The Docklands Girls (11 page)

A few minutes later, a cab pulled up and Joe opened his door and beckoned to her. Feeling more than a little nervous, she walked over and climbed inside.

‘How nice to see you – you look well,’ he said smiling at her. ‘We’ll go for a quiet drink and chat and you can tell me what’s happened during your search.’

‘That’s kind of you,’ she said and sat looking out at the passing scenery, not knowing what else to say.

The cab pulled up outside a small hotel and they got out. Joe paid the cab driver and taking her arm, led her inside to a small, well furnished cocktail lounge where a waiter came over to take their order.

‘What would you like?’ he asked. At her hesitation,
he said, ‘Are you thirsty after your long day?’

She nodded.

‘Two Tom Collins,’ he told the waiter and looking at Cora he said, ‘You’ll find it very refreshing, I promise. Now, tell me about your day.’

Cora explained that this was her second time in London searching for employment. She told him where she’d been and the lack of success she’d had.

‘It seems an impossibility to find work; after all, I’ve no training in anything.’

‘What kind of job are you looking for?’

‘I’d really like to work in a nice shop, you know, selling women’s clothes. I so want to be surrounded by beautiful things for a change. Does that sound ridiculous?’

‘Absolutely not! I fully understand that. You want to leave the seedy streets behind with your past, right?’

‘You do understand!’ She relaxed in her chair. ‘That’s exactly how I feel, but the big department stores don’t have any vacancies.’

He handed her a tall glass the waiter had just delivered. ‘Here, try this.’

Cora took a sip and liked it. ‘Oh that just hits the spot, doesn’t it? Thank you.’ She took another and put the glass down on the table.

Joe looked thoughtful. ‘I don’t think a big store is a good idea, Cora. A small shop is where you should start and where you’ll learn the business of selling. You have a natural charm, so you’ll do well with the customers, but you need to learn the trade.’

She looked crestfallen. ‘Where do I find a place like that?’

‘You don’t, I will. You just have to be patient and give me time.’

‘Really? You can do this?’ Her look of surprise amused him.

‘Yes, I can. Didn’t I tell you some time ago to get in touch with me and I’d find you a job?’

She looked a little embarrassed. ‘You did.’

He chuckled softly. ‘I am a man of my word; I want you to know that.’ He paused. ‘Have you thought about living accommodation?’

‘Not yet. I needed work before I could look for a place to stay and … it would have to be small and inexpensive.’ She frowned. ‘Can you suggest somewhere? As I don’t know the city at all.’

‘Now, Cora, don’t worry, we’ll sort something out when I find you a job. Have you eaten?’ he asked.

‘I stopped for a sandwich this morning, that’s all.’

‘Right, then. Drink up and we’ll go into the dining room to have a meal before you set off back to Southampton.’

She was about to protest, but Joe wouldn’t listen. ‘I know how tiring a day in London can be. Come along, you’ll feel better with some food inside you.’

The dining room was elegant. The chandeliers glistened in the light. The tables looked pristine with their white cloths and silver cutlery. It had an air of sophistication and money and Cora felt she should be dressed in jewels and fur to match the elegant surroundings. But Joe soon put her at her ease.

They talked about the war ending, of the men who would be returning home, of those families who would be mourning the loss of some and of the future.

‘There is so much rebuilding to be done, here and in other towns that were severely bombed,’ Joe said. ‘There are still shortages, but eventually we’ll get back to normal again, it’ll just take time.’

It was a pleasant hour and a half and after they’d eaten, Joe called a cab and drove her to the station. He took note of her address and told her he’d be in touch.

‘Thank you so much,’ said Cora as she climbed out of the cab.

‘Don’t mention it, my dear young lady. It’s my pleasure.’

‘To my rescue yet again!’ Cora exclaimed with a grin. She could hear his laughter as she walked towards the entrance.

As she sat on the train on the way home, she wasn’t feeling downhearted any more. Mr Keating said he would find her work and somehow she believed him. Belle said people came into your lives for a reason; maybe this was why he was in hers. She fervently hoped so.

