by Diane Moody
“Yes, and Da sends his love. He’s fighting the tiniest bit of a cold, so I insisted he mind the pub while we’re away.”
“Please give him my love and tell him I hope he feels better soon.”
Sophie grabbed Anya’s gloved hands with both of hers. “We know you can’t stay, but we had to at least try to see you off. We’ve missed you so much, Anya. Are you well? Are you terribly excited?”
“Yes, yes, but let me look at you!” Anya stepped back for a better look at the expectant mother. “Open your coat so I can see.”
Sophie quickly unbuttoned her coat and displayed her rounded belly.
“Oh Sophie, look at you!” She patted her friend’s tummy. “I’m so happy for you. You must promise you’ll come to Chicago, America once your little one is born.”
“ANYA!” Gigi yelled. “We’re about to go through. Hurry!”
“Yes, yes! We promise. We would love to come see you and Danny in America.” Sophie hugged her again and kissed her cheek. “Now go so you don’t miss your ship!”
Charlie hugged her and planted a loud kiss on her other cheek. “Safe travels, Anya. You tell that husband of yours to—”
“Oh, Anya, I almost forgot!” Sophie dug in her pocketbook and pulled out a small velvet pouch which she handed her.
“Oh, you shouldn’t have, Sophie.”
“Open it. Hurry!”
Anya pulled open the drawstring and looked inside. “Oh … I can’t believe it!” she cried, lifting out the sterling silver charm bracelet.
“I found it in the alley when I was making room by the fence to stock more firewood. The sunlight happened to hit it just right, and I knew exactly what it was.”
“ANYA! Hurry!” Gigi yelled.
“I can’t believe it! Oh, thank you, thank you!”
“You’re welcome!” Sophie said. “Isn’t it the most perfect send-off? Now, off you go. We’ll stay to see you sail away so watch for us! We love you!”
Anya turned to go, looked back one more time to wave, then rushed to catch up with Kate and Gigi.
“Friends of yours?” Kate asked.
She turned for a final look, but the gate blocked her view. “Yes, the dearest of friends. They’re the ones I stayed with in Framlingham—”
“Charlie and Sophie? I remember! You told me about them. They were in your wedding, right?”
“Yes. Oh, I just can’t believe they came all the way from Framlingham to see me off. And look—” She held up the bracelet. “They found my bracelet!”
“Danny’s bracelet? I mean, the one Danny gave you on your honeymoon?”
“Yes, I just can’t believe he found it!”
“Oh Anya, how wonderful!” Kate said.
“Come on, girls. You’re holding up the queue!” Gigi shouted.
As they made their way closer to their pier, Anya shivered in the brisk morning air and took a deep breath. “It’s really happening, isn’t it? We’re not just dreaming, are we?”
“I just had the same thought,” Kate said, tugging the knitted cap on Joss’s head to cover her ears. “We’re standing here, but for the life of me, I still can’t believe it. We’re finally going. We’re going! After everything we’ve been through, I just can’t believe it’s happening.”
“Isn’t it wonderful?!” Gigi squealed, huddling them in a group hug.
Jocelyn giggled with a toothless smile.
“Did you hear what they’re calling these sailings?” Gigi asked. “They’ve dubbed them Operation War Bride. Fancy that, we have our very own operation.”
“I heard someone else call it Operation Diaper Run,” Anya added.
“I’ve never seen so many women and children in my whole life,” Kate marveled. “Good thing it’s a big ship.”
All three tilted their heads back as they looked up at the bow of the SS Wisteria. The ship was quite beautiful and majestic, despite its gray wartime exterior. Anya tried to imagine it in its previous glory as a luxury cruise liner.
“You think this is big?” Gigi said. “I’m still upset we don’t get to sail on the Queen Mary or the Queen Elizabeth over there. Just look at them! This old tub looks like a shabby baby compared to those grand ladies.”
“That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?” Anya challenged. The Wisteria may not be as big, but she’s still beautiful. Like a smaller version of the Titanic.”
