Untitled Josephine Cox 4

by Josephine Cox

  Marie’s voice trembled with emotion, and now she dropped to the sofa and, covering her face with her two hands, she told Anne softly, ‘I don’t want to hurt her yet again. I don’t want to make her upset and shocked at what I must tell her, not today. She’s been so looking forward to it.’

  Marie broke down and sobbed like Anne had not seen her cry since her father had passed away, leaving her mother bereft and so incredibly lonely without him. Going to the sofa, she sat beside Marie. ‘You’re absolutely right, Mum. It would be wrong – it’s taken so long for Cathy to recover from the accident, and this day has been a light for her to look forward to.’

  Marie gave a heartfelt groan. ‘I should have told Cathy years ago, but the thing is, I’m afraid that when she hears the truth of what I did, she will absolutely hate me.’

  Anne understood her mother’s anxiety. ‘I understand, Mum, I don’t want you to hurt her, any more than you need to. She’s my little girl too. But I know her, and we’ll get through this as a family. Together, we can face anything. So, after the wedding – maybe a day or so after – you must tell her the truth. As we’re all going to Blackpool after the wedding there will be time and opportunity to confide in Cathy there, and if you need me to be with you, I promise, I’ll be there. I know what you’ve been through and I am nervous of how Cathy will take the news of what happened all those years ago, and why she was never told.’

  Beth was bouncing with excitement about Marie’s wedding. It was to be a beautiful romantic day, two people who adored each other being united after years of friendship. Danny was being welcomed whole-heartedly into Marie’s family; everyone was charmed by him and could see what a good husband he would be to partner Marie into her old age. But for Beth, one of the best things about being a bridesmaid was that she, too, felt welcomed into Marie’s family. They had long been friends but to be given the honour of attending the bride on her special day filled Beth with joy.

  Beth had come down from Blackpool on the train to spend a few days with Marie before the wedding. It was the first time she’d been back since she’d left for the job that had restored her confidence and given her independence, and she was dividing her time between Dave and Anne’s house and the wedding preparations, and Eileen and Tony’s. It was good to see that dear couple again and she would never forget what they had done for her when she was at her very lowest.

  Beth’s new life had all been down to Ronnie and Eileen. He’d been keen to have Beth near him and far enough away from Mike and his bullying ways that she need never see that vile man again. Eileen and Tony, who had been so very good to her, agreed that she might want to make a new start somewhere where she wasn’t perpetually looking over her shoulder.

  ‘But what would I do in Blackpool?’ Beth asked Eileen, one morning as they drank coffee and ate the shortbread Beth had made. ‘I have no skills as an entertainer and I haven’t ever worked in a shop either. I know I need to find a way of supporting myself – I don’t want to be a burden on anyone – but I’ve never had to do that before and I … well, I’m worried I don’t know where to start.’

  ‘Tony and I have been thinking about this,’ said Eileen, taking another shortbread biscuit, ‘and I do believe the answer is right before your eyes.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Beth looked around the neat drawing room.

  ‘I mean that wherever people get together they want food, and you’re the best baker I know. Since you’ve been staying with us we’ve got used to home-made cakes for elevenses and at teatime, and fresh bread at lunchtime. Heaven knows, we’ll miss you when you do decide to move on, but we’ll miss your baking as well,’ Eileen laughed.

  Beth smiled, pleased that the baking she did for her friends was appreciated. ‘Thank you, Eileen, but I don’t really know where to start.’

  ‘Well, I do,’ Eileen replied. ‘I’ll be on the phone to Ronnie at the pub this afternoon, when it’s his break. He was only saying the other day that Sam and Nancy were wanting to do food but they hadn’t got the time to organise it. Seems to me that young Ronnie might well earn some brownie points by organising it for them. A few sandwiches at lunchtime, with home-made bread – even cheese and pickle’s a treat when the bread is good – they could start with that and see how it goes.’

  ‘Work at the pub? Work with Ronnie? Oh, that would be brilliant!’ Beth’s eyes shone. ‘Ronnie likes Sam and Nancy, thinks they’re fair employers, so I know I’d get on with them.’ She jumped up from her chair and went to get the notepad on which Eileen wrote her shopping list.

