The Islands

by Di Morrissey

  ‘What’s she like? She’s your mum’s older sister, right?’ Catherine was trying to get a handle on all the family.

  ‘Meredith is a bit of a radical. Quite different from Mother. Divorced when young, no children, had a career, rather bossy. But I suspect you two will get along quite well.’

  ‘Nothing to do with being bossy, I hope,’ said Catherine tartly.

  Bradley smiled. ‘Of course not. Just take everything she says with a grain of salt.’

  ‘She exaggerates? Is less than truthful?’

  ‘No, it’s not that. She’s rather opinionated.’

  ‘Oh, I see. Well, I’ll try not to say anything to set her off,’ said Catherine, but she thought to herself it might be stimulating to hear a few strong opinions. Everyone around her was being so sweet, thoughtful and, well, bland. She supposed Bradley’s family were on their best behaviour and didn’t want to say anything to give a bad impression or make her feel uncomfortable. Politics, religion, nasty relatives, blunders one had made, all were avoided. Only the pleasant and adorable stories of Bradley as a little boy had been aired.

  Richard and Angela weren’t stuffy but even after quite a few cocktails, when they laughed a lot and voices were louder, nobody talked about anything of substance. They hadn’t asked about Bradley’s career, their plans and prospects, the situation with the war in Asia and the build up of the US fleet in the Pacific, or the rumours of an oil crisis in the Middle East. But then Catherine realised that as Richard was also a retired naval officer he would know exactly what their life was like. Angela asked how she was going to fix up their little apartment, where she did her shopping and how she got on with the other navy wives. Catherine didn’t raise the subject of getting a job.

  Meredith arrived on the eve of Thanksgiving and Deidre insisted that she take her room, as she was staying with a college girlfriend.

  ‘I am perfectly happy to stay at the Deauville Lodge but, if you insist, thank you, Deidre. It will give me more time to chat to the newest member of the clan. Hello, my dear. You are obviously Catherine.’ She advanced towards Catherine, holding out her hand and shook Catherine’s hand vigorously. ‘Good to meet you. Nice to have fresh blood in the family.’

  ‘Meredith, really. You make us sound like two-headed hillbillies.’ Angela led her sister down the hall. ‘Come and drop your bag then we’ll have coffee or a drink. Dinner won’t be long. Just a light supper, quiche, I thought. A little caesar salad.’

  ‘Saving our appetites for turkey day? Hope I haven’t delayed proceedings. Traffic, you know. Everyone was travelling to get home for Thanksgiving. Nightmare.’

  ‘Did you drive all the way from Portland?’ asked Catherine.

  ‘Certainly did. I’m heading to Big Sur down the coast. Extraordinary place. Interesting people. Tell Bradley to take you there.’

  ‘In here, Meredith. I’ve put out fresh towels.’ They disappeared into Deidre’s old bedroom. Though she’d vacated it at eighteen when she went to college, it was still decorated in her childhood décor of ruffled pink and white gingham cushions, curtains and bedspread, all edged in white broderie anglaise.

  Meredith’s strong voice echoed down the hall. ‘Lord, Angela, has Deidre still got all this junk? Must I sleep with those bears and dolls? I feel like I’m on a sugar overload.’

  ‘I’ll make you a black coffee. No sugar, then,’ snapped Angela and left her sister to unpack.

  Catherine carried the mug of coffee down to what Meredith called the sugar ’n’ spice room.

  ‘Come in, girl. Sit down on that rocker, move all the doo-dads.’ Meredith took a sip of coffee, eyeing Catherine, who stared frankly back at her.

  Meredith had the same eyes and mouth as Angela but was taller, broader and less glamorous. Her greying brown hair was trimmed neatly, parted on one side and held with a tortoiseshell clip. She sat very straight on the edge of the bed, her feet planted firmly on the ground.

  ‘How are you finding the family? Married life all you thought it’d be?’

  ‘I’ve only been here a few days. I hardly got a chance to get to know everyone at the wedding and it’s been quite hectic since we arrived.’

  ‘I know. You don’t have to trawl around stores, you know. Tell them you’d rather stay here. Sit on the patio with a good book. That’s what I do.’

  ‘Everyone is so hospitable and Bradley wants to show me around.’