“Anya, take that back!” Gigi snapped. “You take that back this instant! You mustn’t banter about such a thing when we’re about to board. It’s bad luck.”
“Don’t be so superstitious. It’s been more than thirty years since the Titanic sunk—”
Gigi gave her a loud shush. “Don’t be daft. Don’t even say the name of that ship. Don’t even think it!”
Kate hugged Joss closer. “I have to agree with Gigi, Anya. People at sea are quite superstitious, so be careful what you say about such things.”
As they neared the gangway, a magpie suddenly flew down from the ship’s railing and landed only a short distance from them.
Gigi shrieked as she backed away from the bird. “NOW see what you’ve done?” She blew a kiss toward the bird then saluted it.
Kate turned her back and moved away, holding Joss even closer. “Oh no, this can’t be good.”
Anya looked at them, bewildered. “What’s wrong with you two? It’s just a silly black bird.”
Gigi shook her head. “No, it’s not! How can you not know that magpies are bad luck? Especially if you see only one. ‘One for sorrow,’ as the saying goes.”
“If that’s the case, why did you blow it a kiss and salute it?”
“Honestly, Anya, you can’t seriously tell me you don’t know? To ward off the risk of bad luck, of course. Now, thanks to you, we’ll probably all die at sea.”
“Gigi, I think you’re overreacting—”
“Ladies, if I may have your attention.”
The crowd slowly quieted to hear the voice over the loudspeaker.
“This is Captain Neville Masterson. Welcome to this historic voyage of the SS Wisteria. As you board, please mind that the identity cards you were given are displayed in plain sight. This will help our stewards move you along to your assigned cabins. If you have any questions pertaining to our ship, please address them to the stewards. All other questions regarding your journey across the Atlantic to your new homes may be addressed to the American Red Cross representatives at a later time. With your help, we can all accomplish this vast undertaking with efficiency in order that we may depart on time this evening. Thank you for your cooperation and welcome aboard.”
Anya lost track of time as they moved along at a snail’s pace. Once they climbed the steps up to the gangway, a swell of fear surged through her, nearly taking her breath away. She gripped the side rail to steady herself, careful not to look down at the water below. When she left Holland, she’d ridden the ferry across the choppy English Channel without so much as a single moment of seasickness. The Wisteria was still anchored at the dock. It wasn’t moving. So what triggered the sudden strange feelings?
“Are you all right?”
She looked up to find Kate turned toward her, one hand on the rail, the other cradling Joss. “Yes, I’m fine. I think.”
“Move along, ladies,” Gigi prodded. “You heard the man.”
Once aboard the ship, they were attended by American soldiers who helped carry their luggage and led them to their assigned cabin. All three girls were awestruck by the grand staircase taking them down a flight of stairs.
“Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?” Kate crooned as she ascended the crowded stairs. “I had no idea these ocean liners were so elegant.”
They turned down one hall, then another and another. Next, a long stretch of hallway where they passed clusters of excited brides all chatting and carrying on about their good fortune. Another turn, then another. Then another long stretch of hallway gave way to another crowded flight of stairs.
“I’m so very glad you know where you’re going, soldier,” Gigi said. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were purposefully trying to confuse us.”
“Or taking us in circles,” Kate teased.
The young soldier turned to look over his shoulder. “Don’t you worry your pretty little heads. It just takes time to get your bearings. You’ll find your way soon enough.”
“Will I?” Gigi asked. “And if I don’t will you show me the way?”
“At your service, ma’am. We’re here to help.” He offered a ready smile as he turned a final corner. “Here you go. Cabin 245. Mind your step.”
They followed him into a large stateroom paneled in rich polished cherry with brass wall fixtures giving off a soft glow to the room. But those were the only luxuries. The rest of the room had been stripped bare of furnishings and replaced with several double bunks lining all four walls. Some of the girls were already stowing their bags and claiming their bunks. The soldiers set their bags beside three open bunks.
