The East End Girl in Blue

by Fenella J Miller

  ‘The last letter I had from Jane said she’d not seen Oscar for ages so I don’t reckon they’ve had much opportunity for you know what. Anyway, her job’s too important and she’s better off where she is. I was only in catering and anyone can do that.’

  ‘We have to take what life throws at us. Am I going to get a chance to meet the chap who’s changed your life?’

  ‘I’m taking you over after lunch and we’re going to go for a walk with the children and David so Mary can have a couple of hours off.’

  Nancy didn’t want to talk about herself; she wanted to know what was going on in her friend’s life.

  ‘Obviously, I can’t tell you what I’m doing as it’s top secret. However, I’m enjoying it and I hope you notice that I’ve been promoted again. The Queen Bee has said that I’m going to be sent to officer training when this flap’s over.’

  ‘Blimey, I always knew you and Jane were cut out to be officers. What’s your billet like?’

  ‘The WAAF sleep in the old house and the men are in little cottages dotted about the grounds. We only fraternise on a Sunday night when there’s a dance of sorts. I don’t have to sleep in a dorm but share accommodation with the girl in charge of the other shift. I’ve only spoken to her a few times as either I’m asleep or she’s working.’

  ‘What’s the food like?’

  ‘Absolutely dire. We have to fill up on toast and marmalade that we make ourselves – strictly against the rules – in our dorm.’

  They spent another half an hour chatting and were then called in for Sunday lunch. This was always eaten in the dining room and Nancy felt guilty that she hadn’t been helping. It was roast chicken and apple pie for afters – all very tasty.

  She and Charlotte insisted on clearing and doing the washing-up. The Stantons knew they were going across to David’s and would be back in time to make tea. Now it got dark early evensong had been cancelled until the spring, which must be a relief for those involved.

  ‘Make sure you have your torches, girls. It’s so grey out there I think it’ll be dark before you come back,’ Mrs Stanton said.

  ‘We’ll only be over there an hour. We were hoping to go for a walk but I doubt we’ll do that now. Thanks for the lunch. See you later.’

  13

  David had already reorganised his house to accommodate Mary and Fred – the little-used front room had been given over to them. Sleeping arrangements were more difficult as there was only one bathroom and lavatory upstairs, and one washroom and WC downstairs, which patients also used.

  The doctor taking his place would have to move into his room as there were no other bedrooms available. If Violet was sleeping with her children as had been the intention then Simon could have had the back bedroom. David was going to sleep on the couch in the sitting room for a couple of nights and he wasn’t looking forward to it.

  Mrs O’Brien had taken to wandering off and he’d no idea where she went or if she met up with anyone on her walks. It wasn’t the going out that was the problem; it was the fact that unless someone was there to prevent it, she didn’t bother to put on outdoor shoes or a coat. She was a member of the household but an almost invisible one. Just occasionally Violet would stop and appear to be listening to the radio, a conversation, but so far, she’d not said a word.

  He’d discussed the matter with Simon and they’d decided that if she didn’t improve by the New Year she would be sent to an asylum where there were trained psychiatrists who might be able to help. This was something he’d not mentioned to Nancy as he was certain she’d disapprove.

  It was approaching the end of November and it was already cold enough to be the middle of winter. Last year the weather had been arctic with sixteen-foot snowdrifts and was said to be the worst winter on record. He sincerely hoped there wouldn’t be a repeat this year.

  The only good thing about sub-zero temperatures was that it meant the Germans couldn’t continue to bomb Britain. The RAF had won what was now referred to as The Battle of Britain and no one was talking about an imminent invasion any more – thank God!

  ‘Doctor Denny, Mrs Smith and her friend have just arrived,’ Mary called from the kitchen.

  ‘Thank you, I’m coming.’

  *

  He was sorry when the two girls left as they’d been lively and entertaining company. They’d regaled him with stories about their training and he’d loved the one Nancy had told him about some officers sliding down the over-polished linoleum on their backsides after Jane had been overly industrious in her duties.

