by Rosie James
Presently, the six of them sat and enjoyed their mugs of strong tea, together with a generous portion of iced Victoria sponge, now without the candles, on each plate, and suddenly Roger leaned forward and touched Alice’s arm.
‘Now look here, Alice,’ he said easily, ‘I think there’s something you haven’t told us! Come on…what’s been going on with you, then?’
Roger had been looking for signs that any of the girls were now spoken for.
Alice waved her left hand about in the air. ‘Oh this?’ she said ‘This is nothing…just my engagement ring, that’s all.’
‘Oh Alice…you’re gettin’ married, luvver!’ Mabel exclaimed, leaning forward as well and taking Alice’s hand in hers so that she could examine the beautiful ring. ‘An’…is it gonna be soon? And oo’s the lucky man, may I ask!’
Roger butted in again. ‘Oh well, that’s one off the market, then. Still – there’s two of you left…’ He grinned across at Fay and Eve. ‘I live in hope!’
All three girls smiled at Roger as he spoke. He was so good looking, and so kind and thoughtful…it was surprising that he hadn’t been snapped up by one of the local lasses long before this.
Mabel was still scrutinizing the diamond on Alice’s finger, and Alice said, ‘His name’s Sam, Mrs. Foulkes, Sam Carmichael. I’ve known him and his family for many years.’ She paused. ‘We’ve only been engaged for a few weeks, and I’m still getting used to it. But…you will all come to my wedding, won’t you?’ she said earnestly. ‘I really want you all to be there.’ She turned to Walter. ‘The three of you can leave the farm just for one day – or part of one day, Mr. Foulkes…can’t you?’ she said.
The farmer shifted in his chair. ‘Well…when’s it gonna be?’ he began reluctantly, and Mabel cut in.
‘Don’t matter when it’s gonna be,’ she said firmly. ‘We’ll get ’elp for that day, make no mistake!’ Mabel had not been to a wedding for many years, and Mabel loved weddings. Wild horses would not stop her from going to Alice’s.
‘It’s going to be on 23rd December,’ Alice said, in answer to Walter’s question, ‘and will be at St. Mary Redcliffe in Bristol. I expect you know that lovely church?’
Everyone, even those living in the deepest Somerset countryside, knew of the famous St. Mary Redcliffe.
Mabel was clearly delighted at the thought of a day out…a real day out. Something different, something special. Then she frowned as another thought struck her. ‘But I shall ’ave to find somethin’ proper to wear, though, won’t I?’ she said, addressing the question to no one in particular. ‘An’ our village shop don’ do much in the clothes business.’ She paused, looking up at her husband. ‘An’ you’ll ’ave to dig out your best suit – your only suit – Walter,’ she added firmly. ‘You know it still fits ’cos you wore it last year at Ted’s funeral, didn’t you?’
‘Oh come on… I don’ ’ave to dress up, do I?’ the farmer grumbled. ‘No one’s gonna notice me in that great place anyway… I can wear me dungarees, can’t I? You can give ’em a good wash, Mabel,’ he added, ‘an’ a bit of a press.’ But his eyes were twinkling as he spoke, and everyone knew he was teasing. He seemed genuinely happy to be sitting around the table again with his three Land Girls there as well.
Alice, Fay and Eve smiled at each other. Being here like this was just like old times. Nothing had changed. Well, the Foulkes family hadn’t changed. And Alice realized, with a pang of something approaching disloyalty, that she was feeling even more relaxed here, with these particular people around her, than she sometimes felt when she was with Sam. And how dreadful was that, when she thought about it. But the thing was, she had been a lot longer in this present company, had spent more consistent time with them, than she ever had with Sam. He had been away from home so much when they were both growing up, then he’d gone to university and eventually she, Alice, had branched out on her own in business…then the war had intervened…it was a good thing their letters had kept them going…
‘Well, I dunno, I really don’t!’ Mabel said. ‘This year is gonna be a year for weddin’s – what with Princess Elizabeth marrying Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in November…we ’avent ’ad a royal weddin’ for yers!’ She turned to Alice. ‘And I don’t care whether she’s a princess or not, she won’t look as nice as you will, Alice. Even if they can afford the best of everythin’.’
