The Forgotten Family of Liverpool: A gritty postwar family saga novel that will break your heart

by Pam Howes

On Saturday morning, Dora helped her mam out of Frank’s car and up the path of the Belle Vale prefab. Jackie and Frank carried in bags and boxes of party treats between them. Jackie was high as a kite with excitement. Her fourth birthday yesterday had been celebrated at the Jacobs’, with Esther providing a little afternoon tea party and a birthday cake, in-between serving customers. And today the family and a few friends were gathering for further celebrations. Joe had suggested holding the party here as he had a bit more room than anyone else and if the weather was dry the kids could play outside in the garden. Mam wasn’t well enough to host anything at the moment, although she’d insisted on making a cake with pink and white icing and candles. Dora had been too embarrassed to invite anyone to Wright Street, as most of the houses now stood empty and boarded up or vandalised. When Joe said they should all come here, Dora had jumped at the suggestion.

  Carol let them in and seemed as excited as her sister, pulling Jackie into the sitting room and pointing at the balloons that Daddy had blown up and hung on the walls. Dora hoped the good mood would continue. The weekend sleepovers advised by Mr Oliver had been a bit difficult, as Carol always screamed blue murder when Joe left her. After three weeks of it Joe said they should do the visits a day at a time; he’d bring Carol over each morning. He’d also suggested they go out as a family occasionally so the girls got to spend time together with both parents. So far it had worked out well and she and Carol had grown a bit closer, a comfortable truce drawn between her and Joe for the sake of their daughters. She still couldn’t envisage a day when Carol would be returned to her care full-time, though. As Mr Oliver had pointed out, there was the problem with changing schools. During the reinvestigation of the case following Myrtle Carter’s confession, Dora had been told that the authorities would wait until Dora was settled in her new home before any further decisions were made. But until she had Carol back, she was told by the council that the need to rehouse her with just the one child was not as great as that of other families on the waiting list. Dora felt like she was going round in circles in a no-win situation.

  ‘Look after Granny, girls, while I go and find Daddy.’ Dora sat Mam on the sofa in the sitting room and went into the kitchen, where Joe was washing up. Frank brought the bags and boxes through and put them on the table.

  ‘I’ll make a start on the sandwiches,’ Dora announced. ‘Put these eggs on to boil.’ She handed a paper bag to Joe, who did as he was told, a little smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

  ‘What’s so funny?’ Dora asked, tying a frilly apron over her blue floral dress and looping her hair back behind her ears.

  ‘Nothing.’ Joe grinned. ‘You’re as bossy as ever, giving orders like you still lived here.’

  Dora raised her eyebrows. ‘Cheeky.’ She unpacked a tub of potted beef and sliced a loaf that Mam had made yesterday. ‘What do you think of Jackie’s cake? Pink and white icing, she’ll love it. Esther made her a beauty yesterday but most of it got eaten and I took the rest home to Sadie and her lot. There are some biscuits and little fancies in one of those boxes from Esther.’

  ‘That’s kind of her. How is Sadie?’ Joe asked.

  ‘She’s fine. New baby’s doing well. He’s huge and Belinda is walking now, so that makes things easier when Sadie takes them all out. She’s still waiting for the bigger house, but I can’t see them waiting too much longer. Stan’s working down the docks with Joe now. He seems to be enjoying it. More hours, better money and right on his doorstep.’

  ‘That’s good. And you haven’t heard anything yet, about a new place I mean?’

  ‘Not yet.’ Dora sighed. She was dreading the day Sadie moved out. The thought of being on her own in Wright Street wasn’t something she was looking forward to. ‘The council would rehouse me quicker if I had Carol with me, but like they say, she’d have to change schools twice. I can’t win, can I? I just wish they’d hurry up though. There was a huge rat in the backyard the other day. It terrified Jackie as it ran past. Stan chucked a brick at it, but he missed.’ She glanced out of the window at the lovely little garden with its pristine lawn and flower borders. How she missed it. The girls pushed past her and made for the garden swing. ‘Granny’s shutting her eyes,’ Carol yelled.

  ‘Jackie loves it here.’ Dora smiled, looking proudly at her daughters, each dressed in a new multi-coloured floral party frock that she’d made, their hair fastened up with matching ribbon bows. She shook her head before the wish-I-still-lived-here thoughts crowded her mind, and began to spread margarine on the bread. Frank squeezed her arm and went outside to play with his nieces, who clamoured for him to push them high on the swing.

