‘And we won’t,’ Harry said firmly. ‘Don’t worry about the boys. You will see them in the shop for a while, because Alfie won’t be separated from his brother at the moment. You will be welcome to pop in and see us any time you can, but it must just be a visit. You have had enough to cope with in your life, my dear, and it’s time to think of yourself for a change. Do you understand?’
‘I do.’ She gave a ragged sigh. ‘And, of course, my loyalty to Bob and Flo will always be my first priority. My gratitude for what they have done for me is enormous, and I love them dearly. But if it hadn’t been for me, you would never have been embarking on this ambitious scheme.’
‘And we are very grateful to you for that,’ Pearl told her. ‘We’ve been on to Harry for ages to do something like this, but we weren’t sure what form the school would take until Dave and Alfie arrived. Then it all fell into place.’
‘That’s true enough. I needed a push, and you gave me that, Vicki. Now, wipe that worried frown from your face. We promise to give you reports every week on our progress, and if there is anything you can help us with, we will ask.’
‘All right, but you make sure you do,’ she told them sternly. ‘I will do as you say, except for one thing.’ She pulled a face.
‘And what is that?’ they asked in unison.
‘I can’t promise on the dancing bit.’
Fourteen
The next two weeks at the shop was so busy that Vicki hardly had a moment to herself. The young girls were going for the latest hairstyles, and she was becoming quite confident with waving and cutting hair in the styles they wanted. The clothes were shorter, more flamboyant, and new dances were all the rage. It seemed as if everyone was intent on enjoying themselves, and Vicki did wonder if it was in an effort to put memories of that dreadful war out of their minds.
‘There you are,’ Vicki said, holding the mirror for her customer to see the back of her hair. ‘Is that to your liking?’
‘Oh, you really are very good. I’m telling all my friends to come here. We’re going dancing tonight – why don’t you come with us?’
This wasn’t the first invitation she had received, and the answer was always the same. ‘No, thank you. I can’t make it tonight.’
‘Another time, then.’ The customer paid and left the shop.
‘You ought to go, Vicki,’ Flo told her. ‘It’s time you mixed with people your own age. You are never going to meet any nice young men if you are always working.’
‘There aren’t enough men now, anyway, because so many were killed in the war. It looks as if quite a few girls will have to remain single. And, as I’ve said before, I don’t want any young men. I’m never going to be tied to a man who thinks he can do what he likes with me.’
‘And I’ve told you, not all men are brutes. In fact, very few are. I know your past was harsh, my dear, but your life is different now. Surely you can see that?’
‘I know I’m surrounded by good people now, but it’s hard to forget how I lived for most of my life.’ She smiled at Flo. ‘Anyway, I’m not interested, and I can’t dance.’
‘Sid will teach you. He knows all the latest dances and says they are fun. I understand he’s considered hot stuff at the Charleston.’
Vicki laughed at Flo’s teasing. ‘I don’t doubt it, but I’m still not interested.’
‘All right.’ Flo lifted her hands in surrender. ‘You’ve made your feelings known, and I won’t bring up the subject again.’
‘Oh, good,’ Vicki joked. ‘Will you tell Harry to do the same? He won’t let the subject drop, either.’
‘You can come in, Alfie,’ Flo said when she saw his little face peering through the doorway. ‘Do you want to help us?’
He nodded, edged into the shop and began collecting up the used towels.
There had been a slight improvement over the last couple of weeks. He still hadn’t spoken, or even smiled, but he wasn’t clinging quite so firmly to his brother. At first he wouldn’t have left the barber’s, but he was now beginning to come into the ladies’ shop on his own. The Howards had bought the boys some good clothes and they now looked smart. With Harry’s help, Dave’s speech was a touch better, though still a bit rough, especially if he got excited or angry. Harry was including Alfie in the lessons, and he listened intently without making a sound. The customers in both shops appeared to be quite happy to see the boys, greeting them when they walked in.
