Читать книгу The Long Road Ahead - Rosie James - Страница 12

Chapter Six

At 2.30 the following Saturday afternoon, Alice made her way out of Temple Meads station to be greeted almost at once by Fay and Eve who’d been standing there waiting for her.

‘Oh good, you were on time,’ Fay said, giving Alice a hug, and standing aside for Eve to do the same. ‘Come on – I’ve parked the car just over there.’

‘I like what you’re wearing, Alice,’ Eve said. ‘I don’t think we’ve seen you in that before have we?’

‘No, I don’t think you have because I haven’t worn it for a long time,’ Alice said. She made a face to herself. She’d been searching through everything she owned trying to decide what would be suitable to wear to a birthday party on a farm which was sure to be very wet underfoot thanks to all the recent rainfall. She’d finally dug out this slightly flared blue skirt and the cream top with a lacy neckline, from the bottom of her drawer. It looked quite nice with the navy blue blazer she remembered she’d had cleaned just before the war. Her black, Cuban-heeled shoes completed an outfit which wasn’t exactly exciting, she knew that – but where had there been anything exciting to buy in the shops these days, anyway?

As usual Fay was wearing dark slacks, this time with a red and white check blouse, and a loose jacket, while Eve looked neat and fresh in a two-piece, buttery-colour suit which her mother had apparently made for her.

‘My mother used to make all my clothes,’ she said, responding to the others’ approval of what she was wearing. ‘She’s got all sorts of material hoarded away in drawers and cupboards, which she’s bought over the years. And she made this for me as a surprise. She’s amazingly clever with her needle,’ Eve added, ‘which sadly, I am not. Though I did help Mrs. Foulkes make those banners with the VE bunting Roger managed to get at the shop, didn’t I?’ Eve reminded the others.

They nodded, and Alice said, ‘It was difficult to know what to wear today, and this perpetual wet weather hasn’t helped, has it? I’m glad we’ve all brought our umbrellas with us.’ She shuddered. ‘I bet it’s going to be mucky and squelchy on the farm. D’you think our Land Army boots are still there if we need them?’

They reached the car, and Fay opened the doors for them to get in, Eve in the back, and Alice in the front seat, then Fay switched on the engine and they were off.

‘You remembered to bring the presents…the apron, and the china dish?’ Fay said, glancing across at Alice.

‘Of course – and when I went back to the shops to buy them I knew they were things Mabel will like,’ Alice said. And I managed to find some pretty paper to wrap them in.’

‘And I’ve found a nice little box to put the Coty perfume in,’ Fay said.

Eve leaned forward for a moment. ‘I hope it won’t be too much of a shock to Mrs. Foulkes when we turn up,’ she said, and Fay interrupted.

‘Oh, she’ll be thrilled, you know she will – I spoke to Roger on the phone again to let him know we could all be there, and he was really pleased…really pleased,’ she said. She smiled across at the others. ‘Let’s hope old Foulksie shares his enthusiasm.’

Alice and Eve nodded. The farmer’s moods had always been unpredictable. Alice glanced back at Eve. ‘Do you think we should have brought something for Mr. Foulkes and Roger as well?’ she said. ‘Because we haven’t seen them for nearly two years have we…two years! Can you believe that it’s that long ago?’

Eve smiled. ‘I did think of bringing another tin of liniment for Mr. Foulkes’ arthritis,’ she said, ‘because my parents still swear that it works, but I forgot about it in the end.’ She giggled. ‘Will you ever forget Walter’s reaction when he opened that first tin I brought back for him? He nearly hit the ceiling, didn’t he!’

‘Well, it certainly did smell seriously strong,’ Alice said, ‘I remember it made my eyes fill up. Still – he did seem touched that he’d been given it, didn’t he? In fact, he was quite affable for a few minutes afterwards, and did admit later that the ointment had given him some relief.’ Alice paused. ‘He was such a funny old thing, wasn’t he…so different from Mabel…yet he also had a very kind side to him now and then, didn’t he?’

