Harpers Heroes

by Rosie Clarke

  Sadie looked at Maggie as they walked to their assigned wards together. ‘He’s a bit of all right – friend of yours, is he?’

  ‘No, I’ve only met him once before. He gave a similar talk at our first-aid classes – but he was helpful to us that night,’ Maggie said. ‘He’s not my friend, though. I think he’s a little sweet on Becky – she was one of my friends in London – but she’s a bit young for him and her father won’t let her marry for years yet.’ She smiled fondly. ‘I have a boyfriend. As I told you, my Tim is in the Royal Flying Corps. He was sent over to a base in France and I haven’t seen him since he gave me my ring – the one I wear on a ribbon under my uniform – but he writes me a postcard when he can and I know he’s getting leave soon. I’ll just have to hope he gets leave while I’m visiting my friends in London…’

  ‘Yeah, lucky you,’ Sadie said. ‘We can travel up to London on the train together, Maggie. I can’t wait ter get ’ome ter see me family.’ She looked proud. ‘They’ll be made up to know I’ve passed me exams.’

  Maggie nodded. ‘I don’t have a family, but Beth is my friend and she’s as good as a sister anyway.’ Maggie’s parents were both dead now and the memories were still a little raw, despite it being a while ago now.

  ‘Oh, Maggie love,’ Beth said and hugged her when she walked in carrying her suitcase late the following evening, which was a Thursday. ‘I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve been worried because you didn’t write…’

  ‘I know and I’m sorry,’ Maggie said. ‘I wrote you three letters but only had the chance to post them the day before yesterday so you may get them while I’m here or after I’ve gone…’

  ‘Has it been that hard?’ Beth asked, and Maggie nodded.

  ‘These last few weeks have been hectic. Sister Harris was a real gorgon, Beth. She had us hard at it every minute of a long day and we had to study at night to pass our first exams. Neither Sadie nor I were confident of passing, so we didn’t go out anywhere, even to walk on the seafront or to post letters. When we finished our shifts, we just wanted to sleep…’

  ‘Oh, Maggie, that is hardly fair on you or the others,’ Beth said. ‘Why did you sign up? We all miss you at Harpers…’

  ‘And I miss you – but it is so worthwhile, Beth. I’ve met some wonderful people and I’m really looking forward to the next stage.’

  Beth’s gaze narrowed. ‘Don’t tell me you’re going over there?’

  Maggie’s eyes avoided hers. ‘We’re not supposed to say much – but I suppose I can say yes.’

  ‘Maggie! Why on earth did you volunteer?’ Beth looked upset, even cross.

  ‘Because I’ll be needed,’ Maggie responded defensively, understanding her friend was worried for her. ‘There are hundreds – thousands – of wounded, ours, French and others, Beth. The nurses are working so hard, some of them break down mentally and physically. They need help – and some of those wounded men might be ours. It could be Stanley who used to help Fred, or it might be Marion’s sweetheart… or Tim… or Rachel’s husband.’ Her bottom lip trembled. ‘I’d want someone to care for Tim if he was wounded…’ Tim was Fred’s younger son and Beth’s brother-in-law and they were all fond of him.

  ‘Yes, I know how fond you are of him,’ Beth said and bit her lip. ‘It might even be my Jack if he got taken there after an attack on his ship. I’m stupid to go on at you, but it’s because I love you.’

  ‘I know,’ Maggie said. ‘If I’d still got a family, my mother or sister might say the things you did, Beth, but I haven’t – so I’m glad I’ve got you, Tim and Fred.’

  ‘Fred received a letter this morning,’ Beth smiled. ‘Tim will be home tomorrow for three days – so you will have a couple of days together…’

  ‘That is lovely,’ Maggie said and rushed to hug her, feeling surprised and happy that she would be seeing Tim. ‘I have missed you terribly, Beth. Please don’t scold me any more. I’m doing what I have to and I like it, even though it’s hard.’

  ‘Yes, I know,’ Beth replied and hugged her back. ‘I’m so glad you’re here. You must go and see Sally. She might bring her little Jenny in to Harpers – such a lovely child.’

