The Woolworths Girls by Elaine Everest

Author:Elaine Everest [Everest, Elaine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781447295495
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

‘What time are you off, Alan?’ George asked as he handed his son-in-law a pint of bitter.

Alan took a gulp of the dark brown liquid and wiped his mouth. ‘Early tomorrow morning. They’ve given me a train pass, so at least Sarah won’t be worried about me riding Bessie all the way to Scotland.’

George patted Alan’s shoulder. ‘It’s for the best. Women don’t take to motorbikes like we do. They fuss about their hair and their clothes. I always fancied one myself. I told Irene we could have a motorbike with a sidecar and she nigh on went through the roof. She was hell to live with for weeks until I bought the car. Don’t tell her I said so, but I’m glad now we got the car. It’s handier for when I have to drive up from Devon. I’m not as young as you, Alan. I like to keep dry and warm these days.’

Alan nodded. He could see George’s point. No doubt when he was older and had a couple of nippers, he’d feel the same. He looked at his watch. ‘I suppose we’d better go find the womenfolk. Is Irene in Dreamland with the others?’

‘There’s no rush, lad. We’ve got time for another pint. Irene went for a walk. She’s not one for funfairs. She said she’d meet us all for tea later before heading back to The Kentish Queen and home. Ted Sayers was telling me there won’t be many more leisure trips on the steamer. He’s talking about carrying cargo up and down the Thames instead.’

‘I can’t see many people wanting to take pleasure trips. There’s no knowing how safe it’s gonna be on the river.’

The two men gazed out over the Margate seafront deep in thought. The mild September weather had drawn families out for a day on the beach. Children were digging in the sand making castles, while their parents sat on deckchairs and enjoyed the warmth of the autumn sun. If it weren’t for a number of visitors in uniform and most people carrying gas masks, it could have been any sunny day at the popular Kent seaside resort. Behind the pub where George and Alan were enjoying a pint could be heard the screams of excitement from people tasting the delights of Dreamland.

‘Do you think they’ll all be here this time next year enjoying the sunshine?’ Alan asked.

George finished the last of the beer. ‘There’s no point in asking things like that, lad. Who knows? As long as Dreamland is open and people are allowed onto the beach, there’ll be those who will come and enjoy themselves like they always have. This war could run on for a few months or years, but people won’t let it get them down. Fancy another?’

‘Just half, thanks, George. Then I’ll go see what the girls are up to. Young Freda’s that excited. You’d think she’d never been to the seaside before.’

‘There you are!’

The two men turned to find Sarah approaching them.

‘I’ve come to see if my husband wants a trip through the water caves with me.

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