Lily of Love Lane

by Carol Rivers

  Ben went outside where the charabanc seemed to be taking up most of the road. He’d washed the vehicle until it shone and rolled back the hood. All Hattie’s white ribbons were tied to the bonnet.

  He walked jauntily across the road and knocked on Lily’s open door.

  ‘All set to climb aboard?’ he called.

  ‘Some of us are, lad,’ muttered Noah Kelly dressed in his best bib and tucker. ‘Josie, we’re off!’

  Ben frowned into the house. ‘Mr Bright ready is he?’

  ‘Afraid not, son. He ain’t coming.’ Before Ben could speak he added sharply, ‘Don’t want to spoil anyone’s day, son, so let’s not make too much of it.’ He gave Ben a short smile and nodded. ‘Now then, lead the way and me and Josie will follow.’

  Lily and Hattie were upstairs in Hattie’s bedroom. Getting dressed had gone according to plan, though Lily was still upset about her dad. She was trying not to be disappointed, but as she looked out of the window she saw the charabanc filled with happy faces. She had hoped to see her dad sitting up front with Ben.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Hattie called from under her white veil as she gazed in the mirror.

  ‘Ben’s taking everyone to the church.’

  ‘Is Mum and Dad and Sylvester aboard?’

  Lily smiled. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Hang on, I’m coming over.’

  ‘But isn’t it bad luck to see the groom?’

  Hattie giggled. ‘Well, he can’t see me, can he?’

  Lily, careful to keep her own long gown in check, helped Hattie to lift her veil. They progressed slowly to the window and peeped out. ‘Oh, look, there’s Reube,’ gasped Hattie. ‘Don’t he look handsome?’

  Lily nodded. ‘Very.’

  Hattie gave a little shiver. ‘I’m not used to seeing him all done up in a suit.’

  ‘It’s not every day you get married.’

  The girls laughed. Hattie indicated the large cream hat with a feather that her mother was wearing. ‘I hope that don’t blow off on the ride. And look at Sylvester! His suit is as old as the hills, but it pressed up nice. I hope he doesn’t leap out or do anything stupid.’

  ‘You dad is next to him, so he’ll be all right.’

  Lily smiled. She was happy for Hattie that Sylvester had agreed to attend. Mrs Parks had been fussing all morning over him so in the end it was Lily who had helped Hattie with her make-up and arranged her hair under her veil.

  ‘Your mum looks nice in her grey coat,’ said Hattie peering closer to the window. ‘I’m sorry your dad is ill.’

  ‘So am I.’

  ‘Never mind. We’ll cut a big piece of cake for him at the church hall after. Blimey, what’s that on Mrs James’ shoulders? It looks like their cat.’

  Both girls burst into laughter until they had tears in their eyes. When the charabanc moved off, Hattie grasped Lily’s wrist. ‘Come on, Ben will be back in no time. Let’s take one last look in the mirror.’

  As Hattie stood all in white, her hair drawn away from her face and her big brown eyes wide, Lily thought how lovely she looked. She was the perfect bride, just as she had always planned. Even though Hattie and Reube had had their ups and downs, Hattie had always dreamt of this moment.

  ‘You make a lovely bride, Hat.’

  ‘Thanks, Lil.’ Hattie turned to her. ‘It’ll be you next. And you better let me be your bridesmaid!’

  ‘You would be matron of honour,’ Lily pointed out.

  ‘That sounds a bit old.’

  ‘Well, you’ll be an old married lady.’

  Once more the girls were laughing. But as Lily considered her own reflection, the dainty pink headdress and flowing pink gown, she couldn’t help wishing that what Hattie had said would come true one day. She wanted to be married, to have a home of her own, a husband and children. But when she really thought about this, she knew there was only one man in her heart. And until his face slipped from her memory she would never find another.

  A quarter of an hour later, they heard the charabanc return.

  ‘It’s Ben!’ exclaimed Hattie, looking frightened.

  ‘Here,’ Lily said calmly, ‘take your flowers.’ She lifted the spray of white lilies and pink carnations from the bed. These and her posy and the men’s buttonholes had been delivered freshly this morning from the market. She placed the flowers in Hattie’s arms and gathered her own posy.