  Everything was in order for the arrival of his replacement. He checked his appointment book and saw that both morning and afternoon surgeries were packed. Simon would sit in with him on these and also accompany him on any house calls he had to make.

  His suitcase was packed; all he had to do was put his shaving gear and toiletries in on Wednesday morning. He looked around the waiting room and surgery that had been his workplace for almost ten years. The plan was for him to return at the end of the war but somehow he doubted he’d ever live in this house again.

  The real reason he’d brought forward his intended departure by two months was because of his growing attraction to Nancy. She wasn’t available, was highly unsuitable and was pregnant with another man’s baby to boot. Moving away was the right thing to do.

  Nancy brought Charlotte with her the next day and her friend was a welcome addition. Jill, for the first time in years, sent a message that she was unable to work without giving any explanation as to the reason and Charlotte immediately agreed to act as his receptionist for the morning influx.

  ‘She’s fed up about you going, David,’ Nancy said as she put his toast and tea in front of him. ‘I don’t blame her really – we’re all going to miss you. I’m sure this bloke you’ve employed will be fine but he won’t be you.’

  ‘Maybe when things calm down a bit in Town you could come up and I’ll take you to the theatre and for a meal somewhere smart.’

  ‘That’s something to look forward to, but I don’t reckon it’ll be this year. Them blooming bombers just keep coming night after night. I dread to think how many have died in the East End.’ She smiled. ‘Anyway, I’ll be as big as a house by then and you won’t want to be seen out with me like that.’

  ‘It’s not just London that’s being hit. The Jerries are bombing cities all over the country now,’ Charlotte said gloomily. ‘It just doesn’t seem right killing civilians but we’re doing it too. War is absolutely beastly.’

  ‘Both governments seem to think that demoralising the civilian population somehow changes the outcome. It doesn’t make sense to me either.’ He didn’t want to talk about anything so depressing when he had so little time to spend with Nancy before he left, possibly forever.

  ‘It was good meeting you, Charlotte. Good luck with whatever you’re doing. I’m sure it’s vital to the war effort.’

  ‘Being a doctor in the middle of a blitz is just as important, David,’ she said with a friendly smile as she offered her hand. ‘Goodbye, and don’t take any unnecessary risks.’

  *

  Just before Charlotte left to catch the bus her friend said something that bothered Nancy.

  ‘I noticed that you and David are getting very chummy, Nancy. I think he’s perfect for you and I hope you make a go of it.’

  ‘Blooming hell, Charlotte, he’s just a friend. I really like him but there’s absolutely nothing going on between us.’

  ‘If you say so, Nancy, then I’ll say no more. Don’t worry about seeing me to the bus stop – you get off to work and hopefully we’ll catch up soon. I’m certainly coming when the baby arrives if I can’t get here before then.’

  Her and David? What could possibly have made her friend think something as daft as that? Then she realised she’d not thought about Tommy for ages – the only person she dreamt about now was David and there was never going to be anything romantic between them. He wouldn’t take advantage of her and she couldn’t ever marry someone
like him because she was just a girl from the East End and he was a posh doctor from Surrey.

  *

  Nancy was quiet the following morning as she bustled about the kitchen. The children, Fred and Mary had their breakfast after him whilst Nancy was tidying upstairs. She no longer took a tray to Violet and the girl usually drifted down sometime during the morning and ate whatever was put in front of her at the kitchen table.

  ‘David, I know it’s none of my business and you don’t like to talk about money but I’ve got to ask as it concerns me and my baby.’

  He had a good idea what was coming and unlike the last time the subject had come up he was ready to explain how things were. ‘Fire away. I’ll answer questions on any subject. I consider you a close friend and I’d like you to know everything pertinent.’

  ‘I don’t know what that means but it doesn’t matter. I overheard you talking to this new bloke – I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but you were in the hall and I was in the sitting room doing the dusting.’

