The Picture House Girls by Patricia McBride

Author:Patricia McBride [McBride, Patricia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

12

ACQUAINTED – BROUGHT INTO SOCIAL CONTACT; BECOMING FAMILIAR

Edward was as true as his word and was waiting at Lyons Corner House as arranged, looking very smart. Seeing him made my heart run faster, and my knees went weak when he smiled at me. He shook hands rather formally and we looked at each other shyly. I’d thought about him so much, but the truth was we’d hardly spent any time in each other’s company. One thing I’d remembered right though, was how gorgeous he was, lovely eyes and a touch of Cary Grant’s chin and dimples.

‘Hello, Lily,’ he said, ‘we finally meet again. I’m so glad. I’ve thought about you often.’

I blushed and got horribly hot. ‘I’ve thought of you too. You were so kind when you rescued me.’

He gave a broad smile. ‘You’re worth rescuing.’

We hardly knew where to start, so much had happened to me since we met, and I realised the same would be true for him.

I told him all about my promotion at the Dream Palace and he seemed genuinely impressed. ‘That’s terrific. It’s hard for girls to get promotion. You’ll be running the place yet.’

The Nippy came just then, smart as ever in her black skirt and blouse with a white apron with a frilled edge and her black and white hat on exactly right. I’d heard Lyons were real sticklers for the uniform being worn correctly. She held her little notebook and pencil at the ready.

‘What can I get you? Miss? Sir?’ she asked.

‘Lily, what would you like?’ Edward asked.

‘Just some tea, please.’

‘Tea for two and,’ he looked at me, ‘two Chelsea buns. Would that be okay?’

I smiled agreement. I couldn’t often afford cakes so it would be a treat.

We talked about the situation with Mr Hitler.

‘There’s going to be a war,’ Edward said, very decisively.

‘But most people I know think Chamberlain will sort it out, and President Roosevelt is trying too. Surely even Mr Hitler wouldn’t go to war and risk losing so many men.’

Edward frowned and shook his head. ‘I wish it were as easy as that. Hitler is up to all sorts of things. He’s violated the Munich Agreement and invaded Czechoslovakia. And Britain and France have promised Poland independence. Hitler has invaded that country and he’s not going to give it up without a fight. I think he wants to take over the world.’

‘But so many rich and famous people seem to think National Socialism is a good thing,’ I said.

He rubbed his forehead. ‘I’m afraid they have no idea what Hitler is really up to. Or perhaps with some of them it suits their purposes.’

I was beginning to feel very ignorant. ‘What purposes?’

‘Rich people often want to preserve the status quo and make sure the workers don’t get restless and demand more money or better working conditions. And some of them hate the Jews and are happy with what they hear is happening to them in Germany and Poland.’

Just then the nippy came with the tea and Chelsea buns. Edward thanked her and gave her a tip.

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