by Pam Howes
Dora smiled as her dad tucked into his pie. The gravy ran down his bristly chin and he wiped it with his fingers.
‘These are good,’ he said. ‘Best I’ve had in a long time. More meat in ’em as well. Been potato and meat pies for long enough. Now we’re getting back to the real thing. Meat and potato, just as it used to be.’
Dora cleared their plates away and poured two mugs of tea. She brought the vanilla cuts through and her dad’s eyes lit up.
‘You’re spoiling me, queen.’
‘No, you’re spoiling me by doing our garden.’
He laughed. ‘If I can’t spoil my little girl now and then it’s a poor show.’ He took a bite of his vanilla cut and smiled.
Dora swallowed the lump that had risen in her throat and took a sip of tea. Her dad looked at her like Joe always looked at Carol. Looks of adoration. It was lovely to spend this precious time with him.
‘Right, open wide,’ Dora ordered in a no-nonsense voice.
‘That feels a bit better,’ her dad said as she spooned the cough mixture down him. He patted his chest. ‘Nice and warming. And I’ll suck on an Uncle Luke’s while I’m outside. I’ll be right as rain in a day or two, I tell you. And those pies really were lovely. And you spoiled me with that vanilla cut. It’s ages since I had one.’
‘But you will go to the doctor’s tomorrow morning, won’t you?’ Dora knew he was only changing the subject in the hope she’d forget about the cough. ‘You promised me, Dad. I’ll tell Mam about that blood if you don’t.’ She didn’t like to threaten him, but if it was the only way to get him to agree, then it would have to do.
‘Bloody hell, stop nagging, gel. Yes, I promise.’
‘Good. Do you want another cuppa before you go back outside?’
‘No ta. I’ll get on and have one later.’
Dora sighed and watched as he limped back outside. She meant what she said though; if he didn’t go tomorrow then she’d get Mam on to him and Joanie and Frank too if necessary. Her dad meant the world to her and it terrified her that something might be seriously wrong with him.
CHAPTER 22
‘Peggy’s turn now,’ Dora said, removing her wriggling daughter from Maude’s arms and handing her over to Peggy, whose smile lit up her face as she gazed at the little girl. ‘Eat your dinner now, Maude, before it gets too cold to enjoy it.’
Maude’s fried egg and chips were congealing on the plate in a pool of dripping, but she tucked hungrily into them as Peggy tickled Carol under the chin, trying to coax a smile from the baby, who frowned at the unfamiliar face gazing down at her.
‘I’ll go and ask Mavis to heat Carol’s bottle.’ Dora smiled as the two girls cooed over Carol, who was decidedly grumpy today. Hopefully she’d be quieter when she’d had her milk. She’d grizzled all the way over on the bus, chomping on her fingers like she was starving.
Mavis greeted her warmly at the counter and stood the bottle in a jug of hot water. ‘As soon as I’ve finished up here I’m coming over for my cuddle too,’ she said. ‘She’s a bonny little thing, isn’t she?’
‘She is,’ Dora agreed.
Mavis tested the milk on her wrist and wrapped the bottle in a tea towel, handing it over to Dora, who thanked her and went back to the table near the window, where Peggy was now holding Carol up so that Len, one of the only remaining packers, could pull faces at her through the glass. Carol was smiling and she blew a raspberry at Len, who blew one back. Carol squealed and flapped her arms up and down.
Peggy laughed. ‘Can I give her the bottle please? Let you have your cuppa in peace and a catch-up with Joanie. She’s been trying to tell you summat since you came in, but we haven’t given her the chance to open her gob yet!’
Dora handed the bottle over and tied a bib under Carol’s dribbly chin. ‘Wind her halfway, but be prepared for her to kick off as soon as you remove the bottle from her mouth,’ she warned. She sat down again and turned to Joanie, breathing a sigh of relief as Peggy, with Maude practically glued to her elbow, fed Carol. ‘Phew. Peace at last.’
Joanie smiled. ‘Are you trying to say my niece is hard work?’
‘She is, just a bit.’ Dora laughed. ‘Let’s hope yours is a little angel.’ She took a welcome swig of tea. ‘Ah, that’s nice. No one makes a brew as good as Mavis.’
