No Regrets: A Novel of Love and Lies in World War II England (The Thornton Trilogy Book 1)

by Payne, Mary Christian

  There were just enough guests to fill the small, weathered chapel by the sea. Lord and Lady Whitfield, Lord and Lady Thornton, and all of the staff from Highcroft Hall were present. In addition, as a great surprise to Giselle, Madame Violette travelled from Brighton. An invitation had been sent, but Giselle never imagined she’d actually attend. When she wrote back saying she would be there, both Giselle and Elise were giddy with joy. Violette arrived looking every bit a lady. She presented herself at the church dressed in a pale lilac dress, made from peau de soie and trimmed with the finest French lace. There was no way anyone would have guessed her occupation. In addition, there were several guests from the village with whom Giselle had become friendly during the four years she’d lived there. All of the parents of Elise’s students came, as well as numerous shopkeepers from along the High Street. All in all, it was exactly the wedding Giselle had hoped for. It was as lovely and old-fashioned as a scene from Charlotte Bronte or Jane Austen. Afterwards, a reception was held at Highcroft Hall. No one would have guessed that the groom walked with the aide of an artificial limb. He was very handsome in his grey morning suit.

  Giselle and Elise wept sadly, as they held each other and said goodbye. Giselle and Ted were sailing from Southampton the next morning and would be spending the night at an Inn in that seaport town. So, when the reception ended, it was the last the friends would see of one another. Promises were exchanged. Elise would visit Boston, and Giselle and Ted would return to England. But in truth, nobody had the slightest notion how long it would be before they were reunited. The two friends had gone through so much together, and it was hard to think they wouldn’t still be sharing their quaint cottage, drawing on each other for strength and wisdom.

  Still, Elise was delighted that Giselle had found happiness. She wished her godspeed and great good luck. Sloan walked Elise and Chloe back to the cottage after the reception. Elise was still trying to stop sniffling, but he managed to bring a smile to her face when he asked her to bring Chloe and come to dinner at Highcroft Hall the following evening. He was well aware of how lonely she was going to be without Giselle. It was his intention to do everything possible to make it easier for her. If it had been up to him, he and Elise would be exchanging their own vows soon, but their friendship hadn’t progressed to that point. There was no question that they’d grown closer. Often he wondered what would happen if he spoke to her about his deep feelings. He talked with Anne about how to proceed, and she continued to tell him that he should wait – that Elise had been through so much sorrow and wasn’t ready to think about marriage. Sloan continued with the assumption that Elise was a widow. She’d never told him differently. So, that’s what he assumed Anne was referring to, when she spoke of everything Elise had endured. Elise, of course, thought Sloan did know everything about her, judging from what he’d said after returning from the war. He’d said he understood, and she went on believing he knew of the assault by the Nazi soldiers and all that had happened since. On the other hand, Sloan believed she’d suffered the awful trauma of marrying, losing her husband, learning she was pregnant and having to face life as a single mother. Anne was perfectly content for things to continue in that vein.

  Sloan had invited Elise and Chloe to dinner for two reasons. First and foremost, he loved to spend time with them, and it was important to him that his parent’s learn to know them well. Secondly, he had information that was going to make Elise very happy. He’d located the whereabouts of one Josef Lisak, who was a member of Number 347 Squadron at RAF Elvington. Prior to that, he’d been a member of the GB I/25 Tunisian airmen, who’d been based in the Middle East. Squadron 347 was formed on June 20, 1944, and was equipped with British Halifax Heavy Bombing aircraft. They’d taken part in night raids over Germany.

  After the Armistice, officially removing France from the war in 1940, following Dunkirk, twelve entire French Squadrons were formed. They were comprised of civilian French pilots living overseas. Josef Lisak had escaped to England in May 1940, with the thousands of others who were rescued from the beaches at Dunkirk. After joining the RAF, he was sent to Tunisia, where he’d spent the majority of the war. After hostilities ceased, in October 1945, Josef was transferred from RAF to French control on November 15, 1945. Sloan found him in Bordeaux, in the southwest of France. He didn’t contact Josef, because he felt that was Elise’s prerogative.

