by Joan Jonker
‘I didn’t expect to see you until next week, Corker.’ Molly saw the big man cast an appreciative eye around the room and groaned when she remembered that he hadn’t seen it since the transformation. ‘Yer might have warned me.’
Leaving the visitors standing, Molly made a dash for the kitchen and threw the clothes into the dolly tub to steep overnight. She was back in a flash, and as one hand whipped the chenille cloth from the table, the other hand was reaching for the old sheet used to protect the couch from grubby hands. ‘There yer are, that’s better.’ Holding the bundle to her chest, Molly grinned. ‘What d’yer think, Corker?’
‘Molly me darlin’, it looks a treat. Yer’ve really done yerself proud.’ Corker tilted his head as he stroked his beard. ‘Especially the ceiling … now that’s what I call a real professional job.’
‘Did yer hear that, Jack? Talk about blowin’ yer own trumpet isn’t in it.’
‘If yer don’t blow yer own trumpet, love, no one’s goin’ to blow it for yer.’ Jack’s smile was warm and welcoming. ‘It’s good to see yer, Corker, sit yerselves down.’ He saw the big man eyeing the couch. ‘It’s all right, she allows visitors to sit.’
Corker waited until Ellen was settled before lowering his huge frame to sit beside her. ‘I didn’t expect to be home meself until next week, but they had us working around the clock at Rotterdam, unloading the cargo.’ He bent to put his cap on the floor between his feet. ‘We’re only staying in port long enough to load up, then we’re off again. And from the looks of it it’s a sign of things to come. France, Holland, all those little countries are crying out for armaments … we can’t deliver them fast enough.’
Molly bent until her face was on a level with his. ‘Corker, how many times do I ’ave to tell yer … there’s not going to be a ruddy war! I know they say Hitler’s a madman, but even he’s not crazy enough to take all those countries on. And don’t forget Canada, Australia and New Zealand … they’d all join in if he started any shenanigans.’
‘He’s crazy all right, Molly, crazy for power. You mark my words he’s only biding his time, laughing up his sleeve at the lot of us. When he’s ready, he’ll strike … then it’ll be God help us.’
Jack watched his wife walk to the kitchen to put the cloths on the draining board and decided a change in the conversation was called for. ‘How long are yer home for, then, Corker?’
‘Two days … three at the most. Still,’ Corker patted Ellen’s knee, ‘it’s better than a kick in the teeth, isn’t it, love?’
Blushing to the roots of her hair, Ellen nodded before moving on to safer ground. ‘I bet yer mam was glad to see you.’
Corker’s roar of laughter filled the tiny room. ‘Yer know, the older I get the more she treats me like a little boy. I go through a kit inspection every time I come home. She checks everything … me shirt, socks, hankies, and woe betide me if she can’t see her face in the shine of me shoes. I’m sure if she could reach she’d check to see me ears were clean an’ I didn’t have a tidemark.’
Molly came in wiping her hands on a piece of towelling. ‘I’ll ’ave a word with her tomorrow, tell her to stand on a chair.’ Turning, she threw the towel in the direction of the wash tub and smiled when it hit its target. ‘Did she tell yer there’s been more trouble with the Bradleys?’
‘No, she never mentioned them.’
‘With yer just gettin’ home, she probably didn’t want to upset yer.’ Molly pulled a chair from the table and sat down. ‘Barney called one night last week and told us there’d been blue murder up that end.’ She quickly told him about Dolly Lawton’s tricycle going missing from their yard, how Mrs Lawrence had come back from the shops to find her washing gone from the line and her larder emptied of all the food. Finally she told him about old Mrs Townson’s purse being stolen. ‘The old dear didn’t ’ave a penny to her name, so we had a whip-round in the street and collected nearly ten bob for her.’
Corker listened in silence, twirling his moustache. When Molly had finished, the anger he felt could be heard in the word he spat out, ‘Bastards.’
‘Corker!’ Ellen, usually as quiet and frightened as a mouse, gave him a dig. ‘Watch your language.’
‘I’m sorry, love, I forgot there were ladies present.’ Corker looked like a child who’d been reprimanded. ‘Sorry, Molly.’
Well, Molly was thinking, there’s a turn-up for the books. Ellen Clarke, who wouldn’t say boo to a goose, putting her foot down and getting away with it! ‘That’s all right, Corker.’ Molly grinned. ‘It takes a lot to upset me. Besides, I can’t think of a better word to describe the Bradley family.’
