When Day is Done

  ‘I’m not hurt, Richie,’ Kate assured him. ‘Your mum didn’t know much about the people in the guesthouse. Aunt Mildred and I always went to Greenfields. They never came to us, perhaps because it might have been inconvenient. I always enjoyed the visits.’

  In spite of her denial, Richard felt that Kate had been hurt, and he decided to spend the evening with her. They had not switched on the light, and it was as they sat talking companionably by the light of the fire that Kate told him of her feelings for Henry and how her dreams about him had been her happy refuge for so long.

  ‘I only ever had one letter from him,’ she said, ‘and it was lost at the time of Aunt Mildred’s death. So many people were in and out of the house. I’ve got other mementoes, but I don’t really need anything to remind me of Henry. He’s so clear in my mind, and everything that happened.’ She hesitated. ‘I suppose it was wrong. He was a married man with a child when he was killed.’

  Richard put his hand over hers and pressed it gently. ‘I don’t think it was wrong,’ he said. ‘You took nothing from anyone. I’m glad you’ve had these memories, Kate. And I’m glad your visitors did nothing to damage them.’

  ‘Oh Rich, you understand. That’s what I was afraid of,’ Kate said. ‘But they were lovely. It was uncanny to see Charlie looking so like him, and so like him in other ways.’

  ‘That was a bit of luck,’ said Richard, and Kate went on, ‘Henry would be proud of his granddaughter too, not just because she must be clever, but because she was such a nice girl. Fancy, she’s been living in that university place in Holly Road for a year, yet we’ve never met.’ When Richard said goodnight to Kate she hugged him. ‘I’ve never told anyone else about my dreams about Henry, although I think Josie has an idea. Thank you for being so understanding, Rich.’

  ‘Thank you, Kate, for telling me. I’m proud you felt you could confide in me, and I’m glad you’ve had these dreams to escape to.’ He kissed her. ‘Henry didn’t know what he was missing,’ he said.

  The next week was the start of the academic year, and Charlie and Kit left home early so that they could see Kate before Kit went to register. It was a brief visit but just as successful as the previous one. Charlie brought the diary and Kate’s letter and explained that although the diary was only a loan he thought Kate should keep the letter.

  Kate was almost in tears, but she controlled herself and promised to take great care of the diary and to keep in touch with Charlie. Before they left, she invited Kit to tea on the following Sunday.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Kate spent much of the next few days reading and rereading the diary. She felt a warm glow at the many references to her that Henry had made. Sometimes he was indignant on her behalf and seemed to have crossed swords with Mildred on several occasions. Other references were to Kate’s goodness and unselfishness. Several times he recorded conversations with her.

  His position as assistant manager at the shop meant that he often had problems with staff, especially female ones, and he frequently wrote about consulting Kate. ‘She is so level-headed and sensible yet compassionate. I can rely absolutely on her advice.’

  Richard read the diary too, and he was amazed at the apparent formality of Henry’s relationship with Agnes. ‘But people were formal before the Great War, even engaged people,’ Kate said. ‘Women were treated with great respect. They expected it – in their class, anyway. Christian names were not used like they are now.’

  ‘But he wasn’t formal with you, Kate,’ Richard said.

  ‘But I worked in the guesthouse,’ Kate said innocently.

  Richard was furious. ‘But that makes him the worst kind of snob,’ he exclaimed, but Kate laughed.

  ‘I know it’s hard for your generation to understand, but Henry was anything but a snob. He was friendly with everyone, too friendly, Agnes thought. She expected formality from him so that’s how he treated her. Different days, different ways, Richie. We just accepted it. Anyway, according to my aunt we were as good as anybody and better than most as far as class was concerned.’

  In spite of this, Richard felt that he liked Henry’s character as it showed through in the entries. He could understand that Charlie could feel the same about Kate, but he had a theory about why the diary had made such a deep impression on the boy when he had first read it.

  Charlie had been at the start of puberty, with all its emotional problems, his mother had remarried and he was to be sent away to school. Richard thought this might have made him feel hostility towards his mother and more ready to read a great deal into the references to Kate in the diary. He said nothing of this to Kate, and after reading the diary he was less sure of his theory himself.

