A Promise Between Friends Read online

  ‘You’re as vain as any girl,’ Mum often told him and she was right. Pete would occupy the bathroom for hours, until Dad hammered on the door, wanting to use the lav.

  Ruby inhaled as she opened the wardrobe. Pete’s particular smell wafted out. An unforgettable mixture of wood and spice that was his favourite Floris cologne. His clear image suddenly danced into her mind, bringing with it both pain and pleasure.

  All his suits were hung neatly on sturdy wooden hangers. Some were even marked Savile Row. His best shoes were lined neatly below, all polished to perfection. She reached down, sliding out one of the brown suede loafers. It was hardly worn, the sole almost without a scratch. Then, as she was about to replace it, her eye fell on a small catch at the back of the wardrobe. Taking hold of it, she pulled gently.

  To her surprise the floor shifted. Was there something beneath? Should she look? Ruby listened for the sewing-machine noise. It was still clattering away as noisily as ever. With haste, she lifted the wooden base. Below was a book, and one she recognized.

  Pete’s diary.

  Ruby’s heart was racing as she sat on Pete’s bed, diary in hand. No larger than a school exercise book and bound by a flimsy grey cover. ‘You’re too young to read it,’ he’d said as he’d taken the book from her wandering hands as she’d sat idly in his room. ‘One day perhaps, when you know more about life.’

  ‘I’m old enough now,’ she’d insisted, but Pete had only chuckled and she’d noticed how quickly he’d slipped it out of sight.

  Now, about to open the diary, she hesitated. But how could she resist seeing inside?

  ‘Jan 4 1950. Today R. Westminster, then Harrow. Will call Joanie later,’ Pete had written on the first page in his clear, familiar handwriting. More dates followed. Some of the entries made her smile. ‘Collect suit a.m. Barber’s. Full works this time. Joanie likes me smooth as a baby’s bottom.’

  Joanie? Who was this Joanie? It must be his girlfriend. But Ruby had never heard Pete mention her. She read on. ‘Mr R to the House of Commons today.’ And, ‘Collect clients from Heathrow. Tight bastards. No tips.’

  There was a quote from someone with the initials WC: ‘If you’re going through hell, keep going.’

  She studied the walls of his bedroom. There were no pictures of girls, or even a girlie calendar, much less a photo of Joanie. But there was a poster of a film that Pete had raved about. And on the wall by the wardrobe a picture of an ugly white dog wearing a black top hat. Ruby smiled. Pete’s sense of humour had been crazy.

  Who was this Joanie? Ruby wondered again. Pete had lots of girlfriends. None had stood the test of time. Was Joanie one of Pete’s secrets? A special girl he’d really liked?

  Ruby read on. Some entries weren’t dated. There were random thoughts and even poems. Suddenly she realized the house was quiet. Replacing the shoes, she closed the wardrobe door quietly. There was no sewing-machine noise. Quickly she slipped Pete’s diary under her jumper.

  A few steps later and she was safely in the bathroom.

  ‘Oh, here you are,’ her mother said, looking in. ‘I went outside to see if you was in the garden.’

  ‘Would you mind if I had a bath?’ Ruby asked. ‘I ain’t had a good soak for ages.’

  ‘Course not. There’s plenty of hot water. The council put in a new boiler to cure the damp. Just turn the knob and it’ll come through.’

  ‘Thanks, Mum.’

  ‘There’s a towel behind the door,’ Babs said, frowning. ‘I’ll go and find some Lifebuoy.’

  After she’d gone, Ruby turned the knob. Soon the cold, musty bathroom was warm. At least there was constant hot water now.

  She wondered if her mum knew about Pete’s diary. Would she look for it, then find it gone? No. That was unlikely. The catch in the wardrobe was hidden.

  ‘Here you are, ducks.’ Babs returned with the soap.

  Ruby couldn’t undress as the diary was inside her jumper. But her mum just stood there.

  ‘It’s nice to have you home,’ Babs said sadly. ‘Just like the old days.’

  This gave Ruby a jolt. Her mum had never said she missed her before. It had all been about Pete. Now Babs stood there, staring through puzzled eyes. As if, looking at Ruby, she had suddenly remembered something she’d lost.

  Ruby knew it was still all about Pete. The son Babs had loved so dearly and was now gone. But where? This question was in her mother’s gaze, the mother who couldn’t leave grief behind.