‘I’ll get out bright an’ early in the morning to see if me mates have come up with anything.’ Corker took two Capstan Full Strength from a packet and passed one to Jack. ‘If they’ve been in trouble, or are up to anythin’, me mates will have found out.’ He leaned forward to light his cigarette from the match Jack was holding towards him. ‘All I need is proof that they’re no good, then I’ll go and see Mr Henry and ask him to throw them out.’
‘Mr Henry’s still not back at work yet. I’ve been waitin’ to see him meself.’
After glancing at the clock, Ellen nudged Corker’s arm. ‘If yer want to go for a pint we’d better be makin’ a move. Don’t forget, I’ve left Phoebe lookin’ after the children.’
‘Right, we’ll be on our way.’ Corker reached for his cap before standing up. ‘I’ll be on the high seas by Saturday, so how about goin’ out tomorrow night for a pint?’
Molly did a quick calculation in her head. She only had about seven bob in her purse and she knew Jack wouldn’t have enough for a night out. It would mean being skint and happy until pay day, but what the hell! And anyway, they wouldn’t starve. There was always the corner shop to fall back on … Maisie wouldn’t mind giving her some things on tick. ‘Yeah, we’d like that, wouldn’t we, Jack?’
‘If we can afford it.’ Jack was looking doubtful. ‘I’ve only got enough for me fares to work and me ciggies.’
‘We’ll be all right.’ Molly sent him a knowing look before grinning at Corker. ‘Shall I ask Nellie and George?’
‘Of course! It wouldn’t be a show without Punch, would it? We’re always sure of a laugh with Nellie. An’ I’d like to see yer ma and da, if they’ll come.’
‘I’ll sort it out,’ Molly said with confidence. ‘An’ I’ll ask Jill and Steve to sit with the children, Ellen.’
‘Thanks, Molly.’ Ellen’s mind was racing ahead. It was Wednesday tomorrow, half-day closing. She’d borrow Molly’s curling tongs and do something with her hair to make herself presentable.
Corker glanced once more around the room, then gazed down at Ellen. ‘One of these days we’ll have your place looking like this.’
Oh, why does he have to embarrass me? Ellen asked herself as she felt the colour rise in her cheeks. It’s bad enough going out for a drink with him, me being a married woman, without him acting as though we’re a courting couple. For a brief second she allowed her mind to dwell on how marvellous life would be if they were a courting couple. He was so good and kind … life with him would be far better than any she’d ever known.
Molly sensed Ellen’s discomfort and came to her aid. ‘No good doin’ your place up while the kids are so young, is it, Ellen?’
Ellen shook her head to rid her mind of something that was just an impossible dream. While her husband was alive, she was tied to him. ‘You’re right, Molly. Perhaps in a few years.’
Corker took her arm. ‘Come on, love, let’s go for that drink. I’m spittin’ feathers.’
As she followed them down the hall, Molly once again wondered where this relationship would end. It was sad really, because Corker would be so good for Ellen and the children. If only Nobby would oblige and die peacefully in his sleep. But knowing Nobby, if he was capable of rational thought he’d live to be a hundred just for spite.
‘I know we’ll be seein’ yez tomorrow night, but yer will call i
n before if yer’ve any news, won’t yer, Corker?’
‘You’ll be the first to know, I promise.’ Corker cupped Ellen’s elbow. ‘Good night, Molly.’
‘Ta-ra, Corker, ta-ra, Ellen.’ Molly was closing the door as Doreen skipped lightly down the stairs. ‘All dolled up for the new man in yer life, are yer?’
‘I’ve only got me blue dress on, nothin’ special.’ Doreen tried to sound casual but her tummy was doing somersaults. She’d die if Phil didn’t turn up after she’d thought of nothing else all week. Not to mention Maureen having the last laugh. ‘Mam, can I stay out until eleven tonight, please?’
‘Can yer heck! Half past ten is late enough at your age.’
‘Ah, ray, Mam! Just this once, please? An’ I’m sixteen in nine weeks, remember, I’m not a baby.’
‘Ay, less cheek from you, young lady, or yer’ll get a thick lip.’ Molly could feel Jack watching and turned to him. ‘Well, what ’ave you got to say?’
‘I was just thinking … why don’t yez compromise? Meet each other halfway an’ make it a quarter to eleven.’
Doreen waited with bated breath while her mother stood with her chin in her hand, considering her husband’s suggestion. A quarter of an hour was better than nothing … it meant an extra dance.
