Generations of Love

by Wendy Pulford

  ‘Thank you so much for the flowers, Alex. It was a wonderful thought. Do you like what we’ve done?’

  He just nodded and for one moment Catherine thought she detected a sheen of moisture in his eyes.

  The Registrar’s assistant came over then, and asked Catherine to accompany him for some final formalities. Alex squeezed her hand and let her go.

  Catherine tried to concentrate on the questions being asked, but found it very difficult. What the Registrar must have thought, she had no idea. Then it was done and she was allowed to return to her party. She hovered in the doorway for a moment, looking over at Alex standing talking to her friends. With her nervousness growing, she realised that she knew very little about this man, and in a moment she would be pledging her life to him. She comforted herself by once again remembering that she loved him, and he had seemed so sincere in his love for her. That had to be enough for now. Then, any doubts she had were swept aside as, sensing her gaze, Alex turned his head and looked at her with such wondrous love in his eyes that her fears melted away. He held out his hand to her, and without any further hesitation she crossed to his side.

  They were called through to start the ceremony, but first Catherine whispered to Alex, ‘Please take my ring and keep it until later.’ He looked at her for a moment and then took off the engagement ring and placed it in his inside pocket. ‘Near to my heart,’ he whispered back to her as they took their seats.

  The exchange of vows seemed almost a blur to Catherine apart from Alex’s strong hands holding her own. She was filled with emotion when he slipped the wedding band on her finger and more so when she realised that he also would wear a ring.

  When the Registrar pronounced the ceremony complete, Alex reached into his pocket for her engagement ring, placed it back on her finger, and brought her hand up to his lips and kissed the rings. ‘Together for always,’ he whispered.

  Sarah was close enough to hear the whispered exchange, and was overcome with emotion. She reached for Jerry’s hand and he twined his fingers through hers and murmured, ‘It will soon be our turn, my love.’

  CHAPTER 25

  After the final formalities were dealt with, but before leaving the Registry Office premises, Sarah produced a camera from her bag and insisted that a record should be made of the occasion. Jerry proceeded to shepherd his rather embarrassed subjects into a small flower-filled corner, and snapped away.

  Outside in the warm May sunshine, Alex turned to Jerry. ‘I know you’re tight for time but can we at least grab a cup of coffee together before you go?’

  After consulting his watch and receiving a nod from Sarah, Jerry grinned and said he would be delighted to help escort such beautiful ladies. Alex walked them to a small Italian coffee house nearby, his arm through Catherine’s. She seemed almost in a daze.

  When they were seated, Alex took her hand and squeezed it. ‘Are you alright, my love? You’re quiet.’

  She looked at him and smiled. ‘I’m sure I’m in a dream and I’ll wake up and find all this isn’t real.’

  Alex grinned at her. ‘Well, if you do, just tell me and we can do it all again! I do have a piece of paper to prove it to you, though.’

  Jerry queried, ‘I suppose you two will be jetting off somewhere exotic for a honeymoon?’

  Alex took Catherine’s hand again. ‘I’m afraid circumstances don’t permit at the moment, but you never know in the future. However, if my wife agrees I might have a surprise planned for her.’

  Catherine looked at him with a question in her eyes, but he just smiled and said nothing more.

  Sarah was relieved that Jerry didn’t make any inappropriate comment as to the nature of the surprise planned, and she decided it might be as well to remove him from the situation before he did. ‘I think it’s time we were going, Jerry.’ She looked at her watch and nudged his ankle under the table.

  Taking his cue, Jerry stood up. ‘Yes, indeed. No doubt my adoring public is awaiting my healing touch.’

  ‘Do you want a lift anywhere, Sarah? I don’t have my car but we could share a taxi.’

  ‘Thank you, Alex, but I’ll go with Jerry back to Brompton and then either walk home or do some shopping. Thanks for the offer.’

