by Ellie Dean
She reached for her father’s favourite briar pipe and felt the silky smoothness of the wood his hands had once held, breathing in those long-remembered scents of the days she’d once worked here as his secretary – and where she’d fallen in love with Philip.
Putting the pipe carefully in her dress pocket, she opened each drawer in the desk to find old letters, paperclips, broken nibs and scraps of paper covered in Jock’s bold handwriting. The ancient filing cabinet was stuffed with more paper, and Sarah smiled as she recognised many of the letters she’d typed all those years ago. And then she saw a file marked ‘Tarrant. Official documents’.
She carefully drew it out and placed it on the desk, perched on the edge of her father’s old chair and opened it. She found Philip’s birth certificate, old school reports, and letters he’d received when he was at boarding school and university in England. There was his mother’s death certificate, and reams and reams of official documents relating to the plantation and the family house. And beneath it all was a copy of Philip’s will.
Sarah’s hand trembled as she unfolded it to discover it had been written long before she and Philip had become engaged. The firm of solicitors was based in London, so it was no wonder they hadn’t been able to trace this will. As she read through the simple last testament it became clear that should Philip die without a wife or children, the plantation was to be passed on to his father’s brother or his heirs. By the address given, it appeared that the family lived in England.
Sarah folded up the will, relieved that the mystery had been solved. She would contact the solicitors by telegram as soon as she returned to Singapore.
Amah was woken gently from her sleep, and once everyone had eaten and drunk their fill of water, they slowly made their way to the gravesite. The curious Malays watched from a distance as the padre conducted the service and Philip’s coffin was reverently lowered into the ground at the foot of the headstone Sarah had chosen. The padre then moved to the marble headstone Sybil had selected to mark Jock’s passing, and said a prayer.
As the funeral director and the padre left to return to Singapore and the others began to drift towards the house, Sarah stood beside her mother, reading the epitaphs:
Philip Tarrant 1913–1945
Beloved son of Henry and Maud Tarrant
Died in the service of his country
Sarah’s tears blurred her sight as she looked across at her father’s memorial.
John Angus Charles Fuller (Jock)
Beloved husband and father
Killed at Sonkrai date unknown
Rest now in Eternal Peace
‘Come on, Mummy, let’s go back to the house and let the boys finish up here. I know Amah wants to do a short Buddhist ceremony for them both.’
‘I don’t think I can take much more today, Sarah. Do I have to be there?’
‘It’s important to Amah, and she’d be very upset if you don’t show. You see, the Buddhists believe in Samsara – the circle of life – and Jock and Philip must be given the proper rites and prayers so the good deeds they have done will lead them closer to enlightenment and on to the next reincarnation.’
Sybil grimaced, but reluctantly joined everyone by the natives’ Buddhist shrine which stood at the entrance to their quarters.
Amah directed the Malay women to collect flowers and fruit to decorate the statue of Buddha that they’d managed to hide from the Japanese. Once she was satisfied that all was ready, she knelt painfully, lit the joss sticks and candles she’d brought, and began to pray.
The sing-song words were unintelligible to the Europeans, but the message was clear. Jock and Philip’s souls were now with Buddha, who would help them on their way towards enlightenment and rebirth.
Amah had to be helped to her feet and leaned heavily on Jim’s arm as she smiled beatifically at them all. ‘It is done,’ she said. ‘Now I must rest, for I am very tired.’ She reached for Sybil’s hand. ‘Thank you, Mem , for bringing me home.’
When Sarah went in the next morning to wake her she wasn’t too surprised to discover that Amah had slipped away from them during the night. She looked so peaceful, the lines of pain and weariness made smoother in death, reminding Sarah of how lovely she’d once been.
Sarah sat beside her for a while, and then closed the shutters before going to tell the others. She left the house shortly afterwards and went to inform the native women who came to decorate her room with more flowers and candles and incense before they said prayers over her and sat with her until the third day when, as is the Buddhist custom, she would be buried.
