by Ellie Dean
Peggy’s hand was clasped in his strong, warm fingers and she looked up into startlingly blue eyes, and the rugged, very attractive face of a man who looked as if he was more at home riding the range than standing beside one in her kitchen.
‘It’s very nice to meet you, I’m sure,’ she stammered. If she’d known how handsome he was she’d have had even more misgivings about this friendship and no mistake.
‘Thank you for inviting me,’ he said, ‘and I hope you’ll accept this special ration pack on behalf of the United States Army.’
As he drew out yet more tins of spam, ham and fruit, packets of sugar, flour, real butter, rice and more peas, Peggy wondered if she was dreaming.
‘I knew that Flight Lieutenant Stevens would also bring one of these, so I added a few bits and pieces which I hope you and the other womenfolk might appreciate as more personal gifts,’ he said quietly. He placed a dozen pairs of nylons on the table, along with yet more cigarettes, twelve gold-coloured powder compacts and matching tubes of lipstick.
‘I hope I have the numbers right,’ he said with a frown. ‘But if I haven’t there’s plenty more at the PX, which I’ll give to Sarah to bring back.’
‘It’s more than enough,’ Peggy said as she tried to take in all this largesse. ‘I’m overwhelmed to see so much food and lovely luxuries all in one place – and to think you’ve been so kind …’ She was almost in tears.
‘Ma’am, please don’t cry,’ said Captain Hammond softly. ‘I think I speak for all of us when I say we are most honoured by your invitation. Being so far from home and family, we really do appreciate you sharing your Christmas with us, and this is really only a very small token of our thanks.’
Peggy could no longer hold back the tears, and she gave him a tremulous smile in an attempt to ease his concern. ‘I always cry when I’m happy,’ she said distractedly. ‘Please don’t worry.’ She dabbed her eyes, wondering if she looked like a panda, for her mascara must be smudged by now.
‘Take those lovely compacts, nylons and lipsticks into the other room and make yourselves comfortable while Sarah and I put everything away. I’m sure Ron would be delighted to share out that whisky.’
As Rita and Cissy led them out of the room, Peggy set aside one of the packets of bacon and a tin of ham before handing Sarah the tins of spam and packets of rice. She had no fear now that she might run out of food for everyone.
‘Captain Hammond’s very handsome,’ she said casually as she carried the rest of the goodies to the larder. ‘How old did you say he was?’
‘I don’t think I did,’ said Sarah, her eyes twinkling. ‘But seeing as how interested you are, he’s thirty-eight, very married, has two children and a ranch in Wyoming. His passions are horses and cattle, and in his younger days he used to ride the bucking broncos at the rodeos. He likes country folk music, is a prolific reader and enjoys walking in our English countryside and going to the cinema and theatre.’
Peggy’s smile was wry. ‘It seems you know him very well,’ she replied. ‘Just be careful, Sarah. He’s very attractive and you’re both far from home and—’
‘He’s a friend, Auntie Peggy, and that is as far as it goes,’ Sarah interrupted firmly. ‘He knows all about Philip, and because he’s such a gentleman, I’ve never had to say anything else. He gives me a lift home sometimes, or comes into the office for a chat – but please don’t see more into this than there is. I’m still in love with Philip and prepared to wait for as long as it takes until I can be with him again.’
There was no mistaking the truth in the girl’s expression and Peggy was able to relax a bit – yet she knew from experience that friendships between men and women rarely worked, for sooner or later the spark that had attracted them in the first place could turn into something far more complicated.
‘You finish putting all this away while I add more water to that saucepan under the pudding before it boils dry. Then we can go and join the others. The meal won’t be ready for another hour, and I could do with a drop of whisky and perhaps try some of that fizzy dark drink with it.’
‘It’s a bit of an acquired taste,’ said Sarah, ‘and gives me the hiccups. But we get a lot of it up at Cliffe, so I’m getting used to it, and it’s delicious with whisky.’
Peggy made no comment, for she hadn’t known Sarah even drank whisky, but she did wonder if she and the very attractive Delaney Hammond shared the odd glass or two before he drove her home.
The Christmas dinner in the canteen had certainly lived up to its reputation and Mary had been so full after it that she’d almost fallen asleep during the afternoon. The repetitive work didn’t help, and her eyelids had grown heavier as the day had progressed.
‘Thank goodness that’s over,’ sighed Jenny as the hooter went and there was a mad scramble to clock off and get home. ‘I thought I was going to drop off and start snoring.’
Mary laughed. ‘So did I, but with old gimlet eyes Norris watching every movement, I didn’t dare.’ She fetched her things from her locker and Jenny pulled on her overcoat.
‘I’ll walk down the hill with you tonight,’ said Jenny, linking arms as they passed through the guarded gate. ‘There’s a party on at a friend’s house, and I’m in the mood for a good knees-up.’
Mary was glad of her company, for she still found it a bit of a trial walking in the darkness on her own. ‘Where do your friends live?’ she asked as they headed towards the humped-back bridge which would take them into town.
‘In the big house next to the hospital in Camden Road. There are eight of them sharing the house, which they rent from the owners who’ve gone to Wiltshire. Some are nurses, a couple work at the factory and the rest are girls I used to share with at the hostel.’
