11
Annie smiled at Rose. ‘After all the rain we’ve been having this feels like a glorious day. You can’t beat the feel of the sun on your face, even if it isn’t very warm. It just lifts your spirits. It seems ages since I’ve been out with Peter; we’ve both been so busy with work. I know he sometimes meets me from the theatre and walks me home but it’s not the same as spending a day together.’
Rose looked down at the pavement as she walked along. ‘I’m quite nervous; Charlie and I have only been on one date. We’ve had lots of chats with many cups of tea and coffee in his shop but since then we haven’t really managed to find time together until today.’
‘I know what you mean, but you’ll be all right. Charlie is quite smitten with you.’ Annie paused. ‘I’m so pleased that we’re managing to go out together at last and it’s good to have you and Philip with us,’ Annie said to Joyce. ‘I think we all just need to make more of an effort if we want our relationships to work.’
Rose looked up. ‘Do you love Peter?’
Colour began to rise in Annie’s face. ‘I love being with him, and when he unexpectedly came to my family’s home I was thrilled to see him. It made me suddenly realise how important it was that my family liked him.’
‘It worries me that I may not know what love is.’
Annie frowned. ‘We’re all in that position, Rose. I think if you can truly be yourself around them and can’t bear to be apart from them then that must be love, right?’
Joyce nodded. ‘Don’t make the mistakes I’ve made. I should’ve come clean with Simon instead of being so afraid of getting hurt or thinking I wasn’t good enough. And now look what’s happened. He’s gone off to war and I may never see him again.’ She shook her head. ‘I miss him so much and I’m full of regret at not accepting his proposal. So don’t lose sight of what’s important.’ Joyce reached for Philip’s hand as they walked along the road. He wriggled and pulled his hand free before running further ahead along the pavement. Joyce shouted, ‘Be careful of the road. I don’t want you hurting yourself.’
Annie smiled watching the young boy running along. ‘Isn’t it wonderful watching a child play? Do you remember when we were that young, running along in the woods and climbing trees? I know we had to do our chores but the freedom we had compared to what they have here in London was wonderful.’
Rose giggled. ‘Can you remember when we fell out the tree? I tore my skirt. Did I get into trouble that day!’
Annie chuckled. ‘I bet that was your first lesson in sewing and look where that skill has got you.’
Joyce frowned as she watched Philip running along the pavement. ‘That’s the trouble with being in London; I just don’t know what to do with him. We always entertained ourselves, but it was different back home.’
Annie reached out and touched Joyce’s arm. ‘You have to remember this is all new to you so you’re learning as you go along. You haven’t given birth to Philip, and know nothing about him. You’ve been thrown in the deep end.’
Joyce frowned. ‘The trouble is I don’t think he likes me and don’t know what to do about it.’
Rose looked over at her friend. ‘I don’t think that’s necessarily true. He’s been uprooted from everything he knows. He’s probably frightened. You have to remember you may not know him but equally he doesn’t know you; just give him time.’
Annie looked from Rose to Joyce. ‘Rose is right. Remember how you would’ve felt at that age. If my memory serves me right you didn’t like meeting anybody that you didn’t know. You were very much at home with your parents. Philip has had all that ripped away from him. It’s not as if you know what’s happened to his parents and he isn’t talking about it. Of course he may not know.’
Rose stopped for a moment. ‘Have you looked inside the chest yet?’
Joyce shook her head. ‘I haven’t had the chance. I don’t know if I’m coming or going between the café and Philip. I feel like I’m at the end of my tether. Barbara isn’t very helpful in work despite what Simon said when she first arrived. She clearly thinks she’s in charge and comes and goes as she likes and I’m just run off my feet. Having said that, Mavis, Simon’s mother, said it’s going to stop so I suppose I’ve just got to wait and see.’
Rose frowned. ‘Maybe you need to get someone else in to help and forget about Barbara.’
‘I have thought of that but it’s not my business. I can’t just override the family and do what I want.’
Annie sighed. ‘Maybe if things don’t improve have a meeting with them to try and sort out the problems.’