  The two girls stared at each other.

  ‘I’m gonna chuck these flowers at you,’ Hattie promised. ‘So you’d better get ready to catch them if you want to be a bride yourself. Now, wish me luck.’

  ‘You and Reube deserve all the luck in the world,’ Lily murmured as tears pricked her eyes. Grasping the veil, she followed Hattie slowly along the landing and very carefully down the stairs.

  ‘In the presence of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,’ the vicar said in a clear voice, ‘we have assembled together to witness the marriage of Heather Ellen Parks to Reuben William James. To pray for God’s blessing on them, to share in their happiness and to celebrate their love.’

  Lily was only half listening as she felt quite overcome with emotion. The congregation was still, without a single murmur. The bride and groom stood centre stage before the altar. They had eyes only for each other. ‘Will this ever happen to me?’ Lily asked herself silently. And even if she did fall in love and want to get married, how could she ever leave the factory? Her parents needed every penny she provided. And even with her wage, they were still struggling. No matter how much overtime she put in, they always needed more.

  ‘Marriage is a gift of God,’ continued the vicar, breaking into Lily’s suddenly chaotic thoughts. ‘As you grow together in love and trust, you shall be united in heart and body.’

  Lily saw Reube look down on Hattie with eyes full of love. She knew that whatever problems lay ahead, they were meant for each other and would solve them together.

  ‘Heather and Reuben, you are about to make solemn vows and exchange rings. We pray the Holy Spirit will guide and strengthen you, fulfilling God’s purposes for your earthly life together.’ The vicar looked at the congregation. ‘If there is anyone here present who knows of a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, they must now declare it.’

  All was quiet. Lily’s heart began to race as Ben stepped forward to give Reube the ring. She looked at Ben, with his clean-cut features and kind grey eyes. He had become more handsome in his maturity and Lily tried to imagine what it would be like to think of him in any other way than she did. But she couldn’t. Her mind and heart was still full of a face that never seemed far from her thoughts.

  When Reube slipped the gold band on Hattie’s finger, Lily felt a lump fill her throat. Her friend had finally got all she ever wished for. Hattie was now married. She was Mrs James and her whole married life stretched before her.

  ‘I now pronounce you husband and wife,’ said the vicar.

  Reube bent forward to kiss Hattie. As his lips touched hers, Lily remembered the night on the Embankment when she had wanted the moment with Charles to last forever. If only she had accepted his offer, she might be Mrs Charles Grey at this very moment, a matron of honour instead of a bridesmaid.

  The church hall was overflowing. Friends and neighbours had all been invited and were enjoying the food set out on the long trestle tables. The Mother’s Union that Mrs Parks belonged to had prepared the buffet and Reube and Hattie had shaken everyone’s hands as they entered the hall. Although there was dancing and singing to the church piano, most people were intent on talking, eating and drinking. Lily had begun to help serve the steady flow of drinks at the open hatch that led through to the kitchen. She was wearing an apron to cover her dress and had removed her hair band. It was now perched on top of an empty lemonade bottle on a high shelf so that none of the kids could get hold of it. As the afternoon wore on and the supplies began to diminish, Lily took the opportunity to enjoy herself.’

  It was the first time in four years that she had da
nced with Ben. As he whirled her around the floor, she felt her legs move of their own accord to the piano music.

  ‘You’re still as good on your pins as you used to be,’ Ben chuckled as he held her close and did a little twirl.

  Lily laughed. ‘I’ve only trodden on you twice.’

  ‘Didn’t feel it. You’re as light as a feather.’

  She gazed up into his happy face. ‘It is nice to dance again.’

  ‘You should do it more.’

  Lily held her breath whilst they seemed to fly over the wooden boards. ‘I’d forgotten how good it feels,’ she said breathlessly.

  ‘In that case, why don’t you come out with me sometime. We could go up West for an evening.’ As he saw the look cloud her face, he added quickly, ‘No strings attached, Lil. Just two old friends enjoying an evening out together dancing. I must admit I’m out of practice meself.’