‘How are you getting on living up there? Is it still very noisy?’
Jenny nodded. ‘Worse than ever, really, now another woman and three small ones have moved in, but I’m hoping to move into the house in the New Year, because one of the nurses is getting married and leaving Cliffehaven.’ She laughed. ‘I can’t tell you how marvellous it’ll be to have a bit of space with no screaming children running about.’
They came to Camden Road. ‘Well, enjoy the party, and I’ll see you tomorrow,’ said Mary.
‘You’re welcome to come and join in the fun,’ said Jenny. ‘They’re a lovely bunch of girls and won’t mind at all.’
‘That’s really kind, but I sort of promised I might go to Peggy’s tonight. Besides, I need a bath and to get changed. I’ve been wearing these clothes for two days now.’
‘Well, the offer’s there. TTFN.’
‘Ta-ta for now,’ she called back. She was still smiling as she hurried along Havelock Road. And then, in the deep shadows of the overhanging trees, she saw the figure of a man detach itself from the darkness.
Her smile froze as her heart began to pound and she came to an abrupt halt. Poised to flee back towards Camden Road, she peered into the ever-shifting shadows of the wind-blown trees. ‘Who’s that?’
‘Mary? Mary, it’s me, Jack.’
‘Jack? Oh, Jack,’ she yelled as they ran towards each other. And then she was in his arms, lifted off her feet and being swung round, her bag and gas-mask box abandoned on the pavement.
He smothered her face in kisses and held her tightly until she was breathless. ‘I’m sorry if I frightened you, Mary,’ he said after they’d shared a lingering kiss. ‘But the old girl in there wouldn’t let me in, and I didn’t want to go back to the YMCA in case I missed you.’
‘Trust Doris to be awkward,’ she replied as she traced the lines of his face with her hands. ‘You’re frozen,’ she exclaimed. ‘Just how long have you been waiting for me?’
‘About an hour or so,’ he replied dismissively, ‘but that’s no hardship now I’ve found you.’
Mary kissed him again, so glad to feel his arms about her and to know that nothing had changed between them despite the long separation. ‘How long can you stay?’ she asked tentatively.
She leaned back in his embrace, her emotions a mixture of hope and dread. ‘Does that mean you failed the commando course?’
He grinned down at her and kissed the tip of her nose. ‘Of course not, silly. Passed with flying colours, didn’t I?’ He rammed on his beret, stood to attention and snapped off a salute. ‘You’re looking at Lance Corporal J. Boniface of Number Six Commando. At your service.’
Mary giggled nervously, for a sudden, awful fear had swept through her and she didn’t want him to see how badly his news had affected her. ‘Seeing as how you passed the course, I’m sure you’re brave enough to face Doris again while I get washed and changed.’
‘I’ve braved many things these past weeks, but your landlady is enough to terrify even the most hardened of men.’ He broke into a smile. ‘But I’m sure I’ll manage somehow with you at my side.’
Mary’s giggle was genuine as she retrieved her overnight bag, gas-mask box and handbag from the pavement before tugging at his arm and drawing him towards the front door. ‘We won’t stay long,’ she promised.
‘Before we go in, there’s something I want to give you,’ he said quickly.
She suddenly remembered the pot of brilliantine she’d sent him for Christmas. ‘Did you get my parcel? I know it wasn’t much, but I couldn’t think of what to send.’
He smiled down at her and ruefully ruffled his very short hair. ‘I certainly did, and although most of my hair has been butchered by the army barber, it helps to smooth down what I’ve got left.’
He drew a small square parcel from his uniform jacket pocket. ‘I didn’t have much time to buy anything, but I managed to get away into the nearest town the other afternoon to find you this.’ He handed it over. ‘I do hope you like it.’
Mary once again dropped her overnight bag so she could fumble with the string and paper and open the box. There, nestled in cotton wool, was a lovely bangle of twisted silver. ‘Oh, Jack,’ she breathed as she slipped it onto her wrist. ‘It’s the loveliest thing.’ She put her arms round his neck and kissed him passionately.
‘Goodness,’ he spluttered. ‘I must remember to give you a present every time I come on leave if that’s the thanks I’ll get.’
‘Don’t go getting any ideas, Jack Boniface,’ she teased. ‘Just because we’re far from home, doesn’t mean you can take liberties.’
He kept his arms around her, his voice soft. ‘Are you still wearing my locket?’
‘Oh, yes. It’s always right next to my heart.’ Realising things were getting a bit heated, she gave him a peck on the cheek, picked up her bag and slotted her key into the door. ‘Let’s get inside before we both freeze to death.’
Doris came out of the drawing room, her expression radiating disapproval. ‘I do not allow my boarders to have male visitors,’ she said imperiously.
‘This is Jack,’ said Mary, feeling the glow of her happiness warm her face. ‘He’s a friend from home and is only on leave for a couple of days. Would it be all right if he came in while I got washed and changed?’
‘He’ll have to wait in the dining room,’ said Doris. ‘I have guests in for drinks.’ She eyed Jack’s highly polished, spotlessly clean boots. ‘Take those off,’ she ordered. ‘I don’t want mud tramped into my carpets.’
