by Kitty Neale
‘That sounds like the van,’ he said, crossing the room to open the door. ‘Yes,’ he called back over his shoulder, ‘it’s here.’
‘That was quick,’ Hilda said as she gave herself a mental shake. There was enough to do without worrying about their new neighbour, and she now stood ready to direct where the furniture should be placed.
The removal men were quick and efficient and it wasn’t long before everything was unloaded. They even put the beds together, and Hilda felt awful that she hadn’t been able to give them a large tip.
Now, after all the activity, it was just the two of them again, but at least they had chairs to sit on and Hilda looked around the living room with satisfaction. Strangely, the old furniture looked all right in the cottage, fitting somehow.
‘Leave it,’ Doug said as Hilda began to open boxes. ‘You can’t manage all this unpacking on your own. They’ll be here soon to give us a hand.’
‘I can make a start.’
‘Do you know what, Hilda, this place reminds me of Hampshire. When we left there I vowed I’d return one day, but this’ll do me.’
‘Yes, it’ll do me too,’ Hilda agreed as she carefully lifted the porcelain angel out of the box to unwrap it. With a smile, she placed it on the tall mantelpiece above the range.
‘Considering that you don’t believe in God and all that, I’m surprised that you love that thing so much,’ Doug said.
‘Since that woman had that vision about you coming home, I don’t know what I believe in any more. There must be something, Doug, and a long time ago I had a funny feeling that someone was standing beside me. It scared the life out of me, but nowadays I like to think it was my mum,’ Hilda told him, and when she thought about her mother, her hand as usual went to the cross and chain she still wore around her neck.
‘I don’t believe in all that stuff, but your mum was a good sort, your dad too. I wonder what they’d have made of this cottage.’
‘They were Londoners born and bred and even during the Blitz there was no way they’d leave Battersea…’ Hilda paused. Yes, and the Blitz had killed her parents. Well, she was away from London now, starting a new life and leaving all her unhappiness behind. She gazed at the angel and there was something about the ornament that drew her. It hadn’t had this effect on her before, and it was silly, fanciful really, but it was almost as if the angel was watching over them.
Stop it, Hilda chided herself. It was daft to think that, and anyway, she had enough to do without standing there gazing at a statue. Yet she couldn’t help wondering. Are there angels? Do they really exist?
Chapter 40
‘Nearly there,’ Ellen said. ‘Aren’t telephones wonderful? I rang Gertie from the hotel to tell her what time we’d be arriving and she said she’d be waiting for us at the station.’
‘Perhaps one day everyone will have telephones.’
‘I doubt that. Only businesses and rich people can afford them.’
‘I can’t wait to start work on Monday.’
‘No wonder Gertie was so keen to take you on.’
‘It was good of her to pay for our week in Brighton.’
‘Yes, but the weather was rotten.’
‘It wasn’t that bad for the end of March, and the hotel was nice.’
Ellen nodded her agreement, her thoughts drifting as she watched the passing scenery. They’d asked for single beds and got them, but it felt strange in the hotel room and she’d been nervous at first. She needn’t have worried. Percy had kept to his agreement of a platonic marriage until after the baby was born, but Ellen wondered if she would ever be able to lie in his arms, to have him touching her, doing that to her. Oh, she liked Percy – how could anyone fail to like Percy – but she didn’t love him and doubted she ever would.
‘Come on, we’re here,’ he said as the train drew into the station, standing up to grab their cases from the rack overhead.
There was a cloud of steam from the engine as they climbed from the carriage, but as soon as it cleared Ellen saw Gertie and Maureen at the end of the platform, both their faces lighting up in a smile. Ellen hurried towards them, wrapping them both in a hug.
‘Thanks for meeting us.’
‘It’s lovely to see you,’ Gertie said. ‘Your parents have arrived and when I left them they were waiting for the furniture van to show up.’
‘Did you enjoy yourself in Brighton?’ Maureen asked.
‘Yes, it was lovely.’
‘Percy, do get a move on,’ Gertie called brusquely.
