East End Jubilee

by Carol Rivers

  ‘Of course, Eddie,’ Olga said, breaking the silence at last. ‘Or we have beer.’

  ‘Now you’re talking. A nice glass of Christmas cheer would set me up fine.’

  When their host had gone, Eddie looked cheerfully round. ‘Good, is it? Missed much, have I?’

  ‘Not as much as we have,’ someone muttered.

  ‘Well, better late than never.’ Rose knew that Eddie had chosen to ignore the sarcasm, giving her a wink as he came to sit beside her. She felt as though she had just fallen into a deep well and landed on a feather bed at the bottom. She didn’t have any broken bones, but she’d left her stomach behind.

  ‘Hello, my lovely,’ he whispered, snaking an arm round her waist.

  She kept her voice low. ‘Where have you been?’

  ‘Rushing to get here of course.’

  ‘Well, you didn’t rush quick enough.’

  ‘Yes, I did. She ain’t crowned yet, is she?’

  ‘And that’s exactly what I’d like to do to you, Eddie Weaver!’

  He looked all innocence. ‘Now what have I done?’

  ‘Olga told them about the television. That you sold it to Leslie.’

  Her husband shrugged. ‘Well, no one’s walking out in disgust, are they?’

  ‘You said she was going to keep it under her hat.’

  ‘You ain’t half got a good memory,’ he teased.

  ‘Eddie, this isn’t funny.’

  ‘She must have forgotten.’ He tried to take her hand but she pulled it back. ‘Anyway, what does it matter?’

  Rose glared at him. ‘It matters to me.’

  ‘Well, it shouldn’t,’ he returned, his smile fading. ‘I’m the only one who should matter to you. Me and the dustbin lids. Talking of which, where are they?’

  ‘Up the front,’ Rose replied tersely.

  Eddie sighed. ‘Well, this is a nice welcome, I must say. All I’ve done is try to make a few bob and this is the thanks I get. Charming.’

  Rose didn’t want to admit it, but she realized there might be a grain of truth in what Eddie said. There usually was, if she took the time to dig deep enough to find it. He always told her she worried too much about what people thought. Perhaps she did.

  She glanced at him sideways. He was staring at her with those lovely misty grey eyes and even though she was angry, she was melting inside. She couldn’t be angry with him for long, but when they got home, she’d have a few choice words to say.

  ‘Miss me?’ He nudged her knee.

  ‘No.’

  ‘Go on. You did.’

  ‘Keep your voice down. They’re in the Abbey.’

  ‘She ain’t as beautiful as you,’ he whispered, blowing on her hair.

  ‘Eddie. Shush.’

  ‘She’s not, you know.’

  Rose found herself smiling as his fingers tickled her side. His strong, hard thigh moved up against hers. He was certainly one in a million, her Eddie.

  ‘Dad?’

  Rose and Eddie both jumped guiltily. ‘Hello, Toots.’ Eddie held out his arms to his youngest daughter. ‘Come and sit on me knee.’

  ‘Can we have one of them?’ Marlene pointed to the television.

  ‘What, a custard and jelly?’

  Marlene giggled. ‘No you silly, a telly!’

  ‘That’s what I said. A custard and jelly.’ Marlene and Eddie went into smothered hysterics.

  ‘Don’t you Weavers ever stop gassing?’ Cissy yelled over her shoulder. ‘Have a bit of respect, will you? She’s getting bloody crowned!’

  Eddie grinned. ‘Sorry, love. Just taking a deep breath that’s all.’

  ‘Yeah, a bloody loud one an’ all.’

  Rose smiled. It didn’t take long for normality to resume when Eddie was around.

  ‘’Bye, Dad,’ Marlene whispered, all smiles and laughing brown eyes as she slid off her father’s lap.

  ‘’Bye Toots.’ Eddie patted her bottom as she went.

  Rose felt his strong shoulder pressed against hers. She looked sideways and saw him smiling at her. He gave her such a wonderful feeling inside and she couldn’t resist him when he blew her a kiss. Once again they shook with suppressed laughter and only stopped when Olga appeared.

  ‘I hope it’s cold enough, Eddie.’

  ‘I ain’t fussy, gel, thanks.’