  ‘I’ll just jot down a few ideas so I’m ready when I talk to Ronnie later.’ She took a deep breath. ‘Probably I should speak directly to Sam or Nancy if Ronnie thinks this is a sound scheme.’

  ‘That’s the spirit,’ Eileen beamed.

  She would miss Beth when she was gone. These few weeks with Beth in the house had been like having a daughter of her own. Now Beth was over the worst of her ordeal there was a lively and youthful feeling about the place. But Eileen knew Beth could not stay forever, and it did her heart good to see the lovely young woman begin to spread her wings and fly.

  Sam and Nancy asked Beth to go up to meet them and make a few sandwiches to show what she could do. They hired her on the spot, and Beth was now living in Blackpool and sharing lodgings with Ronnie. She’d never been happier, and word was already getting round that The Pitstop served the best sandwiches in town. Nancy was even talking about expanding the range. She and Sam were counting their blessings – as well as their profits – and chief among those blessings were Ronnie and Beth, no longer waif and strays but a huge part of the popular pub’s success.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  THE WEDDING DAY began with a moody sky and a light shower, and a house filled with great excitement.

  ‘Come on, you lot!’ That was Dave. ‘Get up, you lazy devils! You’ve got four hours to get yourselves looking beautiful before the carriage awaits you, so come on, chop chop! Outta bed and up with the lark, eh?’

  And even before he had finished yelling orders, everyone was up and about, with the girls being so excited, they could hardly contain themselves.

  In record time, they were all washed and tidy, and far too excited for breakfast.

  ‘There will be loads of food after the wedding,’ Anne promised, as she put the kettle on, ‘but we can’t start the day without a cuppa!’ And everyone agreed.

  Within a surprisingly short time, everyone was dressed and ready to leave.

  ‘Hurry up … you girls!’ Anne ushered everyone into the front room, where she set about fiddling with the girls’ hair, and checking the lovely dresses and pretty shoes.

  ‘You all look wonderful,’ she gushed, as she then lined them up in the hallway where she handed them their bouquets. Once out on the pavement, she checked everything again, while the neighbours gathered, and clapped the pretty bridesmaids as they came out of the house, and were carefully ushered into the big car Dave had hired for the occasion, and which he was to drive himself.

  And now they were on their merry way, waving out of the window, as the small crowd continued to clap and cheer. Someone had unearthed a box of confetti and the neighbours scattered it after the car and over each other.

  ‘I hope they have the decency to sweep it up afterwards!’ That was a tired Dave, finding a reason to grumble, even on a momentous day like today, with Danny and Marie ready to tie the proverbial knot for life.

  ‘You seem unusually quiet, Marie.’

  Dave had noticed how Marie had been continually glancing out of the side window throughout the short trip to the church, and she had hardly spoken a word to anyone, which was unusual.

  ‘Marie?’ He looked across at her.

  ‘Yes, Dave?’

  ‘Are you all right? I mean you’re not having second thoughts, are you? Because Danny is no doubt waiting for you to arrive, and you’re looking particularly lovely,’ he added with a reassuring smile.

  Marie smiled back at him. �
�I’m fine … honestly. A bit tired, if anything, but then I didn’t really get much sleep last night. And to be honest, I kept wondering whether I’m doing the right thing in getting married. I mean, in some ways I don’t really know Danny, do I? Oh, I know I’ve spent a lot of time in his company, and he’s told me his family history, but although I’ve known him for years, when you think about it, there’s been many years I haven’t known him, hasn’t there?’

  ‘Oh, don’t worry, you’ve just got a little panic going on. It happens to the best of us. I imagine you’re no different from any other woman – or man, come to that. Once we’re all dolled up and wondering how it might all turn out, the jitters get to you, making you think of all manner of unlikely things that might or might not happen. Look, Marie, I really don’t think you have anything to worry about. I’ve seen you and Danny together many times now, and I have to say, I honestly believe that you two were made for each other.’

  Dave was no fool. He knew well what had unsettled Marie.

