“Are you sure you won’t come to the church with us?” Martha asked her mother.
“I’ve no wish to attend the ceremony. My leg is playing up something bad.”
“Will we see you at the church hall for the party, Grandma?” Norman asked. “Glenn said he’d get some bottles of sherry for the toast. You wouldn’t want to miss that, would you? He might send a motorcar for you. He hired one for us!”
“Norman!” Martha gave her son a warning look. “That’s quite enough. Your grandmother will be able to make her own way to the church hall if she wants to come along later. That’s why she has a walking stick.”
“Harrumph!” The old woman crossed her arms.
“The car is here, Mam!” Norman said as he hurriedly tied his shoelaces. “Can I sit in the front with the driver?”
“Yes, yes, out you go.” Martha ushered everyone from the kitchen and turned to her mother. “Don’t you spoil this day for Hazel. If you can’t be happy for her, then don’t come to the party. I mean it, Mother!”
“It wouldn’t have happened like this in my day, you know! She has no shame, that girl!”
“Times have changed, and if you can’t see that, then I’m sorry for you.”
“Pah! Go get the lass wed. At least the bairn won’t be born a bastard.”
Martha whirled on her mother. “You chastised Hazel for her language, but yours is worse than hers! Please have the decency to keep a civil tongue in your head if you intend to join us later.”
“Mam!” Hazel called from the street. “What’s keeping you? I don’t want to be late!”
Hazel gripped her Uncle Larry’s arm tightly as they entered the church. The wedding march was playing, and all the heads of the small congregation turned to see her. She smiled nervously, wondering what her friends and neighbours might be thinking about the hastily arranged ceremony. A wave of shame flooded her insides. Then she felt the fluttering sensation in her tummy again, and this time, she knew it was the baby moving. She decided she wouldn’t be embarrassed about her precious little one, no matter what anyone might say.
Her Uncle Larry patted her hand. “Lift up your chin, lass. You have a fine young man waiting for you at the altar. Love brought you here, and love is a gift from God himself. You’ve nowt to be ashamed of in His eyes. Remember that, and you won’t go far wrong.”
“Thanks, Uncle Larry.” Hazel took a deep breath and stepped out on the church aisle.
She could see the back of Glenn’s head. He was standing tall next to his best pal, Gordon. His large family were taking up the first four rows of pews, and she knew it would take her months to put all their faces to the list of names Glenn had given her earlier. His mam and dad had welcomed her warmly when Glenn took her to meet them a week ago. They were just as she’d expected them to be. Bertie Bradshaw was a rough-spoken man, a shade taller than Glenn. Irma Bradshaw was short and well rounded with a dimpled smile that made her look years younger than her age. She smiled often, and Glenn’s mother reminded Hazel of Eunice.
When she reached Glenn’s side, he turned to her, and she was surprised to see a flush of colour on his cheeks. He seemed nervous and ill at ease. She smiled, and he briefly returned the smile before he turned back to look at the vicar.
When the vicar asked, “Who gives this woman..,” her uncle passed her hand to the clergyman who then gave it to Glenn. When his strong fingers wrapped around hers, she felt a calmness engulf her. The warmth in his eyes as he gazed down at her, filled her with hope. Glenn would keep her safe. Glenn would look after her.
Hymns were sung, and readings were read. She repeated the words of the marriage ceremony and heard Glenn making his vows to her, and before she knew it, he had taken her into his arms and was kissing her as if no one was watching. Her insides were trembling by the time he released her, and the congregation were laughing and applauding the newly-weds.
The vicar cleared his throat and guided them through to the vestry where they signed the marriage certificate. Gordon and Eunice were their witnesses, and Martha stood with Irma and Bertie Bradshaw to watch over the proceedings.
“Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Bradshaw.” The vicar shook hands with them. “I hope you’ll both be very happy.”
“You’ve no worries there, vicar!” Bertie Bradshaw moved forward to shake his son’s hand. “Anyone can see these two are made for each other!” He leant to kiss Hazel’s cheek and whispered, “Just you take no nonsense from my youngest lad, and you’ll be fine, love.”
