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‘I don’t really know,’ Elsie said but she looked doubtful.
‘And how about you?’
Elsie shrugged. ‘We’ll have to see about that, but I’m not sure it’s really possible to change when you’ve been around as long as we all have. You know, if you support United you can’t suddenly change your colours and become a City supporter. You’re a red for life.’
‘Spoken like a true fan, if I may say so,’ a man’s voice suddenly interjected and Lizzie looked up to find she was staring directly into the laughing eyes of the man she had momentarily mistaken for Joe. Close to, to her relief, he was nothing like Joe, though she had to admit he was good-looking and she was finding it difficult to ignore his warm, flirtatious smile.
‘And which side do you come down on? It’s Lizzie, I believe, isn’t it?’ he asked, not shifting his gaze from her face.
Lizzie nodded. ‘Yes, it is,’ she said, but then found for once she was lost for words. ‘I can’t say I’m much of a supporter of either of them,’ she said at last, ‘Mr …?’
‘Steve Carter.’ The man put his hand across the counter.
Lizzie shook it tentatively. ‘I don’t really know much about football.’
‘But you can’t live round here without declaring that you’re on one side or the other,’ Elsie said. ‘You’ve got brothers, so you should know.’
‘Yes, you’re right,’ Lizzie said. ‘They do talk rather a lot about United if they talk of any team, so I suppose, if I’m honest, I lean that way a bit too.’
‘Me, I blow whichever way the wind blows,’ Elsie said. ‘How about you, Steve?’ She turned to face him as she said this, lifting her eyebrows suggestively.
‘I must admit, I’m a Reds’ fan,’ Steve said. His eyes flickered from Lizzie’s face but only for a moment.
‘Maybe when you’re talking about which pub you’d choose to drink in, as we were,’ Lizzie said, ‘it’s not quite so all-embracing. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, for life, does it? Not like it seems to be with football.’
Steve laughed. ‘Probably not,’ he said. ‘I like to think people can be a little more flexible.’
‘It might be more fun to share things out a bit when it comes to pubs.’ Elsie grinned. ‘Like, sometimes I might drink at the Rovers, sometimes here. Then there mightn’t be so many fallings out.’
‘Nothing to stop you going to both on the same night if you’ve a mind,’ Steve laughed.
‘Do you know?’ Elsie pretended to think. ‘I might even do that,’ she said and her grin expanded into a personal smile that looked like she’d saved it just for him. ‘So tell me, Steve, you’re not from round here, are you? I don’t reckon I’ve seen you in any of the locals. Have you ever been drinking in the Rovers Return?’
‘Not yet,’ Steve said. ‘But as I’m thinking of moving into the area I’m sure I’ll get to it eventually. I thought I’d try this one first as it was new.’ He turned to look directly at Lizzie as he said this, but she was suddenly busy searching for a cloth to dry the glasses.
‘Well, I normally go the Rovers,’ Elsie said as if she hadn’t noticed him addressing Lizzie. ‘But I’m prepared to give this place a chance. I’ll wait and see what else they have to offer.’ She gave a wry laugh. ‘I go to the Rovers more out of habit. It’s not as though Annie Walker’d miss me. She’s the landlady there,’ she explained. ‘She doesn’t even like me. If anything, it’s just the opposite. Let me tell you, she’s given me a lot of grief over the years. When I first came to live in Coronation Street, I admit I was too young to be drinking legally but didn’t she like to show me up, especially if I was with a bloke? It didn’t matter what he ordered, she only let me drink lemonade. And she always seemed to be looking down her nose at me, like she thought she was too good to give the likes of me the time of day.’ She gave an ironic laugh. ‘She still does. It would serve her right if I were to switch my drinking habits and start coming here instead.’
‘I’ll be sure to try out the Rovers on your recommendation then,’ Steve turned back to Elsie and laughed. Elsie flashed him another of her special smiles and said, ‘I’ll look forward to seeing you there.’
Steve grinned and turned away. ‘And I’m sure I’ll be back here again to see you, Lizzie,’ he said, giving her the full beam of his smile. ‘But for now, can you pull me another pint, please?’
By the time Bob had closed the bar and cashed up the till, Lizzie was hovering outside the kitchen, ready to go. She was feeling the effects of having been on her feet all evening and couldn’t wait to get home.
‘Well, that was a good day’s work,’ Bob said.
‘Only it feels more like a day and a half,’ Lizzie said. ‘I wonder what the weather’s like out there now? Everyone was coming in well bundled up, saying it was getting colder, so I hope it’s not snowing.’
