by Ellie Dean
‘I can’t bear the thought of you leaving,’ she said in a rush. ‘Australia’s so far away and once you’ve gone I’ll probably never see you again.’ She looked up at him through her brimming tears. ‘It’s horribly selfish, I know, but I can’t help it.’
‘It’s not at all selfish, and although it’ll be good to see my family again and get into the Outback, I hate the thought of leaving you behind.’ He twisted round to face her, taking both hands. ‘But I’ve been thinking, Rita. Maybe … if you’d like to … and you’re not put off by my head not being quite right yet … We could get married – and then you could come with me,’ he finished in a rush.
Rita looked into his mesmerising eyes and thought she’d burst with happiness. ‘Married?’ she breathed.
He gripped her hands more tightly, his expression suddenly very serious. ‘Yes, Rita, married,’ he said firmly. ‘I can’t get on my knees because of all the flaming metal pins they put in me leg, but if you agree to marry this wreck of a man whose body might not be working quite right, but whose heart is full of love for you, then you’d make me the happiest man alive.’
Rita’s thoughts were in a whirl, her heart thudding and the sheer joy of the moment quite overwhelming. She wanted to accept his proposal – wanted to spend the rest of her life with this wonderful man who returned her love so deeply – but the thought of moving to the other side of the world and never seeing her father or Peggy and Ron again, made her hesitate.
‘What is it, Rita?’ he asked nervously. ‘Have I spoken out of turn?’
‘No, oh no, Peter,’ she swiftly assured him. ‘I would love to marry you but … Australia’s so far from home,’ she hurried on. ‘And I feel torn between you, Dad, Peggy and Ron. They’re the only family I have, you see, and I love them too.’
‘Just promise you’ll think about coming with me,’ he urged. ‘I do understand how difficult it will be for you to get used to a new way of life in a place that’s so very different to Cliffehaven. But my family will be your family, and I will love and cherish you for the rest of my days.’
Rita burst into tears, her heart and head doing battle as she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him. She knew that if she rejected him they would both end up with broken hearts – but how could she choose between him and the only family she’d ever known?
‘Queensland is God’s own country, Rita,’ he murmured, kissing away her tears. ‘There’s space to breathe in the Outback where the land has remained unchanged since the dawn of time and a man can be free to wander to his heart’s content. And on the coast there are tropical rainforests full of exotic birds, and beaches with fine white sand and palm trees, and a sea so blue it dazzles the eyes. You’ll love it, Rita,’ he whispered, ‘and you’re just the kind of girl who has the spirit of adventure to settle there.’
‘It all sounds wonderful,’ she replied, ‘and I promise I’ll think about it seriously. When Dad comes home, I’ll talk it over with him and see how he feels about me going all that way.’ She gave him a watery smile. ‘I might act as if I’m tough, but I’m really not that adventurous, Pete. I’ve never been further than the next town, and the thought of going to the other side of the world is quite terrifying.’
‘Your dad could come too,’ Peter said eagerly. ‘There’s always work out there for a good engineer who’s not afraid of putting in a hard day’s labour. My word,’ he breathed, ‘the sheep and cattle stations are always crying out for someone to mend their utes and farm machinery. He could make a fortune in no time.’
Rita loved his boyish enthusiasm, and felt bad about not encouraging him. ‘We’ll see what he has to say, Pete,’ she murmured against his lips.
‘I reckon I’ll have to be satisfied with that,’ he said, trying hard to dampen down his enthusiasm. ‘But in the meantime, darlin’,’ he pulled a small box from his overcoat pocket and opened it with a flourish, ‘would you wear this ring to seal the promise that you’ll consider marrying me?’
Rita gazed at the square-cut diamond that blushed the finest pink in the sun. It was the most beautiful token of love, but she couldn’t take it. ‘It’s truly the loveliest thing,’ she managed, closing the box. ‘But it wouldn’t be right to accept it – not yet.’