“There now. Take your time settling in. The captain will make another announcement later with further instructions. Any questions?”
“Might there be a crib for my little one?” Kate asked.
“Oh.” The soldier blinked as if he hadn’t noticed the child. “My mistake, ma’am. Those with little ones are in another section of the ship.” He reached for her bags. “I’ll be happy to take you there.”
“But please, can’t I stay here with my friends? It’s such a long journey, and I can’t imagine being separated from them.”
Gigi slipped between them and worked her magic. “Come on, love, have a heart. We’re meant to stay together, the three of us.” She busied herself straightening his tie. “If I ventured a guess, I bet you could sneak one of those cute little hammocks in here so Kate and her sweet baby can stay with us.” She patted his tie and let her hands linger on his chest. “You would do that for us, wouldn’t you?”
A warm flush spread across the soldier’s face. Anya and Kate shared a look, each suppressing a smile.
“I’m not entirely sure I—”
“Oh, but I’m sure. And I would be most appreciative of such a kindness on your part.” She glanced over her shoulder at Kate and Anya. “We would all be most appreciative, wouldn’t we, girls?”
“Oh yes, absolutely,” Kate answered.
“Positively,” Anya added.
Gigi turned back to him. “Well, then. There you go.”
“Uh …” He scratched the back of his neck. “Well, then. I suppose I could—”
“Splendid!” Gigi stood on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “I knew you were a kind and considerate fellow the minute I laid eyes on you.”
“Yes. Well, then. Right. I’ll just be … on my way.” He offered a quick, nervous smile then left.
“Well done!” Kate cried. “That was brilliant. Oh, thank you, Gigi. I promise I’ll never again tease you about your flirting.”
“Of course you will, but you’re welcome anyway.”
One of the other brides in the room applauded. “My, and aren’t you quite the clever one? Well done! Quite masterful, if you ask me.”
“Did you see him?” another added. “Putty in your hands, he was. She’s right, you know. That was brilliant. Quite brilliant indeed.”
“Why, thank you, ladies.” Gigi took a deep theater bow then twirled to give another to the other side of the stateroom.
They introduced themselves to their new roommates and got acquainted. Helen—a tall beauty with a head of copper curls and a splash of freckles across her nose. Agatha—short and round and full of giggles. Ruth—a quiet girl with traces of tears on her pale cheeks. Four others stayed to themselves; all of them wrapped in long fur coats. The remaining bunks showed evidence of others who had stashed their bags and left the cabin.
“I do hope it’s all right with all of you that I keep my little one here,” Kate said. “I promise she won’t be a bother.”
“No bother at all, and we’re pleased to have her,” Helen said, moving her hand to her flat stomach. “I’ve only just found out I’m in the family way myself, so I’ll enjoy having a little one about.”
“Congratulations,” Kate said. “Then your husband is still here in England?”
“No, he left a month ago. He worked at the American Embassy in London.”
“Really? We have a friend there who’s been so helpful to us through all this waiting. Lieutenant Phillip Powell. Do you know him?”
“The name is familiar, but I only met my husband a few months ago. He quite literally swept me off my feet and proposed two weeks later. We were married only a month before he left. It was all rather sudden.”
“The Yanks are rather spectacular at that, sweeping us off our feet,” Gigi added as she pulled a cigarette from her silver case. “Makes you wonder if they come out of the womb that way—”
“Gigi, don’t be vulgar—”
“—or if they’re taught in school to have all that charm. Either way, we love them, don’t we?” She struck a match.
“Oh, please don’t think I’m a bother, but would you mind not smoking in here?” Helen’s face tinted with her apology. “I’m so terribly sorry, but lately I find I’m quite queasy with even the slightest hint of smoke.”
Gigi’s brows arched as she waved the match out. “You poor dear. Not to worry. Plenty of deck up top where I can puff away.”
“Forgive me for asking, Helen, but how in the world did you process all your papers in such a short amount of time?” Kate implored. “It seems like we’ve been filling out papers and standing in queues for the better part of six months.”