‘Oh, all right, I give in.’ Molly waved her away. ‘Vamoose, before I change me mind.’
Doreen let her breath out. ‘Thanks, Mam. In case yer in bed when I get home, I’ll say good night and God bless.’
Running down the street as though she had wings on her heels, Doreen was planning ahead. Only nine more weeks and she’d ask if she could stay out until eleven o’clock on a Tuesday. After all, at sixteen you weren’t a girl any more, you were a young lady.
‘Here, you may as well pay for both of us.’ They were nearing the entrance to Barlows Lane dance hall and Doreen could feel her hand shaking as she passed the sixpence to Maureen. ‘I’ll put our coats in the cloakroom.’ She’d been praying silently all the way on the tram that Phil wouldn’t let her down. She’d thought of nothing else all week, and the idea that he mightn’t turn up was too horrible to contemplate.
‘You haven’t half got it bad,’ Maureen said, amusement in her dark eyes, ‘yer as white as a sheet.’
‘Oh, don’t be so daft.’ Doreen walked ahead of her friend and pushed the door open. ‘I couldn’t care …’ She pulled up so suddenly Maureen couldn’t prevent a collision.
‘You stupid nit!’ Maureen bent to pick up one of the dance shoes that had slipped out of the bag under her arm. ‘I only nearly broke one of me flamin’ toes.’
It was only when Maureen straightened up that she realised there was something odd going on. Doreen was standing so still it was as though she’d been turned to stone. Her unblinking eyes were wide and staring, as if she was seeing a ghost. ‘What’s up with you?’ Maureen followed her friend’s gaze and when she saw the cause of the trouble she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. For there, leaning casually against the wall facing them, was Sammy. He was wearing his best suit, his hair was sleeked back with brilliantine and the cheeky grin on his face seemed to be mocking them.
‘Hiya, Sammy!’ Maureen gave Doreen a sharp dig in the ribs as she moved forward. ‘Fancy seeing you here!’
‘Well, yez raved about it so much I thought I’d come an’ see for meself.’ Sammy lowered his voice before adding. ‘Take a gander at her face, she doesn’t know what’s hit her.’
‘Don’t you dare let on I told yer we were coming,’ Maureen hissed. ‘If yer do, I’ll never speak to yer again.’
‘Scout’s honour.’ Sammy looked down at his shoes. ‘She shouldn’t have lied to Mike, though, that was a lousy trick.’
‘It was only a half-lie … she said we weren’t sure.’ Maureen felt she had to be loyal to her friend, even though she agreed with Sammy that it was a dirty trick. ‘Anyway, we’ll see yer later.’ She turned and took Doreen’s arm. ‘Come on, let’s pay an’ put our coats in the cloakroom.’
Doreen leaned against a wall in the ladies’ toilet. ‘Mike’s not with him, is he?’
As Maureen shook her head she blurted out, ‘It would serve yer right if he was! Why couldn’t yer tell the lad the truth?’
‘Because I didn’t want him to come! He’d only have tagged along an’ spoilt the night for me.’
‘Yer know, Doreen, yer can be awful selfish sometimes.’
Doreen had the grace to blush. ‘I know, an’ I’m not proud of meself. I felt terrible lying to him, ’cos he’s a nice bloke and I do like him. But I’ve been lookin’ forward to seeing Phil an’ I didn’t want Mike spoiling me chances.’
‘In other words, yer want yer cake and eat it! All I can say is, I hope this Phil comes up to your expectations, kid, ’cos if Mike finds out yer’ve double-crossed him, he’ll give yer the elbow.’
Doreen’s face was unhappy as she ran a comb through her long hair. ‘Sammy is bound to tell him.’ She picked the stray hairs from the comb before returning it to her handbag, then looked Maureen straight in the eyes. ‘You told Sammy we were comin’, didn’t yer?’
‘Yes, I did!’ Maureen was unrepentant. ‘You can lie through yer teeth if yer want to, but don’t expect me to do the same.’ With a toss of her head, she opened the door. ‘I’m goin’ in before they start playing the last waltz.’
Doreen followed closely on her heels. ‘Be a pal an’ ask Sammy not to say anythin’ to Mike, will yer?’
Maureen turned to face her. ‘I’ll tell him yer don’t want Mike to know, an’ that’s all. The rest is up to him.’
Doreen grabbed her arm. ‘Don’t let’s fall out, Mo, please! I’m sorry I’ve got yer involved in this, honest I am.’ She took a deep breath. ‘I’ll come clean with Mike tomorrow, I promise.’