  Kit was nervous about her first solo visit to Kate and dressed carefully for it, donning a new blue skirt and a white blouse with Hungarian embroidery. Kate was also dressed in her best, a wine-coloured silk dress with a cameo brooch at her throat.

  ‘You look very nice, love,’ she greeted Kit, and when Kit said shyly, ‘So do you,’ she laughed. ‘Yes, there’s posh we are,’ she said in a mock-Welsh accent, and the ice was broken.

  Kit found Kate just as easy to talk to as Josie, and they had so much to talk about that the time slipped by unnoticed. They heard sounds overhead at one point, but Kate said, ‘Only my nephew Richard. He’s been playing football.’

  ‘Mr Richard!’ Kit exclaimed involuntarily, and then explained that Essy had mentioned him.

  A little later they heard sounds in the hall and Richard calling, ‘Only me.’ He tapped on the door and opened it. ‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ he began as Kit jumped to her feet in confusion.

  ‘It’s all right, Rich,’ Kate said. ‘We were so busy talking the time just flew away,’ but neither Richard nor Kit was listening to her. They stood as if transfixed, staring at each other as though they were alone.

  It was only when Kate said loudly, ‘Well, come in, Richard, and close the door,’ that they seemed to wake from their trance. For the next hour, although they made an attempt to carry on a normal conversation, neither could resist stealing glances at each other, and it was almost a relief to Kate when Kit said she must go. Richard said he would go with her, and Kate was left alone, amazed by what had happened.

  I’ve heard of love at first sight, she thought, but I think I’ve just seen it. Richard looked as though he’d been struck by lightning, and Kit was the same. She made herself a cup of tea and sat waiting for Richard to return, but it was nearly two hours before he arrived.

  ‘Where have you been?’ Kate asked.

  ‘Taking Kit home,’ he said, his voice lingering on her name.

  ‘But she lives only five minutes away,’ said Kate.

  ‘We had things to talk about,’ he said dreamily, and for the next hour Kate was hardly able to speak as Richard talked about Kit, her beauty, her intelligence, her virtues as a daughter, and his disbelief that he could have lived so near to her for so long without knowing she was there.

  In the end Kate almost pushed him out, telling him that she was going to bed. He might be more sensible after a night’s sleep, she thought, but she hoped this lasted for them.

  She lay awake for some time, going over and over in her mind the moment when Richard and Kit had first looked at each other. If I hadn’t seen it I wouldn’t believe it, she thought, but I’m so delighted.

  Henry’s granddaughter and Richard! Later she was surprised that at such an early stage she was sure that Kit and Richard would marry, but she never doubted it.

  Richard came in to see her the next evening before he went to meet Kit. He was less incoherent but evidently just as deeply in love.

  ‘I didn’t believe in all this love at first sight stuff,’ he said to Kate. ‘But I know now that it happens. When I saw Kit it was like an electric current between us, and she says it was the same for her. We feel right together. I can’t believe my luck, Kate. A lovely girl like Kit. I think this is why I could never fall for other girls. I was waiting for Kit.’


  ‘She is a lovely girl,’ said Kate. ‘A sweet nature and she comes from a good family. Very devoted to each other, from what she told me. I know her father, of course, and her mother sounds nice.’ She smiled. ‘I knew her grandfather too.’

  ‘Of course!’ Richard exclaimed. ‘I hadn’t thought of that. The only thing that worries me is the age difference, but Kit says it doesn’t matter.’

  ‘I wouldn’t worry about that,’ said Kate. ‘All that matters is that you’re happy together.’

  ‘Do you think it’ll matter to Kit’s parents, though?’ asked Richard. ‘I’m nearly old enough to be her father.’

  ‘Thirteen years,’ Kate scoffed. ‘Hardly a generation gap. I’ve never heard of a thirteen-year-old father. But I think they might worry if she neglects her studying. They’ve made sacrifices for her to go to university and they’re very proud of her.’

  ‘Kit won’t, Kate,’ said Richard. ‘We’ve talked about that too.’

  Kit had written such an ecstatic letter about Richard to her parents that they were alarmed. Charlie wrote to Kate, saying that he and his wife were coming to Liverpool to shop and asking if they could call to see her. They intended to take Kit out for a meal and perhaps meet Richard.

