Towards a Dark Horizon

by Maureen Reynolds

  I had heard from the Borlands by return of post. They had said they would be delighted to have Lily any time she wanted to come. But, as the weeks passed and although the Luftwaffe had bombed several places in Scotland, most of the evacuees wanted to come home and most of them did.

  I asked Lily if she wanted to go to Trinafour but she was unsure. ‘I like going there but I would rather stay here with you, Ann. If the Jerries bomb us, then we can always go into the air-raid shelter.’

  So it was settled. I wrote back to the Borlands and told them the position. I did add, however, that, if things got bad in the town, then Lily would be coming to them whether she liked it or not.

  Dad joined the Home Guard and he regularly went out to training courses in the Drill Hall in Ward Road. The Tay Rail Bridge was a possible target for German bombers and he would regularly patrol it with his workmates – the ones who were too old to be called up.

  Meanwhile Hattie was moaning about the food rationing. ‘What are we meant to make with one egg a week? I remember one party at the Pringles where I made a pudding with a dozen eggs.’

  Granny had no sympathy over her shortages. ‘We’re all in the same boat, Hattie, so you’ll just have to make the best of it.’

  That was the last thing Hattie was prepared to do. ‘I hear that some folk get things on the black market – if you know the right people to ask.’

  Granny was annoyed. ‘Oh, is that folk with money you’re talking about?’

  Hattie was outraged. ‘No, it isn’t. I would never do such a thing and neither would Mrs Pringle. They’ve cut back like the rest of us and I’m forever making meals with vegetables.’

  Granny didn’t look impressed as she went to make a cup of tea.

  Hattie’s voice became soft with a memory. ‘Do you remember that delicious meal we had at the wedding? Wasn’t it the most wonderful day?’

  Granny wiped her eyes as she waited for the kettle to boil. I knew she was thinking of Maddie and Danny. He was waiting for his call-up papers and Maddie was almost distraught with worry.

  ‘Aye, it was a wonderful day, Hattie. It was a different world last year and now we’ve been plunged into another war,’ she replied quietly, busying herself with the cups and the saucers.

  We had heard nothing about Margot since she moved from the flat. It had seemed she had sold it in the nick of time because people weren’t buying houses during these worrying times. Not for the first time I marvelled at her nose for survival. It would seem she was an expert at it.

  I hadn’t mentioned the story about Mary Farr to Dad. For one thing, Babs might have been mistaken about her but, if she was indeed Mary Farr, then it wouldn’t do Dad any good to know about her past life. That’s why it came as a huge surprise a few days before Christmas to get the visitor.

  I noticed the stranger before he came into the shop. He had looked through the window a few times as if making up his mind whether to enter or not. Connie had spotted him as well. ‘What’s that bloke looking at? Do you think he’s some official from the Ministry of Food?’

  I was just saying I didn’t know when the three girls bounded in through the door.

  ‘The usual things, Ann,’ said Sylvia. They were all giggling and it was refreshing to hear some laughter in these sombre times.

  Connie took her eyes away from the window to look at the girls. ‘What’s the joke girls?’ she asked.

  ‘Well, we’re hoping to meet loads of soldiers at the dancing now that there’s a war and we were just describing our ideal soldier before we came in here,’ said Sylvia as I weighed out the sweeties.

  Amy called out, ‘Hurry up, Ann, or we’ll be late for work again!’

  As they darted through the door Connie called after them, ‘You lassies will be late for your own funerals!’

  She then looked shocked. ‘What am I saying? I shouldn’t speak like that in these bleak times.’

  I knew she was thinking about young Davie, the paper lad. He had now left the school and had got a job with the Caledon shipyard. His ambition however was to join the navy. Before he left, Connie had caught hold of his hand and said to him, ‘Just stay where you are for as long as you can, Davie. There’s plenty of time to join the navy when this war’s over.’

  During all the fun with the girls, the man had disappeared but now he was standing in the doorway. I noticed he was very well dressed with a thick woollen overcoat, a soft hat and good quality leather gloves. He raised his hat in an old-fashioned gesture and Connie visibly beamed at him. ‘Can I help you?’ she said.

