Lily of Love Lane

by Carol Rivers

  She had been so nervous that he’d held her to him again. As she had relaxed, and his manhood had become apparent, Lily had thought she was going to faint at the desire that she knew she had caused. The man whom she had never seen other than fully dressed, was naked in the firelight. Their clothes had been scattered at their feet. Suddenly she hadn’t cared, as the flames of the fire glowed on their bodies like one of the old pictures painted by a Master.

  Suddenly Charles stirred, bringing her back to the moment. She felt afraid all over again. Would he still want her? Was this night going to end with a brusque goodbye? Her heart was already beginning to ache as he turned and drew her against him. Lily gasped at his arousal.

  ‘My darling, do I frighten you?’

  ‘Oh no, no,’ was all she could say as his lips found hers. This time their lovemaking was even more wonderful. Lily felt ashamed that Charles had to teach her so much. It seemed that he brought life into her soul, as though she was tasting heaven.

  Lily knew she would never forget this night. Even if it was the only night she was to spend with Charles. She had never felt so complete.

  As he continued to kiss her, she gave herself completely. He was an experienced lover, older and wiser and the passion that he lavished on her made her hungry for more. She didn’t know she could ever feel such abandon.

  When at last he lay asleep, Lily thought of the things they had done together. Had her own parents done it too? And Mrs Parks and Mr Parks? And Hattie and Reube?

  She listened again to his breathing. Would he still want her tomorrow? Her desire for him had increased but was it the same for Charles?

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Ben crossed the road and knocked on the door of number thirty-four.

  ‘Oh, Ben, come in a minute. I was just making me Christmas pudding. It’s only November, but I like to have everything ready.’ Josie wiped her hands on her apron.

  ‘Smells lovely. Won’t keep you a minute.’

  ‘Would you like a cuppa?’

  Ben stepped inside. ‘No thanks, Mrs B. Got to get up to the city for the Christmas fares. Don’t run the lorry or the Chariot much now.’

  ‘Oh, why’s that?’

  ‘I’m making a good enough living with me cab.’

  ‘You’re going up in the world, dear. But you deserve it, you work all hours God sends.’

  Ben glanced down the hall to the kitchen from which a delicious aroma came. ‘Have you had word from Lil?’

  ‘Yes, and I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed again. Like I told you last week and the week before, she ain’t coming home.’

  ‘But I thought she was?’

  ‘No, ducks. She sent me a note saying she’s been asked to work again. It’s Christmas soon and Mr Grey has a lot of entertaining to do around the festive season.’

  ‘Will she be home for Christmas?’

  ‘I hope so. It would be nice to be all together and we could have a few carols round the piano. Your mum and Hattie and Reube are coming over on Boxing Day. And I hope you’ll come too?’

  ‘Yes, that’d be nice.’

  ‘After all, you don’t want to be alone in your little house. Do you like living up at Stepney?’

  ‘Yes, it ain’t bad.’

  ‘Do you know any of the neighbours yet?’

  ‘Not really. I’m out at work a lot. But what I’ve seen of them they’re a good natured lot.’ Ben turned his cap in his hands. He wanted to ask more about Lily but felt he couldn’t. ‘Well, I suppose I’d better let you get on with your cake. I was only making sure that Lil was all right for a lift.’

  Josie smiled. ‘Between you and Mr Grey she does very well for transport.’

  That didn’t help much, thought Ben silently as he tried to smile. He wanted Lil to be happy, course he did, but he realized he was losing her. He’d been content to feed off the crumbs, collecting and delivering her when her lord and master was away, but now even that was being taken from him.

  ‘Are you sure you wouldn’t like a cuppa, dear?’

  ‘No, I must be off.’

  ‘Is that you, young man?’ Noah Kelly appeared, pulling on his coat.

  ‘Mornin’ Mr Kelly, where are you off to?’

  ‘Up the shops for me tobacco.’

  ‘Want a lift?’

  ‘That’d be just the job.’

  ‘Noah, you’re not going out in this freezing weather,’ said Lily’s mum and Ben smiled.

  ‘Josie, it ain’t freezing.’