‘Dead right,’ Joanie said. ‘Anyway, one of Frank’s mates’ girls, who we were out with on Saturday night, has been looking for someone to make three bridesmaids’ dresses for her nieces. I told her to look no further. I completely forgot to tell you on Sunday when you came for dinner and to pick Carol up. It was that noisy, with everyone talking at once and neighbours popping in to see the baby. The dresses are for her young nieces, and she’s already got the fabric and trimmings. She’s also done a simple sketch and we should be able to tackle them, no problem.’
‘Oh, that’s great. When does she need them for?’
‘Early November. We’ve got a few weeks.’ Joanie lowered her voice. ‘The fabric’s dark pink satin, so I can do the seam edges here. And by the way, Jack told me this morning that George Kane said no to us having an over-locker. Apparently there’s a party interested in buying the fittings but not the factory and fixtures. I suppose he’s got to get his money where he can.’
‘Miserable bugger,’ Dora said. ‘Bet he won’t get much more than we could offer him. Ah well, we’ve got the zigzag stitch option on the new Singer.’ She glanced around the almost empty canteen. It felt echoey. ‘I see he’s got rid of most of the furniture from in here.’
Joanie nodded. ‘There are hardly any of us left. No point in keeping the tables and chairs when there’s no one to sit on them. A big van came and took them away last week. God knows where they’ve gone.’
Mavis bustled across and sat down with a cuppa while she waited for Carol to finish her bottle. ‘I see she’s wearing that nice little coat that Peggy’s mam made.’
‘She is. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see your mam, Peggy, but well, you know… I wasn’t very well for a while, as Joanie told you.’
‘We know, queen, and we were all very upset for youse,’ Peggy said, nodding her head. ‘But this little smasher will keep you busy, I’ll bet.’ She prised Carol away from the teat and sat her forward. Carol arched her back and screamed, belching at the same time. ‘Blimey, she’s got some lungs on her, little madam.’ The bell signalling the end of dinner break sounded and Peggy handed Carol back to Dora.
Dora plugged the teat back in quickly as Peggy and Maude dropped kisses on her cheek.
‘It’s been nice to see you. Keep in touch.’ Peggy linked her arm through Maude’s as they left the canteen.
‘I will,’ Dora called after them. ‘Good luck looking for new jobs. You must come round for a cuppa if you’re at a loose end any time.’
Joanie got to her feet. She looked pale and Dora stroked her arm. ‘Not long now and then you can take it a bit easier. You feeling a bit washed out?’
‘Very tired,’ Joanie replied. ‘And weeing for England.’
‘Tell me about it.’ Dora laughed. ‘I was never off the carsey.’
‘Well every time I want to go, your dad’s in there,’ Joanie said, rolling her eyes. ‘Me and Frank need to find our own place.’
‘You do, in time. By the way, did Dad mention going to the doctor’s this morning?’
‘Not to me, he didn’t. Are you worried about his cough? Your mam has been nagging him for weeks now. But he’s so stubborn.’
Dora nodded. ‘Can I give Carol to you for the last of her feed, Mavis? I just want a quiet word with Joanie.’
‘Course you can. Come here, my little love.’ Mavis held her arms out and Carol nestled into them and sucked contentedly on the teat.
Dora followed Joanie out of the canteen and up the stairs to the first floor. ‘Might as well as say hello to Jack while I’m here. But yes, Dad’s cough is really bad. Don’t say anything to him or Mam yet or Frank either for now, but he coughed up loads of blood yesterday. It was in his
hanky.’
Joanie sighed. ‘I’ve seen him do it too, when he thinks no one is watching. He shouted at your mam recently about the doctor costing too much money and he’d wait until the new National Health Service starts next year, then it’ll be free.’
‘But he pays into that policy Mam took out. We all do, so we never have to worry about going to the doctor’s. Good job we had it with what happened to me and the twins. The new service doesn’t start until next July and he can’t wait that long. Right, he should be at mine doing the garden when I get back. If he hasn’t been to the doctor’s I’m telling Mam. It’s for his own good.’
Jack Carter waved at Dora as she and Joanie went onto the factory floor.
‘How’s it going, chuck?’ He gave her a hug. ‘Not brought the baby up to see me?’
‘She’s in the canteen with Mavis. Nip down and see her. I’m just saying a quick bye to everyone and then we’re going home.’
‘Will do.’