  ‘Pete will be pleased to see you.’

  A shiver went over Ruby. It was as if Pete’s ghost was trapped in the prefab. Babs kept him prisoner, refusing to allow Pete his escape.

  ‘Better get on with me sewing,’ Babs said in a distant voice, and, to Ruby’s relief, went out.

  Chapter Eight

  It was early in December and most shops had already put up their decorations. Ruby left the bus in Oxford Street, eager to window shop as she made her way to Dower Street. The lights strung overhead were not yet alight. Everyone was busy shopping, enjoying the Saturday afternoon. She gazed in all the shop windows. There were tall artificial green Christmas trees, decorated with silver balls and glitter. Lifelike models of children wearing winter coats and hats with brightly coloured scarves. Over it all was a dusting of white fake snow.

  Carols were being played by a Salvation Army band and Ruby paused to listen. She dug in her purse for a copper to give to the worthwhile cause. After listening to ‘Silent Night’, Ruby moved on. Once again she saw her reflection in the windows as she passed through the crowds. Her new outfit, bought at the Co-op last week to cheer herself up, looked very smart. The three-quarter-length coat and straight skirt looked classy, a definite plus. She wanted to impress Anna. Unfortunately, she was broke again, but she was in no hurry to settle the rent. Not after Bernie’s unforgivable behaviour!

  Her extravagance quickly forgotten, she continued to admire her reflection. The plum-coloured coat with its high rolled collar marked her out from the crowd. Her black suede peep-toes, leather gloves and fashionable beret were the perfect accessories.

  Ruby paraded on, her bottom swaying from side to side. She felt top dollar, as Pete would say. For a few seconds she thought about his diary tucked safely away in her drawer. Every so often she’d take it out and read it. But only when Kath wasn’t there. And that wasn’t very often.

  It was now almost three, according to the clock above a tobacconist’s. As Debbie had left early to meet Rog she’d closed the parlour at twelve and caught the first bus up to the West End. She’d just had enough money for a coffee in the El Cabala in Oxford Street.

  Would Anna be at home? she wondered. And even if she was, would she be too busy to see her?

  Ruby turned off at Marble Arch and made her way to the Edgware Road. As she didn’t know where Dower Street was, she stopped to ask the way in a corner shop selling hardware. She was given directions to a small square which led to Dower Street. Ruby walked along the rows of white stucco terraces, admiring the pillared front doors and their shining brass letterboxes. Other houses were not quite so impressive. But peeling paint or not, they all had charm.

  Number 10 had broad white steps, gleaming long windows and a basement. Her heart raced.

  Following Anna’s instructions, she pressed the red button. Would Anna answer?

  The door opened and there stood Anna, just as Ruby remembered her. Tall and slim, with her dark hair swept up at the back of her head. Her green eyes were emphasized by a set of jade earrings and a chunky glass necklace. The tangerine dress she wore might not have suited everyone, Ruby thought, but against Anna’s creamy complexion it looked wonderful.

  ‘I thought you had decided not to visit me,’ Anna said, kissing her cheek and drawing her into the beautifully decorated hall. ‘I was beginning to feel forgotten.’

  ‘We were busy at work,’ Ruby said, surprised by such a warm greeting. ‘Or I would have come sooner.’

  ‘Never mind, you’re here now. What a wonderful s
urprise.’

  Ruby followed Anna into a large room furnished with two white brocade sofas scattered with silk-covered cushions. Pale, thick rugs lay on the floor. To the rear of the room was a set of white doors and Ruby could hear voices beyond.

  ‘You’re entertaining,’ Ruby said, glancing anxiously over Anna’s shoulder. ‘I don’t want to interrupt.’

  ‘Not at all.’ Anna took her coat. ‘In fact, this is perfect timing.’

  Ruby didn’t quite believe her as Anna placed her hands on her hips, studying Ruby carefully. ‘May I say you look charming today.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘You have a good figure, my dear. Have you ever done any modelling?’

  ‘No,’ Ruby replied. ‘But I always wanted to work in fashion.’ She sat on one of the sofas. It was like sitting on a cloud. ‘This is a lovely room.’ She couldn’t take her eyes from the glass chandeliers sparkling like hundreds of jewels.

  ‘Thank you,’ Anna said. ‘Would you like tea or coffee?’