  Maggie nodded, glancing at Beth. There was no sign that she was having the child she longed for, so Maggie said nothing. Beth didn’t talk about it much, but she’d seen her looking at Jenny when they’d attended her christening on one of Maggie’s brief leaves and knew how much Beth longed for her own child.

  ‘Is Jack expected home soon?’ she asked, hoping to change the direction of Beth’s thoughts.

  ‘I think it should be soon,’ Beth said and her face lit up. Her husband, Jack, had joined the Merchant Navy when war became inevitable, knowing that was where he could do the most good. ‘I got a telegram from America a week ago, where his ship had been sent to pick up important cargo, and he just said, “Soon now, love Jack” – so I think it means he’ll get leave when his ship docks.’

  ‘I’m so pleased for you,’ Maggie said and hugged her again. ‘I’ll call in at Harpers and visit everyone tomorrow.’

  At Harpers’ store, Maggie made the rounds of the departments, saying hello to everyone, and finished up in the one she thought of as hers. Beth was serving a customer with a leather bag and the new junior – a girl Maggie didn’t know – was wrapping a piece of silver jewellery with loving care. Marion Kaye had just sold two scarves and was the first to finish. Maggie went up to her and had a chat. Marion had written several times, so they had kept in touch while Maggie was training. Marion had joined Harpers some months before Maggie left to take up her volunteer work. She was a friendly girl with a big family and a boyfriend she loved.

  ‘How is Reggie getting on?’ she asked. Marion’s boyfriend, Reggie, was in the Army but as yet he was still training and had not been sent overseas.

  Marion’s face lit up. ‘He had leave last weekend and he was wearing full uniform at last, which pleased him,’ she said. ‘He thinks they might be off soon, but he says he’s been told he will get two weeks leave then, so he’ll come home first.’

  ‘That is wonderful,’ Maggie said, thrilled for her. ‘Two whole weeks – you won’t know what to do with yourself…’

  ‘Yes, I shall.’ Marion smiled. ‘I’ve asked for leave so we can spend time together.’

  ‘I don’t blame you,’ Maggie murmured sympathetically. ‘Have some fun while you can.’

  ‘Yes, we shall.’ Marion’s smile faded. ‘We don’t know when he’ll get leave again.’

  Maggie understood what she wasn’t saying. Reggie could be killed on active service, like any soldier serving at the Front, and it could be the last time they were together. She nodded and touched her hand gently, but a customer approached and Maggie stood to one side, watching the new girls work while Marion was busy.

  Becky was showing a customer hats and the new girl was assisting her. Maggie nodded her approval, because Becky had soon got the hang of things and she sold her customer three hats and left Shirley to pack them while she took charge of the money and change.

  Miraculously, the department was suddenly clear of customers and Maggie went to talk to Becky and Shirley for a moment. It was obvious they had bonded and Maggie felt a little envious, regretting the closeness she’d had with Becky, but then her friend looked directly at her. ‘You will come and have supper with us this evening?’ she said. ‘It’s ages since we saw you and I know Minnie and Papa would love to see you…’

  ‘I think Tim will be home this afternoon…’

  ‘You must bring him with you, of course,’ Becky said. ‘Do say yes.’

  Maggie nodded. ‘Yes, we’ll come, even if we don’t stop long,’ she promised and then, with a little wave to Marion, she left the department and made her way upstairs to the office. Stopping en route for some minutes to speak to Rachel.

  ‘Oh, Miss Gibbs, Mrs Harper is expecting you,’ Sally’s secretary, Ruth Canning, told her and got up to open the door for her.

  Maggie smiled at the secre
tary and thanked her. Sally was sitting at her desk and her little girl was in a cot beside her. She’d had the cot moved in so that she could bring her baby into the office sometimes rather than leaving her at home each day, and she jumped up to run around the desk and embrace Maggie. They’d been friends from the first day they’d met when applying to work at Harpers and although Sally was now the boss’s wife, she was never any different with Maggie.

  ‘I knew you were making your way round the store and told Ruth to bring you right in,’ Sally said, smiling in delight to see her. ‘I’ve really missed seeing you, Maggie. I think what you’ve been doing must have been terribly hard.’

