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by Jill Barry

He spread his hands. “At least give it some thought before you turn it down. I’d feel much happier, knowing you had company of a night.”

  “What about her own business? Is she giving it up?”

  “She’s hoping ladies will still want their hair looking smart, even with Hitler trying to spoil the party. She’d go to the salon every morning but come here at close of business.”

  Charlotte frowned. “I’d sooner not have someone else to look after, Dad. Even having one more mouth to feed will take up precious time. Surely you haven’t forgotten I’ll have to do all the things you and Don usually do.”

  “Eleanor realises that, love. I explained it all to her. She reckons she can make sure you have breakfast before you open up then she’ll wash up, tidy round and go off to the salon. If she closes at five she’ll have time to make a meal for both of you. George will do the last shift and shut up shop – once you’re satisfied he knows the ropes, of course.”

  Charlotte couldn’t help feel a twinge of pride, thinking of herself as boss. “But won’t Eleanor miss having her own place with all her things around her?”

  “She’ll take her lunch break there as usual. She can nip out to do a bit of shopping for the two of you when necessary. And she’s sorely missed having her own garden so she’ll be able to dig out a few potatoes and use up whatever’s going before winter sets in.”

  “I was worried about the garden.” Charlotte gazed through the window. “I suppose it could work. I’ve known her a good few years.” She chuckled. “At least she won’t let me forget to get my hair cut.”

  Mr Moore sighed. “It’s not going to be easy for any of us but I rather like the idea of two people who mean a lot to me, being under one roof.”

  Charlotte sat back and gaped at him. So he was fond of Eleanor? How fond exactly did he mean? Had he been to visit her the evening she’d gone to see Robert and his parents? But her dad was pulling on the foreman’s coat he’d worn for his garage work since Don finished his apprenticeship and took over as chief mechanic. Questions about her father’s feelings about the woman who’d been a friend of both her parents since their schooldays could and must wait for another time.

  Robert was to enlist in the Army. Many young men, because they’d already reached the age of twenty, had been called up for training. With his driving skills, including his knowledge of motorbikes, he thought he’d be earmarked as a despatch rider. After his initial training he could be sent who knew where.

  Charlotte knew it pleased her father when Don wanted to follow in his footsteps by applying to join the Army. Her brother, whose birthday she now realised was only days after Robert’s, wanted to make full use of his engineering skills. Occasionally she thought of Philip the Pilot who, a little older than Robert and Don, would be well on with his training by now.

  Pearl, as forecast by Mr Moore, felt strongly about helping in any way she could.

  “It’s different for you, Charlie,” she said as they walked down the high street a couple of days after the Prime Minister’s speech. “You’ve already got an important job lined up. You know I was looking for some extra hours? Fate’s about to hand them to me.”

  “Dad thought you might go into Munitions.”

  “I have something else in mind.” She stopped and looked at her friend. “I’m going for an interview at the air base next week.”

  Charlotte raised her eyebrows. “You’re joining up?”

  “I hope to, later on. For now, I’m after a job in the NAAFI. I like the idea of working somewhere different from a factory though I’ll do it if it turns out that way. Mum’s not too well at the moment so it’d be good if I could stay close to home.”

  “But you won’t be able to live at home, even if you get a posting to RAF Kimberley. Don’t they have dormitories for the NAAFI staff?”

  “Yes but I can cycle back when I get time off. Everything’s changing, Charlie, even if not quite so much for you.”

  “What? My life’s about to change with a vengeance! Both Dad and Don are leaving home. I’d join up too, if I had any choice so please don’t forget that.”

  Pearl hugged Charlotte’s arm. “If the Corner Garage didn’t exist, I know you’d go wherever you were called. I’m not as outgoing as you but I want to help instead of sitting quietly, working on sending bills and paying suppliers. I want to learn my way round people and catering seems to me a good way of doing so.”

  “You seemed to get on very well with Philip when he was around.”

  “Playing a part is different. Oh, I can’t explain it very well but I think lots of us are going to be playing a part, for better or worse. I want to start off in a very minor way and see what happens.”