Joyce frowned. ‘You could be right but I also need to sort out Philip. It’s not fair to expect him to sit in the café all day while I’m working.’
Rose cleared her throat. ‘Why don’t you ask Arthur to look at the schools, and see about getting Philip enrolled in one. I’m sure Annie won’t mind me volunteering her, but we could always take him to school while you’re at work and maybe either you or Arthur could pick him up. At least then he’s mixing with other children and learning and let’s face it he should be at school anyway.’
Joyce nodded. ‘I’ve already thought of that but I just haven’t had time.’
Annie sighed. ‘And that’s definitely true. You’ve had a lot going on, but that’s why you should let us help. It’s not all on you. We’re your friends, and friends are always there for each other. But you’ve got to let us help you. Look how you helped us when we first came to London. All the advice you gave us, letting us stay at your home. You’ve been a wonderful friend to us so let us start repaying some of that by doing the same for you.’
Joyce could feel her eyes welling up. ‘You’ve already made such a difference to my life by coming to London. Look how Arthur has changed and that’s down to you two because he certainly didn’t change for me.’
Rose laughed. ‘I don’t think it was anything to do with us. I think it was because Annie looked like Dot, although none of us could see it at the time. He seemed to take on board whatever Annie’s brother said when he came to see her. It made him stop and think, and that was obviously a good thing but it wasn’t our influence on him in any way. But none of that matters; the fact is he’s changed and could be a great help to you if you let him. Think how you looked after him when he was troubled. You’ve got to let people in, Joyce; you’ve got to let us help before you sink under the strain of it all. It’s not your job to wait on everybody hand and foot. You’re not a maid; you’re a friend.’
Joyce looked up as Philip ran very close to the edge of the pavement. ‘Philip,’ she yelled. ‘Wait, you’re going to get run over if you’re not careful.’ She ran along the pavement, weaving between people who were standing around chatting and enjoying the sunshine. Joyce caught up with him; she grabbed his hand and shook it. ‘You could’ve been killed. You shouldn’t be running so far ahead; you need to stay with me.’
‘Annie, Rose.’ Peter and Charles shouted in unison as they raced along the road towards them.
The girls slowed down and turned round simultaneously at the sound of their names. Joyce looked up and peered over her shoulder.
Peter tried to smile but he was gasping for breath. ‘I didn’t think we were going to catch you up; you were racing along.’
Joyce raised her eyebrows. ‘I thought we were meeting you at Charlie’s bicycle shop. That’s where I told Frank to meet us.’
Annie and Rose glanced at each other and raised their eyebrows.
‘You never said you’d invited Frank.’ Rose tilted her head slightly. ‘Does this mean you’re getting friendly with him?’
Joyce stared at her in disbelief. ‘It means he’s good with Philip and I didn’t want to play gooseberry to you four.’
Charles took a deep breath and looked around the small group. ‘Anyway, we were standing outside talking about the shops that were closing down and how things seem to be getting worse. Even the restaurant over the road is boarded up now, which isn’t a great surprise to
anyone that’s been in there.’ He chuckled. ‘Sorry, I’m rambling. It was then that we saw you waiting to cross the road, but we can go back to the shop; it doesn’t matter.’
Joyce nodded. ‘Philip was running ahead and I was frightened I might lose him, or worse, he’d get run over. I’m not used to all this responsibility.’
Peter ruffled Philip’s hair. ‘He’s just doing what boys do. They like to run around. Maybe we should go to the park and not Westminster Bridge. I know you girls like looking at the boats but it might be better for Philip to run round the park and use up some of his energy.’
Joyce smiled. ‘Hark at you – when did you become an expert with children?’
Peter grinned. ‘I wouldn’t say I’m an expert but I ’ave got young nephews and my next-door neighbour has small children so I’m used to being around them.’
Annie looked around. ‘I think the park’s a good idea. It’s getting busy, with traffic and people, and, Joyce, you won’t relax if we go to the bridge, as lovely as it is.’
Peter nodded. ‘If we go to Hyde Park there’s the Serpentine so we could always sit around on the grass and watch the world go by while Philip runs around.’