  He hesitated. Then said, ‘I’m looking for a Miss Ann Neill.’

  I had a sweetie in my mouth and I almost swallowed it whole. Was there something wrong with Lily? Or Greg?

  Connie was surprised too but she pointed to me, saying, ‘This is Ann.’

  The man seemed uncertain how to begin. Then he said, ‘Can I have a private word with you Miss Neill?’

  I cast a worried eye in Connie’s direction but she quickly came to my rescue.

  ‘Can you tell her what it’s all about Mr …?’

  ‘My name is Charles Cooper and it’s a private matter.’

  My mind was in a whirl. Where had I heard that name before. Then I remembered. Charlie Cooper – Mary Farr’s ex-husband.

  I said to Connie, ‘Oh, I think I know what Mr Cooper wants, Connie. Can I have a wee while off?’

  She nodded and I took him up to the house. Thankfully the flat was warm because I had lit the fire before going to the shop that morning.

  He sat down and placed his hat on his knee. He didn’t want any tea so I sat opposite him and waited patiently for him to explain this unexpected visit.

  Once again he seemed unsure how to begin. ‘I’ve … I’ve heard from Babs Borland that your father has married my wife, Mary?’

  I was puzzled. Surely he meant his ex-wife. It must be a slip of the tongue, I thought. I nodded. ‘But she’s left Dundee and has just sold her flat. She and Dad are separated and we don’t know where she’s living now.’

  He frowned. ‘When will your father be home? I would like a word with him.’

  ‘He gets home about five thirty but he does his guard duty tonight so he won’t have much time to see you.’

  He rose from his chair. ‘Then I’ll be here at five thirty sharp.’ He put on his hat. ‘Thank you for seeing me.’

  I went back to work feeling confused. Why did he want to see Dad? Surely he didn’t still care for his wife? Or did he just want to see one of the men she had married after divorcing him?

  Connie gave me an inquiring look when I went back to the shop but I told her it was Dad the man had really wanted to see, not me.

  I said no more about it – not even to Granny when I went to pick Lily up for the school.

  When Dad arrived home in the evening I told him about the man’s visit. For some reason, I didn’t mention the connection with Margot. After all, the man might be in the town on business and had decided to pay her a visit. He certainly didn’t look very happy when I told him she had gone away. Was he still in love with her and hoping for a reunion?

  A few minutes later he appeared at the door again. Dad was just sitting down to his tea so I offered our visitor something to eat.

  He declined with a charming smile. ‘No, thank you. I’m staying in a guest house in the town and I get my meal at seven thirty.’

  Dad looked quizzically at him. ‘Well, what can I do for you, Mr Cooper? You’re not with the Ministry of War, are you?’

  He laughed. ‘No, I’m not. I’m the husband of your wife, Mary.’

  Dad looked as if he had been hit with a ton of bricks. ‘Mary?’

  Mr Cooper nodded. ‘Oh, yes – she’s still my wife. We never got a divorce although there’s been many a day I wish I’d never met her, let alone married her.’

  Dad looked stunned. ‘But we got married two years ago and before that she was married to a great bloke called Harry Connors. He died in an accident although I’ve s
ince heard it could have been a suicide.’

  It was now my turn to look stunned. ‘A suicide?’

  Dad held up his hand. ‘It’s a long story, Ann, and I’ll tell you about it later.’

  Charlie Cooper looked serious. ‘I always said Mary would drive a man to drink or an early death.’

  Dad nodded. ‘It seems likely she drove poor Harry to his death. As for me, well, I survived but it was touch-and-go, I can tell you. Many a night I almost walked out on her but it’s not easy when you’re married.’

  Charlie agreed. ‘She spent all the money I got for my father’s shops and then one afternoon she just disappeared. I’d heard nothing of her until Babs Borland wrote to me.’

  Dad was surprised. ‘How did you manage to find me? Surely you’ve looked for her before now?’

