THE STORY SO FAR: 1927. Clara works alongside her friend Irene in the china and glass department of Denton’s department store. Both girls love watching romantic films at the Ruby cinema, and Irene, in particular, has a vivid imagination when it comes to affairs of the heart. She is sure that Lucille, who works in the perfume department, is in a relationship with Billy, the store porter. However, Clara doesn’t think ‘cheeky chappy’ Billy is sophisticated Lucille’s type. One night, the girls see Lucille and Billy at the cinema together. But when Clara runs into Billy in the interval, he tells her that he and Lucille are just good friends. After work one evening, Lucille breaks down in tears and confesses to Clara that she is pregnant and Billy is the father. She pleads with Clara not to tell him. A few days later, on a trip to the storeroom, Clara is shocked when she sees Billy in an embrace with Mark, one of Denton’s delivery drivers.
Are you sure you’re OK?’ Irene asked as she and Clara returned to the shop floor after their four o’clock tea break.
‘Honestly, I’m all right,’ Clara replied.
‘Well, you’ve had a face like a fiddle all afternoon,’ Irene huffed.
Clara smiled weakly. Her friend was right. Ever since witnessing the scene with Billy and Mark earlier, she had been distracted, lost in thought.
