Christmas at the Foyles Bookshop (The Foyles Girls)

by Elaine Roberts

  Victoria followed Molly through the open door and mustiness hit the back of her throat. She wrinkled her nose before gasping as she looked over her shoulder, staring at the piles of books that stood on wall-to-wall counters and shelves. Her mouth dropped open and she quickly snapped it shut again. ‘I have never seen so many books. I thought there were hundreds in the shop, but that’s nothing to what is down here.’

  Molly giggled. ‘Isn’t it wonderful? It’s as though we’ve hit upon our own treasure chest.’

  Victoria smiled. ‘It was you that read Treasure Island, I knew it was.’

  ‘Ooh argh captain.’ Molly gave a mock salute. ‘Albert, where are you hiding?’ Coughing came from somewhere out of sight, so they tried to follow the sound. ‘Albert?’

  They stood, rooted to the spot, as a shuffling sound slowly got louder.

  ‘Hello, ladies, to what do I owe this pleasure?’ A short, stocky, grey-haired man was suddenly in front of them. He hobbled closer, his shoes dusting the floor as he moved.

  ‘Hi, Albert, this is Miss Victoria Appleton.’ Molly lifted her hand towards her mouth before whispering, ‘She’s just been promoted.’ She dropped her hand and gave Albert a smile. ‘We’re here to see what books can go straight up to the shop.’

  Albert stretched out his hand. ‘Please to meet you, Miss Appleton.’ He snatched it back when he saw how dusty it was and wiped it down the side of his grey trousers, which had seen better days. ‘I’m nearly always down here, except when I’m delivering or collecting books.’

  Victoria nodded. ‘Please call me Victoria.’ She looked around again. ‘How do you find anything?’

  Albert gave a deep throaty chuckle. ‘I don’t. The plan is to get them all in the shop as quickly as possible, so they can be sold. As Mr Leadbetter says, “they won’t sell in the basement.”’

  Victoria moved to pick up a large hardback book. She stared at the ornate bandstand that stood central on the cover, against a perfect blue sky. ‘I wonder what this is about? It looks lovely.’

  Molly took the book from her hand and placed it back on the pile. ‘Don’t start looking at them or we’ll both be in trouble. We need to decide what has to go in the shop, and what stays down here for a while.’

  The cellar door snapped shut. Panic tightened around Victoria’s chest. What if they couldn’t get out again?

  Molly glanced at Victoria. ‘Stop worrying, we’re with Albert.’

  *

  Mabel Atkins closed the door to her small room in the nurses’ living quarters. She wrinkled her nose at the pungent smell of disinfectant and carbolic soap that greeted her in the narrow hallway. Time was running away from her; she should never have stopped to read her young brother’s letter. A clock chimed in the distance. Mabel counted them in her head as she rushed down the stairs, almost slipping on one of the steps near the bottom. Eight times, the clock had chimed eight times. Perhaps she had miscounted and it was seven. Mabel shook her head. Who was she kidding? Not herself, that was for sure. She grabbed her thick, black wayward curls and tied them back off her face with an old shoelace. Loose grey strands fell down and framed her face. She tutted to herself, thinking she had more grey hair these days, than black. She was forty-five, and yet she felt like a naughty schoolgirl. She was going to be in trouble with Matron, of that there was no doubt. She stepped outside and gave an involuntary shiver as the cold air hit her, freezing the moisture on her lips. She looked up at the grey clouds that didn’t appear to be moving, thankful the rain had stopped. She sighed. There was going to be more snow, before the day was over.

  The large metal gates of Endell Street Military Hospital were open and ambulances stood silent in the courtyard. A couple of nurses stood chatting in the doorway. One of them yawned as Mabel approached them. ‘It’s been a busy night, Mabel, so prepare yourself. I think it’s going to be a helluva day and Matron isn’t in a very good mood.’

  Mabel groaned. ‘Thanks, Enid, that’s all I need when I’m already late.’ The two nurses stepped aside, to allow her to walk through. ‘You look like you should be in bed.’

  ‘And that’s exactly where I’m going.’ Enid laughed. ‘After I’ve had my dinner, of course.’

