The Foyles Bookshop Girls

by Elaine Roberts

  Not being able to face breakfast, Alice left home early. The house was quiet with the boys gone. She had kept waiting for Charles to walk through the door with his usual vigour and sparkle. She walked briskly along Bedford Avenue, pulling up the collar of her black coat.

  The early morning sun held no heat as it tried to break through the clouds. The leaves on the ground were a testament that autumn had arrived. The familiar sweet, malty smell from the Horseshoe Brewery in Tottenham Court Road hung in the air, igniting memories of Aunt Emily's stories of her own mother's fixation about moving from Percy Street. It was partly because of the brewery, especially when the spent grain had been left to ferment in the storage bins, but mainly because Lilian had always wanted the status of living somewhere with a garden view, like Russell Square, which is where Alice's grandparents' family home had always been.

  Alice turned into Percy Street and the large four-storey houses came into view. She glanced up at the house that had been Emily’s childhood home. It was still in impeccable condition. Emily had known Victoria’s mother since they were children and was devastated when she died. Victoria stepped out and shut her front door. Alice waved frantically and increased her speed. Her footsteps were deadened on the wet leaves covering the pavement. As her pace increased, her feet gave way on the slippery surface of the leaves and she just managed to prevent herself from falling. ‘Victoria.’ She tried to shout but her upbringing prevented her from doing so.

  Victoria turned away from her front door before stopping to look round. ‘Morning. What a miserable day. How come you are walking this way to Foyles?’

  Alice rested her hand on her chest as she gasped for air. ‘Sorry.’ She paused to catch her breath. ‘I wanted to see you before we got to work.’

  Victoria frowned as she placed her arm through Alice's. ‘What is it?’ She moved to walk forward, but Alice stayed rooted to the spot.

  ‘Did Stephen come home last night?’

  Victoria's eyes began to water. ‘He left me a note.’ She took a deep breath. ‘It said he couldn't face me, but knew he was doing the right thing.’

  Alice's eyes widened. ‘Oh God, it's true then. I was hoping—’

  ‘I know.’ Victoria blinked quickly. ‘The note said he went with Charles and Harry; is that true?’

  ‘My mother is in a terrible way.’

  ‘Molly told me she came to the shop to see you yesterday, and how distraught she was, but didn't know what had happened.’ Victoria gave Alice a feeble smile. ‘Being the coward that I am, I couldn't bring myself to ask you.’

  Alice pulled gently at Victoria's arm and they started walking towards Charing Cross Road. ‘My mother said yesterday she'd heard Stephen might be with Harry and Charles, but wasn't sure. I'm sorry. I should have said something then, but I kept thinking it couldn't be true, because they were all under age.’

  Victoria took a handkerchief out of her coat pocket and dabbed her eyes. ‘I was shocked and upset when I read Stephen's note, but once I had time to digest it, I realised I had no right to be surprised. He made it no secret he’d join up at the first opportunity.’

  Alice nodded. ‘I should have been with you; I'm sorry I let you down.’

  Victoria pulled her collar up slightly. ‘No, you didn't. From what I hear, you had your hands full with your mother.’

  Alice laughed but it was a bitter sound. ‘Like you, once I had thought about it, Charles had left enough clues as to what he intended to do. I just didn't hear them, and what's more, I am shocked they were able to get away with it.’

  Victoria gave her friend a sideways glance. ‘I know exactly what you mean, but we can now only pray for their safe return.’

  Alice nodded again. ‘You’re right, of course, but I've had enough of the damn war already. It's only just begun and it's pulling families apart.’

  Victoria squeezed Alice's arm against her body. ‘Let's hope they’re right and it is over by Christmas.’

  ‘Let's hope.’ Anger began to flow through Alice's veins; she took a deep breath. ‘I blame my father for Charles signing up. Him and his “I'm proud my son is patriotic and prepared to fight for king and country” rhetoric.’

  ‘I know what you mean, but it wasn't just him, Alice, so don't be too hard on him. Look around at all the posters pasted on every advertising space and wall you see. I’ve even seen them in shop windows and they’re all encouraging men to enlist, implying they’re cowards if they don't.’

