Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls

by Rosie Clarke

  Minnie’s cheeks were on fire. ‘I had no idea he was the manager when you encouraged me to work for Harpers,’ she said. ‘I was just so pleased to be here with you and dear Maggie – and Mrs Harper gave me the job without my going through the usual channels. And then… I saw Jonathan after I’d begun work. He came to the department and we knew each other at once. We talked and he asked me to make a dress for Becky and, well… you see, he was the man I gave up for my sister when Papa died…’

  ‘Minnie!’ Rachel stared at her. ‘I’m flabbergasted; I had no idea. You never said one word…’

  ‘Well, what could I say? I knew that I had never stopped loving him, but I had no idea that he might still remember and think of me. He cared for his wife, but he told me that he has always loved me…’ Her face lit in a smile of wonder and delight. ‘I feel as if I’m dreaming, Rachel.’

  ‘That is wonderful,’ Rachel said and went to embrace her. ‘I couldn’t be happier, Minnie. I’m so glad you’ve found happiness.’

  ‘I never expected it at my time of life,’ Minnie said and glanced at her ring in disbelief. ‘I knew Jonathan had married, but I had no idea that his wife had died, leaving him with a young daughter to bring up alone.’

  ‘Well, that is wonderful,’ Rachel repeated herself because she was still in shock. Minnie had hinted earlier that she might have plans of her own, but it had never occurred to her that she might marry. ‘Do you know when?’

  ‘In September we thought,’ Minnie said. ‘You will be married and Maggie will be living with Beth. I shall also take advantage of Beth’s kind offer, just for a few weeks. I need to make my dress, but Jonathan will take all my things to his home when I move, apart from a few personal bits.’

  Rachel looked at Maggie, feeling like laughing. ‘You haven’t got any surprise announcements, have you?’

  ‘No, not yet,’ Maggie said but looked thoughtful. ‘Tim and I are in no hurry to do anything – but I might have other plans…’ She laughed and shook her head as Rachel questioned with her eyes. ‘No, I’m not certain yet, Rachel.’

  ‘Well, I think I need a glass of that wine,’ Rachel said as Minnie set hers down hardly touched.

  ‘I was just about to make some cocoa,’ Minnie said. ‘I had a sip or two, Maggie dear, but I couldn’t manage any more.’

  ‘I’ll have yours,’ Rachel said. ‘I’ve had quite a few surprises this evening and I could do with a nightcap…’

  28

  Marion felt the excitement as she walked into the department on the Tuesday morning after the bank holiday and started to uncover the hats, removing the silk squares that protected the expensive items from dust overnight and readjusting some of the stands. Mrs Craven was talking to Beth and Maggie and, after a moment, she went to join them.

  ‘Ah, Marion,’ her supervisor said. ‘As we all know, this is a momentous day for us all. So, today, we speak as friends, but, of course, formality returns once the floor is open. The country is now on the brink of war, which will affect all our lives. However, there is something of a different nature I wish to talk about first – Mrs Craven has been telling us that Miss Minnie is to marry Mr Stockbridge and quite soon. Obviously, the circumstances brought about by the military situation makes everyone uneasy and so they are not going to wait for a long engagement.’

  Marion had to think for a moment and then her brow cleared. ‘Miss Minnie works in the alterations department.’ She’d thought the woman was a confirmed spinster and felt surprised, but struggled not to show it. ‘I didn’t know they were courting…’

  ‘Nor did anyone else…’ Mrs Craven said and laughed. ‘It was quite a surprise, but a very nice one. I am delighted and she is very happy.’

  ‘Did you know about it, Maggie?’ Marion asked.

  ‘I knew they liked each other a lot, but I had no idea they were so advanced. It’s because they knew each other years ago. They were in love, but Minnie’s father died and her sister couldn’t manage alone, so she gave up her chance of happiness to be with Mildred.’

  Mrs Burrows nodded and looked sad. ‘Yes, of course, she would. Together they could survive, but her sister would not have managed alone.’

  ‘Could she not have lived with them?’