  Charlie chuckled. ‘Indeed I did not. To be honest, I was too glad to be rid of her. I have a lady friend now who understands that I’m still officially married and, to be blunt, up until now, the arrangement has suited us both. As a result, I never gave Mary – or Margot, as she now calls herself – another thought. But now I intend to divorce her so I have to know her whereabouts.’

  The penny finally fell with Dad. ‘Let me get this straight. If you’re still married to her, does that not mean I’ve committed bigamy?’

  For the first time that night, Charlie burst out laughing. ‘Yes, it does! You were never legally married to her and nor was your friend Mr Connors or indeed any other sucker she may have met in between.’

  Dad didn’t jump for joy but he looked ecstatic. ‘What a relief !’ He then looked unhappy. ‘But she’s left Dundee now.’

  ‘It doesn’t matter – the police will find her and then I can serve the divorce papers on her. One thing is clear, Mr Neill – you’re not a married man and, as far as Mary or Margot is concerned, you never were.’

  He stood up to go. ‘I may not see you again as I hope to return home at the end of the week. I live on the south coast of England now and travel is so terrible these days with all the troop movements. The way they’re packed into trains, it’s like travelling in a cattle truck.’

  Then it dawned on Dad. How had Babs Borland known about Margot and Charlie Cooper?

  Charlie seemed surprised by the question. ‘It was your daughter’s doing. She showed Babs the wedding photo and she recognised Mary. Babs got in touch with me to say how sorry she was to hear we had parted and got divorced. Of course, I knew nothing about this and it wasn’t until she told me the whole story that I decided to come and see you.’

  I saw him to the door but Dad went downstairs with him. On his return, I said, ‘I should have told you but I thought Babs was mistaken about Margot being this Mary Farr. But it seems she wasn’t.’

  I told him the entire story that Babs had told me and he looked dazed. Then he let out a huge whoop of joy. ‘Did you hear what Charlie said? That I’m not married to her?’

  I was so pleased for him. Who would ever have guessed it? That the fair Margot had committed bigamy – not once but twice. Or maybe even more. Who knew the whole story?

  As I put a cup of tea on the table, I asked him, ‘You said that Harry committed suicide. Did you mean that?’

  ‘Nobody will ever be able to prove it but I’ve been to see Harry’s sister, Olivia, and she’s told me a few home truths.’

  ‘What truths?’

  ‘Well, for instance, the fact that Harry had a big bank account when his first wife died. She was a thrifty woman and they saved money every week. Then, just before his death, he discovered that the account had almost been cleaned out by Margot. Poor Harry got into a state and told her they would have to survive on a wee pension from now on. Well, the bold Margot wasn’t having any of this so she told him she was leaving him and she wanted the house sold and the proceeds split right down the middle. Poor man, he couldn’t take any more so Olivia is sure he drowned himself.’

  I was shocked. ‘But how does she know this now? Harry wouldn’t confide in his sister surely?’

  ‘That’s where you’re wrong, Ann. Oh, he didn’t go round and tell her all his problems but she got a letter from the solicitor after his death. Harry told her everything about Margot in it.’

  I was still puzzled. ‘But why has she left this news until now?’

  Dad looked unhappy. ‘She didn’t. Do you remember I mentioned before I married Margot that Olivia was saying some awful things about her? I didn’t believe her so she tried to see me at the work but I kept dodging her.’ He gave me one of his sheepish looks.

  I knew how good he was at dodging me, never mind poor Olivia.

  ‘Well, she knew she couldn’t come to the flat at Victoria Road so after a few months she just gave up. She told me last week when I went to see her that, if I was fool enough to believe Margot’s fairy stories, then it was my own fault.’

  ‘I see.’

  But Dad was full of joy now and very cheery. ‘I’ll have to get away to my guard duty but do you know the first thing I’m going to do afterwards?’

  I couldn’t guess. ‘Surprise me, Dad.’

  ‘I’m going to see Rosie and tell her the good news that I’m not married.’

  I wasn’t pleased. ‘Leave Rosie alone, Dad. She’s finally found a man to marry so don’t you go and break things up for her. When you don’t have her on a string, then you want her but, if you know she’s waiting in every night for you, then you either ditch her or treat her terribly.’