  Their laughter followed Mabel down the corridor, as she hurried along it. Her shoes had developed a squeak, which became more annoying with each step she took. The green walls at the hospital were plain, but vases of flowers gave it a welcoming feel. The large wards all had an abundance of natural light from the large windows on both sides of the rooms. The warm reds and blues of the bedcovers gave it a homely feel, along with the many pots filled with flowers. She opened the door to Catherine Ward and was greeted by the sister on duty.

  ‘You’re late, Atkins.’

  Mabel gasped for breath and lowered her eyes. ‘Yes, sorry, Sister, time has just run away with me this morning.’

  Sister looked at her with a stony expression. ‘Well, make sure it doesn’t happen again, otherwise your days of being a nursing orderly will be cut short, at this hospital at least.’

  Mabel nodded and began unbuttoning her black winter coat. ‘Yes, Sister, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.’

  ‘Let’s hope not.’ The sister looked down at her paper. ‘Don’t take your coat off; it looks like you’re expected on Joan of Arc Ward this morning. It’s been a busy night so, as my father would have said, it’s all hands on deck, I’m afraid.’ She looked up at Mabel. ‘Take the lift; it will be quicker than the stairs. They are waiting for you, and please remember what I’ve said.’

  ‘Yes, Sister, thank you.’ Mabel quickly turned away and headed for the door. Colour flooded her cheeks as the squeak of her shoes got louder. She couldn’t help looking over her shoulder as she passed through the doorway. The lift was already stationary on the ground floor. She pulled open the grey heavy metal door, propping it open with her body while she opened the black metal grill, before stepping inside and closing it behind her. Mabel pressed the button for the second floor and the lift jerked into action. A minute later, she was stepping out of the lift and facing the doors to Joan of Arc Ward. As the lift door slammed shut behind her, she stepped forward and opened the ward doors. Antiseptic hung in the air. The groans from some of the patients reached her and she frowned, wondering what she could do to make the soldiers more comfortable. The ward had forty beds and a quick glance on both sides of the room told Mabel that each one was in use. Some of the men sat in chairs next to their beds, while others lay very still, under the covers.

  Sister Williams marched towards Mabel. ‘I see you’ve finally arrived, Atkins. I’d given up on you.’

  Mabel lifted her chin slightly. ‘Yes, I’m sorry, I went to Catherine Ward because that’s where I was working yesterday, so I assumed—’

  ‘You should never assume anything.’ Sister Williams raised her eyebrows. ‘Especially not with everything that is going on.’

  ‘No, Sister.’

  Sister Williams nodded. ‘Right, I want you to work from bed twenty onwards. They will need the usual things done.’ She glanced at Mabel. ‘By usual, I mean blood pressure, temperature and dressings checked. Anything untoward, let me know.’

  Mabel nodded as she slipped her arm out of her coat. ‘I’ll get started straight away.’ She hung her coat on a stand and smoothed down her white overall, before picking up a stethoscope from the hooks by the desk and placing it in her pocket.

  ‘Hello, Atkins.’ The soldier in the nearest bed beamed at her. ‘Yer know the best thing about being in ’ere is all the pretty nurses, well, that and not being shot at.’

  Mabel smiled at the young man as she walked past; he wasn’t much older than her young brother. ‘Thank you, kind sir.’

  *

  Victoria glanced at Daisy across the oak breakfast table. A candle stood between them, the flame flickering as the draughts from the windows caught it. An uncut loaf stood to one side, neither of the girls wanting to cut into it. She took a sip from her lukewarm cup of tea and wrink
led her nose. ‘Do you know what you’ve got ahead of you today?’

  Daisy grimaced. She put down her slice of lightly buttered bread, wishing she’d cut a slice from the fresh loaf. ‘Lily and I always seem to be on the women of the night look out.’ She chuckled. ‘Mind you, with all the young men gone, I’m surprised they’re making enough money to live on.’

  ‘That’s true, it must be all the old men prowling the streets, while their wives are out at work.’ Victoria giggled at the picture that had formed in her mind. ‘Do you get to make many arrests?’

  ‘No, we’re not allowed to arrest anyone; only the men get to do that.’ Daisy shook her head. ‘I love it, but wouldn’t mind being more than a show policewoman.’

  ‘I suppose it’s all about small steps.’ Victoria shook her head. ‘Before this war, you wouldn’t have been able to do anything, except be in domestic service, married or a woman of the night.’

