Mary leaned across the table and squeezed both of Queenie’s hands. ‘I know exactly how you feel. At your age, I felt the same. But you mustn’t let what happened stop you from becoming a mother, darling. Holding your own baby in your arms is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Children are a gift from God and I just know you’d make a fantastic mum. I hate sex, have never enjoyed it. I got married because I wanted babies. You will do the same. I will make damn sure of it.’

Later that evening, Queenie lay in bed deep in thought.

Even though she hadn’t got a job, today had been amazing. The food in that restaurant was out of this world, the whole experience of being inside there was too. As for the steak, it was to die for. That conversation with Daniel had opened her eyes too. It’s not what you know in life that counts, it’s who you know.

Thinking of Mary, Queenie smiled. Not only was Mary funny, she was the kindest person she’d ever met. She’d thought it weird when Mary excused herself from the table between courses. Five minutes later, she returned with a posh bag. Inside the bag was the nicest frock Queenie had ever laid eyes on. Long, plain, emerald green, but so classy.

‘I love it, Mary. You’ll look beautiful in that.’

Mary had laughed. ‘It’s at least two sizes too small for me, darling. It’s for you. Obviously, you will need some new shoes to match. We’ll get those when we leave ’ere. Then we need to sort out your hair. I have a friend who’s a hairdresser. I know your mum cuts it for you, but you’re too old for those basin cuts now. I want you to look your best next time we go job hunting. Believe me, together we will nail this. Tomorrow, I shall give you a make-up lesson too. I know your mother doesn’t wear make-up, but you should, Queenie. You are a beautiful girl and once I have finished with you, the world will be your oyster.’

Still smiling, Queenie closed her eyes. This was the best day of her life, by miles. Mary O’Leary was not only her closest friend, she was her hero and her inspiration to forget about the past and focus on building a better future for herself.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Eight Months Later

Winter 1943

‘How do I look, Mary? Will I like it? Does the colour suit me?’ gabbled Queenie. She’d been desperate to look as pretty and sophisticated as her new work friend, hence her taking the plunge to dye her hair blonde. Daniel liked blondes too. His current girlfriend Bridie was a blonde bombshell. She looked like the actress Jean Harlow. Queenie was sixteen now and so hoped once Daniel’s latest relationship ended, he would ask her out. He’d been paying her a lot of compliments lately. Surely that was a good sign?

‘You look beautiful. Blonde really suits you. Show her the mirror, Rosemary,’ urged Mary.