by Ellie Dean
‘Crikey,’ he breathed, as he stepped down into the cosy room with its chintz curtains and matching tablecloths. ‘Some things just don’t change, do they?’ He grinned at the plump middle-aged woman who bustled in from the back at the sound of the tinkling doorbell. He didn’t remember her, but guessed she might be the daughter of the woman who’d run the place before he’d been called up.
They settled by the window and Rita ordered a pot of tea with scones and jam. Jack raised an eyebrow at this extravagance and Rita swiftly put him straight. ‘Rationing doesn’t count in here,’ she said in a stage whisper. ‘The family own the dairy and have a share in the bakery, so everything’s on offer – as long as you’re willing to pay for it.’ She stayed his hand as he reached for his wallet. ‘This is on me, Dad, and I’ll have no argument.’
Jack grinned at his daughter’s bossiness. She hadn’t changed. ‘So, when am I going to meet this young fellow of yours?’ he asked once the feast had been paid for and set out on the table in front of them.
‘Tomorrow,’ she replied. ‘He wanted to come today, but I thought it was a bit soon, and besides, I wanted you to myself for a bit.’ She poured out the tea and began to slather jam and cream on her scone. ‘He’s been moved to Cliffe House to recuperate, now he’s been given the all-clear on his head injury, so we’ll go up there tomorrow on the motorbikes.’
‘You’ve still got the Norton?’
‘Of course, and I’ve got Pete’s Royal Enfield too. It was a mess when I took charge of it, but it runs like silk now – much to his annoyance,’ she added cheekily before taking a big bite of the scone.
Jack saw how her eyes sparkled and how animated she became when she talked about the Australian, and felt the same pang of unease he’d experienced when reading her letters. Not wanting to spoil the moment, he changed the subject and turned his attention to his own scone.
‘So, tell me what’s happened in Cliffehaven since peace was declared. I suspect a lot of the factories have closed down on the estate – and have they started building the pre-fabs on our old plot behind the station? I didn’t see much work going on from the train on the way in.’
In between mouthfuls of scone, Rita told him about the plans to turn some of the larger factories into smaller units, and that although a few pre-fabs had gone up, and a new school had been built on the plot of the old one, work was slow as the council seemed more concerned with tidying up the town and seafront for the summer visitors, who were already arriving. Then she went on to tell him her job at the fire station was almost at an end.
‘I’ll be sad to leave,’ she said, having finished the last delicious crumb. ‘They’re a good bunch to work with and John Hicks is a real diamond. But I always knew it was only for the duration, so I can’t moan.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that, Rita, but it will give us time to catch up on things and talk about the future.’ He poured more tea for them both and lit a cigarette. ‘As I said in my letters, I want to start up the motor repair shop again,’ he said hesitantly. ‘There’s money in the Post Office because of the government compensation paid out for losing our home and business in the fire bomb attack, so finance won’t be a problem when it comes to finding a home and suitable garage premises – and those empty factory units sound ideal for the purpose.’
He paused and then rushed on. ‘I was rather hoping you might like to come in with me – as a partner.’
The words hung between them and Jack saw how she couldn’t meet his gaze. ‘That’s of course if you haven’t made other plans, Rita,’ he added hastily.
Rita finally looked him in the eye. ‘It’s a wonderful idea, Dad,’ she began hesitantly, ‘but …’
‘Look, I know the idea of being a car mechanic isn’t every young girl’s dream of a career, and of course I’ll understand if you fancy doing something else. Besides, I’m sure when Jim Reilly gets back he’d leap at the chance of getting his hands dirty again.’
‘That’s something you’d have to ask him, Dad,’ she replied. She reached across the table. ‘I would love to go into partnership with you, but I’ve had another offer, and it’s rather thrown the cat amongst the pigeons,’ she said with a lightness that belied the concern in her eyes. ‘Now I really don’t know what to do for the best. I’m sorry.’
Jack saw the unshed tears glittering in her eyes, felt the slight trembling in her hand and knew immediately what she was trying to tell him. It was what he’d dreaded from the moment Rita had started writing to him about Peter Ryan. ‘Peter’s proposed and asked you to go back to Australia with him,’ he stated.