  She paused, closed her eyes as if marshalling her thoughts. He loved the way she did that – in fact he feared he was falling in love with her altogether, which was another reason he needed to remove himself from temptation as soon as possible.

  ‘You’re paying this Simon to work here and from what Jill has said you don’t earn enough to pay his wages. The ten bob a week you get for each of the evacuees doesn’t go far and certainly doesn’t pay for Mary or Fred or me.’

  ‘You don’t have to worry about that, Nancy. Julia came from a wealthy family as did I and I can’t think of a better way to spend that money than on keeping this household together. The village needs a doctor, the O’Briens and the Brooklyns need a home. I’m in a position to provide for them and it’s my pleasure to do so.’

  ‘I’ve said so before, David, and I’ll say it again. You must be the most generous and kindest man in the country to spend your own money on a bunch of strangers. I can see why you did it when you were living and working here yourself but once you’re in London your responsibility for this house and all of us should end.’

  ‘I told you that I’m happy to pay the bills. This brings me beautifully onto something I needed to discuss with you. Would you be good enough to take over the household finances? The bills will need paying, wages and so on too.’

  ‘You’d trust me with your money? I’m ever so pleased that you think I can do it. I’m good at numbers – it was just letters I found difficult before. I’ve never written a cheque though – from where I come from everything’s paid for in cash.’

  ‘I’ve set up a bank account for you and will transfer sufficient funds every month to cover everything. This means you’ll have to go into Chelmsford to pay the bills and withdraw cash.’

  ‘I could do that. As we get paid weekly it would be a lot easier for me if you put money into the post office for the wages and such and then I’d only have to go into town once a month and not every week.’

  ‘I should have thought of that myself. I’ll make the arrangements before I go. I warn you that Jill might be difficult about you knowing how much I pay her, but she’ll have to get used to it.’

  ‘Blimey, I hope I don’t have to pay this doctor bloke.’

  ‘Absolutely not – I shall send his salary by cheque every month. You don’t have to be involved with that at all.’

  The doorbell rang and he swallowed his tea and removed the crumbs from his mouth before jumping up. ‘That will be Simon now. You’ll meet him at lunchtime.’

  *

  The new doctor was a bit of all right – she couldn’t believe he was in his fifties. He had reddish hair, lots of it, laughing green eyes and was at least six foot tall. He fitted in a treat and even Jill, who’d been a bit sniffy for a few days, seemed to warm to him.

  David had put her wages up by a pound a week because of the extra work involved. The Stantons refused to take any money for her board and lodging as she was doing their mending and had already made a frock and a blouse for Mrs Stanton.

  She was that busy she didn’t expect to miss David but she did, and every day she wished he hadn’t gone. What with the choir and the extra practices because of Christmas coming up, the wages, the commissions she’d got to make and all the mending, she rarely had a minute to herself.

  Towards the end of the month the sickness had gone and she’d never felt fitter in her life. The bump was now big enough to warrant wearing a smock. She’d already told everyone in the house that she was expecting and they were happy for her.

  Doctor Jones – she’d decided to keep it formal with him – refused to eat in the dining room on his own so had his meals in the kitchen and insisted that she sit with him.

  ‘I enjoy your company, Mrs Smith, and as basically I work for you, I feel I can speak more freely.’

  ‘You work for Doctor Denny – we all do. I just pay the bills here and keep the books straight.’

  ‘You also run the household and make clothes for half the village. I don’t suppose I could impose upon you to make something for me?’

  ‘I could run you up a couple of shirts easy enough but finding the material’s the problem. I reckon I could do it if you don’t mind me using second-hand.’

  ‘Make do and mend – aren’t we told that all the time in posters and in the newspapers? By the way, Mrs Smith, I see from your notes that you’re approaching your fourth month. I take it that you’re having the baby at the vicarage? Have you spoken to the midwife?’