Hazel didn’t know what to make of the remark but smiled and accepted more well-wishes from Glenn’s mother and her own.
Glenn marched her down the aisle to another rendition of the wedding march, and they posed for her uncle who took some photographs with his brand-new Kodak Box Brownie.
“Just wait until I get these developed,” said Larry. “You’ll have a lasting keepsake of this special day.”
“I’ll get the best one framed for your mantelpiece!” Eunice said as she showered the couple with grains of rice.
The wedding party moved into the church hall where trestle tables lined one wall. They were laden with sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. Larry took out his harmonica, and one of the neighbours opened the lid on the upright piano in the corner. Within minutes, music filled the room, and Hazel found herself in Glenn’s arms.
“Will my new wife dance with me?”
“I’ll be happy to, Glenn.” She took his hand.
All eyes were on the happy couple as Hazel allowed Glenn to guide her around the floor of the church hall in his self-assured way. She felt she was dancing on clouds.
People in the hall fell silent as they watched them gliding around the floor like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers. Hazel’s dress flared at the hem when Glenn turned or spun her, and she felt like a film star in his arms. He dipped her backwards over his arm a few times and each time he brought her back to his chest he kissed her. By the time the waltz ended, the wedding guests were applauding and whistling their appreciation of the performance.
Hazel felt dizzy. “Oh, dear! I think I’m out of breath!” She gripped her husband’s arm for support.
“Are you all right, Petal?” he asked and then lowered his voice, “I’m sorry. I should have thought about the baby. Come and sit down.”
“Don’t make a fuss,” she whispered. “I’m fine. It’s just with all this excitement, and I haven’t had a chance for it all to sink in yet. I still can’t believe we’re actually married.”
Glenn took her to a row of chairs and sat beside her. “Better now?” he asked.
She nodded. “I can’t believe I’m married to the best dancer in Yorkshire.”
“Only in Yorkshire, eh? Not the whole of Great Britain?”
“Well, possibly, but I’ve never been out of Yorkshire, so I wouldn’t know.”
“Well, we will have to put that right. I have a surprise for you, wife.”
“Do you?” Hazel felt a shiver of anticipation. “What is it?”
“I rented a little house on the Welsh coast for a week. We leave this afternoon.”
“What! But I can’t!” she protested. “We both have work on Monday, and I’ll have to pack and—.”
“Stop!” Glenn kissed her to stop her protestations. “I already asked Mrs Ward to give you time off. I bought the train tickets, and the hired car will take us to the rail station in time to catch the three-thirty train. A taxicab will collect us from the station in Wales. Your mam packed a suitcase for you. Everything is arranged.”
“Oh, Glenn.” Hazel felt tears filling her eyes. She knew her sweetheart could be thoughtful, but this surprise had surpassed anything she could have wished for. “I do love you!” As she said the words, she realised she meant them. Before, she had worried the attraction to Glenn might be merely physical, but now he was showing his softer, more caring side, and she finally understood that he was a man she could come to love very much.
“I should think you do love me, Petal. W
hy else would you have married me?”
She giggled and winked. “Well, we did have someone else to consider, didn’t we?” She glanced down at her tummy and whispered, “Our little one gave a little wriggle when I walked into the church and heard the wedding march, earlier. I think he or she approves.”
“You felt it move?” Glenn’s eyes flew wide.
Hazel nodded.
“I want to put my hand on your tummy and feel it, but I suppose that wouldn’t be right would it?”
Hazel giggled again. “Not here.”
“I can’t wait to get you alone.” He nuzzled her throat and whispered, “I’ll be able to make love to you properly in a proper bed. I can take my time and show you what real lovemaking can be like. We can stay in bed all day if we want to.”
“What if I want to see a bit of the Welsh countryside?”
“We should be able to make time for some sightseeing by about Wednesday, I think.” He chuckled into her ear, his warm breath sending shivers through her.