Flo’s next customer only wanted a trim, and when she was preparing to leave she dropped her gloves. Alfie pounced on them and handed them back to her.
‘Thank you, young man. I didn’t know I had dropped them.’ She opened her purse and gave him a coin, smiling at the serious little boy. ‘That’s for being so helpful.’
Alfie watched her leave, examined the tip he had been given and then held it out to Flo.
‘No, you keep it, sweetheart. The lady gave it to you because she might have lost her gloves if you hadn’t returned them to her. That was her way of thanking you.’
He thought about it for a few moments and then slipped the penny into his trouser pocket. Then he began collecting up the towels and putting them in the basket used for that purpose. He had clearly watched his brother working in the barber’s very carefully and knew what to do. He was a thoughtful little boy, and there was no doubt that he was intelligent.
‘Do you know, Vicki, young Alfie is so good in the shops that I think he ought to be paid, just like his brother.’
‘I agree.’ They were speaking quite clearly so Alfie could hear.
‘Do you think a nice shiny threepenny piece would be a fair wage?’
‘That would be very fair.’
Alfie had stopped what he was doing and stared at them. He watched Flo go to the till, open it and then walk over to him.
‘This is for being such a help to us in the shop, Alfie. You deserve to be paid just like everyone else.’
He took the coin from her and turned it over and over as he studied it. Then he pursed his lips, sighed deeply and slipped the money into his pocket with the other coin. Without any indication of what he was feeling, he picked up a small broom Vicki had bought for him to use, and began sweeping the floor.
The next customer arrived and they were busy once again. Alfie stayed in the shop and gave them clean towels whenever they needed them. He seemed quite happy and didn’t keep disappearing to check that his brother was still nearby. It was progress, and they noted every sign with hope for the little boy’s complete recovery from the abuse he had suffered.
In the middle of the afternoon, Vicki was just finishing the comb-out of her customer when a man came into the shop.
‘I have been told someone here wants to see me.’
Vicki spun round at the sound of his voice, her heart thudding as she looked at him. ‘Oh, sir, that’s me. Thank you for coming.’
Flo took the brush out of her shaking hands. ‘Take him out the back, and I’ll see to your customer.’
He was frowning as she walked towards him. ‘The stationmaster said Vicki was looking for me.’
‘That’s right, sir. I’m Vicki. Would you spare me a moment of your time, please?’
Her mind was racing as she led him through the shop, trying to picture him that day at the station, but she had been in such a state the details about him were blurred. It was him, though, because he was still carrying the silver-topped cane. For some reason, that was what she remembered most clearly.
‘Would you like a cup of tea, sir?’ she asked.
‘No, thank you, young lady. When I was told who wanted to see me, I assumed it was the homeless girl I found begging at the station.’
‘I am that girl, sir.’
‘My God!’ he exclaimed. ‘I would never have recognized you.’
‘I don’t suppose you would. Please sit down for a moment. You told me that you hoped you had saved a life that day. Well, you did, and I’ve wanted so much to be able to thank you. You bought me food and gave me mon
ey so that I would have a chance of getting a job.’
He leant back in the chair, studying her intently. ‘Tell me about it.’
Vicki went through what had happened to her, and by the time she had finished her detailed story he was smiling. ‘You, young lady, have just given me the best news I could ever hope to hear. Ever since that day I have thought about you and wished I had done more at the time. I feared you would not have survived for much longer.’
‘I wouldn’t have, sir.’ She pulled a ten-shilling note out of the pocket of her apron, one she had been saving in the hope of being able to return it to the man who had helped her so much. ‘What you did for me that day was beyond price, and I would like to repay you the money you so generously gave me.’
‘I don’t want your money,’ he told her sternly. ‘You have pulled yourself out of that terrible situation by your own efforts. It is reward enough for me to see you here today, fit and well. May I ask why it has taken you so long to find me?’
‘My recovery was slow, and I wanted to wait until I had made a decent life for myself.’