‘Would you like me to see you home?’ Bob said. ‘Then it won’t matter about the weather, I’ll keep you safe and warm.’ He reached out to put his arm round her waist.
‘No, thanks,’ Lizzie said. ‘I’ll be fine. I’m just tired, that’s all.’ She stepped away so that he ended up embracing the air.
‘Bar work can be tough going,’ he said as if nothing had happened.
‘It’s certainly that,’ Lizzie said. ‘So, I’ll be off home now and I’ll see you tomorrow.’ She moved quickly towards the front entrance and was relieved that he didn’t try to follow. She pulled open the doors and to her surprise found Hilda sheltering in the doorway.
‘What’s up with you?’ Lizzie asked. ‘I thought you’d long gone. Is anything wrong?’
‘Nowt’s wrong. I was waiting for you, that’s all,’ Hilda said. ‘I hope you don’t mind, but it had started to snow a bit and I know it’s not far but it’s a dark night and I thought you might like some company.’
Lizzie looked up at the black sky where the clouds had covered what was left of the moon.
‘No, of course I don’t mind. I’m glad to see you. But it’s so cold you must be frozen.’ Lizzie sank her hands deep into her coat pockets.
‘It is a bit parky,’ Hilda admitted and almost immediately linked arms and pulled Lizzie closer to her. ‘Though I’m pleased to see the snow didn’t stick. It’s bad enough that it made the cobbles all slippery, so take care as you walk.’
‘Can you believe it’s the end of our first day, or should I say night, at the Pride?’ Lizzie said.
‘You were certainly rushed off your feet. I wonder if it will always be like that?’
‘I hope not,’ Lizzie said. ‘I don’t mind being busy in general but I felt as if I was stuck to the pumps all night.’
‘That was a shame. You looked so bonny in that lovely dress,’ Hilda said, ‘but no one could see it. You hardly had time to show it off.’
Lizzie laughed. ‘Maybe I’ll get to wear it again another night. Just wait until I tell Ma I won the prize.’
‘That’s a great way to start a new job,’ Hilda said. ‘I don’t reckon it’ll feel the same when I start work first thing in the morning.’ She sighed. ‘I don’t even want to think of what I might find.’
‘I’m sorry I had no time to have a check round before I left,’ Lizzie said. ‘I did mean to. So I hope there won’t be too much of a disgusting mess for you to clean up.’
Hilda’s cackling laugh pierced the gloom. ‘That’s the first time I’ve had anyone worry about that!’
‘Well, I’ve worked in schools so I know how unappetizing a cleaner’s job can be,’ Lizzie said with some feeling.
‘Was you a teacher then?’ Hilda sounded surprised. ‘I always knew you were clever, much cleverer than me at any rate.’
‘I went to a training college after I got my higher certificate, but I never finished,’ Lizzie said.
‘That’s a shame. Why was that then?’
The question was straightforward enough but it caught Lizzie by surprise and for a moment she wasn’t sure how to answer. ‘Life got in the way, I suppose,’ she said eventually. ‘What with the war and – and all, th-things didn’t work out quite as I’d planned.’ She fumbled to find a handkerchief and wiped away the tears that were threatening to drip off the end of her nose. ‘My da was killed and I needed to find a job quickly. Once his wages stopped coming in, I had to earn some money to help support my … my ma and …’ She paused and bit her lip. ‘… And the boys.’
‘I bet you could’ve earned much more as a teacher than a barmaid,’ Hilda said.
‘Of course, if I could have seen it through, but i-it didn’t work out.’ She was caught up for a moment in her memories. ‘Maybe one day …’
‘I’m right sorry,’ Hilda said, her voice soft, and for the next few minutes they continued walking in silence.
‘Ne’er mind, eh?’ Hilda said eventually with a sigh, ‘I don’t suppose any of that will matter once you’re wed. You’ll be stopping at home to look after the babies.’
Lizzie looked surprised. ‘Why? Will you be giving up work as soon as you’re in the family way?’
‘Well, once Stan finds a job, maybe I will, but we’re not in the same class as you. Besides, it could take him a while,’ Hilda said defensively. ‘Though how on earth we’ll go on once the kiddies start arriving, goodness only knows.’
‘I suppose things have a way of working out.’ Lizzie patted Hilda’s arm.
‘I suppose they do.’ Hilda sighed. ‘He’s a good man, is my husband, despite what some folk say, and I know he’ll do his best by me if he can. I do love him, you know.’
‘I don’t doubt it, Hilda,’ Lizzie said.
‘And I’m sure you’ll find someone to love soon. Once the young men start coming back from the war.’
