The Foyles Bookshop Girls

by Elaine Roberts

  Jack and Charlotte stood, watching their daughter with pride, as she followed Victoria towards the altar.

  Freddie stood pensively, with Charles by his side. His brow furrowed as the girls approached them. His gaze darted beyond the girls, but he couldn't see his bride. He clutched his hand in front of him; the knuckles were white as the bone tried to break free of his skin.

  Lily nodded and beamed at him as she stepped across the front pew, past her mother.

  Alice stood in the vestibule with her father, gazing up at him. ‘Are you so disappointed that you’ve nothing to say to me?’

  ‘No, not at all.’ Luke cleared his throat. ‘I am sure you and Freddie will be very happy together. You know how to do as you are told, so I think all will be well.’

  Alice stared at her father as disbelief ran across her face. ‘Freddie doesn't want me to do as I'm told. He treats me like an equal.’

  Luke jutted out his arm for Alice to tuck her hand into. ‘I'm sure that will change once you are married.’

  Before Alice could say anything, they were walking down the aisle together.

  Charles and Freddie gasped as one, when Alice came into view. Freddie's eyes began to fill as Alice stepped nearer to him. He smiled, trying to remove the anxious set of her lips. The look on her face reminded him of when Charles had enlisted. They finally drew level with him. ‘You look beautiful. I love you so much, Alice.’

  Her eyes lit up and she smiled back at him. ‘I love you too, with all my heart.’

  The priest cleared his throat and nodded at the pair of them.

  They nodded back in unison.

  ‘Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…’

  *

  Alice's eyelashes fluttered as daylight started to seep through them. A weight across her midriff pinned her to the bed and her eyes flashed open, immediately taking in the plush deep red curtains, where the grey day was trying to break through. The walls, painted a soft green, had framed canvasses hanging from the picture rails. A wedding dress lay in a crumpled heap on the brown rug, in front of an oak chest of drawers, with an army uniform just visible amongst its folds. One black sock hung over the arm of the chair, sitting in the corner of the room. Alice fleetingly wondered what had happened to the other. The rhythmic breathing next to her, and the arm draped across her, was a reminder of why she was sleeping in the guest bedroom. She was a married woman now. Mrs Leybourne, Mrs Freddie Leybourne. Alice smiled to herself. It had all come about so quickly. She wondered if there’d be talk about her condition; maybe that's why there had been no words of wisdom from her father.

  Alice lay still, enjoying the feel of his warm, naked body next to hers. His musky scent had settled on her skin, fusing with her own rose-scented perfume. Maybe she’d wear them both every day, to remind her of the wonderful night they had spent together.

  Freddie had been gentle; he had worried about hurting her. Any fears she may have had soon disappeared. Alice closed her eyes and rested her hand on top of his, as her thoughts strayed to the previous day. Thanks to her mother and grandfather, there had been no arranged marriage for her. She had willingly walked down the aisle, towards the man she loved.

  At the front of the church, Freddie had stood tall and proud. His eyes glistened as he watched her every move.

  ‘I now pronounce you man and wife.’ The priest's voice had rung through the church.

  Alice had lifted her chin; her lips parted as a slow smile had crept across her mouth. Without waiting to be asked, Freddie had taken Alice into his arms and kissed her. The light, butterfly kiss ignited the promise of what was to come.

  Alice gave a contented sigh as she snuggled further under the white cotton sheets and the red eiderdown.

  Charles had slapped Freddie on the back, bursting their bubble, reminding them they were still in the church. ‘Congratulations.’

  Freddie had raised his hand and caressed her cheek, before turning to face Charles and hold out his hand.

  The young man had laughed. ‘We don't shake hands; we are brothers now.’ Charles wrapped his arms around Freddie, giving him a bear hug.

  Alice squeezed Freddie's hand under the bedclothes. Her fingers ran over the soft dark hairs on his fingers.

  She smiled as she remembered the girls giggling around her, each hugging their congratulations.

  Sarah had wrapped her arms around her. ‘Be happy,’ she whispered before stepping back.

