With Hope and Love

by Ellie Dean

  ‘Dad’s up finally, by the way,’ piped up Rita. ‘He’s planning to see another house this morning, but if it’s anything like the last one, he’ll be disappointed. I think he’s only just realising how difficult it will be to find anywhere decent with so few buildings still in one piece.’

  ‘There are plans in the pipeline to build more homes,’ said Peggy, tying her scarf over her hair and leading the way out of the back door. ‘But I read in the newspaper that there’s a terrible shortage of building materials, as well as skilled men – and those that are available are committed to government contracts.’

  ‘It strikes me,’ grumbled Ivy, ‘that the government should get its bleedin’ thumb out of its arse and get on with giving people decent places to live.’

  ‘Language, Ivy,’ Peggy said automatically, and closed the back gate behind them.

  The bungalow was as neat and clean as a new pin after the boxes and packing cases had been collected by the carriers, and Ruby had used up all her nervous energy going through it like a dose of salts the evening before. She’d been determined that Cordelia would get her property back in the same state that it had been in when she’d taken on the tenancy.

  But now, as she wandered through the almost empty rooms for the last time, she realised sadly that despite the many happy memories she’d made here, she’d left nothing of herself behind.

  ‘Come on, honey,’ murmured Mike, moving behind her to put his arms around her and draw her back against his chest. ‘Now the car’s back at the rental office we’ll have to get a move on, or the train will leave without us.’

  Ruby nodded, although a small part of her wished the train would leave without them so they could stay here where everything was wonderfully familiar. Dismissing the thought as ridiculous, she turned in his arms to kiss him, and then held his hand as they went to the front door. Taking one last, lingering look at the little home she’d come to love, she closed the door and pocketed the key.

  Mike picked up the cases and shouldered the kitbag, then nodded to the nosy parker twitching her net curtains in the bungalow across the road and grinned down at Ruby. ‘At least we won’t have neighbours like that where we’re going,’ he remarked. ‘The nearest place to us is over three miles away.’

  Ruby clutched the strap of her handbag and tried not to think of such distances between neighbours as they walked past the almost deserted factory estate and down the hill towards the station. She came to the conclusion that Mike had to be exaggerating, for his mother had said in her letters that they lived in a large, friendly community with shops – or stores, as she called them – and all the usual amenities modern life called for.

  The sun was hot, the hill steep, and although she’d been up and down it hundreds of times over the years without really noticing it, today it felt longer and steeper than ever. She had to almost run to keep up with Mike as he strode along and was relieved she’d packed her high-heeled shoes in the overnight case and was wearing flat pumps, for she’d have broken an ankle in those heels at this pace.

  She was soon feeling a bit warm and sticky, but congratulated herself on remembering how sooty and smoky she’d got on her train journey down here all that time ago, so had deliberately chosen dark coloured slacks and a lightweight jacket to go over an old grey blouse. Her lovely pale-blue going-away outfit was packed, and would not be worn until she was on board the ship.

  They arrived at the station, and Peggy watched as Ruby was swamped in a hug by Ivy, who gabbled on about how sorry she was to have missed Ruby’s wedding, but how glad she was to be back in time to say goodbye and wish her and Mike the very best of luck.

  Ruby returned her hug, so relieved and pleased that Ivy had made it back in time to say goodbye, and then drew Rita in so the three of them could tearfully make promises to write. ‘I give the address in Canada to Aunt Peg,’ she said, finally drawing from the embrace, and drying her eyes. ‘So you’d both better send me snaps of your weddings, and I want to ’ear all about Australia, Rita.’

  Rita grinned. ‘Who’d have thought back in 1940 that we’d all be getting married and off on adventures, eh?’

  ‘It might be an adventure fer you two,’ said Ivy with a chuckle, ‘I reckon I’m facing a right old challenge. Andy finally told me about the state of the London flat, and he’s taking me up there later to ’ave a butcher’s and work out ’ow we can make something of it before ’e starts work on Monday.’

  ‘Blimey,’ breathed Ruby. ‘That’s cutting it a bit fine, ain’t it?’