  Olga stared down at them. A chill went through Rose’s bones and she didn’t let out a breath until Olga walked away.

  The mantel clock chimed eleven and Rose gazed at the small square picture that was transporting them into another world. Eddie’s hand folded over hers as the commentator’s smooth commentary described a world hitherto unknown to the public. A fairytale land where Rose felt what it was like to be a queen.

  Multinational guests had been assembling at the Abbey since early morning. The whole of the British Royal Family, the Maids of Honour and the Ladies of the Bedchamber had arrived.

  The royal procession set the stage for the main event and the magnificent splendour sparkled and glittered in front of them. Everyone moved an inch forward to get a better view of the fourteen-inch screen. It seemed of no consequence that the screen was small, the universe inside it was huge. Rose felt the power and presence of majesty flow out and light up their lives so different now to the dark days of the wartime years. The deprivation and fear of those times had passed and reconstruction of the East End had started to lift people’s spirits. The Coronation heralded a new era full of hope and prosperity.

  Princess Elizabeth moved towards the High Altar. Every ear in the room now listened intently to the description the commentator gave, describing the six Maids of Honour, each wearing white satin embroidered with pearl blossoms and trails of small golden leaves. Carefully they supported the six-yard-long robe of state made of crimson velvet and edged with ermine and gold lace, which was attached to the Princess’s young shoulders.

  ‘Ain’t she brave, Eddie?’ Rose whispered hoarsely.

  ‘Who wouldn’t be with all them sparklers? Enough to sink a battleship.’

  ‘She’s only two years older than me.’

  ‘Blimey. She’s done well for herself.’

  ‘She must be terrified with all them people watching.’

  Eddie was silent as his fingers squeezed hers.

  Rose sighed. ‘She’s got two kids like me, a husband and a home like me, yet . . .’

  ‘You’re my princess, love.’

  Rose gazed into her husband’s face and what she saw there captured her heart. He was so handsome with his dark good looks and warm, open smile. She had loved him for as long as she could remember. They’d grown up together in the poverty ridden streets of the East End and she knew she would go on loving him till the day she died.

  ‘And you’re my prince. Even though I’m gonna kill you when we get back home.’

  ‘I can’t wait,’ her husband grinned.

  Rose smiled as she turned back to watch the crowning. A big lump filled her throat when the six royal maids began to disrobe the Princess and remove her jewellery, a process that continued throughout the ceremony according to ancient custom. Her abiding memory of the service would be the new Queen’s pale and beautiful face as the cry of ‘Vivat Regina!’ went up.

  As she replied ‘I am willing,’ to the Archbishop’s query, ‘Madam, is Your Majesty willing to take the oath?’ Rose thought she saw a tear glisten in the royal eye.

  Her own eyes were moist. So too, she realized was everyone else’s. The world was transfixed.

  Rose thought how every head seemed to bow as the Archbishop of Canterbury lowered the heavy, glinting crown studded with precious jewels on the new sovereign’s head. As if each person was sharing some of the reputed seven-pound weight.

  Elizabeth looked so fragile, her neck so slim and delicate. But she bore the crown with pride and elegance and everyone breathed a sigh of relief when it remained in place. Never before had Rose experienced such a feeling of loyalty or respect for her country. The ceremony had made it
clear to her just who she was. A citizen of the British Empire. And this was her Queen.

  Eddie nudged her. He was handing her a big, neatly ironed white handkerchief. Rose took it gratefully to dab her eyes.

  ‘Bet she couldn’t half do with a cuppa.’

  Rose sighed. ‘You never take anything seriously.’

  ‘I do. You, my beloved.’

  ‘Yes, well, and so you should.’

  ‘When does it all finish?’

  ‘What, you’re not going out again, are you?’ Rose demanded suspiciously. Trust Eddie to bring her back to earth with a bump.

  ‘No. Well yes, but just for an hour. I’ll be back for the old Moriarty.’

  ‘Oh, Eddie!’

  He silenced her with a big, warm kiss full on the mouth. Luckily no one noticed as the musical fanfare filled every square inch of the Abbey. Everyone in the room jumped to their feet laughing and clapping.

  ‘I won’t be long, love. Promise.’

  ‘You always say that.’ She knew his promise to return for the street party was only to keep her happy and she would be lucky to see him again until much later tonight.

