Vida shook her head vehemently. ‘She’s right, it’s time for you to move on from the factory floor but not to this, girl, sewing up dresses for millgirls. It suits me for the moment, I’ve seen the big time and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. But you need experience of the better end of the market first, where the real money is to be made – the carriage trade in Harrogate or Ilkley. Get yourself some experience there in retail fashion, get to know your customers and what they want.

‘Arnie and I were only thinking the other day that when the coupons go there’ll be such a rush for decent clothes and new ideas. Everyone’s so fed up with threadbare suits and coats. The garment factories will be spinning for years, just wait and see.’

‘But I don’t want to make utility clothes. I want to make the stuff of dreams and glamour and hope for the future… beautiful gowns, couture concoctions with yards of material, all flounces and furbelows, silks and satins, buttons and bows…’ Netta had slumped over the table for the brandy had gone to her speech as well as her knees. ‘I want to make Cinderellas into princesses not pumpkins. How can I do that with ration books under my nose?’

‘I know warehouse garments are like gold dust, expensive to buy and scarce to order with all the restrictions on purchase and export, but where money dwells there’s always a way round restrictions, believe me. You’ll just have to be patient, one step at a time. Learn your trade in a quality retail establishment, that’s a start. Look in the Post, smarten yourself up and go for interviews. See what comes up.’

‘But if I made a simple collection of unusual gowns and hired them out together: Scarlett O’Hara ballgowns and Bette Davis cocktail and party frocks?’ Netta was carried away with her ideas, already in the realms of fantasy. It was Vida who splashed cold water on her dream.

‘Not so fast, love, keep it simple and safe. Think big ideas, yes… just start slowly, focus on finding the right clientele. Who would want such stuff round here? Where would you get the capital outlay for materials, workshop equipment and saleroom hire as well as advertising? I’m sure I could get you wholesale on materials and I could give you a hand with the sewing sometimes. It’s a grand idea making dresses for Yorkshire princesses but hold yer sweat and start off at the bottom with the top people. That’s my advice for what it’s worth.’ Mrs Bloom paused. ‘Have you seen Arnie lately? He’s behaving very oddly. I don’t like the look of him.’

‘Perhaps he’s sickening for something,’ muttered Netta, stifling a smile. Vida Bloom looked wearily at her over her glasses.