Wartime at Liberty's

by Fiona Ford

  ‘That’s a bit odd.’ Dot frowned. ‘You never had a sweetheart at all?’

  ‘Dot!’ Flo hissed as the table broke into stunned laughter at the matriarch’s impertinence.

  ‘Really, Flo, it’s fine.’ Henry grinned, turning to Dot. ‘You might find it odd, but I never have. I’ve always been busy with work or service. Now Stan is my priority.’

  ‘We always said the right girl would come along eventually,’ Celia said in a tone that indicated the conversation was closed.

  ‘Now that’s something I agree with,’ Jack said, reaching for Alice’s hand and squeezing it tenderly.

  By the time the last mouthful of plum pudding (somehow obtained by Dot) had been devoured, the party retired to her good front room. There they nestled into the floor or sank back into her armchairs complete with pristine white antimacassars, sure they would never need to eat again.

  ‘There is just one thing I wanted to say to you,’ Flo heard Jack say as he nestled alongside Alice and held out a letter.

  Curious, she took it from him and began to read. Flo watched her friend’s face change from scared to overjoyed in just under two minutes.

  ‘What is it?’ Flo begged, seeing Alice’s face crumple in delight as she smiled weakly at Jack.

  ‘It’s from Jack’s sister Gracie,’ she said, thrusting the letter towards Flo.

  Gingerly Flo took it and began to read.

  10th December 1942

  Dear Jack,

  How are you, little brother? You still enjoying that cold British weather and miserable damp rain? Life here at the farm is good. We’re preparing ourselves for one of those harsh Montana Christmases where it does nothing but snow – Jack Junior can’t wait, of course.

  You may not know this, but I received a letter from your special friend, Alice, recently. She didn’t say I couldn’t talk to you about it so I wanted to send a letter to you first before I write Alice. She’s quite a girl. I haven’t met her, but from her letter I can tell she’s feisty, responsible, and full of love for you, dear brother.

  I was surprised to hear from her. Angry, too, in a way. I know I’m way too protective of you, and have only gotten worse since Marilyn died, but Alice made me see there’s a man inside of you I don’t know. She spoke of a fearless, brave, trusting, loving man, and I realised I only know a part of that about you. For so long now I’ve put you into this box of grief-stricken widower. Alice has made me realise that I may not like what’s going on between the two of you but that won’t stop her loving you, supporting you and encouraging you to be the best man you can be. She also told me that with a war on, there are no perfect circumstances, that lives are being wiped out every second and when you find someone or something special, you hold on to it because it’s so precious.

  I can’t pretend to understand what’s going on over there or why. I’m a simple girl from a simple farm, Jack, but what I do know about is love. I know I treasure every letter I get from my Eric because it means he’s still with me. I know you well enough to know you never make poor decisions, and if this Alice cares enough about you to lay her heart on the line and write to me, your older sister, and plead for understanding about your relationship I guess I can take a chance. Tell Alice I’m going to stop hounding you about falling in love with a married woman and let her know that, like the two of you did, I’m going to take a chance and trust you both enough to take care of each other.

  I wish you both a very happy Christmas together, and you should know that we are all thinking of you back home.

  Yours, with love,

  Gracie

  As Flo finished reading, she held the letter out to Alice, her eyes by now shining with tears.

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ she replied.

  ‘Isn’t it,’ Alice said, squeezing Jack’s hand.

  ‘It feels like there’s a load off,’ Jack said quietly. ‘Though I may have to talk to you about going behind my back to write my sister like that.’

  As Alice and Jack lost themselves in each other for a moment Flo looked around the little group and smiled. Everyone seemed to be paired off in some form or another this Christmas. Dot and Mr Button were reminiscing about old times beneath a sprig of mistletoe. Henry and Stan were playing with the new wooden truck he had been given that day. Jack and Alice were gazing at each other in that soppy way of theirs, as were Rose and Tommy. Even Jean and Bess were laughing at some private joke, their voices low. Lastly, her eyes came to rest on Malcolm and Celia. They were murmuring to one another as they stared out of the window, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows on the London brick houses opposite. They were both lonely, Flo realised, but in this moment at least they had each other. Whom did she have? Not a soul. She was truly all alone. Looking around at her friends, each one lost in their own bubble of happiness, Flo couldn’t help wondering if she would ever find someone special again.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  A week later it was chaos at the little terrace in Bell Street as they got ready for the New Year’s Dinner at Lyons. So much so that Flo wondered if they would ever leave on time as she watched Arthur throw up all over Alice’s only good dress, while Dot decided that now was the perfect time to start cleaning her kitchen cupboards.

