by Cathy Sharp
Alice bought herself a calf-length, pretty green voile dress with a satin petticoat underneath, and a sweetheart neckline. She wore it with a pair of black patent shoes she’d bought from the market a few weeks back; they were almost new, because whoever had owned them first hadn’t worn them. She’d used up all her clothing coupons, but she wasn’t likely to need them for anything else – and she wouldn’t need them in future.
‘And where do you think you’re goin’, madam?’ her mother’s voice asked when she came out of the bedroom she shared with her sister and brothers. ‘I haven’t seen that dress before.’
‘I’ve been saving up and got it cheap in a sale,’ Alice said.
‘If you can afford things like that you can start giving me more money.’
‘Leave the girl alone,’ Alice’s father said, surprising her by defending her. He usually cleared off to the pub when his wife started to nag, because he couldn’t bear to listen. Alice despised him for turning to drink rather than standing up to his wife, but she pitied him too. ‘She gives you what she can afford, why shouldn’t she have pretty things sometimes? Where are you goin’, luv?’ Alice was surprised because her father had never stuck up for her like that before; she hadn’t thought he cared about any of them, but it seemed he did a bit.
‘To the dance with a friend,’ Alice said and felt awful because she’d deceived her father, but if she told the truth both her mother and father would forbid her to go.
Giving him a quick kiss on the cheek, Alice left the house and walked quickly to meet Jack. He was waiting for her in the usual place, wearing the smartest suit she’d ever seen in her life, his car parked at the side of the path. Her heart raced as he grinned and opened the door for her to get in. The seats were leather and smelled lovely as she slid into the passenger seat. Alice had never expected to ride in a posh vehicle like this and she turned to him with a look of awe.
‘This must have been expensive?’
‘I bought it second-hand.’ Jack shrugged and looked pleased with her comments. ‘It’s a Daimler but it ain’t new. I ain’t that rich yet, Alice, but I shall be when we get our own club in America.’
Alice nodded but didn’t say what was in her mind. It would seem as if she doubted him if she asked what he would do if things didn’t work out quite the way he thought. Alice knew very little about these things, but she’d seen American gangster films and she suspected things were much the same there as they were in London; the bullyboys would rule the clubs there and Jack would have to join them or give up all idea of one of his own.
It wasn’t the sort of thing she could question him about when he was taking her out for the evening. Besides, she wanted him to break with the gang. It would be time enough to talk about the future when they were on the ship to America.
Although Alice couldn’t believe it was ever going to happen, she’d gone too far to draw back now. Much as she loved Jack, she knew he would never let her go. It was best to just go along with what Jack said and hope that he would keep his word and break with the criminal world for good.
Alice woke up to hear Mavis still gently snoring beside her. She was back in her own bed and everything was normal, but no, it could never be normal again. She closed her eyes against the hot sting of tears as the memory of the previous night flooded back into her mind and she felt hot all over. She couldn’t have been so stupid! She, Alice Cobb, had fallen for the oldest trick in the book.
The evening had started so well. Alice had been thrilled to find herself in a real nightclub in the West End. The lights were low and had a slightly pinkish glow as they took their seats at a secluded table in the corner. There were tiny lights on each table and everywhere smelled lovely, like perfume, Alice thought.
‘This is wonderful,’ she breathed as the waiter pulled out her chair and smiled. She’d noticed the way they’d been greeted with respect by the head waiter and he’d snapped his fingers for one of his underlings to show them to Mr Shaw’s table. ‘That man at the door knows you too, doesn’t he? You’ve been here before.’
‘Yes, he owes me a few favours. I got him the job here – and I look after them, make sure they don’t get trouble from outsiders.’
‘Do they pay protection money?’
‘Best you don’t ask questions like that. Just accept that I’m welcome here. I have connections …’
‘Do you bring other girls here?’
‘In the past,’ Jack said, ‘but none of them meant anything to me, Alice. You’re the only girl I’ll take anywhere in future.’
