Free Backstreet Child by Harry Bowling

ter tell yer the trufe, Mrs Bradley, we’re not surprised,’ he said, looking round at the other men. ‘We’ve ’eard that some o’ the ovver firms are doin’ the same, but if yer don’t mind me sayin’ so, ain’t yer bein’ a bit ’asty? After all, nobody knows if there is gonna be a war fer sure. It might all come ter nuffink.’
     
    Carrie gave Paddy a brief smile. He was always the optimist, the most happy-go-lucky of her men. ‘Look, Paddy,’ she began. ‘I’m sure in my mind that before long war’s gonna be declared. I ’ope ter God I’m wrong, but I’m convinced it’s gonna come to it. I can’t keep those ’orses in a place like Bermon’sey. It’d be cruel wiv the bombin’ that’s sure ter come. Yer can see fer yerself all the air-raid shelters that’s goin’ up round ’ere. All right, I could wait fer a while, but once war is declared it’ll be too late. A lot o’ transport’s certain ter be commandeered an’ then it’s unlikely I’ll be able ter move the animals.’
     
    Jack Simpson, the eldest of the carmen, shuffled his feet and looked up at his solemn-faced employer. ‘So we’re bein’ laid orf?’ he said.
     
    Carrie folded her arms and looked round at the men one by one. ‘There’ll be a job fer two of yer, if yer want ter learn ter drive,’ she told them. ‘I’ve spoken ter Tubby Walsh an’ Tom Armfield an’ they both said they don’t mind teachin’ yer.’
     
    Jack shook his head vigorously. ‘Yer wouldn’t get me in those lorries, missus, not fer anyfing,’ he said emphatically.
     
    Percy Harmer, the youngest member of the group, grinned. ‘Well, that settles it fer me,’ he said. ‘I’m not married an’ I ain’t got any ties so I bin givin’ it some thought about volunteerin’ fer the army. That’s what I’m gonna do now.’
     
    Paddy looked at the others, then he turned to Carrie. ‘All right, I’ll give it a try,’ he said cheerfully. ‘I’ve always fancied meself as a lorry driver.’
     
    Carrie looked at the remaining carman. ‘What about you, Lofty?’
     
    Lofty Bamford shook his head slowly. ‘I ain’t cut out fer lorry drivin’, Mrs Bradley,’ he replied. ‘I’ll stick wiv ’orses. I’eard the railways are keepin’ their ’orses, so I’ll try there.’
     
    Carrie nodded. The meeting had been better than she had anticipated. Only Jack showed any sign of ill feeling. The rest seemed to understand the position, she felt.
     
    While the meeting was taking place in the office, Jamie Robins had gone over to the house to help Rachel and Joe plough through the mass of forms that had recently arrived. Along with the applications for road licences, there were government forms which required information on the number of vehicles owned and the current contracts, as well as applications for petrol supplies should rationing be necessary. Jamie was very relieved when he saw an exemption form that was among the pile of incoming mail. He knew that Carrie would do her best to keep him and he settled down to work happier in the knowledge.
     

Chapter Five
     
    During the early summer the Dawsons moved into Page Street, and their neighbours the Smiths got to know them much quicker than they might have expected. It started innocently enough when Mrs Dawson finished unpacking her bits and pieces and then went next door to ask Alice Smith for change for the gas meter. Being an inquisitive person by nature, Alice was keen to find out a little about her new neighbour and she invited her in.
     
    ‘I’ve got a tanner ’ere somewhere,’ she said, going through her various hiding places before eventually finding it. ‘Would yer care fer a cuppa while yer ’ere?’
     
    ‘That’s good of yer,’ the buxom Dolly Dawson replied, her large green eyes widening. ‘I’ve just about got straight before the tribe comes ’ome from school. I’m just ’opin’ they find their way ’ere.’
     
    ‘’Ow many kids yer got?’ Alice enquired,