  Alice nodded her agreement and for a moment they walked on in silence. ‘How did Daisy take the news?’ Her mind was firmly fixed on Lily’s reaction, which caught her by surprise and didn’t help her sleepless night.

  ‘She was upset.’ Victoria gave a little laugh. ‘We cried together and probably talked more than we’ve done in years.’

  Alice looked across at Victoria. ‘I’m glad you weren’t on your own.’

  Victoria’s eyes welled up. ‘I’m terrified, but we have to stay strong for them. How about Lily? Did she explode when she found out?’

  Alice looked down at the pavement, momentarily studying the varying shades of brown leaves that were littering it. ‘It was worse than that, much worse.’

  Victoria’s head jerked up, her eyes wide. ‘What do you mean, worse than that? I didn’t think it could get any worse than Lily on one of her rants. Oh my God, she hasn’t killed your father, has she?’

  Alice laughed. ‘No, but in a way, it felt worse than that.’

  Victoria stared at her expectantly before sighing. ‘And?’

  ‘Sorry. Lily didn’t say a word to him. She just kept staring at him with unbridled hatred. I was on tenterhooks all evening, waiting for her to explode, but she didn’t. At one point her eyes looked watery and I thought tears were about to come, but no, she sat in silence. I don’t know what’s worse.’

  They walked on, each lost in their own thoughts. Victoria relived the situation and understood Lily’s rage. ‘I expect your father was thrilled, wasn’t he?’

  A sound escaped from Alice, an involuntary noise of something trapped and unable to break free. ‘Actually, he didn’t say much. With a house full of angry women, I think he was scared, and rightfully so.’

  Victoria nodded. ‘It’s all about survival now, Alice. We have to stay positive for them and look after ourselves for when they return.’

  Alice sighed. She had no words of wisdom.

  ‘Do you think Tony will enlist?’ Victoria held out her hand in front of her. ‘Can you feel rain?’

  Alice followed suit, thankful for the change of subject. ‘No, and I don't think Tony will enlist either.’ She couldn't resist a smile. ‘Molly’s very concerned about him staying behind though, because there’ll be all these single women chasing after him, due to the man shortage.’

  ‘What?’ Victoria gave a belly laugh. ‘Doesn't she know he already chases everything in a skirt?’

  Alice's smile faded. ‘Yes, she does. It's quite sad really, because she’s well and truly smitten with him, but he’ll break her heart. It's just a question of when.’

  ‘You’re right, it’s sad. I had no idea she was that smitten.’

  ‘She told me she loves him, even though she knows he doesn't love her.’ Alice swallowed hard as a lump began to form in her throat. ‘When the time comes we just need to be there to help pick up the pieces.’

  *

  Freddie and Alice took a leisurely stroll in the unexpected evening sunshine, along Shaftesbury Avenue to Leicester Square and the Odeon Cinema. He looked across at her and frowned. The sparkle he loved seemed to have been doused with the cold water of reality. Her sunny outlook appeared to have been buried under a heap of worry. He rubbed his chin, the stubble growth from that morning scratching the palm of his hand. He wasn't sure what was showing, but he was hoping it would be something to bring a smile to Alice's face. She hadn't spoken since they had left Bloomsbury Street. Someone at work had told him David Garrick was showing, but he’d rather have a good laugh at a Charlie C
haplin film.

  Freddie rested his hand on top of Alice's, which lay limply on his arm. ‘Your father was telling me how your Uncle William's son, James is it, tried to enlist but got turned down because of his height. Your father seemed to find it quite funny although, apparently, William wasn’t amused. In fact, from what I can gather, he’s beside himself with shame.’ Freddie gave Alice a sideways glance. Her pale face was unreadable. The dark lines under her eyes were new. ‘At least Lily and Daisy should be safe for a little while, now the suffragette movement have called off all protest marches and demonstrations.’ He coughed. ‘The general strike’s been called off too. The message is about the country pulling together in support of our men at the front.’

  Alice stared blankly ahead.

  ‘Look, that man and woman have no clothes on.’

  Nothing.

