The dover cafe at war, p.9
The Dover Cafe at War, page 9
‘Right, I’m going for my bath,’ she announced to her sisters. ‘Don’t be too much longer, will you? The others will be here soon.’
‘It’s not fair,’ Lily moaned. ‘I need to wash my hair, but there’s no way I’ve got time now. Who’s going to want to dance with a girl who stinks of fags, fat and bleach?’
Edie rolled her eyes at Marianne, who merely smiled and ran up the stairs.
Wearing the violet chiffon dress that Daisy had picked out for her, Marianne stood in front of the full-length mirror and examined herself, smoothing the dress down over her hips and swishing the skirt around her legs. She’d washed her hair the night before, and now it hung straight and shiny to halfway down her back, curling slightly at the ends and somehow looking more red against the violet colour. It was the first time she’d looked at herself like this for years. Since Donny’s birth, she tended only to use the small mirror that hung on the wall above the chest of drawers to make sure her hair was tidy.
Her eyes ran down her reflection. The dress fastened at the front with a line of tiny buttons down to her waist, which was cinched in by a silver belt, and the full skirt fell in soft folds to mid-calf. She’d wear her sandals, she decided. They had a slight heel and were a lot more elegant than her everyday shoes. Was her waist really that small? She peered closer, surprised. Her eyes moved to the scooped neckline and she grimaced, pulling it up to try to hide her cleavage. She sighed. If only she was a little taller like her sisters, and wasn’t quite so round in places, then she’d feel a lot more comfortable. She normally wore baggy jumpers and blouses that disguised her shape, so the dress made her feel exposed. She went to the chest of drawers and pulled out a crocheted shawl her mother had given her a few Christmases ago. If she tied it carefully, then her chest was nicely hidden. Satisfied, she sat on her bed and started to brush her hair.
As Edie and Lily made their way upstairs from the kitchen, Lily looked back at her sister. ‘So, is your mystery man going to be there tonight?’ she asked slyly.
‘For goodness’ sake, will you stop going on about this mystery man? There is no mystery man.’
‘I don’t know why you keep lying.’
‘I’m not lying and no, obviously there isn’t a man coming with me tonight. Because I don’t have a boyfriend.’ Which was true, she thought sadly. Since the day he’d said he’d like to meet her family, Edie hadn’t heard from Robert, and suddenly, once again, she was wondering where she stood with him. Why couldn’t they be like other couples and go to dances and the cinema? Why did they always have to meet in private?
She was so lost in her thoughts that she bumped into Lily’s back as her sister stopped abruptly in the doorway.
‘Crikey! Just look at you!’ Lily exclaimed. ‘Leave your hair down, Marianne. I’ve got some clips and you could just fasten it behind your ears.’
‘No way! It’s too long. Maybe I’ll get it cut.’ Marianne ran her fingers through her hair, pulling the tangles loose.
Edie pushed Lily out of the way so she could get a look. ‘I’ll do it for you, but not tonight.’ Edie was talented with the scissors and cut all their hair. ‘Stand up, let’s see you.’ Thoughts of Robert faded slightly as she stared at her sister. She was beautiful. How was it she’d never noticed before? Suddenly she began to understand how much Marianne had lost when she’d had Donny. She’d been too young to understand much about it at the time, but Marianne had never had the chance to have fun and be frivolous. To dress up and go to dances. To feel special . . . It made Edie realise what she was risking with Robert. And unless he agreed to make a proper commitment to her, maybe she shouldn’t see him again. The thought made her chest ache, so she pushed it to the back of her mind.
Bashfully, Marianne rose from the bed, holding the shawl over her chest.
Lily gave her a wolf whistle. ‘I see you every single day of my life – how come I didn’t know you had a figure like that? Please don’t tell me you’re going to wear that old shawl. It makes you look like a cross between old Mother Hubbard and Rita Hayworth.’ She reached over and tried to pull it off while Marianne gripped it tighter and slapped at Lily’s hand.
Edie giggled at them. ‘You do look beautiful, Marianne. But Lily’s right. Take that horrid thing off.’
‘But look!’ She removed the offending garment.
They both stared at her in bemusement. ‘What?’