Hmm, Alice thought, I bet Princess Elizabeth won’t have any trouble finding her dress…
Presently, the birthday gifts were brought out and, as expected, Mabel was as excited as any child as she unwrapped everything. And when she read the messages on each of the birthday cards, her eyes filled with tears.
‘Now then,’ she said huskily. ‘This is very, very kind of you all, luvvers.’ She undid the bottle of perfume and dabbed a little behind each ear. ‘I made t’other one you gave me last a long time, but I’m afraid tha’s all used up now, so this is gonna come in very ’andy, an’ the apron…so pretty…and the little dish, as well! I’ve never ’ad so many things before! An’ Walter and Rog ’ave given me presents as well!’
‘And your last treat for this year, Mum, is we’re all going up to the Wheatsheaf for our supper,’ Roger announced. ‘So no one had better eat any more of that cake!’
This was something else Mabel had not been told, and she tried not to show her slight disappointment. There was one of her special goat casseroles in the range, simmering away nicely, which she’d prepared for tonight. Still. Never mind. That would all keep ’til tomorrow.
Presently, Roger went outside with Fay to admire her car…he’d been itching to have a look at it ever since the girls had turned up, and as the others finished the last of their tea Alice said –
‘Talking about what you might wear on my wedding day, Mrs. Foulkes, I don’t even know where to start looking for my dress. I don’t imagine that there’s going to be much choice in the shops – though I haven’t started looking yet.’
Eve broke in. ‘Oh, I’ll come with you, Alice!’ she said. ‘There are two places in Bath that might have something to suit you – or we could trawl the Bristol shops together. And what about Dorchester?’ Eve’s eyes shone. It was going to be fun looking for Alice’s wedding dress.
‘Well, there’s plenty of time yet,’ Alice said, determined not to get carried away by this particular item on the wedding agenda…she had more important things to worry about.
‘An’ what about bridesmaids?’ Mabel said. ‘I ’spec Eve and Fay’ll be walkin’ behind you on the great day, luvver, won’t they?’
Alice swallowed quickly. But of course she would ask her best friends to be her bridesmaids. So – four bridesmaids, four dresses to pay for, four bouquets, four presents to buy…
Much later, they all sat around the big round table in a corner of theWheatsheaf finishing their coffee, and Mabel said happily –
‘Well, Rog, that wer’ a really good meal – an’ it was quite nice not to ’ave cooked it meself!’ she added.
‘That was the general idea, Mum,’ Roger said, really pleased to have set this whole thing up for his mother. And the pub had made a big fuss of the occasion – after all, the Foulkeses had farmed here for years, were well known in the locality. And the farmer’s wife was loved by everyone. Which was why a huge, complimentary bottle of champagne had been brought to the table for the family to enjoy at the end of the meal, and why other locals also eating there had joined in the singing of the usual birthday song. Mabel looked as if she was about to burst with happiness. She looked over at Alice.
‘An’ you still down there in Dorchester, Alice?’ she enquired. ‘Still in charge of that office?’ Alice had written a couple of letters to Mabel, explaining where she was now working.
‘Yes, Mrs. Foulkes,’ Alice replied. ‘But of course I shall have to give in my notice – though I’m not sure when I’ll do that because when I leave, I’ll lose the little house that goes with the job.’ She paused briefly. ‘I don’t have any other home to go
to, so I shall hang on as long as I can – before the wedding, I mean.’
Mabel pursed her lips. ‘Well, luvver…don’t ever say you ’avent got no‘ome to go to – because there’s always a ’ome for you with us – you know that. All of you,’ she added, looking at the others. ‘A’ course, we’re such a long way away from everythin’ – that’s the trouble…’ she added ruefully.
‘That’s so kind of you, Mrs. Foulkes,’ Alice said warmly. ‘But I’m sure I shall be able to find something in Bristol…’
‘Don’t forget you can always hitch up with me in my room at Miss Downs’s place,’ Fay said. ‘I know she’d have no objection.’
‘And I know my mother and father would be more than happy for you to stay with us, Alice,’ Eve cut in eagerly. ‘We’ve two spare rooms that are never used.’