  Joe smiled. ‘He’d have made a great dad. Such a bloody shame he never got the chance. I hope he meets someone else soon. He needs to settle down.’

  ‘Like you have, you mean.’ Dora couldn’t keep the sarcastic edge from her voice and immediately regretted it as she saw his eyes cloud. ‘Sorry, I promised myself today would be a nice family day. No bickering.’

  Joe nodded. ‘We’ll do our best. I’ll make Mam a drink. Do you want one? Then I’ll nip to Dolly’s and get the stuff she’s made for the party. She’s a good one, mithers me to death, but she’s a great neighbour when I need her.’

  ‘I will have a cuppa, thanks. Is Dolly bringing Alice up later?’

  ‘Yep. A couple of Carol’s little pals from school that Jackie’s met are coming too and Agnes is bringing Patsy. I called Agnes last night and invited them.’

  ‘Oh, I’m glad you did. I meant to remind you last week and I forgot.’ A sudden thought struck her. ‘She isn’t coming, is she?’

  ‘Who, Ivy? No, of course she’s not. She sent a parcel home with me for Jackie to open today, but she’s not coming to her party. Why would I even ask her, Dora? She’s my babysitter, colleague and a good pal. She means nothing else to me; like I keep telling you.’ He shook his head and poured mugs of tea and carried one through to Mam on his way out to Dolly’s.

  Dora finished making the potted beef sandwiches and covered the plate with greaseproof paper to keep them fresh. She checked the eggs on the stove and ran cold water over them in the sink before shelling them and mashing the insides in a bowl with a knob of marge and a drop of milk. Frank came in and wrinkled his nose.

  ‘Good job egg sarnies taste better than they smell,’ he said with a grin. ‘They don’t half pong.’

  Dora gave him a friendly push. ‘Go and see if Mam’s okay. Joe took her some tea through and she might have finished it and can’t reach to put her mug on the coffee table.’ Since the accident, Mam seemed to be getting stiffer and slower. The doctor said it was arthritis and had prescribed painkillers, giving instructions that she should massage her joints with warm olive oil each day, but it didn’t seem to be doing much good. She’d lost her confidence and her lack of mobility left a lot to be desired. She needed help getting upstairs to bed, going outside to use the lavatory, and didn’t like being left in the house on her own. With both of them back at work during the day, they had to rely on neighbours popping in. How much longer that could go on for, Dora didn’t know. It was certainly a worry for the future. If only she didn’t need to work, she could look after Mam like she’d looked after Dora, in her time of need. It was a pity Frank didn’t work for the ROF; then they might qualify for a bungalow like Joe’s with everything on one level, no stairs to worry about.

  After a noisy birthday tea, Frank organised the games. He stopped the music as the circle of excited little girls sitting on the floor gasped. Dolly’s Alice had got the parcel and chucked the last piece of paper into the centre of the group. She held aloft a crayoning book as everyone clapped. ‘One more game of pass the parcel and then we’ll play musical bumps,’ Frank shouted above the loud chattering. ‘Ready, ladies,’ he said, making them all smile.

  Musical bumps proved popular but there wasn’t much bumping done as the girls all joined in singing along to ‘How Much Is That Doggy in the Window?’ with Uncle Frank doing the ‘W
oof, Woofs’, making them all collapse with the giggles.

  ‘They’re having a great time,’ Dora said as she and Agnes washed up in the kitchen. ‘I’m so glad you came. It’s lovely to see you again.’

  ‘And you. Not long now to Patsy’s birthday. I hope you and Joe and the girls will come.’

  ‘Oh, of course we will. We’ll look forward to it.’ Dora didn’t see the look of satisfaction on Agnes’s face as she accepted the invite for them all. She looked up as Joe brought a few more pots in and put them in the sink, stroking her arm affectionately as he passed. She smiled. It was a nice feeling to know he still cared for her. She enjoyed them being together as a family and Carol was certainly happier here than she ever was at Wright Street.

  Frank popped his head around the door. ‘Jackie’s opening her pressies and then we need to do the candles on the cake. Mam’s struggling to keep her eyes open. I’ll take her home after we’ve sung “Happy Birthday”, then I’ll come back for you and Jackie, Sis.’

  ‘I’ll run Dora and Jackie home,’ Joe said. ‘No need to dash back, Frank. I’ll pop Carol into Dolly’s for a bit.’