  Ivy shrugged. ‘We couldn’t get the key until today because there was some sort of urgent repair work to be done before it was passed as habitable.’ She gave Ruby a broad grin and hugged her again. ‘Don’t worry about me,’ she said. ‘You look after yerself, and if yer don’t like it over there, come ’ome. Auntie Peggy will see you right.’

  ‘I certainly will,’ said Peggy, taking Ruby into her arms and kissing her cheek. ‘But I really don’t expect to. You and Mike make a handsome couple, and I suspect you’ll make a very good life for yourselves out there.’

  Ruby sincerely hoped so as she watched Stan pumping Mike’s hand, but before she could let the thought settle, she was suddenly swamped in a bear hug by Ron. So glad he’d come to see her off, she clung to him, the tears pricking again, as he told her to be good and not do anything he wouldn’t do.

  ‘That gives me a fair old scope,’ she managed, smiling through her tears. ‘You be good too,’ she admonished affectionately. ‘Rosie’s a wonderful woman.’

  Harvey bounced about and barked to be noticed, and Ruby made a fuss of him until Stan pulled him away and took her in his arms. ‘Good luck, dear girl,’ he murmured. ‘Although I’m sure you don’t need it. But I hope you don’t get seasick on that ship. The Atlantic can get very rough at times.’

  ‘I got me special pills,’ she replied, the tears now flowing as she heard the train approaching. She turned in some panic to look at all their dear faces, trying to etch them firmly into her mind so she’d never forget them.

  Stan hurried off to the signal box, and Peggy handed Ruby an envelope. ‘It’s from Cordelia,’ she explained. ‘She told me to tell you good luck, and not to open it until you’re on the ship.’

  ‘That’s all a bit mysterious, ain’t it? Even for Cordelia – and why isn’t she here? She ain’t ill, is she?’

  ‘She’s got a nasty cold and I’ve made her stay in bed for the day.’ Peggy patted Ruby’s arm and smiled. ‘She’ll be back to her old self before you can blink, Ruby, because, as you know, she hates missing out on things and detests being in bed all day.’

  Ruby nodded and pocketed the letter, which reminded her about the key. Handing it over, she hugged Peggy again. ‘Thanks ever so for taking me in and giving me an ’ome. I shall never forget the love and support you give me when I so badly needed it.’

  Peggy was tearful and clearly embarrassed by Ruby’s sweet words, and changed the subject to one that could no longer be avoided. ‘What should I say to your mother if she turns up? She’s due out on parole any day now.’

  ‘Mike persuaded me to write to ’er, so I just told ’er I were married now and going to Canada. I didn’t give her no forwarding address,’ she added. ‘The thought of ’er turning up over there gives me the shivers.’

  ‘Oh dear, poor Ethel.’

  ‘Don’t waste yer breath feeling sorry for her, Peggy,’ Ruby said fiercely. ‘She’s brought it on ’erself by lying, stealing, and breaking poor old Stan’s heart. Prison won’t ’ave changed her, you mark my words.’

  The train slowly screeched to a halt with a sigh of steam and a wraith of smoke. Harvey barked and licked Ruby’s hand as if he understood she was leaving, and everyone crowded round to say their last goodbyes.

  There were only a few passengers alighting at Cliffehaven, and all too soon Mike was taking her arm. ‘Come on, honey. It’s time to go.’

  Ruby didn’t have time to pause and take stock of the whirlwind she’d bee
n through these past few days, for she was swamped in a flurry of hugs and kisses. The tears streamed down her face as Mike drew her gently away, and they climbed into a carriage. Dumping her bag on a seat, she opened a window and leaned out to make the most of these last few seconds.

  And then Stan blew his whistle and waved his flag and everyone on the platform started walking alongside the carriage, shouting last-minute farewells and waving as Harvey barked and danced on the end of the leash.

  The train chuffed and puffed and the wheels turned a little faster so it passed the end of the platform, leaving them all behind, and began to follow the long bend which would take it out of Cliffehaven.

  Ruby could no longer see anyone and she slumped into her seat, sobbing and leaning into Mike’s comforting embrace. ‘I didn’t think it would hurt so much to leave them all behind,’ she said, her voice muffled against his chest.

  ‘They’ll write and send postcards,’ he murmured. ‘They love you as much as you love them, so you’ll never really lose them.’