  ‘Don’t I keep me promises?’

  ‘Not always. You broke one last week. Selling that television to the Parkers.’

  Eddie looked crestfallen. ‘I did it for us, sweetheart. Look what a lovely morning you’ve had. You’d have been at home with your ear glued to the gram if Olga hadn’t sported out.’

  ‘Don’t try to talk your way out of it, Eddie, it’s me you’re talking to, your wife.’

  He pulled her close again. ‘Go on, say something nice for a change, I dare you.’

  She gave in a little then. Eddie was right. It had been a lovely morning. And all because of the telly and Olga’s hospitality.

  ‘We’re gonna dance the night away,’ Eddie promised her. ‘I’m gonna swing you round the street until you beg me to stop. Then after the kids are in bed we can—’

  ‘Eddie!’

  He grinned. ‘All right. All right.’

  ‘You’d better go while I’m in a good mood.’ Rose’s beautiful dark brown eyes sparkled.

  ‘See you in a cock linnet, then.’ He gave her another kiss and disappeared.

  Eddie Weaver, why do I fall for your patter every time? She sighed softly as the National Anthem prompted a short pause for solemnity. Then everyone let loose to Elgar’s ‘Pomp and Circumstance’.

  The great royal procession travelled jubilantly back to Buckingham Palace cheered on by thousands of well wishers. Rose wanted to treasure every moment of the historic day. Suddenly there was a close-up. Inside the coach, a little white handbag lay on the seat. It seemed a tiny, vulnerable human idiosyncrasy, not of the Queen, but the young girl left behind.

  It wouldn’t be an easy road to travel, Rose thought. But it will be a lot easier than yours another little voice cried in her head. She’s rich and you’re poor. Money will make a difference. It always did. But as the girls came back to sit with her, Rose decided money wouldn’t buy happiness or add to the love of her family. She was just reminding herself how lucky she was when there was a noise in the street. Rose thought it was probably the men erecting the tarpaulin over the benches. It was still raining and everyone wanted to eat, drink and be merry in the dry.

  ‘Blimey, is that the coppers?’ someone screeched.

  ‘Yeah, what do they want up ’ere on Coronation Day?’

  ‘Half a crown to go away I suppose,’ Rose heard Cissy cry.

  ‘Struth, there’s a rumpus!’

  Everyone rushed to the window. ‘’Ere, Rose, it’s your Eddie! He’s taking a right hiding.’

  The two girls wriggled from her arms and ran to join the others. Rose heard Donnie scream, ‘Daddy!’

  In that moment, Rose knew her life had changed forever.

  Chapter Two

  Rose rushed into the street. The men had stopped pulling the waterproof covering over the benches.

  ‘What’s happened?’ Rose ran over but a big policeman blocked her path.

  ‘And who might you be?’

  ‘I’m Mrs Weaver. Where’s my husband?’

  ‘His wife, eh?’ The policeman wiped the dirt from his face with the palm of his hand and replaced his helmet. He was out of breath and his uniform was all crooked. Another policeman was limping towards the police car. He, too, was replacing his helmet.

  ‘Your husband is what happened, that’s what.’

  Rose pointed to the car. ‘Is he in there? I want to speak to him.’ She tried to go round but he blocked her way.

  ‘You’ll have to speak to the guv’nor first. He’s inside.’

  Rose turned to follow the policeman’s nod. The door of her house was open and a stranger was standing in the hall. ‘What’s he doing in my house?’ She didn’t wait to hear the answer. Her heart was pounding as she rushed in and confronted the man. ‘Who are you?’

  He looked her up and down. ‘My name is Inspector Williams.’ He was dressed in a raincoat and wore a trilby hat pulled over his forehead. ‘We have a warrant to search the premises.’ He flourished a piece of paper in her face.

  ‘What are you looking for?’ Rose stared at him.

  ‘We’ve reason to believe there may be stolen goods here.’

  ‘Stolen goods!’ She laughed in astonishment. ‘That’s ridiculous. There’s nothing under this roof that would interest you. All our stuff’s been in the family for years.’

  ‘Well, then, you won’t mind us looking.’

  ‘I do mind,’ Rose said indignantly. ‘Wouldn’t you if someone went in your home without permission? And what about my husband? Why’s he in that car?’