  When everyone gathered for dinner at Highcroft Hall the evening after Giselle and Ted’s wedding, Sloan didn’t keep Elise in suspense. He immediately shared what he’d been able to learn about her brother. She was overjoyed.

  “Oh, but how absolutely wonderful to know he’s alive. I can’t believe you learned all of this so quickly. I’m so grateful. Now, how do I go about contacting him?” She had tears in her eyes.

  “Write him a letter. I have the address for the French Squadron to which he’s attached. It will probably be dismantled soon, if it hasn’t been already. Perhaps it would be better if you sent a cable. Just give him your name and address, so he knows where to reach you. I’m sure the moment he receives it, you’ll hear from him. I’ll wager he’s been as anxious as you’ve been for news of your whereabouts.”

  “I’ll do it immediately. I can’t thank you enough. My brother is the only family I have, besides Chloe. He means so much to me. It’s been such a long time.”

  “I’ll go with you tomorrow to send a wire. I’m anxious for the two of you to reunite. It’s nice to have happy stories, after so much sadness and loss during the past five years.”

  ***

  So a cable was sent the following morning. Elise spent two days biting her nails, waiting for an answer. Finally, on Tuesday, she received a call from Western Union, telling her she had a wire from Bordeaux. She asked that it be read over the telephone.

  “Wonderful news dear sister. Arriving on 3:45 p.m. train to Thornton Saturday, Sept 18. So anxious to see you. Josef.

  Elise was overcome with emotion. She immediately rang Sloan. He made a dash for her cottage, and they sat drinking tea in the parlour, discussing Josef’s arrival. Elise wondered how much her brother had changed. Of course, Sloan had never even met the Frenchman, but he was wise enough to know that it was imperative that Josef like him. A brother’s approval was necessary if Sloan’s hopes for marriage to Elise could come to fruition. In any event, he knew if Josef was anything like his sister, he’d immediately feel comfortable around him.

  Chloe danced a little jig when she returned from school and learned her Mummy’s brother was coming to visit. She’d grown up hearing about her uncle, and now, at long last, she would meet him. Elise prepared Giselle’s old room, now doing duty as a guest chamber. She made certain she had ingredients for many of the meals Josef had loved long ago. Elise intended to spoil him unmercifully. Actually, Josef was an excellent chef, having studied at the Culinary Institute in Paris. That had been his career before the war. Still, Elise would be the cook for the time being.

  While Sloan wanted very much to be a part of the happy reunion, he also felt it would be rude to interfere. There was no question in his mind that Elise should have her brother all to herself, at least at the beginning of his stay. Elise appreciated his thoughtfulness, since she felt the same way. It had been such a long time. Her life with Josef was a separate niche. She had so much to tell him. Although she believed Sloan knew everything about her, she wanted time alone with Josef to explain everything in detail.

  She met him at the station alone. Chloe was in school, and Elise chose not to interrupt her daughter’s routine. In addition, some of the background she needed to share with her brother pertained to issues about which Chloe knew nothing. Elise waited impatiently, pacing up and down on the platform, peering down the tracks to see if she could spot an engine and listening for the sound of a train whistle. As usual, it was late, but finally it chugged into the depot. Elise was dressed in a pretty, woolen dress - blue, with a pin tucked bodice and a flared skirt. It was the first new dress she’d bought since the war, besid
es the frock she’d worn for Giselle’s wedding. She looked breathtaking on that crisp autumn morning, her golden hair shining in the sun and her blue eyes filled with happy expectation. After a few minutes, Josef stepped from the carriage. She wasn’t certain she’d have known him. He was so much more mature – larger than she’d remembered. His hair was cut very short, in the traditional military style, and that changed his appearance more than anything. He was tanned, probably from years in Tunisia and Italy. Still, it was definitely Josef. Dear, special, wonderful Josef. She ran to him. He picked her up in the air, swinging her about. Kisses were exchanged on both cheeks and numerous hugs. He held her away from him and said “Let me look at you. You’ve grown up, Elise. You were always pretty. Now you’re exquisite. I knew you would be. There’s so much I want to know. So much we need to talk about. Mon Dieu! Five years is a long time.”