  Before she climbed into the hailed taxi, Sarah handed Catherine’s small make-up case to her and then whispered, ‘Enjoy yourself!’ With a quick hug for both of them, she waved goodbye.

  For a moment Catherine felt lost and embarrassed about what to do next. As always, Alex was sensitive to her mood. With his arm around her slim shoulders he hailed another taxi and murmured to her, ‘I think I would like to take my wife home, if she has no objection.’

  Catherine was intrigued to see where Alex lived, and gazed with interest at the large double-fronted Victorian villa.

  ‘My flat’s on the first floor. The landlord, Jake Turner, lives in one of the ground-floor flats. He’s an anglicised American. A bit brash, but I get on with him well enough.’

  ‘Does he know about you getting married?’

  ‘Oh yes. I’ve suffered nothing but gentle verbal abuse since then. Jake’s the product of two failed marriages!’

  They made their way up to the first floor and Alex took out his key and opened the door.

  ‘I suppose you want me to carry you over the threshold.’ The resigned tone belied the amusement in his eyes.

  ‘Of course,’ Catherine twinkled back at him and felt herself swung up into strong arms.

  He set her on her feet in the lounge. She put down her make-up case, bag and flowers on a small table.

  ‘Have a look around and see what you think.’

  She knew he was watching her as she moved in and out of the rooms. She liked what she saw. Nothing like as big as Sarah’s, but the rooms had nice proportions. Everywhere was spotless. Alex must be very good at looking after himself, she thought. She must keep up his standard.

  When she came to what was the main bedroom she hesitated for a moment before pushing open the door and walking in. Her eyes were drawn to the bed. The pale green spread complemented the basic cream colour scheme and made the room feel light and airy. For a moment she felt a little short of breath as visions came into her mind, and she made herself walk over to the window. It looked out on to the garden at the rear and would get the morning sun.

  The thought came to her that now she was Alex’s wife, might he act in any different way towards her? From the start she had always been touched and soothed by his gentle consideration for her in their love-making, but would this change?

  She turned back to the room and saw, lying on the bed, a single cream rose of the sort Alex had brought her this morning. Catherine picked it up and touched the soft petals. She now knew it would be alright. Just a small thoughtful gesture like that was typical of the man she had come to love. Placing the rose back on the bed she went into the lounge where he was waiting. He hadn’t moved. She walked over to him and, reaching up, kissed him on the cheek.

  ‘I like your home, Alex.’

  ‘I’m glad. It’s yours now, too. You can change anything you like. I’ve hung up some of your clothes and you can sort out the rest when you like.’

  ‘Thank you for doing that when you’re so busy. Thank you also for the rose. It was a kind thought. You’re very good to me. Was this the surprise you mentioned?’

  ‘Lord no, I should be able to do better than that, my dear.’ He smiled down at her and placed his hands on her waist, but said nothing further.

  She gave him a playful punch on his chest. ‘Don’t be so secretive. Are you going to tell me or not?’

  ‘In a moment. I have something else on my mind.’

  He bent his head and kissed her mouth for the first time that day. As always it felt so good to have his arms around her and she relaxed against him. It was a long while before he released her but kept his hands on her waist.

 
; ‘Would you like to go away for the weekend? Some people I know run a small bed and breakfast in Sunbury near the Thames. They would be pleased to see us. We can leave later this afternoon and come home on Sunday night.’

  ‘That would be nice, Alex, but I don’t mind anything at all as long as we’re together.’ She nestled her head against him, soaking up his warmth.

  ‘I’ll take that as a “Yes” then, shall I?’ he murmured against her hair. ‘Of course we have an hour or two yet before we need to leave and I have …an idea to pass the time.’

  Catherine smiled to herself, guessing his meaning, but she didn’t want to make any mistakes, however, by saying anything.

  Alex turned her face up to him and the look in his grey eyes, now almost black, told her everything.

  ‘I would very much like to take my new wife to my bed if she had no objection.’