‘Oh, but I don’t want anyone,’ Lizzie said quickly. ‘I’ve had my chance and there won’t be another one for me.’
Hilda drew in her breath. ‘Don’t say that. You don’t know how you’ll feel when—’
‘Yes, I do,’ Lizzie cut in. ‘No one can replace Joe, I’m quite sure of that.’
Hilda hesitated before asking. ‘Was Joe your young man?’
Lizzie nodded.
‘You mean you was stepping out?’
‘More than that. We were going to get married.’
‘What happened to him?’ Hilda said. ‘If you don’t mind me asking.’
‘He was a pilot …’ Lizzie took a deep breath. ‘He – he got shot down. And I’ll never find anyone like Joe; he was very, very special.’ Lizzie’s voice suddenly cracked.
‘Oh, gosh! I’m sorry,’ Hilda said. She stopped walking and turned to give Lizzie a sudden hug. ‘I had no idea. But I’m sure you’ll find someone else.’
Lizzie clung to her for a moment. ‘No, I shan’t,’ she whispered.
‘How can you be so certain?’ Hilda asked, pulling away.
‘Because I shan’t be looking,’ Lizzie said resolutely and she wiped her face with her handkerchief trying to wipe away the sudden smiling image of Steve Carter that flashed in front of her eyes.
Chapter 3 (#u32a89401-71ce-5f73-9afb-1f4cd48eaf94)
Spring 1945
Although they didn’t know it at the time, by the end of March the residents of Weatherfield had seen the last of the V1 and V2 rockets that had done so much damage to people and property in England. The attacks had been random. A whining whistle followed by a short-lived silence then the shattering devastation of the giant bomb. It was never possible to predict when and where it would land, so that they became afraid to trust the silence. Now how could they believe they really had heard the last warning screeches of the air-raid sirens and the reassuring signals for the all clear? But by the middle of April, when no new explosions had been heard for several weeks, everyone began to hope that it was true, that they had seen the last of the flying bombs.
As spring officially arrived and the hours of daylight lengthened, so the mood of the residents of Weatherfield lifted and the weariness that had bogged them down for months was replaced by an atmosphere of cautious optimism. The news on the street was that the Germans were in retreat and the Nazis were floundering as the allies advanced, although it still took some time for the people of Weatherfield to believe that the war was actually about to end as the peace treaty had not yet been signed. But it was widely accepted that an official announcement would soon be forthcoming and there was a feeling of restlessness and suppressed excitement in the air as preparations began for the celebration of victory and there was much talk of street parties and the forthcoming bank holiday.
Annie Walker, spurred on by her husband’s letters to think that he might be returning home soon, began to think about organizing a street party to celebrate VE day – Victory in Europe. It would be a local party where the Rovers Return would feature prominently. She had been disturbed by the successful appearance of the refurbished Pride of Weatherfield so close to her own doorstep and had been thinking about what she should do in order to hold on to her customers. After several sleepless nights she discussed her ideas with her trusted barmaid Gracie.
‘If we were able to organize the biggest and best street party ever seen in Weatherfield,’ Annie said, ‘it might encourage some of the locals who’ve been deserting us of late to come back to drink here again. We need to put the Rovers Return back once more at the heart of the community, where it belongs. What do you think, Gracie?’
‘I think that sounds like an excellent idea,’ Gracie said. ‘And it would give you an excuse to go over to the Pride to tell them what we’re planning and to find out what they’re up to at the same time.’
Annie looked thoughtful, her brow furrowed as she absorbed Gracie’s suggestion.
‘Perhaps you could get some of our old regulars together into some kind of organizing committee,’ Gracie said. ‘That would make people feel more committed.’
Annie suddenly looked determined. ‘You’re right. The Pride might be enticing some of our customers away on a Saturday night with their second-rate cabaret acts, but I’m blowed if I’m going to let them seduce all our clientele permanently, like the Pied Piper. We can’t have Jack coming home to find an empty pub, thinking we’ve no customers left, now can we?’ She gave a sardonic laugh, though she knew it was really no laughing matter, not when she’d spent most of the war years working hard to prove how well she had learned to balance the job of running the pub single-handed, alongside her busy role as the mother of two young children.
Gracie’s eyes lit up. ‘We could put up notices about the party in the bar and ask people to put them in their windows.’ Annie laughed at her enthusiasm. ‘That’s the spirit – though of course the war hasn’t officially ended yet.’
‘No, but surely it soon will?’ Gracie sounded anxious.
For a moment Annie had a dreamy smile on her face. ‘Of course it will. And all the soldiers will come flooding home,’ she said, ‘eager to start their new life.’