  ‘Congratulations. I can't believe my granddaughter is married, and to a police officer.’ Edward had laughed as he enveloped her in his arms. ‘We’re all going to Russell Square. Jane has excelled herself on the food front and there's enough to feed an army.’

  Sadness engulfed Alice as she realised Freddie would soon have to return to the front line. She wondered if she could lock him away in the attic; no one need ever know he was there.

  ‘Morning, Mrs Leybourne.’ Freddie's sleepy breath brushed her shoulders.

  Tingling swept up the back of her neck. ‘Morning, Mr Leybourne,’ Alice whispered. All thoughts of him leaving were swept away.

  Freddie pulled her tighter to him. ‘Hmm, this is where I want to be.’ He paused for a moment. ‘Here with my wife.’ His fingers walked across her stomach.

  Alice's breath quickened as heat ravaged her. She shivered as her whole body became alight with desire. She rolled over to face him, her eyes soaking in his features, every line etched into her memory. ‘They could be back soon,’ she murmured.

  He propped himself up on his elbow and nodded. ‘But they are not here now.’

  She moved her head to one side as he slowly lowered his mouth on to hers. The bristles of his morning beard scratched her skin as the passion grew. Alice wrapped her arms around him, clinging to him, for fear she’d drown in the desire that was rising inside her.

  *

  While Luke had silently eaten his breakfast, the sky had turned a menacing dark grey. The wind had chased away any brightness that had been trying to break through and the lone bird singing outside had disappeared. Within minutes, the first silent drops of rain that had slowly dribbled down the window had begun to gather force and batter the glass. The heavens had opened, allowing the rain to fall in biblical proportions. Puddles of water flooded the pavements. The wind huffed around the windows, from time to time, giving an odd whistling noise.

  Alice sighed. ‘This weather is dreadful.’

  Lily put down the knife she had been using to butter a slice of toast. ‘At least it wasn't this bad for your wedding day, Mr and Mrs Leybourne.’ She gave a throaty chuckle as she picked up her toast, stopping to lick the small globular knob of creamy butter from her finger.

  Alice giggled. ‘That's true; we were lucky.’

  Freddie leant towards Alice as he rested his hand on top of hers, to give it a gentle squeeze.

  Charles arched an eyebrow as he looked across the table. ‘Yes, Freddie certainly has a spring in his step this morning.’

  Freddie's usual musky scent transported Alice back to the previous night. Heat rose slowly in her face, turning it a delicate shade of pink. She was thankful no one could read her mind.

  ‘Charles!’ the ladies in the room chorused as one.

  The young man laughed. ‘What? Just saying, he looks very happy.’ He paused, giving his sister a mischievous grin from the opposite side of the table. ‘And Alice doesn't look too sad either.’

  Lily nudged her brother. ‘You didn't look too sad either, last night.’ She smiled. ‘I spied you deep in conversation with Molly.’

  Luke sighed and shook his head, before putting down his empty teacup. He glanced across at the clock sitting on the mantelpiece.

  Freddie looked amused. ‘Don't worry, Mrs Taylor, I’m very happy. I wish I hadn't wasted so much time worrying about being financially secure, before marrying Alice.’

  ‘So what were you and Molly talking about?’ Lily persisted.

  A flush crept across Charles' cheeks. ‘I’ve asked her to write to
me. It lifts you to receive a letter, doesn't it, Freddie?’

  Freddie turned to his wife, his eyes full of love. ‘It certainly does and it’s going to be hard to leave today.’

  Luke pulled at the chain to his fob watch, releasing it from his waistcoat pocket. ‘Everyone has to make sacrifices; that's life.’ The top of his watch sprung open and he stared at the face for a moment, before snapping it shut and returning it to its home.

  Freddie stared at Luke, wondering what sacrifices he was making for the war effort. He pondered as to how well his father-in-law would have coped in the trenches, but decided not to ask. ‘Yes, sir.’

  Luke pushed his chair away from the dining table. ‘I had better get going if I am to make the train from Liverpool Street. I don't want to arrive at Sandringham too late, especially now, as thanks to the war, nowhere is lit.’

  Sarah frowned. ‘Would you rather not wait and see if the rain slows down? It sounds dreadful out there.’