Marianne gestured to her chest. ‘I need to hide these. They make me look loose!’
Her sisters burst out laughing and Lily rushed over and put her arm around her. ‘If there is one woman who cannot be called loose it’s you. Edie, don’t you think she looks entirely respectable?’
‘You do. Respectable and a little bit alluring.’
‘I don’t want to look alluring. Alluring gets you in trouble.’
‘Stuff and nonsense. Alluring means you can have fun!’ Lily said, pushing Marianne back down on to the bed. ‘Now, sit. I’m going to put a bit of rouge and lipstick on you while Edie has her bath.’
Downstairs, the small living room was crowded. Marge and Jeanie were keeping everyone entertained with their account of underground life at the castle, while Bert, Jimmy and Colin sat squashed on the sofa drinking beer and smoking. Reenie was sitting in the armchair opposite Nellie.
Bert let out a loud wolf whistle as his three sisters walked in. ‘Wowee, Marianne. I’m going to have my work cut out for me tonight keeping the men away from you!’
Marianne blushed while Jimmy came over and gave her a kiss. ‘You look stunning!’ He looked over at his other sisters: Edie was wearing a slim-fitting red dress with white piping and big buttons down the front, complementing her dark hair and beautiful green eyes, while Lily, her blonde hair loose around her shoulders, was wearing a green form-fitting dress that showed off her figure. ‘In fact, we’re going to have a very busy night.’ He gestured at Marge, Reenie and Jeanie. Marge was looking very glamorous in a white lacy blouse and a bright blue skirt patterned with small flowers, while even Reenie, who hated dressing up, had made the effort and put on her best skirt and jacket, although the look was ruined slightly as she was also wearing her clumpy lace-ups. As for Jeanie, she was wearing high-heeled sandals and a tight navy blue dress with a peplum skirt.
‘You need to cover those up,’ Nellie said disapprovingly, waving her hand vaguely at Marianne.
Marianne put her hand to her chest. ‘The girls thought it was all right, but maybe I should wear that shawl.’
‘Don’t you dare!’ Lily glared at her mother. ‘Honestly, Mum, when was the last time you saw Marianne looking like this? Can you remember?’
‘What I remember is that men – particularly those about to go to war – cannot be trusted to behave themselves when a girl puts herself on display like that. And we have the messy and noisy evidence to prove it!’
Marianne usually let these sort of remarks wash over her, but right now, they hit the mark and she turned abruptly, intending to get the shawl.
Marge stepped forward and grabbed Marianne’s arm before she could leave. ‘Why are we the ones who are always told not to give men the wrong idea when they are the ones who need to control themselves. It seems that just by being a woman you’re giving men the wrong idea! And don’t try to deny it, Mrs C. You know I’m right.’
‘Doesn’t matter what I think, though, does it? It’s a fact of life and those’ – she gestured again to Marianne’s chest – ‘will give men all sorts of wrong ideas. And added to the fact that she has Donny . . . Well, I’m sure you understand my meaning.’
‘Leave it out, Mum. When I see a beautiful woman, I don’t feel the urge to go and rip her clothes off. Generally, I wait till she gives me permission.’ Bert sniggered and looked over at Jeanie.
‘I’m sure you don’t have to wait too long for that,’ Jeanie said with a seductive smile.
Nellie threw Jeanie a contemptuous glance and wagged a finger at her son. ‘Are you trying to deny that when you see a woman showing herself off you don’t make certain assumptions, Albert Castle? If you are, you’re a liar.’
Bert looked away uncomfortably.
‘I thought as much. And what about you two?’ She looked over at Colin and Jimmy, who were smirking at Bert.
Jimmy coloured slightly. ‘No, Mum. I don’t. We’re not all savages, you know.’
Reenie, who had been listening quietly, her eyes darting between them all, decided to put an end to it. ‘Well, I think she looks gorgeous. As do you two,’ she said to Lily and Edie. ‘But we’ve got to go, so thanks for the tea, Mrs C., and we’ll see you later.’
Donny appeared from his cubby hole then and peered into the room, his eyes round with wonder.
‘Mum! You look like a princess!’
