The Shop Girls of Lark Lane

by Pam Howes

  Alice nodded her agreement but Granny Lomax rounded on Jack, wagged a finger in his face and shouted, ‘You stink of alcohol. How dare you interfere between me and my daughter-in-law? It’s got nothing to do with you.’

  ‘But she’s not, is she,’ Jack yelled back. ‘Not any more. She’s my wife-to-be. So whatever you have to say to her has everything to do with me from now on. She’ll see you tomorrow, like I said. Oh, and I’ve had two drinks and so has she. Not that it’s your business, but we’ve celebrated the fact that we’ve booked our wedding.’ He dragged Alice away before anything else could be said, leaving Granny staring after them, shaking her head.

  Alice silently chewed her lip as Jack unlocked the front door and then locked it again once they were inside.

  ‘I’m not having that old bag interfering in our lives,’ Jack said. ‘We’ve had a nice afternoon and she comes along and bloody spoils it. Well, I’m not putting up with it.’

  ‘Jack, calm down and come here.’ Alice put her arms around him and he sighed into her hair. ‘I’ll speak to her tomorrow after work. I’m surprised she came round after yesterday. Maybe it’s best that she stays away from the house for good now. You’ll be here most of the time and we’ve got work to do: helping me to get ready for the move.’

  ‘I know,’ Jack whispered and kissed her. ‘I’m sorry, gel. I’m calmer now. It just annoys me because I know she still blames me for Terry’s death and it’s not right. Make me feel better, Alice. Come and love me while we’ve got the time.’ He took her hand and led her upstairs.

  * * *

  ‘So will you help me choose?’ Alice asked Sadie as they travelled to work on the tram the following day. ‘Jack’s given me some money from his savings to buy the dress. I don’t want anything expensive or too fancy, just something nice and summery that I can wear again.’

  ‘Of course I will.’ Sadie squeezed her arm. ‘How exciting. I haven’t been to a wedding for ages.’

  ‘Will you stand for me?’ Alice asked. ‘You know, be my witness?’

  ‘Me? But what about Millie? Won’t she feel hurt if you don’t ask her? And maybe Jimmy could be Jack’s.’

  Alice shook her head. ‘Jack thinks we should ask someone new as Millie and Jimmy were witnesses at mine and Terry’s wedding. He doesn’t think it’s right to have the same people. He said it might bring bad luck.’

  Sadie laughed. ‘Well, flipping heck. I never had Jack Dawson down as being superstitious. But yes, count me in and thank you. Any excuse for a new dress, eh, gel? And who will stand for Jack?’

  ‘He’s asking Arnold.’

  ‘Oh, that’s nice. Arnold is lovely and he’ll be thrilled to bits.’

  Alice nodded. As the tram trundled on towards the city centre, her thoughts turned to yesterday afternoon and how loving, gentle and careful Jack had been in bed compared to the previous night when he’d taken too many chances. How, after making love to her, he’d tied wool around her finger to get the right size for her wedding ring. And how later, after work, he’d come back and handed over some money to buy a dress for the wedding. She wondered how he could be so loving one day and a bit off-hand and possessive on others, like after she’d sung with Millie. Terry had always been even-tempered, so it was difficult to understand, but maybe time would mellow Jack. He still hadn’t told her that he loved her, but his actions spoke volumes so she could live in hope.

  ‘Come on, dreamer.’ Sadie nudged her elbow. ‘You were miles away. Conductor has just shouted Ranelagh Street.’

  They hurried off the tram and Alice linked her arm through Sadie’s. ‘When we get to break time I need to talk to you privately. I’d like some, er, advice.’

  ‘From me?’ Sadie raised an eyebrow. ‘About what?’

  ‘Birth control and what I can use,’ Alice whispered as they entered the building.

  ‘Ah, okay. Well, I’ll do my best. You look a bit worried though. Hope it’s not too late.’

  Alice rolled her eyes. ‘You and me both, Sadie.’

  * * *

  The haberdashery department shelving units had been moved across near the lift area and were now fixed firmly to the walls. Alice and Sadie began to unpack their stock and reposition it. They were able to make a display of knitting patterns on the wall and Sadie artfully wound a rainbow of woollen hanks around some hooks that were sticking out of an abandoned peg board.