  “Well, I think you’re very brave.”

  They walked on in silence for a while then Charlotte turned to Pearl. “You will keep in touch?”

  “Of course I will, you silly sausage. You’re my best friend, aren’t you?”

  “You bet. And how about Don? Will you write to him, wherever he’s posted? Or shouldn’t I be so inquisitive.”

  “If he wants me to, I’ll write. He hasn’t talked about it though.”

  Charlotte shook her head. “You two amaze me. Unless I’ve got it totally wrong, you’re sweet on one another but you don’t seem to be able to do much about it.”

  “It’s wartime. You can’t blame people for holding back rather than become involved, when none of us knows what’s going to happen.”

  Charlotte knew her friend wanted to seem worldly-wise but she suspected Pearl would like nothing more than to keep in touch with Don. She had a very wistful look in her eyes. Maybe a word with that brother of hers would do the trick.

  “Pesky war,” she said. “It’s ruining everything. Everyone’s going away and … and …”

  Pearl clutched her friend’s arm again. “Don’t finish that sentence,” she said. “Concentrate on keeping things going and at least you’ll be too busy to worry then.”

  “I forgot to tell you,” said Charlotte. “My godmother’s moving in with me for a while, to see how we get on. Dad doesn’t like the thought of me living in the house all alone.”

  “My goodness,” said Pearl, stopping to look in a draper’s window. She shot Charlotte a knowing look. “Things are developing then?”

  “Developing? Whatever do you mean?” She watched her friend’s gaze slide away from hers.

  “I didn’t mean anything in particular,” said Pearl. “Except your father’s obviously thought of everything he can to help you. I’d expect nothing less.”

  “I suppose not,” said Charlotte. “I hope Eleanor and I won’t rub one another up the wrong way though.”

  “No time for that,” said Pearl. “Not when there’s work to be done.”

  “You sound very self-assured. With all those new experiences heading your way, you’ll probably think of me as a country bumpkin when you come home on leave.”

  “You began to grow up after your mum died, Charlie. You may not have realised it, but the rest of us have. She’d be so, so proud of you.”

  “That’s funny. I said the same thing to my father recently. About Mum being proud of him, I mean.”

  “She’d want you both to be happy,” said Pearl. “Now, I must get home and iron my grey costume ready for my interview.”

  That evening, Eleanor was due to come round to have a look at the room Charlotte had prepared. The garage closed at six pm these evenings so Don and their father would be able to join the reception committee.

  “It’s only polite,” said Charlotte when Don suggested he might slip out for a couple of hours. “At least stay to say hello. Eleanor will understand you want to make the most of your spare time, and see your friends.”

  “I want to call on two people as it happens. For months it’s been as if things were happening in slow motion and now people are packing up and going away faster than we can keep tabs on them.”

  “Well, I’m not going anywhere, as you very well know.”

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nbsp; Don grinned. “Good old reliable Charlotte.”

  “You make me sound like a paddle steamer or a Sherman tank,” she protested. “Not so many weeks ago, you hinted I was being a bit flighty, going to see the Flying Circus.”

  “I was worried, that’s all. I knew how Robert felt about my little sister and I didn’t want to see things get in a muddle. Philip the Pilot obviously has a girl in every town.”

  “Not these days, I fancy. Come to think of it, Robert and me courting is another thing that’s happened in a hurry,” she said, her face troubled. “Don, you don’t think Robert’s feelings for me are simply because of this war, do you? I don’t think I could bear that.”

  “I wish you wouldn’t talk such tosh,” said Don. “Some fellows are playing the emotional card but I can assure you, he’s not that kind of person. He hasn’t said as much to me but I suspect he’s been waiting for you to grow into a woman. Two years is quite a long time and when he was eighteen and you were sixteen, he probably didn’t feel the time was right.”

  “Pearl was only saying to me today how everyone thought I’d had to grow up fast after we lost Mum.”

  “Did she say that? Good for her. I do like that young woman.”

