“So he is philanthropic after all! - I’ll look forward to it. Talking about tomorrow, do we need to book dinner at a hotel for later?”
“Yes I suppose so - ” She paused,
“ - in fact leave that detail to me, and I’ll sort it tomorrow. But first, before bed, dearest one, you desperately need a bath and shave.”
“I guess I do, so long as you scrub my back!”
“That’s a deal.”
Whilst Harry was preparing his bath Eileen thought about the news of Andrew and Darlath being together, ‘I never realised,’ she thought, ‘Dermot is going to feel terribly wounded when he finds out...his dear little Darlath.’
Chapter 17
The next day they set off for the city centre and looked at various jewellery shops before deciding on a ring at a small shop in Hope Street. Harry turned to Eileen,
“This seems an appropriate address for an engagement ring.”
“I hope so too.” She laughed.
They stepped inside and after looking at various trays on offer Eileen decided on the one she had seen in the window earlier.
Afterwards they linked arms and walked back towards Sauchiehall Street.
“Harry you hold onto the ring until later and carry on with whatever you need to do today. Leave the hotel booking to me and then let’s meet up at Queen Street Station about three thirty. If that’s OK with you?”
“If you’re sure then, that’s good. I can do some work for Andrew in between and then we can hit the town later. But do I need to change clothes?”
“No you’re fine as you are love. Leave everything to me.”
After meeting in the afternoon they travelled by taxi to Bath Street and walked up to the School of Art. Eileen hadn’t remembered how steep Scott Street was.
“Must be almost forty-five degrees?” Harry said panting heavily as they climbed the hill.
“We should have got the taxi to drop us at the front door.”
Eileen stopped to admire the view back over the city whilst catching her breath.
“We should have been roped together, this is more like mountaineering!” Harry said grateful for the break.
The afternoon sun had now disappeared but there was still sufficient daylight to see some distance across the city. Eileen looked across the skyline and pointed out the sights,
“There’s the main station and there’s the City Chambers, and further down is the Clyde.”
She said holding onto Harry’s arm for support.
“Where’s the brewery I need a drink?”
Eileen giggled,
“Well the brewery is way beyond the City Chambers over there, so let’s carry on up and order a couple of cocktails inside. That’ll be a lot nearer thank God.”
They continued their climb up to the corner of Renfrew Street.
“This is it Harry on the right, the School of Art.”
“Do you know I’d forgotten all about this building being in the city?” Harry said admiring the style,
“My brother showed me a picture of it in a newspaper article years ago. Let’s just walk to the other side to see it from the front before the light fades.”
They walked across the road to get a better view and managed to join a small group of guests at the exhibition being guided around. Harry and Eileen became totally absorbed in the tour and quite forgot about the drink they were desperately seeking a while before. The tour concluded at the front steps of the building.
“This I regard as the greatest architectural achievement by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Some have different preferences but to me this is the pinnacle of his work in Scotland,” the guide said. “Thank you for listening, now please go back inside to enjoy our latest exhibition.”
“It’s just stunning isn’t it, the entrance, and the windows?” Harry said.
“Wait till you see more of the inside.”
They walked into the entrance lobby, showed their invitation card and ascended the open central staircase to the large workshop and display area on the first floor. They followed the signed routes to the various war artist’s work that included paintings by Rex Whistler and Stanley Spencer.
“The paintings are good but I prefer just looking at the design of this place.”
Harry said as he craned his head back to view the beams and lighting.”
“I’ve been here before Harry and there’s one room you really must see, this way.”
They followed signs towards the library where a smaller exhibition had been sited. Harry stopped at the door and peered inside,
“This is just so impressive, again the fittings, the oriel windows, the furniture all carefully designed to work and blend together. The student’s here are so lucky.”
After looking around for several minutes Eileen nudged him,
“It’s time to get that drink Harry!”
“You’re right. Let’s go.”
They walked back to the main reception area and discovered Andrew was on his own examining the paintings.
“Well look at you two here so early,” Andrew said, surprised to see them.
“I didn’t think paintings were your cup of tea Harry?”
“You once told me never to assume things, remember first impressions and all that!” Harry replied smiling.
“You’re quite right, I apologise to you both. Would you mind if I accompany you for a drink? They’re just being served along with some sandwiches I think?”
“A drink would be fine. We’ll skip the sandwiches though as Eileen has booked us in for dinner somewhere.”
“That sounds awfully decadent, any special celebration?”
Eileen was about to reply but Harry intervened,
“No, not just at the moment, but there may be some news for you tomorrow.”
Andrew had already guessed,
“Well remember I’m always available as a page boy. I do so like those silver shoe buckles!”
“You’re presuming too much,” Eileen said, “Behave yourself. I must, however, thank you for the invitations; it was kind of you to remember me. We’ve both enjoyed the tour and the exhibition.”
“Where were you earlier?” Harry asked, “Only I collected some cash for you and left it in your safe.”