Marianne turned to him gratefully, although noticing his grubby hands and face, she merely dropped a kiss on his head. ‘Thank you, love.’
‘There you go. Out of the mouths of babes.’ Marge was still holding on to Marianne’s arm, and quickly hustled her out.
As they clattered down the stairs, Nellie shouted down after them, ‘You lot, behave! Boys, I expect you to look out for them. As for you, Lily Castle, just cos I didn’t say anything doesn’t mean I approve of that dress! It’s too tight.’ She paused, then added, ‘Edie, I think you look very nice. Enjoy your evening.’
As they emerged into the kitchen, Edie grimaced. ‘I don’t know whether to be insulted that she thinks I look nice or not.’
Jimmy laughed. ‘I think you look beautiful. Does that help? Who’s got the torches?’
Once the torches were produced, the nine young people stepped out into the night. It wasn’t fully dark yet, so there was just enough light to see by, but even so, the market square was mostly in shadow.
‘Oy!’ A figure was walking towards them. ‘For gawd’s sake turn that light off before you open the door, or next time you’ll be fined. Alternatively, tell your mum to get another curtain up at the door.’
Lily laughed at that. ‘I suggest you tell her yourself, Jasper. I’d rather face the entire German army than tell Mum she needs to put up another curtain.’
Jasper chuckled. ‘I don’t blame you, love. But I’m serious. You all better get used to it if you don’t want those Nazis zeroing in on our little patch.’
Edie, who was last to emerge, hastily shut the door, plunging the square into shadow again. Lily squealed as Marge exclaimed, ‘Bloody hell! It’s going to be darker than Hades out here later. Let’s all hold hands so we don’t lose anyone.’ And in a long chain they made their way gingerly along the shadowy pavement.
Chapter 11
Even though they all knew Dover like the backs of their hands, it was a surreal experience stumbling down the roads in the semi-darkness. It was the first time Marianne had ventured out at night since the blackout, and even though the evening was quiet, it made her anxious.
Finally, the group arrived at the Royal Oak on the corner of New Bridge and Cambridge Road near the seafront. Like most of the buildings in the area it was a tall three-storey, white stucco building, with a spacious bar on the ground floor that was separated into sections. The quiet section to the left of the door was where many of Mavis’s friends would sit, having a port and lemon and gossiping about their neighbours. The men meanwhile would congregate in the public bar on the right-hand side. Tonight it was packed with soldiers and sailors, all relishing one of their last nights out before going to war.
As the group walked in, the noise abated slightly, as dozens of heads turned to watch the progress of the women. Marianne blushed and pressed into Colin’s back, clutching her jacket to her chest.
Colin pulled her to his side and put a protective arm around her. ‘Hey, ignore them. They don’t mean any harm, it’s just because you look so pretty.’
She gave him a grateful look, wishing she was sitting snugly with Nellie in their little living room listening to the wireless while Donny did a puzzle on the floor. She knew she shouldn’t have come.
At the back of the pub was a larger, more open room with tables and chairs, where people could get some simple food – generally sandwiches or a pint of cockles. This too was crowded with servicemen who exuded a frenetic energy, as if they were determined to squeeze every last bit of fun from the evening.
As the group made their way down the stairs to the large function room, Marianne could hear a trumpet playing ‘Jeepers Creepers’.
‘Sounds like John and Alfie have started already,’ Colin whispered to her as they descended.
‘They’re good, aren’t they? Shame you couldn’t be at dinner last night, they put on a fabulous concert for us.’
‘Oh well, I’ve heard them before and you’ll see John playing the piano tonight. I think the band had seven members before they all decided to join up. The others have all gone their separate ways but Alfie and John wanted to stay together.’
Getting to the bottom of the stairs, Marianne paused and looked around. It was packed, and the air was blue with cigarette smoke. Mavis and Daisy had spent the day decorating the walls with Union Jack bunting, and had also hung a sign over the stage, which read: Good luck to all our brave troops. Give them hell!
Marianne grinned at that, pointing it out to Edie. ‘Typical Mavis!’ she said. ‘Never one to mince her words.’
Edie giggled. ‘No wonder she and Mum are such good friends.’