  Luke stood up in one movement. ‘A little bit of rain won't kill me.’

  Sarah lowered her head and raised her eyebrows, looking down at her boiled egg. ‘No, but sitting on a train in wet clothes will,’ she mumbled.

  ‘Sorry, did you say something?’ Luke stared hard at his wife.

  The colour drained away from Alice's face. She looked down at her arm, expecting to see the tiny hairs standing on end as she moved her hand away from Freddie's, hoping he wouldn't notice how clammy it had become. Alice glanced through her eyelashes at Lily. Her skin was ashen and all her bravado and laughter had momentarily disappeared. Alice knew their father had the same effect on them both. They just handled it differently.

  Charles lifted his hand to his mouth and gave a small cough.

  Alice stiffened in her seat as she wondered if he was clearing his throat to say something.

  Sarah lifted her head and pulled back her shoulders. ‘I said it won't do you any good sitting in wet clothes.’

  Alice watched Charles wipe his mouth with his napkin before opening his mouth to say something. Her foot sprung into action and kicked him under the table.

  ‘Ouch,’ Charles shouted, dropping his napkin.

  ‘I'm sure I will survive.’ Luke stepped away, not giving his son a second glance. He placed his seat back into position.

  Sarah immediately stood up, the tension already forgotten. ‘What's wrong? Are you all right?’

  Nerves took hold and Alice let a giggle escape. ‘Sorry, Charles.’ She grinned at him. ‘I was just stretching my legs under the table; I didn't mean to catch you.’

  Charles pushed his chair out, to examine his shin. ‘Catch me? I'll be lucky if I can walk again.’ He rubbed his leg vigorously, before eyeing her suspiciously.

  Luke sneered at his son. ‘Perhaps we should be sending Alice off to fight the Huns and you should stay here to clean the house.’

  Colour filled Alice's cheeks as she jerked her head around, to face her father. Her finger nails dug into the palms of her hands.

  Freddie jumped up. He grabbed his chair as it started to topple backwards on to the floor. ‘Thank you for allowing me to stay, sir.’

  Luke turned his attention to Freddie and nodded. ‘I suppose, now you are family, you had best call me Luke or Father, whichever you choose.’

  ‘Thank you…’ Freddie hesitated, ‘… Luke, for everything.’

  There was a light knock on the dining room door. ‘Yes!’ Luke bellowed.

  The door hinges squeaked as Mrs Headley pushed it open and came in. A long woollen grey scarf swung from her arm as she walked. Her arms were weighed down with Luke's black winter coat and her fingers gripped his hat.

  ‘Ah, now that's what I like – punctuality.’ Luke gave a rare smile. ‘Excellent, Mrs Headley, right on time.’

  Luke wrapped the scarf around his neck, before shrugging his arms into the coat that Mrs Headley held open for him.

  She waited until he was buttoned in before passing him the hat and watched him place it firmly on his head, at a jaunty angle. ‘I'm not sure the wind won't whip that right off, sir.’

  ‘Thank you, Mrs Headley, I am sure I will be fine.’

  She gave a little bow. ‘As you wish, sir.’ Mrs Headley turned on her heels and left the room.

  Alice, Lily and Sarah stood up as one. Each stood in line, waiting for the perfunctory kiss on the cheek, which was duly given.

  Luke grasped the handle of his worn, brown suitcase and juggled it on his fingers for a few seconds as he looked at his son. ‘I will see you all in a few days.’

  Charles remained seated and didn't look up at his father.

  The thud of the front door signalled Luke had left the house. The noise resonated into the dining room, hanging in the air like shards of glass waiting to fall on them as they took their seats again at the table. No one spoke of Luke's comments, or of the rucksacks packed and standing in the hall, waiting to be transported to the front line. Freddie and Charles hadn't been seen out of uniform, a constant reminder that their time at home was temporary. Each knew that, in a few minutes, they’d be saying goodbye to their loved ones.