“I suppose it’s because my husband worked at the embassy. Inside shortcuts and all that.”
A few moments later, the young soldier returned with the small hammock and showed Kate how to hang it from the bunk above her. The lad was quite nervous, voicing concern he might incur the wrath of his superiors if they learned of his unsanctioned accommodation.
Gigi escorted him to the door. “We’ll never tell a soul. You can count on that, soldier.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his other cheek. “You have our word.”
His handkerchief was already out of his pocket as he turned to go. “I should have mentioned we’re not supposed to fraternize with the passengers, so I would appreciate it greatly if you pay me no mind from here on.”
Gigi tossed him a wink. “My lips are sealed.”
He stared at her a second longer then turned and disappeared down the hall.
Agatha’s merry laughter filled the room. “Honestly, it’s like having our very own cinema, watching you work your magic on the boy! I do believe Vivian Leigh may have met her match.”
Half an hour later, a loud chime sounded over the intercom before an announcement was made that the ship would sail in one hour. Passengers were encouraged to line the decks to wave goodbye to friends and family.
Anya was relieved to find a map of the ship’s layout in the packets provided on each bed. She studied it before they left, circling their cabin then looking for the simplest passage to the deck. There they joined hundreds of brides and children, each claiming a section of the rail to wave to those below.
“Can you see them?” Anya asked Kate, scanning the crowd below for Sophie’s red beret.
“I’m looking. Can you believe all those people are here to see us off?”
Gigi waved both arms then blew loud, exaggerated kisses. “Goodbye, England! We’re off to America! We’ll miss you!”
“Oh, there!” Kate cried, pointing to their far left. “Down there toward the end of the dock. See her? She’s waving her cap!”
“Oh yes! There! Goodbye, Sophie! Goodbye, Charlie!”
They couldn’t possibly hear them amidst the shouts and laughter, but they all waved nonetheless. Anya loved the festive spirit and feeling a part of something so wonderful and exciting. She waved and wave
d even as tears stung her eyes at the sight of Charlie and Sophie waving back at her.
They covered their ears when the long horn blasted from the ship’s smokestacks signaling their departure. Kate covered Joss’s ears and held her close as all of them laughed and shouted with joy. When the horn finally silenced, the passengers and crowd below continued their jubilant farewells.
“Goodbye, England!”
“Wish us luck!”
“Mummy, I’ll miss you!”
“Write me! Every day!”
“I love you, Mummy! I love you, Daddy!”
With a bit of a jolt, the great ocean liner slowly, slowly began to move, as the tugboat towed it out to sea.
“I can’t believe it! We’re on our way!” Gigi squealed long and loud, hooking her arms through Kate and Anya’s. “America here we come!”
As the ship distanced itself from the pier, the women and children scurried back inside, out of the frigid air. But just as Anya turned to go inside, she noticed the shy girl from their cabin, huddled on a deck chair and sobbing.
“Girls, wait,” she said, touching Kate’s arm. “Let me see what’s wrong with our cabinmate.”
“Don’t worry,” Kate said. “We haven’t a clue how to find our stateroom without you. We’ll wait inside where it’s warm.”
Anya took a seat on the deck chair beside the crying girl. “Ruth, isn’t it?”
The girl looked up, startled, then nodded as her face crumbled again.
Anya placed her gloved hand over the girl’s trembling bare hand. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Ruth shook her head, then paused for a moment and nodded. She dropped her head in her hands again. “I’ve made such a terrible mistake. I should never have come here. Never got on this boat.”
“I know it’s hard to say goodbye, but it will get better. And you’ve got all of us making the trip with you. We’ve all had to leave loved ones behind to make this journey.”
Ruth cried more softly, her head still shaking back and forth. “I’m only sixteen. Mum told me I was a fool to marry so young, and to a Yank at that. And Father wouldn’t even come to see me off, he’s so upset. Told me he didn’t raise his little girl to go off with some fast-talking Yank. But my Eddie, he’s not like that.”