  ‘Well, you’re a—’

  ‘A daft old man, yes I know. Now, is there anything you want up the shops?’

  ‘No, thank you. Now I see you have your cap, but don’t forget your gloves.’ She handed them to him from the stand, arching an eyebrow.

  The two men left the house and climbed into Ben’s vehicle. ‘How’s Mr Bright these days?’ Ben enquired as he drove.

  ‘Same as always, under the thumb. Don’t put no energy into resisting it.’

  The two men smiled knowingly at one another. ‘Sorry to hear Lily’s not coming home,’ said Ben.

  ‘Me too, son.’

  ‘The job must be going all right, then?’

  ‘Looks that way.’ Noah pushed his pince-nez along the ridge of his nose. ‘Did you hear the news this morning? The Prime Minister has refused to see the poor sods from Jarrow. Said he fears a civil uprising.’

  ‘Sounds as though he’s worried after what happened at Cable Street,’ Ben nodded. ‘There were a lot of injuries and the law took a fair trouncing too.’

  ‘I wish I was ten years younger. I’d have been right up the front meself.’

  ‘Only ten?’

  ‘Well, twenty or thirty then. Fifty’d be nice.’

  They both laughed. Ben drew up at the row of shops in Manchester Road. ‘This all right for you?’

  ‘Thanks, son.’

  Ben jumped out and opened the door. The wind cut across him as he helped the old man out. ‘You know, it is a bit parky, Mr Kelly. Do you want me to wait for you?’

  ‘No, you get off.’ But before Ben could leave, the older man gripped his arm. ‘Son, I don’t want to put the wind up you, but I don’t like me girl not coming home. We ain’t seen her in a month.’

  ‘I’m sure she’s all right.’

  ‘Yes, but you hear some funny things going round these days.’

  ‘Now you’re worrying me,’ Ben frowned.

  ‘Oh, take no notice,’ his companion shrugged. ‘Josie says I’m a daft old man and she’s probably right.’

  ‘You’re far from that. Look, I intend to knock off early tonight, do you fancy an ale down the Quarry. Mr Bright too, if he’s up for it.’

  ‘Now you’re talking, lad.’

  ‘See you about seven then?’

  ‘Thanks, son.’

  ‘Don’t mention it.’

  Ben jumped back in the car and drove away. The more he thought about what Noah Kelly had said the more he was puzzled. What had he heard that was connected to Lily that had put the wind up him? Well, whatever it was he’d find out tonight when they had a good old chinwag.

  Lily gazed at the tall Christmas tree standing in the hall. It was now the first of December. She was going to put up the decorations before the guests arrived. Most evenings now, Charles was busy with entertaining. There had been many new faces at the house and Charles had impressed it on her that it was important she told no one about the meetings. These men were very important to his career and they came from all over the world to see him. She was flattered he had taken her into his confidence. Even though she couldn’t converse with their visitors, she imagined herself as the lady of the house. Then, as they sat behind closed doors until late into the night, Lily would go upstairs and wait for Charles.

  When the tap came on her door, she fell into his arms. Every time he made love to her, it was more wonderful than the last. As the weeks passed, she wished she could talk about the love of her life. But Hattie was the only one she could tell.
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  Lily was decorating the tree when Mrs Brewer appeared. ‘The beef and the vegetables are all prepared,’ she said as she took off her apron. ‘Enough for your six guests tonight.’ Lily knew Mrs Brewer would like to have known who they were. But Charles had told Lily she must never mention any names. ‘Are you sure you don’t want me to come back and help?’

  ‘No, that won’t be necessary. I can serve it up easily.’ Charles now only wanted Lily to be present.

  ‘That looks pretty, dear,’ Mrs Brewer went on, casting an eagle eye over the tree.

  ‘Yes, it makes the house festive.’

  ‘Which reminds me,’ Mrs Brewer said as she reached for her hat and coat on the stand. ‘Mr Grey has given me two weeks off. And you’ll be going home for Christmas no doubt. So how will he manage?’