Hildy could hardly contain her excitement. Milt had written to say he would be shipped to Southampton to a camp in Tidworth before being sent home and he’d try to get permission to see her.

She was not only delighted with the news of his homecoming, but relieved too. The factory would be closing down soon and all the staff were worried about
finding jobs elsewhere, but for her, she hoped it wouldn’t be long before she’d be leaving to be with Milt in America. It was a somewhat daunting change, but she had no reason to stay. She felt no responsibility towards her mother, which in one way was so sad. But if she was being honest, leaving her behind would be like a weight lifted from her shoulders. Still being in the same town, it was as if there was an invisible bond holding them together, even if it was tenuous.

Two weeks later, the ship carrying American troops back to England for repatriation docked in Southampton and three days after, Hildy was in her flat waiting for Milt to arrive. She was a nervous wreck. By mid-morning she’d changed her clothes several times until she eventually decided what to wear. Her hands were trembling with excitement and anticipation. Would he have changed? Would she still feel the same when she saw him? Would
he
still feel the same? She sat down in a chair at the thought. How dreadful that would be if he didn’t. The doorbell rang and for a moment she couldn’t move, then she got to her feet and rushed to the door.

Milt stood there, a broad grin on his face. ‘Hello Hildy.’

She flung her arms around him and burst into tears.

Milt picked her up and carried her into the living room saying, ‘Well, honey, I’ve never reduced a woman to tears before and I only said “hello”.’

She held his face and kissed him longingly. ‘Oh, Milt, I’m so happy to see you.’

Laughing he said, ‘Thank goodness for that, for a moment you had me worried.’ He gazed at her and said,
‘God, you’ve no idea how much I’ve longed to see you, to hold you. You look great.’

She led him to the settee and as they sat holding hands, she thought he looked older and careworn. The months of warfare had taken its toll which was to be expected and Milt looked as if he’d been through hell. There were dark circles under his eyes, he’d lost weight, but it didn’t matter because he was here in one piece. She’d take care of him, make him whole again.

‘I’ll put the kettle on,’ she said, ‘and make a cup of tea.’

He chuckled and took a small packet from his bag and handed it to her. ‘Coffee,’ he said. ‘Sorry, honey, but I’m an American who has yet to really enjoy the English habit of drinking tea.’

He watched her through the open kitchen door as she busied herself and felt himself begin to unwind. This was the sort of peaceful domestic scene he’d envisaged through the war. It was the one thing that kept him sane in moments of carnage. Guns firing, bombs exploding, dead bodies, the smell of cordite and the sight of blood. He knew that these things would remain with him for a time, but with Hildy he could begin a new life, something with purpose, unlike war, which seemed to have little.

Walking into the kitchen, he enveloped her into his arms. ‘Leave the coffee, let’s go to bed.’

It was now over three weeks since Cora had met with Joe Keating in London, but so far she’d not heard from him. She’d began to believe that her hopes were lost when one morning Belle collected the mail from the mat and handed her an envelope.

‘This is for you – it looks very official; the address is printed.’

Cora opened it and saw the heading.
Joe Keating, Business Consultant
. Holding her breath, she began to read.

Seeing the look of glee on Cora’s face, Belle asked, ‘Good news?’

‘Yes, I’ve an interview for a job in London on Thursday next!’

‘Oh my goodness, that’s great. Was it from an agency?’

Cora hesitated then said, ‘No. It’s from Joe Keating.’

Belle looked astonished. ‘Joe Keating? You got in touch with that man?’

Hearing the note of censure in Belle’s voice, Cora stood her ground. ‘Yes, Belle, I did. I spent fruitless hours searching for work and I was desperate, so I rang him.’

‘And?’

‘We met, had a drink and a chat and he said he’d find me work – and he has.’

‘What’s the catch?’ Belle asked.

‘There is no catch. He promised to help me if I was stuck and he has, thank God! Mind you, I’ve got to get through the interview first.’