Ellen hid a smile as he joined them and they all then walked to the car. Gertie sounded bossy as usual, but she didn’t mind. Once he started work in the plant nursery, Percy would have to get used to it too, but she doubted he’d complain. He’d be doing something he loved, and that had been a large factor in her decision to marry him. A love of plants, of growing things, was something they had in common and it had weighed heavily that because of her he would lose his chance to work at the nursery.
‘I sure your mother will be glad to see you. She’s certainly going to need a hand with all the unpacking,’ Maureen said.
‘Do you know, I was only thinking on the way back that it’s the first time I’ve been anywhere without her.’
‘I know you’re very young, but you’re a married woman now,’ Gertie chuckled, ‘and she could hardly join you on your honeymoon.’
Ellen hadn’t wanted to be a burden to her parents, or to force them to live a lie, and that too had gone a long way in her decision; but when they’d told Percy’s parents they were getting married, she hadn’t been prepared for the awful rows that had followed. However, as Percy put their luggage in the boot and they climbed into the car, Ellen’s thoughts were snapped back to the present when Gertie spoke.
‘I’m glad you liked Brighton, but what about the hotel? Was it all right?’
‘It was lovely and I can’t thank you enough.’
‘Yeah, me too, Gertie,’ Percy agreed.
Ellen gazed out of the window with interest. Guildford was a town she looked forward to exploring, but soon they were on the outskirts, driving up a steep hill and onto the Hogs Back. The scenery was breathtaking and just a short way along Gertie turned off to drive down a small country lane, Lavender Cottage soon coming into view.
Smoke was spiralling from the chimney as though signalling a welcome and, moments later, as if they’d been looking out for the car, Ellen’s parents appeared on the doorstep. With her father’s arm around her mother’s shoulder, somehow it all looked just right, and when both their hands lifted to wave, Ellen was the first out of the car.
‘Hello, you got here then?’ her mother said.
‘Well, Mum, we aren’t an optical illusion.’
‘Very funny. Now did you have a nice time?’
Hilda asked, looking at her keenly. ‘Yes, lovely, thanks.’
‘Well, come on then, all of you. Let’s get inside out of the cold.’
‘Sorry, Hilda, we can’t stop,’ Gertie called as she opened the boot for Percy to take out the cases. ‘We’ve got a lot to do, but if it’s all right, we’ll pop back this evening.’
‘That’s fine, and thanks for picking these two up from the station.’
‘It was no trouble,’ Gertie called, and moments later the car drove off again, Maureen waving at them from the passenger window.
‘This is nice,’ Percy said as they walked inside.
‘It’ll be a darn sight better when we get these boxes cleared. Oh, and Percy, I saw your mum before we left. She said they’d pop down next weekend to see us.’
Percy’s lips thinned. ‘She said that, did she? I’m still not sure that I want to see them.’
‘Now, Percy, I know they were against this marriage, but they’re still your parents. We’ve buried the hatchet and you should too.’
‘I can’t forget how much persuasion it took for you to convince them to come to the registry office.’
Ellen touched his arm. ‘Percy, I told
you that your mum gave me a big hug after the service, your dad too, but by then you had walked off with the hump.’
Percy’s eyelids were hooded, an expression Ellen had come to recognise when he was thinking about something. She could understand why Mabel and Jack hadn’t wanted Percy to marry her, and the rows had been dreadful. She hadn’t wanted to come between Percy and his parents, had almost changed her mind, but he’d been adamant, telling them that if they didn’t agree, they’d never see him again.
‘Percy, give them a chance,’ Hilda urged. ‘They came round eventually and your mum isn’t only my friend, she’s family now. It wouldn’t be right to keep them away.’
‘Yeah, yeah, all right.’
‘Good, I’m glad that’s settled,’ Doug said. ‘Now I expect these two want a cup of tea before we tackle any more boxes.’
‘Yes, and I’d better take that tray back to Val.’
‘Who’s Val?’ Ellen asked.
‘A nice young woman who lives in the next cottage, at least I think she’s nice. There was something a bit odd about her.’