  Daisy gave a wry smile and glanced across at her sister. ‘Are you all right?’

  ‘I’m thinking of volunteering at Endell Street Military Hospital in Covent Garden.’ Victoria paused for a moment. ‘I thought, even if I just sit and chat or read to an injured soldier, it could make a difference to them.’

  Daisy nodded. ‘I think that’s a good idea; maybe I’ll think about doing that as well.’

  ‘There’s another thing I’ve got to do.’ Victoria gripped her hands together in her lap, the black folds of the material creeping up and covering her hands. ‘Hopefully you’ll help me…’

  ‘Of course, what is it?’

  ‘I think it’s time we sorted through Ma and Pa’s things. It’s been seven years and I’ve not been in their room since it happened.’

  Daisy frowned, before jumping up and running around the table. ‘Of course.’ She threw her arms around Victoria. ‘It’s going to be tough, but it’s something we should have done years ago.’

  Victoria patted the coarse cotton sleeve of Daisy’s uniform, breathing in her floral perfume. ‘Thank you. I can’t pretend I’m looking forward to it, but as you say, we should have done it a long time ago.’

  Daisy gave her sister an extra squeeze. ‘It’ll be all right, you’ll see.’ She stood up straight. ‘I’m afraid I have to go, otherwise I’ll be late.’ Her flat shoes made no noise as she walked into the hall and grabbed her black winter coat. She did up her buttons and picked up her hat and scarf. ‘See you later.’

  ‘Take care.’ With a sigh, Victoria waved Daisy off to work. There was a light flurry of snow. Victoria hoped it wouldn’t settle; she didn’t want to be slipping and sliding along Charing Cross Road to Foyles, or the hospital. Her sister didn’t look back. She was huddled under a hat and scarf that Alice had knitted her. Only the click of the front door shutting could be heard above the grandfather clock ticking in the hall. A bong startled her. She looked round as another one rang out; six o’clock in the morning and it was still dark outside. Taking the couple of steps back to the dining table, her bare feet were silent as they walked over the tiled floor of the hall. She sat back down on the chair she had only recently vacated. The treasured letter she had carried around all the previous day was poking out of her skirt pocket. She and Daisy had pored over it together, after they had eaten dinner.

  Victoria pulled the envelope free and ran her hands over the creases. Her beloved brother was safe, thank goodness. The paper rustled as she pulled the one sheet out, laying it on the table. She stared down at the spidery handwriting.

  Dear Victoria and Daisy,

  Sorry it’s been a while since I wrote a letter, I didn’t mean to worry you. I’ve nothing new to report. As always I can’t tell you where I am but it’s a popular destination right now. It’s not one I’d recommend for your holidays though, as it’s a bit muddy and damp. I’d stick to Margate or Southend. Something tells me it won’t be so busy or noisy. I love getting your letters, they cheer me up. I know you write everyday but I don’t always get them straight away and then I get a bundle delivered at once, which is great. Keep them coming because they do give me a lift. I hope you are both all right, we all share bits of news with each other so I know it’s tough for you back home as well.

  The rats seem to be leaving us alone, I think it’s because there’s not much food. It’s bloody freezing here, sorry for swearing sis. We’ve had so much snow and rain we’re wading in water. Most of us have got trench foot so I wouldn’t say no to a parcel of socks to share around. It would be lovely to have dry feet again and a decent bed to sleep in. I don’t think Charles and I thought this little adventure through when we signed up for it, and what’s more I haven’t met one French girl, how bad is that? Joking aside, I’ve asked for some leave. It’s been a while so I must be allowed to come home soon, so hopefully I might see you soon.

  Love you both.

  Stephen xx

  Water splashed onto the paper. Victoria sniffed and wiped away her tears. She folded the paper in half and thrust it back inside the envelope. She tapped it on the table a couple of times before taking a deep breath and jumping up, scraping back her chair on the wooden floor. It’s time you sorted yourself out, girl. You keep talking about doing things for the war effort, sorting out this house, and yet nothing. She shook her head angrily, remembering all the advice she was quick to dish out to Molly, and yet not following it herself. First, I need to find some socks to send to Stephen. She dropped the letter on the table and walked back into the hall. ‘Then to Foyles Bookstore.’ Victoria ran up the stairs, not noticing the groans from the ageing wood. The closed door of her parents’ bedroom stopped her in her tracks. Should she go in? It was time she plucked up the courage, but not today.