Jack left the floor and Dora looked around. It made her feel sad to see how depleted and downcast the staff were. Half a dozen left, if that, including Jack. It should be so different and busy up here. They’d all survived the war; the factory was still standing and the staff well-trained. Such a wicked waste of skills. She hoped George Kane lost everything for what he’d put his loyal workforce through while still enjoying his lavish lifestyle. His father-in-law would be spinning in his grave right now.
Dora said her goodbyes and Joanie promised to come over on Friday night when she’d picked up the fabric from their new customer. Downstairs Dora reclaimed her daughter, who was now on Jack’s lap, cooing and making eyes at him, tummy full and quite contented. Hopefully she’d fall asleep on the bus and then Dora could have a bit of time with her dad before he went home.
On Saturday afternoon, three excited bridesmaids played with Carol on the rug while Dora and Joanie got their dresses ready for the first fitting. Their mum had thoughtfully provided measurements along with the fabric that Joanie had brought round in the week. Dora had designed and cut out the dresses and she and Joanie had tacked the pieces together over a couple of evenings.
‘Okay,’ Dora called over the giggling and the shrieks from Carol as she joined in with their laughter, ‘let’s have Alice in the fitting room first.’
Ten-year-old Alice followed Dora and Joanie into the second bedroom, an important smile on her face. As chief bridesmaid, she had the responsibility of holding the bouquet for her aunt during the ceremony.
‘Just slip your dress off, sweetheart,’ Joanie said and undid the back zip for her.
Alice did as she was told and stood self-consciously in her vest and knickers with her arms in the air while Joanie slid the new dress over her head and shoulders. She gasped as it slid down to her feet.
‘Oh, it’s luverley,’ she said as Joanie pinned the back together.
‘Yes, you look beautiful and the colour really suits you,’ Dora said. The dark pink gave a bloom to the little girl’s pale cheeks, and made her glossy dark hair and brown eyes shine. ‘I’ll just call your mummy in.’
Alice’s mum, Mags, came in and smiled at her daughter. ‘What a picture,’ she said proudly as Alice twirled around, lifting the long skirt. ‘Be careful, love. It’s got to be stitched together yet and you’ll be popping the temporary seams.’
‘Okay,’ Dora said. ‘I think we’re fine there with that one. Let Joanie help you to take it off and then we’ll have May and Molly in for their fittings.’
‘God help you,’ Mags said with a grin. ‘They’re the biggest pair of fidgets in town. Do one at a time, or they’ll egg each other on with the giggles.’ She waited until Alice had dressed herself, then took her back into the sitting room to play with Carol, while Dora and Joanie tackled the five- and six-year-olds.
Seeing the visitors out, Dora closed the door after them and smiled. The two youngest girls were similar in age, just as her and Joanie’s babies would be. She had convinced herself that Joanie was expecting a girl, although she’d no idea why. Their two would play together just like she and Joanie had done as little girls, and would grow up to be the best of friends. It gave her a warm glow of satisfaction.
Joanie had the kettle on when Dora went into the kitchen. ‘Those little ones were a pair of pickles, weren’t they?’ she said. ‘Such happy little girls and all three were lovely with it.’ She rubbed her tummy. ‘I can’t wait for mine. Wonder what it’ll be?’
They took their cuppas through to the sitting room and sat down on the sofa. Carol studied them from her position on the rag rug. She raised her legs in the air and flung herself sideways, perfecting a roll onto her tummy that she’d been trying all week.
‘Oh my God, she’s done it,’ Joanie cried. ‘Clever girl.’
Dora laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks, for her daughter looked so shocked she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as her lip pouted. ‘She wasn’t expecting that.’ She put down her cup and scooped Carol up. ‘Next thing she’ll be crawling and then we’ll know we’ve got her, won’t we, missy?’ She tickled Carol, who giggled and hiccupped. ‘Wait until Daddy sees what you can do.’
‘Are you going with Joe to the club tonight?’ Joanie asked, dunking her ginger snap in her tea.
‘No, I’m going to get on with the dress bodices once Carol goes to sleep. Are you?’
‘Might do. It’s Fazakerley Legion, isn’t it?’
‘Yeah, Agnes and Alan are going, it’s only down the road for them.’
‘Might join them then,’ Joanie said.
‘I didn’t like to mither Mam to have Carol with Dad not being too good. I’m glad he went to the doctor’s though. Once he’s had that X-ray we might get to the bottom of things.’ Her dad had done as he was told and Dora’s mam had accompanied him to see the doctor. He’d been prescribed linctus and arrangements were being made for him to see a specialist after the X-ray results were in.