  Just then a uniformed officer trod heavily down the stairs and disappeared into the front room. As Rose was about to follow, there were screams outside. Her heart turned over. It was Marlene.

  ‘Let my Daddy go,’ she was screaming as Rose ran out. The policeman by the car was trying to dodge the tips of her black patent shoes.

  ‘That child’s a menace,’ he complained as Rose swept Marlene into her arms.

  ‘Not half as much of a menace as you lot,’ Rose cried angrily.

  ‘What’s happening, Mum?’ Donnie arrived beside them. Her small chin was wobbling.

  ‘It’s all right, pet. Come here.’ She hugged them tightly as the man in the raincoat walked towards them.

  ‘You do realize your husband attacked two of my officers?’

  Rose looked up at him. ‘What do you mean, attacked? Eddie wouldn’t hurt a fly!’

  ‘He prevented us from our search by using physical violence.’

  ‘Well, I still don’t believe you,’ Rose declared, trying to see into the car. ‘I want to speak to him.’

  A surly smile crept across the policeman’s hard mouth. ‘I’m afraid that’s not possible.’

  The whole neighbourhood had now gathered round and Rose decided this was her one chance of speaking to Eddie. If the inspector refused again he would have to do so in public. ‘Just give me a few minutes,’ she pleaded in a voice that everyone could hear. ‘It’s about the kids.’

  There was a look in his eyes that she didn’t like, but finally he nodded. ‘Two minutes,’ he growled.

  Rose flung herself at the open window of the car. Eddie sat inside, squashed between two policemen. His nose was bleeding and his hair was all over the place.

  ‘Oh Eddie, what’s happened to you?’

  He tried to lean forward. ‘They just barged their way in the house and sent me flying.’

  ‘What do they want? Why are they taking you away?’

  ‘They keep harping on about a Whitechapel job. But I ain’t got a clue what they’re talking about.’

  ‘Did they hurt you?’

  He gave her a shaky smile. ‘No, don’t worry about me, I’m all right. Take care of yourself and the kids. I’ll be back just as soon as I sort it all out.’

  ‘Oh, Eddie!’

  The window went up and she was pulled
back. She felt like screaming at the inspector to leave them alone.

  ‘Look Mummy, they’re taking Mrs Parker’s telly away.’ Marlene pointed across the road. Two policemen carried the television from Olga’s house and packed it into a van.

  What connection had the television to Eddie’s arrest? Rose wondered in panic. ‘Where are you taking my husband?’ she demanded as the inspector climbed into the passenger seat.

  ‘To Bow Street to help with our enquiries,’ he answered gruffly as the driver started the car.

  ‘How long will that take? How will I know what’s going on?’ she yelled as the car began to move away.

  ‘Try phoning,’ he threw over his shoulder as the window went up and the car sped off followed in hot pursuit by the van. Rose stood in the road, watching them disappear.

  ‘Where’s Daddy going?’ Donnie’s face was white.

  She swallowed. ‘To the police station, pet, to help the policemen with their enquiries.’

  ‘Why?’

  Before she had time to reply Olga came hurrying towards them. ‘Do you realize your husband sold us stolen property?’ she shouted all red in the face.

  Rose bent down to the girls. She didn’t want them to hear any more unpleasantness. ‘Go inside and wait for me.’ She gave their shoulders a gentle push, then turned to Olga. ‘What did you just say?’

  ‘That television was stolen. The police have taken it away and I don’t suppose we shall see it again.’

  ‘Who told you that?’

  ‘The policemen of course.’

  ‘Well, there must have been some mistake—’ Rose began but Olga shouted over her.

  ‘Yes, the mistake was in trusting your husband.’

  ‘Leave it out, Olga. Eddie is an honest man. He wouldn’t do anything dodgy.’

  ‘Oh no? I was questioned like a common criminal. As if they thought I had something to do with stealing it.’

  ‘Well, I’m sorry for all that,’ Rose apologized, wishing hard that she hadn’t lost that argument with Eddie over the telly and wishing even harder she could turn back the clock.

  ‘We’ve been swindled and all you can do is stand there and say you’re sorry!’ Olga screamed as they stood in the middle of the road.