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but you must have known….’ Her voice trailed away.
    ‘It was just a dream, wasn’t it, Mum?’
    A bitter smile twisted Mary’s lips. ‘Can’t live on dreams, love.’
    But you could, Ellie thought. Dreams had sustained her through so many bad times – dreams of being a real artist one day, of Harry and a life with him. A little sob escaped her.
    Mum squeezed her hand. ‘You’ll still have your painting. You mustn’t give that up. Who knows, maybe one day…?’
    ‘One day! So – the job, Mum.’
    ‘Did you hear Tommy Green’s opening a new nightclub – up West?’ Mary asked.
    At first Ellie thought her mother was trying to change the subject. Surely Dad didn’t expect her to work for Tommy Green?
    ‘It’s a real posh place apparently. All on the level. I was a bit worried at first but your dad told me Tommy wants to go straight. You know he hasn’t always been exactly legit.’
    ‘What sort of club is it?’
    ‘Somewhere posh people can meet for a drink, have a game of cards – that sort of thing,’ Mary said. ‘You’ll have to ask Dad when he gets up. Besides, you’ll be late for school if you don’t get a move on.’
    Ellie didn’t see the point of taking the art exam now. But deep down there was always the hope that if she won the scholarship to art school they’d let her take it up. It was a forlorn hope and Ellie consoled herself with the thought that if she started earning, her mother wouldn’t have to work so hard.
    ‘You need a rest, Mum. I’ll finish clearing up. My exam’s not till later.’
    ‘I must admit I’ve been feeling a bit down lately – so tired all the time.’ Mary sighed.
    Ellie finished her toast and took the plates to the sink. ‘I bet Sheila’s pleased Tommy’s going straight,’ she said.
    ‘Don’t mention her name,’ Mary snapped, biting back a sob. ‘I couldn’t believe it. After threatening to beat Tommy up only a few weeks ago, your dad’s completely changed his tune. He said Tommy’s treating her OK and she’s fallen on her feet.’
    Ellie had hoped her mother would have forgiven Sheila by now. But Mary had strong principles and it would be a long time before Sheila was allowed to set foot in the flat. ‘It’s all Bert’s fault, letting her work there in the first place.’ Mary started to cry. ‘And now, you’ll be in the same boat.’
    ‘Don’t get upset, Mum. I’ll be all right. Anyway, you’ve still got me – and Harry,’ Ellie said.
    Mary cried even harder.

     
    Ellie’s footsteps dragged as she went towards the bus stop, wondering whether all these exams were a waste of time like her father said. She’d always been determined to have a real career and not be dependent on some man for the luxuries in life – like her sister. When she thought about it logically she had to admit she’d been deluding herself. She’d known ever since she started at the grammar school how Bert felt about education – especially for girls. The fact that he’d allowed her to stay on past the legal leaving age was a miracle, only brought about by her mother’s insistence. Auntie Vi agreed with Bert – about the only thing they did see eye to eye on, Ellie thought.
    ‘What’s it all in aid of?’ Vi had said. ‘She’ll only end up getting married and having a load of kids – like most of them round here.’
    Gran tried to stand up for her. ‘Our Ellie’s got a brain in her head. She deserves a chance.’
    But Vi had pursed her lips and folded her arms, refusing to change her views.
    The opposition only fuelled Ellie’s determination. She’d show them, she thought now, as the examiner rang the bell for them to begin. She’d always loved drawing and painting but it wasn’t until Miss Evans had taken the class to the Victoria and Albert Museum during a half-term holiday that she’d really considered art as a career. The visit had been an inspiration. She’d been enchanted by the display of eighteenth- and ninetenth-century costumes.