To her surprise, Peter grinned. ‘Don’t be such a stick-to-the-rules Pom,’ he teased, taking the ring from the box and determinedly slipping it onto the third finger of her right hand. ‘This isn’t an engagement ring, see – it’s on the wrong finger. But it is a token of my love in the hope you’ll eventually let me put it where it really belongs.’
Rita didn’t know what to say as she gazed back at him.
He lifted her hand so the sunlight flashed pink fire on the ring. ‘That’s a diamond – a pink one,’ he explained, ‘and quite rare. I found it in the Kimberley which is way out in the Never-Never of North Western Australia. I was doing a stint of prospecting in between the shearing seasons. The gold is from a mine in Coolgardie. I got it made into a ring for when I found the girl I wanted to spend my life with. And that’s you, Rita.’
Wordlessly, her heart too full to speak, she gazed at the stunning ring and watched how the light played on it as she moved her hand.
Peter watched her. ‘Beautiful,’ he whispered. ‘So beautiful you put that diamond in the shade.’ He drew her tenderly into his arms and held her close.
‘I love you, Pete, really I do. But I’m frightened,’ she confessed.
He stroked her hair and continued to hold her. ‘I know, love,’ he said softly. ‘It’s a big decision to make. But we’ll work something out, no worries.’
The factory estate looked quite naked without the barrage balloons floating above it, but the high wire fences remained in place because the armament factory was still producing its bombs, bullets and shells.
Doris looked out of the office window to the scene below as the workers traipsed back from the canteen after their lunch break. ‘They don’t look too happy to be here,’ she remarked. ‘I can’t say I blame them, though. I’m still feeling exhausted after two whole days of celebrating.’
John came to stand behind her, his hand discreetly resting on her hip below the level of the window ledge. ‘The numbers are right down,’ he murmured, ‘and there will be fewer next week once they’ve got their wage packets. The managers aren’t surprised, because many of the workforce aren’t local, and now the war’s over, they’ll be eager to go home to their families.’
‘But there’s still a war in the Far East,’ protested Doris. ‘They’ll need planes and tools and armaments to fight off the Japanese.’
‘America is taking over the supply of weapons and machinery,’ he said quietly. ‘It’s easier for them as they have bases all across the Pacific.’
Doris turned to look up at him, her heartbeat quickening as it always did when he was near. ‘Does that mean all these factories will close?’
‘Most of them.’
Doris bit her lip as she thought about Ivy and Ruby losing their jobs. ‘Will this office have to close too?’ she asked fearfully.
He smiled down at her, his silver hair glinting in the sunlight, his blue eyes made more so by the love that shone from them. ‘Our jobs are safe, dear heart. The rope makers will remain here along with the engineering shop and tool factory – although they will cut down on their hours. And in time, other companies will take over the leases of the buildings. New enterprises will spring up, and there are already plans in place to divide up the largest ones into smaller units to provide workshops for individuals to set up their own trades. It might look gloomy and rather sad now, Doris, but once the men come home and begin to rebuild their lives, this place will be booming.’
They returned to their desks. ‘Do you think Michael might want to set up something when he comes home?’
‘My son is an army man like me and his grandfather before him. I suspect he’ll be keen to get back to his regiment.’ He squeezed Doris’s hand. ‘Don’t worry about Michael, my love. He’s
his own man with a good army career in front of him. And although he might be a bit shocked to find us engaged, he has his own life to lead and is realistic enough to accept that I have mine.’
Doris could only hope so, but she harboured many doubts about this beloved son whom she’d yet to meet. Michael had been taken prisoner shortly after the death of his mother, and before his father had retired from the army and moved to Cliffehaven. He’d certainly have a great deal to get used to after almost five years in a German POW camp. Discovering that his father planned to marry again wouldn’t be easy to take, and frankly, Doris was dreading his return.
She knew so little about him except for what John had told her, and a loving father would be biased, so she couldn’t really take it as read that he’d accept her, or fathom his true character, until she’d met him. John seemed convinced that Michael would welcome her with open arms, but then he was an optimist and a man in love, so saw everything in a rosy light.