  “Well, I wish you’d flipping well tell her so.”

  He stuck his hands on his hips and glowered at his sister. “I’m about to do that very thing this evening, once I’ve done my duty and said nice things to Auntie Eleanor. I want to call on Pearl then meet Robert for a drink afterwards.”

  “Whoopee,” yelled Charlotte. “I’m delighted you’ve made up your mind and even more delighted you’re calling on Pearl before you go drinking beer with Robert.”

  She heard a knock at the front door. “Will you go? It’s sure to be Eleanor.”

  Don cocked an ear. “Sounds like Dad’s already beaten me to it.”

  Charlotte stared at her brother. “Sounds like maybe I should come round to Pearl’s with you later. I could be jumping to conclusions, but I can’t help feeling I might be left playing gooseberry once you’ve gone out.”

  She watched her brother’s jaw drop. Sometimes it was good to be first to find something out before he did.

  “It’s a lovely room, Charlotte. I hope you haven’t gone to a lot of trouble. I’m supposed to be saving you from too much housework, not the reverse.”

  Charlotte smoothed the jade green candlewick bedspread. “I’ve always thought this room should be used more. It’s directly above the kitchen so I reckon it’s never too cold in here.” She pointed to a single bar electric fire. “When you need a bit of extra warmth, you can switch this on of course.”

  “Thank you. Is it all right if I use that big wardrobe? I’d like to bring a few changes of clothing with me.”

  “Of course it’s all right. I want you to think of this house as your temporary home.” Impetuously she turned round and gave Eleanor a hug.

  “That’s very kind, Charlotte. By the way, I’m never sure whether you like to be called by your full name or whether nowadays you prefer Charlie.”

  “I answer to both. Mum and Dad always called me by my full name.” She put her head on one side. “Come to think of it, it’s funny how I’m Charlie to Pearl but mostly Charlotte to Robert and they’re both friends and not family.”

  “Don calls you Charlie, I notice.”

  “Amongst other things,” Charlotte made a face. “Some of them aren’t very polite but then he is my brother.”

  “I think I shall go on using your given name, then,” said Eleanor. “It’s charming and you’re much too feminine for me to think of you as Charlie.”

  “Maybe you’ll change your mind once I come down to breakfast in my dungarees?”

  “Not a chance,” Eleanor said briskly. “Now, I don’t want to take up your evening, talking about practicalities. Nor do I want you to feel I’m invading your kitchen. We’ll do this your way, my dear. You’re in charge.”

  “Oh, no,” said Charlotte. “We’ll do this as a team and I’m delighted to be relieved of most of my domestic tasks. Why don’t we wait to discuss it ‘til after the men have gone away? I’m sure we can work things out as we go along. I’m sorry if it means you’re going to be landed with more waiting in queues than I am.”

  “I’d rather stand in a queue than tackle a petrol pump,” said Eleanor. “I’m happy to deal with the ration books, though.”

  “That suits me very well,” said Charlotte. “I’ll have petrol coupons to keep tally of before long – with a little help from Robert’s mum, thank goodness.”

  “It’s going to be a joint effort,” said Eleanor. “The Corner Garage team will be hard to beat. You mark my words.”

  They walked downstairs together. Both Mr Moore and Don rose to their feet as the women entered the kitchen. Tempted to make a mock salute, Charlotte suppressed a grin, remembering she was on her best behaviour.

  “How about a drop of sherry?” Mr Moore already had glasses and a bottle on the table.

  He indicated a chair for Eleanor to sit on and Charlotte noticed he’d offered his own, rather than the fourth one which normally stood empty. The tiny tactful gesture touched her and she was forced to swallow hard. Her father would never look to replace her mum but if he and Eleanor had formed some kind of understanding, she appreciated the low-key way they were going about it.

  “Not for me, Dad, thanks.” Don remained on his feet. “If you and Auntie Eleanor have no objection, I’ll go and pay a couple of visits.”

  “Don’t hang around on my account, Donald,” said Eleanor, accepting a glass of sherry. “And isn’t it time you dropped the auntie? Thank you, Raymond.”