Alice looked around her, aware that her throat was tightening. One minute she thought she could be homeless, the –next – there were three offers of somewhere to stay with the kindest set of people you could ever hope to meet. Why had she been worrying unnecessarily?
‘Thanks…thank you all so much,’ she said, picking up her glass and taking a sip.
After a few moments, Walter Foulkes leaned back in his chair and looked up at the big clock above the bar. Then he yawned, loudly, not bothering to put his hand in front of his mouth. He’d enjoyed that meal, but enough was enough. It was time to leave.
‘Roight then, Mabe,’ he said, half standing. ‘drink up – ’s’time to be goin’.’
Mabel looked up at him, folding her arms. ‘Sit down, Walt,’ she said firmly. ‘It’s not time to be goin’! I ’aven’t finished my champagne yet!’ This was her birthday treat, and she was making the most of it – thank you very much. Because she was enjoying it with her “family”. When they’d turned up at the farm in 1941, she’d soon considered Alice, Fay and Eve, their three Land Girls as her extra children…part of the large family she’d always longed for. Not that she was complaining…their Roger was the best son in the whole world. The son sent to her by God.
But still, He could have added one or two more while He was at it…
Walter did as he was told and sat back down, and conversation continued in the usual, amiable way it always had when this group of people had been together.
‘So, then, Fay…’ow long ’ave you ’ad your car, then, luvver?’ Mabel enquired. ‘It were very comfortable, I must say,’ she added. ‘Very nice indeed.’
Fay had driven Mabel, Alice and Eve to the pub, while Roger and his father had come in the van, and Fay said –
‘I’ve only had it a few months, Mrs. Foulkes, but of course with petrol on ration I can’t use it too much. Still, nothing would stop me driving here today,’ she added.
Mabel sat back contentedly, folding her arms across her ample stomach. ‘Well, well, well…you’re all so ’appy, now…aren’t you?’ She turned to Eve. ‘An’ what about you, luvver?’ she said. ‘Working in that music place over in Bath? An’ are you ’appy there still?’
‘Oh yes, Mrs. Foulkes,’ Eve said, glancing quickly at Alice and Eve. ‘We’re quite busy at the moment…things seem to be picking up a bit…and…’
Fay broke in, grinning. ‘Go on, tell them, Evie! Tonight is good news night!’
Eve took a deep breath, and all three of the Foulkes family looked at her with interest. ‘It’s just that I’m seeing someone…Max…he works in the shop as well, and we’re…we’re going out together. And we…like each other…very much.’
‘Ooooh,’ Mabel said enthusiastically, ‘so is there goin’ to be another weddin’ soon, then?’
Eve shook her head quickly. ‘Not that soon, Mrs. Foulkes,’ she said. ‘I think it’s going to take us a little time…but one day…’ There was no need for her to say any more. It was still early days for her and Max.
Roger banged his fist on the table in mock surrender. ‘Well blow me down, that’s two of you gone!’ he said. ‘What hope in ruddy hell has someone like me got?’
‘Now, don’t go swearin’ Rog,’ Mabel said. ‘It’s not the night for bad language.’
Fay leaned forward and touched Roger’s arm. ‘There’s still me, Rog – if you’re desperate,’ she said. ‘But the sad thing is, I’m not the marrying kind. And never will be,’ she added firmly.
Roger put his arm around Fay’s shoulders. ‘Oh well, we’ll be fun and fancy free together, then, Fay,’ he said. He turned to the others. ‘One day, Fay and I are going to go somewhere a long way away and see animals in the wild. Aren’t we, Fay?’ he added.
Fay smiled at him blearily. She’d enjoyed rather a lot of drinks with her meal, and the champagne was a particularly good year. ‘Are we?’ she said. ‘I’d forgotten about that.’
But Fay hadn’t forgotten, and she moved closer into Roger. ‘P’raps we will – in another life,’ she said obliquely.
By now, everyone was beginning to feel sleepy – the meal had been more than adequate, to say nothing of the wine – when just then the landlord came over from the bar. He looked down at Eve.