  ‘No, thank you,’ Ruby answered politely. ‘I wanted to phone you first. But I didn’t have a number.’

  Anna tilted her head as she sat down and crossed her long legs. ‘Did you enjoy your evening at the Manor?’

  ‘Yes, very much.’

  ‘A few of us are going on the 19th. Are you free to come?’

  Ruby nodded eagerly.

  ‘And of course, you’ll stay the night.’

  Ruby felt dizzy with excitement. ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘We’ve plenty of guest rooms upstairs.’

  Ruby took a shocked breath. She’d thought this was just a flat. ‘You mean this whole house is yours?’

  Anna chuckled. ‘I use it as my office too.’ She reached for a small green box on the long ornate glass coffee table. ‘I know you don’t smoke, but you don’t mind if I do? It’s a dreadful habit. But I can’t seem to kick it.’

  ‘No, of course not.’ Ruby felt flattered that Anna had remembered.

  ‘Tell me more about yourself and this poodle parlour.’ Anna flipped open the top of a silver lighter and held the flame to the filter-tip cigarette.

  ‘Actually, it’s the only one in the East End.’ Ruby was proud of that.

  ‘Who runs it?’ Anna asked interestedly.

  ‘Larry Dickens, a very nice man, and his business partner, Stuart.’

  ‘How long have you been working there?’

  ‘Nearly a year,’ Ruby explained. ‘I saw the advert in the Gazette and applied.’

  ‘You must like animals.’

  ‘Not especially,’ Ruby admitted shyly.

  ‘A curious choice then, for a smart young woman like you. If animals are not your thing,’ Anna said with a frown, ‘then why are you working there?’

  Ruby hesitated. ‘It was just something different to try. And Larry’s a very good boss. He lets me and Debbie run the place just as long as we make enough money for him and Stuart to go on all their holidays.’

  ‘I see. So, do you have any long-term goals?’ Anna enquired after a short pause. ‘For instance, could you be tempted into a new career?’

  ‘Well, I might,’ Ruby replied, a little flustered at the unexpected question. ‘I’m saving up for my own place, you see. The bedsit me and my friend Kath live in is very small. One day I want a nice flat, with a bathroom.’

  Anna smiled, sitting quietly for a few moments. ‘Well, I may be able to help you there.’ Her green eyes met Ruby’s with confidence. ‘You see, this is a modelling agency. My girls are trained for such stores as Harrods and Debenhams. It’s not unusual for an international costumier to request our services.’ Anna paused, tilting her head as Ruby’s eyes grew wider. ‘Sometimes the girls are asked to escort our clients. Wealthy businessmen visit the capital, and attend many important functions. They like to be seen with stylish women who wear elegant gowns. And we like our models to be seen with them. These days, the newspapers can make or break a reputation. So if we are linked to a famous name, everyone wants to hire a model from the Charnwood-Smythe Agency.’

  Ruby nodded, trying not to look as ignorant as she felt.

  ‘Our recruiting programme is very strict,’ Anna continued. ‘I only employ girls I can trust, and demand absolute discretion. As do our clients of course.’ She paused. ‘In fact, I’m interviewing at this very moment.’ As she bent forward to put out her cigarette, she slid her beautiful green eyes towards Ruby. ‘So, my dear, does the idea appeal to you?’

  Ruby gulped in a breath. ‘How much would it cost to be a model?’

  ‘I’m not suggesting you pay me,’ Anna laughed in surprise. ‘The training is automatic if you sign with the agency. How do you feel about that?’

  ‘But, why me?’ Ruby asked, puzzled.

  ‘When I first saw you at the Manor, I knew you were very special,’ Anna explained. ‘Your taste and grooming impressed me. Then, as we talked, I realized you had an open and charming personality, perfect for our agency. However . . .’ Anna paused, raising her perfectly curved eyebrows. ‘It would have been very remiss of me to talk business and interrupt your evening. Especially as you told me it was a very special night for you and your friends. That’s why I gave you my address and hoped to see you again.’

  Ruby didn’t know whether to be flattered or disappointed. What had she imagined that Anna wanted with her? Why would a woman such as Anna seek her friendship? But even as she thought this, Ruby was overwhelmed by the thought of Anna’s offer.

  ‘Do forgive me, Ruby,’ Anna said with a soft pout.