  Kate wrote back immediately, inviting them to lunch or at any time that suited them. She would like to talk about Kit and Richard, she wrote.

  They came a few days later and there was immediate rapport between Kate and Margaret. ‘This shopping is only an excuse,’ Meg confessed. ‘Kit seemed so excited in her letter. All about falling in love as soon as she saw him. Not like her at all. She’s usually so sensible.’

  ‘I was here when it happened,’ Kate said. ‘Kit and I had a lovely afternoon but we were talking so much we didn’t notice the time. Richard lives in the flat above me. I heard him come in from football and go for his bath, then he came down. He knew Kit was coming but I suppose he thought she’d gone. They just stood and looked at each other as though they’d been struck by lightning. I’ve never seen anything like it.’

  ‘Kit said it was like that, but she’s so young and inexperienced we thought it was just romantic girls’ talk.’

  ‘You did,’ Margaret said swiftly. ‘I knew right away it was serious. I know Kit.’

  ‘Perhaps it won’t last,’ Charlie said hopefully. ‘He’s a lot older than Kit, isn’t he, and probably experienced. She’s had such a sheltered life, never bothered with boys. It was always her books. We’re worried about it affecting her work too.’

  ‘Richard is not experienced in the way you mean,’ Kate said more sharply than she had intended. ‘He went into the Air Force when he was nineteen. He had a few dates during the war but nothing serious. Then when he came out his father was ill and the business was in such a state he was working all the hours God sends to pull it round.’

  She suddenly realised that she seemed to be pleading Richard’s case, and thought indignantly that she would say no more. Any girl would be damn lucky to get Richard. Margaret seemed to understand and gave Charlie a wifely look. ‘It must be nice to have Richard living so near you. Kit says he’s like a son to you,’ she said gently.

  ‘Yes, we’re the best of friends,’ Kate said briefly. They spoke no more about Richard, but talked of other matters until Meg and Charlie left for the shops. Kate had soon recovered her usual good temper and they left on friendly terms, planning to see each other again soon.

  As they drove away, Margaret said thoughtfully, ‘You seemed to be criticising Richard, Charlie. I think Kate felt that you were.’

  ‘I didn’t mean to,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry because I like Kate and I hoped you’d like her too.’

  ‘I do, love, and all the more for sticking up for her own,’ said Meg. ‘The fact that she thinks so much of Richard is a recommendation as far as I’m concerned.’

  They met Kit and later were joined by Richard, and both liked him immediately. Even the disparity in age seemed no obstacle now they had assured themselves that he had no history of discarded girlfriends behind him. ‘He looks very young. You wouldn’t think he was thirteen years older,’ Meg whispered to Charlie at one point.

  Richard brought up the subject of Kit’s studies and said he would do nothing to interfere with them. He wanted her to get a good degree as much as they did.

  ‘Anyone interested in my opinion?’ Kit asked, and Richard took her hand and said lovingly, ‘I know your opinion, don’t I? We talked about it for so long,’ and Kit gazed back at him just as lovingly.

  ‘I’ve another reason,’ Richard told them. ‘My mother wanted to go to university but she was prevented and it’s been a grievance all her life. I don’t want Kit to feel like that – not that she ever would,’ he added.

  Charlie and Meg drove home both deep in thought, and it was only as they approached the farmhouse that Meg roused herself.

  ‘I think the die is cast, as they say, Charlie. I don’t think we could separate those two even if we wanted to, and I don’t want to, do you?’ she said.

  ‘No, but it’s early days yet, Meg. She’s only twenty. She could change her mind,’ Charlie said, but Meg shook her head.

  ‘She won’t,’ she said positively. ‘And I tell you straight, if she settles with him I’ll be pleased. I can see they’ll be happy together.’

  Meg’s mother had waited up for them, and to her Meg said frankly, ‘Our Kit’s head over heels, Mum, and Richard seems as smitten with her. I liked him. He’s very tall and nice-looking, dark like Kit, and he’s got a very easy manner.’

  ‘And what about the aunt he lives with? The woman Charlie and Kit have been going to see?’ Mrs Tyland asked.