  Instead of going home, Lily intended to be with Charles at Christmas, though of course she couldn’t tell Mrs Brewer that. The house would be their own with no one to disturb them. It would be like being a real married couple. ‘I’ll make sure he’s catered for,’ she assured the daily help.

  Lily knew Mrs Brewer still had something to say as she hovered by the Christmas tree. ‘You’ll be pleased to see your family, won’t you, ducks? I reckon you’ve got yourself a nice young man tucked away somewhere!’

  Lily tried to hide her blush as she thought of Charles.

  Mrs Brewer dug her playfully in the ribs. ‘I thought so. But just you be careful, my dear. I expect you know all about the birds and the bees, but take my advice and keep him at arm’s length till you’re married. You are a very sensitive young woman. You ain’t experienced like some women are today, like that Mrs Simpson for instance, trying to steal our king.’

  Lily stopped what she was doing. The royal affair was something she felt deeply about. She didn’t understand why there was such a fuss about two people who obviously adored one another. She had studied the photographs of Mrs Simpson, an American divorcee who was elegant and beautiful and stood up for her man. Everyone knew that to marry her, the king would have to relinquish the throne. But if two people were meant to be together, even a crown couldn’t come between them.

  ‘I think it’s sad,’ replied Lily fervently, ‘that they aren’t allowed to do what they want. After all, it’s not a crime to fall in love!’

  Mrs Brewer looked shocked. ‘But he’s our king, love, and she’s just a commoner and an American at that!’

  ‘What difference does that make?’ Lily was becoming cross at the older woman’s bigoted outlook. ‘I believe love conquers all.’

  Mrs Brewer patted her arm as though she was a child. ‘Just you be glad you’re not in their position and have got a nice ordinary young man to stand by you.’

  Lily wanted to say that when two people were really and truly in love they could overcome anything, just like she had with Charles.

  When Mrs Brewer finally left, Lily sat down on the stool, feeling upset. How could someone be so narrow-minded? It was love after all! What would Mrs Brewer say when she knew the truth about her and Charles?

  Lily gazed up at the beautiful tree. It wasn’t important what other people thought. She was happy. She had a beautiful house to live in and the man she loved. It was only a matter of time before he made her his wife. She allowed her mind to wander, picturing the moment when he proposed. He would go down on one knee and her eyes would fill with tears. She would fling her arms around him and cry, ‘Yes, I will be your wife.’

  Lily was still lost in her dreams when the big clock in the back parlour struck five. She jumped up. Hurriedly tying the rest of the decorations on the tree, she dragged her mind back to the arrival of the guests.

  It was December the eleventh and Lily was listening to the radio. With a heavy heart she heard the king’s words. ‘At long last, I am able to say a few words of my own . . . a few hours ago I discharged my last duty as king and emperor. You all know the reasons which have impelled me to renounce the throne . . .’

  Lily felt sad for the man who had been forced to come to such an agonizing decision. She understood how much in love he was with Mrs Simpson. But at least now the decision was taken, they wouldn’t have to live a lie. Lily knew that when she could tell everyone that she and Charles were together she would be the happiest woman in the world. Even happier than Mrs Simpson!

  That night Lily lay in bed, waiting for Charles. Although he didn’t always come to her bed, every lonely minute was forgotten when he did. She had begun to realize that there were many different ways of lovemaking. When his ardour overcame him and he was rough, he was always remorseful. Lily knew that she was only just learning how to please him.

  She jumped as she heard a noise. Was it Charles? She got up and pulled on her robe. Going out to the landing, she saw a light below. Peering down into the well of the hall she saw the top of Charles’ head by the Christmas tree. Beside him was another figure. With a shock, Lily recognized Mrs Covas’ elegant coiffeur.

  An hour later, Lily was lying in bed with her eyes wide open. Mrs Covas had gone into the drawing room. What could they be talking about? Why had she called so late?

  Lily waited and waited for Charles to come to her. But in the morning, she woke alone.

  Charles was already up when Lily went downstairs. ‘Oh, there you are, my dear.’

  She wanted to ask about Mrs Covas, but was worried Charles would think she had been spying on them.

  He kissed her cheek. ‘You look a little pale this morning.’

