A Rare Ruby (3 page)

‘Yes?’ said a stern-looking woman coming up to her.

‘I’ve brought Mrs Flynn’s bag-wash.’

‘Have you now. Has she put her number on it?’

‘I don’t know.’ Ruby looked about her in bewilderment. This was the first time she’d ever set foot in a place like this.

‘Give us it ’ere.’ With that, the woman lifted the heavy bundle of washing out of the pram as if it weighed just a few pounds. ‘That’s all right,’ she said, looking at a number that was drawn on the bolster case the washing had been stuffed into.

‘When will it be ready?’ asked Ruby.

‘It’s a bit late today. Call back tomorrow, about midday, we shut at four on Saturdays.’

‘How much will it be?’

The woman threw the bundle on the scales. ‘D’you know if it’s all whites?’

Ruby nodded. Mrs Flynn had told her that.

‘That’ll be sixpence for the washing and tuppence for the drying.’

Ruby almost gasped at the prices. Her mother didn’t charge that much.

‘You pay when you collect.’

Ruby thanked her and left, but not before she had a quick glance around. Could this be the answer to her prayers? Could she set up some sort of business like collecting and delivering washing? A lot of people didn’t do their own washing and her mother couldn’t really take on any more. Her mind was going over and over as she walked home. Would it be possible for a young girl to start a business? Would people laugh at her? Her mother would tell her not to be silly, but everybody had to start somewhere. Was that what Ernie Wallis did? If so, he wouldn’t want her intruding and taking his customers away. She smiled to herself. But after all, all’s fair in love and war.

That night, as Ruby lay on the thick feather mattress next to her brother, she was still deep in thought. If Ernie Wallis could collect and deliver loads of washing to the laundry, so could she. She didn’t want her mother to take on any more work; this way would be much better. Perhaps if her business grew, she could expand, get another old pram then get Tom to help her. She smiled to herself as Tom turned over and snuggled close to her. Was she being too ambitious? She could only give it a try. She put her arm round Tom. She loved him so much. It would be wonderful if they could really make a go of this. Her father always used to say that you never make a lot of money all the while you work for someone. Tomorrow she’d ask Mrs Flynn if she knew of anyone else who wanted their washing taking to the laundry, then gradually she could build up her reputation. She drifted off, dreaming happy dreams.

 

It was well past lunchtime before Ruby managed to get to the laundry. She was worried Mrs Flynn might be waiting for her washing. There wasn’t anybody outside near the big metal scales, so she went in. The room was tall and white with a huge counter, a stack of brown paper and balls of string. She stood and waited for someone to talk to. The door at the side was slightly ajar. Ruby carefully pushed it open. She could see a young girl sorting through a pile of washing.

Ruby nervously said, ‘Hello.’

The girl looked up and put her hand on her heart. ‘Bloody ’ell. You frightened the daylights out of me. What d’yer want?’

‘Sorry. What’re you doing?’

‘The worst bloody job here.’

Ruby looked about her embarrassed. ‘Why is it?’

‘Would you like to sort out blokes’ smelly, shitty pants?’

‘No, I suppose not.’

‘Well, don’t stand looking at me then. What d’yer want anyway?’

‘I’ve come for Mrs Flynn’s washing.’

‘Well, you’ve got to go and see Mrs bloody snotty-nosed Watson. She’s the charge hand.’

‘Where will I find her?’

‘Sniffing round old man Stone, I shouldn’t wonder.’

‘Who’s he?’

‘The owner. You’re a nosy cow, ain’t yer?’

Ruby looked down. ‘Sorry.’

‘Look out, here she comes.’ The girl put her head down and continued to sort through the dirty washing.

‘Yes?’ asked Mrs Watson, coming up to Ruby.

‘I’ve come for Mrs Flynn’s bag-wash.’

‘Well, you wait out there.’ She pointed to the open door. ‘You shouldn’t be in here.’

‘Sorry. I was just looking for someone to ask.’ Ruby grinned at the girl and followed Mrs Watson.

 

Ruby was full of expectations when she delivered Mrs Flynn’s washing, but her high hopes were soon dashed when Mrs Flynn told her she hadn’t heard of anyone else who took their washing to the bag-wash, but promised to let her know if she ever did.