  ‘There’s nothing to forgive,’ Ruby replied quietly. ‘It’s just that I’m a bit surprised.’

  ‘If your answer is no, we shall still be friends. And look forward to another evening together at the Manor.’

  ‘But even if I accepted your offer, I’d have to give Larry a month’s notice.’ Ruby hesitated. ‘And travelling here each day would be a problem. I had to change buses twice and walk from the Edgware Road. Also, I haven’t really got any good clothes.’

  Anna began to laugh, waving her hand again as if none of these concerns mattered. ‘Ruby, these are very small issues. It makes no difference to me when you start, just as long as I have your assurance you are seriously interested. Otherwise I would hire someone else. As for taking buses – there will be none of that. You’ll stay here at the house until we find you your new accommodation. And you will be pleased to hear it’s the agency’s policy to supply their staff with a comprehensive new wardrobe. After all, you will be representing the firm.’

  Ruby’s pulse raced. Was she dreaming? This was everything she had ever wanted – and more.

  Anna smiled, raising a slender finger. ‘One warning. Modelling may sound glamorous but it’s also exacting. Clients can be demanding and often difficult. You will be expected to humour them and use tact. The hours are long and can be unsocial. You may well find you have little time to yourself. However, you will be given a good wage. A flat basic of £10 a week and you will often receive tips. I don’t want to paint a perfect picture. But I think you would enjoy the challenge.’

  Ruby caught her breath. In just a couple of months she would earn more than she did in a year.

  ‘Take your time and think about it. We’ll talk again on the 19th,’ Anna promised.

  Just then, a slender figure walked towards them from the far room. Dressed in an exquisite powder-blue suit, the redhead smiled. ‘Hello, Ruby.’

  Anna rose to her feet. ‘Paula, do take Ruby in to meet the other girls.’

  ‘Nice to see you again, Ruby.’ Paula extended her hand. ‘Do come along.’

  ‘I’ll join you shortly,’ Anna called, but Ruby had no time to reply as she was shown into a large, perfume-filled room where two young women reclining on lemon sofas gazed up at her and smiled.

  Enlivened by her afternoon at Anna’s, Ruby made her way home in what was turning out to be a pea-souper. As the fog engulfed her she began to wish that she had accepted Anna’s offer to stay the night.
But she had been worried about Kath – as usual. What would she have told her? This time she couldn’t use her mum as an excuse.

  Now she had missed her bus, one of the few in service. All hope of getting home quickly had vanished as the bus’s lights disappeared in the eerie yellow mists. She stood, cold and confused, having almost walked under the wheels of an oncoming car.

  The driver pulled into the kerb and wound down his window. ‘You were lucky I missed you back there,’ he called.

  Ruby peered through the fog. ‘Sorry, I didn’t see you. I wanted to catch my bus.’

  ‘That’s Ruby, isn’t it?’ the familiar voice said and he waved her closer.

  Ruby was startled when she saw his face. ‘Oh, it’s you!’

  ‘Yes, now that is a coincidence. Where are you off to?’

  ‘I live in Poplar, near the Bricklayer’s.’

  He pushed open the door. ‘Jump in. I’ll save you the bus fare.’

  Ruby hesitated. She remembered Anna’s warning. Was he to be trusted?

  ‘Come on,’ he coaxed, grinning. ‘I assure you I won’t bite.’

  She climbed in and sat stiffly on the comfortable leather seat. ‘What are you doing round here?’

  ‘I was on my way to the Jester. Do you know it?’

  ‘No. Is it a club?’

  He chuckled as he drove away from the kerb. ‘Yes. Nothing to get excited about though. And what brings you out in this pea-souper?’

  ‘I’ve been to visit a friend,’ she said after a brief hesitation. Perhaps it wasn’t wise to mention Anna.

  ‘Sit back and relax,’ he said, swerving the car around a large truck. ‘Let’s get away from the river and this damned weather.’

  A remark that immediately worried her. As he drove, she looked out of the window for familiar landmarks, but could recognize none. This didn’t look like the direction to Poplar. Where was he taking her? Anna’s warning came back to mind. Who would ever know that she’d accepted a lift in the fog from a stranger?

  Then another thought came; it wasn’t just Nick’s voice she recognized but the car too. The vehicle’s shiny black paint, its ornate chromium grille and heavy-duty bumper bar. She’d seen the car before and now she remembered where.