gramps, what would you make of all this?’ she sighed.

‘I’m back. Shove over.’ Alan sat next to Sarah and pulled her close to his side.

‘That was quick. Did you see Vera home?’

‘By the time I got out of the front door, she was running up the road. I watched her go into her front door, then came back in. Are you comfy?’

‘Mm, I could stay like this forever.’

‘I hope not – we have a wedding to go to, and don’t forget a certain twenty-first birthday as well.’

‘I keep forgetting my birthday, what with everything going on today.’

‘That reminds me – I have a present for you. I was going to give it to you at the church when we signed the register, but now is as good a time as any. The light’s not very good in here, but you can just about see by the cracks around the door frame.’ He fumbled in the pocket of his jacket and produced a small jewellery box. ‘Here you are. I hope you like it.’

Sarah took the box and opened it slowly, savouring the anticipation of wondering what her husband-to-be had bought for her. Inside the box, nestled in a layer of cotton wool, was a small key on a chain. ‘Oh, Alan, it’s the key to the door.’

‘No, my love, it’s the key to my heart.’

‘I’ll wear it forever, I promise. Please help me put it on.’

Alan fastened the fine chain round her neck, took the empty box from her hand and tucked it into his pocket, alongside an envelope he had placed there this morning.

Sarah reached for Alan, sliding her arms around his neck. ‘Thank you, my darling,’ she whispered as she sought his lips in the darkness of their shelter.

Alan responded eagerly. He would wait until tomorrow to tell his wife-to-be about the contents of the envelope.

15

‘The vicar should know better than to be ringing those church bells, Ruby.’

Ruby sighed and stretched her legs. As lovely as they were, her new shoes were a bugger to wear for very long. She’d crept away from where the wedding guests were standing in the sunshine, while George took photographs of the bride and groom with his box Brownie camera. She’d found a bench close to Eddie’s grave and was deep in thought, thinking how proud her late husband would be of his eldest granddaughter today.