Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls

by Rosie Clarke

  ‘It will be much better for you,’ Rachel said. ‘I’ll take you to the social this week, but when Minnie gets back, she will take you lots of places – is there anything you need to learn or anything you would like to do that you didn’t want to ask your father?’

  ‘I’d like to learn ballroom dancing,’ Becky said. ‘I like to draw and Minnie is teaching me to sew and to cook – but I’d like to help out with fundraising for our men. I couldn’t be a nurse, as Maggie is, because I don’t like to see blood – but I do want to help.’

  ‘Then I’ll enrol you in some of my schemes. You and Minnie can come along together. We’ll be making gloves, scarves, blankets, anything the men might need, and we’ll be making things to sell – running tombola evenings and all kinds of things to raise money.’

  Becky jumped up and rushed round to hug her. ‘Thank you so much, Aunt Rachel – may I call you that when I’m not at work please? You’ve been so kind and I was feeling lonely now that Maggie has gone off to be a nurse…’

  ‘Of course, you may,’ Rachel said and felt delighted. ‘Now, what shall you wear for the social this evening?’

  ‘I’ll wear the new dress that Minnie made me,’ Becky said. ‘I know it is very fancy, but everything else is a little plain, a bit schoolgirlish…’

  ‘Yes, wear your best dress,’ Rachel said. ‘It is just a church social, but it is a fundraiser and there will be dancing…’ She smiled as she saw Becky’s face fall. ‘They will be barn dances and you’ll soon pick the steps up.’

  ‘If anyone asks me,’ Becky said.

  ‘Oh, I don’t think you need worry about that,’ Rachel said and laughed. ‘I think the men will be queuing up to dance with you.’

  ‘Lucky you,’ Marion said when Becky told her about the church social they were going to that evening. ‘I would have liked to come with you, Becky, but Mrs Jackson has Milly until I get home, so I can’t just go off and leave her to do it all.’

  ‘It doesn’t seem fair you can’t have any fun,’ Becky said, feeling sorry for her, but Marion shook her head.

  ‘I have to be careful, because otherwise the welfare people might poke their noses in and decide to put Milly in care. Dan put the house in his name and said to tell the council he is responsible for us and paying the bills – but I don’t want to risk it. Besides, I’d rather not go without Reggie. It would seem as if I didn’t care that he may be in danger.’

  ‘He hasn’t been sent over there yet, has he?’

  ‘No, I don’t think many of the volunteers have yet,’ Marion told her. ‘I know Reggie is still in this country. He was home on a thirty-six-hour pass at the weekend. They can’t tell you where they’re training, because it is secret, but he says they are working hard all the time. Reggie has blisters on his hands from digging trenches. He says they feel like bloomin’ navvies…’

  Becky laughed. ‘Has he got a gun yet?’

  ‘He hasn’t got half his kit yet,’ Marion told her with a grimace. ‘He got his trousers, boots and cap last week, but he’s still waiting for his blouson; they hadn’t got one big enough, so they’re ordering it for him.’

  ‘You’d have thought the army would have all sizes,’ Becky said and shook her head.

  ‘Reggie thinks they never expected to get so many volunteers so quickly and they can’t keep up…’ She smiled. ‘I never thought Reggie would be one for letters, but he’s written to me twice – lovely long letters, too.’

  ‘He sounds lovely, but it’s a shame about his uniform.’ Becky shook her head in wonder. ‘They need Mrs Harper down the war office,’ she said. ‘She’d soon have the forces running like clockwork.’

  ‘Yes,’ Marion nodded her agreement. ‘You don’t see Mrs Harper letting us run out of things.’ So far, Harpers’ shelves and rails were filled with stock and their trade was steady.

  ‘Now then, you two,’ Mrs Burrows came bustling up to them. ‘Chatting is all very well, but we have work to do. In another five minutes, the store will be open to customers – get the hats uncovered, Miss Kaye, and Miss Stockbridge make sure you have all those scarves that came in yesterday written up…’

  ‘I did them last night,’ Becky said, ‘but I’ll just check, Mrs Burrows.’

