by Joan Jonker
Joey waited until his dad was out of the door, and his mam was following. Then he called, ‘Mam, is it all right if we breathe?’
Beth turned and lightly cuffed his ear. ‘As long as yer don’t breathe heavy and bring the plaster off the ceiling.’
He grinned and nodded. ‘I’ll breathe as light as a snowflake falling, Mam, I promise.’
Beth and Dot were relaxing on the couch, discussing the usual things women talk about: the price of food and clothes, and what the neighbours had been up to. It was nice and quiet, and peaceful. Andy and Bill were sitting in the comfortable fireside chairs facing each other across the hearth. With a Woodbine in one hand, and a glass of beer in the other, they were content to swap thoughts on work, wages and the weather. And putting the world to rights, of course.
Occasionally they would hear raised voices and laughter coming through from next door. ‘Just listen to our Joan,’ Dot said. ‘Yer can hear her voice above all the others.’
‘They seem to be enjoying themselves, that’s the main thing.’ Beth let out a sigh. ‘I keep thinking of those two poor children. I mean, no one could possibly know how they feel unless they’ve been through it themselves. And Claire, God love her, must be beside herself with grief. Same as Hannah! So who comforts who?’
Andy had been listening. ‘The children will come to terms with it quicker when they start work and are meeting people. And when they make new friends. Kids are very resilient, they’re the ones that will pull Claire and Hannah through this difficult time. Claire will be finding it the most difficult – she’ll be heartbroken and angry that her husband’s died so young. But from what I’ve seen of her, I’d say she’ll hide her grief and concentrate on making life as normal as possible for the children.’
‘Yeah, she struck me as being a good mother,’ Beth said. ‘She’ll put the needs of the kids before her own. But she has to try and make something of her own life, otherwise she’ll end up an old woman before her time.’
Andy tilted his head and those brown eyes of his caused Beth to go weak at the knees. ‘I’m sure you and your mates won’t let her shut herself away, will yer? She’s about the same age as you two, and Flo and Lizzie, so I’ve got a feeling yer’ll soon be a fivesome, instead of a foursome. I can’t see yer all sitting back and letting her fade away, that wouldn’t be like you.’
‘Of course they won’t,’ Bill said, taking a puff on his cigarette. ‘She’ll be one of the gang in no time.’
Beth and Dot exchanged looks. ‘If yer hadn’t been so busy sorting the world out, yer would have heard us making plans to bring Claire into the fold.’ Dot told them. ‘Isn’t that right, girl?’
‘That’s right, sunshine. While the two men have been busy talking about what they’d like to achieve, we’ve got everything under control. As me mam says, if yer want a job doing proper, then get a woman to do it.’
Chapter Sixteen
Ginny tried to open her mouth to chew on a piece of toast, but found she couldn’t. The toast tasted like sandpaper and she seemed to have lost the ability to function properly. She’d been so looking forward to this day, her first day as a grown-up going to work, and now the time had come she was so filled with dread she had no control over her movements. The cup of tea looked inviting, and would help take the dryness from her mouth, but she was even afraid to pick up the cup because she knew her hand would shake so much the tea would spill over. And the worst of it was, she’d been so excited last night she’d asked her mam to get her up at the same time as her dad this morning. She was going to have her breakfast with him, then take her time getting dressed for the big occasion. It was important to be dressed properly because first impressions counted for a lot. So her clothes and shoes were going to be immaculate and her blonde hair brushed until it shone. Oh, she’d had such great plans for today, imagining herself walking out of the house all neat and tidy, as befitting a shop assistant from Woolworth’s. And here she was, unable to eat, drink or even speak.
Andy had watched his daughter as he ate his breakfast, and recognised the signs. He could still remember being petrified the day he had started work. His mam, God rest her soul, had physically to throw him out of the house and had shut the door on his pleas for her to go with him, just to the gates of the factory. What a cissy he must have been!
Beth came through from the kichen. ‘Have yer got time for another cuppa, sunshine?’
‘No, I’d better be on me way.’ Andy pushed his chair back and stood up. ‘I don’t want to be late or they’ll think I overslept after a boozy New Year.’ When he kissed his wife, he whispered, ‘I think Ginny’s got the jitters. Sit down with her and see if yer can talk her out of it. The poor kid looks scared to death.’
