by Mary Wood
‘Well now, can I get you a drop of tea, Roland?’
‘Thank you, Mrs Leary, that would be very nice.’
‘You be putting your gas mask on the side and be off into the parlour with Flo then, as I’ve a mind you have a lot to talk about. I’ll fetch it in to you, so I will.’
Once in the parlour, Roland stopped any shyness that Flo might feel by saying how good it was to see her.
‘You look very well and rosy-cheeked, not like the last time I saw you.’
‘Happen that’ll be the fire. I were sitting too close.’
Roland didn’t comment on this, but changed the subject. ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have said yes to the tea. It must be difficult enough for Mrs Leary to get supplies for you all, without strangers coming and partaking of them.’
Flo loved the way he spoke, though it did put his station above her and made a little of her shyness stay with her. ‘Eeh, don’t worry. Mrs Leary has her ways. She has a good stash. Oh, I mean, she’s not hoarding or owt. She just . . .’
Roland laughed out loud. ‘Don’t worry. I’m not going to be reporting her. She has a right to what she can get, when she gives so much to those in need. Is there a Mr Leary?’
‘Aye, there is. By, he’s a lovely man. He don’t say much, though, but he knaws a lot. He works for the Post Office. He often helped me with me homework when I were studying.’
‘Was studying . . . Whoops – sorry, I slipped into teacher-mode again. Forgive me. It isn’t as if I’m for saying everyone should speak the King’s English. I love accents. Ignore me.’
‘Naw, I think you’re reet. I should try. Especially as I’m thinking on about that job you suggested for me.’
‘That’s why I’m here, Flo. I spoke to Simon about you, and he is coming up north again later today. We would love you to join us for dinner. He wants to meet you. That’s if your leg is better and you’re up to coming out?’
‘Me leg’s fine. I reckon it were just badly bruised, as I can get around as normal now. Surely a sprain wouldn’t heal, in just a couple of weeks?’
‘Well, the doctor did say it was difficult to know how bad it was. Now, about that dinner?’
‘Eeh, I’ve never been asked to dinner afore. I wouldn’t knaw what to do. I—’
‘Ha! You eat, of course, you goose.’
Flo laughed with him. But inside, her shyness of him deepened. He and his Simon were different from her. Above her station in life, and she still didn’t know how to handle what he’d told her about their relationship. ‘I – I’m wondering what it would look like: me being with two men. I’m not even used to being with one.’
‘Oh, don’t worry. Simon will be with his half-sister, Lucinda. Remember, I told you about them? She’s a jolly good sort and makes everyone believe they really are a couple.’
A jolly good sort! This seemed to widen the social gap between them. But something in Flo wanted to accept. ‘You’ll not take the likes of me to anywhere posh, will you? I haven’t got owt to wear to them places, and wouldn’t know how to go on with all them knives and forks.’
‘Oh, Flo, you’re so funny. I miss you in my class. Actually dinner is at my house, so you can come in your pyjamas, if you like.’
Flo couldn’t help giggling. Somehow she knew that dinner being at his house had been a snap decision, to make her feel at ease. But in the five years of her being his pupil she’d never known him to have a sense of humour, and he’d been someone she was in awe of. Now Roland seemed human. She liked him. She liked him a lot. ‘I might just do that. But, aye, joking apart, I’d love to come.’
The moment she said this she regretted it. Eeh, I’m getting above meself, going to a dinner party. By, whatever next.
‘As God is me witness, you’re after being the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen, so you are.’
Flo laughed. ‘You’re bound to say that, Mrs Leary. Eeh, I wish it were true.’
‘It is true. And that frock looks a picture on you. Get yourself away and enjoy yourself, and don’t be worrying. You’re for being beautiful, inside and out.’
Looking at herself once more in the hall mirror, Flo did feel that she looked nice. Her yellow frock with little pink daisies on it had a full skirt and a nipped-in waistline. The collar was trimmed with lace, and the neckline was cut so that it met just above her cleavage. She twirled round as excitement mingled with her nerves.