  Lily smiled. ‘I don’t have much time.’

  ‘I know that. You live at that flamin’ factory.’

  ‘Well, I can get a lot of overtime.’

  ‘You don’t work Saturday nights. What about one of them in the near future. You say when and I’ll fall in. I got a tight schedule meself, but we can work it out. It will do us both good.’

  ‘How much are the tickets?’

  ‘Dunno. Why?’

  ‘I’ll pay me way.’ She looked up at him, but he was laughing as he spun her round the floor.

  ‘Little Miss Independence.’

  ‘That’s right.’ She began to laugh too, but she wanted him to know it would be, just as he said, two old friends going out together.

  ‘Blimey, hold me tight,’ he said then as a large lady walked towards them. ‘It’s a ladies’ excuse me, this one.’

  Lily burst into laughter again as he hurried round the floor. She carried on laughing as he cracked more jokes and by the end of the dance she felt wonderful. He squeezed her hand as they walked off the floor and gave her a wink.

  As Lily sat talking to their friends and neighbours, she thought how happy she felt for Hattie. Her friend was radiant and in love. Reube would be a good husband. As she looked across the crowded room, she saw the two brothers talking and laughing together. As she gazed at them, Ben turned slightly and met her eyes. There was something in them she responded to and almost unwillingly she returned his smile. Then realizing he was still looking at her, she turned back quickly to the woman who was speaking. Why did her cheeks feel glowing? And would she really accept his invitation to go dancing?

  She wanted to.

  But would it start all the old trouble again?

  It was late afternoon and Lily walked out to the church garden. A pale pink sun was spreading wings across the sky. Hattie’s wedding day had been a success; everything had gone well, down to the last slice that had been cut from the two-tiered cake. Lily breathed the soft air into her lungs, enjoying a moment of solitude.

  She thought of her father. It had been a big disappointment not to have him there. He was almost a hermit since the timber yard. If only he would try to come out.

  As Lily walked past the church hedge, two figures left the church. Both tall and well dressed, the men stopped still and their voices reached her. In a moment of sudden panic, she held her breath. Was she dreaming again? One of the figures turned, his features all at once familiar.

  Lily closed her eyes and opened them.

  Charles was walking towards her.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Charles was still as handsome but his face was gaunt. Lily looked into his dark eyes and felt all the old feelings flood back.

  ‘How wonderful it is to see you again,’ he said, his eyes going over her pink dress and flushed cheeks. ‘May I ask what the occasion is?’

  ‘It’s Hattie and Reube’s wedding day. They were married here at St Peter’s.’ She couldn’t believe she was replying in a calm voice. ‘Their wedding breakfast was in the church hall.’

  ‘Then congratulations to the happy couple. I wish them all the success in the world. Are your parents with you?’

  ‘Mum and Uncle Noah came. Me dad isn’t very well.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that.’

  ‘He still has his cough.’

  ‘I see.’ Charles shook his head as if unable to believe it was her. ‘I can’t express in words how delighted I am to see you, Lily.’

  ‘And I’m pleased to see you, too.’ She wanted to throw her arms around him but she knew she couldn’t let him guess her feelings.

  ‘I often wondered about you.’

  At this her heart leapt even more. ‘Do you still live at Dewar Street?’ she asked uncertainly.

  ‘Yes,’ he nodded. ‘Much is the same. And you?’

  She looked down. ‘I left the market four years ago.’

  He gave an audible gasp. ‘I cannot believe that!’

  ‘In the Depression, trade fell off, and Reube had to trim down.’

  ‘Oh, Lily, I’m sorry.’ He paused as he frowned. ‘And your circumstances now – how have they changed?’

  ‘Well, I still live at home, if that’s what you mean. But now I’m working in a factory.’

  He was silent for a moment then said, ‘Are you happy, Lily?’

  There was something about the way he said her name that made her shiver. But before she could answer, a voice called out and he turned round, raising his hand in answer.

  When he looked back, he said regretfully, ‘I must go as my colleague is waiting. He has links with this parish and came to see the vicar today on some matter. It was quite by chance that I accompanied him.’

