by Betty Neels
His parents and two of his sisters had travelled over at the same time, driven their own car, and gone straight to his London home; only he had driven on to see her and make sure that everything was in train for the next day.
'Loewert and Iwert are flying over this evening-Bellamy will bring them down in the morning. That makes seven on my side. How many have you?'
They were sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee, and she tried not to look at him too often; just having him there, close to her, was sending her heart thumping at her ribs. She told herself silently not to be silly. `Well, there's Mother and Father and the boys-that's five-and me, of course, and you... That's fourteen. The rector and his wife will come to lunch-it's a buffet.' She cast him a quick look. `We weren't sure when you would want to leave.'
`I thought we might have dinner at home, just the two of us, before we go to the ferry.'
She nodded agreement. `Mother would love everyone to stay for tea and supper; it would be nice if everyone got to know everyone else.' She added, `I forgot Mr Bellamy...'
'He'll have to go back soon after we leave.'
The professor got up from his chair opposite her and came and sat on the corner of the table, close to her. `No doubts?' he asked softly.
She gave him a direct look. `None at all,' she told him clearly.
He bent and kissed her. `Nor I. Shall we go for a walk? I'm going back after lunch; I'm sure you want to wash your hair or whatever women do before they get married.'
Sophie laughed. `Well, as a matter of fact, I do have to do that-however did you know?"
'Remember that I have five sisters.' He pulled her to her feet. `Get a coat and I'll find your mother.' He glanced at his watch. `Is lunch at one o'clock? Then we have all of two hours.'
It was a cold morning, but there was a watery sun and they walked briskly.
`Tell me about your trip to Greece,' said Sophie. `Was the op successful?'
She listened with real interest, understanding what he was talking about and asking sensible questions from time to time, and the professor paused in the middle of a particularly complicated explanation to say, `What a pleasure it is
to be able to talk about my work to someone who understands me. It is said that one shouldn't take one's work home with one, but how satisfactory it will be to come home and mull over my work without fear of boring you.'
`You would never bore me,' said Sophie and went bright pink because she had sounded a bit too fervent. She wasn't looking at him and didn't see his slow smile. She added quickly, `Don't forget that I've been nursing for a long time.'
`Shall you miss it?' he asked casually. `Life at Eernewoude is quiet...'
`I shall like that and there will be so much to keep me busy-I must learn to speak Dutch and understand it, and there's Matt and getting to know everyone in the village and your family.'
`We shall entertain too, Sophie. I have many friends and there is a surprisingly brisk social life. And when we are married I suspect it will be even brisker.'
`You will like that?"
'Not very much. I shall rely on you to fend off all but my closest friends.'
`You'll have to give me a list,' said Sophie, `and I'll do my best.'
The professor went again after lunch, but not before he had given Sophie his wedding gift diamond and sapphire earrings, the sapphires surrounded by diamonds, hanging from diamond-studded pendants. She put them on, struck dumb with their beauty. `They're magnificent,' she told him. `Thank you, Rijk, I'll wear them tomorrow...' She reached up to kiss his cheek. `I can't give you diamonds and sapphires, can I? Only a wedding-ring...'
`Which I shall wear with pride.'
Sophie was up early on her wedding-day; she had slept well, but once awake there was no point in lying in bed-she was too excited. She was happy too and at the same time apprehensive. It would be heaven to be with Rijk each and every day, but supposing, just supposing he found her boring or, worse, fell in love with another woman? A beautiful face wasn't enough; she knew that... She crept down to the kitchen and made herself some tea and sat
drinking it by the Aga with the dogs on either side of her. Soothed by the warmth and the ordinary action, she went back upstairs to bath and presently have an early breakfast in her dressing-gown.
Even if she had wanted to brood she had no chance; her brothers saw to that until her mother bustled her back to her room to dress.
`Mother, there's heaps of time,' she protested.
`You must dress and then sit quietly and compose yourself,' said her parent. `Anyhow, I want everyone out of the way. Mrs Broom will be here with her daughter in a few minutes and I must make sure that everything is ready in the drawing-room.'
So Sophie dressed and went to sit in her window; she could see the church spire above the trees. In less than an hour she would be beneath it, getting married. She wondered what Rijk was doing; supposing he got held up on the way-an accident, roads up for repair, a puncture? She was glad when her mother came in to ask her advice as to the exact angle of her new hat. They studied it together in the looking-glass. `Very mother-of-the-bride,' said Sophie. `You do look nice, Mother, dear.'
`Will Rijk's mother look nice too?"
'I'm sure she will-she looks a bit fierce but she isn't. I think you'll like each other.'
The house was quiet once her mother and brothers had gone; she sat in the drawing-room with her father, waiting for the hired limousine to take them to the church. In a few hours she would have left home, she reflected, and took comfort from the thought that Rijk had said that she might come over to England whenever he did and see her family. He was a kind man, she mused, as well as a close friend. And, of course, a husband.