  The new junior was brought into the department by Mrs Bailey then. Rachel smiled at them, but the new girl looked frightened to death. She was introduced to them as Shirley Jones, a shy girl with mousey brown hair and light grey eyes, a little plain but with a nice smile. Becky grinned at her to make her feel at ease and offered to show her how to keep the sales and stock books.

  ‘Thank you, Miss Stockbridge,’ Mrs Burrows said. ‘We’ll all help Miss Jones to learn for a few days, but she has passed several exams and should pick the system up quickly.’ She smiled at the new girl. ‘Miss Stockbridge hasn’t been here long, so I’ll let you all make friends.’

  The day had flown and Becky was pleased they had a new girl to help make up for losing Maggie. She had picked up the system easily herself and Shirley soon showed that it wouldn’t bother her either. Mrs Burrows had let them go together at break time and they had a cup of coffee and a bun across the road in Bessie’s café.

  ‘If I’d known you were starting, you could have had one of Mrs Bailey’s tickets for the social this evening,’ she told Shirley and the girl smiled shyly.

  ‘That’s so kind of you,’ she said. ‘I’d like to come another time please. My father has joined the army – or re-joined, because he was a sergeant major before he left to start his own business. My mother died last year and Papa has handed the business over to his brother for the duration. I’m his only child and he wanted me to go to college and become a secretary, but I couldn’t stand being at home all day alone, so I decided to take a job and continue my training at night school…’

  ‘That’s exactly what I’m doing,’ Becky replied. ‘My college is in Southwark, where’s yours?’

  ‘In Spitalfields,’ Shirley said. ‘I suppose I could change – if they’d take me on. What year are you?’

  ‘I’m through my typing course but getting a bit stuck with my shorthand.’

  ‘Oh, I’m quite good at that,’ Shirley told her. ‘Perhaps if we work together, we could both improve…?’

  ‘Yes, that would be good,’ Becky looked at her speculatively. She liked Shirley but didn’t know her well. From what she said, she lived next door to her aunt and uncle in Spitalfields and her uncle managed the wood yard he owned with her father. She’d decided she didn’t want to move in with her aunt and yet was fed up with living on her own. It might be nice if Shirley came to stay with her sometimes. They could share a room and go to technical college together in the evenings…

  After she’d dressed in her best gown that evening, Becky went down the hall to join Rachel in the living room. Rachel was wearing a dark blue dress that moulded to her shapely figure and suited her well. She turned and looked at Becky, smiling as she saw her.

  ‘Oh, you do look lovely, Becky. That colour gold suits you so well – the tawny shade highlights your eyes.’

  Becky blushed and looked down at her leather slippers, which were a deep gold colour to tone with the dress. ‘Thank you, Aunt Rachel. Do you mind if I ask your advice?’

  ‘No, of course not.’ Rachel looked a little surprised.

  ‘It is about Shirley Jones from work,’ Becky said. ‘I think we shall be good friends – and she’s taking classes in typing and shorthand. We thought she might change to my college so that we could attend together, do you think Minnie would mind if I asked her to stay the night sometimes?’

  ‘Ah…’ Rachel nodded and looked relieved. ‘I am sure Minnie will say that you must invite whoever you like to stay, Becky – but you should get to know her a little better first, though her school gave her excellent references.’

  Becky nodded. ‘I knew she must have good references because Mrs Burrows said she was a good scholar. She is living alone since her father joined up, though her uncle and aunt live
next door. I think she doesn’t have too many friends… a bit like me…’ She sighed. ‘Especially since Maggie left.’

  ‘Yes, we all miss her. I must write to her soon.’

  ‘So, should I make friends with Shirley – I think she is a nice girl, the sort Minnie will like…’

  ‘Then she sounds ideal for you, dear,’ Rachel agreed. ‘Now, are you ready to leave? We have quite a busy evening ahead.’

  Becky tumbled into bed that evening feeling a little bemused but very happy. He’d been there at the social and he’d asked her to dance twice and spent half an hour with her, just talking, laughing and treating her to drinks of iced lemonade and a throw of the hoops. He’d actually won a small china fairing, which he’d presented to her with a flourish that made her laugh.