Jack had ordered champagne for a start, and then a white wine to have with their meal. ‘I think you would find red too heavy,’ he said. ‘Besides, we shall be having the lobster bisque and the roast chicken and white is best with them.’
Alice was impressed with his knowledge. She’d never tasted champagne and at the first sip wasn’t sure about the taste, but the bubbles went up her nose and made her giggle, and after her second glass she realised she liked it. In fact it was all rather special and exciting and she’d been carried away by the glamour of the evening.
‘I could take to this,’ she said and Jack chuckled.
‘I knew you’d enjoy it,’ he said, ‘but take it easy, luv. Have a glass of water and then it won’t go to your head.’
‘I’ve never had lobster bisque – what does that mean?’
‘Soup made from lobsters and it’s delicious,’ he said. ‘They make it well here. Just try it, Alice, I think you’ll like it.’
Alice had liked it, even though she hadn’t thought she would. In fact she’d loved everything about the evening. Jack had danced so well. Alice couldn’t believe the way it made her feel when he took her in his arms and guided her expertly round the floor. It was so lovely to dance with someone who really knew what he was doing and she felt proud to be with a man of his sophistication. No one would know he was Jack Shaw from Thrawl Street, once one of the most disreputable places in London, who had gone to school with his backside hanging out of trousers that were too big for him and holes in his shoes.
Jack had made something of his life and he was going places – and he was taking Alice with him. She felt very grateful and happy as she drifted through the evening, drinking a sip of wine every now and then but not overdoing it.
Jack cared about her. He didn’t want her to get drunk and make a fool of herself and so Alice followed his instructions to drink some water. Besides, she didn’t need too much wine, because she felt as if she were floating on clouds.
When they went out into a cool evening, Alice shivered and Jack took off his jacket and put it around her shoulders.
‘You’ll get cold,’ she said and he smiled down at her.
‘We’ll be in the car in a minute, besides, you’re my girl, Alice, and I want to take care of you.’
Alice let him tuck her into the car; he was careful to make sure her dress wouldn’t get caught in the door and spoil. She felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Not many girls she knew were taken to posh nightclubs, nor did they go out in cars like this.
Alice was feeling a bit tired when they stopped. She glanced out of the window and realised they were in a place she didn’t recognise. Jack leaned across and kissed her on the mouth.
‘Feeling sleepy?’ he asked softly. She nodded and he laughed. ‘Thought so, luv. I’ve brought you to my place, Alice. I’ll take you in and give you some coffee to sober you up before I take you home. Don’t want your ma seein’ you like this.’
Alice had gone with him, still feeling dreamy, only half-awake and trusting him. What a damned fool she’d been!
A little moan broke from her as she relived the way Jack had drawn her in and lulled her into a feeling of peace, while the coffee was brewing. He’d sat beside her on the large and very comfortable sofa and told her to put her head back and relax. Alice had done so, closing her eyes for a moment. When she woke Jack was lying on the sofa with her, kissing her with such tenderness and passion that she’d bee
n swept away by the feelings this aroused.
‘I love you, want you so much,’ he’d whispered in her ear as his hand caressed first her cheek, then her throat and then her breasts. ‘Let me love you, Alice. You know I’m going to look after you. We’ll go to America and we’ll be married …’
Alice hadn’t been able to think clearly. His touch thrilled her, making her tremble with need and desire. When he opened the front of her dress and pulled down her petticoat to caress her breasts with the tip of his tongue she moaned with pleasure. His hand stole beneath her skirt, caressing her with a gentleness that sent thrills through her and she felt herself strain to meet him, her mouth opening beneath the assault of his tongue.
Vaguely, at the back of her mind, Alice knew she should not be letting Jack do this, but she wanted it. Her breath was coming in hot little pants and she found herself quivering, rising to meet him as he suddenly thrust into her. The shock of his entry stilled her and she cried out, begging him to stop. She’d been enjoying his caresses but she’d never dreamed he would go this far and it shocked her.