Eve agreed at once. ‘I shall never forget how sweet he was when we heard about Bath being blitzed,’ she said. ‘He seemed really upset and made Roger take us all there in the van, straightaway, to see how my parents had fared.’ She shuddered. ‘It was the worst moment of my life when we heard about it on the wireless…I imagined seeing our house just a pile of rubble with my mother and father buried somewhere underneath it.’

‘Well, thank heaven, you didn’t,’ Fay said. ‘And your parents made us so welcome when we arrived that morning, even able to provide us with a good lunch, despite everything.’ She glanced back at Eve. ‘It was really nice to meet them, Evie,’ she said, ‘even if the occasion wasn’t exactly ideal.’

There was silence for a few moments after that, Alice and Fay remembering the impression that Eve had given them of Mr. and Mrs. Miles. Eve had explained that her parents, both concert pianists, had been elderly when they’d had her, and that, growing up, she’d often felt in the way of their careers. But it was obvious on that morning after the Blitz that the family of three were very close and loved each other without question.

By now, the Austin had seen them safely out of the city and they were heading into the countryside. Eve leaned forward again.

‘Are you sure you know the way, Fay?’ she asked innocently. What a question to ask Fay Reynolds, new driver or not! Staring straight ahead of her, Fay said –

‘I am reluctant to dignify that question with a response, Eve Miles,’ she said. ‘But, yes, of course I know the bloody way. And so should you – Roger took us to and from the farm many, many times, didn’t he…don’t you recognize any of it? Any of the countryside?’

Alice spoke up. ‘Won’t it be funny – I mean strange – to see everything again?’ she said. ‘Home Farm was just that –our home – for four whole years. None of us had a clue what was expected of us, did we…digging millions of potatoes, milking the cows, mucking out the pigs…it was another world! And after a few shocks, we did it, didn’t we? Somehow we did it, did everything they asked us to, and we even enjoyed it…didn’t we? Most of it?’ She turned to look at the others, and they both agreed.

‘And you have to admit, there were compensations,’ Fay pointed out. ‘Like Mabel’s fantastic suppers. I shall never forget them, and honestly I didn’t think it was possible to feel so hungry at the end of the day and to eat so much food! We didn’t even think about rationing while we were at the farm did we? We forgot all about it. And it was always so peaceful there we hardly thought about the war, either, did we…not until the Bath raid.’

‘And not until the Americans arrived in the village,’ Alice said thoughtfully.

‘But what’s really, really weird,’ Eve said, ‘is how we put it all behind us afterwards. When we left, it so quickly became the past, didn’t it? Something that happened, and then had gone. For ever. I mean, in no time at all, those four years seemed just an intrusion into our lives, and then it all came to an abrupt end and we just carried on where we’d left off.’ She shook her head briefly. ‘Doesn’t that feel weird to you?’

‘The thing is, Evie,’ Alice said, ‘we were the fortunate ones, weren’t we? None of us came to any harm – despite the raids. And we haven’t lost anyone, either…no one we love was killed, were they? But there are many thousands who did die during the raids, and many others whose husbands or brothers or sons will never return. I don’t expect the war feels quite such a passing thing to them, because the effects will go on for ever, won’t they?’

‘Yer – hang on, you two!’ Fay exclaimed. ‘We’re on our way to a birthday party, not a bloody wake! Stop being so morbid – and there are some barley sugars in my bag, Alice – pass some around.’

Alice did as she was told and they motored on, each noting one or two familiar landmarks as they went. And presently, Fay said – glancing at her watch – ‘It’s nearly 4.30…do you think milking is all done by now? We’re about ten minutes away I should think.’

‘Well, I certainly hope that Mrs. Foulkes is not expected in the milking parlour on her birthday,’ Alice said. ‘So it’ll probably be all right if we turn up soon,’ she added.

Thanks to all the rain which the country had endured during the first four months of the year, the country roads were pitted and soggy, and Fay drove slowly along trying to avoid having mud up to the axles of her car. But presently, they went around a familiar, sharp bend, then down the half-mile hill they all knew so well, and Home Farm was in sight. They were there. They were “home”.