  They sat huddled together as the train rattled its way towards London, and eventually Ruby’s tears dried and she felt more composed. Cliffehaven and the lovely people at Beach View would always be in her heart, but now she must look to the future.

  She sat straighter and lovingly hugged Mike’s arm, silently saying goodbye to the past, and feeling the first tingle of excitement for what lay ahead for them both in their new life adventure.

  Rita was anxious to see how her father had got on in his house-hunting, and Ivy was meeting Andy at his lodgings for elevenses before they too left for London, so both girls dashed off as soon as the train was out of sight.

  Peggy had waited until she could no longer hear the wheels turning or see the puffs of smoke trailing above the railway line, and was feeling quite low at the thought of having to come back to the station to see Cissy off this afternoon. She slowly walked down the High Street with Ron and Harvey, and could only pray that Ruby would settle happily in Canada. It would be early summer there, too, so at least the weather would be kind, but how she’d manage when the snow was as high as a house, she couldn’t imagine.

  ‘Ach, will you stop fretting, wee girl,’ said Ron, squeezing her hand. ‘Ruby and Mike will be fine – just as Cissy will in London.’

  Peggy looked up at him in surprise. ‘She’s already been to see you then?’

  ‘Aye, that’s why I was late to see Ruby off.’

  ‘So, what do you think of her plans, Ron? I’m a bit worried about what Jim will say about it all, to be honest – and I’ve never met these girls she’s going into partnership with. I do hope they’re honest and reliable.’

  ‘I’m not entirely sure I approve either,’ he admitted. ‘Although Rosie thought it was a wonderful idea, and started babbling on about doing something similar here.’ He grinned. ‘I soon talked her out of it. We’ve enough to do running the Anchor, and Cliffehaven people have to watch every penny with things being as tight as they are.’

  Ron paused to light his pipe while Harvey watered a lamp-post and sniffed in a doorway. ‘I don’t know anything about the other girls, either,’ he said once the tobacco was alight. ‘But only time will tell if this scheme will work and they’re serious about it.’

  He stood and looked down the High Street to the calm blue sea for a long moment and then moved on. ‘I could see Cissy had made up her mind about it all and that anything I said wouldn’t stop her. So I gave her my blessing and tucked a couple of quid in her bag to tide her over for a bit.’

  ‘That was good of you, Ron,’ murmured Peggy.

  ‘She’s my granddaughter, Peg, and a couple of quid is neither here nor there.’

  Peggy raised an eyebrow, for Ron was not known for splashing his money about – but he’d clearly decided Cissy’s new venture was worth it.

  They reached the short alley which led to the side door of the Anchor and came to a halt. ‘Will you be coming in for a cuppa, Peggy?’ he asked as Harvey shot through the door and up the stairs in search of his food bowl.

  ‘Not today, Ron, thanks. I’ve left the girls in charge of Daisy and Cordelia, and I want to spend what time I have with Cissy.’

  ‘Ach, wee girl, Beach View is emptying fast, and I know how difficult that must be for you.’ He gave her a hug. ‘We have to let them all go in the end, Peg,’ he said quietly. ‘But I have a feeling you won’t lose them entirely. They’ll be back to visit with their husbands and wains before you know it.’

  Peggy nodded, though she doubted they would, for making visits from Canada and Australia wouldn’t exactly be easy – and once Cissy had tasted city life, she’d be very reluctant to come back. ‘I’d better get on,’ she said, ignoring the heartache that beset her. ‘Will I see you over the weekend? Only you promised to have a look at the loose roof tile.’

  ‘Aye, I’ll drop in later when I’ve walked the dogs and helped Rosie with the midday rush.’

  Peggy headed for home to find everyone in her kitchen. ‘Cordelia,’ she chided wearily. ‘I told you to stay in bed.’

  ‘She refused to stay up there,’ said Danuta helplessly. ‘I am sorry, Mamma Peggy.’

  ‘You don’t have to apologise for me,’ said Cordelia, snuffling into a handkerchief. ‘I’m old enough to do what I want. Such a fuss over a silly cold,’ she added.

  Peggy kissed the top of Daisy’s head as the little girl sat at the table with her colouring book. The child didn’t look as if she was sickening for anything, which was a relief – but she really should be outside on such a lovely day.

