The Clippie Girls

by Margaret Dickinson

  ‘Oh yes, yes. Come in, do.’

  When they were sitting in the living room and Freddie was lying happily in Grace’s lap, the story began to unfold as the questions came tumbling out.

  ‘How did you find him?’

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘Where was he?’

  ‘Who took him?’

  ‘Whoa, whoa, one at a time, ladies.’ Sergeant Baxter looked as if he would never stop smiling. So much of his work as a police officer was fraught with sadness or the seamier side of people’s lives. It wasn’t often he witnessed such a joyous outcome to a case. ‘It’s all down to Mr Bower, so I’ll let him tell you.’

  All eyes turned to Laurence, who shrugged in embarrassment. ‘It was nothing, really, but the day after little Freddie was taken Alice Wagstaffe didn’t come into work.’

  ‘Alice!’ Rose exclaimed. ‘Don’t tell me it was her.’

  Peggy, standing at the back of the room, gasped and put her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide. Rose glanced at her and frowned, but for the moment she said nothing. She turned her attention back to Laurence Bower, who was continuing his tale.

  ‘And she didn’t appear the next day either and there was no word from her. She lives alone now, you know, so I didn’t think much of it at first because if she was ill she’d no one to ask to telephone us. And then I got to thinking. I remembered how she’d been so interested in Peggy’s – um – er – pregnancy. And later, when she heard that Peggy was going through a bad time and that she wouldn’t take any notice of the baby, Alice was incensed. I overheard her talking to some of the other girls in the canteen about it.’

  ‘She took him, didn’t she?’ Rose blurted out. ‘That’s what you’re leading up to, Mr Bower, isn’t it? Alice took him. And I thought she was my friend. I – I –’ Rose was filled with a sudden guilt. ‘I confided in her. It was me told her that Peggy wouldn’t take any notice of Freddie.’ She groaned and covered her face with her hands. ‘And I told her Peggy was thinking about having him adopted.’

  ‘She was disgusted by the idea,’ Laurence put in.

  ‘I know she was. Why ever didn’t I suspect her when he went missing? I should’ve guessed.’

  Sergeant Baxter put his hand comfortingly on Rose’s shoulder as he took up the tale. ‘We had some information come in this morning. You know that Mr Bower passed the word round very quickly amongst all the tram and bus personnel? Well, they’d been keeping a sharp lookout and one of the clippies on the buses came to tell us that she’d seen Alice getting on her bus with a baby in her arms. She doesn’t know Alice well and wasn’t sure if she had a baby of her own or not. Anyway, thank goodness she thought it worth reporting it to us. I expect Alice thought that by using the bus, instead of a tram, she wouldn’t be recognized.’

  ‘But the city’s transport workers are all one big family and she remembered seeing Alice working on the trams,’ Laurence said and then added softly, ‘but I think Alice is to be pitied rather than blamed.’

  Rose looked up sharply. ‘Pitied? For stealing our Freddie and putting us all through Hell?’

  ‘She’s at the station being questioned,’ Sergeant Baxter murmured.

  ‘And you’re going to charge her with kidnapping?’

  ‘That rather depends.’

  ‘On what?’

  ‘On what you all want to do.’

  ‘What we want? Well, I’d lock her up and throw away the key.’

  ‘Now, now, Rose, let’s hear the whole story first,’ Grace said, tickling Freddie under his chin until he giggled and squirmed delightedly. ‘Go on, Mr Bower.’

  ‘All Alice has ever wanted was to get married and have a barrowload of kids, as she put it herself. She even told me that when I interviewed her for a job. “It’ll only be till this is all over, Mr Bower,” she said, “and my Derek comes home, because then we’ll be starting a family. Both me and Derek want kids.”’ He paused for a moment and sighed heavily. ‘But we all know what happened soon after that. Her Derek was killed at Dunkirk. I don’t think she’s ever got over it.’

  There was silence in the room as they thought about the poor girl who’d lost everything.

  ‘There’s something else as well,’ Rose said. She was reluctant to find any excuse for what Alice had done and yet it had to be said. ‘When we first met, she told me she’d had a miscarriage. She’s probably never got over that either, but it doesn’t give her the right to steal someone else’s child, though,’ Rose muttered, still feeling guilty that she had played a part in telling Alice that Peggy didn’t want her child, ‘I suppose it does explain it a bit.’