Joanie nodded. ‘I’ll come over in the week and help you with the sewing and then next week I’ll try and get to the over-locker upstairs. Should be easy enough as people are all distracted at the moment with things winding down. Can’t believe I’ve only got two weeks left to work there and then Palmer’s will be no more. Sad really. Stupid, bloody Kane!’
Joanie hid the bag with the bridesmaids’ dresses under her machine bench and picked up a shirt collar. The box was almost empty and tomorrow was the final day in work. The workforce was quiet and Jack Carter nowhere to be seen. Peggy said he was in a meeting with Mr Kane. There was no heating on in the building as the janitor had left last week. The boiler had remained unlit for days and although it wasn’t freezing for late October, the temperature had dropped considerably now the nights were darker. The forecasted Indian summer had been short-lived. Mavis had complained about having to boil water for pot washing, telling anyone who would listen that it was hard work and she was cooking no hot dinners this week. It was sandwiches only.
The day wore on, with Jack keeping out of the way. Joanie was anxious to get on and do the bridesmaids’ dresses but it would be sod’s law that if she sneaked upstairs now both Jack and George Kane would put in an appearance, and they might dock her wages. As tomorrow’s money was the last she’d be paid from here, she didn’t want to risk them finding any excuse to hold some back. The remaining staff had been promised a week’s holiday pay along with their wages as no one had dared to take a holiday this year for fear of coming back to no job. As soon as the leaving bell went she would be upstairs faster than a rat up a drain pipe. It wouldn’t take her long. The dresses were small, with only the side seams to over-lock as Dora had neatened the back ones by hand when she’d inserted the zips. She’d be in and out while Jack had his fag and a brew as he waited for Mavis to close down the canteen before his last lights check. Frank was coming to pick her up and then they were going straight to Joe and Dora’s for tea. Her sister-in-law had promised lamb Scouse. Joanie’s tummy rumbled with anticipation.
Jack Carter saw Mavis off the premises and locked up the canteen. He went into the office, shut the door and poured himself a tumbler of whisky from Gerald Kane’s silver hip flask that the boss kept in his desk. He lit a cigar from the silver case, using Kane’s fancy engraved lighter. He blew a cloud of smoke into the air above his head and took a large swig from the tumbler. Serve Kane right if he polished the lot off. Bloody coward, pissing off to London earlier with his missus and leaving Jack behind with all the shit to deal with. Seeing his workers off home tonight, who all thought they were coming in for their last pay packets tomorrow, with the addition of the promised holiday pay that they’d never see, made him feel guilty beyond belief. He just hoped they would find new jobs in the not too distant future. Peggy looked after her old mam and her wage was the only one going into that household, and the same with Maude, whose mam relied on her daughter’s wages just to exist.
At least Joanie would be making a bit of money alongside Dora and he really wished he could give them a bloody over-locker, because with what he was going to do next, there’d be no machines being sold at auction. If only there was a way he could help them all, but there wasn’t and that’s why he’d agreed to Kane’s harebrained idea. At least Jack could now see his family and his demanding wife right for a few weeks while he looked for another job, and that was better than nothing, he supposed. He finished the cigar, stubbed the end out in the fancy marble ashtray and reluctantly got to his feet. Then, as an afterthought, he emptied the ashtray onto the floor and shoved it into his overall pocket. It would do nicely at home on the sideboard, better than the old chipped saucer he used now. He also grabbed hold of the silver hip flask, cigar case and lighter. Kane would have no need of them any more and he might get a few bob for them down at the pawnshop.
His overcoat was on the back of Kane’s chair and Jack took four cans of lighter fuel and a box of matches from the coat’s deep pockets and hummed to himself as he lifted boxes of off-cut rags that he’d gathered together earlier up onto the desk. Working quickly, he doused the rags in fuel and placed them near the four corners of the factory floor. He piled bales of fabric next to each box, and scattered the shirts that the girls had been working on across the floor. He put on his coat, making sure he had the factory keys in his pocket, and sprinkled the remaining lighter fuel over the shirts and fabric bales. He threw a lit match into one box. It ignited immediately and quickly spread to the wooden floor. Patches of machine oil, soaked into the floorboards, added further fuel to the fire. As the flames took hold they practically danced across to the opposite corner and with a whoosh the other box of rags caught easily.