At first Ruby was downcast as she began to walk home, but then she suddenly remembered what her father had told her many years ago. ‘You don’t get nothing for nothing in this world, you’ve got to strive for it.’ With renewed enthusiasm she began to knock on the doors of the big houses.

The first three were polite and said their maids did their washing. At the next house she was sent down to the basement and the woman told her to bugger off. After a lot more refusals her feet hurt and she was cold and hungry, and she was beginning to lose heart. It was the next house that sent her on her way home with her tail between her legs.

The woman opened the door. ‘Yes?’

Ruby gave her the biggest smile she could and said politely, ‘I was wondering if you sent your laundry to the bag-wash and if so would you like me to collect and deliver it for you?’

The woman looked her up and down. ‘I wouldn’t trust you with my dirty washing. I don’t suppose I’d ever see it again. Now get off of my doorstep before I shout for a policeman. Who would give a scruffy-looking kid like you their dirty washing?’

With her head down, Ruby turned and walked away.

She turned the corner and almost bumped into a young woman who yelled at her, ‘’Ere! Watch where you’re going.’

‘Sorry.’

‘’Ello there. You’re the kid what come to the laundry this morning, ain’t yer?’

It took a moment or two for Ruby to recognise her. At work her dark hair had been scragged back from her face and covered with a cloth hat. Now she was wearing a wide-brimmed black hat with a floppy rose on the brim, which almost covered her face, and her black coat looked as if it had been made for her as it fitted her well-formed figure perfectly. Ruby half smiled. ‘Yes.’

‘You look a bit down in the dumps.’

‘I’m all right.’

‘What’s up? Your old man bin giving you a pasting?’

‘No.’ Ruby went to move on.

The girl put her hand out. ‘Just a mo’. This morning you was full of questions, so what’s wrong now?’

How could she tell this stranger that her hopes of having her own business had been dashed? She would think she was daft. ‘I’m all right.’

‘I’m just off to the market. Fancy coming along?’

‘No. I’ve got to get home.’

‘Well p’r’aps another time. By the way, me name’s Elsie, what’s yours?’

‘Ruby.’

‘Ruby. That’s nice. Might see you at the laundry one day. Bye.’

‘Bye,’ said Ruby. She stood and watched Elsie walk away in her good boots, swinging her handbag as if she didn’t have a care in the world. Ruby was letting her thoughts drift. That’s a nice hat and coat she’s got on, must have cost a bit. I wonder how much she earns? Ruby wished she had a job. Did they want any workers at Stone’s laundry? Elsie was now out of sight. Perhaps she could help her get a job? Ruby began to walk in the same direction as Elsie.

There was the usual hustle and bustle at the market. The stallholders were shouting about their wares. Kids were running around screaming and yelling. One stallholder was hanging on to a young kid and giving him a clip round the ear for pinching things. Ruby could see the boy, who was about six, looked terrified. There was a chill wind, but he didn’t have a coat and the dirty tatty shirt he had on was ripped up the side. His trousers were many sizes too large for him and held up with a length of webbing tied round his waist. Ruby suddenly caught sight of Elsie striding up to the man. Although she was slight and a lot shorter than he was, she pulled him round. Ruby couldn’t hear what she was saying, but the wagging finger and the movement of her head told her he was getting a right mouthful. Ruby smiled. Elsie was very gutsy.

Elsie put her arm round the young boy’s shoulder and began to walk away. Ruby went up to her. ‘You was very brave standing up to that man.’

She grinned. ‘Didn’t see you watching.’

‘I came to ask you a question.’

‘Did you now.’ Elsie still had her arm round the young boy’s shoulders. He looked scared stiff. ‘Can’t bear to see these kids bullied. I know what it’s like to be hungry. ’Ere y’are, lad.’ She opened her bag and gave him a ha’penny - ‘Can’t afford any more’ - then snapped the clasp of her bag shut.

‘Cor. Thanks, missus.’ The boy clutched the money and ran off.

‘That was very generous of you,’ said Ruby.

‘I ’ave me moments. Now, what was it you wanted to ask me?’

‘I was wondering if there’s any jobs going at Stone’s?’

‘Dunno. Wouldn’t like to say. Mr Stone don’t always tell me his business.’

‘You talk to Mr Stone?’ asked Ruby, wide-eyed.