  ‘I don’t think she would mind,’ was all she could think of to say in reply.

  She found herself gathered up into his arms again and carried into the bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and for several moments just sat, looking at her.

  ‘I’ve waited so long to have you here. I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve lain in this bed during all those weeks since I’ve known you, wishing you were here with me.’

  There was no doubting the sincerity of his words.

  ‘I’m here for you now,’ Catherine whispered.

  With great care he began removing her clothes. The undoing of the small buttons on the front of her dress seemed to take a long time to achieve, and she could feel the familiar excitement mounting as her breathing became shallow and uneven.

  ‘You look so beautiful today, it seems a pity to spoil it all.’ His words were spoken into her throat.

  She stroked one hand through his dark hair, down the side of his face to his mouth. He kissed her fingers and then transferred his attention to her breasts.

  As usual, time dissolved into a haze of pleasure and sensation.

  *

  The sound of Alex’s voice woke her, and for a moment she wondered where she was.

  ‘Catherine, my love, wake up. If we’re going to go away we’ll have to leave in a little while.’

  As her senses returned, she found him sitting on the bed beside her. He had changed his clothes and she realised she had never seen him dress in such a casual fashion.

  ‘I have no desire to prise you out of my bed, you know. If you would rather we stayed here, it would be alright. The trial run seemed to go OK!’

  Pretending to be put out by his words, she threw back the covers and slid out of bed. ‘Just for that remark, I’m getting up and we will go away. How much time do I have?’

  ‘There’s no set time, but say forty-five minutes?’ Alex turned away with a grin on his face. ‘Shall I make you a coffee as a peace-making gesture?’

  During the drive to Sunbury, Alex told her about Luigi and Maria. Catherine picked up from his words that he had a great affection for the couple.

  ‘Do they know you’re bringing me?’

  ‘I’ve said I will have a lady with me, but I didn’t say anything else, so we’ll surprise them!’

  She began to feel apprehensive about the forthcoming introductions, and noticed Alex glancing at her. As usual, he sensed her unease.

  ‘My sweet, I’m certain they’re going to love you.’

  Catherine hoped so, but by the time they arrived at their destination she was feeling rather nervous.

  Their arrival had been observed, and they were met in the entrance hall by a man in his fifties, his face wreathed in smiles. Catherine watched as the two men embraced, and then Alex took her arm and brought her forward.

  ‘Luigi, I’d like you to meet someone. This is Catherine, my wife. We were married earlier today.’

  She had already felt the dark eyes studying her, and hoped that she looked smart enough in her cream blouse and green trousers.

  ‘Married!’ Luigi looked at her again. ‘Alex, you are telling me the truth?’

  ‘Catherine and I were married at twelve o’clock today at Chelsea Registry Office. I thought she might like some pampering for a day or two and I could think of nowhere better than here. And I was proud to bring my wife to show you. I warn you, she speaks Italian!’

  Luigi studied Catherine anew, then, making a slight bow, he spoke in Italian. ‘This is a pleasant surprise. Welcome to our home Catherine. Alex has found himself a beautiful bride.’

  He took her hand and placed a kiss on it and then looked up with a mischievous smile. ‘We had better give Mama a shock also!’

  He turned and called over his shoulder, ‘Mama, Mama, hurry! I have a surprise for you.’

  A bustling figure with apron and floury hands burst into the hall. ‘What is the urgency Papa! I’m busy baking. I’ll see Alessandro in a moment.’

  However, she held her arms wide and was enveloped in Alex’s embrace. ‘It’s good to see you again.’

  Bright dark eyes flickered between Catherine, Alex, and then to her husband.

  ‘Mama, this is Catherine. Alessandro’s new wife.’

  ‘Wife!’ She looked again at her husband. ‘But… Luigi?’

  ‘It is true, Mama,’ he said, ‘they were married today. She speaks Italian too.’