‘Well well well, my luvvers!’ Mabel Foulkes exclaimed. ‘Now then – Roger – what ’ave you been plottin’!’

Mabel’s face was a picture of excitement – and disbelief – when she came to the farmhouse door and saw the three girls standing there, and as they started chanting “Happy birthday to you” in unison, she came forward and drew them all into her, hugging them over and over again. And then Roger appeared behind her, grinning – and clearly pleased that his surprise for his mother had worked.

They all went into the farmhouse, everyone talking at once, then Mabel moved over to the range where the kettle was boiling, and started to fill the huge teapot. She turned to look over her shoulder at the girls.

‘Rog made me bake a birthday cake,’ she said, ‘which I thought was unusual because ’ee don’t like cake much, but now I know why, an’ who was comin’ to ’elp us eat it!’

Presently, with the farmer there as well, now – he’d been let in on the secret – everyone sat around the kitchen table and watched while Roger lit the candles, one by one, for his mother to blow out.

‘Well, I never,’ Mabel said slowly as she looked around her. ‘I ’ad no idea any of this was ’appenin’…and ’tis wonderful to see you all again, my luvvers,’ she added fondly. She paused. ‘’Sbeen lonely ’ere without you.’

Alice was sitting next to Mabel, and she squeezed the older woman’s arm.

‘And it’s wonderful to see you, too, Mrs. Foulkes,’ she said warmly ‘It’s been a long time…and we’ve never stopped thinking about the farm, about you all.’ She glanced upwards as she spoke, smiling inwardly. There it was, as usual, the wooden clothes rack high above their heads, airing the week’s fresh laundry…the farmer’s long johns and Mabel’s bloomers…towels and pillow cases…nothing had changed.

Presently, the six of them sat and enjoyed their mugs of strong tea, together with a generous portion of iced Victoria sponge, now without the candles, on each plate, and suddenly Roger leaned forward and touched Alice’s arm.

‘Now look here, Alice,’ he said easily, ‘I think there’s something you haven’t told us! Come on…what’s been going on with you, then?’

Roger had been looking for signs that any of the girls were now spoken for.

Alice waved her left hand about in the air. ‘Oh this?’ she said ‘This is nothing…just my engagement ring, that’s all.’

‘Oh Alice…you’re gettin’ married, luvver!’ Mabel exclaimed, leaning forward as well and taking Alice’s hand in hers so that she could examine the beautiful ring. ‘An’…is it gonna be soon? And oo’s the lucky man, may I ask!’

Roger butted in again. ‘Oh well, that’s one off the market, then. Still – there’s two of you left…’ He grinned across at Fay and Eve. ‘I live in hope!’

All three girls smiled at Roger as he spoke. He was so good looking, and so kind and thoughtful…it was surprising that he hadn’t been snapped up by one of the local lasses long before this.

Mabel was still scrutinizing the diamond on Alice’s finger, and Alice said, ‘His name’s Sam, Mrs. Foulkes, Sam Carmichael. I’ve known him and his family for many years.’ She paused. ‘We’ve only been engaged for a few weeks, and I’m still getting used to it. But…you will all come to my wedding, won’t you?’ she said earnestly. ‘I really want you all to be there.’ She turned to Walter. ‘The three of you can leave the farm just for one day – or part of one day, Mr. Foulkes…can’t you?’ she said.

The farmer shifted in his chair. ‘Well…when’s it gonna be?’ he began reluctantly, and Mabel cut in.

‘Don’t matter when it’s gonna be,’ she said firmly. ‘We’ll get ’elp for that day, make no mistake!’ Mabel had not been to a wedding for many years, and Mabel loved weddings. Wild horses would not stop her from going to Alice’s.

‘It’s going to be on 23^rd December,’ Alice said, in answer to Walter’s question, ‘and will be at St. Mary Redcliffe in Bristol. I expect you know that lovely church?’

Everyone, even those living in the deepest Somerset countryside, knew of the famous St. Mary Redcliffe.