‘We were just wondering…would you give us a tune on that old thing?’ he asked, glancing across at the piano. ‘It hasn’t had that much use lately – but we were thinking as this is a special occasion you might like to…well…show us if it still works.’ Eve had soon been recognized, by more than one, as the young woman who had entertained them all on New Year’s Eve in 1944…the last one before the end of the war. That night, she had made the place rock with nostalgia and hope and no one had forgotten it.
Mabel leaned forward eagerly. ‘Oh go on, our Eve,’ she said. ‘’Twould be smashin’ if you did.’ And as Eve hesitated, Mabel went on – ‘Can you play “If you were the only girl in the world”, Eve? Just for me?’ She glanced across at Walter who had his eyes closed. ‘’Twus always a favourite of ours…of mine…’cus we danced to it at our weddin’ supper, me and Walt.’ She paused. ‘He were very good on ’is feet…at one time,’ she added.
Nothing would stop Eve doing as she was asked, and she immediately went over to the piano and played a few tentative notes – then began to play the favourite, romantic number that everyone knew.
“If you were the only girl in the world, and I were the only boy…”
Everyone in the Wheatsheaf began to sing without even being asked, and there were several pairs of watery eyes in the room as the words rang out. Not least Alice’s, for whom the lyrics were so poignant, and for Eve, too, who was still basking in the knowledge that the man she loved would, one day, really be hers.
As for Mabel – who had joined in lustily – that had been the final, lovely twist to a birthday which she wouldn’t forget in a hurry. She nudged Walter.
‘Wake up, you,’ she said. ‘We’ve just been singin’ our special song – in case you ’adn’t noticed.’
Walter opened his eyes and leaned across to his wife. Then he gave her a big kiss on the side of her cheek. ‘Course I noticed,’ he said gruffly. ‘’Appy birthday, missus.’
And Alice was aware of her eyes misting as she observed the little charade between the farmer and his wife. It was touching to see those two, Romeo and Juliet – or perhaps Darby and Joan – so close, to intertwined in their lives as they spent each busy day on the farm together, pulling equal weight through good times and bad…their obvious happiness witness to their inherent love and affection for each other. That is what a true marriage must be, Alice thought, a togetherness, a mutual desire to be good to each other. Surely an example to follow – if possible…
Dare she hope that it could be the same for her and Sam?
Presently, reluctantly, they all got up to leave the Wheatsheaf and made their way outside. It had been raining when they’d arrived at 7 o’clock, and it was coming down even harder now. Everyone groaned, hurrying across to reach the cars before they all got drenched, and Roger opened the doors of the Austin for the girls and his mother to get in. Walter was already making himself comfortable in the van.
Off he went, and Fay yawned loudly. ‘I just hope I don’t fall asleep on our way back to Bath,’ she said. ‘Roger shouldn’t have kept filling up my glass like that.’
She put the key in the ignition, and switched on the engine. But all the engine did was cough and wheeze slightly before lapsing back into complete silence. Fay frowned, leaning forward.
‘What’s going on?’ she said. ‘Oh no…it can’t be…’ She tutted impatiently. ‘I’ll try again in a minute.’
Roger, who was about to drive off, realized that something was wrong, and he stopped the van and got out, coming over to peer at Fay through the open window.
‘Um…having a bit of trouble, Fay?’ he said, and she waved the suggestion away airily.
‘No…it’s OK…just being a bit temperamental, I expect,’ she said.
‘Hmm. Well – switch on, and really rev her up this time,’ Roger said.
Fay did as she was told, but now it was even worse. The noise from under the bonnet sounded like someone having a terminal attack of asthma. Then, once again, nothing.
‘Oh dear,’ Roger said, standing back. ‘Look – we can’t do much about this now…it’s too dark and too wet.’ He didn’t grumble about the fact that by now his jacket was getting soaked, his hair falling in sopping waves over his forehead. ‘You four go back into the pub and keep warm. I’ll take Dad back to the farm and come back for you in a few minutes.’
Fay looked up at him. ‘D’you think you’ll be able to fix it…later,Roger?’ she asked hopefully. She was painfully aware that it was going to be ages before they reached Bath later – let alone Bristol. The trouble was, the evening had slipped by almost unnoticed, and suddenly the Cinderella deadline was approaching. Mabel spoke up from her place in the passenger seat next to the driver.