  As if Jane had read her thoughts, she reached for her cardigan. ‘Sarah and I were just about to take Daisy to the playground, and then up to see the horses at the dairy,’ she said. ‘We thought you’d like some quiet time with Cissy before she leaves.’

  ‘Oh, that is kind,’ Peggy sighed, sitting down at the table to watch an eager Daisy wriggle into her outdoor shoes and cardigan. ‘Lunch will be promptly at one – although it’s not very exciting – just Woolton pie again.’

  The sisters left with Daisy skipping along between them, and Peggy gratefully accepted a cup of tea from Ivy. ‘What time are you and Andy leaving?’ she asked.

  ‘In about five minutes.’ Ivy dipped her chin and went rather pink. ‘I’m staying up there until Sunday night,’ she confessed. ‘’Cos Andy reckons there’s a lot to do to get the place straight, and if both of us set to, we’ll get it done quicker.’

  Peggy raised an eyebrow. ‘How very sensible of him,’ she said wryly.

  Ivy’s blush deepened as Cordelia tutted and rustled the pages of the newspaper to make her feelings clear on this dubious arrangement.

  Peggy turned to Jack who was miserably staring into his cup of tea. ‘I don’t need to ask how you got on this morning,’ she said. ‘Was it awful?’

  He shrugged. ‘Not as bad as some I’ve seen, but it’ll take a lot of work and money to put it right and make it habitable.’

  ‘I don’t know why you’re bothering, Jack,’ said Cordelia. ‘There’s a perfectly good empty bungalow in Mafeking Terrace now Ruby has no more need of it.’ She eyed him over her half-moon glasses. ‘I can negotiate on the rent,’ she offered helpfully.

  Jack sat straighter in his chair and regarded her in deep thought for a moment. ‘I wasn’t planning on renting, Cordelia,’ he said eventually. ‘But if you’re willing to negotiate a price on selling it to me, then we can talk turkey.’

  ‘Chalk and turkey?’ she asked in confusion. ‘Silly man. Of course we’re not having that for lunch. Didn’t you hear Peggy saying it was vegetable pie?’

  While Rita, Ivy and Cissy smothered their giggles, Jack made winding signals to encourage Cordelia to turn up her hearing aid. ‘Would you be willing to sell the bungalow to me?’ he asked loudly.

  ‘There’s no need to shout,’ she said crossly, twiddling with her hearing aid and making it screech. ‘I can hear you perfectly clearly.’ She sat forward and regarded him sternly. ‘Why shoul
d I sell when I could rent the bungalow out today and have a good income from it?’

  ‘But I could pay you three hundred quid today and you’d still get income from it if you invest it wisely.’

  She raised her brows and then grinned. ‘And how do I know that’s the market price for such a fine home?’

  ‘Telephone the agent and ask,’ he replied, sliding a business card across the table. ‘But I calculate that if a three-bedroomed house is worth about six hundred, you’d be quids in at three.’

  Cordelia chuckled and read the card before pushing back from the table. ‘I’d hate to think you were paying too much – or that I was being diddled,’ she said with a twinkle in her eye. ‘Better to ask an expert before we go any further.’

  ‘Are you sure about this, Dad?’ asked Rita, once Cordelia had left the room. ‘It’s a lovely bungalow, but that’s a lot of money you’d be forking out.’

  ‘It’s always better to buy than rent if possible, and I’ve got the money from the government compensation,’ he said. ‘Renting just means putting money in the landLord’s pocket and you’re left with nothing to show for it at the end of the lease.’

  He lit a cigarette and drummed his fingers on the table as Cordelia conducted what sounded like a long, complicated exchange on the telephone.

  ‘I gotta go,’ said Ivy, picking up her case and kissing Peggy. ‘Best of luck, Jack. And you too, Cissy. See you all Sunday night.’

  Cordelia came back just as Ivy slammed the back door. She rolled her eyes and sat down to dab her nose and adjust her glasses. ‘If you up your offer another fifty pounds you’ve got a deal, Jack,’ she said, holding out her hand across the table.

  ‘Twenty-five?’ he asked.

  ‘Fifty. Or all bets are off,’ she replied, struggling not to giggle at his cheek.

  ‘Done,’ he said, shaking her hand.