Beth nodded. ‘I’ll see to her, she’ll be all right.’
Just then help came from an unexpected quarter. They heard Bill next door shouting goodbye to Dot, and it gave Beth an idea. ‘Ginny, yer haven’t forgotten that Joan starts her job in Dunlop’s today, have yer? She’s just coming out with her dad and David so d’yer want to wish her good luck? She’s probably nervous, it being her first day, so come on.’ Acting as though she didn’t know there was anything amiss, Beth pulled her daughter to her feet. ‘Hurry, or yer’ll be too late.’
If anything Joan looked even worse than Ginny. Her face was white, her lips were quivering and her eyes showed signs of recent tears. ‘Ginny, I’m frightened. Me legs and everything are shaking.’
Ginny had never seen Joan like this. Her friend was usually very sure of herself, even too cocky at times. She gave her a quick hug. ‘I’m terrified meself, kid, but we’ll be all right. Nobody is going to bite our heads off or strangle us.’
‘I’ve told her that,’ Bill said. ‘There’s nothing to be frightened of. Now come on or ye’re going to make us all late.’
His son had less sympathy for his sister. ‘Stop acting like a big baby,’ David said, ‘and put a move on.’
Ginny linked her mother’s arm as they watched Andy and the three Flynns walking down the street. ‘I thought I was bad enough, but Joan looks worse than I feel! I’ll be glad to get today over so we know what to expect tomorrow.’
Beth squeezed her arm. ‘Across the country, right this very minute, there’ll be thousands of young lads and girls feeling exactly the same as you and Joan. And when they come home tonight, like you, they’ll be wondering what they were worried about. It’s a big day in yer life, sunshine, so enjoy it.’ She pushed her daughter towards their step. ‘Let’s get in and have a hot cup of tea, I’m freezing. And when yer come in tonight, I want to see yer all happy and pleased with yerself. And me and yer dad and Joey will want to know everything that’s happened to yer during the day. So get yer memory cells working so yer don’t forget any little details.’
When the front door was closed behind them, Ginny gave her mother a big hug. ‘I love you, Mam, and me dad and our Joey. I’m a very lucky girl, and I’m going to be lucky today with everything going right and me loving me new job.’
‘That’s the spirit, sunshine! Keep that up and yer’ll pass with flying colours.’
Marie was waiting for Ginny at the end of the street, and they linked arms to walk to the tram stop. ‘Let’s keep talking, Ginny,’ Marie said. ‘Then we won’t have time to think. Tell me what yer got for Christmas?’
So the tram ride was spent talking about everything but what lay ahead. Even when they were walking up the stairs to the Personnel Office at Woolworth’s, they were chatting away as though their life depended on it. It was only when they saw Miss Harper waiting for them outside the office that their tongues were silenced.
‘Ah, Miss Porter and Miss Whittaker. We’ll wait here for a while as there is another new girl starting today. As soon as she arrives I’ll show you where the cloakroom is and then take you to the department where you’ll be working.’ Miss Harper relaxed her expression and smiled. ‘Did you have a nice Christmas?’
‘Oh, yes, Miss.’ Two voices answered a
s one. Then Ginny said, ‘I hope you did, too, Miss Harper?’
‘It was a quiet one, Virginia, but pleasant and peaceful.’ When a young girl came hurrying towards them, she said, ‘Ah, here is Miss Hayes.’ She introduced the girls, then said, ‘I’ll take you to the cloakroom, then to the supervisors you’ll be working under. Virginia and Patricia in the store, and Marie in the stock room. Follow me, please.’
Patricia Hayes was an attractive girl with long dark hair and lovely green eyes. She was eyeing the other two up as they followed Miss Harper, then smiled when they caught her doing so. ‘I’m Pat,’ she whispered. ‘What’s your names?’
Ginny whispered back, ‘I’m Ginny, and this is a mate of mine, Marie.’