‘Please don’t,’ she begged. ‘I didn’t want this to happen, Jack. Not until we’re married.’
Jack ignored her protests, and she didn’t fight him, because she couldn’t. Her body was betraying her and she liked what was happening, even though it was wrong – it was so very wrong!
When it was over and Jack left her, Alice wept silently. She knew what her parents would think of what she’d done and she was ashamed. But it wasn’t all Jack’s fault, she’d gone into his arms eagerly and she’d liked him touching her.
‘Don’t cry, luv,’ Jack said and wiped her tears away with his fingertips. ‘It had to happen sometime and it won’t hurt again, I promise.’
‘I’m not crying because it hurt. I’ve shamed meself.’
‘Why should you be shamed?’ Jack asked a little huffily. ‘You know you’re me girl, Alice. We’re going to get married. I’ll get you a ring tomorrow. I shan’t let you down, I promise.’
‘Supposing something happens – you know.’
‘It won’t, not the first time,’ Jack said confidently and stroked her cheek. ‘Stop crying and I’ll get you that coffee, Alice. You belong to me, you always will. I’ll marry you as soon as I sort things out. I don’t want anyone to know how important you are to me, so you’ll have to keep your ring hidden. You can hang it on this chain under your dress.’ He took the silver locket from his pocket and gave it to her, laughing as he saw her face. ‘You didn’t think I was goin’ to let some down and out find your locket?’
‘Oh, Jack,’ Alice said, bending forward so that he could fasten it around her neck. She swallowed hard and smiled at him. There was no point in making a fuss now, because she couldn’t change things. ‘I didn’t want you to lose your respect for me.’
Jack shouted with laughter. ‘If that’s all you’re worried about, Alice, you can stop frettin’. I’ve put me mark on you, luv, and that’s an end to it. I’ve made sure you can’t go runnin’ off with that Army bloke.’
‘Oh, Jack, as if I would when I’ve given you my word.’
‘That’s all right then,’ Jack said. ‘As soon as I’ve made plans, we’ll get married but we can’t before I’ve got the money together. I don’t want to leave valuable stuff behind when we make the move. I just need a bit more time and then we’ll be off to a new life in the States.’
‘Just what are you up to, Jack?’
‘The less you know the better,’ he said and grinned confidently. ‘Now, you’re goin’ to drink your coffee and then I’ll take you home …’
Alice had been late getting back, but thankfully her parents were having one of their rows and didn’t notice as she slipped into the bedroom. Mavis had been asleep and Alice thought she might have got away with it. She’d been a fool, but she would be careful it didn’t happen again … until she’d got Jack’s wedding ring on her finger.
‘Where were you last night?’ Mavis now murmured sleepily as she yawned and stretched. ‘Ma will kill you if she finds out what time you came in.’
‘She won’t know if you don’t tell her. I went up West with someone, that’s all.’
‘Not with Jack Shaw?’
Alice was silent and Mavis poked her in the ribs.
‘Pa will kill you if he finds out. He says he’s scum. You’ve haven’t done anything daft, Alice?’
‘’Course not,’ Alice lied. ‘What do you take me for?’
‘Just be careful,’ Mavis said. ‘I don’t trust his sort. Whatever he says or promises, you would do well to keep him at bay. If you keep on seeing him, Alice Cobb, you’ll land in trouble.’
‘Stop nagging,’ Alice said. ‘I’m going to make a cup of tea. Do you want one?’
‘If you like but I’m not gettin’ up yet.’
‘I’ll bring it back,’ Alice promised. She knew there was some blood on her underclothes and she wanted a chance to stick them in the copper to soak before her mother or Mavis saw them and guessed the truth.
She just had to cross her fingers and hope that she wasn’t already in the kind of trouble her sister was warning her about.