  Freddie tried again. ‘Of course, when we marry and have six children, you won't have time to work in Foyles.’

  Still nothing. Freddie stopped walking.

  Alice jerked back in surprise. ‘What's wrong?’

  Freddie raised his eyebrows. ‘That should be my question. You haven't heard a word I've said in the last half an hour.’

  ‘I have. I just didn't have any comment to make, that's all.’ Alice adjusted her light blue woollen cardigan.

  Freddie threw back his head and laughed, almost hysterically.

  Alice stopped fiddling with her cardigan and stared at him. ‘What is so funny? I only said—’

  ‘Oh I know what you said.’ Freddie wiped the tears from his eyes. ‘I haven't laughed that much in ages.’

  ‘I don't understand—’

  ‘No, and that is because you clearly weren't listening.’

  Colour flooded Alice's face; she lowered her eyes as shame washed over her. ‘I'm sorry.’

  Freddie smiled as she stood forlornly in front of him. ‘And then you lied about it, and I might add, not very well.’

  Alice looked up. ‘I'm sorry, I was miles away. What did you say?’

  ‘Nothing important, but enough to know you’d have commented if you'd been listening.’ Freddie sighed. ‘I was initially talking about your cousin James not being accepted in the army, because of his height.’

  Alice nodded. ‘I expect Uncle William was furious about it, and he's probably trying to pull strings as we speak, instead of being thankful he’s safe at home.’

  Freddie nodded. ‘Well, your father seemed pleased about it.’

  ‘That's because both his boys are patriotic and fighting for King and country. He’ll probably dine out on that for a long time.’ Alice sucked in her breath. ‘I’m frightened what’ll become of Robert and Charles. Even if they survive, they’ll not come back the same men. If they don't survive, mother will be devastated and I’m not sure how I’ll cope with her, let alone my own grief.’

  Freddie grabbed both her hands in his. ‘They’ll be all right, but remember you’re not alone; whatever happens, you won't have to cope on your own.’ He paused and squeezed her hands. ‘I read in the London Daily Newspaper at work that David Lloyd George gave a speech in the Queen's Hall. I think they called it the Road Hogs of Europe. Apparently, he said that the Germans had left Belgium bleeding and broken. They had killed women and children. They say that has spurred men on to join and fight. They got something in the region of thirty-three thousand recruits in one day. At that rate it’ll soon be over.’

  Alice's eyes opened wide and her jaw dropped slightly. ‘That's awful. Is that what we’re going to see on Pathé News at the cinema?’ She closed her eyes for a second. ‘If it is, I don't want to watch it. I can't sleep at night as it is, for worrying about my brothers, and everyone else.’

  ‘I don't know.’ Freddie hesitated. ‘But you’re right, it is awful. You must see why we can't stand by and let it all just happen; wouldn't we be thankful if other countries came to help us in our moment of need?’

  She took a deep breath and slowly let it out again. ‘Yes, I suppose so.’

  ‘Alice, I’ve something to ask you…’

  ‘What?’

  Freddie fidgeted from one foot to the other. ‘I'm afraid this isn't how I thought I’d do it but—’

  Alice narrowed her eyes as she stared at him. ‘What?’

  ‘Will you marry me?’

  ‘What?’

  Freddie gave a nervous laugh. ‘As I said, this wasn't how I wanted to ask you but things have changed and I—’

  A smile crept across her face; her eyes sparkled with happiness. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Oh, that’s brilliant.’ He beamed. ‘I’ve already asked your father's permission.’

  ‘So, we can fix a date then?’ Alice gave a little jump off the ground and clapped her hands together.’

  Freddie hesitated, staring at her smile, capturing it in his mind's eye.

  ‘This is wonderful. Lily and I wondered if that’s why you were in the sitting room with him but…’ Her sparkle was quickly replaced with anxiety. ‘Freddie, what is it?’

  His smile disappeared and his tone changed to a whisper. ‘Alice, I’ve something else to tell you…’

  She looked up at him, her eyes wide and full of fear. ‘What?’