  “I know, I know. I want to hear everything. Where you’ve been. What happened after you left me that morning in the farmhouse? Your plans for the future. Simply everything.”

  “Yes. I do, too. Let me get my bag. Ah – you even have an auto. How grand, Elise.”

  “Not so grand, Josef. But it gets me where I need to go. Come. Hop in. I’ll take you to my cottage. I know you’ll love it. It’s by the sea. Of course, it isn’t really mine. I lease it. Up until recently, I had a dear friend who shared it with me. She married and went to America. Now, it’s just Chloe and me.”

  “And who is Chloe?” he asked.

  “Oh, Josef. She’s your little niece. She’s four years old, and you’ve never even seen her. How sad. We’ll make up for that.”

  “A niece? Are you married then? How could I not have been there?”

  “It’s a very long story, Josef. No, there’s no husband at home. Chloe will be thrilled to have an uncle. She’s had no man in her life. Well, yes, there are friends. But an uncle is something special.”

  “So is a niece,” he smiled.

  They reached the cottage, and Josef laughed heartily at the little sign that said ‘No Regrets’.

  “Is that true?” he asked, pointing to it.

  “For the most part,” she answered. “There’ve been bad times, but they’ve always been followed by happiness. I’m much more fortunate than so many who lived through the war, let alone those who didn’t.”

  “I know. I feel the same way. I’m very angry with the leaders of France, I can tell you that. There were many reasons for their actions, but I don’t believe we should ever have laid down arms. To let those barbarians take over France. Really. It was unbelievable. I think I’m going to make my home in England. I’ve seen the bravery and courage this land displayed for five long years. I want to be one of them. I hope you plan on staying here. Together we can become British citizens.”

  “That’s my plan too, Josef. I feel British. When I tell you everything, I think you’ll understand why. I’m just so glad to hear that you want to stay, too. I wish you’d move to this village. I love it here. What do you intend to do in terms of employment?”

  “Restaurant Management. It’s what I did in Paris. I have the experience and the education.” He laughed, “If need be, I’ll return for more study. I’d like to eventually own a gourmet establishment. Does this village have many places of that sort?”

  “None, Josef. That sounds excellent. If you stay in Thornton-on-Sea, there’s a chance that people I’ve met could help you.”

  “Any help would be appreciated,” he smiled.

  Josef had an artistic touch with food preparation, and Elise knew he’d be successful. There was no French restaurant in Thornton-on-Sea, and there wasn’t any question in Elise’s mind that such a spot would be welcome. Stepping out of the car, they went into the cottage, making themselves comfortable in the parlour. Chloe was at school, so they had plenty of time to chat openly. Tea was ready in the kitchen, and after drinking a cup, they settled and began to speak about all that had happened since they’d parted in May 1940.

  “So, Elise. You escaped France for England, just as I did. Did you go on the same day I last saw you? How did it all come about?”

  “It’s a long tale, Josef. After you left that morning, I was awfully afraid. I knew that the smart thing would be for me to follow you to the beaches and try to get to England myself. But that was a terrifying thought. I’d just about made up my mind to stay in the farmhouse and ride it out, hoping the Nazis didn’t end up occupying France. Then, a young RAF Lieutenant came to my door. At first I was frightened to answer his knock, but I looked out of the window and could see it was an English soldier. He was in obvious distress. He was lying on the porch, clearly wounded. It was pouring rain. So I did open the door, and he asked for my help. Of course I didn’t turn him away. I couldn’t have.”

  “You must have been afraid you’d be seen, and reported for aiding an enemy of the Third Reich?”

  “Oh, Mon Dieu! France wasn’t yet occupied, so I didn’t really think of that. But, I did know there were Germans swarming the area. However, he needed aide. What was I to do? I helped him over the threshold, and he explained about his aircraft being shot down. The same bullets had wounded him in the leg. I gathered every medical supply we had and set about splinting and bandaging the leg, after I removed the bullet.”