Rose chuckled. ‘Well, I hope you’ve got lots of energy because he’s not going to run around by himself.’
Charles took Rose’s hand in his and his thumb caressed the top of it. ‘We could get a bicycle from the shop and let Philip ride it. What do you think?’
Annie beamed. ‘What a great idea. Are you sure you don’t mind us using one of them?’
‘Of course not. If Philip doesn’t want it after he’s learnt how to ride then I’ll just sell it as second-hand. It’s not a problem and Philip might enjoy it.’
Joyce looked down at Philip. His eyes widened with every word. ‘Would you like that, Philip? Would you like to learn how to ride a bicycle?’
Annie laughed. ‘I expect he’s terrified, but he won’t know whether he’ll enjoy it until he tries, so I say we go for it.’
Rose clapped her hands together. ‘I agree, so let’s get the bicycle and then go to Hyde Park. Well, actually, I’d rather it wasn’t me who taught him because I’m not very good at that sort of thing.’
Charles laughed. ‘I don’t mind doing it; after all he’s a potential customer.’
Everyone laughed as they all turned to go back to the bicycle shop.
Peter reached out and grasped Annie’s hand. He pulled her towards him. ‘It’s lovely to see you again. It feels like it’s been ages since we’ve spent some real time together.’ He leant in and kissed her gently on her lips.
Annie lifted her hand and rested it against Peter’s cheek as a soft groan escaped from her.
Philip looked up at Joyce. ‘Am I really going to learn how to ride a bicycle?’
Joyce smiled, recognising the excitement written all over his face. ‘Yes, you are, but only if you want to. I think you should try because it’s good fun.’
Charles and Rose walked in front, their heads very close together as they were deep in conversation. Joyce felt a surge of jealousy rising in her. How could Simon leave her? She shook her head and clenched her hands together. It was no good thinking about Simon. That moment had passed and she had made her bed. She had to concentrate on Philip now; after all he deserved to have a good life. He was only a child and would enjoy spending time with Frank.
*
Joyce sat on the bench next to Frank, watching Charlie holding on to the back of the bicycle steering Philip around the footpath. ‘Mind the flowers. I don’t want us to get into trouble because the flowers have been battered by Philip falling off the bicycle.’
A smile played on Rose’s lips as she watched the boys. The blue bike was a great fit. Philip suddenly burst out laughing, and she found herself following suit.
‘I’m doing it, I’m doing it.’
Joyce shouted. ‘Yes, you are.’ She turned and looked at the girls. ‘I’ve never heard him laugh like that.’ She found herself smiling at his giggling and couldn’t help wondering if they had moved forward and he might be a little happier now.
Annie looked over at Joyce, enjoying the smile that was spreading across her face. ‘It’s lovely to see you smiling. I don’t think I’ve seen that smile since I’ve arrived in London. And you have been particularly low since Simon has gone.’
Joyce’s smile faded a little.
Frank jumped up from the bench. ‘I’m going to ’ave a walk and stretch my legs.’
Joyce nodded. ‘Let me just watch Philip a bit longer and then I’ll come with you.’
Charlie suddenly let go of the bike and Philip was cycling by himself.
Joyce and the girls clapped their hands and cheered.
‘Isn’t it wonderful? You forget what it’s like to be a young child.’ Joyce shook her head. ‘That said I think Philip was forgetting what it was like to be a child.’
Peter walked over to the bench. ‘You do know you’re doing a wonderful job don’t you?’
Joyce gave a wry smile. ‘There have been times when I thought Philip really didn’t like me and I’ve struggled to know how to cope with him. But as the girls pointed out I’ve never been much of a mixer. I’ve always been happy on my own or with my very close friends.’
Charlie looked back at Rose. ‘He’s a clever boy. It hasn’t taken him long to learn how to ride the bicycle.’
Frank was smiling when he strode off to walk next to Philip on his bicycle.
Joyce frowned. ‘Now I just have to figure out how I’m going to pay for it.’