  Captain Morgan, the charming doctor Becky had met at the first-aid classes with Maggie. He’d insisted on taking them both home in his car that night, because Becky’s purse had been stolen. She’d wondered if he might try to see her again, but he hadn’t – but he’d recognised her at once when he walked in and saw her talking to one of the girls from Harpers dress department.

  ‘Miss Stockbridge,’ he’d said, bowing his head to her. ‘What a delightful surprise. I hope you will forgive me for not visiting you at home before this, but I was called away. I’ve been very busy training nurses for the Front and I’m afraid it slipped my mind…’

  ‘I’m not sure I should forgive you for forgetting me,’ Becky had replied, giving him a flirtatious look.

  ‘Oh, I never forgot you for a moment,’ he’d said, ‘but I forgot to write to your father for his permission to call…’ His eyes had danced with merriment and Becky’s heart did a little flip of excitement. She did like Captain Morgan so much, even though she’d tried hard not to think of him.

  ‘Have I converted you into joining the nursing corps?’ he’d asked.

  ‘No, but I’m going to be knitting for the troops, rolling bandages and raising money,’ she’d said, lifting her chin at him. ‘Will that do instead?’

  ‘In your case, I believe it will,’ he’d said. He’d glanced around the room. ‘Is your father here this evening, Miss Stockbridge?’

  ‘Papa is on honeymoon with his lovely new wife,’ Becky had replied. ‘I am staying with Aunt Rachel while they’re away, and she brought me this evening so I could have some fun…’

  Captain Morgan had clicked his heels and inclined his head. ‘In that case, may I have the honour of this next dance?’

  ‘I should warn you that I’ve never danced…’

  ‘Then I shall teach you,’ he’d said. ‘This is just a two-step, Miss Stockbridge, and I don’t think either of us can go far wrong.’

  In the event, she’d felt as if she was floating on air as he guided her expertly around the floor. After their dances, she’d introduced him to Rachel and he’d promised to call on Saturday afternoon to take her to tea after work.

  ‘At four outside Harpers,’ he’d promised before he left. ‘I shall look forward to it – and I hope you will put in a good word for me with Mr Stockbridge, Mrs Bailey…’

  Becky gave a sigh of content as she curled up in bed. Aunt Rachel liked Captain Morgan. Now that Papa was married, it looked as if Becky’s life was suddenly going to be far more interesting. She was making new friends, Aunt Rachel and Minnie had both promised to take her out, she had a wonderful job she enjoyed and now she’d met Captain Morgan again, life couldn’t be better.

  Becky decided to write a letter to Maggie and tell her what had happened. She liked her new friend Shirley. They got on well together and she thought they could spend more time together in future – but she did miss Maggie so much. Her thoughts were with the girl who had befriended her when she needed it so much and she wondered how Maggie was getting on at her new place of work. It would be so different to the job she’d done at Harpers and Maggie was so brave to leave everything she loved. Becky would write and tell her so and remind her that she always had friends to come to if she needed them. She did so hope they wouldn’t lose touch because of this horrid war.

  Becky had so much to look forward to, but she did worry about Maggie, because she knew her friend would volunteer for overseas nursing when the time came and she just couldn’t bear it if anything happened to Maggie…

  40

  Sally knew the moment Ben entered their office that morning. There was something in his step, a firm confidence that had been subdued of late. She’d been afraid it was coming after the news the previous day. It was now November; a German raid on the seaside resort of Yarmouth had taken place and Britain had annexed Cyprus, declaring war on the Ottoman Empire. At sea, the losses were high on both sides – which had Beth looking permanently worried – and, on land, the troops were bogged down in the trenches as the bloody conflict continued, with no hope of an end for the foreseeable future.

  In September, it had seemed as if the Allies had the upper hand. Paris had been saved by fierce battles that put the Germans into reverse and had them retreating. General Joseph Joffre had been reinforced with fresh men and, together with other French troops, had managed to push the enemy back. The British had suffered massive casualties during the offensive, but it had been a huge and terrible battle and Kitchener had praised the bravery of the troops while calling for half a million new volunteers to boost depleted forces.