  “The nursing experience came in handy, eh?”

  “Yes. I was glad I knew what to do. I only wish I’d had better instruments with which to work. Anyway, after I treated his injury, I gave him food – soup, cheese and bread. He was finally able to put weight on the leg, and we sat in the parlour for a short time, chatting. He was very nice, and I was confused a bit.”

  “How so, Elise?”

  “Well, he began to speak about soulmates. He told me he’d always dreamed of an ideal woman and, when he saw me for the first time, after I opened the door, he was certain I was the person he’d waited for all of his life.”

  “Ooh la la.” Josef laughed. “I can imagine your confusion. Did you think him daft, as the English say?”

  “Yes, a bit. I thought perhaps his wound had left him with some difficulty thinking clearly. But he went on and on, and finally I realized he was serious. He was extremely well-spoken – obviously a gentleman – clearly well-educated. I didn’t think he was saying those things as a means to seduce me. It would have been a strange time for a man to attempt seduction – Nazi aircraft flying overhead and Germans on the march very nearby, not to mention the queues of soldiers and refugees trying to reach the beaches and safety.”

  “So, how did it end?”

  “He maintained that I was his soulmate until the end. He described me perfectly – on the inside – what I was like. It was eerie. He was adamant that if we had more time to spend together I’d realize that he was my soulmate, too.”

  “And so...”

  “And so, I told him I thought he had a fantasy – an ideal, and that he didn’t know me well enough to be saying such things. Shortly after that, he left. Before he did, he took my hands in his and said he knew he’d see me again in England.”

  “Haven’t you ever been curious to learn more about him?”

  “A little. But I didn’t have to search for answers. When I moved here, to Thornton-on-Sea, I learned that my ‘soulmate visitor’ was none other than Lord Sloan Thornton, the Viscount who will eventually become the Earl of Wessex and oversee Highcroft Hall, the family seat.”

  “Mon Dieu! How ironic. Do you know him now?”

  “On yes, indeed. But let me finish telling you what happened. Not very long after he left, there was another knock at my door. I thought perhaps it was him, returning for some reason. I was careful, but I opened the door slightly, and the next thing I knew it was forced inward. Three Nazi soldiers forced their way in.”

  “Oh, my dear sister. I’m not sure I want to know the rest of this story.”

  “Yes, well, it isn’t pleasant. They’d seen me aiding Lord Thornton, although I think that was just an excuse to break into the house. They said they we
re going to punish me. All three assaulted me, repeatedly. I wished I were dead. I thought it would never end. Finally they left. I was terrified and, of course, in shock. My only thought was getting away. I was so frightened they’d return. I still believe they would have.”

  “I imagine you’re right. The dirty swine. I wish I’d been there. I would have killed them.”

  “I’m glad you weren’t there, Josef. You might have managed to kill one of them, but you would have been killed, too. They were large, brutish men. There’s no way you would have been able to overpower all of them. Anyway, they did finally leave. I bathed, and made ready to escape. Actually, I put on some of your old clothing.” She smiled and laughed ruefully. “I went over to the farm next door – you remember Brigitte, our neighbour? I told Brigitte that I was going to England if I could get on a boat. She told me to go to Brighton after I reached Dover. She had a friend from long ago who owned a boarding house there. She made me repeat the name so I wouldn’t forget it. Maison de Violette. It’s a long story, Josef. I did as she said, and Madame Violette took me in. I hate to admit this, but her so-called ‘boarding house’ was, in reality, a brothel. I was so naïve. But she was lovely to me, as were most of the girls who worked for her. I really don’t know what would have become of me had it not been for her.”

  “But, Elise. Your reputation? Weren’t you concerned that people would think you were one of her – eh – her girls?”

  “At first, yes. But you know, Josef, I’ve learned that there are more important things in life than what others think. After I’d been there three months, it became obvious that I was pregnant.”