  ‘Show you off, more like it. You’re a pretty thing. Nice and natural looking. Stay that way. You like the Islands?’

  ‘I do! Have you been there?’

  Meredith smiled at the rush of enthusiasm in Catherine’s voice and face. ‘In the fifties. Took a cruise. I don’t like to fly.’

  ‘But you must come over and visit us,’ said Catherine, surprising herself.

  ‘No, you come and visit me sometime. I knew I’d like you. Bradley has done very well for himself. Thought he’d end up with one of Angela’s endless parade of suitables. Glad to see the boy has a mind of his own. So what do you do with yourself while he’s off playing boats?’

  Catherine immediately wanted to defend Bradley’s career and how seriously he took the navy, but she realised Meredith would know that, it was just her flippant manner of speaking. ‘I’m still settling in, finding my way around, exploring. I’ve met a lovely local girl, a dancer. She’s shown me a lot. I’ve been to her aunt’s place. She’s related to the Kauai royal family, one of the princesses, I think. Oh, and of course, I have my visits and duties with the navy Wives’ Club.’

  ‘Of course,’ said Meredith with a wry smile. ‘Listen, young lady, you get out and do what you can, as much as you can, while you have your freedom.’ She drained her coffee and stood up. ‘Angela will think I’m grilling you – on toast – to quote Richard. Let’s face the music, cocktails at the ready. At least you must feel at home here.’

  ‘You mean, in California?’ asked Catherine as she followed Meredith down the hall.

  ‘Yes.’ She lowered her voice and pointed at the thermostat on the wall. ‘They heat the place like the tropics in summer. Madness.’ She promptly twisted the dial a few degrees lower. ‘Open your window at night for some fresh air, this central heating dries you out like an Egyptian mummy.’

  ‘Good tip,’ answered Catherine who decided she liked the plain-speaking Meredith.

  After supper, Meredith retired early. ‘I’m not watching drivel and quiz games on television.’

  Angela asked Catherine to help her set the table while Bradley and his father watched an old John Wayne movie. Catherine was initially surprised that they were setting the table for a meal happening late the next day. ‘We’ll eat at two p.m.,’ Angela had explained. But Catherine could see the logic when she saw the elaborate preparations.

  The extended dining table was covered with a starched linen and lace cloth with matching napkins in silver napkin rings that matched the silver candelabra. Angela had polished all the silver and shined all the crystal glasses. She showed Catherine one place setting: the white and silver dinner plates under the salad plates, bread and butter plate to one side, the napkin folded like a bird inside its ring centred on each plate. Catherine copied the setting around the table set for ten.

  Bradley and Catherine had their monogrammed champagne glasses at their place on silver coasters engraved with a turkey and the silver carvers and platter were put in front of Richard. Angela had written pretty little place cards with guests’ names and they sat in a small porcelain holder in front of each plate. In addition to the four of them and Meredith, there were Bradley’s brother, Joel, and his girlfriend, Trudy, Deidre and a girlfriend, and Jay, a friend of Richard’s from the club whose wife was away on a cruise.

  Serving dishes, bowls, olive forks, spoons to dish out the condiments, a set of crystal pepper and salt shakers at each end of the table were readied. And in the centre next to the candelabra was a bowl of roses ordered from the Deauville florist. Once the table was done to Angela’s satisfaction she ran
through the menu with Catherine, double checking they had everything set for the final preparation the next morning.

  ‘You have to be prepared, the day just goes. There’s the Macy’s Parade on TV, phone calls, and we have to be through in time for the boys to watch the game. Those Miami Dolphins are on a winning streak. Richard always wants to make daiquiris or gin fizzes and forgets to get the sourdough bread. So here’s the mixture for the stuffing, I thought liver pate and marinated prunes this year, sound all right to you?’

  Catherine nodded as she gazed into the shelves of the fridge and freezer where Angela had dishes and containers labelled with ingredients.

  ‘The bacon rashers are to go on top of the turkey while it’s cooking, they come off at the last minute to get it browned. I bake the yams with orange juice and brown sugar and we toast the marshmallows on top so they melt – just a second or two as they catch fire so easily. The potato salad – my mother’s recipe, the waldorf salad, fresh green beans, gravy, cranberry sauce, and the hors d’oeuvres I’ve made ahead and frozen . . .’