  Now Peggy moved forward slowly. ‘Sergeant, I don’t want you to charge her. She’s had enough sorrow. Freddie’s safely back with us and we’ll never let him out of our sight again.’

  Sergeant Baxter nodded. ‘It’s not up to me, but I’ll see what I can do, if you’re sure.’

  ‘I am,’ Peggy said firmly, as she reached out to take her child from Grace’s lap. ‘And now, my little man, we’d better see about getting you fed.’

  ‘I’ll do his bottle.’ Myrtle leapt up.

  ‘I’ll change him,’ Rose offered.

  ‘No, no, I’ll do it,’ Peggy said. ‘I’ll do it all.’ Then she looked squarely at Laurence. ‘Mr Bower, will you please accept my notice with immediate effect? I intend to devote all my time to caring for my baby – as I should have done from the start.’

  Mary and Grace smiled at each other, but Myrtle’s chin quivered. ‘But you’ll still let us help, won’t you, Peggy? I couldn’t bear it if . . .’

  Peggy smiled at them all in turn. ‘Of course, I’ll be glad of your help.’

  The sergeant and Laurence left, and the family of women took turns to cuddle Freddie and to marvel again that he had been found safe and well.

  ‘Well, I’m ashamed to admit that I’m not much of a one for praying,’ Rose said, ‘but I’ve done a lot of it in the last two days and I’ll be saying a huge “thank you” tonight.’

  ‘Now, Myrtle, it’s very late. You really should be in bed.’

  The girl got up and then hesitated. ‘There’s just one thing I think I ought to tell you now. I’ve decided I’m not going to go to university.’

  ‘Oh, Myrtle, why ever not?’ Mary cried.

  ‘But it’s what you’ve always wanted.’ Rose was astounded.

  Myrtle nodded. ‘It was – until Freddie came along. But now I’ve decided I want to go into nursing. I want to become a midwife.’

  The others gazed at one another, for once completely lost for words. Myrtle, unfazed by their shocked faces, said, ‘Goodnight. I expect we’ll all sleep well tonight for the first time in days.’

  ‘I’m not sure I will now,’ Mary murmured, ‘after that bombshell.’

  Rose yawned. ‘Well, I could sleep for a week, but there’s something I have to do first.’ She left the room briefly, then returned wearing her outdoor coat.

  ‘You’re not going out again?’ Mary was disapproving. ‘Not at this time of night. It’s almost one o’clock.’

  ‘I must. I promised to let Bob and his mother know any news. And this is the very best. It can’t wait until morning.’

  Mary looked helplessly towards Grace, but the older woman merely shrugged. ‘It seems, my dear, that your chicks are all bent on scratching for themselves now.’

  Forty-Seven

  The Deetons’ house was in darkness when Rose arrived. She hesitated. She didn’t want to wake the whole street with her knocking. Nor did she really want to disturb Mrs Deeton, and yet she had made a promise she intended to keep. Mrs Deeton’s bedroom was at the front, overlooking the street, whilst Bob’s was at the back. Feeling her way down the passageway between the terraced houses, where not even a sliver of light from the moon penetrated, Rose crept into the back yard. Here she could see the vague outlines of the water butt and the building that housed the nessy, but she missed seeing the washing line strung across the yard and walked into it. It caug
ht her forehead, not injuring her but making her jump. She swore softly under her breath and then looked up at the window above the back door. First she tried calling softly, but when there was no movement at the window, she felt around on the ground until her fingers closed over a few small stones, which she began to toss at the pane of glass. Rose had a good aim and each one rattled against the glass, then fell back to the ground.

  After four attempts, she saw the curtains pulled back and the casement window pulled up. Bob stuck his head out of the window.

  ‘Who’s there?’ he called softly.

  ‘Bob – it’s me. Rose.’

  ‘Rose! Good Heavens, what are you doing here at this time of night? Wait a minute, I’ll come down.’

  ‘No – no,’ she began, worried now that she had caused the injured man to tackle the steep stairs. But he had disappeared and she could do nothing but wait until the lock turned in the back door and opened to admit her.