  “I’ll pour a very small measure for you, son,” said Mr Moore. “I want to propose a toast before you slope off.”

  He handed glasses to Charlotte and Don then raised his own glass. “Here’s to old friends and new beginnings,” he said. “May the British people remain resolute and hold their heads high. And may we and our loved ones be reunited before too long.” He looked at Don, Charlotte and Eleanor in turn. “Here’s to Victory.”

  “To Victory,” repeated the others.

  They sipped their sherry in silence, Charlotte’s thoughts turning to Robert. She longed to ask Don if she could tag along but knew that wouldn’t be fair. The two young men had been friends ever since the Costello family moved into the town and Robert joined Don’s class at school. Besides, her brother wanted to call on Pearl and say his piece. She didn’t want to interfere with that after wishing he’d get on with things. If Pearl obtained the job she wanted, she’d be mixing with lots of people in her own age group, servicemen as well as women. If she really had feelings for Don, she could be sure of his loyalty to her. Donald Moore might have taken a while to get around to it but at last he seemed to see Pearl not as his sister’s pigtailed schoolmate but as a lovely young woman with a sense of responsibility and her sights set on the future.

  Charlotte concentrated on her dad and Eleanor’s conversation. Mr Moore had fetched a couple of old photograph albums and they were talking about old times.

  Eleanor pointed to one of the snaps. “I remember that motor club dance very clearly – even smell the lilies in that big arrangement! Noelene and I were determined to get you on the dance floor. We had a little bet on which one of us would succeed, if I recall.”

  “How the heck can you remember that?” Mr Moore’s brow creased. “There were quite a few dances at Randalls. I was never too keen on tripping the light fantastic.”

  Eleanor smiled at Charlotte. “That was only the second one I’d been to and I remember my dress. It was royal blue with frills and I thought I was the bee’s knees. Your mother was the belle of the ball though. She wore a dress that changed from green to blue and back again as she moved.” She smiled at Mr Moore. “The Johnson boy had his eye on her but you cut in and the rest is history!”

  Watching the two of them smile at one another, Charlie thought how good it was, seeing her father look so animated
and talking to someone his own age. How strange that this autumn relationship should appear to blossom just as her dad was about to re-enlist in the Army. He could have opted to stay home and no doubt quietly court Eleanor. But he wasn’t that kind of person. I’m very proud of my dad too Mum, were Charlotte’s unsaid words.

  Charlotte was sitting quietly, reading her library book, when her father returned from escorting Eleanor back to her flat above the hairdressing salon.

  “Shall we have a cup of cocoa, love?” Mr Moore rubbed his hands together and stood close to the stove. “I’ll make it.”

  “No, let me,” she said, putting down her book. “You were quick.”

  “I saw Eleanor to her door and came straight back.” He rubbed his chin and glanced at his daughter. “I wouldn’t want you to think I was being disloyal to your mother’s memory.”

  “I don’t think any such thing, Dad.” Charlotte placed a pan of milk on top of the stove.

  “El’s been a good friend over the years.”

  “She’s always been part of my life and she was kindness itself during Mum’s illness … and, afterwards. I’ll never forget that,” said Charlotte quietly.

  “You and your brother have kept me going. But over the last few months I’ve been thinking hard about the future.” He sat down at the kitchen table. “I think I made the right decision about joining up again. But I realise I handed you a bit of an ultimatum. You may have had thoughts of your own about volunteering and moving away. Seeing what life’s like away from Peel Bay.”

  “No,” Charlie said. “My staying here to look after things is the right decision too. And ever since Robert and I became close and you’ve organised a team to help keep me in order, I’m pleased I’ll be able to keep an eye on his parents for him. Now,” she shot a wicked grin at her dad, “it seems I’ll be keeping an eye on Eleanor for you as well.”

  “Keep an eye on that pan too, love,” he said. “And thank you for saying what you did. We have to jog along now and hope for the best. Do you reckon you can get on all right with your godmother?”