  ‘Dessert?’ asked Catherine feeling weak, wondering how they’d get through all the food.

  ‘Ice cream cake. But not just any ole ice cream cake, a friend makes them for very special occasions. It takes ages to create. I love making desserts, but even I can’t make anything like this.’ She pointed to the back of the freezer to where what looked to be a real basket of fruit sat. ‘The basket is woven out of wafers. The bow on the handle is real, but every piece of fruit is a separate piece of ice cream with the flavour of the fruit – bananas, peaches, strawberries. It’s just heaven even though it’s so much work.’

  ‘It looks amazing.’

  ‘Of course, there’s Jell-O, ice cream and chocolates. We like to string out dessert before coffee and liqueurs.’

  Knowing what was coming, Catherine abstained from Richard’s big breakfast. Everyone had to dress and assemble in the sitting room in front of the fire at midday for hot toddies, light snacks and photographs posing together in their new outfits.

  Because she had not bought a special dress to wear and had already worn her one cocktail frock, Catherine decided to heed Meredith’s advice and wear what she felt comfortable in. Most of the women were dressed in after-five fashions. Shyly Catherine joined them while Bradley was in the family room helping his father with the first round of drinks.

  Catherine stood there in her long sleeveless muu-muu topped with a pale yellow silk shawl and her pearl necklace and earrings. Her dress was simple yet stylish with pale embroidered primroses scattered across the fabric and had the effect of making every other woman feel overdressed.

  ‘Oh, honey, you look just lovely.’

  ‘My, a real breath of the Islands. Gorgeous.’

  On hearing the fuss being made over Catherine, Bradley came into the room. He blinked a moment as he saw her, then smiled and went to her side. ‘You look just great, Catherine.’

  She looked at her husband in his pale lemon shirt and camel wool jacket. ‘We match.’

  ‘You certainly do, a pigeon pair. Here’s to you both. Cheers and may we all share many more Thanksgivings,’ said Richard carrying in a tray of drinks.

  The guests arrived. Deidre and Catherine, the daughter and daughter-in-law, passed trays of the dainty hors d’oeuvres that Angela had spent so much time making. There was general smalltalk and Meredith looked bored to tears.

  ‘Catherine, come into the family room where it’s quiet and we can have a little chat. From the small amount of time we’ve managed to spend together, I’ve come to the conclusion you shouldn’t be wasted just on the navy. Get yourself a life of your own before children come along – not that they should kill a career – but Bradley’s career will take precedence.’

  ‘I’ve always known that,’ said Catherine. ‘I’ve never had much of a career. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do when I got back to Australia after travelling, but meeting Bradley changed all that so I haven’t had to make a decision.’

  ‘Very romantic. But you can still do a course of some kind. The University of Hawaii is excellent, as is their East West Centre. I left it very late to do my masters degree, but I’ve never regretted it. I’m a school principal, due to retire in two years and I’m already making plans to keep busy and fulfilled in the next phase of my life. Just remember, Catherine, nothing lasts forever, the good times and the bad times. Keep moving forward is the objective, don’t stagnate, that’s my motto.’

  ‘Now, Meredith, don’t earbash Catherine.’ Richard appeared in the family room. ‘Angela is ringing the bell. Time to eat.’

  The conversation was general. Catherine was seated on Richard’s right, Bradley was on his mother’s right at the other end of the table. Dishes were passed along the table as Richard carved the huge golden turkey that Angela had fretted over as it was a self-basting one which she’d never tried before.

  ‘Everything is absolutely delicious, glorious, Angela. You’re such a great cook,’ said Trudy. ‘I must get your recipe for the potato salad.’