  It was after the panic a German plane had caused in Paris by dropping bombs in the crowded Champs Élysées that Sally understood that Ben had reached his decision. If they could do that to the citizens of Paris, they could do it here in London and that meant he had no choice but to offer his services to the British forces in whatever way they wished to use him.

  Looking at him now, she saw the relief in his eyes; his pride was back and she blinked hard to stop herself crying. Ben had done the right thing and she wouldn’t risk his peace of mind by letting him see how distressed she was over his decision.

  ‘Is it the Army or the Royal Flying Corps?’ she asked as he poured them both a glass of wine.

  ‘The Army,’ Ben said. ‘I considered the Royal Flying Corps, but I was told that I’ll be starting off in logistics – and of more use to the army. I’ll need training first, so I won’t be over there immediately.’ He smiled at her and sipped his wine. ‘I may never actually see any fighting, Sally – but I shall be doing something useful.’ And he would be in uniform and safe from more white feathers!

  ‘What about Harpers and Jack’s hotel?’

  ‘I shall be away for three weeks training,’ Ben said with a grin. ‘They are making me an officer immediately, but, after that, I’ll be in charge of an office here in London and sometimes on the south coast for the time being so I can keep an eye on things here. Besides, you and Stockbridge and the others can look after Harpers, and I’ll ask Stockbridge to look in on the hotel now and then if I’m not around. Jack will be home between the Atlantic runs. It’s one of the most dangerous sea lanes, but we have to pray his ship makes it back…’ He looked thoughtful, his smile gone as he considered the risks Beth’s husband was taking, and then nodded. ‘Jack’s new manager seems a decent sort – has a weak lung apparently so he can’t fight, but he’s fit enough to work at a desk. Jack was lucky to find him just like that, because I don’t like his business partner much. In fact, I shall advise him to sell out if he gets a chance. I’d invest his money in something better for him after the war.’

  ‘I doubt he’ll get a chance,’ Sally said. ‘The war has made it inadvisable for anyone to start a new business…’

  ‘I’m not sure – Jim Barclay might take it off his hands,’ Ben said. ‘That’s the young chap that manages it for Jack now.’

  ‘Does he have the money?’ Sally was doubtful. Jack had been keen on owning a hotel but might feel differently when he returned from the war. Things changed when men had to fight for their lives every day.

  Ben shook his head. ‘I doubt it – but Jack might find a way of loaning it to him.’ He grinned at h
er again as his enthusiasm returned. ‘That’s up to Beth and Jack, of course. They’ve got a few dollars between them, I imagine… and I may be busy…’

  Sally nodded. Ben looked far too pleased at the idea that he would eventually be drawn into the conflict, even if only in the background. ‘At least we’re nearly ready to open the new premises…’

  ‘Next week, I hope,’ Ben said. ‘I should be here for that, Sally. I’ve been told I’ve got a couple of weeks to sort out any business that is urgent and to complete a little transaction with someone back home who can help us out with a few bits and pieces and then I’m off for my crash course in officer training. They seem to think that as a businessman I know how to organise and lead.’ He grinned at her, as happy as a sparrow. ‘I told them I’m a crack shot so that just leaves bomb making and statistics.’

  ‘Don’t tell me anything more, Ben. I’m sure it’s secret…’

  ‘Yes, it is,’ he agreed, still on a high. ‘I don’t think you’re going to tell the enemy anything, Sally…’ He moved towards her, taking her in his arms to kiss her softly and look into her eyes. ‘You do understand why, my love? You don’t think I’m deserting you and Jenny?’

  Right on cue, they heard a little cry from the cot Sally had had installed in the office so that she could bring Jenny with her sometimes. As Jenny grew and slept less in the day, Sally had found herself unable to tear herself away from her baby and so brought her in several mornings a week. She bent over the cot and lifted the sweet-smelling baby in her arms.

  ‘You know I’d never do anything to endanger you or Jenny?’

  ‘Of course, I know…’ Ben’s concern almost broke her, but she fought the wave of emotion that swept her. ‘You have to do what you feel is right and I’d be selfish and needy if I begged you to stay.’