  ‘Ladies, we need to leave in five minutes,’ Flo wailed, worried that the silk navy dress she had borrowed from Liberty’s ready-to-wear would crease before they had even left the house.

  ‘Oh, stop moaning, Flo,’ Dot complained. ‘We’re almost ready.’

  ‘You’re not almost ready,’ Flo fumed, pacing up and down the kitchen with her coat on. ‘Alice still hasn’t worked out what she’s wearing, Arthur’s crying, despite the fact Doris is upstairs trying to settle him, and you’re spring cleaning three months early.’

  ‘Cleanliness is next to godliness,’ Dot put in wisely, sending a tin of hard-won peaches crashing to the ground.

  Flo raised her eyes heavenwards and thought there was a very real chance she might explode when Alice finally came down the stairs looking lovely in an old Liberty print tea dress.

  ‘Will this do?’ she asked, anxiety writ large across her features.

  ‘You look wonderful,’ Flo soothed. ‘Jack will be delighted to have you on his arm.’

  At the mention of the handsome GI’s name, Alice blushed and Flo chuckled to herself. Alice had never been soppy – as she liked to think of it – until she met Jack. However, the American had softened her and Flo had to admit that she liked this new, considered Alice.

  ‘I’ll just check on Doris and Arthur, then we’ll get going, shall we?’ said Alice.

  ‘I thought Mr Button was collecting us in his car,’ replied Flo, fighting feelings of rising panic.

  ‘No, darlin’, he might be consulting for the Board of Trade but that don’t mean he’s entitled to any more motor spirit coupons. He’s running out so the car has to be saved for emergencies. We’re on the bus.’

  ‘Well then, let’s go,’ Flo grumbled.

  Dot rolled her eyes. ‘All right, all right.’

  Ripping off her apron to reveal a fetching wool suit Flo had seen her alter and customise with new buttons and a split up each sleeve, Dot was finally ready.

  ‘Alice, come on, Arthur’ll stop screaming the moment we leave,’ Dot called.

  With that Alice ran back down the stairs, shouting apologies up at Doris. ‘I’m ready.’

  This time Flo didn’t even wait for a reply. Instead she threw open the front door and marched out towards the bus stop, not even turning around to see if Dot and Alice were following behind.

  The bus arrived within seconds of them arriving at the stop. And as the doors opened they all but threw themselves inside to escape the chilly January wind.

  After buying their tickets from the clippie, Flo stared out of the window as the bus roared through the streets and concentrated on the evening ahead. This evening was important to her: as manager of the fabric department it was down to her to ensure Princess Valentina was happy before
the presentation of the money they had raised was made. The last thing she wanted was to be late.

  It only took fifteen minutes for the bus to reach the heart of the city, and as Flo stepped out on to the pavement and took in the beautiful Lyons Corner House that towered over Shaftesbury Avenue, she smiled at its majesty.

  ‘Come on, Flo. I thought you didn’t want to be late,’ Dot admonished.

  Shaking her head Flo followed her friend inside and took in the decorations. Banners wishing the staff a Happy New Year graced the foyer, and a rich red rug she knew she could sink her feet into if she dared to remove her overly repaired court shoes was placed in the centre of the floor. Elsewhere, elegantly dressed Nippies in traditional black and white uniforms were handing out welcoming glasses of port. To her right she heard the strains of music and, peering up the stairs, she saw Stan singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ at the top of his lungs to a little group unable to resist his charms. This annual Liberty’s event to thank the staff for all their hard work would be the perfect evening to make the presentation.