  He watched in amusement as his wife looked from one to the other in total amazement, lost for words. With a chuckle he added, ‘That must be the first time in a long while that Mama has had nothing to say!’

  She retaliated by smacking his arm, resulting in a cloud of flour drifting down to the carpet.

  ‘Now look what you have made me do. Make yourself useful and show Alessandro and his wife to their room while I clean this up.’ She smiled at Catherine. ‘We will talk much together later on.’

  Luigi, beaming in approval, turned away to lead them upstairs. ‘Mama has put you on the top floor, Alex, so you will be on your own.’

  The self-contained suite, constructed in the roof area, was light and airy, with a good view over the large garden and through trees to the river beyond.

  Luigi showed them where everything was and then turned to leave, looking back at Alex with a raised eyebrow, ‘Settle in, and I will see you downstairs for a drink?’

  Alex nodded, then crossed over to the window where Catherine was standing looking at the view. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. ‘You see, I told you they’d love you. Take a minute to unpack by yourself, and join us when you’re ready.’

  Alex bounded down the stairs, whistling under his breath.

  ‘I’m here in the back,’ called Luigi from the patio area. ‘I have a drink ready for you.’

  Alex joined him at the large table. ‘Thanks, Luigi. Do you have water or soda or something to put in it? I’ve had enough of strong drink for the moment.’

  ‘That’s a first, isn’t it?’ chuckled Luigi, passing over a jug of water. ‘I thought you were a master at heavy drinking. Has your new wife forbidden it?’

  ‘No she hasn’t, Luigi. Its more that the last month or so has been a bit rough and I’ve done all the drinking I want for quite some time. I only trained myself to do it in the first place because it comes in handy. Its amazing what someone will tell you over a drink.’

  Alex drowned his whisky with water, making Luigi wince at the sacrilege. He regarded the younger man, his face now serious.

  ‘Well, you have your drink, so perhaps you would like to talk some. Are you sure about this, Alex? She seems very young.’

  Alex looked at him, his gaze steady. ‘I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, Luigi. I know she seems young for her age, and it worried me too at first, but it’s because of… circumstances… she’s been through. And given time, when she finds her feet, she’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Then I’ll be in real trouble.’ His grin was r
ueful.

  Luigi still didn’t look too convinced. ‘What do you mean by “circumstances”? Am I to take it that Catherine was the dilemma you were speaking about a while ago? I think I need to know the whole story, my boy.’

  CHAPTER 26

  Luigi watched as the other man settled back in his chair, making an obvious attempt to marshal his thoughts. Then they both heard the sound of a door closing, and Catherine came out into the sunshine. He watched with interest as Alex stood up and slid his arm around her waist. The young woman looked up at him and their light kiss was natural and spontaneous. The whole effect was quite charming. He realised he had never seen Alex so tender in his actions before.

  ‘Maria is in the kitchen preparing dinner,’ he said. ‘You are welcome to visit her there, or you can stay and charm us with your presence.’ He smiled at Catherine and patted the chair next to him.

  ‘It doesn’t seem fair for Maria to be working while I’m sitting about. I would like to go and see her if that’s alright.’

  ‘Catherine!’ Alex’s tone was sharp. ‘I brought you here for a rest, not to work preparing meals.’

  Luigi was amused to see the young woman turn to this very masculine male and, in a firm voice, reply, ‘I would find it very impolite to leave Maria preparing the meal on her own with me sitting out here like royalty. I will, however, make sure not to contravene your wishes by assisting in any way.’ With great dignity, she turned and left them.

  Luigi smiled into his drink and waited. Alex sighed and then chuckled, ‘You see, Luigi, you don’t have to worry about her. It’s me you need to pity!’

  ‘Tell me about her.’

  Accepting that Luigi wasn’t going to let up, Alex began relating what he knew of Catherine’s life. When he began to describe his own involvement, the emotion he was feeling was very evident to the man sitting opposite him, and very revealing.