Michael could very well be disapproving, and take an instant dislike to her, for she was nothing like his dead mother in looks or background. If that happened things could get very awkward for all concerned. John’s love and loyalty would be torn between her and Michael, and if there was no resolution she’d have only one option open to her. She’d have to walk away.
A shiver ran down her spine at the thought of losing him. She couldn’t let that happen, not now she’d found real love and contentment for the first time in her life.
‘What’s the matter, my love? You’re not still worrying about Michael’s reaction to our engagement, are you?’
‘I am rather,’ she admitted.
‘Silly girl,’ he said fondly, reaching for her hand across the desk. ‘I know I foolishly hesitated to make things official between us because I was worried about my son’s reaction, but it’s the best decision I’ve made in years and I have absolutely no regrets. Michael might be taken aback at first, but he’s mature enough to accept the situation and be reasonable about it. You’ll see.’ He kissed the tips of her fingers. ‘Besides,’ he added, ‘he’ll probably only be here on a long leave before he’s returned to his regiment, so whether he approves or not, he won’t have to put up with us billing and cooing for very long.’
Doris smiled into his eyes but remained unconvinced.
The mood of the girls working in the armaments factory was far from happy as the rumours circulated and the gossip spread that the entire estate was about to be shut down. In fact, there had been a restlessness in them that had grown all afternoon since it was announced there would be an address from the manager at the end of the shift. It was a miracle that there hadn’t been a serious accident.
The afternoon had dragged on and Ivy’s headache hadn’t been improved by the stench of gunpowder and oil, and the ceaseless music blaring from the loud speakers under the corrugated tin roof. She felt sick with apprehension about the announcement, for she’d heard the rumours and seen for herself that the other factories were winding down in preparation for closing or being relocated. She could only hope that as the war was still going on in the Far East she’d be one of the lucky ones to be kept on, for she needed the money.
Five o’clock finally came and the music was switched off to be replaced by the voice of the manager, Staff Sergeant Wilcox, coming over the tannoy. ‘Please put down your tools and switch off,’ she said, her voice distorted by the echo-inducing tin roof. ‘And then wait by your benches until everyone is here.’
Ivy did as ordered. Digging her filthy hands into her overall pockets, she found a boiled sweet she’d forgotten about, and blew off the fluff before popping it into her mouth. If this was the end, then she’d have to move quickly to find another job. There were over two hundred girls in this factory alone, with hundreds of others spread all over the estate – and although a lot of them would pack up and go home to London or wherever they’d come from, it would still be a fight to find anything decent.
The late shift poured in and immediately knew something was up as they saw everyone still standing by their benches, and within seconds the volume of their worried questions rose.
‘Attention, please. Attention!’
Silence fell immediately and every face was lifted towards the imposing figure that stood ramrod straight at the top of the iron staircase leading to the factory office. Staff Sergeant Wilcox was a woman who’d always commanded attention with her strong voice and implacable sense of duty – and today was no exception.
‘With our glorious Victory in Europe, the government and the people of Great Britain wish to thank you wholeheartedly for the sterling and tireless work you have given to the cause over the past six long years. The Allied Forces and the people of Britain salute you.’
Ivy rolled her eyes, thinking that all the thanks in the world wouldn’t butter parsnips, let alone help her to save up to get married.
‘As you know,’ continued the Staff Sergeant, ‘our own Special Forces are now involved with our American allies to bring about Victory over Japan, and they will continue to need to be armed and supplied. It is to this end that it has been decided that all future armaments should be supplied by America and Australia as they are better placed for transport to the areas of fighting. Therefore, it is my sad duty to inform you that this factory will be closing tomorrow night.’
There was a murmur of disappointment laced with sharp questions about wages, and whether or not there would be a late shift on Friday night.
‘Tonight will be the last late shift,’ she said above the loud voices. ‘But those on days will be expected to come in tomorrow and work as usual. You will all be paid at the end of your final shift, and there will be a small bonus for each of you as a token of the government’s gratitude.