  ‘Thanks, mate.’ Frank went back into the sitting room, carrying the birthday cake.

  ‘Are you sure you don’t mind?’ Dora frowned.

  ‘Not at all. Right, let’s go and sing, they’re all squealing in there. That’ll wake your mam up for a few minutes.’

  ‘I think the painkillers she’s taking make her extra tired. She’s not right though, and I’m worried about her.’

  Frank held his hands up for quiet. Jackie was sitting on the rug surrounded by coloured wrapping paper. Dora got down beside her and gathered up the torn pieces. ‘Did you keep the labels that your name was written on?’ she asked. ‘Then we know who to thank.’

  Jackie thrust several small pieces of card at her and smiled happily. ‘Look.’ She held up a dolly’s tea set. ‘It’s got a tea pot. We can play parties. And clothes for my dolly too. Carol said Granny knitted them.’

  Dora smiled and gave her daughter a hug. ‘Oh, you’ve got one parcel left.’ She picked it up and saw ‘To Jackie, love from Ivy and Roly’ written on the label. It wouldn’t do to tear the label up in front of everyone, so she gritted her teeth, smiled and handed the parcel to Jackie. ‘From Roly,’ she said, staring up at Joe, who raised an eyebrow.

  Jackie tore off the wrapping and pulled out a pink, hand-knitted cardigan with white heart-shaped buttons down the front. ‘Ooh, look, it’s luverley,’ she said. ‘Did Roly really make it, Mammy? Isn’t he a clever doggy?’

  ‘Yes, he is, very clever,’ Dora said, swallowing the bile that had risen in her throat. It was indeed a lovely cardigan, but the fact that Ivy had actually sat and made it for Jackie made her feel sick. She got to her feet and excused herself. In the bathroom she leaned against the sink and took a few deep breaths. As soon as she felt calmer she made her way back into the sitting room where Frank was bringing in the cake with the candles lit. .

  Jackie stood by the table, her eyes aglow, as everyone sang loudly and wished her a happy birthday. She blew out the candles and clapped her hands. Dora took the cake into the kitchen and cut it into slices.

  Dolly came and stood beside her. ‘Shall I wrap ’em for you, gel?’

  ‘Please, Dolly. There are some paper serviettes in that box next to you.’ It was good to see her old pal again. Dolly never changed. Her red hair had faded slightly but still stood out around her head like a fuzzy halo. ‘Thanks for all the help you give Joe with our Carol. He really appreciates it, you know.’

  ‘Ah, she’s no trouble. Like one of me own now, is Carol. How’s life on Wright Street these days? Joe said you’ve lost your neighbour. Are you managing to get Jackie minded okay while you work?’ Dolly licked the buttercream from her fingers as she wrapped the last piece of cake.

  ‘I take her into work with me. They’re very good about it. She sits with Esther, my boss’s wife, while I’m up in the workroom and then she comes to the theatres with me. She loves that. Keeps Esther entertained with her song and dance routines as well. And as for Wright Street, to be honest, it’s a dump, but it’s better than nothing, I suppose.’

  Dolly raised both eyebrows. ‘You’re mad, Dora!’ She gestured with her hands. ‘You’ve swapped this lovely house for living down there. Joe would have you back today; you know that, don’t you? You’d soon sort yourselves out.’

  ‘We’re nearly divorced now. It’s much too late to start changing my mind. Anyway, I can’t do that.’

  ‘It’s never too late.’ Dolly stopped as Alice ran into the kitchen followed by Carol and the other little girls, all demanding cake. She handed out the wrapped slices. ‘Take them in the garden and put your paper in the bin.’ She turned her attention back to Dora. ‘Think on what I’ve said. You can do it. Don’t lose him to her.’

  As Dora waved goodbye to her mam and Frank, Alan pulled up at the front. ‘Agnes,’ Dora called, ‘Alan’s here.’

  ‘Phone me in the week from work,’ Agnes said as she left with Patsy.

  ‘I will. We’ll catch up soon. Thank you for Jackie’s tea set. She’s been dying for one for ages.’

  ‘Patsy plays with hers for hours. You’ll get a bit of peace and quiet while you do some sewing. See you soon.’ Agnes gave Dora a hug. ‘Joe has hardly taken his eyes off you this afternoon. I do wish you’d sort yourselves out,’ she whispered, almost echoing Dolly’s parting words.