  She had not yet told Cathy about the true circumstances of her birth, and the sorry truth that went with it.

  Dave himself was also upset that Marie had not yet found the strength to speak with Cathy, and he knew Anne was as well. Looking across to the passenger seat, he was sorry to see her so far away in her thoughts, especially on a day like this, when it should be one of the happiest moments of her life.

  But rather than let her suspect his true thoughts, he quietly assured her, ‘I know how you feel, Marie. It’s one of those days when everybody is on edge – excited and looking forward, while wondering if everything will actually turn out for the best. We just have to believe it will, and I don’t see any reason for you to worry, because you found yourself a genuine man in Danny.’

  He was relieved to see her tiny smile. ‘Thank you for that.’ Marie felt more confident, ‘You’re right, it’s just nerves, but I feel a little more settled now.’

  ‘I should think so too! It’s obvious Danny worships the very ground under your feet. He thinks you were made for him, and he tells everybody who will listen that you are a wonderful and caring woman, and from the first minute he clapped eyes on you he decided that you were the only one for him, the apple of his eye.’

  He gave a chuckle, ‘Mind you, the poor bloke has not yet suffered your terrifying musical snores in the middle of the night.’ Laughter echoed throughout the car.

  ‘All right, sweetheart?’ Glancing in his mirror again, Dave stole a glance at Cathy, while feeling bad about the bombshell that she would shortly be made aware of. It was vital Marie’s secret was revealed sooner rather than later, so especially since Cathy and Ronnie had grown even closer over the weeks while she was recovering from her injuries.

  Only this morning, Anne had confided in him that she and Marie were still talking about how and when to reveal the truth to Cathy.

  He had to suggest they might work that one out between themselves. By now, over the years, he had said it all, and today there was no time for talking.

  He had been considering the matter a lot of late, and he had many times thought to take Cathy aside and reveal the truth of her birth to her. But as Cathy was Marie’s child he felt it only right that she should be the one to choose the right moment, if indeed there would ever really be a ‘right’ moment. He privately thought the ‘right’ moment had long since passed, and that he and Anne had indulged Marie’s indecisiveness, but he knew better than to say what may split his family forever.

  Now they were arriving at the church, Dave stopped the car, got out and opened all the car doors, so that the passengers began to alight, along with the flowers and the bouncy, lace dresses. Last out was Marie dressed in her new outfit, and looking proud and girly-shy as Dave gave an appreciative little whistle. ‘By, that Danny Boy is a very fortunate man, don’t you think?’

  He ushered them all out onto the pavement amazed that not one little flower had been crushed in the process. ‘My word! Oh, but you look lovely, all of you!’

  Proud as a peacock, Dave escorted them to the church porch, and when everyone was ready, the nod was given and the organ music started. Then – amazingly, in Dave’s opinion – the proud procession went forward without a hiccup.

  As well as the haunting organ music, the air was filled with ‘Ooh!’s and ‘Aah!’s As everyone turned to look at the exquisite, bright outfits, and the pretty flowers. Ronnie was there, looking immaculate if somewhat uncomfortable in a smart new suit for his role as usher. And Big John was bursting with pride to be best man to his oldest and dearest friend.

  Feeling nervous, Marie looked up at the bronze figure of Jesus nailed to the massive cross above the altar, and a tear rose in her eyes. She felt as though he was watching her, blaming her for sinning in such a terrible way, all those years ago. Wicked and unworthy was how she felt then. It was almost as though she had no right to be here, in this holy haven of truth and innocence.

  Then she saw Danny, and a surge of love wrapped itself about her sorry heart. Danny was here … for her. He loved her with truth … he took her as she was. When she’d told him about her secret he’d held her hand and soothed her telling her that he’d love Cathy even more now. And that was that. Tears threatened, and then began to flow down her face until she found it difficult to breathe.

  As Marie reached his side, Danny looked across to her, and his warm, loving smile washed away all her fears and all her painful regrets. For the first time in a long time she felt truly loved.

  Marie’s heart was filled with love, and gratitude that she had met such a man in Danny. A warm and honest man … a man who loved her, and with whom she could happily spend the rest of her life.