  ‘Yes, it is,’ Maggie agreed, ‘but I love it, Sally. I know it’s the right thing to do for the moment.’ All the formality the staff normally maintained during working hours had gone out of the window; they were just two young women united in friendship and mutual hatred of the war.

  ‘I hope you won’t forget us and go off to be a nurse when this awful war is over?’ Sally said, looking at her anxiously.

  ‘No, I don’t think I shall. Only a few of us will be able to carry on then, because there are far more volunteers than are needed in peacetime.’ Maggie smiled and breathed in deeply. ‘I love the smell of Harpers – perfume and leather and silk. All I’ve been living with is carbolic and disinfectant.’ A little laugh escaped her. ‘Sometimes I think I must have been mad to give all this up, Sally…’

  ‘Beth thinks you are. She fusses over you like a mother hen,’ Sally said, eyes sparkling with mischief. ‘I know Rachel is anxious for you, too. But I think it must be quite fun. If I was single, I might have done the same…’

  ‘You’re just the sort they want too,’ Maggie told her earnestly. ‘We’ve lost two-thirds of the girls that started with us – but those of us that are left are tough. Sadie thinks we’ve seen the worst with our dragon sister, but I think it will be much harder out there in the field hospitals…’ A little shiver went through her, because she knew life would be very different out there.

  ‘You’re being sent overseas?’ Sally looked at her in shock. ‘Isn’t that dangerous?’

  ‘Perhaps a little. None of us even thought about that side of it,’ Maggie said. ‘We just know we’re needed and there’s no more to be said – the men have to endure terrible dangers and their living conditions are horrendous. They need whatever help we can give.’

  ‘Oh yes, it must be awful for them, and the nurses and doctors too,’ Sally agreed. ‘Ben was telling me only the other week that the situation out there is dire as far as the hospitals are concerned. They are gradually sorting things out, I understand, but be prepared to live rough, Maggie. I think the soldiers and the nurses all have to take their turns bathing in those great big wine vats the French use. They have separate areas, of course, but the sanitation is basic and the toilets will be a row of wooden seats over a trench, if you’re lucky.’

  ‘Yes, we’ve been told we’re not about to stay at the Ritz.’ Maggie laughed. ‘I’m expecting that kind of thing to be basic, Sally, and we’ll mostly be sleeping in tents. I’m not worried about that – it’s if we run short of medicines for our patients that concerns me…’

  ‘That’s one of the things that Ben has been asked to help sort out,’ Sally told her. ‘It’s his job. He has to source supplies and get them there – and to discover what is needed most. So, let me know what is needed if you can and I’ll pass any information on to Ben.’

  ‘We’re only allowed to say certain things on our special postcards,’ Maggie replied, ‘but we could work out a code. If I say things are wonderful, you’ll know they’re dire, and if I say there is plenty of fresh air, you’ll know we need everything you can send us.’

  ‘Oh yes, that’s clever,’ Sally said. ‘It won’t tell the enemy anything, but it may help Ben to know what you need. You won’t be able to tell us where you are though.’

  ‘No, but it will be much the same everywhere out there.’ Maggie laughed a little nervously. ‘It is all exciting and a bit frightening, but I cannot wait to get out there and do my best.’

  ‘Oh, you will do well. I’m proud of you,’ Sally said and picked Jenny up. The little girl was awake and waving her small fists at them. ‘Do you want to hold her?’

  ‘Just for a little while,’ Maggie said and took the babe with a smile. ‘She’s beautiful, Sally, and getting bigger every time I see her.’

  ‘She is growing fast.’ Sally smiled lovingly at her child. ‘I wouldn’t be without her for the world. Shall you get time to visit us at home?’

  ‘Becky invited me to supper this evening,’ Maggie said. ‘Tim may want to go somewhere tomorrow, but I’ll pop in and see you again when I have time.’

  Sally ordered coffee and biscuits for them and Maggie stopped to chat for nearly an hour before taking her leave. She needed to shop for items she’d been told she might need: a warm cape for evenings, soaps and flannels and stockings, an extra pair of sensible boots suitable for wearing in mud, any cosmetics she wanted, extra supplies of underwear – of the warm variety – writing paper, ink and pens and some fruit sweets or mints in a tin and some biscuits. All the things it would be impossible to find when she was in France or Belgium at the Front.