“Time enough for them shenanigans later, lad!” Bertie Bradshaw interrupted them. “Some folks are gagging for a drink. Where’s that barrel of beer you said you were getting?”
Glenn got up and shrugged at Hazel. “Sorry, love, better keep the old folks happy, eh?”
“Cheeky young imp!” Bertie gently cuffed his son around the head.
She laughed. It seemed strange to see Glenn being treated as a young boy by his father.
“Penny for them.” Irma Bradshaw came to sit beside her.
“I was thinking how strange it is to see Glenn being treated like a little boy by his father.”
“Our Glenn will always be our baby.” The older woman’s round face dimpled as she watched her son. “He’s a sensitive one, that one.”
“As I’m starting to find out.” Hazel realised she was only just beginning to understand her new husband. “He’s not like his older brothers, is he?”
“No, lass. They’re cut from rougher cloth than our Glenn. Don’t get me wrong, mind.” The dumpy woman leant closer. “He’s tough as old boots when he needs to be. He won’t stand for any nonsense. Not from anyone. Patrick used to call him a pansy when they were younger. He wouldn’t dare risk calling him names these days.” Irma laughed.
“Why would he call Glenn a pansy?” Hazel asked, watching her husband joking with his father as they poured the beer for the men-folks. “I don’t know anyone more manly than Glenn.”
“The dancing, love. You know how our Glenn loves to dance, and his singing…” Irma threw her head back and closed her eyes. “The voice of an angel, he has.”
“Well, you wouldn’t call Fred Astaire a pansy, would you?” Hazel chuckled. “I love the way Glenn dances.”
“He’ll be a sensitive husband, love. If he’s anything like his dad, he’ll keep you warm in bed, if you get my meaning.” She nudged Hazel gently.
Hazel blushed. She didn’t know how to respond to the indelicate comment.
“I’ve gone too far, haven’t I?” Irma sighed. “I meant no harm, love. I just wanted you to know what a good catch he is. I worry about him. Once you have that little one in your arms, you’ll know what I mean.”
“I know.” Hazel was quick to reassure Glenn’s mother. “I’m a lucky girl to have your son as my husband. I’ll treat him well, and I’ll look after him for you.”
Irma put her hand over Hazel’s. “Thanks, lass. That means a lot.”
Eunice came over with a glass of water. “I thought you might need a drink, love. Glenn said you went a bit dizzy.”
“Are you all right?” Irma asked, looking concerned.
“I’m fine, Mrs Bradshaw.”
“Call me Irma, love. Or mam. All my daughters-in-law call me mam.”
“Thanks, Mam.”
“I’ll leave you two girls to chat. I’m sure you’ll have a lot to talk about.”
Eunice waited for Glenn’s mam to move away before she spoke. “She seems nice.”
“She’s lovely. Glenn’s dad is nice too, but I don’t know about his brothers or their wives. I have a whole new family now, and I know it’ll take me months to sort them all out with which woman is married to which brother and which children belong to which parents.”
“You’ll soon settle in.”
“Yes, I think I will.” Hazel smiled as she watched her new family mingling with her neighbours and friends.
“That smile tells me you’re having happy thoughts. No regrets, then?”
“Not one, Eunice. Glenn is full of surprises.”
“He told you about Wales, then?”
Hazel opened her mouth and struggled to speak, but eventually asked, “How did you know about that?”
“Your new husband asked me to help with your packing.” Eunice nudged her and winked. “He gave me some money to buy some things for you from Mrs Wilson’s shop. It’s all part of the big surprise.”
Hazel was finding it difficult to close her mouth. “What did you buy?”
“You’ll see when you get there. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, now do I?” Eunice giggled. “You were right about him. I have to admit; I’m warming to this new husband of yours.”
“I’m glad, Eunice.” Hazel leant against her friend. “This day is turning into the best day of my life. I wish dad were here to see it.”
“I’m sure he’s smiling down on you, love. He’d be happy for you.”