‘You have certainly done that. Will you introduce me to the people who have been so kind to you?’
‘I’d love to, sir, and they want to meet you.’ She stood up and then paused. ‘I don’t even know your name.’
‘Charles Denton.’
She shook his hand, at ease with him now. ‘I am delighted to meet you again, Mr Denton.’
He gave an amused laugh. ‘And I you, Vicki. More delighted than you could ever know.’
The shop was empty of customers when she introduced him to Flo. ‘This is a wonderful day, Mr Denton. Thank you very much for what you did for Vicki. She is a remarkable girl, and a constant joy to us.’
He began asking questions, and Vicki noticed that Alfie hadn’t scuttled away. He appeared to be fascinated by the silver-topped cane and was edging closer so he could see it better.
‘And who is this?’ Mr Denton asked when he caught sight of the boy.
‘This is Alfie, and he seems to be interested in your cane,’ Vicki told him.
‘Ah, you want to have a closer look, do you? It’s the head of a dog. Do you know what breed it is?’
Alfie reached out tentatively and touched the emerald eyes.
When the boy didn’t say anything, he said, ‘It’s a bulldog, and I don’t suppose you’ve ever seen one before. They are not pretty animals, but they are strong and brave.’
Running a finger over the head, the little boy sighed and then shot into the other shop.
‘Did I say something to upset him?’
‘No.’ Vicki shook her head and gave him a brief outline of the boys’ plight.
‘My word, Vicki, this is very interesting. You must introduce me to everyone. I need to hear more about this.’
‘We would be honoured if you would join us for dinner, Mr Denton. That’s if you can spare the time, of course?’
‘Thank you, Mrs Howard. I accept your kind offer.’
The moment the shops were closed, Flo and Vicki rushed upstairs to begin preparing the meal for everyone. Dave and Alfie also helped by peeling potatoes and scraping carrots. The men were all enjoying a glass of something, and, to make sure Mr Denton met everyone, Sid called on Pearl and Edward on his way home. They soon arrived and joined the men in the front room.
The discussion they were having was so absorbing that they had to be practically dragged to the dining table. It was only during the meal that Vicki began to learn a little about one of her strangers. Mr Denton was a lawyer of high standing who lived in Richmond, Surrey. He had served in the army during the war and was doing what he could to help ex-soldiers who needed legal help.
‘Many of these men are being treated badly,’ he explained, ‘and need someone to fight for them. Many are still roaming the streets, lost and confused.’
Vicki nodded. ‘I believe there were quite a few in the old warehouse I used.’
‘Really? Would you show me where that is the next time I come to London? I might be able to get them proper accommodation.’
‘I’d be pleased to.’
‘Good, good. Now—’ he turned his attention back to Harry – ‘write down everyone you have contacted so far and I’ll see if I can speed things up for you.’
‘We would appreciate that very much, but you must tell us what your fees are first.’
Mr Denton waved his hand dismissively. ‘I have seen too much suffering, Harry, and if I can help even a few, that is all the payment I need.’ He glanced quickly at the boys and then back to Harry. ‘And don’t forget the other details we spoke about. I’ll sort that matter out once and for all.’
‘Give me a few minutes after dinner and you’ll have all the information you need.’
Their guest then smiled at Bob and Flo. ‘I thank you for your kind hospitality and the excellent meal. It has been an enlightening evening, and one it has been a pleasure to share with you all.’
‘It has been a joy to meet the man who gave our girl the help she so desperately needed,’ Bob told him. ‘If you had just walked past her that day, she would never have been able to come to us. And for that we will be eternally grateful.’
‘I couldn’t ignore her. There was something that told me she was worth saving. And it heartens me to see I was right.’
Fifteen
A week had passed since Charles Denton had walked into the shop, and Vicki could still hardly believe it. Against all the odds, she had found one of her strangers, and she was so happy.