‘Take no notice of your mother. Val was just a thoughtful neighbour who kindly brought us tea and biscuits when we first arrived.’
‘I’d like to meet her. Leave the tray for now, Mum. It’ll give me an excuse to pop along there later.’
‘Fine, and, Percy, there’s enough clutter in here so take those suitcases up to your room.’
As he went upstairs, Ellen followed him, saying, ‘I might as well unpack them, Mum. It’s mostly dirty washing anyway so there won’t be much to hang up.’
‘When you come back down the tea should be ready.’
Ellen was pleased to see two single beds when she walked into the room. With money tight it had been the perfect excuse not to buy a double and Percy’s mum had agreed that he could bring his own bed. There wasn’t much of a gap between them, but at least they’d still be sleeping separately.
‘It’s a smashing view,’ Percy said, looking out of the tiny window.
‘Percy, come on, unpack your case.’
‘Yes, madam,’ he said with a small bow.
Ellen’s heart jumped. For a brief moment, his action had reminded her of Billy, and, as though in agreement, for the first time she felt a tiny flutter in her tummy.
‘What is it? What’s the matter?’
‘Oh…oh…the baby moved.’
‘Blimey, you’ve gone all pale. Here, sit down,’ he said, hastily moving a suitcase on the bed to one side.
‘There’s no need. I’m fine. Oh, Percy, it moved, my baby moved.’
‘Our baby, Ellen.’
‘Yes, yes, of course,’ she agreed, yet deep down Ellen wondered if she would ever be able to think of the baby as Percy’s. Billy might never know the truth, but she did, yet for her baby’s sake it had to be a secret that would never be revealed.
‘Let’s leave the rest until tomorrow,’ Hilda said as she sank, exhausted, onto a chair. They’d had a scratch dinner and it was now after eight in the evening. With four of them in the room, she had to admit it seemed a little cramped, but with both Ellen and Percy earning soon, eventually they’d want a place of their own. Of course it wouldn’t be easy, and they’d have furniture to buy, as well as all the paraphernalia needed for the baby. Hilda smiled softly, sure it would be some time before they could afford it, and happy with that. Now that the shock of her daughter’s pregnancy had diminished – now that she was married to Percy and their respectability was intact – she found herself looking forward to having her first grandchild.
‘You look knackered,’ Doug said as he held out a weak cup of tea – at least the fourth pot he’d made since they’d arrived.
Hilda knew she’d have to keep an eye on their ration or there’d be none left. Still, at least it made Doug feel useful and, once Percy had put boxes on the table so that Doug didn’t have to bend down, he’d even managed to unpack a few. Since Gertie’s offer of a job and accommodation to go with it, Doug seemed to have taken on a new lease of life. His back was still bad, and she knew it always would be, but he seemed to stand straighter somehow, as though the thought of being a wage earner had made him feel like a man again.
‘It’s only us,’ Gertie called as she poked her head inside the door.
‘Come on in,’ Hilda said, her welcome warm.
‘It looks so cosy in here,’ Maureen said.
‘Here, sit by the fire. There’s room for three on the sofa,’ Percy urged, moving to perch on the arm beside Ellen. ‘I can’t wait to start work on Monday; in fact, if I’m not needed for any more unpacking here, I wouldn’t mind starting tomorrow.’
‘Goodness, you’re keen,’ Gertie said.
‘I’ve been reading up, Ellen has too, and we know loads about soil improvement, along with propagating and grafting, among other things.’
‘Do you now? Well, that’s good, but before we even think about stock we need to get the ground ready and a greenhouse set up. I’ve got a rotavator and I’ll show you how to use it, Percy; and yes, you can start tomorrow if you like.’
‘Great,’ he said.
They chatted for a while, Gertie going over their plans for the nursery again and of course the shop.
‘We’re going to be busy with the grounds so, if you don’t mind, Hilda, we’ll leave setting up to you and Doug. We’ve had the outbuilding cleared, but you’ll need to sort out the fittings. After that you’ll need to buy in gardening equipment and anything else you think might sell.’