Charlie shook his head. ‘Don’t worry about it, Joyce. Let it be my gift. It’s made my day to see a boy so happy on one of my bikes.’
‘Thank you so much for the offer but I can’t accept it, Charlie. It’s your livelihood and, I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I don’t want to feel like I owe you or anybody else for that matter.’
Charlie chuckled. ‘You won’t owe me. We’re friends, and you introduced me to Rose and that’s priceless to me.’
Rose blushed. ‘I never knew you felt like that, Charlie.’
Charlie gave a slight nod. He walked over to Rose and took her hand. ‘I’ve probably said it all too soon, and didn’t want to rush things but the more I read about the war, the more I feel time isn’t on my side.’
Rose looked from left to right at her friends. ‘What are you saying?’
Charlie shrugged. ‘I want us to spend more time together. There’s things I want to say but now isn’t the time or the place.’ He paused. ‘I’ve heard there’s going to be a push so men will have to enlist whether they want to or not, so I would like us to just make the most of the time that we have before that happens.’
Joyce looked away from Charlie and Rose. He was a good man, as was Peter. Had she been a fool for not pursuing either of them? They were still here and Simon wasn’t, but her heart told her she never had a choice. Why did Simon have the urge to go and fight, and Charlie and Peter were still here?
Annie looked round as she heard Charlie talking to Rose. ‘Does that mean you will have to go as well, Peter?’
Peter frowned before giving a slight shrug. ‘I don’t want to go. My family don’t want me to go, but if needed or forced I will have to.’
Annie pursed her lips. ‘I know from what Joyce has said that Simon and his family had received comments from people because he hadn’t signed up. Are you getting the same thing?’
Peter stared straight ahead. ‘I get the odd comment but it doesn’t worry me. My family come first and that’s all I worry about.’
Annie gazed out at the still waters of the Serpentine.
Joyce bit her lip. ‘I don’t think Simon felt he had a choice. I just hope he’s as safe as he can be.’
Peter nodded. ‘I think we need to get back to having fun while we can.’
Annie forced a smile. ‘You’re right. We shouldn’t waste any of the precious time we have.’
Joyce watched the two couples and felt qu
ite alone. Jealousy surged through her. ‘I’m going to try and catch up with Philip while he’s on his bicycle.’
The four of them sat in silence, each lost in thought, as Joyce moved to catch up with Frank and Philip.
Annie took a deep breath. ‘Anyway, this is a beautiful park and I can’t believe it’s in the middle of London. All this greenery amongst the tall buildings and the busy roads – it’s beautiful. The flowers are enjoying the sunshine. You could almost forget we’re at war and feel like you’re back home in the village.’
Joyce stopped and looked around her, as though seeing it for the first time. ‘You’re right. It is beautiful. I should come here more often.’
Charlie smiled. ‘You should come on Christmas Day when men and women jump into the Serpentine for a swim.’
Rose gasped. ‘As much as it looks inviting now, that water must be freezing then.’
Charlie chuckled. ‘I expect it’s freezing now. Water can be quite deceiving. But we are lucky to have this haven in the middle of London.’ He put his arm around Rose’s shoulder as they sat together on the grass.
Annie watched Joyce walk away. Her head was low and her shoulders rounded. She looked weighed down. ‘Do you think she’s all right?’
Rose spoke in a low voice. ‘Where does this Frank fit in? Is he replacing Simon?’ She turned to follow Annie’s gaze. ‘We’ll have to make sure she’s all right.’ She jumped up from the grass and brushed the back of her skirt. ‘Maybe we need to stop being lovey-dovey because she must feel like she’s playing the gooseberry.’
Charlie nodded. ‘You’re right. It’s my fault; I started it.’
Annie turned to him. ‘It’s no one’s fault. We don’t spend enough time together so it’s obvious we would want to make the most of it. Bringing Joyce with us was a good idea but we didn’t think it through – I mean about how she would feel without Simon.’
Peter stood up. ‘Well, it’s not too late to put it right.’
Everyone gathered and started to follow Joyce.
*
Big Dreams for the West End Girls Page 17