  ‘She would have been their dependant and I dare say she would not have agreed,’ Mrs Burrows said. She knew exactly the reasoning for Miss Minnie’s sacrifice for it had happened to her too, but it was her mother who had refused to let her marry Mark, whereas Miss Minnie had done it voluntarily for her sister.

  ‘It’s very romantic, isn’t it?’ Maggie said and laughed. ‘Becky is thrilled over it, because she doesn’t remember her mother and she has grown to love Minnie – so she will be happy to have her move in with them.’

  ‘Will Minnie give up her work with Harpers?’ Marion asked.

  ‘I expect she will work from home, just come in once or twice a week and pick up orders. She is so good at her work that I’m sure she will want to continue, but she won’t come into work every day. I think Harpers will need another seamstress, because the alterations have taken on a lot of work since she’s been there – whoever they choose will have to be good to replace her,’ Mrs Craven said. ‘But Harpers brought them together – as it has all of us – and it is important in all our lives I know.’ Everyone nodded, because it was more than a place of employment, Harpers was a feeling of being part of something, of belonging.

  ‘Excuse me for asking,’ Marion said, ‘but have you seen the headlines this morning? Germany has invaded France and that means it will definitely be war, doesn’t it?’

  ‘Yes, I think we’ve all seen the news, but it’s not official yet. We have to wait for the King’s announcement, but it is sure to come,’ Mrs Craven said and looked grave. ‘It is worrying, but there’s nothing any of us can do, Marion, and Harpers will carry on as usual and we’ll all come in to work each day and support each other and the store…’ She paused, then, ‘It is terrible news, but I don’t think we should let it overshadow Minnie’s wedding news.’

  Marion heard Maggie’s indrawn breath as though she would deny that statement, but she didn’t say anything so Marion didn’t either. Mrs Craven departed then and told them she would let them know of any developments later in the day. Mrs Burrows told them to get to their counters and the department door was officially opened. Within five minutes, the first customer arrived. She came to Marion’s counter and asked to try on some hats. Marion noticed that several more customers arrived soon after and both Mrs Burrows and Miss Gibbs were soon busy. Marion’s customer selected three hats and brought them to the counter.

  ‘I can’t make up my mind and I’m going to buy them all,’ the woman said. ‘After all, we don’t know what will happen now, do we? If things go badly for us, we might not be able to buy a new hat…’

  Marion was puzzled and then she realised what the customer was thinking; if there was a war, it might cut back on supplies and the shops wouldn’t have as much stock to show.

  The rush lasted until lunchtime and then, just as Marion was about to leave for her break, Mrs Craven entered the department.

  ‘Mr Harper has called a meeting for this afternoon when we close,’ she said. ‘We shall close the doors half an hour early so that none of you will miss your bus home.’

  ‘What is it about?’ Marion asked fearfully, though she already knew because the anticipation of war was in everyone’s minds.

  ‘Have any of your customers mentioned what’s going on?’ Mrs Craven asked, but Marion shook her head. ‘Apparently, there are cheering crowds in Downing Street… people singing the national anthem and they’re gathering outside the palace, calling for the King and Queen.’

  ‘Someone told me about that,’ Mrs Burrows said. ‘I think she also said they are going to open recruiting offices all over London – the whole country. Men will be joining up…’

  ‘Yes, that is exactly what will happen,’ Mrs Craven agreed. ‘William is going to wait until after the wedding.
We’ll have a couple of days away and then he’ll join a cavalry regiment. He was born on a country estate and has good riding and shooting skills so I’m sure he will be accepted.’

  ‘Jack will go back to sea,’ Mrs Burrows said and Marion saw tears in her eyes.

  ‘What will happen to Harpers if all the men go rushing off to war?’ she asked timidly.

  ‘I expect that is what Mr Harper wants to talk about,’ Mrs Craven said. ‘Some of our staff are too old to join the army, others too young – and we have quite a few women, so I dare say we shall manage.’

  Marion was told to have her lunch. She went out and found a seat on a bench in the nearest square and sat down to eat her sandwiches and an apple. It was sweet and crispy and she enjoyed the luxury of having fresh fruit. She thought there were a lot of men about and a definite air of anticipation and excitement. The newspaper stands were busy as people rushed to buy the latest editions and the word war echoed on the vendors’ lips.