‘Buying isn’t something I’ve tackled before and with the shortages I’m not sure what I’ll find. I’ll try some wholesalers and maybe local craftsmen who can give us a good price.’
‘I knew I could rely on you.’
‘There isn’t much I can do yet,’ Doug said worriedly.
‘Yes, there is,’ Hilda insisted. ‘For a start you can plan the layout of the shop, the shelving we’ll need, and that’s something I wouldn’t be able to get my head around.’
Ellen was obviously unable to stifle a yawn and said apologetically, ‘Sorry, but I’m bushed.’
‘Yes, of course you are,’ Gertie said. ‘After such a long day, you all must be so we’ll go now. Percy, we’ll see you in the morning.’
‘I’ll be there bright and early.’
They all said their goodbyes, and it was only then that Hilda thought about Val’s tray and tea things again. It was too late to take them back now, she decided, so it would have to wait until the morning.
Ellen yawned again and Hilda looked worriedly at her daughter. Yes, she did look tired, and suddenly, Hilda felt a flutter of fear. She had felt worn out and tired when she’d miscarried, but surely Ellen would be fine? She was over four months gone now, past the dangerous stage and the baby was due in August. Still, to be on the safe side she’d insist that her daughter rested tomorrow.
Stop worrying, Hilda chided herself. They were out of London now, and nothing would go wrong. Ellen would be fine, they’d all be fine and, comforted by that thought she said, ‘I don’t know about the rest of you, but I wouldn’t mind an early night.’
‘That’s fine with me,’ Doug agreed.
‘Yes, us too,’ Ellen said, she and Percy saying goodnight and going upstairs.
Hilda looked blearily at Doug. ‘Go on up, love. I’ll just bank down the fire and then I’ll join you.’
He nodded, a pained expression on his face as he stood up, and Hilda saw that his back was bent as he went upstairs. Of course, with the unpacking he’d insisted on doing, Hilda wasn’t surprised, but it didn’t bode well for working in the shop. She’d just have to keep an eye on him, insist that when he was in too much pain he took the day off.
Alone now, Hilda banked down the fire, pausing before going upstairs as the calm atmosphere of the cottage seemed to wrap itself around her. She looked at the angel, smiling as she whispered, ‘Goodnight. Keep watching over us.’
Hilda then chuckled. Hark at her, talking to a statue. If Dou
g heard her he’d say she was losing her mind. It was this place, this cottage. From the moment they had stepped over the threshold it had seemed to welcome them, and she felt a wave of contentment. They were going to be happy here, all of them, their future at last looking bright.
Chapter 41
Ellen didn’t know what the time was when she awoke the next morning, but turned over to see that Percy was already up and getting dressed. In the dim light his back was towards her, but she could see the outline of his broad, bare shoulders. Embarrassed, she looked away, asking, ‘What time is it?’
‘I dunno, but from the racket the birds are making it must be past dawn. We could do with a clock in here, but they’re as good as an alarm. There I was thinking it’d be peaceful in the country, but they make more noise than London traffic.’
‘It was the same in Somerset, and Hampshire. Still, at least I can’t hear a cockerel, so that’s something.’
‘You needn’t get up. Stay there and I’ll fetch you a cup of tea before I go to work.’
‘No, it’s all right. Anyway, you’ll need breakfast before you leave.’
Percy was dressed now and they heard a noise downstairs. ‘It sounds like someone is already up.’
‘It’s probably my mum.’
Percy fished for his shoes and put them on. He bent to tie the laces, then said, ‘You looked worn out when we came to bed so if you’d rather lie in for a while, I’m sure she’ll sort me out something to eat.’
‘Stop worrying, I’m fine now,’ Ellen told him, unable to help thinking how nice it was that Percy was always so attentive and concerned about her. It wasn’t any wonder that Janet liked him and Ellen still felt guilty that she’d been the one to marry him.
‘Percy, it was bad enough telling Janet that you weren’t interested in her, but then later I had to tell her that we were getting married. She really did like you.’