  But not until she had done what she should have done many years ago. Confessing the truth to Cathy was a daunting, fearsome noose about her neck, and she wished with all her heart that it would soon be over, and that Cathy might somehow find it in her heart to forgive her.

  She gazed on Danny’s smiling face, and in that fleeting, precious moment, she felt that the Good Lord was ready to forgive her. All she had to do was find the strength to tell Cathy every shameful detail.

  Somehow, somewhere, amidst the goodness and love currently surrounding them all, Cathy must know the true circumstances of her birth. Not tomorrow, or another day, but today! Here in this beautiful church, where sins might be forgiven and love might grow, she made her decision.

  For the first time in many sorry years Marie felt calm, and somehow ready.

  The service began, and with every promise, she gave of herself, as did her Danny. Very soon, they were man and wife. For the first time since she’d given birth to her precious Cathy, she felt strong enough to have a future.

  Marie could hardly believe it was over so quickly and they were led to the small room to the side of the altar where they each signed their names in the register with the promise that they would be true to their marriage, and to each other.

  Then they were walking down the aisle, with smiles all round and the joyful ‘Wedding March’ ringing in their ears as they emerged into the bright morning. Danny took Marie in his arms and swung her round, to the sound of clapping and cheering from the wedding guests.

  Marie made a silent vow to the Lord that, before the day was over, Cathy would be told her real mother’s secret. When all the festivities were over, she would take Cathy aside and tell her everything. She adored Cathy, and she was so desperately afraid that when Cathy was told she might turn away in hatred and disgust from the woman who had tricked and lied to her for all these years.

  If that happened, Marie’s own life would be as nothing to her.

  Cathy and the rest of Marie’s family were eagerly waiting to hug and kiss and congratulate the two of them, while everyone gathered in turn to admire the two brand-new wedding rings, sparkling in the dry air.

  And when Danny Boy took her into his warm embrace, Marie thought how lucky she was but she couldn’t help glancing across at Cathy, smiling and happy, and totall
y unaware of the bombshell waiting to fall on her.

  On their arrival at the reception, a sumptuous feast in a woodland lodge, a great roar of clapping and congratulations greeted the newly-weds, who thanked everyone for being with them on this special day.

  The caterers had made a wonderful spread, and when the guests had enjoyed their fill, it was time for the speeches. Danny’s in particular was greeted with laughter. After the formalities were well and truly over, people sat and talked, or they wandered outside to stroll in the pretty woods.

  With a handful of guests already making their way home, Marie felt a need to get away into the silence and glory of the woods around them in this wonderful place. She had a lot on her mind at that and the moment she had waited far too long for had arrived at last. She was deeply emotional.

  While the bridesmaids laughed and chatted, and other guests went walking, Marie drew Danny aside, out of earshot of anyone else, to a secluded bench.

  ‘I need to speak with Cathy alone for a moment, if that’s all right,’ she began.

  ‘Go ahead, sweetheart. I’m glad you have finally found the courage to tell her, and thank you for confiding the truth in me also. We should not have any secrets between us, especially now. We have each other, and that’s all I need. So, go on. And keep a brave heart. I’m sure Cathy will be all right, maybe after a while. But you must be honest with her.’

  They talked through again about the news Marie had to tell Cathy: about Marie’s indiscretion all those years ago, how she had slept with Tony, and bore his child, and that the child was Cathy. When Marie fell tearful, Danny let her cry. It seemed to be the right thing to do at that moment.

  Cathy had had the best day of her entire life. Not only was Ronnie down from Blackpool for the wedding, and looking just dreamy in his new suit, but she’d been able to spend nearly every minute of this afternoon’s wedding feast with him. She knew she looked her best in the flouncy bridesmaid dress of sprigged cotton that Marie had chosen, and Ronnie’s appreciative glances were well worth all the care she’d taken with curling her hair and doing her make-up. Her beloved nan was marrying the adorable Danny, an instant Irish granddad and just the best granddad that a girl could hope for. The service had been beautiful and very touching, and the wedding feast just amazing, with all the latest food you saw only in magazines: prawn vol-au-vents and Black Forest gateau.