She’d rushed out, after Roland had left, and used some of her last wages to buy the frock, after admiring it for weeks in the window of Rose’s Gown Shop. It didn’t matter that she couldn’t really afford the cost; the frock gave her confidence, so it was worth going without for.
Alighting from Roland’s car, Flo looked up at his house and felt her already-jangled nerves rise to fever pitch. It was a grand place. Three storeys high, it was one of a row of houses with gloss-painted doors and brass handles in the Roundhay Park area of Leeds. The steps leading up from the pavement were scrubbed till the stone almost shone, and the little garden on each side of the path leading to the steps looked beautiful with the late-summer roses still flowering.
‘It looks lovely, Roland.’
‘Thank you, and welcome to my humble abode.’
Once inside the hall, the rest of the house wasn’t to Flo’s taste. It was a little over-ornate, she thought; the type of house you would expect a wealthy old lady to own. Rich shades of reds, golds and purples were everywhere. The upholstery and soft furnishings were velvet, and the carpets were thick to the tread. The smell of polish vied with that of the fresh flowers adorning every windowsill and sideboard. The whole impression wasn’t what she had imagined Roland’s house to be like.
‘Let me take your coat and then we’ll go through. Simon and Lucinda are probably still in the garden, where I left them.’
As Roland helped her with her coat, Flo experienced a moment of acute embarrassment as he whispered, ‘Don’t mind the decor. I inherited the house from my grandmother and haven’t got round to changing anything. I loved coming here so much that, although this is stifling to live with, I can’t bring myself to make the changes needed.’
‘Oh. No, it all looks lovely, I—’
‘Don’t worry – your reaction when you came in was the same as everyone’s. And Simon nags me constantly to redecorate and refurbish. Now, what can I get you to drink?’
‘Oh . . . I – I don’t know. D’yer mean a pot of tea?’
‘No. Gin, rum, a cocktail? Look. Let’s get you seated with the others, then I’ll choose something for you.’
Simon greeted Flo with a peck on her cheek and complimented her appearance. There was something about him that she liked immediately, as if somehow he was a best friend. It was the same with his half-sister, Lucinda, though Flo would never have guessed them to be relations. Simon had blond hair; he was tall and handsome, with green-blue eyes. And even if she didn’t know anything about him, she would have said there was something effeminate about him. His mouth in particular – the full lips framing small, even teeth, and the way his hair flopped in an untameable, boyish way. His smile was warm, and it was this that had given her the feeling that she had found a friend. Lucinda was the opposite in looks, but gave out the same warmth. Petite, graceful and dark-skinned, with long black hair that she wore tied back from her face, she was lovely.
‘Here we are. A gin and tonic.’
‘But I’m not a drinker. Eeh, you’ll have me rolling all over the place.’
They all laughed, but she didn’t mind. She knew it wasn’t at her, but because they found what she said funny.
‘Sit next to me, Florence . . .’
‘Flo – I’m no more a “Florence” than the next one. I’ve nowt about me that fits that posh name.’
Simon laughed again and hitched his body up on the bench, patting the place next to him. ‘Roland told me you were funny and would have us laughing. I like you, Flo. You’re my type of girl. I’ve heard a lot about you from him.’
Roland calli
ng from inside the house that it was all true, and addressing Simon as ‘darling’, felt so natural. Flo was surprised not to feel embarrassed by the endearment.
‘And it was all good, too, so I’m very pleased to meet you at last. I believe Roland has told you I am involved in work that might interest you.’
‘Simon, let the poor girl get to know you first, before you try to recruit her to your secret service, or whatever it is you do down there in Bletchley.’
‘Sorry, Lucinda, old girl, but I’ve taken to Flo and I’m eager to know if she is interested.’
‘Aye, I am. I knaw as you can’t tell me owt about it, but that don’t bother me none. I knaw what I need to knaw. Roland has said it will involve me using me maths ability, and it’s for the war effort. There’s nowt more as need be said. If you’ll have me, I’ll start tomorrow.’