Belle sat back in her chair and glared at her friend. ‘I wouldn’t worry about that, Cora. I would think it’s a certainty. Joe Keating wouldn’t have told you about it otherwise.’

‘Why do you say that?’

‘Call it a gut feeling. That man has his finger in a lot of pies, I would say. Anyway, good luck. Just be careful there isn’t a price to pay for his good deed that’s all!’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Listen, love, call me a sceptic, but I’ve been around too long and I’ve learnt a thing or two. People seldom do things without some agenda, especially where men are concerned. Just watch your step is all I’m saying.’ She rose from her chair and went upstairs.

Cora was now perplexed. Belle was a wise woman but in this case she was wrong … or Cora hoped she was wrong. In any case, she wasn’t a fool. As far as she was concerned, there would be no strings, she’d make sure of that.

The following Thursday, she dressed smartly in her best costume and hat, caught a train and a taxi to the address she’d been given and after she’d paid the driver, she looked in the window of the shop. It was tastefully dressed with three mannequins wearing stylish dresses, hats, and handbags draped on their arms. One or two other hats were placed on draped material. It all looked very classy. Taking a deep breath, she entered.

A bell pinged as she opened the door and an elegant woman behind the counter looked up and smiled. ‘Can I help you?’ she asked.

‘I’m Cora Barnes; I’ve come for an interview with the manageress.’

The smile disappeared. ‘Oh yes, well I am the manageress, come through to the back, will you.’ She nodded to another assistant to take over and then took Cora through a curtained off room which served as an office.

‘Please sit down, Miss Barnes. Now I believe you have no experience in this type of work, is that correct?’ There was a coldness in her tone which made Cora edgy.

‘Yes. I’ve been working in a munitions factory, doing my bit for the war effort, you know. But now I want to start a new career. I love clothes and would very much like to be in this kind of business.’

‘I can see by your apparel that you have taste, thank goodness, and it’s imperative in this business, of course.’ She took down details of age and address, then discussed a salary. ‘We do pay commission too,’ she told Cora, ‘so if your sales are above a certain amount you will be rewarded for your work. I like my assistants to wear black skirts and white blouses – will that be a problem?’

‘Not at all,’ said Cora, wondering how on earth she’d find enough clothing coupons to purchase such items.

Cora eventually rose to leave with a job starting in three weeks’ time.

‘That will give you time to find living accommodation,’ she was told once the manageress discovered she’d nowhere to stay in the city.

Cora left the shop with her head in a whirl. Outside, she stood against the wall to catch her breath. She couldn’t make sense of the change of attitude of the woman who’d interviewed her – perhaps she was just a hard taskmaster – but she’d achieved her aim. Now she’d have to find somewhere to live and she had no idea where or how much it would cost.

‘Are congratulations in order?’

She looked round in surprise to see Joe Keating standing, smiling at her.

‘Mr Keating! Where did you spring from?’

‘Joe, please. I knew when your appointment was so thought we could celebrate over lunch. Besides, you have to find somewhere to stay, don’t you?’

Suddenly Cora heard Belle’s warning ringing in her ears and she hesitated, but she also realised she still needed his help so she agreed.

They went to a nearby restaurant and sat down at a table. After ordering, Cora looked at her companion and asked, ‘Why are you doing this for me?’

He looked surprised. ‘Because I said I would.’

‘Is that all?’ Cora thought she ought to find out before she was in too deep if there was a hidden agenda.

His eyes twinkled with amusement as he gazed across the table at her. ‘What had you in mind, Cora? Do you imagine I’m going to make some outrageous demands on you in return, is that it?’

‘Well, a girl has to be sure, you know!’

He burst out laughing. ‘Good heavens, I’m really quite flattered, but you are mistaken. I just want you to live your dream and it so happens I’m in the position to help you do
so, that’s all. You have my word. Now tell me about the job.’

She told him about the interview and her concern about buying the necessary clothes and lack of coupons.

Joe put his hand inside his jacket and handed her an envelope.