‘I know I for one can’t wait to make a fresh start,’ Gracie said with a sigh. ‘It seems ages since Chuck and all the other GIs left for Europe. I can’t wait to get off to America. As soon as Chuck sends for me, when he’s posted back home I’ll be off like a shot, believe you me.’
Annie had a wistful look as she glanced over to the barmaid she had come to love and trust. ‘I know, my dear, though I so hate the thought of losing you, but all the more reason why we need to make this work. It will be doubling as a farewell party.’
‘Will you be looking to find my replacement before I go,’ Gracie asked, ‘so that I’ll have time to show the new girl the ropes? She could help us to organize the party too.’
‘Actually my dear, I already have somebody in mind.’ Annie’s lips were taut but she forced them into a smile. ‘Or should I say, Jack has. He’s recommended I hire someone who has been serving with him who will apparently be coming home soon. He would be more of a bar manager.’ She paused. ‘It seems I am awaiting his call.’
‘Well, that’s a relief. I won’t be leaving you in the lurch when Chuck sends for me,’ Gracie said. ‘And if Jack likes him then I’m sure he’ll be fine.’
Annie nodded. ‘An extra pair of hands is always helpful.’ She smiled and patted Gracie’s hand. ‘Though it won’t be easy for someone to fill your shoes, you know.’
The next morning Hilda was putting the finishing touches to the freshly whitened front step at the Pride when a smart-looking lady, all dressed up in her Sunday best, stopped by the front entrance. Hilda suddenly felt flustered, unsure about speaking to her, but she didn’t have to worry because Annie Walker spoke to her, asking in clipped tones, ‘Is Mr Bennett available? Could you tell him Mrs Walker from the Rovers Return would like a word with him?’
‘Yes, of course,’ was all Hilda could manage and, abandoning her cleaning equipment, she rushed inside to look for Bob.
‘Mrs Walker!’ Bob’s voice boomed out as he stood by the door, arms akimbo. ‘We meet at last. I’ve heard a lot about you. To what do I owe the honour?’
‘I’ve come to welcome you to Weatherfield,’ Annie said with a tight smile.
Bob gave a sardonic laugh. ‘Well, isn’t that nice and neighbourly? Maybe you’d better come in and sit down.’ He indicated a table in the public bar. ‘Mrs Ogden, ask Lizzie if she can rustle up tea for two,’ he said when they were both seated. He didn’t look in Hilda’s direction, for he was still eyeing Annie up and down. Hilda wasn’t sure whether she should drop a curtsey like she’d seen maids do in the films, so she nodded her head before rushing off to the kitchen where Lizzie was preparing for the dinnertime opening. Hilda watched as Lizzie filled a small teapot from the permanently simmering cauldron then quickly piled a jug of milk and a bowl of sugar cubes onto a tray. Hilda was astonished when Lizzie added a few biscuits on a plate. ‘Bob always insists on having some of these mid-morning,’ Lizzie said, ‘so why shouldn’t Mrs Walker have some as well?’
The two giggled and Hilda went off to serve the tray. Lizzie slipped into the bar and began busily wiping glasses behind the counter but she was careful to stand in a spot where she knew she couldn’t be seen and she beckoned Hilda to join her.
When Hilda had left the tray, Bob leaned back and flung one arm carelessly across the back of the banquette where he was sitting opposite Annie. ‘Now then,’ he said, ‘what do you really want?’ His eyes narrowed and his tone was far from pleasant, but Annie chose to ignore it.
‘I told you,’ she said. ‘It’s a social call. I hope you’re settling in well and managing to find enough customers.’
‘Poof,’ he said with a chuckle. ‘That’s not a problem! Trade couldn’t be better.’ Bob beamed. ‘But surely you haven’t come here to ask me that?’
‘I presume you’ve reconnected with the old Tripe Dresser’s clientele,’ Annie continued in her most condescending tone as if he hadn’t spoken. ‘I always think it’s good to have a core of loyal customers.’
‘We’ve had a packed house every night. So much so I’ve been wondering whether there’s going to be enough room for both of us in this neighbourhood.’ He frowned suddenly and leaned forward, his hand to his mouth. ‘Oh my goodness, is that what you’ve come to tell me? The competition’s getting to you already?’
Annie stared at him scornfully while Bob merely spread his hands. ‘Well, you know what they say. All’s fair in love and war.’ Annie bristled at that, though her smile didn’t waver but Bob cut in before she could respond. ‘How soon after peace is declared are you expecting your husband back?’ he said. ‘It must be so difficult juggling everything on your own.’