  ‘What is it, Rose? What’s happened? Have you had news? Here, come near the fire, it’s not quite out. I’ll build it up—’

  ‘No, no, I’m not stopping, but I had to come and tell you. Freddie’s been found. He’s safe and unharmed. Oh, Bob, we’ve got him back.’

  And then they were in each other’s arms, hugging and kissing and murmuring words of thankfulness and joy.

  ‘Thank God, oh thank God,’ Bob said. His mouth found hers and now his kiss became more demanding, much more than the elation they both felt about the child’s safe return. She felt his passion and responded to it. At last, breathless, they drew apart, but only for him to lead her into the front room and towards the sofa. They sat down close together and he kissed her again, his ardour growing, his hand cupping her breast and then fumbling with the buttons of her blouse.

  Rose yearned for his touch, longed to let him go further and make her his in every way. It was what she’d dreamed of for years, but the sudden memory of Peggy, heavily pregnant and facing the censure and disgust of all her family, made her draw back.

  ‘No, Bob, no,’ she said gently.

  He stopped at once and muttered, ‘I’m sorry.’

  They sat together in silence, the only sound in the room their heavy breathing. When they had both calmed, Rose said, ‘I’m sorry, Bob. Truly, but I’m not that sort of girl. I – I can’t forget what happened to Peggy.’

  ‘I wouldn’t hurt you, Rose. I wouldn’t leave you pregnant, I promise.’

  In the darkness Rose smiled wryly to herself. She wondered if those were the same words which Terry Price had used to Peggy.

  ‘But would you respect me afterwards?’

  ‘Of course. You’re my girl and I trust you.’

  ‘Am I, Bob? Am I really?’

  ‘It’s what I wanted to tell you – to ask you – when I came home from hospital, but with the news of Freddie – well, I couldn’t, could I?’

  ‘And now?’ she whispered, her heart beating faster.

  ‘Rose Sylvester, will you please, please, please, be my girl?’

  ‘Yes, Robert Deeton, I will.’

  They fell against each other, laughing, and when he kissed her again it was gentle and so reverent that Rose felt her resolve begin to crumble. Almost, but not quite.

  It took the family a long time to get over the nightmare of Freddie’s disappearance – if they ever really did. For weeks and months they still woke each morning with a feeling of terror, which didn’t subside until they remembered that he was now safely back with them. No charges were brought against Alice Wagstaffe, though she was advised to seek medical help. Without waiting to see if the company would dismiss her, she gave in her notice.

  ‘How’s she going to live?’ Peggy asked when Rose gave her the news, but Rose only shrugged.

  ‘Who knows. That’s her lookout.’

  ‘She’s moved away,’ Mary said. ‘She’s going to her brother’s in London, so Mr Bower said. He’s away in the forces and her sister-in-law is on her own with three kids to look after.’

  ‘Oh, aye. Is she going to kidnap one of them?’ Rose said sarcastically.

  ‘Her family know all about what’s happened and are standing by her.’

  ‘She’s lucky not to get thrown into jail,’ Rose muttered darkly. ‘You were too soft, Peg. If it’d been left to me—’

  ‘Well, it wasn’t,’ Peggy said shortly.

  ‘Let’s try and put it all behind us,’ Mary said, trying to calm what might become a full-scale argument between the sisters. There was still tension between them at times. ‘And get back to normal. I’m more concerned now about Myrtle. What do you all think about it?’

  Rose and Peggy glanced at each other, but it was Grace who spoke first. ‘I think it’s an excellent idea. Our sort don’t go to university. I’ve always thought she was getting a bit above herself with such ideas.’

  ‘That’s exactly why we are willing to support her.’ Rose rounded on her grandmother. ‘A good education ought to be available to everyone – not just a privileged few.’

  ‘Quite right, Rose, and she’s clever enough,’ Peggy agreed. ‘No one can deny that.’

  ‘Nursing is a good career for a girl, though,’ Mary said, ‘but I never thought she’d be suitable. It’s a vocation.’

  ‘It’s because of Freddie. Being there that night when he was born. Having a hand in it – literally.’ Rose laughed. ‘It did something to her.’

  ‘She ought to talk to her headmistress,’ Mary said.

