Returning a while later, she approached Marge who was close to tears of frustration as she tried to unjam the material from beneath the needle. ‘It’s almost the end of the day, Marge, leave that and come with me to my office.’

The blue eyes widened and a large tear beaded her lashes as she left her machine. ‘You aren’t going to sack me, are you?’ she whispered fearfully.

Peggy’s heart went out to her but she didn’t reply as she gently nudged her towards the office. Once the door was closed behind her, she took Marge’s hand. ‘I’m sorry, my dear, but I can’t keep you on the machines.’

Marge burst into loud sobs. ‘But I need to work,’ she managed. ‘Please give me another chance.’

Peggy pressed her down into a chair and gave her a clean handkerchief. ‘I do have another position for you, but it will pay less.’

‘I’ll take it,’ Marge replied eagerly.

Peggy chuckled. ‘You don’t know what it is yet. But I think you’ll be happier in the packing department, even if the pay isn’t as good. The hours are the same, nine to five, and you’ll still share in any bonuses rising from the sales orders.’

‘Thank you, oh, thank you,’ Marge breathed tearfully. ‘I won’t let you down, I promise.’

‘Clock off at the usual time today, and start in packing tomorrow morning. Come in a bit early so Cathy can show you what the job entails.’ She smiled at Marge who was looking a great deal more cheerful. ‘It’s her you should thank, really, because instead of handing her notice in next week as she’d planned, she’ll leave once you’re settled. She’s heavily pregnant, and finding it very hard to be on her feet all day.’

Once Marge had left her office and she’d returned the dresses to the seconds pile, Peggy dealt with the seemingly endless paperwork which came across her desk each day, and then checked the order book.

Solly was a wise old owl, she thought fondly, noting how the orders were flooding in. He’d known there’d be a baby boom and had dived in before his competitors and was now reaping the benefits – as were the staff since he’d decided to reward them a monthly bonus from the profits. It was an innovative idea which encouraged the workers to greater efforts, and was no doubt making Solly a very rich man.

Peggy closed the order book, checked the time, then went to see if the warehouse was prepared for the large material order that was due to arrive the next morning. All was as it should be, and on returning to the factory floor, she clapped her hands for silence.

‘I know you’re all in a rush to get home, but before you go, there’s something I’d like to say.’