  Leaving Dot and Alice to find their own way, Flo walked up towards Stan and saw Henry right at the back of the small crowd that had gathered. It was hard to miss the pride etched across his face as he watched his little brother.

  ‘He’s singing beautifully,’ whispered Flo, sidling next to Henry.

  ‘He’s wonderful, isn’t he?’ Henry replied, his eyes never leaving Stan. ‘I hear he’s had a very good accompanist.’

  Flo chuckled. ‘It’s all natural. Look at him.’

  ‘And look at you! You look beautiful, Flo,’ the deputy store manager exclaimed, turning to face her.

  Flo felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She wasn’t ready for compliments. She was still just going through the motions of what was expected. She didn’t want to be noticed for her beauty or style; those gifts were reserved for Neil. However, she appreciated the sentiment behind the words and knew it would be churlish not to thank him, so instead she smiled in gratitude and changed the subject.

  ‘The whole place looks fantastic. You wonder how they do it.’

  ‘The powers that be can always find the money when they want to.’

  ‘Speaking of money, who’s doing the presentation?’ Flo asked just as a large gong sounded signalling the gathered guests to take their places for dinner.

  ‘Rose and Evie have it all in hand, I believe, and they are just settling Princess Valentina into her seat now.’

  Flo followed Henry’s gaze across the dining room. In that moment, the notes of the song died away, and Stan stopped singing to rapturous applause.

  Henry smiled as he heard the boy ask what he should sing next. ‘I think I’ll just go and rescue those poor people from any more of Stan’s tuneful offerings. You go on ahead into the dining hall, Flo.’

  ‘Are you sure?’

  But Henry was no longer listening and was instead weaving his way towards his brother.

  The dining hall was every bit as beautiful as the welcoming foyer outside. Circular tables with pots of poinsettia were elegantly arranged around a stage with another large banner behind it that read, in giant purple lettering, ‘Liberty’s Gala Fundraiser’. The scent of what Flo could have sworn was roast chicken filled her nostrils, while elsewhere swathes of red velvet curtain lined the room to create a warm and almost theatrical atmosphere.

  Finding her place on the table planner that stood at the front of the room, Flo wasted no time weaving her way towards the table where she was to sit between Mary and Dot. To her great delight, she saw that not only was Mr Button seated with them this year, but that Jack had also joined them as a very special guest and was seated to the right of Alice.

  ‘What a lovely surprise to find you all here,’ she said with a grin as she took her seat.

  ‘I’m as surprised as you are to find Edwin at the table,’ Dot murmured, taking a sip of her drink. ‘I see that little of him at the moment I’ve almost forgotten what he looks like.’

  Mr Button’s face clouded over with worry. ‘Come on, Dorothy, don’t be like that. I’ve told you, my work with the Board of Trade will ease off soon. Can’t we just enjoy tonight, my love?’

  Dot’s face broke into a smile. ‘’Course we can, darlin’, I’m pulling your leg.’

  ‘Thank goodness for that!’ Mary exclaimed. ‘We miss you at the store, sir, it will be wonderful to have you back.’

  ‘Not that Mr Masters isn’t doing a fine job,’ Flo added.

  ‘We’ve just got used to you and your little ways by now,’ Alice put in.

  At that there was a round of laughter.

  ‘I think there’s a compliment in there somewhere, sir, I suggest you take it,’ said Jack.

  Mr Button lifted his glass of wine to Jack. ‘I learned that the hard way over the years and you’re quite right.’

  ‘And to what do we owe the pleasure of your company this evening, Jack?’ Flo enquired.

  The American glanced at Alice, a look of sorrow passing briefly across his features before he turned back to face the table. ‘I’m going to Bristol soon. Want to make the most of my time with this wonderful woman before I head off so I bribed the boss here into giving me a seat.’