  ‘I got on with her right away. You’d like her, Mum. Quiet but very down to earth. Richard doesn’t exactly live with her. He has the flat above hers, but I think he keeps an eye on her.’

  ‘Sounds a nice lad. Don’t you worry about Kit, Meg. That girl’s a rock of sense,’ said Mrs Tyland. ‘If she’s fallen for this lad he won’t be rubbish.’

  ‘It’s just that it was so sudden,’ said Meg.

  ‘People come to marriage different ways,’ her mother said placidly. ‘You and Charlie were friends first and grew up to falling in love. Your dad and me – our fathers arranged our wedding because of the farms. Me and Tom were intending to hate each other but when we got to know each other we couldn’t.’ They laughed but Meg felt comforted.

  She asked after her father. Old Mr Tyland was very frail now and almost bedridden, but his mind was alert and Charlie talked over problems at the farm with him. ‘He’s had a good day,’ said Mrs Tyland. ‘Young Ben has been in and out showing him grain samples and that. He’s a good lad.’

  As soon as possible Richard and Kit spent a Sunday at the farm, and everyone approved of Richard. He talked for a long time to Kit’s grandfather, who had been unable to come downstairs as he’d hoped.

  ‘My father has enjoyed meeting you,’ Meg told him when they were leaving, and Richard said simply, ‘He was very interesting,’ but it had endeared him to the family.

  ‘They’re still in a world of their own,’ Meg told Charlie as Kit and Richard drove away, and it was true that the magic still persisted for them although outwardly they seemed to have settled down.

  Kate often smiled to herself when she recalled that first evening and Richard’s outpouring. He’d feel daft if he remembered it. It was as if he was drunk, she thought, smiling indulgently.

  John and Magda were due to visit Rose and Robert, and Richard thought it was a good opportunity for Kit to meet his family and for him to proudly introduce her to them. Kate came with them, and Kit was glad of her support. She felt like a country mouse beside Magda’s cool elegance, and she thought the other girl very sophisticated too.

  Rose lay on her sofa wearing her prettiest négligé, with the family gathered round her and Robert in attendance. She smiled sweetly at Kit and welcomed her, and Kit thought she was charming and felt that it was sad that Rose was an invalid. S
he liked Robert too and was impressed by his tender care for his wife, but she was puzzled by John, although she was determined to like him because he was Richard’s brother.

  Richard had told her he worked in the City of London and was very successful, and he looked the part. His fair hair was carefully barbered and he wore a Savile Row suit, but he talked a lot about the climbing club he had joined. He had just returned from mountaineering in Switzerland and was planning to join an expedition to Kilimanjaro.

  He was lighting Magda’s cigarette, his head close to hers as she cupped her fingers round his lighter, when Rose said sharply, ‘That’s all very well, but when are you two going to get married?’

  There was silence for a moment, then Magda blew a perfect smoke ring and drawled, ‘Oh, John prefers something that’s easier to get out of, and so do I. Marriage can be such a drag.’

  Rose was stunned into silence, and Richard hastily asked about shows in London. Afterwards Rose ignored Magda, but the girl was unconcerned, smiling lazily and talking to other people but paying no attention to Rose. It was not a situation that suited Rose, and she made an extra effort to charm Kit. When Robert asked Kit about her course at the university, Rose saw her opportunity to regain attention.

  ‘How lucky you are, Kit!’ she cried dramatically. ‘If only I’d had the chance you have now. My teachers wanted me to go to university. They were convinced that with my brain I could really make my mark in the world, become a famous doctor or scientist, but it was not to be.’ She sighed and Magda smiled cynically, but Kit asked if it was because of her health.

  ‘No, dear, because of my aunt’s selfishness. My teacher pleaded with her but she preferred to have me as her lapdog, waiting on all her whims. Life was very hard for clever women then, wasn’t it, Kate? We weren’t free like girls are today.’

  Kit felt almost guilty about her university place, but John came to sit beside her and ask her what she thought of Liverpool. ‘I haven’t seen a great deal of it,’ she said. ‘We’ve been in a bit of a closed shop for our first year in the university, but I like what I’ve seen of the city. I’m just starting my second year now. I like the Liverpool people I’ve met.’