‘No, course not, you silly cow. I was just pulling your leg.’

Ruby bent her head; she felt so humiliated.

Elsie had moved on. ‘Come on,’ she called over her shoulder. ‘You know, you’re a funny little thing. One minute you’re all talk, the next you go all shy.’

Ruby fell in step beside her. ‘Have you worked at Stone’s long?’

‘A couple of years. How much, missus?’ she asked the woman on the second-hand clothes stall as she held up a thick black skirt.

‘To you, dearie, a tanner.’

Elsie put the skirt to her waist. ‘I’ll give you thrupence.’

‘I’ve got a husband and six kids ter feed.’

‘You should send him out to work then.’ Elsie laughed. ‘That’ll tire him out, then you won’t have any more.’

‘Saucy cow. Give us fourpence and it’s yours.’

Elsie handed over her money and took the skirt.

‘You must earn a bit to be able to buy a skirt just like that,’ said Ruby.

‘Not really. I’ve had me eye on that for a couple of weeks. I was sure she would have sold it be now. D’you like it?’

‘It’s very nice.’

Elsie tucked her arm through Ruby’s. ‘Look, why don’t you come to the laundry on Monday and I’ll let you know if Mrs Watson is in a good mood. If she is then you can ask her about a job.’

‘Thanks, Elsie.’

‘Have you got any family?’

‘Yes, me mum and dad, and I’ve got a brother.’

‘Have you now. Has he got lovely eyes like yours?’

Ruby felt herself blush. ‘I ain’t got lovely eyes.’

‘I reckon you have, and how old is this brother?’

Ruby laughed. ‘He’s only nine.’

‘Shame.’

They continued walking along. Ruby learned that Elsie was nearly eighteen, and she was the middle daughter. Her father worked in the docks and she was only working in the laundry till her older sister Jenny got her a job in the tea factory.

‘It’s a lot better pay, and cleaner,’ she said, stopping at a stall that sold lace. ‘Trouble is, jobs don’t come up there very often.’

Ruby felt so happy. As they slowly moved on, she found Elsie was eager to tell her her life story. Elsie’s father had been in the army and had returned fit and well, but her mother died during the war and the girls were left to look after themselves. Elsie told her things had been very hard while her father was away. Ruby listened very intently, but said very little about her own family.

‘I must get home,’ said Ruby. ‘I look forward to seeing you on Monday.’

‘I might not be so cheerful then, sorting out dirty washing!’

‘Bye.’ As Ruby walked through the market her head was full of the prospects of a job. She so desperately wanted to bring in some money. It must be wonderful to go up to a stall and buy a skirt. Anything would be better than her mother’s cast-offs and clothes from the jumble sales that were unwashed and smelt of mothballs.

She decided not to say anything till she was sure of getting a job. But how would her mother manage? Ruby’d just have to get up early and collect the washing before she went to work, and then deliver it when she’d finished. With everything settled in her mind, Ruby too found she had a spring in her step. She went to the back of the greengrocer’s stall and began sorting through the mouldy potatoes he’d put out.

 

At last it was Monday. Ruby couldn’t wait to get to the laundry. As she hurried along the road she saw Ernie Wallis in front of her - and her heart sank. She didn’t want to catch him up; she didn’t want him to know what she was doing. But as he struggled with his pram she knew she would have to speak to him.

‘Hello, Ernie, seem to be seeing a lot of you lately.’

‘What you doing round this way again?’

‘Just going to the laundry, same as you.’

‘Where’s your washing?’

‘I ain’t got any today.’

‘So what you doing round here then?’

‘As you said to me the other day, mind your own business.’ When she walked past him her heart was thumping. Why did he always have this effect on her?

The first person Ruby saw when she walked in the packing room (where, Elsie had told her, the best jobs in the factory were), was Mrs Watson. She looked desperately at the closed door behind which she knew Elsie could be.

‘It’s you again. Whose washing you come for this time?’

‘I ain’t come for any washing. I was wondering if you’ve got any jobs going?’

‘Were you now? And what makes you think you’ll like working here?’

‘I don’t know.’

Mrs Watson’s face suddenly broke into a wide grin as she looked beyond Ruby.

‘Hello, my son. And how are you today?’

Ruby quickly swung round. She was face to face with Ernie Wallis.