That was all they had time for because they were told to hang their coats up quickly and remember the number over the hook as this was to be the one they used each day. Then they were marched down a different staircase which took them into the main body of the store. The girls found it all very interesting as the staff behind the counters took off covers and straightened any item that wasn’t just right. They would have loved to dawdle and watch properly, but they weren’t allowed as they had to move quickly to keep up with Miss Harper. She had looked very efficient upstairs, but it was nothing to her attitude now. The first time she raised her hand, she beckoned over a woman from the right-hand side of the shop who was supervising the work being done on a counter. The second time it was raised to alert a woman on the left-hand side. Both women wore dark suits which told of their seniority. ‘Miss Halliday, this is Miss Virginia Porter. I would like her to start on haberdashery as a junior assistant to Miss Landers. Please take her over there and explain her duties. And Miss Bryan, I would like you to attend to Miss Patricia Hayes. She is to go as junior to Miss Ramsey on cosmetics. Please make sure that both girls know exactly what their duties are. I will take Miss Whittaker to the stock room.’ With a smile at the two young soon-to-be counter assistants, Miss Harper walked briskly away, leaving the wide-eyed, very apprehensive Marie to follow quickly in her wake.
‘Come with me please, Miss Porter.’ Ginny gave a quick wave to Pat then walked alongside the supervisor whose suit was severely tailored, with the skirt reaching almost down to her ankles. Her hair style was also severe, being combed away from the face and twisted into a bun at the nape of her neck. ‘The use of first names is not allowed in the store. The rule does not, however, apply to the canteen. You must address the senior assistant with respect at all times, and you will be required to take note of how she deals with customers without getting under her feet or hindering her in her work.’ While Miss Halliday spoke, she had her eye on every stall they passed, and Ginny believed nothing would escape her scrutiny. ‘You must also acquaint yourself with the merchandise on your counter. However, you will not be allowed to serve for several weeks, or until such time as you are deemed responsible enough to do so. Even then you will not issue receipts or handle cash. All transactions must be supervised by Miss Landers.’ They stopped in front of one of the long counters. ‘You will have a fifteen-minute break when Miss Landers gives the order, and will then make your way to the canteen for a cup of tea. You will not be required to pay for the tea on the morning or afternoon break, but you will have to pay for your lunch.’
Ginny’s voice sounded timid. ‘I’ve brought some sandwiches with me, Miss, will I be able to eat them in the canteen?’
Miss Halliday’s face relaxed into a smile which seemed to change her whole personality. ‘Of course you can, several girls bring their own lunch. But any drinks you have then will have to be paid for.’
The assistant behind the counter was keeping herself busy by putting buttons back in the right boxes, and tidying the reels of cotton and skeins of various-coloured wool which had been handled by customers and just thrown back anywhere. She stopped what she was doing when Miss Halliday moved to the edge of the counter. ‘Miss Landers, this is your new junior assistant, Miss Porter.’
For seconds there was no smile or word of welcome as the woman eyed Ginny up and down. And the girl’s heart sank as she thought, She doesn’t know me, yet she doesn’t like me! And I’m going to have to work with her!
Frances Landers was twenty-eight years of age and a bitter old maid. She had been spurned at the age of twenty-two by a man she’d courted for three years and had taken for granted would marry her. But he’d fallen for a younger girl who was prettier than the rather plain Frances, with her nondescript features and little in the way of personality. She now held a grudge against life in general, and pretty young girls in particular. In fact, she was the reason the previous junior assistant had left to find work elsewhere.
The senior assistant could feel Miss Halliday’s eyes boring into her and swiftly collected her thoughts. She couldn’t afford to lose this job. A smile which didn’t reach her eyes appeared on her face. ‘Good morning, Miss Porter, I’m glad to meet you. Would you come and stand behind the counter, please, and I’ll answer any questions you may have.’
Mary Halliday’s eyes didn’t miss anything. The late greeting, the false smile, all put on for her benefit. There weren’t many employees she didn’t like – some were slow and perhaps lazy, but they were generally honest, pleasant, and got on with the rest of the staff. She wished she could say the same for Miss Landers but didn’t like or trust her. She couldn’t prove it but she’d bet that young Joyce Connor had left because her life was being made a hell by this bitter woman who had treated her like a skivvy. Well, it wouldn’t happen to pretty young Ginny, not if the supervisor could help it.
