CHAPTER TEN

Queenie could barely contain her excitement, waiting for the following Saturday to arrive. It had been difficult to keep a lid on it at work, but thankfully she’d had Mary to confide in of an evening. This would be her first proper date and she felt ready to start courting. Daniel had annoyed her on New Year’s Day. It was cruel of him to show such interest in her when he was married with a child. It was definitely time to forget all about Daniel O’Leary.

‘Look at you! You look a picture, sweetheart. You truly do,’ gushed Molly. The smart black dress and red pillbox hat she’d bought at cost price from Cohen’s looked so classy. As did her stiletto shoes.

Vivian could not help but feel envious. Queenie was all grown up now and Viv was dying to see what Albie was like. ‘Why isn’t Albie coming here then? Is it because he’s ugly?’

‘No,’ Queenie snapped. ‘Because of Dad. No way do I want Albie bumping into our father.’

‘Where you meeting him then?’ Vivian enquired.

‘Not telling you, because if I do you’ll follow me. Please don’t let her follow me, will you, Mum.’

‘You get off and have a wonderful time, love. Viv’s staying here with me,’ Molly smiled. She was so excited for Queenie, what with this being her first proper date.

Queenie picked up her handbag. ‘Bye then. I won’t be too late.’

Albie Butler owned two suits, one black, one grey, which he’d alternate every time he went out of an evening. Tonight he was wearing the black one, with a white shirt, black shoes and striped tie.

Lighting up a Woodbine, Albie leaned against the outside of the Blind Beggar pub. It had been Queenie’s idea to meet here, but he’d never felt less enthusiastic about going out on a date. Queenie seemed a nice enough girl, but he’d been very tempted to blow her out when his mates had informed him they were going to a party up the Commercial Road tonight. His conscience had got the better of him though. Deep down he had a good heart and would hate the thought of the girl hanging around waiting for him like a lemon, especially if she’d spent ages getting ready.

Glancing at a smart woman in stiletto shoes and a pillbox hat walking towards him, Albie looked at his watch. Queenie was ten minutes late. He’d give her another twenty minutes, then go out with his mates.

‘Hello. Sorry I’m a bit late.’

Albie dropped his cigarette in shock. The smart woman walking towards him in her heels with the pillbox hat on was Queenie.

The live band was fabulous. Queenie had never jived properly before, but Albie soon taught her how to as the band played Glenn Miller songs. Everybody was up and dancing. If the war had taught East Enders anything, it was to grab life with both hands and enjoy every minute while they could.