“I wish I could be sure of that. He’s the only regret I have about today. If things had happened differently; if I’d admitted my affair with Glenn instead of trying to cover everything up and involving your Ray as we did… Well, dad might not have been so upset and…”
“You don’t know that, Hazel. Don’t torture yourself over what might or might not have happened differently. You can’t change it.”
“I wish I could.” Hazel didn’t like the guilty feeling that hung over her like a dark cloud when she thought about her father. “Dad might still be alive if I’d come clean about Glenn, and Ray wouldn’t have gone away and, oh, it’s such a mess isn’t it?” Hazel felt her heart contract with sorrow for what might have been.
“Don’t dwell on that. You were happy two minutes ago. Concentrate on the here and now. It’s your wedding day!”
Hazel smiled. Her friend was right. It would do no good to mope about things she couldn’t change. She had married Glenn, and he was taking her to Wales for their honeymoon.
“They’re filling the glasses for the speeches.” Eunice grabbed her hand. “This should be good. My dad’s been practising for days!”
“Oh, Lord! What’s he going to say?” Hazel giggled.
“Nothing bad. It’s all light-hearted and a bit sad in parts when he talks about your dad, but he ends on a flourish of laughs, so you’ve nothing to worry about.”
“I hope it won’t take long. Glenn said we’re catching the three-thirty train.”
“Come on.” Eunice pulled Hazel to her feet. “Let’s get a glass of sherry.”
Chapter 26 – Honeymoon
The tiny cottage on the hillside was charming and quaint, with tiny windows, whitewashed walls and a slate roof. Glenn had to stoop to enter the low door that had an arch of scented roses growing around it. The sheep surrounding the small house were their only neighbours, and Hazel was soon enjoying the peace and tranquillity of their little countryside haven.
Glenn kept his promises to show her the delights of marital love in a proper bed. She had enjoyed the physical side of their relationship only twice before the wedding, but her husband was introducing her to the finer points of lovemaking, and she fell asleep exhausted and thoroughly satisfied each night.
When she’d unpacked her suitcase, she was thrilled to find some silky underwear, just like the ones Glenn had spoilt that first night. She wore them for him and was delighted with his response.
“You look a picture, Mrs Bradshaw.”
“I’m glad you approve, husband.”
“You’d be
tter take them off, though. We wouldn’t want to spoil another pair of silky knickers. They cost a bloody fortune!”
They had collapsed on the bed in a fit of giggles, and as Hazel helped Glenn remove the fancy underwear, the giggles soon subsided as passion took over. Her husband was proving to be a proficient lover and seemed to enjoy bringing her to ecstasy as many times as he could. Hazel had no complaints about her new husband. He was full of surprises both in the bedroom and out of it.
Another gift she discovered in her suitcase was a beautiful silky dress wrapped in tissue. The pale-blue colour suited her complexion, but when she tried it on for Glenn, the dress was tight at the seams. Her new, fuller figure was not suited to the slinky style. Glenn explained it was to replace the pink one he’d ruined.
“But I can’t wear it here, love.” She’d giggled. “It isn’t suitable for a walk in the Welsh countryside, is it? And I’m not the right shape at the moment.” She’d pushed out her tummy to emphasise her more rounded proportions.
“It will save, and you can wear it after the baby is born, can’t you?”
She’d grinned at him. She was happy just to own the lovely dress. Glenn had kept all his promises, and she was feeling cherished.
By day they walked the hills or visited the wide, sandy beach and ate cockles and whelks on the seafront. They occupied their days with doing nothing but holding hands and talking about the future. Their nights were filled with love and pleasure as they explored each others’ bodies. One night, with the small fire burning low, they made love on the rug by the light of an old oil lamp.
Hazel wanted to try to please Glenn as much as he pleased her and she delighted in his responses to her inexperienced touch.
“Do you like it when I do this?” she’d asked him while stroking him intimately.
“I like anything you do, Petal. Your touch sends my heart racing.”
She’d sighed and continued her caresses, happy to know Glenn was enjoying himself just as much as she was.
Later, when they lay panting in each others’ arms, Glenn asked, “Will you promise me you’ll never stop loving me?”
Happiness for Hazel Page 25