They laid Amah to rest near Jock and Philip, and covered her grave with the flowers the women had collected. Jim had discovered that her actual name was Suria, which meant sun, and so he asked the head man to make sure it was carved into the stone that would mark her final resting place.
Philip and Suria had come home, and Jim was convinced that Jock’s spirit was here too.
He followed Jeremy and Jane as he drove Sarah and Sybil back to Singapore that afternoon. It had been a sad journey altogether, and he doubted any of them would return to the house in the jungle again.
‘So, what are your plans, Sybil?’ he asked as he crossed over the repaired causeway onto Singapore Island.
‘There’s nothing left for me here, so I’m going back to Australia,’ she replied. ‘I’ve been away from my little James too long and I miss him horribly. I was hoping Jane and Sarah would come with me, but it seems they have their own plans.’
Jim raised an eyebrow as he met Sarah’s gaze in the rear-view mirror. ‘Oh, yes?’
‘Jane and I will go back to Beach View, and then she’s off with Jeremy to Washington. I’m not sure what I’ll do, but if my old job’s still there, I’ll probably take it up again and see how I feel about things in the new year.’
Jim didn’t think this sounded at all exciting and he could see by the dullness in Sarah’s eyes that she didn’t either. The girl was clearly feeling lost and not at all sure about anything at the moment – but he suspected that had a lot to do with her chap Delaney that Peggy had told him about.
‘What about you, Jim?’ she asked. ‘Will you be staying on here?’
‘For as long as the army wants me,’ he replied. ‘I was hoping to be home for Christmas, but it doesn’t look as if I will be.’
‘You must give me anything you want me to take home for you, Jim. It’s the very least I can do after you’ve been so good to us.’ She looked out of the window. ‘Oh, can you drop me here? I need to send that telegram to London.’
‘I’ll wait for you, so there’s no need to rush,’ he said.
‘I actually need to stretch my legs, Jim, so I’ll walk back to the bungalow.’
Jim manoeuvred through the traffic and parked.
Sarah smiled her thanks, stepped out of the car and headed for the post office. She’d already worked out what to say, so once she’d reached the front of the long queue, the task was done within minutes.
Returning to the street, she decided to stop off at Raffles to let Elsa know they were back – and perhaps treat herself to a Tom Collins in the Palm Court.
The reception hall was quiet and orderly despite the presence of so many military men, and as she crossed it, she smiled at the sight of the enormous and over-decorated Christmas tree that was standing in one corner. Christmas was a season she usually loved, but she doubted she could dredge up much enthusiasm for it this year, as it would only remind her of the last Christmas in Malaya when Philip, Amah, and her darling father had been with them.
She paused for a moment to look at the tiny coloured lights and glass baubles, wondering if perhaps she should go to Australia with her mother and stay for a while until she’d decided what she was going to do with the rest of her life. It would be lovely to meet her baby brother and to see her grandparents again, and she couldn’t think why she’d been so reluctant to bow to her mother’s wishes.
‘Pretty, isn’t it?’ The man’s voic
e was deep and tinged with a soft American accent and Sarah froze, the hairs prickling at the back of her neck. ‘I do love Christmas. Don’t you?’ he continued.
Not daring to turn round in case she was mistaken, Sarah nodded. ‘Yes,’ she replied breathlessly. ‘Though they’ve put up the tree far too early, don’t you think?’
‘It’s never too early, Sarah, and I’d love to spend this Christmas with you.’
She turned and, with her pulse racing, gazed up into his eyes, drinking in the sight of him. ‘I’d like that very much,’ she managed, feeling the electricity between them in that breathless moment of wonder.
He put his arm round her waist and gently pulled her to him before softly kissing her mouth, and Sarah thought she would simply faint from the powerful feelings that were raging through her.
‘Oh, Delaney,’ she whispered. ‘How did you know where to find me?’
‘Peggy Reilly had something to do with it, but I’ll tell you everything later,’ he murmured, kissing the tip of her nose. ‘At this very moment, all I want is to take you somewhere quiet and private so I can kiss you and hold you to my heart’s content and tell you over and over again how much I love you.’