  ‘That looks really nice.’ Alice nodded her approval. ‘You can see what colours we’re stocking much easier now and it brightens the bare wall up.’

  Miss White strolled across the floor towards their display, nodded her head with approval and almost half-smiled. ‘That looks very nice, ladies. Well done.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Sadie said and pulled a face behind the woman’s back as she swanned away. ‘Bloody sourpuss. No wonder she’s still single.’

  Alice grinned and turned to a stout woman who was eyeing up Sadie’s wool display. ‘That looks grand,’ she began, ‘but I want boring black for socks for my old fella. Have you got any, gels?’

  ‘We have.’ Alice reached on the shelves behind her. ‘Two ounces?’

  ‘Best give me four, chuck, then I’ve got spare for darning. His hobnail boots don’t half wear his socks out quick. Mind you, his bony feet and long toenails don’t help either. Funny how you never notice stuff like that in the first flush of love. Mind you, that were over thirty years ago. Good job my eyesight’s not as good as it used to be. What I can’t see I can’t fret over. You young ones enjoy yourself while you can. Getting old’s no fun.’ She pocketed her change and picked up the bag of wool and waved goodbye.

  ‘Well, she’s a bundle of laughs,’ Sadie said. ‘Puts you right off, thinking of men getting old and their horrible feet, doesn’t it? Don’t honestly think I can be bothered again after Luca. He was the one, but it wasn’t meant to be. Although part of me wishes I’d stayed around now and gone to see him when the fair was in town at Easter. But still, what would have been the point? I couldn’t have gone back to that lifestyle and he may be with another woman now for all I know. No, it’s just me and Gianni from now on, and that’s that.’

  Alice nodded, thinking of poor Jack’s lame foot, and how she’d have to avoid looking at it until she too couldn’t see, but understanding just what Sadie was saying.

  * * *

  ‘So you think that would be the best method then?’ Alice asked as she and Sadie sat by the window in the temporary canteen on their morning break, enjoying a toasted tea cake split between them. There was hardly a soul around so it was a good opportunity to talk about personal things.

  Sadie shrugged. ‘Well, I used one occasionally and I never got caught again after Gianni. Luca is Catholic and doesn’t believe in contraception so it was down to me and I didn’t tell him I was using it. Although how he couldn’t tell I don’t know. But he never said anything.’

  ‘Hmm.’ Alice took a sip of tea. Sadie had suggested she ask at the doctor’s surgery for a diaphragm, which she said was like a rubber cap that stopped pregnancy. Alice didn’t fancy the idea but didn’t feel she had much choice in the matter. Jack’s aversion to using a rubber on occasion was nothing to do with religion, just carelessness, but she couldn’t take that chance again until they were at least married. It was him that didn’t want kids, but she would feel more comfortable about discussing matters once they were wed. She’d have to do her best for now by making sure the kids were always around until after the wedding day. That wouldn’t be too hard, with a bit of luck. But for now she’d see about this method Sadie had suggested on the off-chance he told her he was coming round on his way home from work at night when the kids were in bed. At least she could be prepared before he arrived.

  On their dinner break, Alice and Sadie went upstairs to the ladies’ clothing section. It was much smaller than it used to be, but there were still a few nice dresses left on the summer rails.

  ‘I like this.’ Sadie held up a pale blue dress with a sweetheart neckline and small w
hite pearly buttons to the waist, the full skirt falling in soft folds to just on the knee. ‘You could wear your white peep-toe sandals with it and I’ve got a white handbag you can borrow and a white silky jacket that would go lovely.’

  Head on one side, Alice looked at the dress. It was perfect and the blue would accentuate her eyes. ‘I’ll try it on. Come with me.’

  They hurried over to the fitting rooms and an assistant showed them to a curtained-off cubicle. ‘Sorry it’s a bit makeshift, ladies. But, well, you know.’

  ‘We do,’ Alice said. ‘We’re from haberdashery and keep getting moved from pillar to post. We’ve just unpacked again this morning. Right, I’ll go and slip this on.’

  Sadie waited outside, talking to the assistant while Alice got changed. As the curtain slid back she gasped. ‘Alice, you look lovely. It’s perfect.’

  The assistant nodded. ‘It looks very nice. Is it for a special occasion?’