‘What’s this?’ asked Cora.

‘I had wondered about this situation. I knew the dress code of the staff, so here are some clothing coupons, enough for two skirts and two blouses.’

She looked at him in astonishment. ‘But are these yours?’

‘Good heavens no! Just use them and leave it at that.’

She frowned as she looked inside the envelope.

‘Now, Cora, these things happen during shortages. Everything has a price. It’s common practice, you must know that surely?’

Of course she did. The black market was a part of life ever since the war began and it was still going on. Who was she to complain especially as it was essential to getting her job.

‘Thank you,’ she said and put the envelope in her handbag.

‘Now for your living accommodation. I have found a small bedsit a couple of stations away on the Underground. I thought it the best way to start, then when you’re earning more money and know the city better you can move if you wish to.’

She was speechless for a moment. ‘My goodness, you have been busy,’ she said.

‘When we’ve finished eating, we’ll go and take a look.’

Although she was grateful, Cora suddenly felt as if her
life had been taken over and she was a little uncomfortable about it, but what could she do? She was grateful; it saved her a lot of searching in a city she didn’t know.

After their meal, Joe took her by Underground to Shepherd’s Bush, then when they left the station within a short walk they arrived at a building. They walked up two flights of stairs and Joe stopped in front of a door, opened it and stepped back for her to enter.

It was a large room with a single day bed, which could double as a settee and a small round table with two chairs. Along one side, a draining board with small sink and a gas burner with two rings. A few pieces of crockery and plates were stashed away in a cupboard with a couple of small saucepans. There was a wardrobe, a dressing table with a mirror and a window overlooking the street. There was a small fire escape outside.

It was so compact and complete; she loved it and said so.

Joe looked delighted. ‘I’m so glad. You can add bits and pieces to make it your own,’ he said. ‘You know, bed cover, cushions, the woman’s touch.’

‘How much is it a week?’ she asked.

‘Twelve shillings and sixpence. Being so small, the rent isn’t expensive.’

Cora did a quick calculation. She could afford it with her salary and if she was able to make any commission, she’d be fine. Besides, she did have her savings to fall back on if necessary.

‘Thanks, I can manage that. When do I see the landlord?
I need to collect the key and I expect he’ll need some rent in advance.’

Joe took a key out of his pocket and handed it to her. ‘I’ve already seen him and paid a month in advance as a gift to get you started.’

Cora stared at him and said with some determination, ‘That’s very nice of you, but I certainly can’t accept your offer. I’ll pay you back. I have the money in the bank. As you know, I’ve been saving.’

Seeing the stubbornness in her eyes, he smiled and said, ‘Just as you like. Send a cheque to my office.’

‘How do I pay the rent?’ was her next question.

He handed her a small rent book. ‘A man calls round every Wednesday evening about eight o’clock. He calls on all the flats in the building.’

Taking the book from him, she said, ‘I’d like to thank you for taking the trouble to help me. Without you, I’d still be struggling.’

‘Not at all, young lady. I’m only too happy to help. Here are your keys, now is there anything else I can do?’

Anxious to be alone and look properly at her new home, she said, ‘No. Honestly. I’ll make a note of things I need then I’ll catch the Underground to Waterloo.’

He walked towards the door. ‘I’ve left a map of the Underground on the table. As you know, there’s a station just along the road.’ He shook her hand. ‘Good luck, Cora. You know where you can reach me.’

When she was alone, Cora sat on the day bed and looked around. Although the room was fully furnished, it wasn’t claustrophobic. She opened the window wide and listened to the sounds of the street outside. If she wanted, it would
be easy to climb out onto the fire escape and sit with a cup of coffee at night after work. She was thrilled with her new home. When she was settled she would shop for a few bits to make it her own. Closing the window, she thought she could hardly wait, in fact she’d move in next week. That would give her time to get used to her new surroundings before starting work. But now she’d have to tell Belle she would be leaving and that wouldn’t be easy. It was the only bad thing about starting her new life.