Mabel was clearly delighted at the thought of a day out…a real day out. Something different, something special. Then she frowned as another thought struck her. ‘But I shall ’ave to find somethin’ proper to wear, though, won’t I?’ she said, addressing the question to no one in particular. ‘An’ our village shop don’ do much in the clothes business.’ She paused, looking up at her husband. ‘An’ you’ll ’ave to dig out your best suit – your only suit – Walter,’ she added firmly. ‘You know it still fits ’cos you wore it last year at Ted’s funeral, didn’t you?’

‘Oh come on… I don’ ’ave to dress up, do I?’ the farmer grumbled. ‘No one’s gonna notice me in that great place anyway… I can wear me dungarees, can’t I? You can give ’em a good wash, Mabel,’ he added, ‘an’ a bit of a press.’ But his eyes were twinkling as he spoke, and everyone knew he was teasing. He seemed genuinely happy to be sitting around the table again with his three Land Girls there as well.

Alice, Fay and Eve smiled at each other. Being here like this was just like old times. Nothing had changed. Well, the Foulkes family hadn’t changed. And Alice realized, with a pang of something approaching disloyalty, that she was feeling even more relaxed here, with these particular people around her, than she sometimes felt when she was with Sam. And how dreadful was that, when she thought about it. But the thing was, she had been a lot longer in this present company, had spent more consistent time with them, than she ever had with Sam. He had been away from home so much when they were both growing up, then he’d gone to university and eventually she, Alice, had branched out on her own in business…then the war had intervened…it was a good thing their letters had kept them going…

‘Well, I dunno, I really don’t!’ Mabel said. ‘This year is gonna be a year for weddin’s – what with Princess Elizabeth marrying Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in November…we ’avent ’ad a royal weddin’ for yers!’ She turned to Alice. ‘And I don’t care whether she’s a princess or not, she won’t look as nice as you will, Alice. Even if they can afford the best of everythin’.’

Hmm, Alice thought, I bet Princess Elizabeth won’t have any trouble finding her dress…

Presently, the birthday gifts were brought out and, as expected, Mabel was as excited as any child as she unwrapped everything. And when she read the messages on each of the birthday cards, her eyes filled with tears.

‘Now then,’ she said huskily. ‘This is very, very kind of you all, luvvers.’ She undid the bottle of perfume and dabbed a little behind each ear. ‘I made t’other one you gave me last a long time, but I’m afraid tha’s all used up now, so this is gonna come in very ’andy, an’ the apron…so pretty…and the little dish, as well! I’ve never ’ad so many things before! An’ Walter and Rog ’ave given me presents as well!’

‘And your last treat for this year, Mum, is we’re all going up to the Wheatsheaf for our supper,’ Roger announced. ‘So no one had better eat any more of that cake!’

This was something else Mabel had not been told, and she tried not to show her slight disappointment. There was one of her special goat casseroles in the range, simmering away nicely, which she’d prepared for tonight. Still. Never mind. That would all keep ’til tomorrow.

Presently, Roger went outside with Fay to admire her car…he’d been itching to have a look at it ever since the girls had turned up, and as the others finished the last of their tea Alice said –

‘Talking about what you might wear on my wedding day, Mrs. Foulkes, I don’t even know where to start looking for my dress. I don’t imagine that there’s going to be much choice in the shops – though I haven’t started looking yet.’

Eve broke in. ‘Oh, I’ll come with you, Alice!’ she said. ‘There are two places in Bath that might have something to suit you – or we could trawl the Bristol shops together. And what about Dorchester?’ Eve’s eyes shone. It was going to be fun looking for Alice’s wedding dress.

‘Well, there’s plenty of time yet,’ Alice said, determined not to get carried away by this particular item on the wedding agenda…she had more important things to worry about.

‘An’ what about bridesmaids?’ Mabel said. ‘I ’spec Eve and Fay’ll be walkin’ behind you on the great day, luvver, won’t they?’

Alice swallowed quickly. But of course she would ask her best friends to be her bridesmaids. So – four bridesmaids, four dresses to pay for, four bouquets, four presents to buy…

Much later, they all sat around the big round table in a corner of theWheatsheaf finishing their coffee, and Mabel said happily –

‘Well, Rog, that wer’ a really good meal – an’ it was quite nice not to ’ave cooked it meself!’ she added.

