Christmas to Come: a heartbreaking coming of age saga set in London's East End by Carol Rivers (first e reader txt) 📕

she looked at Joyce and Ronnie shaking hands with their guests. 'Going abroad is all the rage these days. It was what me and Percy had planned this year. A camping trip, not a hotel of course. But we could've afforded to take the twins to France with a tent. But now with Percy losing his job at Burlingtons …'

'But he's got the new job in Albert Dock, hasn't he?'

'Yes,' Dolly said quietly. 'He's on the boats. They're two abreast down there, in all states. Some need mending, some painting, you can see the ships going on and on down the dock, and new sheds are going up to accommodate them. The United States Lines have even begun to put their own shed up as they've got so much work.'

'Really?'

'Yes, but it's unskilled work and less pay.'

'Are you managing all right?'

Dolly nodded silently, chewing on her lip. Just then Gina walked in the door and began to approach them. Suddenly Dolly got up. 'I'm just going to the cloakroom,' she blurted and hurried off.

'What's the matter with Dolly?' Gina asked with a smile as she sat beside Bella. 'Where are the twins?'

'They're with their grandparents for the day.'

'Only she doesn't look very happy.'

'Percy lost his job at Burlingtons.' Bella wondered if she should go after Dolly. 'But he's got another one in Albert Dock, though it's not as much money.'

'Some of my customers work there too. It's very busy at the moment.'

'Yes, but Percy is a skilled in his trade and he was looking at promotion at Burlingtons. Now he's at the bottom of the pile again.'

Gina sighed and said softly, 'Well, he'd better make the best of it whilst it lasts.'

'What do you mean?'

'Burlingtons aren't the only ones in trouble so I hear. Many of my customers tell me the firms they work for are struggling. The machinery is old and in need of replacing. The factory sheds are like museums inside. Even the landing stages need renewing they're so rotten. Albert Dock is about the only place where new sheds are being built. Some blokes say that in ten years time, if there's no investment, the docks will be on their knees.'

'But that's impossible, Gina!'

'Nothing is impossible in this life, love. I hear a lot in my line of work, from all walks of life; the dockers and the union reps and the blokes passing through. We are going to need some serious redevelopment if we're to survive.'

Just then Joyce came over with two glasses of champagne. 'Come on girls, drink up. Chin-chin.'

Gina smiled as she accepted her drink. 'What time are you lovebirds off?'

'First thing in the morning. We're driving to Dover to pick up the ferry.'

'I hope Ron knows his way,' Gina giggled. 'If that was Lenny we'd end up in Russia.'

They all laughed and although Bella knew Gina missed Lenny she also knew her friend wasn't going to let it show. Her appearance was stunning; a striking black and white dress and matching hat with an upturned brim. She smelt of expensive perfume and her carefully applied make-up hid all the signs of her recent troubles. Bella didn't know whether to mention Lenny as she didn't want to spoil the day. But Gina didn't seem concerned as she continued to drink from the fluted glass. 'Congratulations, Joyce, you make a lovely bride,' she laughed gaily.

'Yes, really beautiful,' Bella agreed, sipping the champagne as the sparkles burst on the edge of her nose.

Laughing with her friends, Bella looked round for Dolly. It was unlike her not to join in the fun and the buffet would be starting soon.

Half an hour later, Bella found Dolly in the garden. She was sitting on a bench, watching the children play.

'Dolly, what are you doing out here?'

'I needed some fresh air.'

'I've been looking all over for you.'

'Oh, sorry.' She paused and said in a flat voice, 'Your Michael is a handsome boy. He's going to be tall like his dad.'

'He's outgrowing his clothes,' Bella answered as she sat down beside Dolly. 'Are you coming in? They're serving the food now.'

'I'm not hungry.'

Bella lifted the lock of dark hair that shielded Dolly's face and tucked it behind her ear. 'What are you not telling me Dolly? You never go off your food. You look very pale and you were in the cloakroom ages.'

Dolly looked down at the table. The afternoon sun glanced across her face and she shivered. Bella noted that her lipstick had worn off and she was clutching a hanky. 'I do feel a bit sick.'

'But you haven't eaten anything!'

'I know.' Dolly stood up. She was now very white. 'I'll have to go back to the lav again.' And with that she hurried off.

'Mummy, is it time for dinner?' Michael called as he ran over from the swings.

'Yes, I'll take you in.'

'Can I have anything I want?'

Bella smiled down at her hungry son. 'I don't see why not, except you might not know what some of the food is. Let's find daddy to help us.'

A few minutes later Bella had left Michael with Micky and his Uncle Ronnie as they queued at the big buffet table. Quickly she went through the swing doors and out to the cloakroom. Her suspicions were confirmed when she heard noises coming from the cubicle. 'Dolly, can I help?'

'I'll be out in a minute.'

Eventually Dolly appeared. She was wiping her mouth and looked a ghostly white.

'Here, throw some water over your face,' Bella suggested and Dolly leaned over the basin.

'How long have you been like this?'

'About a week.' Dolly sank down on a stool.

Bella gave her a clean hanky from her bag. 'You don't have to tell me what's up. I know.'

Dolly looked up at her, nodding. 'I'm expecting - again.'

'Are you sure?'nodded sadly. 'I was like this with the twins.'

'But why are you so unhappy, love? Having a baby is a wonderful thing.'

Dolly grabbed Bella's hand. 'I don't want it, Bella. I can't have it. Not now. Not with what's happened.'

'But Percy's