‘Well, that’s good to hear, though it can’t happen that quickly. I need to recommend you to my superior, then he will invite you for an interview in front of a panel. They will decide, but don’t worry about that. With my guidance and me being keen to have you, it should all go well. Would you mind if I gave you a little test to do, before we all have too much to drink?’
Lucinda sighed. ‘You take the biscuit, Simon. I’m going to chat to your better half.’ She smiled and winked at Flo as she made to leave them.
Flo felt more and more at home. ‘Eeh, I hope I come up to scratch.’
‘My brother should have more manners than to make you prove yourself, when you have only just met us.’
‘Naw, I’ll be glad to show what I can do.’
With this, Lucinda left them, giving an impatient sigh.
‘Sorry, Flo. I suppose Lucinda is right, in a way, but I do need to know you can handle what will be asked of you, before I recommend you.’
Flo just nodded. She didn’t say so, but she felt glad to have a chance to show that at least, in the brains she possessed, she wasn’t inferior to these folk. Though she couldn’t help thinking that the panel Simon mentioned sounded daunting.
The equation he wrote out for her posed her no problems. ‘Well done, old girl. You’re the one for me. I’ll be pulling strings the minute I get back.’ Simon kissed her cheek again. The more she was with him, the more he felt like a lovely older brother.
‘I told you she was good.’ Roland came back out to the garden, followed by a relieved-looking Lucinda.
‘She is, she is. Now, Flo, raise that glass. You haven’t taken a sip yet.’ The sound of the glasses clinking together in a toast to her made her feel accepted. ‘Go on, you have to take a sip or the toast will be wasted.’
She laughed at Simon. His expression held an appeal. To please him, she took a small sip, then coughed as if she would choke. Simon’s antics at this didn’t help, as he skipped around panicking and flapping. This made her laugh as well as choke, till she thought she would never take a breath again. Lucinda slapped her back and spoke crossly to Simon, telling him to calm down.
At last Flo caught her breath. ‘Eeh, were that bloody fire-water?’
The laughter that followed seemed to Flo to bond all four of them together in friendship, and she had a nice feeling about it. Her next sip went down a lot more easily, and the warmth she felt travelled from her head to her toes. She could get used to gin and tonic.
Relaxed now, and with excitement for her future settling in her, Flo enjoyed every moment of the meal.
‘Let’s leave the men to their brandy and cigars, Flo. There’s a nice fire glowing in the front room. We’ll take our sherry in there and have a girlie chat,’ Lucinda suggested, once they’d finished eating.
Feeling a bit light-headed, Flo refused the sherry. ‘By, I could no more put another drop of alcohol inside me than dance with the King himself.’
‘Oh, Flo, you’re so funny. But you’re right. If this is your first time drinking, then we should go steady. I’ll see if there is any coffee going.’
‘I’m reet sorry, Lucinda, but I’ve never tasted coffee and am not sure if I’ll like it. I’ll just have a glass of water, if that’s alreet with you.’
‘Of course, and easily done, as there’s water on the drinks tray. I’ll join you.’ As she sat down again, she looked at Flo. Flo sensed something was worrying her. ‘Is everything alreet, Lucinda?’
‘Yes. Well, no. Not really. I’m concerned about my brother. You know about them, don’t you? Simon and Roland, I mean.’
Flo wished Lucinda hadn’t mentioned the subject. She was happy just to accept it, but didn’t feel right discussing it. Unable to speak, she nodded her head.
‘Well, I’m fine with it, and I cover for Simon all the time – pretend to be his girlfriend, that sort of thing. But if ever they are caught . . . Well, it frightens me. Simon would never survive in prison. And the shock and shame would be terrible for our mother.’
‘I’m reet sorry for you. I wish I could help, but—’
‘You can. When you get to Bletchley. Oh, I know it isn’t certain, but I’m sure, as Simon wants you there, it will happen. Will you watch out for him, for me? Caution him about being reckless when Roland comes to visit him. Go out with him to meet Roland, so that you act as a sort of cover. Try not to let them be seen alone together. I know I’m asking a lot, as you’ve only just met us, but . . .’