‘I’ll leave you now, Miss Porter, but I’ll be keeping an eye on you. If you wish to speak to me, at any time, you’ll find me either on the shop floor or in the small office at the very back of the store.’
‘Thank you, Miss Halliday, I’ll remember.’
When the supervisor was out of earshot, a sneer came over Frances Landers’ face as she mimicked Ginny. ‘Thank you, Miss Halliday, I’ll remember.’
A voice in the girl’s head told her that if she didn’t stand up for herself now, her life wouldn’t be worth living. So, taking a deep breath, she said, ‘Why didn’t yer say that while she was here? I didn’t think it was funny, but Miss Halliday might have done.’
‘Don’t you dare talk to me like that or I’ll report you for insubordination! You’re here to take orders from me and you’ll do as I say or I’ll make life very unpleasant for you.’
‘I will take orders from yer, and I will do as I’m told.’ Ginny was already thinking what a bad start this was. How could she go home and face her family if she got the sack on her first day? ‘But only if I think what ye’re saying or asking me to do is fair, and ye’re not picking on me. Yer seem to have taken a dislike to me so perhaps it would be better for both our sakes if I ask Miss Halliday now to move me to another counter.’
The change in the woman was so quick Ginny thought she’d imagined everything that had happened before. Gone was the sneer, and in its place was something intended as a smile. ‘But I haven’t taken a dislike to you! What makes you think that? We’ll get along fine as long as you don’t get under my feet when I’m serving and you’re not looking over my shoulder all the time.’
‘I’ll do as Miss Harper and Miss Halliday told me to do. I will watch and observe, and acquaint myself with the merchandise on the counter. I can’t go wrong if I do that.’
The store doors had been opened by now, and customers were coming in. It was a trickle at first, but when Ginny came back from her tea break, the shop was quite busy. She enjoyed the hustle and bustle, and as she stood back so as not to get in the senior assistant’s way she smiled at each customer who bought from their counter. There had been little in the way of conversation between her and Frances Landers, but that didn’t worry the girl because the difference in their ages was too great for them to have anything in common and she still hadn’t forgotten that frosty introduction.
Ginny had been looking forward to mee
ting up with Marie on the morning break to see how she’d got on, but there’d been no sign of her and one of the girls sitting near by said the stock room often had their times changed. So when she entered the canteen at lunchtime with her carry-out in her hand, Ginny was delighted to see her old schoolmate waving to her.
‘I’ve saved yer a place, Ginny, sit yerself down.’ Marie’s ever-ready smile was on display. ‘How have yer got on?’ Then, without waiting for a reply, she gabbled, ‘I’m over the moon with my job – it’s brilliant. But that doesn’t mean to say I wouldn’t like a job behind the counter when they’ll have me.’
‘I haven’t done much, only stand and watch. But I know I’m going to like the work ’cos the customers that come in are really friendly.’ Ginny took one of the sandwiches out of the neat parcel her mam had made, and took a bite. ‘I’m not keen on the woman I’m with, though, ’cos unlike the customers, she’s not a bit friendly.’
‘Oh, they are in the stock room, they’re smashing. There’s more men than women and we’ve had a really good laugh.’ Marie was clearly excited and loving every minute of it. ‘The men won’t let the women lift anything heavy, so the work’s easy. It’s just a case of knowing where everything is in case anything is needed in the shop. Yer need to know where to put yer hand on it instantly. It won’t take me long to get the hang of things ’cos all the boxes are marked and numbered. So yer can’t go wrong, really.’
‘Have yer seen anything of Pat?’ Ginny asked. ‘The girl who started with us.’
Marie shook her head. ‘You’re more likely to see her than I am. Can’t yer see her from your counter?’
‘No. She’s a lucky beggar, though, getting put on cosmetics. I would have loved that.’ Ginny was wishing she was as satisfied as Marie, but couldn’t help feeling downhearted. And it was all the fault of that Miss Landers, the miserable thing. Even when she smiled at the customers, you could see it wasn’t genuine. ‘Just think of all the coloured lipsticks and powders. And the nail varnish . . .’