Up on the stage, Marianne couldn’t help noticing how handsome Alfie looked. Like so many of the other men, he was dressed in khaki, but somehow he carried his uniform off with panache, as if he was born to wear it. As he played a particularly high and long note, he bent over backwards, pointing the trumpet straight up to the ceiling, causing his cap to fall off. He didn’t seem to notice, though, so lost was he in the music. At the piano, John was playing up a storm, bouncing up and down on the stool in excitement, grinning at the audience and winking at every pretty girl who caught his eye. Or rather, Marianne thought, they were trying to catch his attention. She noticed a group of girls who she sort of knew standing at the front, ignoring most of the other men in the room and dancing with each other, their eyes glued to the stage.
Just then, Alfie took the trumpet from his lips and started to sing. His voice was gruff and deep, and his dark blond hair gleamed under the light. Marianne was transfixed.
‘There’s a table over there. Go and sit down and I’ll get you girls a drink,’ Colin shouted in her ear, directing her to a table against the wall to the side of the stage. He disappeared into the throng, pushing his way to the bar at the back of the room where Daisy, Mavis and another girl were rushed off their feet serving the clamouring servicemen.
Marianne looked at the table nervously. She wanted to sit down, but it felt a little too exposed. Glancing around for Edie, she grabbed her hand. ‘Come on. Let’s sit down.’
Edie followed her obediently, her eyes fixed on the stage.
Reenie and Lily, Marianne could see, had already been pounced on and were dancing with a soldier and a sailor respectively. Bert was dancing with Jeanie, a little too closely, Marianne thought, considering the tempo of the song, and Marge, too, had found a very tall sailor who was twirling her around and grinning at her broadly.
Sitting down on the stool, Marianne looked up at the stage once more. Alfie and John were obviously in their element. Dover did get the occasional famous performer, but she could tell these two were in a different class from most.
Suddenly Alfie’s eyes locked with hers and he grinned and gave a little wave as he continued to sing. Several of the women who had been watching him looked around to see who had got this special attention, and glared at Marianne before turning away.
A sailor came over to the table, his eyes fixed on Edie, and held out his hand. ‘You wannae dance?’ he said in a broad Scots accent.
Edie glanced at Marianne, her eyebrows raised.
‘Go on, enjoy yourself. Colin will be back soon.’
Edie rose, feeling, however wrongly, disloyal to Robert as she was whirled into the throng. Marianne pulled her jacket closer around her and tried to disappear into the wall, praying that no one would ask her to dance. Her prayers weren’t to be answered, though, as a large, rough-looking soldier came over and tried to pull her out of her seat.
‘Oh no, sorry. I’m waiting for my . . . my boyfriend,’ she stammered.
‘Ah weel,’ he said, his eyes running over her admiringly. ‘I shodae known a bonny girl like you would be taken. He’s a lucky man. Make sure he treats you right.’
He had such a friendly face that Marianne suddenly felt bad. ‘But . . . I’m sure he wouldn’t mind . . .’ she said tentatively, holding out her hand.
He waved it away. ‘Ach, no, love. I wouldn’a want to steal another man’s girl. With me being such a fine specimen an’ everything.’ He grinned self-deprecatingly.
She withdrew her hand with some relief. ‘You’re right,’ she said with a smile. ‘He’d be horribly jealous because you’re so much better looking than him.’
‘Aye, it’s a constant problem.’ He sighed comically. ‘Ah weel, ne’er mind, eh.’ He gave her a friendly salute and disappeared back into the crowd.
Marianne giggled to herself. If she hadn’t been so nervous, she would have danced with him. He seemed nice. Perhaps now she was older, she shouldn’t be so afraid of men. If anyone else asked her, she’d say yes, she decided.
Her eyes wandered to the stage again and she saw that Alfie had noticed the exchange. He winked at her, then turned away to execute a little twirl. He was a good dancer as well. Was there nothing he couldn’t do?
Colin and Jimmy returned and set a tray of glasses down on the table. Jimmy looked around and, spotting Reenie as she was coming off the dance floor, he grabbed her. ‘Come on, Reens, let’s show them how it’s done!’
Laughing with delight, Reenie went with him. They were both good dancers and they were soon waltzing through the crowds.