‘That was the general idea, Mum,’ Roger said, really pleased to have set this whole thing up for his mother. And the pub had made a big fuss of the occasion – after all, the Foulkeses had farmed here for years, were well known in the locality. And the farmer’s wife was loved by everyone. Which was why a huge, complimentary bottle of champagne had been brought to the table for the family to enjoy at the end of the meal, and why other locals also eating there had joined in the singing of the usual birthday song. Mabel looked as if she was about to burst with happiness. She looked over at Alice.

‘An’ you still down there in Dorchester, Alice?’ she enquired. ‘Still in charge of that office?’ Alice had written a couple of letters to Mabel, explaining where she was now working.

‘Yes, Mrs. Foulkes,’ Alice replied. ‘But of course I shall have to give in my notice – though I’m not sure when I’ll do that because when I leave, I’ll lose the little house that goes with the job.’ She paused briefly. ‘I don’t have any other home to go to, so I shall hang on as long as I can – before the wedding, I mean.’

Mabel pursed her lips. ‘Well, luvver…don’t ever say you ’avent got no‘ome to go to – because there’s always a ’ome for you with us – you know that. All of you,’ she added, looking at the others. ‘A’ course, we’re such a long way away from everythin’ – that’s the trouble…’ she added ruefully.

‘That’s so kind of you, Mrs. Foulkes,’ Alice said warmly. ‘But I’m sure I shall be able to find something in Bristol…’

‘Don’t forget you can always hitch up with me in my room at Miss Downs’s place,’ Fay said. ‘I know she’d have no objection.’

‘And I know my mother and father would be more than happy for you to stay with us, Alice,’ Eve cut in eagerly. ‘We’ve two spare rooms that are never used.’

Alice looked around her, aware that her throat was tightening. One minute she thought she could be homeless, the –next – there were three offers of somewhere to stay with the kindest set of people you could ever hope to meet. Why had she been worrying unnecessarily?

‘Thanks…thank you all so much,’ she said, picking up her glass and taking a sip.

After a few moments, Walter Foulkes leaned back in his chair and looked up at the big clock above the bar. Then he yawned, loudly, not bothering to put his hand in front of his mouth. He’d enjoyed that meal, but enough was enough. It was time to leave.

‘Roight then, Mabe,’ he said, half standing. ‘drink up – ’s’time to be goin’.’

Mabel looked up at him, folding her arms. ‘Sit down, Walt,’ she said firmly. ‘It’s not time to be goin’! I ’aven’t finished my champagne yet!’ This was her birthday treat, and she was making the most of it – thank you very much. Because she was enjoying it with her “family”. When they’d turned up at the farm in 1941, she’d soon considered Alice, Fay and Eve, their three Land Girls as her extra children…part of the large family she’d always longed for. Not that she was complaining…their Roger was the best son in the whole world. The son sent to her by God.

But still, He could have added one or two more while He was at it…

Walter did as he was told and sat back down, and conversation continued in the usual, amiable way it always had when this group of people had been together.

‘So, then, Fay…’ow long ’ave you ’ad your car, then, luvver?’ Mabel enquired. ‘It were very comfortable, I must say,’ she added. ‘Very nice indeed.’

Fay had driven Mabel, Alice and Eve to the pub, while Roger and his father had come in the van, and Fay said –

‘I’ve only had it a few months, Mrs. Foulkes, but of course with petrol on ration I can’t use it too much. Still, nothing would stop me driving here today,’ she added.

Mabel sat back contentedly, folding her arms across her ample stomach. ‘Well, well, well…you’re all so ’appy, now…aren’t you?’ She turned to Eve. ‘An’ what about you, luvver?’ she said. ‘Working in that music place over in Bath? An’ are you ’appy there still?’

‘Oh yes, Mrs. Foulkes,’ Eve said, glancing quickly at Alice and Eve. ‘We’re quite busy at the moment…things seem to be picking up a bit…and…’

Fay broke in, grinning. ‘Go on, tell them, Evie! Tonight is good news night!’