  He smiled and his whole face lit up. ‘Not this time, Ann. When I saw her at the wedding looking so bonny, it suddenly struck me that I’ve loved her since your mother died. I was just some bloody fool but I’m not going to remain one. I’m going to sweep her off her feet.’

  This was something I had to see so, after his Home Guard stint, I went with him to the Overgate. Rosie wasn’t in. She was out at the pictures with Albert.

  Dad’s face was a picture of dejection.

  I made a mental prayer. ‘Please don’t accept Albert’s proposal tonight, Rosie.’

  Although it was none of my business, I left her a letter, telling her the good news about Dad. She could then make up her own mind and do whatever she wanted to do.

  Good for Rosie, I thought. She now had two men interested in her and, although they weren’t at daggers drawn, perhaps it would come to that.

  As it turned out, there was no drama – much to my disappointment. When she read the letter after her return from the pictures, she rushed up the Hilltown to see Dad. Both Dad and I were surprised to see her. Her cheeks were flushed with the cold wind and her eyes were bright. Not knowing about the note I’d left for Rosie, Dad was taken aback but he also looked pleased.

  ‘That’s wonderful news about Margot,’ Rosie said, trying to catch her breath.

  He gave me a sharp glance but I looked innocent.

  ‘I’m really so pleased that you’re now a free man, Johnny – I really am.’

  Dad looked so smug and I wished I could wipe that look from his face. He really was the end at times.

  He looked Rosie straight in the eyes. ‘Rosie, I’m asking you to marry me. We can get the banns read then get married as soon as possible. What do you say?’

  She gave him an astonished look. ‘But I’m married, Johnny. I got married to Albert last week. Did your mother not tell you?’

  The smug look vanished and I thought he would burst into tears. ‘Oh.’

  I turned to her. ‘Congratulations, Rosie! I hope you and Albert will be very happy in the future.’

  Dad looked stunned and I couldn’t help thinking it served him right. ‘Oh, aye, Rosie – congratulations from me as well.’

  He made his way wearily to the bedroom door. ‘I’ll say goodnight then, Rosie.’

  She winked at me. ‘Oh, Johnny …’

  He stopped and looked at her. ‘What?’

  ‘Come back here, you daft gowk. I’m just kidding you. I’m not married to Albert or anybody – at least not yet. Of course, I’ll ma
rry you and as quick as you like.’

  Dad rushed over and scooped her up in his arms. ‘You wee witch,’ he said laughingly.

  I noticed he had a relieved look and it would have served him right if she had been married. Still, I was glad she wasn’t. I tried to look innocent but I couldn’t keep it up.

  ‘That was your idea, wasn’t it, Ann?’ he said accusingly.

  ‘You deserved it, Dad. It would have been a disaster if Rosie had married Albert and then you would have lost her for good.’

  He became serious. ‘Thank God I didn’t lose you, Rosie. I just got lost somewhere along the way – I took a side turning, so to speak.’

  He left to walk her home and I went happily to bed. It had been a long time since I had been this happy. The last time had been at Maddie and Danny’s wedding.

  16

  Danny had received his call-up papers and he was on the verge of leaving. Maddie was distressed but she was trying to put a brave face in front of him. They had invited me to the flat on the eve of his departure. The thick velvet curtains were drawn against the dark wet night and the room seemed smaller and cosier.

  Maddie had a tense white face but Danny seemed cheery enough although I thought that was simply a cover for his true feelings.

  It was a strange feeling to see how everything looked so normal and comforting in this topsy-turvy world that had been turned on its head by this war.

  Danny was worried about leaving Maddie alone in the flat. ‘I’m trying to get her to stay with her parents, Ann, but she’ll not listen to me. Will you, Maddie?’

  She looked at him stubbornly. ‘I want to stay here till you come home, Danny.’

  I could understand her point of view. ‘Once a woman is married, Danny,’ I said, ‘she likes to live in her own place and not go back to her parents’ house unless for a visit or an emergency.’

  ‘Is this not an emergency?’

  ‘It is but Maddie will have all the family to call on if she needs any help.’ I smiled at her and she returned the smile.