Rita bit her lip and nodded. ‘I haven’t accepted yet, because I wanted to talk to you first,’ she said softly.
Jack was aware of the other people in the tearoom getting an earful, so stood up and drew Rita to her feet. ‘Can I leave the kitbag and case here for a bit?’ he asked the waitress.
‘Leave them in the corner, but don’t forget, we close at one for the weekend.’
Jack thanked her and dumped the kitbag and suitcase out of the way, then left a tip on the table and hustled Rita outside. ‘Come on, love. Let’s find a private corner so we can talk properly.’
They found a sheltered spot on a bench at the very western end of the promenade, and after Jack’s initial shock at the sight of the devastation caused by the V-2 on Havelock Road, he turned his full attention back to his daughter.
‘Nothing is ever really set in stone, Rita,’ he began. ‘We fought this war so youngsters like you could have a better future and the freedom to follow your dreams. So don’t ever feel you’ll disappoint me or let me down if your plans don’t fit in with mine.’
She remained silent and he took her hand. ‘But what does worry me is the fact you didn’t write and tell me about Peter’s proposal, and the implications of it that are clearly worrying you. If you’re that unsure, then perhaps it would be best not to rush into anything.’
‘Oh, but I am sure. Really sure,’ she protested. ‘I just wanted to wait until I could speak to you face-to-face. ‘I knew how keen you were on us setting up the workshop together, but Pete’s proposal means I have a terrible choice to make.’ She fell silent for a moment, chewing her lip. ‘I love you both, but the thought of going all the way to Australia and never seeing you or Peggy or Ron again …’
She tailed off and stared out at the sea which was sparkling with sun diamonds. ‘I’m so sorry to put all this on you before you’ve had time to get used to being home. But Pete did suggest something which could solve everything, and I’d really appreciate it if you’d give it some serious thought.’
Jack determinedly buried his disappointment, and although he had a fair idea of what was coming, asked anyway, ‘Oh, yes, and what’s that?’
‘You come to Australia with us,’ she said eagerly. ‘There’s lots and lots of work for a qualified mechanic like you, and Pete says you could be set up like a tall poppy in no time.’
Jack smiled despite his heavy heart. ‘A tall poppy, eh?’ He’d heard the expression from some of the Aussies he’d met in France, and knew it meant a person of wealth and substance. ‘Well, I was counting on being one right here in Cliffehaven where I belong, not in some far-flung corner of Australia.’
‘But you’ll think about it?’ she asked breathlessly, her brown eyes pleading.
Jack didn’t have the heart to shatter her dreams, so stayed silent and occupied his restless hands by rolling a cigarette. Having got it alight, he put his arm round her shoulder. ‘Why don’t you tell me more about Peter Ryan? What is it about this man that makes him so special?’
He listened with a heavy heart as she rattled off all the things she loved about Peter, and how she’d never thought she could care for anyone so much after having lost her first love, Matt. It seemed the young man was not only handsome and clever, but a brave fighter pilot, a gifted mechanic and all-round clever clogs. Peggy and Cordelia had evidently fallen for his charms – along with the nurses and matron at the hospita
l, and all in all, to Rita he was just about perfect.
‘Sounds like he’s one in a million,’ he murmured when she finally stopped talking. ‘But if he cares for you so much, how come he won’t stay here and make a life for you both in Cliffehaven? You could both come in with me to run the repair shop.’
‘It’s not something we’ve ever really thought about or discussed,’ she admitted softly.
‘Then perhaps you should,’ he replied, thinking that Ryan was being extremely selfish in asking her to sacrifice her home and all she knew for a future on the other side of the world without even considering staying on here.
‘Pete made Australia sound very exciting and you have to admit, Dad, it’s certainly not that here. It would be an adventure after the dark years we’ve been through, and a chance to grab new opportunities. Besides, he’s been away for years and wants to go home to his family. I’m sure we could make a very good life for ourselves out there.’ She glanced at him with a watery smile. ‘And so could you, Dad.’
He ignored the prompt. ‘So why are you holding back, Rita?’