  ‘My wedding,’ Alice said. ‘It’s my second time around, so it’s a bit informal. I’m widowed, you see.’

  ‘Sorry to hear that, love. Did you lose him abroad? I lost mine in Germany just before the war ended.’

  Alice shook her head, feeling tears welling. So many women were in the same boat as she was.

  ‘Sadly no. He came back safe and sound, and then got badly injured in an accident on the Dock Road. His motorbike skidded. He died not long after. I’m sorry you lost your husband out there. I lost my brother in Germany.’

  ‘Well, at least you’ve got a second chance at happiness, love. You make the most of it. And if the dress is for a wedding, I’ve got just the thing over in lingerie to go with it.’ Alice and Sadie followed her across the floor to a glass counter, where she rummaged underneath and pulled out a box. ‘Here you are: a blue lacy garter, a bit of extra “something blue” for you.’

  Sadie smiled as Alice blushed. ‘That’ll get Jack going,’ she teased. ‘Not that he needs it,’ she added.

  Alice rolled her eyes as the woman wrapped the dress and garter in tissue paper and placed them in a box, then slid the box into a large carrier bag. She totted up the total and knocked Alice’s staff discount off. Alice pocketed the change from the five-pound note that Jack had given her. She could afford some new stockings now as well. She had some almost-new white lacy underwear that she’d hardly worn and it would look lovely under the dress, and if she borrowed Sadie’s white jacket, there would be just enough money left over to get Cathy some new socks and hair ribbons, and Brian a nice tie to wear. Cathy had a pretty summer dress made by Granny that would do nicely and Brian had a decent white shirt and grey trousers. There was a grey tweed, double-breasted sports jacket of Rodney’s still hanging in the wardrobe that was in almost-new condition and might fit Brian now. It would be better than him wearing his school blazer, the only jacket he possessed. At least then he’d look smart and presentable for the occasion.

  17

  Alice’s late August wedding day dawned bright and sunny. Millie came round mid-morning to do her hair and paint her nails. As she left to go back to her mam’s to get herself dressed for the occasion, promising to be back by one with Jimmy, her parents and the cars to transport them all, Sadie arrived, with a spick and span Gianni, to help Alice into her outfit. Earlier Cathy and Brian had been to the flower shop on Lark Lane to pick up the small posy of white roses fastened up with blue ribbon that Alice had ordered, along with pink and white carnation buttonholes for their guests. The box of flowers was waiting on the table in the back sitting room.

  ‘You okay?’ Sadie asked as Alice slipped her arms into the white silk jacket that Sadie had brought with her.

  Alice nodded, turning this way and that to check herself in the long mirror on the wardrobe door.

  ‘Just a bit nervous,’ she admitted. ‘But otherwise I’m fine.’ She took a deep breath. ‘How do I look?’

  ‘Fabulous. Jack’s a very lucky man.’

  ‘Do you really think so?’

  ‘Of course. He’s getting a beautiful wife and a lovely little family, not to mention his dream coming true in stewardship of the Legion. I know he’s wanted that for a long time. Without you it wouldn’t be possible.’

  Alice sighed. ‘I know a lot of people think I’m mad. I see it when I go into the local shops and everyone stops talking as I walk in. I’m obviously the topic of conversation, even though no one actually says anything to me. Jack said to ignore them and that it’s probably all down to Granny Lomax saying things out of turn. But I don’t know that she’d do that.’

  ‘Have you heard from her since the last time she tried to visit you?’

  Alice shook her head. ‘Last time I took Cathy round to the bungalow it was all locked up and her neighbour told me she’d gone away to visit friends for a week or two.’

  Sadie smiled. ‘She’s too nosy to keep away for ever. She’ll be round when she gets back, you’ll see.’

  ‘Maybe. She won’t come if Jack’s here and we’ll be moving late next week. I can’t see her coming over to the club either.’

  ‘No, but she can phone you there at least. So, are you looking forward to your honeymoon?’

  Alice nodded. ‘Blackpool will be busy at this time of year, but I’m sure we’ll enjoy ourselves. It’s only two days anyway as we need to be back for the move.’

  ‘And is Marlene definitely looking after the kids?’