“Thanks for that Harry. I was out shopping. I was trying to buy a new overcoat but without success. The styles and sizes were all wrong and the number of coupons needed is just ridiculous. And before you ask, Harry, I did try the tailor that made your suit but they’ve no suitable cloth available. Apparently it’s all been requisitioned for military uniforms!”
“There is a war on Andrew, and you’ve still got your old coat.” Harry ventured.
“But even I admit it needs changing. I’ll just have to try some church jumble sales or salvage shops. But the thought of that as a shopping experience just makes me cringe.”
Later the couple finished their drinks and said farewell to Andrew.
They walked back down Scott Street and managed to hail a taxi at the bottom without too much difficulty.
“Where are we going Eileen?”
“Grand Hotel, I’ve booked a room for us.”
“But what about a change of clothes and...”
“All sorted, that’s what I did this afternoon you just needed to turn up.”
After checking in at the hotel they were shown to their room and had time to change. Later in the restaurant, which was quite full of service people in uniform, they were guided to their balcony table facing the small bandstand. A few of the patrons were dancing to ‘That Lovely Weekend.’
Once settled Eileen looked across towards the people on the floor now dancing to ‘Down Forget-Me-Not Lane.’ She hadn’t noticed that Harry had knelt by her side smiling broadly waiting for her to turn back. She became aware that people nearby were cla
pping. She looked around the room expecting to see that a celebrity had arrived. The band leader had by now picked up on what was happening. He stopped the musicians and requested them to start playing ‘Does She Love Me?’ The band leader turned and looked directly at Eileen whilst playing the introduction. It was only after the singer came forward to the microphone that Eileen looked around to see everyone nearby standing clapping and cheering at her. She turned to find Harry still kneeling beside her, his face beaming. She accepted his ring and then they both stood up to kiss. The head waiter immediately came over with glasses of champagne for them.
“I shall remember this always Harry, thank you, thank you.” Harry escorted her down through a corridor of clapping guests towards the dance floor.
Later, after their meal, they danced again and then relaxed in a nearby bar. They both had noticed that a noisy group of drinkers was gathered at the far end of the room. They had spilled out from another function on the ground floor. To their dismay they saw Steve Beecham escorting Dermot towards the toilets. Dermot spotted the couple and changed direction. He slumped into one of the leather armchairs next to Eileen,
“How good to see you both” he slurred, trying to get up again.
“I need a piss. Sorry! Manners! Steve help me up.”
Harry was surprised to see them,
“Dermot I thought you were in hospital.”
“Signed myself out,” he growled.
“They took some X rays and I was supposed to wait a few days. Well sod that, life’s too short to stay sitting around. I need a piss Steve.”
Steve was in no fit state to assist anyone. He stood stiffly against a pillar staring at Harry before joining the conversation.
“Good night it was. Ladies night, you know the lodge and...”
He belched loudly and tried to launch himself towards the exit. “Need to sit down I think, sit…”
Steve sank into a large armchair a few yards away and closed his eyes.
“I’ll escort you, Dermot.”
Harry lifted him up and slowly edged him out of the room towards the toilets. Dermot’s trousers were already soaked with urine, the smell was nauseating. As they passed the porter’s lodge on the return journey Harry asked if Mr Cassidy had a room reserved for himself. Upon confirmation, Harry gave a tip to the porters and requested them to take Dermot to his room.
“I’ll follow and put him to bed in about five minutes.”
On returning to the bar he found that Steve was now more alert and talking to Eileen,
“I’ve told Dermot everything. We’re good friends, many years, many years.” He was still slurring his speech.
Harry wanted to know what Dermot had been told.
“Ah Steve, you’re conscious and back with us again. What did you say to Dermot?”
“Secret. My secret. Only Dermot and I know.”
Eileen turned to face Harry and quietly whispered,
“While you were out he told me it’s about Darlath. But I’m not sure if he knows everything.”
“Where’s Dermot?” Steve asked.
“He’s up in his room. I said I’ll go up in a sec to check he’s OK.”
Steve lowered his head back into the chair and within seconds had slipped into a deep, snoring sleep.
“What about him?” Eileen asked.
“Leave him there. He’s big enough to sort himself out when he wakes up.”
Eileen and Harry made their way up to Dermot’s room.
“Do you think that Steve knows about Darlath and Andrew at the hotel?”
“I don’t know Eileen, but he seems to have knowledge of something or else he’s bluffing just to cause mischief.”
They found that Dermot had partially undressed himself and was fast asleep in bed.
“Leave him now,” said Harry.
“Let’s continue our evening.”
They held hands and walked slowly towards their room accompanied by the distant sound of the band playing ‘their’ tune again.
Chapter 18
The next morning they met Steve at breakfast. His unshaven face was florid and his eyes appeared more sunken and darker than usual.
“Have you seen Dermot?” Eileen asked breezily.
“He’s having breakfast in his room. He’s alright I guess; which is more than I can say this morning. By the way what were you doing here, I didn’t get a chance to talk to you properly last night?”