  Mr Button coloured at the use of the word ‘bribe’ and Flo smiled. She felt sad the much-loved GI would be departing so quickly. About to say as much, she caught Alice’s eye, and saw her give an imperceptible shake of her head. Flo knew at once her friend didn’t want her to say a word. She clearly wanted to focus on enjoying this incredible evening and create a lasting memory to treasure while Jack was away. Flo smiled in understanding. If there was one thing she had come to realise since losing Neil and Aggie, it was the power of a beautiful memory to carry you through dark times.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  After the main course of what Flo had guessed correctly would be a delicious roast chicken, there was a lull between courses. Rubbing her stomach, Flo leaned back in her chair and idly played with the stem of her wine glass, grateful for a few minutes to recover. Like everyone else she was used to living on a diet that consisted largely of Woolton Pie and the National Loaf. Consequently, her digestive system was struggling to cope with such rich delights.

  Looking around the room, she saw everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The musical trio from the gift department, who were expertly playing a harp, piano and violin, entertained the crowds with a range of music from Beethoven’s Fifth to more contemporary pieces, including one of Max Monroe’s.

  Closer to home, at Flo’s table, Alice and Jack were so wrapped up in one another they weren’t paying anyone else any attention. Mr Button had gone to get ready to make his presentation speech before the dessert course was served. Observing Mary across the table Flo saw she still looked pensive. Her friend had been quiet since the news of her postponed wedding had come to light, and Flo wondered how she was doing.

  ‘Penny for them?’ she said, inwardly cursing herself for using such a well-worn phrase.

  Mary stopped staring at her hands and turned to Flo, her raven hair catching in the light of the chandelier that glistened overhead. ‘I fear my thoughts are barely worth a ha’penny.’

  ‘Come on, things can’t be that bad,’ Flo chivvied.

  ‘They are,’ Dot said, taking another gulp of wine. ‘She’s had a face on her like a wet weekend in Clacton since Mrs Matravers told her she weren’t going to let ’em have baby Emma after all.’

  Flo reached out a consoling hand to Mary. ‘I must say I’m surprised Mrs Matravers’ voice carries any weight. I know she’s the child’s mother, but she’s in prison! You would think she would want what’s best for the child, and surely that’s her being raised by Mary rather than complete strangers.’

  Mary let out a hollow laugh. ‘But she hates me. Always has done. Hated the thought of me marrying her brother, and just because we’ve had to put things on hold, she’d like to make me suffer.’

  ‘You’d think she’d have changed since being
incarcerated and becoming a mother. I’m surprised she has time for airs and graces,’ Flo muttered.

  ‘Well, that’s old Mabel for you,’ Dot said, arching an eyebrow. ‘She’s always been power hungry, see. Comes from being starved of it as a child as well as later in her marriage to Alf. She’ll take what little power she can find and think nothing of nobody but herself.’

  ‘It’s all true, I’m afraid.’ Mary sighed. ‘And the one that’s suffering the most, of course, is little Emma. She’s too young to understand now, but the thought of her being raised by strangers, rather than her own family – well, it’s immoral.’

  There was a pause then, and Flo couldn’t help wondering what might have happened to her had her Aunt Aggie not taken her in. Would she too have been raised by strangers like little Emma?

  ‘I thought you might have invited Celia tonight,’ Dot said, interrupting Flo’s train of thought.

  ‘It didn’t occur to me,’ Flo replied, feeling a stab of guilt. ‘I just thought of it as a work do. But as Jack’s here, do you think I should have done?’

  ‘She’s a nice woman,’ Dot replied non-committally.

  ‘Yes, but Flo’s right, it is a Liberty occasion,’ Mary added with a smile, trying to make Flo feel better.

  Dot shrugged. ‘I just thought you and her were becoming good chums, darlin’.’

  ‘We are, and I’ve been enjoying playing music for the kids.’

  ‘And singing too, if that concert was anything to go by.’ Dot chuckled. ‘I bet Max Monroe couldn’t believe his luck when you piped up; the two of you were a real team. That’s why he invited you to join ENSA, I bet; he knows a good thing when he sees it.’

  Flo stared at Dot in disbelief. ‘How do you know about that?’

  ‘You should know by now, darlin’, I know everything. So are you doing it or what?’

  ‘No!’ Flo gasped indignantly. ‘My place is here.’

  There was a pause for a moment as Dot took another gulp of her wine, then beckoned the waiter over to refill her glass.