Sarah giggled and blushed. ‘There’s nowhere quiet and private on this island, Delaney. The hotels are full and my family are back at the bungalow.’
‘Ah, well, that’s where you’re wrong, my love. I happen to have booked a room upstairs.’
She looked up at him with a teasing light in her eyes. ‘How very convenient, but don’t you think you’re being a bit presumptuous?’
He grinned back at her. ‘I’m an American, of course I’m presumptuous – but truth to tell, I managed to get the room when I arrived the other day. I had to have somewhere to sleep.’ He reached for her hand. ‘Come on, Sarah, we’re wasting time,’ he said softly, the yearning for her clear in his eyes.
As he led her up the stairs they were so engrossed in each other that they weren’t aware of Elsa watching them from below – a soft smile the only sign that she knew their story and was delighted that they’d found one another at last.
Jane went to answer the telephone and gave a delighted yelp when Elsa told her about Sarah and Delaney. She slammed down the receiver, gave a confused Jeremy a hearty kiss and then hurried to tell her mother.
‘Delaney’s in Singapore,’ she said excitedly. ‘He’s been here waiting for Sarah the whole time we’ve been up in Malaya. Elsa met him a few days ago, and from what he told her, I think Peggy may have had a hand in his being here.’ She clapped her hands and did a little dance. ‘Now he’s found her, I don’t expect we’ll see either of them for a couple of days.’
‘Delaney?’ said Sybil. ‘But I thought that was all over?’
‘It never really was, Mother,’ said Jane, going to sit beside her. ‘She only threw him over through a misguided sense of loyalty to Philip. But now they’re together again. Isn’t it wonderful?’
‘It’s disgraceful,’ snapped Sybil. ‘Philip’s barely cold in his grave, and she’s cavorting with some … some … American,’ she finished on a hiss. ‘Where are they? You must find them and bring her home. I simply won’t have it.’
Jane gave a sigh and took her mother’s hand. ‘I’m afraid it’s not really up to you, Mother,’ she said quietly. ‘Sarah’s a grown woman with a mind of her own. Delaney has come all this way to find her and now they’re together again, they’ll need time to talk and discuss future plans.’
Sybil’s sour expression revealed her disapproval.
Jane squeezed her fingers. ‘Remember how it was with you and Pops when you were first together?’ At her mother’s brief nod, Jane continued. ‘It’s the same for me and for Sarah. So please say you’re happy for us both.’
‘I don’t know what this world’s coming to,’ said Sybil stubbornly. ‘My mother would have had a fit if I’d carried on like you girls. We had standards back then. We didn’t sleep with someone until there was a wedding.’
Jane grinned, and then shot a glance at Jeremy who was looking very awkward as he stood in the doorway. ‘Talking of weddings,’ she said. ‘Jeremy and I thought we might have one here before you went back to Australia.’
Sybil relaxed suddenly and her eyes glistened with tears as she looked from Jane to Jeremy. ‘Oh, darlings, that would be wonderful,’ she breathed.
‘We’ll have to go through all the usual hoops, of course,’ Jane went on, ‘but we thought a December wedding would be perfect.’ She laughed delightedly as she looked across at Jeremy. ‘Who knows, we could even have a double celebration if Sarah and Delaney agree.’
‘Now you’re just being silly,’ said Sybil briskly. ‘I’ve yet to meet this American. He could be anyone for all I know, and most unsuitable.’
‘He’s the man Sarah has loved for some years,’ said Jane. ‘That’s all you really need to know about him.’
Sybil was to learn that Jane had been right. Her beautiful daughter was lovelier than ever when she came back the following day to introduce Delaney to them with such love and pride. He’d come as a welcome surprise, and not at all what she’d expected from an American, for he wasn’t loud and brash or flashing his money about – but quiet, thoughtful, and the most amusing and delightful company.