The men had been closeted together for a long time that evening, and she longed to know what they had been discussing, but Harry hadn’t said a word. There was, however, more of a spring in his step, indicating that whatever had been said was good news for him. From the little said during dinner that evening, it seemed that Mr Denton was willing to help with any legal matters that arose from trying to set up the school. Not only had she found the man who had helped her at the railway station, but he was a lawyer with a desire to help those in need. It was nothing short of a miracle.
Vicki sang softly to herself as she checked that everything was ready before opening the shop. She had found a home with people who cared for her and friends she could trust, she was learning the skill of hairdressing that would serve her well in the future, and she had even had the good fortune to find one of her strangers. If she could only find Bill now, then her happiness would be complete. Harry had asked to borrow the book again so she would take it to him this evening. She hadn’t pressed to know if he had discovered anything because he had his hands full at the moment and would tell her if he found any new clues.
She unlocked the door as Flo arrived. Saturday was their busiest day of the week and two customers had already arrived, so they set to work immediately.
Dave was now working in the barber’s without Harry, and his little brother was still coming with him. Although Alfie seemed happier, he still wouldn’t let Dave go anywhere without him.
‘Hello, Alfie,’ Flo said as he walked into the shop. ‘Come to help us, have you?’
He nodded.
‘Good boy. We are busy today so we will need you. Get me a clean towel, please, sweetheart.’ Flo winked at Vicki.
They always made sure he felt welcome and needed when he appeared. The customers liked seeing him as well, often slipping him a coin as they left. He also received his threepenny piece for his work in the shop at the end of the day.
They took a break for lunch at twelve o’clock, and Vicki was delighted when Mr Denton arrived.
‘Please join us for lunch,’ Flo said as soon as he walked in. ‘It’s only a beef stew with home-made bread, but there’s plenty for everyone.’
‘Thank you; it smells delicious.’
With some shuffling round, there was just room for one more at the table, and they all enjoyed a tasty, nourishing meal.
When the plates were empty, Mr Denton sat back and sighed. ‘That was delicious, Mrs Howard. How do
you get the dumplings so light?’
‘Years of practice. And, please, call me Flo.’
He inclined his head in agreement and then turned his attention to the boys. ‘How are you getting on in the barber’s, Dave?’
‘All right, sir. I like it, and I try to do a good job.’ He glanced hopefully at his boss.
‘You are doing well, Dave, and the customers like you. Keep that up and you will be able to do a full week when you’re a little older.’
‘Cor, thanks, sir.’
‘And what about you, young man? Do you enjoy being here?’
Alfie nodded.
‘Good. Now let me see, where did I put that little present I have for you?’
Alfie watched intently as Mr Denton delved into a leather briefcase he had brought with him.
‘Ah, here it is. I thought you might like this. It’s identical to mine but only a foot in length, so more your size.’
The little boy’s eyes opened wide when he saw the small replica of the cane, complete with a silver bulldog’s head. He reached out and ran a finger over the silver head. Then little hands grasped the cane. ‘Ow!’
Silence descended on the room and they watched, holding their breath as Alfie spun round to his brother. ‘Look! Green eyes, too!’
Tears welled up in Dave’s eyes, but he managed to smile. ‘It’s smashing. Thank the kind gentleman for this special gift, Alfie.’
Alfie spun back. ‘T’ank you, sir.’
‘My pleasure, young man. I’m pleased you like it.’
‘Like it!’ Alfie gave a proper smile, nodding vigorously.
‘I’ll make a fresh pot of tea.’ Flo’s voice was husky with emotion. She was struggling as much as everyone else to act normally.
Dave had quickly wiped away the moisture from his eyes, not wanting his brother to see him so emotional, and Vicki suspected that they were all doing the same – she certainly was. They had longed so much to hear the little boy begin to speak again, and, perhaps, this was the start of his recovery.
While his brother was intent on examining the replica cane, Dave was making signs to everyone in the room. He spoke in a whisper. ‘Don’t say nothing. Mr Harry said we was just to treat him like we always do.’
Two Strangers Page 12