  It was true, Lily didn’t feel quite herself. But she thought she knew the reason why.

  ‘You must look after yourself whilst I’m away.’

  She looked up at him. ‘You’re going away?’

  He took her arm and steered her gently to the chair. ‘Sit down, Lily, I must talk to you. This is all rather unexpected.’

  Was he going to tell her about Mrs Covas? What had happened in the night?

  ‘Some friends have asked me to spend Christmas with them,’ he began to explain. ‘I know you’ll understand when I tell you that complying with their wishes is very important.’

  Lily’s heart sank. Was he going to Mrs Covas’ house in the country?

  ‘When will you be back?’ she asked anxiously.

  ‘Sometime after Christmas. But you mustn’t worry yourself about that. I want you to have a wonderful Christmas with your family. So, here is a special present. You’ve worked hard on my behalf this year and most certainly deserve it!’

  Lily looked at the thick envelope in her hands. ‘You don’t have to give me this. I don’t want it.’ She wanted to tell him that she didn’t want to go home. This was her home! All she had dreamed of was being in this house and looking after him.

  ‘It’s my pleasure, Lily. You can buy some nice things for your family.’

  ‘But I—’

  ‘And when I return,’ he interrupted firmly, ‘we shall have our own celebration. I was looking forward to spending time with you, my dear, but this visit is critical to me. I must speak to people who are very important to my cause. And you, above all people, know that I must put my duty before my personal life.’

  He was gently reminding her of the importance of his career. For a while she had forgotten this as she became overwhelmed by her own desires. Suddenly she felt very contrite. When she was Mrs Grey, there would plenty of time to spend with her beloved husband, but even with this thought Lily found it hard to hide her disappointment.

  ‘My darling, don’t be upset.’ He took her in his arms. ‘We’ll be together soon, I promise.’

  Her heart beat faster at these words. Did he mean really together, as man and wife?

  ‘I suggest at the end of next week, you go home to your family. I’ve left Mrs Brewer’s wages on my desk and if you will just see that the house is closed up?’

  She nodded. ‘Yes, of course.’

  He kissed her tenderly. ‘I’m so fortunate that I can leave everything to you. Now, although I have everything I need for my trip, a few we
ll-ironed shirts would be most useful.’

  In the kitchen Lily took down the shirts from the pulley. She held them against her cheek, smelling Charles. Then she looked at the envelope he had given her. What had she done to deserve the money? It made her feel cheap, as though she was a prostitute.

  Later she took the shirts to his room. When Charles opened the door, he held a book in his hand, but closed it quickly.

  ‘Thank you, Lily.’

  She wanted to throw her arms round him and beg him to stay. But she knew she couldn’t interfere. She must accustom herself to their separations as he was such an important and busy man.

  Once more on her own, Lily let the tears fall. Charles had promised to return to her in the New Year. She should be satisfied, but she wasn’t. She wanted to be with him, to help him in his work, to show that as his wife, she could support and encourage his career. Perhaps one day she too would go to Mrs Covas’ house, as the new Mrs Grey.

  Lily didn’t light the fires that day. There was no one to light them for. The Christmas tree in the hall was a reminder of the Christmas with Charles that she now wouldn’t have.

  ‘Noah, don’t stay out there for too long; it’s freezing. And mind that latch, it sticks worse than ever.’

  ‘I know. I know.’

  ‘I want to set the table tonight, ready for dinner tomorrow. You can help me lay up.’

  Noah looked round the warm kitchen, that was piled with dirty pots and pans. He didn’t fancy washing up tonight; it was Christmas Eve after all. But Josie would have him standing at the sink no doubt, wanting to put everything just so. Now Lil was home for Christmas, she was determined to have everything her own way. Women!

  But as he went out into the cold backyard, Noah could understand how she felt. His sister was as happy as he was that their girl was home. She looked a bit peaky to him. No doubt she missed her gent. But as much as he felt for her, he had to have a word too. Now, how was he going to put it? He opened the closet door and was met with a strong whiff of disinfectant. Josie was nervous of the mice and rats and a trap was set in the corner. He hung the Tilley lamp on the hook and closed the door. The latch fell down.