Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls by May Ellis

Author:May Ellis [Ellis, May]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2024-06-29T00:00:00+00:00

24

Lincolnshire

18 December 1915

Dear Lucas,

I can’t believe it is only a week until Christmas! In some ways, time drags so slowly, especially when I’m missing Mattie. But other times, it seems to rush past so quickly that I barely have time to catch my breath before another month has gone.

I finally heard from my mother. She sent me a letter saying how disappointed she and Pa are in me for going against their wishes, but that I could go home, although only if I was prepared to follow their rules. I have to confess, I was so happy to see Ma’s handwriting, but then her words left me hurt, angry and feeling let down. I’m not sure it will be possible to repair my relationship with my parents. They are so set in their ways, not willing to understand. So I don’t know whether I can return to their house. The world is changing and so am I. I feel as though I need to make my own way from now on.

I do want to go back to Street one day, though. I miss my friends and yes, even working at Clarks! I always enjoyed my job in the Machine Room. It was hard, but the Clarks are fair employers and, from what I’m learning about other factories, the workers there are treated very well indeed. Will is finding it tough at the tank factory. It’s not like Clarks at all. Peg says I should be able to get my old job back without any trouble when the time comes for me to return to Street. She’s also going to ask Mrs Searle if I can lodge with her like Kate does if I can’t reconcile with Ma and Pa. I think I would like that, although the thought of living in the house where Mattie grew up, without him, having to see his beloved mother every day might be more than I can bear. I just don’t know if I’m strong enough.

But enough of that. I don’t want to be sad when I write to you. Do you remember the performances put on by the Operatic Society? They were such fun. I never used to have the courage to take to the boards myself before, although remember when Jeannie and I helped with making costumes while you and Mattie helped with the scenery and props? Kate says she’s thinking of joining the Society chorus and is trying to persuade Jeannie to go with her. It made me smile to think of it as Jeannie isn’t one for showing off and would probably hate it, wouldn’t she? I do think I might enjoy it now that I’m a little older and wiser, so long as I’m in the back row of the singers! It would be good to bring smiles to people’s faces. Peg and I sing all the time, trying to remember old nursery rhymes and songs we sang as children, as well as some of the songs from the performances we’ve seen.

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