  Marion ate her apple thoughtfully. Reggie had bought a bag of ripe English apples for her and the others and, after sharing them out, Marion had saved one for her own lunch.

  Reggie was so generous to her. Every week there were a few sweets for Milly, a small bottle of mild beer for her brother and a ticket for the football when in season. He often brought some fruit or a small bar of chocolate for Marion and she knew that in his own way he was courting her. He hadn’t taken her out often, just a walk in the park and the dances they shared at the church social, but he had taken her to one dance at the Methodist Hall on her birthday, where a quartet had played romantic music all evening, and she’d felt as if she were in heaven as he taught her to waltz and do various other fancy steps. Previously, Marion had only been able to do the barn dances they did at the church socials, but Reggie had taught her the tango as well as the waltz, which was very daring, and yet he made her feel special as he held her as gently as if she were made of precious china.

  Would Reggie have to fight? Surely, he wouldn’t sign up? He had a good job on the docks and his work was necessary, he didn’t need to go rushing off to war. There were regular soldiers for that, weren’t there?

  She shook her head because the idea that Reggie might have to go to be a soldier upset her. Suddenly realising the time, Marion began to run. She had just five minutes to get back and if she was late, Mrs Burrows would be cross – she could lose her job.

  She must have been a couple of minutes late back, but Mrs Burrows was serving a customer and didn’t seem to notice. Marion hastened to stand behind her counter and was soon serving a customer. The first rush seemed to have tailed off, but sales were still brisk. More than one customer hinted that she was buying now in case she couldn’t get what she wanted later in the year.

  It was a short afternoon because of the early closing and then everyone went up to the café on the top floor to hear what Mr Harper had to say. Everyone was chattering, but when their employer appeared, it all went suddenly quiet.

  ‘Thank you for coming, ladies and gentleman,’ Mr Harper said and Marion thought you could have heard a pin drop. ‘You will all have heard the dreadful news today and I know that some of you will be wondering what to do – well, I have this to say: any man who signs up to fight for this wonderful country has my admiration and my promise that his job will still be his when he comes back after it is all over. We shall take on youngsters and older men and ladies too – and, as I hope to expand Harpers, there will still be a place for anyone who has worked here but went to do his duty…’ A few cheers broke out and Mr Harper held up his hand. ‘I am not a coward and if it becomes necessary, I shall join up myself, but for the moment I’m staying on here to make sure we all have jobs to return to…’

  More cheers and then a voice from the back said, ‘You’re American, sir, you don’t have to fight…’

  ‘I choose to live here and if Britain were invaded, I’d be out on the streets with a gun like the rest of you,’ Mr Harper said. ‘You have my word that I shall be doing my bit for Britain as well as Harpers and I already have a large ship packed as full as it can get on its way here. I’m doing my best to make sure we have stock to carry us through any conflict.’

  ‘Those bloody Germans won’t dare fire on an American ship,’ someone cried angrily.

  ‘I am hoping our flag will keep us safe, but I don’t know how long that neutrality will last – war is war, gentlemen, and I think it won’t be long before they think we’re fair game if we’re heading for Britain with food and ammunition, which I think you can count on. As for our ladies – we’re going to rely on you and perhaps recruit more of your sisters and daughters so we can carry on…’

  ‘They’ll wish they hadn’t if they do,’ a woman’s voice said and Mr Harper smiled.

  ‘Thank you for the vote of confidence, ma’am, I agree with you – and I hope this nonsense is all over by Christmas, if not before.’

  There was a chorus of agreement and anger too, because war was unsettling and though many of the younger men were keen to do their bit, women and older men felt more cautious and uneasy about the prospect of such a war.

  Mr Harper went on to tell his staff that any men wishing to leave should let the office know and they would be paid to the day they left and any holiday pay due to them.

  ‘Once again, I want to reassure you that no one will be penalised for doing their duty and we shall honour your sacrifice and be happy to greet you when you come home to us…’

  A few cheers met his last words and some questions, then the meeting broke up and everyone drifted away. Marion collected her jacket from the cloakroom and went down to the staff entrance, where Fred was overseeing the exodus. She smiled at him and asked how he was.