  His shoulders hunched over as his head dropped. He breathed in and stared down at the pavement. ‘I was going to wait to tell you but I suppose now’s as good a time as any…’

  ‘What?’ Alice closed her eyes and breathed deeply, trying to control the hysteria that was rising in her chest.

  Freddie took another deep breath and held both her arms in his hands. ‘I’ve enlisted.’ He blurted out the words before he changed his mind about telling her.

  Alice's legs buckled and he tightened his grip, pulling her towards him. ‘I'm sorry, Alice but my conscience wouldn't let me not.’

  She pushed away from him. Her eyes were watery when she looked up at him again. ‘But you’re a policeman. I thought…’

  Silence stood between them like an insurmountable wall. Freddie searched her face, waiting for acknowledgment that he’d done the right thing, but it wasn't there. ‘That's not all. I leave tomorrow for training.’

  Alice stood silently in front of him. Tears cascaded over her lashes and the saltiness rested on her lips. She made no attempt to wipe them away.

  ‘So when…?’

  Freddie couldn't take his eyes off her and wished he hadn't mentioned it, but to just disappear would have been worse. ‘I shall have leave, so we can do it then.’ He grabbed both her hands and gently shook them. ‘I don't want us to wait any longer than we have to. I love you, Alice Taylor.’ He pulled her towards him and wrapped his arms tightly around her. Fear suddenly gripped his heart; would this be the last time he’d hold her in his arms?

  Chapter 8

  October 1914

  People were gathering in Whitehall, patiently waiting and listening. The familiar skyline of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey were visible in the distance. They were all there, waiting to watch and cheer the hundreds of men march along the wide road, in their full army uniforms, passing the statue of Prince George, Duke of Cambridge.

  When Lily, Alice and Sarah arrived, the crowd was already six deep along both sides of the long road. Many were gaunt and serious as they waited, stretching their necks to peer down the road, looking for a sign that the soldiers were coming. The chill of the air disappeared as people moved forward, each pressing closer to the person next to them, so others could join the throng. If one person moved, so did everyone. They were as one, body odour fusing with soap and cologne.

  Lily had nagged Alice and her mother about going.

  ‘Is that the men coming?’

  ‘I can't see any coming this way.’

  In the distance, a faint sound of people cheering carried up the road towards the waiting crowd, preceding the soldiers.

  A child's voice rang out. ‘I can see them, they are coming.’

  As one, everyone stretched their necks to see. Some stood
on tiptoes and children were pushed to the front. Women, children and older men clapped and cheered, drowning out the thud of army boots hitting the road as the soldiers passed them. There was almost a party atmosphere in the crowd as women threw children's shoes at the soldiers, for good luck.

  ‘You'll be back before you know it.’

  ‘See you at Christmas, boys.’

  ‘We’re proud of you.’

  ‘Give the Huns what for.’

  ‘For King and country boys, for King and country.’

  Alice strained her neck, moving right then left, trying to see through the crowd. Was Charles one of them? If he was, then Stephen and Harry must be too. Her heart was pounding as she prayed for a last glimpse of her brother, before he went off to war. She stood on tiptoes, trying to see the soldiers' faces. The men in uniform stared straight ahead as they kept in formation. Alice frowned; they all looked the same from her position. A tear rolled down her cheek as it hit home they may not see Charles again. She had never told him how funny he was, or how proud she was of him, let alone how much he meant to her.

  Sarah's voice cut into Alice's thoughts. ‘Do you think Charles is one of them?’

  Alice ran her hand over her face, before turning to look at her mother. ‘I don't know, it's hard to tell.’ She paused, looking through the crowd again. ‘They all look the same in their uniforms.’ Alice wondered if her mother was having similar thoughts to her own. She gave her mother's arm a squeeze. ‘He'll be all right; he's too bright a star to be dulled by all this.’

  Sarah gave a weak smile. ‘I hope you are right; he is so young.’

  An old lady with a mop of grey hair, wearing an expensive tweed coat, stood next to Alice and cheered enthusiastically. She turned to Alice and shouted above the noise around them. ‘Come on, lovey, you've got to let them know they’ve got our support, otherwise they’re fighting for nothing.’