  Chapter 13

  Alice sat in the sitting room at Bloomsbury Street, with her mother and Lily. Sarah had taken advantage of Luke's absence and the fire had been lit in the middle of the day. The smoke's grey tendrils curled around the coals and the black ash. She stared into the flames that licked up the chimney; the flickering colours held her mesmerised. She didn't flinch when a spark escaped onto the hearth, leaving an ember’s glow slowly dying. The coals crackled and warmth spread into the room, with each of them lost in their own thoughts.

  Alice's embroidery lay untouched on her lap. The shine of her new wedding band caught her eye. She absently turned it on her finger as worry filled her head.

  Lily stared out of the sash window. The sombre grey sky pressed down, emulating the sadness in the room. The trees had long since lost their leaves so the bare branches reached up, disappearing into the low cloud. People rushed past the window with their collars up, not stopping to talk to one another, giving curt nods as they sped by. Men in uniform walking along the road were now commonplace, some stopping to chat to children who played war-games in the street. Lily fidgeted in her seat. Her book snapped shut on her lap, but it didn't register with her. ‘The house is so quiet, it’s hard to believe they were ever here.’

  Sarah looked across at Lily. ‘Yes, Charles does light up a room with his laughter and his mischievous comments.’ She frowned as she turned and stared into the flames that were licking up the chimneybreast. ‘We certainly crammed a lot into the couple of days.’

  Alice picked up her embroidery and sighed. The smokiness in the air filled her nostrils as she breathed in. ‘If I wasn’t wearing the ring on my finger, it would be easy to think it was all a dream; a lovely dream, but a dream all the same.’

  Lily looked over at her sister. ‘It’s obvious we all miss them, but I think we need to do something to give ourselves a lift.’

  A smile played on Alice’s lips as she looked up. ‘Well, it must be the cure-all then.’ Lily frowned as confusion flitted across her face. ‘Tea and chocolate cake it is.’ Sarah and Lily laughed. ‘I’ve discovered it doesn’t matter whether it’s crisis or celebration, it does the trick.’ Their laughter filled the room, chasing away the dark clouds hanging over them.

  The house shuddered at the violent banging on the front door. The three of them were pulled out of their reveries. The brass knocker hit the door again, quickly followed by knuckles rapping hard. They jumped to their feet, ignoring the thud of a book hitting the floor and the embroidery frame falling softly onto the carpet.

  Stunned into action, Sarah pulled open the sitting room door and called out from the end of the hallway. ‘Who on earth…?’ The clatter of heels on the stone tiles announced that the ladies were on their way, before anyone came into view.

  Mrs Headley, red faced, reached the front door first and swung it open.

  Moll
y fell in through the open doorway. The housekeeper reached out and just managed to catch her. Molly stretched out her hands in a bid to save herself. Her normal bright sparkling eyes were red raw and her pale face soaking wet.

  Mrs Headley held on tightly to Molly's arms, momentarily forgetting her position in the household. ‘Come in, Miss Cooper. What on earth is the matter?’ She wrapped her arms around Molly, pulling her further into the hall, while stretching out her foot to nudge the door closed, shutting out the cold air that had ripped into the hallway.

  ‘I'll fetch Miss Alice for you.’

  The clattering ended as the three ladies stopped dead by the stairs. Lily frowned towards her mother, reaching out to clutch her warm hand, but she was gaping at Molly.

  Alice rushed forward, keeping her eyes firmly on her friend. ‘Molly, what is it?’

  Mrs Headley was suddenly aware she was holding the girl's weight. ‘Miss Alice, I think she may have fainted.’

  Sarah turned to Lily, grasping her hand tightly. ‘Go and pour a little of your father's whisky into a glass.’

  Lily arched her eyebrows as she stared at her mother.

  Sarah let go of her daughter's hand. ‘Go, quickly.’ She looked over as Alice and Mrs Headley tried to put their arms around Molly's waist, so they could get her into a chair. ‘Don't move her. I'll fetch a dining chair. It's not ideal, but we can't carry her.’ Not waiting for a response, Sarah sped off down the hall.

  ‘I wonder what's happened, Miss Alice?’

  Alice shook her head. ‘I don't know, but it certainly isn't good news.’ She tried to adjust her grip around Molly's waist.

  ‘Here.’ Lily ran down the hall holding a glass containing some amber liquid.