Although she thought Sarah was rather rushing into things, Sybil was thrilled that there would be a double wedding, and began to make huge plans with the staff at Raffles for the small but very elegant reception which would follow the service at St Andrew’s Cathedral. Yet in all her excitement – and to the girls’ amusement – she still made sure that Delaney returned to Raffles each night, and Jeremy continued to sleep on the couch in the sitting room.
It was two weeks before Christmas and the sisters’ wedding day. Jeremy had gone to stay with Delaney at Raffles the previous night, and Sybil had been up and about since dawn to make a special breakfast for her girls before she and Elsa dashed into town to get their hair done and collect the bouquets and buttonholes. As neither man knew anyone in Singapore, Jim and Jumbo had been roped in as best men, and Sybil would break tradition and lead her girls down the aisle. The bridal dresses had been made by an Indian dressmaker that Elsa had recommended for his speed and skill, and they’d been delivered the evening before.
‘I’ve got butterflies,’ said Jane as Sarah fastened the long row of tiny buttons down the back of her simple white lace gown.
‘Me too,’ admitted Sarah. ‘But they’re happy ones.’ She stepped back. ‘There, all done. Jeremy’s going to have fun dealing with them tonight. But don’t you look lovely?’ she said, admiring her sister’s reflection in the long mirror.
Jane reached for her hand and they stood there for a moment regarding themselves in some awe. They’d both decided not to wear veils, but had coronets of flowers in their hair, and there were pearls in their ears and round their necks.
‘I can’t really believe this is happening,’ said Sarah breathlessly as she ran her fingers down the white silk dress edged with gold embroidery. ‘It didn’t seem so long ago that I was dreading the future – and now …’ She grinned. ‘Now I can’t wait for it.’
Jane picked up the two glasses of champagne she’d poured earlier. ‘Let’s drink to Pops, and to poor Philip,’ she said quietly. ‘They might not be here, but I’m absolutely certain they’re watching over us today.’
They clinked glasses and drank, the poignant moment broken by Sybil coming in with their bouquets and bursting into tears.
‘Oh my darlings,’ she sobbed. ‘How beautiful you are. I never imagined that my little girls could turn into such lovely young women. Your father would have been so proud.’
She crushed them to her and then quickly pulled away with a shaky laugh to repair her make-up. ‘Goodness,’ she breathed. ‘I look an absolute fright. Now, we must hurry. Elsa’s gone on ahead, and the car is outside. As the cathedral is in the middle of the city we mustn’t risk being delayed by the awful traffic.’
St Andre
w’s Cathedral was indeed in the heart of the city, but was surrounded by a quiet oasis of parkland which deadened the noise of the busy streets. The gracious white building had survived the war, and as the car drew up at the steps, they could see the sun shining on the columns over the entranceway and glinting in the stained-glass windows.
‘I wish Peggy and Aunt Cordelia were here,’ murmured Jane as her mother fussed with her dress. ‘They would have loved all this grandeur.’
‘We’ll make sure we send lots of photographs back,’ said Sarah, her heart thudding in anticipation of seeing Delaney waiting for her at the altar.
The photographer was an army man that Jim had roped in for the occasion, and the girls stood impatiently on the steps with their mother – elegant in a cream shantung dress, high-heeled sandals and a very large hat – while he took his pictures.
When he was finally satisfied he’d taken enough, Sybil took their hands. ‘Are you ready?’
They nodded and grinned, and she led them through the cathedral doors to the glorious music of a mighty organ.
The aisle was long and led to an imposing altar bedecked in flowers. There were flowers everywhere, and their heady scent filled the vast, echoing space as the organ music soared to the high rafters. The cathedral was almost empty, but for Elsa, Myfanwy and a smattering of friends from the hospital and the RAPWI office. But Sarah and Jane had eyes only for their men waiting at the steps.
The vicar conducted the ceremony solemnly, but with a twinkle in his eyes as Jeremy stumbled over the vows, and Delaney nervously fumbled to get the ring onto Sarah’s finger. He pronounced them married, and now permitted to kiss their brides.
Sarah melted into Delaney’s arms as he kissed her. He was her future – the love of her life – and she need never be without him again.