  She dashed down the path and hurried Patsy into the waiting car, leaving Dora staring open-mouthed as Alan pulled away down the road.

  18

  ‘Can Mammy and Jackie sleep here tonight?’ Carol was asking Joe as Dora went back into the sitting room.

  ‘That’s up to Mammy,’ Joe said, looking at Dora, who could feel her cheeks heating. She suppressed a smile as her stomach lurched with anticipation. Were they all in on this, the kids, and Agnes and Dolly too?

  ‘Please, Mammy, please,’ Carol begged and Jackie joined in with her pleas. The pair of them were on their knees in front of her with their hands clasped together.

  ‘Go on outside for a quick play before it gets too dark,’ Joe said. ‘Let Mammy and me have a talk and a cuppa in peace.’

  He followed the girls to the back door and Dora sat down on the sofa, her heart beating nineteen to the dozen. She took a deep breath as Joe brought two cups of tea through. They sat side by side, an awkward silence between them. Joe spoke first.

  ‘It does seem a shame that they can’t spend the time together when they’re getting on so well. Why don’t you stay? No strings, honestly. They can share my bed, you can have Carol’s room and I’ll sleep on the sofa.’

  Dora chewed her lip. ‘Are you sure?’ It would be lovely to have some company tonight instead of sitting alone in her own house sewing and listening to the noisy neighbours. And no strings sounded just fine to her. It was good for Jackie to be getting along so well with her sister for a change. It did seem a shame to drag her away.

  ‘I’m positive,’ Joe replied. ‘I’ve no show to play tonight. And then tomorrow we can all go to New Brighton for the day on the ferry. A nice way to finish celebrating Jackie’s birthday weekend. What do you say?’

  Dora smiled. ‘That would be lovely. It’ll be a bit windy though. We’ll have to call at my house to get our jackets.’

  Joe nodded and got to his feet. ‘We’ll sort all that out tomorrow. Shall I tell them you’re staying or will we do it together?’

  Dora kicked off her shoes and with a sigh of relief flopped down on the sofa. Their giddy daughters had taken ages to settle down after a mad splashy bath time and four stories that Joe had read them. At least they were quiet now, snuggled up together like they’d never had a scrap in their lives.

  ‘I’m going to pop out to the off-licence to get a jug of ale. I’ll get some sherry too. I’ve nothing in that’s suitable for ladies to drink.’

  ‘Lady, eh?’ Dora laughed. ‘That would be lovely. I haven’t had
a glass of sherry for ages. Switch the telly on for me, please, Joe. Fabian of the Yard’s on in a bit.’

  In Joe’s absence Dora lay stretched out on the comfy sofa, her stockinged feet up on the coffee table, relishing the peace and quiet. It had been a lovely day and she felt so relaxed, calmer than she’d felt for weeks in fact. Maybe now that Carol had enjoyed her time with Jackie she might be persuaded to stay overnight at Wright Street. She still felt annoyed by Ivy’s present, but had to admit that the cardigan looked lovely on Jackie, and was much nicer than anything she’d ever knitted for her, so she’d try not to hold too much of a grudge when she wore it. She hoped Sadie would realise that she’d stayed over this side tonight and keep her eye on the house. Joe came back and poured them both a drink. They sat side by side, chatting comfortably.

  ‘Have you had any more thoughts on changing your job yet?’ she asked.

  He shook his head. ‘Can’t do it at the moment. We’d have to move nearer to Crewe and that would mean uprooting Carol and her being further away from you, and I’d have to find someone who does as good a job as Dolly looking after her and that won’t be easy. It can wait. The motor trade will become established in Liverpool at some point in the not-too-distant future. How’s work with you? Are you managing okay now Vi’s moved away?’

  ‘Not bad.’ Dora took a sip of sherry. ‘Sammy and Esther are very good with me and Jackie loves them too.’

  ‘She likes the theatres, doesn’t she? Little madam.’ Joe laughed. ‘Mind you, she was good in that Christmas panto. I felt dead proud seeing her up on stage.’

  Dora smiled. The choreographer at the Empire had been as good as his word and Jackie had been chosen from all the other little girls at Marjorie Barker’s dancing school to join the dancing troupe for Babes in the Wood. Hopefully there’d be more to come.

  Joe got up and put a record on the gramophone. As Jo Stafford’s voice filled the room, he held out his hand. ‘Old times’ sake. Come on.’