  4

  Victoria’s feet ached as she flopped down on one of the four wooden chairs, around a small square table in the staff area at Foyles Bookstore. She leant back and closed her eyes for a moment. The dong of the staff cards being marked by the clock faded into background noise.

  ‘Everything all right, Victoria?’

  Victoria opened her eyes and glanced up at Alice. ‘It’s only tiredness.’ She pulled herself upright and gave a wry smile. ‘I was up early, having breakfast with Daisy. What with that and being on my feet all day, I feel worn out. I suspect flat shoes will be in order, from now on.’

  Alice smiled. ‘Are you enjoying your new position?’

  ‘It’s certainly different to what I’m used to. I had to go down into the basement the other day, which was a bit scary.’

  Alice chuckled as she pulled out a chair and sat down next to her friend. ‘You’ll soon get used to it.’ She tidied her black skirt around her legs and pulled at the bottom of her white blouse.

  ‘I wouldn’t want to be down there on my own; it’s quite eerie. If that door slammed shut and got stuck, I’m sure no one would hear you screaming. I don’t know how Albert does it.’

  ‘You have an over-active imagination; it comes from reading too many books, especially as you sleep in your own basement every night.’

  ‘Molly more or less said the same thing, but it’s not the same. I’ve got used to my basement, plus I always try and prop open the door when I’m down there on my own.’ Victoria smiled, but her eyes stayed focused on Alice, as her fingers tweaked the white buttons at the bottom of her blouse, her body rigid with tension. ‘You didn’t mind me getting made up to Floor Manager, did you?’ She paused. ‘You know it’s only temporary.’

  Alice reached out and rubbed Victoria’s arm. ‘Of course not, silly; why would I?’

  ‘I can think of several reasons, but the main one is that you have a lot more experience than I do.’

  Alice shook her head. ‘Trust me when I say I’m very happy for you. Now stop worrying and enjoy escaping from that payment booth.’

  Relief spread across Victoria’s face and she visibly relaxed.

  Alice shook her head. ‘You haven’t been worrying about it, have you?’

  ‘I’d be lying if I said no.’ Victoria raised her eyebrows. ‘Th
e funny thing was, I thought Mr Leadbetter was either going to give me the sack or proposition me. I never for one minute thought he was going to promote me.’

  Alice’s laughter filled the air around them. ‘I bet your face was a picture when he started talking to you.’

  Victoria blushed. ‘I just hope he didn’t realise what was going on inside my head.’

  They both leant back in their chairs and giggled.

  Alice shook her head. ‘It must feel strange to be able to move around the shop, without worrying if you are going to get into trouble for not being at your post.’

  ‘You two sound like a couple of naughty schoolgirls.’ Molly pulled out a chair, scraping it across the wooden floor.

  ‘It’s good to have you back, Molly.’ Victoria looked across at her friend. ‘Have you settled in again?’

  ‘It’s like I’ve never been away.’ Molly chuckled to herself, as she began to unwrap her sandwiches, the greaseproof paper rustling as she unfolded it. ‘I’ve promised Mr Leadbetter I will behave myself this time.’ She looked up, giving them both a wry smile. ‘I suppose I should be careful what I say, now we have management eating at the table with us.’

  The girls laughed as one.

  Victoria tried to look stern as she frowned at her friend. ‘Don’t you start, Molly Cooper.’

  Alice beamed, as she looked from one to the other. ‘It’s just like old times.’

  They sat in silence for a moment, as they each unwrapped their lunches. The chatter and laughter around them slowly grew as other members of staff came in, to clock off for lunch.

  ‘I ’ave news.’ A woman’s shrill voice cut above the noise.

  Everyone turned to stare at the woman standing in the doorway.

  ‘Apparently, the newspapers are saying the Americans have joined the war. Let’s ’ope that means it’ll soon be over, eh.’

  Cheering and clapping filled the room.

  Alice turned back to her friends. ‘I do hope they’re right; it’ll be good to have our menfolk home safe and sound.’