  ‘I’m very well, miss,’ he said, looking at her kindly. ‘If you’re worried about something you can always ask me. I’ll still be here whatever happens and I’ll do what I can.’

  ‘No, no, I’m all right,’ Marion assured him and went out into the street. She heard the newsboy’s cry, which was echoing all over the country. She hesitated and then purchased a paper, scanning it before catching the bus home. The headlines screamed at her, making her shiver.

  Special edition! It’s War Boys! Germany ignores ultimatum and invades Belgium. Britain is officially at war! Time for patriots to show their mettle and sign up for King and Country…

  Marion shivered, feeling a sudden chill even though it had been a warm day. She hated all this excitement, as if it was a party instead of men getting ready to shoot at each other. The streets seemed to be filled with young men all of a sudden, dashing here and there, laughing and shouting, jesting, almost as if it were Christmas and something to celebrate. In contrast, young women were looking anxious and seemed in a hurry to get home.

  She was approaching her bus stop when someone came up behind her and took her arm. Shocked, she swung round and found herself looking at Reggie Jackson.

  ‘Reggie! What are you doing here?’

  ‘I’ve been to sign up for the Army,’ he told her and grinned. ‘I thought I’d wait for you and we could have a cup of coffee – or just travel back together…’

  ‘Oh, Reggie, why did you do it?’ Marion asked, distressed. ‘Your job is important – I don’t think they would have thought ill of you if you hadn’t joined…’

  ‘The gaffer told us to go and sign on if we wanted – said he’d take us back when we came home but we should do our duty.’ Reggie’s eyes were bright with excitement. ‘Everyone wanted to join, but some of them were too old, others too young. The sergeant was weeding them out, sending the young lads of fourteen and fifteen home, but all the bosses on the docks have told the men to fight if they want.’ He looked serious for a moment. ‘That Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary, said, “The Lamps are going out all over Europe and we shall not see them lit in our lifetimes”– but I reckon the British Tommy will soon put that right…’

  ‘Mr Harper told our men that their jobs will be safe, too,’ Marion sai
d and shook her head. ‘Shop assistants can be replaced by women but you can’t, Reggie. Surely you needn’t volunteer?’

  ‘I’m not a coward, Marion,’ Reggie said. ‘If the lads need to fight, then I can fight as well as any of them.’

  ‘Of course, you can,’ she said suddenly cross. ‘But I shall hate you if you go and get yourself killed…’

  ‘Oh, Marion, it would almost be worth it just for that,’ Reggie said and grinned. He looked delighted. ‘It’s the first time you’ve given me any sign that you care.’

  ‘Well, of course I do, you daft…’ she cried but got no further, because right there in the street, in the full view of everyone, Reggie grabbed her and kissed her on the lips. As Marion stared at him in shock, he laughed in delight.

  ‘I’ve been working up to that for weeks,’ he said. ‘I thought you might hit me if I tried.’

  Marion gave him a half-hearted punch in the shoulder. ‘You’re horrible, Reggie Jackson, and I like you a lot – and you’re not to go and get killed. Do you hear me?’

  ‘I won’t,’ Reggie said. ‘I’ll be comin’ back fer yer, Marion Kaye. Yer can bet yer sweet life on it. When I do, we’ll be married. It might be next year or the year after, and I don’t know where we’ll live or how we’ll manage, but you’re my girl now and that’s the end of it.’

  29

  ‘She has been fretting,’ Sally announced as she entered their sitting room where Ben was working on some papers. He looked up with a frown. ‘Pearl said she’s been unsettled all day. It couldn’t be a tooth yet, could it?’

  ‘It’s too soon for her to be teething surely?’ Ben said. ‘If you’re worried, Sally, give the doctor a ring…’

  ‘No, I think she might have a little tummy upset, but it’s nothing much.’ She walked to glance over his shoulder. ‘Are you looking at Jenni’s telegram? She is on her way over. I didn’t think she would come now, but she says she’s coming anyway.’