When she remained silent, he grasped her hand and firmly ignored the pain in his heart. ‘If he’s the one, then don’t give up on him because of me, darling,’ he said softly. ‘I’ve lived long enough to know where I belong, and after what I went through in Europe, I want nothing more than to be back here and spend the rest of my days just doing what I do best. Australia’s for the young and adventurous, and I really can’t see myself settling there.’
He sat away from her and lifted her chin so he could look into her face. ‘If you love this man and can’t imagine being without him, then you must follow your heart – just as I did with your mother. Life is for living, Rita, and far too short to be beleaguered by regrets.’
‘But it would mean leaving you and Peggy and …’
‘Peggy and I will keep each other company, and I’m sure Ron will too. Of course we’ll miss you – but we want you to be happy. And if that means going to Australia with Peter, so be it.’
‘Oh, Dad, I’m so sorry to let you down. If things had been different I would’ve loved going into partnership with you. I’ve learned so much these past years looking after the engines at the fire station, and I’ve passed all my exams.’
‘Then use those skills over there,’ he urged despite his inner sadness. ‘And write and tell me all about it when you and Pete are tall poppies with a brood of kids.’
Rita burst into tears and hugged him fiercely. ‘I do love you, Dad,’ she sobbed against his lapel. ‘Please won’t you consider coming with us?’
‘Maybe I’ll visit when the first grandbaby is born,’ he soothed. ‘But don’t run away with the idea that I’m totally convinced about all this,’ he warned. ‘I’ve yet to meet this man who wants to whisk my daughter off to the other side of the world – and he’s yet to earn my approval.’
‘Oh, Dad, you’ll get on with him like a house on fire, I just know you will,’ she said, her tear-streaked face alight with happiness.
Jack very much doubted it. Young Peter Ryan sounded far too perfect for his liking, and he meant to get to know him thoroughly before he even considered giving his consent to anything.
Peggy had returned to Beach View to find Jane, Sarah, Danuta and Cordelia putting the final touches to the lunch while Daisy played with her dolls beneath the table. Cissy was in the hall talking animatedly on the telephone as usual, and Harvey was slumped in front of the range getting under everyone’s feet. She took off her coat and scarf and quietly told them what had happened to Ivy’s family.
Hearing the news so swiftly after the tragic loss of Freddy Pargeter, Cordelia became very upset and was only soothed by a glass of the sherry Jane had brought with her. ‘There are times,’ she said tearfully, ‘when I feel I’ve lived too long. It’s so unfair that those so much younger than I should be cut down, when I just keep on going.’
‘Don’t you dare even think such a thing,’ said Peggy, taking her into her arms for her own consolation as much as Cordelia’s. ‘We’d all fall apart if we didn’t have you to keep us on our toes. I for one hope you live to be a hundred.’
‘Hmph. Chance would be a fine thing,’ she replied. ‘I’ve had my four score, so I’m living on borrowed time according to popular belief.’ She drained the glass and held it out. ‘Any chance of a drop more, Jane, dear? It’s very good sherry.’
Jane raised an eyebrow but filled the glass anyway. ‘I see things haven’t changed much around here,’ she teased. ‘It’s good to know you still enjoy a drink now and then.’
‘I do indeed,’ Cordelia replied. ‘It’s one of the advantages of age. One can get pickled and no one takes a bit of notice – unless one falls down, of course,’ she added with a cheeky grin.
‘Who’s falling down?’ asked Rita as she came up the cellar steps into the kitchen followed by her father.
‘Great-Aunt Cordelia if she has much more of that sherry,’ said Jane dryly.
Everyone chuckled, Harvey leapt from the rug to welcome them home and Peggy had to fight him off to hug Jack.
‘I’ve put you up in the top room for now,’ she said. ‘If you’re planning on staying a while, then I might have to move you. I’m sorry, Jack, but you know how it is in this house.’
‘That’s kind of you, Peggy,’ he replied, dumping his heavy kitbag on the floor to hug her back and fend off an over-excited Harvey. ‘But I’ll be starting to look for a place for me and Rita tomorrow. Don’t want to be a bother.’