The car came and they got in and were driven the short distance to the church, and, Sophie being Sophie, there was no nonsense about being late-it was striking eleven o'clock as, holding the small, exquisite bouquet Rijk had sent her, and her arm tucked in her father's, she walked down the aisle.
For a quiet wedding the church was remarkably full. The village, delighted to have a dull winter day enlivened by such an event, had turned out in force, crowding the pews behind Sophie's family and Rijk's parents, two of his sisters and his brothers, sitting on the other side of the aisle. But she barely glanced at them; Rijk was there, waiting for her, his massive bulk reassuring even though he didn't turn to look at her. Only when they were standing beside him did he turn and smile into her eyes for a moment before the service began.
She became aware then that there was music and the choir and flowers. She wondered who had arranged that and then made herself listen to the rector's old voice and presently, obediently following his quavering tones, promising to love, honour and obey...
They went out of the church arm in arm and she smiled vaguely from side to side, feeling as though she were in a dream, and at the church door they had to pause for a moment while someone took photos, and then everyone else crowded round them and she was being kissed and everyone was talking at once.
In the Bentley, beside Rijk, she asked, `Who arranged for the choir and the organ and all those lovely flowers?"
'I did. I wanted you to have a fitting background, Sophie.'
`Thank you, it was all so-so... I don't know the right word, but do you know what I mean?"
'Yes. I think I do. You look very beautiful, my dear.'
`Oh, thank you.' She glanced sideways at him; his grey suit was magnificently cut, his tie a rich silk in a darker shade, a white carnation in his buttonhole; he was the epitome of a well dressed man. `You look awfully nice yourself.'
He dropped a hand on her knee. `A well suited couple, are we not?'
The wedding breakfast was a triumph. Mrs Blount glowed with pride. She had had to get caterers in, of course, but a good deal of it she had seen to herself. She beamed around her; Sophie looked marvellous, so did Rijk, and she and his mother had taken to each other immediately. She had found his father a little daunting to start with, but then she had seen
the twinkle in his eyes-the same eyes as his son. After all, he was only an older edition of Rijk. His sisters and brothers were friendly too and there was no worry about understanding them; their English was as good as hers. She went and sat down by Rijk's mother and that lady patted her arm. `This is a delightful occasion-we can be proud of our new son and daughter, can we not? As soon as they are settled in you must all come over and stay with us--we have plenty of room for the boys and even if we hadn't there are so many of us that there is always a room for anyone who cares to come and stay.'
`You're very kind,' said Mrs Blount and added, `I'm very fond of Rijk-we all are. He-he just sort of fitted in from the moment he came to see us.' The two ladies smiled mistily at each other and Mrs Blount said, `I think it is time to cut the cake; they want to be off by two o'clock.'
They drove away in a shower of confetti, still in their wedding clothes, for they were to change at the London house.
`Warm enough?' asked Rijk.
`Yes, thank you. Won't your family want to come to the London house this evening?'
`After we have gone-Father has arranged for everyone to dine at Ingatestone...'
`The Heybridge Moat House?"
'That's the one. They can discuss the wedding at their ease; it won't matter how late they are. He's arranged for a car for Loewert and Iwert and he'll drive Mother and the girls back himself. He phoned your father this morning...'
`How very kind and thoughtful of him.' She looked out of the window at the wintry fields. `What time do we have to leave London?"
'About eight o'clock; we'll dine first.' He smiled down at her. `I enjoyed our wedding, did you?'
She realised with some surprise that she had. She had expected it to be a kind of dream in which she wouldn't feel quite real, but it had been real enough and she had felt happy... `Yes, I did. I've heard people say that they couldn't remember their wedding clearly, but I can remember every word.'
She didn't say any more; the wish to tell him that she loved him was so strong that she had to clench her teeth, and presently he asked, `Tired? We'll soon be home.'
She hurried to tell him that she wasn't in the least tired, that it was excitement. `So much has happened today-it was so nice having your people here, and our mothers took to each other at once, didn't they?'
She embarked on a rather pointless conversation about the wedding and felt relief when they reached the outskirts of London and he was forced to slow down and give his whole attention to the traffic.
Percy opened the door with a flourish as the professor stopped before his house. `Heartiest congrats, guv, and you, madam. All the best and lots of little 'uns. This is an 'appy day and no mistake.'
`Why, thank you, Percy.' The professor sounded at his most placid and Sophie, doing her best to follow his example, shook Percy's hand and thanked him.
`Well, now. There's champagne in the drawing-room and Mrs Wiffen `as bust her stays over yer dinner.' Percy beamed at them as he took Sophie's coat.
`If I may say so, madam, you look smashing. I'll fetch in the luggage in half a mo'-you' ll want to change before you leave.'
He urged them into the drawing-room, softly lighted and decked with enough flowers to stock a florist's shop. `Me and Mrs Wiffen thought as `ow it'd be nice ter 'ave a few flowers,' explained Percy, and something in his voice sent Sophie across the room to take his hand in hers.