  Lily felt her heart sink to the depths of her soul. She wanted to hold on to his sleeve, never to let him go again. How cruel was life that he should be taken away again?

  ‘I . . . I thought I saw you once,’ she blurted, a feeling of panic overwhelming her, ‘at the market. But it was someone else.’

  ‘I am sad to say I’ve had no more time to spend on looking for furnishings for the house. I’ve been abroad a great deal.’

  ‘Did you hear any more of Annie?’ Lily asked, hoping it wasn’t too personal a question.

  ‘No, and perhaps it was all for the best. The poor girl must have had her reasons.’ As he gazed at her a strange look came into his eyes. He put his hand to his chin and began to speak then stopped again. After a few seconds, he said haltingly, ‘Lily, I do hope I can still address you as a friend?’ She nodded, but he swept all further words from her lips, as he added quickly, ‘I wonder if you would consider taking a walk with me again one day? Your time, I appreciate, must be limited. But I would deem it a great favour if you could spare just an hour? I have been very busy of late and your company would be the perfect antidote to the pressures I have been under.’

  Lily stared at him, wondering if she had heard him speak the words that her dreams were made of? After all this time, was he flesh and blood, not an apparition or someone that resembled him?

  ‘I’d like that too,’ she whispered.

  He smiled that wonderful smile. ‘One Sunday morning perhaps?’

  ‘Yes,’ she agreed without hesitation.

  ‘Are you free next weekend?’ He touched her arm gently. ‘I shall call for you with pleasure, but perhaps you would rather meet me?’

  She nodded. ‘Next Sunday at the same place.’

  The smile was still lingering on his lips when he said softly, ‘Yes, at the same place.’ Then with one last long look, he turned and strode quickly across to the older man who was waiting by the church.

  Lily watched them leave, her gaze intent on the tall, straight figure, in his dark jacket and flannels. She wanted to remember every moment and when the two men were out of sight, she stood very still, savouring the space he had occupied. Her life seemed to have transformed in the last few minutes. All the feelings she had forced down inside her had come alive again. She was shivering with anticipation and happiness.

  Going over every word he had said in her mind, she turned slo
wly towards the church hall. Her thoughts were all on Charles when suddenly she saw Ben. Digging his hands into his pockets, he turned and walked away.

  Lily knew that he had been watching them. He had seen everything.

  The time came for Reube and Hattie to leave. Ben was driving them in the lorry as the charabanc was too big for just the two of them. Lily hadn’t told Hattie what had happened. This was Hattie’s wedding day, she had her honeymoon ahead and was only thinking of love and romance.

  Lily hugged her secret to herself. She refused to let anyone or anything spoil her joy today. Lady Luck had sent Charles her way and this time, she was not going to refuse it. Charles had asked to see her! He wanted to see her, to walk with her and, he said, to enjoy her company! He hadn’t asked her to help him buy anything for the house. So it was not in a business sense he had spoken. His words meant he must have some feelings for her. Hadn’t she always hoped that was true? Deep in her heart, she had known she meant something to him. And today was the proof.

  Lily was walking on air as the guests assembled outside the hall to say goodbye to the happy couple.

  ‘It was a wonderful day.’ Lily had to contain her excitement as she kissed Reube on the cheek and hugged Hattie tight.

  ‘You’ll be able to shorten that dress and use it again,’ Hattie said as she held her bouquet in one arm, against her lovely going away outfit, a cream two-piece suit. Lily saw tears in her eyes.

  ‘I know. I’ll treasure it always.’

  Ben drove up in the lorry and everyone cheered. As confetti was thrown over their heads, Reube helped Hattie inside it.

  ‘Wait a minute, I want to chuck me bouquet,’ Hattie cried. Stretching out of the window, she threw them to Lily.

  Lily pressed them close. As the lorry rumbled off she blew Hattie a kiss. It had been such a thrilling day!

  The kids all ran after the lorry trying to catch the old boot and tins tied to the bumper. Ben waved a last goodbye.

  Lily gave a sigh of contentment as she returned his salute. Even though Hattie was going to spend a week in Brighton, Lily wasn’t envious. Not now. For today, she had seen her true love again.