  ‘Yes. She’s going to stay here with them. They’ll come back to the house as soon as we leave the Legion. Arnold’s lending us his car. I can’t wait and I know Jack can’t either.’

  ‘And did you get yourself sorted at the doctor’s? You know? Just in case Jack hasn’t got anything prepared.’

  Alice blew out her cheeks. ‘Yes, it’s packed away in my case. Fingers crossed it works.’

  ‘Well, you’ve been lucky up to now, so good luck for the future.’

  Alice laughed. ‘Thanks. We’ll need it, I’m sure.’

  ‘Right.’ Sadie took charge. ‘Let’s go downstairs and sort the flowers and the kids out before Jimmy and Millie’s dad arrive with the cars.’

  * * *

  Alice was relieved to see Jack’s eyes light up as she walked into the reception area of Mount Pleasant registry office. He was waiting with Arnold and Winnie, all dolled up in their best. Jack’s new navy pinstripe suit looked smart and Winnie straightened his navy tie and fussed with his collar. She took the white buttonhole flower from Sadie and pinned it to Jack’s lapel.

  ‘There,’ she said, brushing imaginary fluff from his front. ‘You look proper bonny now, my boy.’ Winnie smiled as Jack bent to drop a kiss on her cheek. She pinned on Arnold’s buttonhole and her own. ‘That’s it, we’re done. Don’t you all look grand?’

  Cathy was hopping from foot to foot with Gianni, and Brian grabbed her hand to get her to stand still as Freddie and his wife and Marlene and Stan crowded into the reception area alongside Millie and her family.

  After thinking they’d got no one to invite, Alice was pleased to see such a good turn-out. More than there had been for her and Terry’s wedding in fact. She felt a little tug of sadness wash over her as she thought of Terry but pushed it to one side. It was time to move on and become Jack’s wife. And she felt more than ready. She took a deep breath and smiled as the registrar beckoned them all into the room where the wedding ceremonies took place. Standing beside Jack, who looked at her and squeezed her hand, Alice smiled and let go of the past.

  * * *

  After the sumptuous buffet and a toast to the happy couple, led by Arnold as best man, Millie got up on stage to sing Judy Garland and Gene Kelly’s ‘For Me and My Gal’. She was accompanied by the pianist, and everyone joined in.

  ‘Go on,’ Arnold encouraged, giving Jack a gentle push. ‘Get out there and have the first dance with your new wife.’

  Jack turned to Alice and smiled. ‘May I, Mrs Dawson?’

  Alice grinned. ‘You may.’ Her new name, and the first time anyone, apart from the registrar,
had used it. She slipped off her jacket and took Jack’s outstretched hand as he led her onto the dance floor, to loud cheers from their guests.

  ‘You happy?’ Jack asked as he waltzed her round.

  ‘Very. Are you?’

  ‘I am,’ he replied, looking into her eyes. ‘You’re all mine now, and, er, I love you, gel.’

  ‘Do you? Really?’

  He nodded, smiling. ‘I do, Alice. Do you honestly think I’d put myself through all this wearing a suit malarkey and bloody buttonholes if I didn’t?’

  She grinned. ‘I guess not. And Jack, I love you too.’ If he never said it to her again she could live with that. He’d said it at just the right time and that meant the world to her.

  * * *

  Alice waved goodbye to a weeping Cathy, who clung to her waist; she didn’t want Mammy to go away with Jack. Alice gave Brian a hug.

  ‘Look after her and make sure you both do everything Marlene tells you to,’ she said. Jack was calling her name and she lowered her voice so that he wouldn’t hear her. ‘And tomorrow, take her round to see Granny Lomax. Hopefully she’ll be in and Cathy will enjoy that. I’ll see you on Monday when we get back. I have to go now,’ she finished as Jack called her name again from beside the car that someone had put a home-made ‘Just Married’ banner on. She clambered into the passenger seat and breathed a sigh of relief. As the car drove away to rousing cheers, from the corner of her eye Alice saw Cathy pull away from Brian’s grip and run towards a figure standing back from everyone else; Granny Lomax. When had she arrived? Alice just hoped that Jack wouldn’t spot her too; otherwise his good mood would evaporate faster than the Mersey mist on a fine day. She glanced across at him, but he was smiling, oblivious.