Shocked, but understanding this lovely girl’s concern, Flo agreed. ‘I knaw as I’ve only just met Simon, but I like him. He feels like the brother I never had. If there’s owt I can do to keep him safe, I will. I promise you.’
Even though Flo had learned these rich types were very demonstrative, she didn’t expect the hug that Lucinda jumped up and gave her. But it felt good. These were nice, genuine folk, and they made her feel happy.
‘Come on. Let’s rejoin the men. I thought we might play a hand or two of rummy. Do you play cards?’
‘Naw, but I’ll soon learn.’ They’d reached the dining room and Lucinda opened the door. The sight that met them stunned Flo for a moment. Simon and Roland were locked in a passionate kiss. She recovered quickly, helped by the matter-of-fact way Lucinda dealt with it.
‘Hey, no smooching – we have a guest and it’s not polite.’
The two broke apart. Both stared at Flo, a look of fear on their faces. Feeling sorry that this should be so, she sought to put them at their ease. ‘By, you’ve got it bad. The moment our backs are turned, you’re at it.’ As soon as she said the words she wanted to take them back, as the silence left her feeling embarrassed and confused.
Roland was the first to react. His laughter was so loud and hearty that it was impossible not to join in, and soon they were all mopping their eyes.
Flo found herself in Simon’s arms. ‘I love you, darling. You’re like a breath of fresh air. You’re just what I need. I can’t wait to get you down to Bletchley with me. We’ll have some fun, girlie, you and I.’
To her, Simon could do no wrong. She hugged him back. The feeling she felt for him was like nothing she’d ever felt before. It wasn’t anything to do with being attracted to him, but it had a lot to do with love. Yes, she’d look out for him. She’d do everything she could to protect him.
An unexplained shudder rippled through her. Like Lucinda, she couldn’t bear it if he went to prison. She hoped with all her heart that would never happen.
5
Molly
The Blitz Begins
‘He’s hit yer again, hasn’t he, love? Oh, Molly, what’s got into him? Come in – let’s get that eye sorted. It looks awful.’
Molly couldn’t talk for sobbing. Her dad was drunk again and it wasn’t even dinnertime. ‘He wanted me to help Foggy with something, and I refused.’
‘There’s rumours flying around, yer know. They say yer dad’s mixed up with them bleedin’ lot who terrorize the East End.’
‘Well, everyone must know it’s true by now. That car’s never been away from our doorstep this last week. Me life’s changed, Hettie.’
‘What’s going on
, then?’
‘Don’t ask, love.’
‘I can guess. Yer dad’s been getting a lot of stock delivered these last few days. He’ll get into trouble if he’s caught, whatever he’s doing, as it won’t be anything legal with them lot. He’s in sommat he should never have started, if yer ask me.’
‘Hettie, don’t say anything. Keep denying it, if you’re asked. Just say that a business in Church Street went bust, and me dad’s got all their business and taken over their stock. Or anything you can think of. But don’t let him think you know anything. You’ll be in danger, if you do. And I’ll be in big trouble.’
‘I won’t, love. But folk are bound to put two and two together. The talk’s rife about who your visitors are.’
‘I’ll tell me dad to sort it. He’s got the means, and he won’t want to see his old customers get into any bother with those gangsters he’s mixed up with. But if he thinks it’s come from you, he could well let the gang take whatever revenge they want to, just to show an example. He’d think of it as getting at me.’
‘How did it come to this, eh? Bloody war. I think I’ll keep Larry waiting and apply to do war work. I’ve got to get out from around here. It’s like we’re being hemmed in. And we don’t know when the bleedin’ Germans are coming to drop more bombs on us. It makes me nervous. I’d rather put me hand to sommat to fight back, than sit here waiting for them to come.’
‘I’ve filled a form in for the ATS, but I lost me nerve and haven’t sent it in. I’d like to do something, though. Perhaps we’ll get some ideas from the newsreel at the flicks today. They’re always showing some aspect of the war and what folk are doing.’
‘You’re right. Let’s bathe that eye for you, love, then we’ll get going. But the same bleedin’ rules: if the siren sounds, we run like bloody hell.’