A Mother Forever by Elaine Everest (free children's online books txt) 📕

Cissie went on to explain more about their daily job and what to expect. ‘There is a special train that goes from Dartford station down to the works, which are by the banks of the Thames. Out on the marshes, past Slades Green.’

Ruby frowned. ‘You mean I’ve got to catch a train to Dartford as well as the special train, when I could almost walk down to the riverbank from where I live?’

The girls chuckled. ‘No, we either walk or cycle. Going home, we can hitch a lift with one of the army lorries, although the drivers are getting crafty and will expect us to slip them tuppence. They don’t earn as much as us, the poor lads,’ Doreen explained.

‘May I ask what the money is like? I hadn’t given a thought about the wages.’

‘We get thirty shillings a week,’ Cissie said, ‘and five bob extra for working with dangerous materials. It’s much better than what the girls who work up at the Arsenal get.’

Jean interrupted. ‘Don’t forget we get another five bob if we fill sixty shells a day. Once you get the hang of the job, it’s easy,’ she said, looking at Ruby’s shocked face. ‘What we tend to do is help the new girls, and those who aren’t as nifty with their fingers, so everyone benefits. We just don’t let the bosses know, or there’d be hell to pay.’

‘That seems very kind of you,’ Ruby said. ‘I take it everyone is in good spirits there?’

‘It’s a lovely place to work,’ Cissie assured her. ‘Why don’t you apply? You can walk down with us. I’ll show you the ropes and we’ll make sure to ask for you to be in our shed. There are lots of girls work there from round here, even some up your road.’

Ruby nodded her head as she absorbed all the information. ‘I want to join you. I only really thought of working to help the war effort, but if I can earn some money and enjoy myself at the same time, all the better. I’ll go home and write a letter asking for an interview. There’s time to do that and catch the last post. But first, let me treat you all to some fresh tea and cake.’

15

‘If you follow that lane, Miss, you will see the hospital,’ the carter said as Ruby climbed down from beside him. Delving into her purse, she tried to offer him a few coins for his trouble, but he pushed her hand away. ‘Get off with you – I was coming this way, and it’s an honour to help a young lady meet her beau. Have you been before?’

‘No, I haven’t, that’s why I was so grateful you allowed me to travel with you. It has been quite a journey for me,’ she said, although she thought she would never be able to sit down properly again. The board they sat on had bounced up and down as the horse and cart travelled over every rut in the road. As much as she would have liked to stretch all of her limbs to ease her aches and pains, she didn’t like to in case he thought she was being ungrateful. ‘It’s not my beau, though. I’m coming to see our family friend – and I’m not quite sure what to expect,’ she admitted.

‘All I can say is, the people in this town have opened their hearts to the lads that were damaged in the war. You’re bound to hear some lovely stories about the fundraising. Why, there’s even a little teashop for them – well, that’s for the ones who want to walk to the high street. I do hope your friend is on the mend soon. There is no better place in the country than Queen’s Hospital. I’ve heard that Mr Gillies can perform magic on damaged faces. Now, I’m going to be back here in two hours’ time, and I’ll wait a while – that’s if you want a lift back?’

Ruby thanked him. ‘That would be marvellous, thank you so much. I’ll make sure I’m here dead on three o’clock.’

‘Don’t worry if you’re a bit late. I always have a break, a bit of bread and cheese on the way back. Take your time, love, and don’t forget to prepare yourself for what you’re going to see. Just remember that under all those bandages and scars there is someone’s son or husband looking back at you – so you just keep a smile on that pretty face of yours.’

‘I certainly will. Thank you again,’ she said, as he made a clicking noise between his teeth and the two horses began to move away.

Ruby had been pleasantly surprised when Stephen came knocking on her door two days after she’d had tea with the girls from the munitions works.

‘Can you possibly be ready to visit the Queen’s Hospital tomorrow?’ he had asked, looking quite excited. ‘I bumped into a carter I know who makes the journey to Sidcup once a week. I explained the circumstances and he was more than pleased to take you with him on his next delivery. It may be a bit of a rough journey but it would save you so much time, especially as you don’t know the way.’

‘Why, that’s marvellous. I can’t thank you enough. Come along in – I’ve been baking and can offer you a slice of cake with a cuppa.’

‘Have you ever heard me say no?’ he said as he followed her inside. ‘It’s fair nippy out there. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a bit of snow before too long. You’d best wrap yourself up warm tomorrow. Wear your warm coat and your woolliest stockings,’ he grinned. ‘Is young Pat home from school yet?’

‘She shouldn’t be too long. Do you know she doesn’t like me picking her up any more? She comes home with the other girls. She’s quite grown up and independent these days,