Peggy swiped his arm playfully. ‘Since when have you ever been a bother? You’ll stay for as long as you need. I’m in no rush to lose either you or Rita.’ She grabbed Harvey’s collar and ordered him to behave, which had him looking as if the world was against him as he crawled back to the hearthrug and eyed her piteously.
Jack loved Harvey, but knew better than to sympathise with him, for it would only encourage him to bounce about again. Aware of Harvey’s soulful eyes watching his every move, he greeted Cordelia with a kiss and a hug, made a fuss of little Daisy, and nodded hello to Sarah, Jane and Danuta whom he’d never met before, but felt he knew through Rita’s many letters.
His eyes widened as Cissy dashed through the kitchen, barely pausing to acknowledge his presence, although he’d known her since childhood. ‘Crikey,’ he breathed as she ran down to the cellar. ‘Is that really Cissy? I hardly recognised her.’
‘I’m sorry about her lack of manners, Jack,’ Peggy flustered. ‘Grown up she might be, but she still has a lot to learn.’
Jack nodded thoughtfully, but wasn’t really too surprised at Cissy’s rudeness. To his mind, she’d always been far too fond of herself. ‘I’ll take my stuff upstairs and have a bit of a wash and brush-up, if that’s all right?’ he said. ‘Lunch smells good, Peggy. I can’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal.’
Harvey saw his cue and quickly scooted from beneath the table to follow Jack upstairs in the hope he had something tasty in that large bag.
Looking more closely at Rita, Peggy realised she’d been crying, and wondered if she’d told her father about Peter and they’d had a bit of a falling out. Jack certainly didn’t look as jolly as she remembered, but perhaps that was because his homecoming was all a bit of a shock after being away so long. She hesitated over whether she should tell Rita about Ivy’s news, but realised it was bound to come up in the conversation over lunch, so drew the girl to one side and explained what had happened this morning.
Rita stared at her in shock. ‘I must go to her,’ she breathed, slipping her jacket back on. ‘She’ll be in a terrible state.’
‘She’s got Andy and Gloria looking after her, and will be fine,’ Peggy said firmly. ‘You can help her once she comes home again – which will probably be tomorrow. You need to concentrate on your dad now. I assume you’ve told him about Peter’s proposal?’
Rita nodded. ‘I felt awful letting him down, but he was very good about it. He’s looking forward to meeti
ng Pete tomorrow, and I just know they’ll get on.’
Peggy hoped that was the case, but she knew Jack. He was a loving, fiercely protective father who’d raised his daughter single-handedly since she was five, and would regard any suitor with deep suspicion – especially one who was planning to steal his daughter away to the other side of the world.
Peggy gave Rita a kiss and prompted her to help Jane finish laying the table. She would have liked to be a fly on the wall when the two men met – it would be most interesting to see how things unfolded.
12
Cissy knew she was being obnoxious, but it seemed that everyone and everything was getting on her nerves lately, and she simply couldn’t get out of the habit of running roughshod over others’ feelings. However, as she scrabbled in her handbag for her address book to write down the telephone number Clarissa had just given her, she did feel bad about virtually ignoring Jack Smith who’d become like a favourite uncle during her formative years when she and Rita were close.
With the name and number neatly recorded, she tucked the little book away, accepting that she’d have to make amends, not only to Jack, Cordelia and her mother, but to Rita. There really was no excuse for her being so rude and difficult, even if she was finding it hard to settle back into the humdrum routine of life at Beach View.
It was as if time had stood still here and nothing had changed, whereas she was a very different young woman compared to the naïve girl who’d left this house all those years ago to enlist into the WAAFs. Cissy was aware of the changes that had slowly been wrought on her, and which now set her apart from Rita and the others, and there were times when she wasn’t at all sure she liked the self-possessed, rather cold woman she’d become.
The news about Freddy Pargeter had momentarily shaken her, for he’d been a shining light at Cliffe, forever the life and soul of a party, and the bad boy pilot who took delight in doing victory rolls over the airfield, so low it was quite heart-stopping. To think of all that energy and exuberance being snuffed out … But then so many of the boys she’d come to know and admire hadn’t returned, and it was as if her experiences at Cliffe had formed a protective shell around her heart so that nothing could touch her.