'Percy, how kind of you both, and the room looks beautiful. It's such a lovely surprise; how I wish we could take them all with us to Holland.'
`Well, there is that... P'raps yer could take a small bunch wiv yer?'
`I most certainly shall. I've never seen such a wonderful display. Thank you and Mrs Wiffen; you couldn't have pleased us more, could they, Rijk?'
The professor, thus addressed, made haste to add his appreciation to Sophie's, and Percy, looking pleased with himself, went away, back to the kitchen to tell Mrs Wiffen that the newly wed pair looked a treat and no mistake. `A bit of all right is the missus and that's for sure,' he pronounced.
Sophie sat by the fire in the steel grate and drank the champagne which Rijk had poured for her. Rijk sat down and with a word of excuse became immersed in a pile of letters beside his chair.
`It looks as though I shall have to come back here in about six weeks' time.' He glanced at her, smiling. `You might come too if you wish to see your parents. I shall have to go to Denmark too very shortly, just to operate; I dare say you will find plenty to do at home...'
She saw that she wasn't to be allowed to interfere with his work in any way. She agreed serenely and drank her champagne.
Mrs Wiffen had excelled herself: crab mousse, surrounded by a sauce of her own invention, followed by grilled Dover sole with tiny potatoes and braised celery in a cheese sauce and rounded off by a confection of fresh pineapple and meringue. They drank their coffee at the table and Sophie said, diffidently, `Would you mind if I went to the kitchen and thanked Mrs Wiffen? She has gone to a great deal of trouble...'
Rijk got up as she did. `I'll come with you.'
Mrs Wiffen, treated to a sight of the bride's outfit, was almost tearful. `I'm sure we so wish you happiness, madam, and you, sir. I 'opes you'll be back soon to sample some more of my cooking.'
`I look forward to that,' said Sophie. `The professor often comes here and I shall come with him.'
She went upstairs presently to a charming bedroom, its satinwood furniture gleaming in the soft pink glow of the shaded lamps, the bedspread and curtains in quilted pastel chintz. Someone had unpacked her case and her travelling clothes were lying ready. She got out of her wedding outfit, folded it carefully in tissue paper, and packed it. There was really no point in taking it with her, but to leave it behind was unthinkable...
Presently, dressed for the journey, she went downstairs again in the jersey suit and her winter coat. It was a cold night and it might be even colder in Holland; she had prudently stuffed a scarf and thick gloves in her pockets.
Rijk, in tweeds and his cashmere overcoat, was waiting for her in the hall, talking to Mrs Wiffen and Percy.
`Oh, have I kept you waiting?' Sophie hurried forward to be reassured by Rijk's placid,
`Not at all, my dear! You are most punctual and we have plenty of time.'
She made her goodbyes, taking the little bouquet of flowers which Percy offered her. `I'll put them in water the moment we arrive,' she told him, `to remind me of your beautiful decorations for us this evening.'
`Be seein' you,' said Percy cheerfully, and he and Mrs Wiffen waved from the door as Rijk drove away.
It had been cold in London; it seemed to Sophie as they drove away from the Hoek the next morning very early that it was a great deal colder in Holland. The Bentley was warm, though, and they stopped presently for coffee at a small cafe by the motorway.
Sophie bit into a kaas broodje. `How long a holiday have you got?' she asked.
`I've several patients to see in two days' time, then I shall be in Amsterdam for a few days; after that I shall be home for some time...'
He spoke casually, but his eyes were on her face.
Sophie summoned an interested smile. `Oh, yes, you must have a marvellous secretary keeping tabs on your appointments.' She reflected that it was only what she had expected after all. He was no lovesick bridegroom and she must take care not to dwindle into a lovesick bride. If she hadn't fallen in love with him she would have been quite content with his answer.
They drove on presently, going north along the east side of the Ij sselmeer, skirting Utrecht and then on to Meppel and Drachten. The short day was drawing to its close as they turned in between the gates of his home. They had
stopped a few miles before Zwolle and had their lunch at a small restaurant tucked away from the main road. They had had the typical Dutch lunch-koffietafel-omelette, a basket of rolls and bread, cheese and cold meats and as much coffee as they could drink. The restaurant was fairly full and pleasantly warm and Sophie left it reluctantly to go back out
side into the grey day, but once she was in the car beside Rijk her spirits rose again. They were starting this, their married life, together and she had every intention of making a success of it-and that was the least of it; surely, with a little encouragement on her part, he might, in time, fall in love with her...
They received a warm welcome, with Matt racing out of the house to lean against them, and Rauke, Tyske and the two maids were waiting in the porch despite the cold.
There was tea waiting for them, and Sophie, bidden to hurry down from her room as quickly as possible, did so to find Rijk sitting in his great wing-chair by the fire, sorting through a pile of letters. He got up as she went in and put the letters down, and she said at once, `Do read your post; there may be something important,' and sat down beside the tea-tray and poured the tea, feeling unreasonably hurt when he did so. It was, after all, only yesterday that they had married.