  ‘Blimey, I can’t think about that at the moment. It’s not due until around the beginning of May and it’s only just December.’

  ‘Nevertheless, Mrs Smith, arrangements must be made. You’ll feel the baby quicken by the end of next month and I’m prepared to leave it until then – but no longer.’

  ‘Righto, Doctor Jones, but let’s get Christmas out of the way first. Mary and me want to make this a bit special for Billy and Betty.’

  ‘I don’t suppose they’ve ever had much in the way of gifts or extras. I know Billy’s excited to be in the Nativity play. I believe he’s one of the shepherds.’

  ‘He is and he even has a few words of his own to say. Betty’s going to be a little angel – fortunately, we’ve got costumes for most of the children. I’ve just got to make a couple of angel frocks for the little ones who are joining in for the first time.’

  ‘Your industry and energy are a constant amazement to me, Mrs Smith.’

  ‘I’m fit as a flea, ta; expecting seems to suit me.’

  ‘And why should it not? It’s a perfectly natural state for a woman to be in.’

  There was a slight sound behind them and Violet slipped past, heading for the front door in her nightgown and slippers.

  ‘Just a minute, love, you need to get dressed before you go out. Come on, I’ll help you.’ Nancy moved swiftly in front of Violet so she couldn’t open the door. Doctor Jones joined her.

  ‘It’s damned cold out there, Mrs O’Brien. You’ll freeze to death if you wander about like that.’

  There was no reaction to what had been said but the woman allowed them to turn her around and gently guide her back to her bedroom. Nancy always put out day clothes as otherwise the patient didn’t get dressed. Instead of changing Violet clambered into bed and pulled the blankets over her head.

  ‘She’s getting worse, Doctor. I’m a bit concerned that she might do something to hurt herself or someone else.’ Nancy had been trying to think of a way to tell him what she’d seen but knew it would push him into sending the poor lady away to an asylum.

  ‘What did she do that alarmed you?’

  ‘Yesterday, when I arrived, she was in the kitchen holding the bread knife and about to take it upstairs with her. She let me have it without a fuss, but…’

  ‘But indeed. Doctor Denny left the matter to me and I think it’s time to make that unpalatable decision. I’ll set things in motion after surgery today.’

  They’d been talking outside the bedroom door as if V
iolet wasn’t there. Well – she wasn’t really there, not mentally anyway.

  *

  That evening she retreated to her bedroom in order to write letters to Charlotte and Jane. The fact that she could now do this was a constant source of pleasure to her. David had given her a dictionary and a fountain pen as a parting gift and she kept them by her stationery folder and reckoned she didn’t make many mistakes nowadays. She’d not heard from him, but she thought Doctor Jones had spoken to him on the telephone. She had his address in London and decided she would write to him as well as her two friends.

  Dear David

  I hope you’re enjoying working in a hospital. It’s a bit different from being in the countryside. It would be nice to hear from you if you get a moment to write back.

  Dr Jones is going to have Violet committed as she’s getting worse. The thought of her being locked up, not able to see anyone she knows, is very upsetting. I don’t think the children will even notice as they now think of Mary as their ma.

  I’ve been ever so busy but that’s how I like to be. Billy’s a shepherd in the Nativity and even Betty is going to be a little angel. You were right and I’m going to be singing a solo at the carol service. I was a bit nervous at first but now I’m enjoying it.

  It’s not the same without you here. I miss you and pray that you keep safe with all the bombs dropping and that.

  Best wishes

  After carefully blotting the page she folded the single sheet and put it into the envelope. She’d addressed one the day after he’d left but hadn’t had the courage to write to him until now. It had been over three months since her Tommy had died but it could have been three years. She could scarcely remember his voice, or what he looked like even.

  Her head was filled constantly with thoughts of David and she didn’t understand why this was so. She was beginning to think that maybe what she’d felt for Tommy hadn’t been that strong. If she’d truly loved him the way that David had loved his wife then she would still be grieving.