“We got engaged.” Harry said.
There was a pause before Steve responded; his brain was not functioning properly,
“Oh I see.”
“Is that it?”
Eileen asked, “No congratulations? No emotion?”
“Sorry Eileen, I’m not switched on yet. Yes of course congratulations.” He said rather flatly as he turned towards Harry,
“Harry, while I think of it can you call in and see Tommy sometime today or tomorrow, he’s got your cash share of the last haul. He managed to sell the final bit yesterday. I think that’s why Dermot and I over-celebrated last night.”
“Yes OK.”
That’s all Harry said. He didn’t expect Steve to congratulate him or show him any smiles or good wishes but he did expect a warmer response to Eileen despite him feeling hung-over. Eileen defused the atmosphere by changing the subject, albeit she knew that the next topic was also potentially explosive.
“Steve you said you told Dermot everything last night. Can we go over it again just so I’ve got it right?”
This direct approach threw Steve. He was now confused. Had he drunkenly told Eileen and Harry about Darlath leaving Andrew’s flat in the early morning. Had he told Dermot about it?
Harry joined in, delighted to increase the pressure on Steve,
“Yes Steve let’s clear up the confusion, tell us again!”
Steve looked even more uncomfortable. He couldn’t recall what he had said to them.
The waiter came and cleared some crockery from the table and this interruption gave him time to think clearly before replying. He didn’t believe that he had mentioned Darlath and Andrew being together, but he wasn’t sure. He couldn’t recall saying anything so he decided to bluff his way out.
“I think I may have mentioned that Dermot told me that Darlath had a girl friend over here. But Dermot didn’t want too many people to know yet as that may cause embarrassment to Darlath. Dermot told me about it last night. That was the secret really …”
Eileen and Harry looked at each other,
“Yes that was it.” Eileen said, adding,
“So there’s nothing else then?”
Somewhat relieved Steve relaxed a little,
“No, so please keep it a secret. I shouldn’t have told you.”
He drank more tea, “Well I must go; I overslept and am late for a meeting in town.” He stood up, “Dermot’s going to get a taxi back to his place. I’ll see you soon. Goodbye for now.”
Steve was eager to move away and Braille-like he felt his way table by table, chair by chair out into the reception area; his body still suffering nausea and pain from over indulgence.
Eileen and Harry followed his slow progress out into the fresh air, “Well what was all that about?” Harry asked, “We knew about the ‘girl friend’ but I’ve a feeling there’s something else he’s hiding?”
“Yes you’re right I picked up that thought as well. The thing is, Steve and Dermot don’t know that the encounter Dermot saw was in fact Andrew and Darlath together. This is all getting too confusing. My wish is for you and me to have a happy and a very simple life together.” Eileen said as she reached across to hold Harry’s hand.
“If you’re happy then I’m simple!”
They both laughed.
Chapter 19
Harry gave Eileen the share of his project money to look after and ban
k. Over the next three weeks he had moved in with her and had continued collecting rents for Andrew during each weekday. No other ‘secrets’ about Darlath and Andrew had emerged during this interim period.
It was a dark cold Friday afternoon in December when Harry returned to Andrew’s flat with the day’s collections. As he walked past the pawnbrokers he noticed a mother with two small very excited children looking in at the window display. All three were dressed in dark, ill fitting, rather shabby outer clothing. The woman’s hair was wrapped in a cloth turban.
“Look Mum.” The children pointed at the window.
A wooden doll’s house was opened to reveal all the rooms full of tiny furniture and fittings. Next to it was a clockwork train set and a station building with miniature models of people carrying suitcases waiting for the next arrival. Behind that was a dolls pram, a football and a cricket bat, all of the items appeared to be in reasonable condition.
“Come on luvvies, time to go home. We’ll see what Santa brings you.”
They hurried away.
Harry watched the children skip along the pavement holding on to their Mother’s hands until they disappeared amongst the crowds of people by the market stalls. He suddenly felt very empty and guilty perhaps. He now had wealth and potential happiness and could so easily have given that woman some money to help her out over Christmas. He remembered his childhood with his younger brother David. They weren’t a wealthy family but they were always well dressed and food seemed plentiful. He recalled that Christmas’s were good fun with parties and cousins visiting. He remembered his own Mother’s Christmas rule that ensured that one toy in good condition would be given away to a children’s home each year before any new ones arrived. Harry suddenly felt melancholic; those poor children he had just seen had endured over three years of war and deprivation yet still appeared happy and excited about the magic of Christmas. He envisaged their father still fighting somewhere or perhaps he had already been killed. For the first time since Dunkirk he felt a sense of utter loneliness and regret that he hadn’t stayed on with the other men in his regiment. He stopped in a shop doorway and smoked a cigarette. He couldn’t clear his mind of the image of those two children, perhaps fatherless and without sufficient means. A single tear welled up in each of his eyes and slowly rolled across his cheeks,
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