TWENTY-ONE
It was the day of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding at last and the streets were filled with crowds wanting to get a glimpse of her as she went past in the royal State Coach, escorted by the Household Cavalry and dressed in a beautiful gown. Those close enough to see told their friends that it was made of ivory silk and embroidered with flowers of beads and pearls and her tulle veil hung from a circlet of diamonds. The gown had been designed by Norman Hartnell and must have taken more material than anyone else could dream of, but people said that the princess had refused to have a trousseau to take on honeymoon, because she knew that other people were struggling to buy new clothes. Not that the cheering crowds or the majority of people in England would have grudged it to her. They were happy to enjoy the pomp and ceremony of a royal procession and believe that things were bound to improve for everyone soon. After all, the Food Ministry was hinting that everyone would have more meat, sugar and sweets for Christmas.
The ceremony itself was simple, because of the austere times, but the procession had been lovely and everybody milling around in the Mall afterwards felt happier than for a long while. It was times like these that people were unconditionally proud of the royal family and felt as they had during the war, that the values and traditions of old England were worth making sacrifices for. Only a few envied the royal couple the wedding breakfast, with the huge cake that the newspapers said would be cut with the sword of the bridegroom’s grandfather, or the fifty thousand pounds that had been voted for Clarence House to be done up for the young couple.
Sally had managed a few hours off to come and watch with all the thousands of others as the coach passed by. Brenda had been given a day off work and the sisters stood together, waving flags and cheering until they were hoarse.
‘Shall we go and have a cup of tea to celebrate?’ Brenda asked when the procession had passed. ‘My feet are killing me.’
‘I have to get back,’ Sally said apologetically. ‘Angela’s filled in for me. They’re taking most of the children to the church party this afternoon, because Sister said we were only having the commemorative mugs. She thought it was too close to Christmas for us to have our own party.’
‘Mean old thing,’ Brenda grumbled. ‘Everyone is celebrating, why not you?’
‘Because the funds won’t stretch to it, I suppose,’ Sally said. ‘It isn’t easy to be the Warden of a children’s home, you know.’
‘I suppose not.’ Brenda linked arms with her. ‘I’ll walk back with you then. I’m going out tonight with Gerald Jones; he’s taking me to the pictures. Are you going out with Keith? Most people will be celebrating down the pub tonight.’
‘Keith hasn’t asked me out since I was late for that show he got tickets for,’ Sally said with a sigh. ‘I think he paid a lot of money for them and we had a row over it. Besid
es, he wanted to get serious and I didn’t. I wouldn’t have gone out with him tonight, even if he’d asked.’
‘You were late because of that accident?’ Sally nodded. ‘How is that boy by the way?’
‘Doing all right, I think,’ Sally said. ‘I fancy a bar of chocolate. I was saving my coupons for Christmas, but I’m going to treat myself. After all, it isn’t often the future Queen gets married.’
Alice listened to the broadcast on the radio in the staff room. She’d volunteered for duty because she didn’t want to accompany the girls who were going to watch the procession. Tomorrow’s papers would be filled with pictures of the wedding and she wasn’t likely to get close enough to see much on a day like this; besides, she wasn’t in the mood for celebrating much. The previous night, she’d asked Jack when they were going to leave London, but he’d gone moody and wouldn’t talk about it.
‘I’ll tell you when I’m ready,’ he’d flared at her when she’d tried to push him into telling her about his plans. ‘It’s best you don’t know anythin’ – then you won’t get into trouble.’
‘Pa keeps asking me where I’m going nights and Mavis knows I’m seein’ you, Jack. I’m worried she’ll tell me pa and then he’ll give me a right hidin’ for goin’ out with you behind his back.’
‘He’ll be sorry if he lays a hand on you,’ Jack growled. He’d pulled her closer on the big sofa where they’d first made love, his kisses hungry and insistent as his hands roamed over her breasts and then began to inch up her skirt. ‘You’re mine now, Alice, and I protect what belongs to me.’
‘Don’t,’ Alice said and tried to push him off as he eased her down on the sofa. ‘You know I don’t want to do it again until we’re married. If I get pregnant me dad will kill me.’