‘Oh, aye, an’ I don’t think!’
‘I bet yer a tanner I do!’ Doreen put an arm across her friend’s shoulders as they walked towards the door of the dance hall. ‘You’re me best mate, Mo, an’ I’d rather tell Phil and Mike to go and jump in the lake than be out of friends with you.’
The corners of Maureen’s mouth twitched as her humour was restored. ‘Two dances with the blond hunk an’ it’s me yer’ll be telling to jump in a lake.’ The strains of a slow foxtrot met them as they entered the hall, and there was Sammy, his arms outstretched to claim Maureen. ‘Here yer are.’ She passed her handbag to Doreen. ‘Put it behind one of the chairs down by the stage.’
Although she was dying to look around for sight of a blond head, Doreen decided it would be the wrong tactic to let him think she was so interested, and she gazed straight ahead as she weaved her way between the people gathered at the edge of the dance hall. Girls hoping for a partner, boys eyeing the girls up to see which one they fancied. Most of the chairs had handbags or coats on to reserve them, but Doreen found two at the very bottom of the hall that looked as though they hadn’t already been claimed. She was stooping to put the two handbags down when she heard a voice behind her. ‘I was beginnin’ to think yer weren’t goin’ to show up.’
Her heart thumping fit to burst, Doreen took her time pushing the bags out of sight before facing him. ‘Oh, hiya, Phil!’ He was even more handsome than she remembered. ‘Me mam had visitors an’ I was late getting out.’ Not for the world would she admit she’d stood on the landing waiting for Corker and Ellen to leave so she could ask permission to stay out late.
‘I’ll forgive yer where thousands wouldn’t.’ Phil’s teeth gleamed as he held out his hand. ‘Come on, let’s dance.’
Doreen was in a trance as they circled the floor, her happiness knowing no bounds. She was so absorbed she didn’t notice Sammy waving, but Phil did. ‘D’yer know that bloke dancin’ with yer mate?’
Doreen turned her head. ‘Yes, he works with us.’ She hesitated before adding, ‘He’s one of the blokes we go to the Grafton with on a Saturday.’
‘Is he yer mate’s boyfriend?’
‘No, they’re just friends.’
‘Where’s the other bloke … why isn’t he here?’
‘I dunno, he probably didn’t want to come.’ Doreen bit her lip … she was getting too good at telling lies. ‘That’s not true. He’s not here because I didn’t tell him I was comin’.’
‘Why didn’t yer tell him?’ Phil moved back to look into her face. ‘Was it because of me?’
‘Yeah, he’s not as good a dancer as you.’ Flushed with embarrassment, Doreen didn’t know what to say. No boy had ever spoken to her like this … as though he was jealous. She lowered her eyes. ‘No, that’s not fair, Mike’s a good dancer.’ She added mentally that Mike wasn’t in the same street as Phil when it came to dancing, but she wasn’t prepared to be disloyal to Mike by saying so.
When the music came to an end Phil seemed reluctant to let her go. ‘Stay with me for the next dance.’
Doreen would have liked nothing better, but the thought of what Sammy would make of it made her refuse. He had enough tales to tell without adding to them. ‘I can’t do that, Mo would kill me.’
‘Well if anyone else asks yer, tell them yer spoken for.’
Doreen grinned. ‘Okay, I’ll tell ’em I’m took.’
Sammy was standing with Maureen and it was obvious he had every intention of staying put. ‘That guy yer were dancing with is a bit of all right. Good-lookin’ an’ a good dancer.’ There was no smile on Sammy’s face. He was angry with Doreen, and with himself. Doreen for what he saw as belittling his friend, and himself because he knew he wouldn’t tell Mike even though he thought he should be told. But he knew his friend was crazy about Doreen and he wasn’t going to be the one to upset him. ‘Know him, do yer?’
‘Not really,’ Doreen said, shrugging her shapely shoulders. ‘I had a few dances with him last week, that’s all.’
‘It’s nice here.’ Sammy’s words were slow and deliberate. ‘Mike would enjoy it.’
‘Yeah, it’s not as crowded as the Grafton. The band’s not as good, but at least yer can get around without gettin’ bumped into.’
As the band leader announced a quickstep, Maureen saw Phil leave the group of men standing by the door and walk quickly in their direction. She held her arms out. ‘Are yer dancin’ with me, Sammy?’