  Myrtle waited outside the headmistress’s office, her knees trembling. She’d always hated having to see the head, even when she wasn’t in trouble. Even though she’d officially left school she felt it only courteous to inform her former head teacher of her momentous decision. Miss Cartwright had been instrumental in helping her get a place at university. The autumn school term had just started and the main hall was thronged with pupils rushing from one class to another. For a brief moment Myrtle wished she was back amongst them.

  Celia Cartwright was an excellent head for the city school, strict but fair. Tall, thin and straight-backed with her grey hair pulled tightly back into a bun, she was an imposing figure as she walked the corridors. When the green light at the side of the door bade her enter, Myrtle opened it and went in, closing the door quietly behind her. Seated behind her large desk, Celia smiled at her. Myrtle Sylvester was one of her favourite pupils, though she would never have dreamed of showing it. The girl was clever and studious and the headmistress had high hopes that she would bring credit to the school.

  Myrtle raised her chin and Celia recognized the determination in her face and demeanour.

  ‘Miss Cartwright, I’m sorry if what I have to tell you is going to disappoint you, especially after you’ve helped me so much, but I’ve decided not to take up my place at Sheffield University.’

  Celia gazed at her for a few moments before saying quietly, ‘I’m sorry to hear that. Is it – is it family troubles?’ Celia had heard about the birth of an illegitimate baby into the household and wondered . . .

  ‘No, not at all.’ Myrtle crossed her fingers behind her back as she said confidently, ‘My family will support me in whatever I decide to do.’

  ‘I see. And have you decided what that is?’

  ‘Yes. I’ve decided I want to be a nurse.’

  Whatever the headmistress had been expecting it certainly hadn’t been this. ‘A – a nurse,’ she repeated.

  ‘Yes, Miss Cartwright. In fact, I want to train to be a midwife and possibly a paediatric nurse too.’

  The girl had obviously done her homework on the subject already. Celia blinked.

  ‘I – see,’ Celia said again, feeling the kudos that a girl from her school going to one of the top universities would have brought slipping away from her. She sighed inwardly. She prided herself that she always had the best interests of each of her pupils at heart. ‘If you’re really sure that that’s what you want, Myrtle, then I will do everything in my power to help you, but I can’t help feeling you
’d be wasting a golden opportunity. A university education isn’t open to everyone, you know.’

  ‘I know and I appreciate your encouragement and the support my family have given me, but to be honest I was never really sure that that was what I wanted. You see, I’ve never known what I wanted to do as a career afterwards.’

  ‘But a degree would open so many doors to you, my dear. You could almost do anything you wished.’

  ‘But what I want to do is become a midwife.’

  Again Celia sighed, but capitulated. There was a light in the girl’s eyes that she’d never seen before and a look of determination on her face. She could see that it was the same determination that she herself had had when she’d known – yes, known – that she wanted to become a teacher. She’d faced a lot of opposition from her father, who’d wanted her to follow in his footsteps and become a doctor. Now Celia knew that she must not repeat her father’s error by trying to persuade the girl standing in front of her to do anything other than what she wanted.

  She smiled at Myrtle. ‘Very well. I’ll make enquiries. Luckily you’ve already studied human biology and your exam result was excellent. I think that’s one of the subjects you might need. I’ll let you know what I find out, Myrtle.’

  As she left the office, Myrtle breathed a sigh of relief. The interview hadn’t been as difficult as she’d imagined. She’d fully expected the headmistress to be angry with her for forgoing the chance of going to university.

  Celia Cartwright sat at her desk deep in thought. She was remembering her own struggle, but never for one moment had she regretted her decision. And Myrtle Sylvester would succeed at whatever she decided to do. In her mind’s eye, Celia could visualize a much older Myrtle, walking the corridors of the city hospital dressed in a matron’s uniform. And slowly the headmistress smiled.

  Forty-Eight

  The family settled back into a routine, but it was not the same as it had been before Freddie’s disappearance. Peggy stayed at home to care for him and to help Grace with the housework. Now she had more determination and no longer shrank from going out with Freddie in the pram. To her surprise and delight her neighbours greeted her with friendliness and kindness. Only one or two turned their faces away with a disapproving look or crossed the street to avoid her, but Peggy held her head high and walked on proudly.