  ‘It’s my mother’s. One of her secrets is sprinkling vinegar over the potatoes overnight with –’

  ‘Not now, Angela. Now that we’ve finished dessert, let’s have a toast,’ interjected Richard who had poured the red wine, but kept his bourbon beside him. ‘To family and friends, thank you for sharing this bountiful meal. We are all damned lucky to live in the best goddamned country in the world.’ He lifted his glass, ignoring the frown from Angela at his cussing. ‘Welcome to young Catherine, as part of our family and who’ll be an American soon enough, not that we don’t love those Aussies. American forces are out there fighting communism in Asia, and we pray that we clean up this mess and our boys will soon be home. So thanks to the Lord, to my dear wife, my children and friends. You too, Meredith,’ he gave a nod in his sister-in-law’s direction, ‘thanks for coming so far, it’s been too long since we shared a meal. Of course, your curiosity about Bradley’s wife might have had something to do with it. So let’s hear from Catherine, the new Mrs Connor, to propose the toast.’ He sat down.

  Catherine paled, no-one had prepared her for this ritual. She rose and lifted her glass, catching Bradley’s eye who looked apologetic but gave her an encouraging smile. ‘I’d just like to say thank you for the wonderful hospitality,’ she smiled at Angela, ‘for making me feel so welcome.’ She turned to Richard. ‘And yes, we all hope the men fighting in Vietnam will be home soon . . . Australians have fought beside Americans in the Second World War, just as they have done in Vietnam,’ she gently reminded everyone. I think Thanksgiving is a wonderful occasion, and I look forward to being a part of this great tradition. Happy Thanksgiving.’ She raised her glass and sat down as everyone chorused the toast and sipped their wine. She didn’t look at Bradley but along the table Meredith gave Catherine a broad smile and raised her glass to her.

  Richard leant over to her. ‘Well said, young lady. We haven’t forgotten the Aussies. I was there too, my ship was in the Pacific theatre. Met General MacArthur several times.’ He patted her hand. ‘Even had leave in Sydney once. What a town. What girls!’

  ‘I didn’t know that. But, Richard, what did you mean about me becoming an American? You mean take out citizenship? Bradley’s never mentioned that,’ said Catherine.

  ‘Why, I just assumed you’d do that, honey. Especially if he wants to be stationed abroad. Much better for his career if you’re an American. Anyway, I thought you’d just love to be a part of this glorious country.’

  Angela stood up. ‘We’ll take coffee in the sitting room, shall we?’

  As Catherine curled beside Bradley in bed that night, she raised the subject of citizenship as it had been bothering her. ‘What did your dad mean about me taking out American citizenship? I don’t have to do that do I?’

  ‘There’re a lot of advantages, darling, besides making life simpler for us. And any children, of course. And my career. Let’s not worry about it now. We have to get up early. Mo
ther wants us to be in the city by nine.’

  Catherine turned over and hugged her pillow. She didn’t want to spend a freezing day in San Francisco, which she’d been told was going to be wet and windy. Shopping at I Magnins and some wholesale outlet that sold designer clothes for seventy per cent reduction didn’t excite her, especially as they would all be winter clothes. Lunch at the Top of the Mark and afternoon tea with some rich friends who had a beautiful home on Union Street sounded exhausting. She missed Heatherbrae, even though Bradley had promised her they’d take a trip back after Christmas. But most of all, she missed the warmth of the Islands.

  6

  THERE WAS ACTIVITY AT the harbour. A destroyer was preparing to sail. A tender with tourists aboard headed to the Arizona memorial. Catherine was not yet familiar with the workings of Pearl Harbor, but now, after a few weeks studying the panoramic view from her tiny kitchen, she was becoming more aware of the routines of the naval shipyard and dock.

  Bradley had been excited when he’d come home and announced they could move to the base and rent out their apartment in the TradeWinds. Catherine was just starting to feel comfortable and at home there and she loved being so close to Waikiki. She’d accepted Lester’s invitation to use his parking space and several mornings a week after dropping Bradley at the base she drove straight to the Ambassador apartments, parked, walked the beach and then took a leisurely swim.

  Kiann’e had gone to Kauai for a few days to see her mother but Catherine still followed the routine of coffee with Lester as well as doing his grocery shopping, taking it back to his apartment and sitting to talk awhile. She loved these visits and found Lester’s stories of life on the island fascinating.

  At Pearl Harbor she felt isolated even though she was surrounded by other naval families. Nevertheless, the condominium was bigger than the TradeWinds apartment, with a second bedroom, and it had a view towards the harbour. The block was set in well-kept lawns and was close to the amenities on the base.