Eve took a deep breath, and all three of the Foulkes family looked at her with interest. ‘It’s just that I’m seeing someone…Max…he works in the shop as well, and we’re…we’re going out together. And we…like each other…very much.’

‘Ooooh,’ Mabel said enthusiastically, ‘so is there goin’ to be another weddin’ soon, then?’

Eve shook her head quickly. ‘Not that soon, Mrs. Foulkes,’ she said. ‘I think it’s going to take us a little time…but one day…’ There was no need for her to say any more. It was still early days for her and Max.

Roger banged his fist on the table in mock surrender. ‘Well blow me down, that’s two of you gone!’ he said. ‘What hope in ruddy hell has someone like me got?’

‘Now, don’t go swearin’ Rog,’ Mabel said. ‘It’s not the night for bad language.’

Fay leaned forward and touched Roger’s arm. ‘There’s still me, Rog – if you’re desperate,’ she said. ‘But the sad thing is, I’m not the marrying kind. And never will be,’ she added firmly.

Roger put his arm around Fay’s shoulders. ‘Oh well, we’ll be fun and fancy free together, then, Fay,’ he said. He turned to the others. ‘One day, Fay and I are going to go somewhere a long way away and see animals in the wild. Aren’t we, Fay?’ he added.

Fay smiled at him blearily. She’d enjoyed rather a lot of drinks with her meal, and the champagne was a particularly good year. ‘Are we?’ she said. ‘I’d forgotten about that.’

But Fay hadn’t forgotten, and she moved closer into Roger. ‘P’raps we will – in another life,’ she said obliquely.

By now, everyone was beginning to feel sleepy – the meal had been more than adequate, to say nothing of the wine – when just then the landlord came over from the bar. He looked down at Eve.

‘We were just wondering…would you give us a tune on that old thing?’ he asked, glancing across at the piano. ‘It hasn’t had that much use lately – but we were thinking as this is a special occasion you might like to…well…show us if it still works.’ Eve had soon been recognized, by more than one, as the young woman who had entertained them all on New Year’s Eve in 1944…the last one before the end of the war. That night, she had made the place rock with nostalgia and hope and no one had forgotten it.

Mabel leaned forward eagerly. ‘Oh go on, our Eve,’ she said. ‘’Twould be smashin’ if you did.’ And as Eve hesitated, Mabel went on – ‘Can you play “If you were the only girl in the world”, Eve? Just for me?’ She glanced across at Walter who had his eyes closed. ‘’Twus always a favourite of ours…of mine…’cus we danced to it at our weddin’ supper, me and Walt.’ She paused. ‘He were very good on ’is feet…at one time,’ she added.

Nothing would stop Eve doing as she was asked, and she immediately went over to the piano and played a few tentative notes – then began to play the favourite, romantic number that everyone knew.

“If you were the only girl in the world, and I were the only boy…”

Everyone in the Wheatsheaf began to sing without even being asked, and there were several pairs of watery eyes in the room as the words rang out. Not least Alice’s, for whom the lyrics were so poignant, and for Eve, too, who was still basking in the knowledge that the man she loved would, one day, really be hers.

As for Mabel – who had joined in lustily – that had been the final, lovely twist to a birthday which she wouldn’t forget in a hurry. She nudged Walter.

‘Wake up, you,’ she said. ‘We’ve just been singin’ our special song – in case you ’adn’t noticed.’

Walter opened his eyes and leaned across to his wife. Then he gave her a big kiss on the side of her cheek. ‘Course I noticed,’ he said gruffly. ‘’Appy birthday, missus.’

And Alice was aware of her eyes misting as she observed the little charade between the farmer and his wife. It was touching to see those two, Romeo and Juliet – or perhaps Darby and Joan – so close, to intertwined in their lives as they spent each busy day on the farm together, pulling equal weight through good times and bad…their obvious happiness witness to their inherent love and affection for each other. That is what a true marriage must be, Alice thought, a togetherness, a mutual desire to be good to each other. Surely an example to follow – if possible…