‘However,’ she continued, cutting through the muttering. ‘Should you decide not to work your last shift, then your wages will be sent on to you without the bonus.’
‘Bloody typical,’ muttered Ivy.
‘I call it ruddy blackmail,’ said the girl next to her in disgust. ‘Why not shut down now and pay us all? What’s the ruddy point of keeping us on for one more shift?’
‘They want the last drop of sweat we got,’ said Ivy crossly. She blew out her cheeks and looked around. ‘I can’t say I’ll be sorry to leave this place, but I shall miss earning the good money they pay.’
The other girl shrugged. ‘They only paid that because it’s dangerous and dirty, and we’ve all ended up with yellow skin. Personally I can’t wait to get back to Coventry. There might not be much of it left, but it’s home, and I never felt right being all this way south.’
Ivy fetched her things from the locker room, drew on her jacket and traipsed out of the factory to be met by an equally disgruntled Ruby who was waiting for her. ‘I suppose you ’eard all that?’ Ivy asked, linking arms with her fellow Londoner and friend.
‘Yeah,’ Ruby replied as they ambled towards the gate. ‘It’s rotten luck, ain’t it? You ain’t gunna find them sort of wages again.’
‘What about you? I know they’ve cut yer hours, and laid off a lot of the workers, but are they closing too?’
Ruby shook her head. ‘Nah, they’re staying open, but the hours from now on will be nine to five, and no night shifts where there was a chance of a bit of extra money.’ She heaved a sigh and adjusted the strap of her handbag over her shoulder. ‘People still need tools, war or not, but the cut in me wages means I’ll have to give up on Cordelia’s bungalow at the end of the month. Me mate what was sharing the rent has already gone ’ome to London, and she ain’t coming back.’
‘But where will you go?’
Ruby grimaced. ‘Uncle Stan’s, I suppose, though it will be a terrible squash with him, April and baby Paula already taking up the two bedrooms in that little station cottage. I’ll just have to ’ope my Mike gets leave to come down before he’s sent back to Canada. He’ll sort something out.’
‘Auntie Peggy would take you in again like a shot. But she’s chock-a-block alre
ady, and if ’er family come back from Somerset, we’ll all be doubling up – even the snooty Cissy.’
Ivy gave a deep sigh. ‘I thought the end of the war would be wonderful and everything would go back to the way it were before. But it ain’t like that, is it? The factories are closing, friends are leaving, and with the servicemen and women coming back, there ain’t a job to be ’ad nowhere.’
‘I thought you’d go back to London with Andy,’ Ruby said as they came to a halt outside the factory gates.
‘That’s what we was planning once we got hitched. But I’m waiting to hear from me mum so I knows where she is, and if the young ’uns are back with ’er from Salisbury. How about you and Mike?’
‘Everything’s up in the air at the moment. I’m waiting to hear from him to see if he’s got permission for us to get hitched while ’e’s on leave down here. That’s if he does get leave before they ship him home,’ Ruby added gloomily.
‘Won’t that be a bit strange? Getting married and then ’im going off straight away?’
Ruby shrugged. ‘Once it’s safe for me to travel, I’ll be going out there to join ’im,’ she said, her eyes shining with excitement. ‘It sounds ever so exciting, Ivy. Thick snow and husky dogs pulling sledges, and big deer they call elk – although I don’t like the sound of the timber wolves that howl in the night, or the bears what come down into the town scavenging for food.’
She giggled. ‘Mike’s mum has been writing and sending me pictures of what to expect when I get there. She seems ever so nice, Ivy, and I’m looking forward to meeting ’er and seeing it all for meself.’
‘Blimey, Rubes, that’s a big change from living in the Smoke.’
‘I don’t wanna go back to London – too many bad memories – and although I do love it ’ere, I wanna be with Mike – and if he’s in Canada, that’s where I’ll be going.’
‘Well, you’re braver than me, gel, I tell you that.’