  ‘If you take some cigarettes, the soldiers will be grateful, so pack them even if you don’t smoke,’ Sister had instructed. ‘Also, take a favourite book, something you can read over again or one you can pass on when you’ve finished it. Everyone needs to share out there, nurses, and it’s good if you have a few extras to help others…’

  Maggie smiled to herself. Sometimes she felt a little nervous of the future but overall she was excited. It was going to be an adventure!

  Tim was waiting when Maggie got home with all her parcels. He came out to meet her and she ran straight into his arms, dropping everything. She hugged and kissed him, tears trickling down her cheeks as they both hung on for dear life.

  ‘I couldn’t believe my good luck when they sent me home with a troop ship to bring back a new plane,’ Tim said. ‘I thought I’d rush down to the training hospital to see you for a few hours, but you’re here…’

  ‘It’s my pre-embarkation leave,’ Maggie said. ‘I don’t know where I’m going, but if we’re lucky it might be near you.’

  ‘We’re based only five miles from the nearest field hospital,’ Tim told her with a smile. ‘I doubt we’ll be so lucky, but I can pull a few strings with friends and find out where you are and then, when I get leave, I can buzz down on the motorbike. A lot of the hospitals are just further down the line. The chaps clubbed together and bought a bike. We all use it and we try to be fair, take turns so that everyone can get into the village or the nearest town for a few hours’ downtime…’

  ‘It would be wonderful if we’re near you.’ Maggie looked at him with shining eyes. ‘Can you tell me the region you’re in?’

  ‘Not allowed to,’ Tim said, ‘but it’s in France and we’re flying over the border between Belgium and France daily.’

  Maggie’s smile lit up her face. ‘I don’t know for sure, but someone hinted that we’d be close to the French border. I know that could stretch hundreds of miles, but we might just be lucky.’

  Tim touched her cheek and then bent his head to kiss her tenderly. ‘We’ll make the most of this leave, darling, and then we’ll leave it to providence to see if we can find each other over there.’

  ‘Oh, Tim,’ she said and sighed. ‘I love you so much…’

  As he kissed her passionately, she wished for a moment that she’d told him she would marry him when he’d first asked her. It had been after Minnie’s wedding and taken her by surprise. Caught up in her plans, she’d asked him to wait, because the service did not accept married women. Now, she thought perhaps she ought to have said yes and kept it a secret. At least then they might have had a little time together as husband and wife – and yet she knew that she was being driven to do what she considered her duty. As a wife, she could not have
served and Tim would have wanted her to stay home, stay safe. One day they would be together, but first they had to get through this wretched war, which seemed to have reached a stalemate in the trenches, with constant fighting but little actual progress for either side.

  ‘I love you, Maggie,’ Tim told her. ‘Keep your head down, my love – don’t volunteer for front-line duties and think of me.’

  ‘I shall think of you always,’ she promised. ‘You have to keep safe for me, Tim. Remember I’m counting on you to come home to me…’

  3

  Sally felt a bit restless in the days after Maggie had left. She went to work, looked after her baby and sat listening for the telephone in the evenings, hoping for a call from Ben. Her young friend was doing something so worthwhile and about to have adventures in France or Belgium and she envied her in a way. Of course, she could never regret her marriage or her wonderful baby or her job at Harpers, which kept her on her toes most of the time, but now and then, with Ben away at some secret location on the south coast, she felt lonely. She missed the companionship she’d shared at the flat with Maggie, Beth and Rachel. It had been soon after they all started working for Harpers and just after the death of Maggie’s mother; she’d been glad of their company.

  That morning, she’d taken her baby into the office. Jenny was sleeping in her cot, her sweet face flushed and calm and Sally scolded herself for her feelings. It should be enough for her to have a loving husband, who was mostly based in London, and she felt disloyal for even thinking that she might have enjoyed following in Maggie’s footsteps.

  If she needed more to do with her time, Sally should join one of the many volunteer groups, but not a sewing or knitting circle. She couldn’t think of anything that would bore her more.

  She was being foolish! Sally’s time was fully occupied with Harpers and her child. Yet she wouldn’t mind helping with something if she could – and there were hours when she was alone and the time dragged.