Mary and Jack exchanged looks of amusement, and as he obediently unlaced his boots, Mary raced up the stairs.
She decided to forego the bath and have a thorough strip-wash instead, and having done so, she changed into her good skirt and blue sweater and brushed out her hair, which thankfully she’d washed that morning. Her mind whirled as she tried to think of somewhere they could go so they could be together and have the chance to talk in private. He clearly wasn’t welcome here and all the pubs were shut. Peggy’s house was full of visitors, the one remaining hotel had been requisitioned by the Canadian Army, and the YMCA was completely out of the question because women weren’t allowed over the doorstep.
She gave a sigh of frustration as she finished brushing her hair. If only Doris had been more approachable, they could have spent the evening in her dining room – but even if she had given permission, they would both have been uncomfortable. Doris was the sort to listen at the door and come in and out to make sure they weren’t up to anything – not that they would be. How different she was to Peggy, who would have welcomed him inside to wait for her, fed him and made him feel instantly at home.
Mary regarded her reflection in the mirror, noting how her eyes sparkled and her face shone with happiness. There was only one place to go, really, she decided as she draped Peggy’s blue scarf round her neck, checked that her locket hung straight, and pulled on her overcoat.
She hurried downstairs to where she could hear the clink of glasses and the chatter and laughter of a small gathering coming from the drawing room. She found Jack looking horribly miserable in his stocking-feet, sitting on the edge of a dining-room chair with his green beret clasped in his hands. Her heart went out to him and she could have slapped Doris for her thoughtlessness.
‘Get your boots on, Jack,’ she said. ‘We’re going somewhere we’ll both be welcome.’
‘I simply cannot have this room occupied any longer,’ said Doris from the doorway. ‘I need to set out the supper for my guests.’
Jack sprung to his feet as if on a parade ground.
‘That’s all right,’ said Mary flatly. ‘We’re just leaving.’
‘But I need you to help serve the buffet supper,’ said Doris. ‘Ivy has deserted me to go to some party, and Edward has returned to his apartment pleading indigestion and a headache. It’s most unreasonable of you to disappear and refuse to help after all I have done for you.’
Quite what she’d done for Mary was a bit of a mystery, but she didn’t pursue it. ‘As you’ve made it plain that Jack isn’t welcome here then I’m afraid you’ll just have to manage on your own.’
Doris went off to the kitchen in a huff and Mary chivvied Jack out into the hall and waited impatiently while he got his boots back on. ‘Tie the laces outside,’ she hissed. ‘If we hang about she might find something for both of us to do, and believe me, Jack, you won’t want to get stuck with that lot.’
They made their escape and once they were out of sight of the house, Jack tied the laces on his boots and then gave Mary a hearty kiss. ‘So, now you’ve slayed a dragon, where are you taking me?’
‘To Peggy Reilly’s house. You’ll get a warm welcome there, I can promise you that – and you’ll be allowed to keep your boots on,’ she added with a giggle.
‘Well, it can’t be a frostier welcome than her sister’s,’ he said with a grin as he adjusted the beret so it sloped towards one eye. ‘How come they’re so different? From all you’ve said in your letters, Peggy sounds the exact opposite of that haddock-faced, snooty old cow.’
‘Jack,’ Mary spluttered as she playfully slapped his arm. ‘You’re not in the barracks now, you know.’
‘Sorry,’ he said bashfully. ‘But she really did get my goat, Mary.’
‘I know, and I’ll forgive you anything now I’ve got you to myself for a while.’ She slid her hand into the crook of his arm, admiring her bracelet as they began to walk along Havelock Road. ‘By the way,’ she said, ‘I forgot to tell you how handsome you look in that uniform.’
He swaggered a bit and chuckled. ‘Glad you think so,’ he replied. ‘It took a great deal of effort to earn the right to wear it, I can tell you.’ He looked down at her and winked. ‘You don’t scrub up too badly either. This sea air and new life is obviously doing you good.’
She blushed as he gave her a peck on the cheek. ‘I’d like to hear about the course, and the men you’ve been training with. Is it really as tough as you make out, or is that
just all talk to impress us girls?’
‘It’s the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do,’ he said as they crossed the High Street and strolled along Camden Road.
As he talked about the barracks, the other young recruits who’d volunteered to try for the commandos and the torturous obstacle courses and tough training they’d gone through, Mary realised just how much he had actually enjoyed the comradeship of other men, and being challenged both physically and mentally to be his very best.
‘Out of the thirty of us who were in our troop we lost nineteen. There were some injuries, but mostly it was a matter of lack of stamina or determination. You had to really want it, Mary, to be utterly focused and determined to get through, or you simply couldn’t make it.’ He grinned down at her. ‘There were a couple of times I was tempted to pack it all in, but you know me – once I start a thing I like to see it through.’
‘Where will they send you, do you think?’
‘I really don’t know, and even if I did, I wouldn’t be allowed to tell you. My guess is it will probably be North Africa – but actually, it could be anywhere.’
Mary thought about the commandos that had been killed or captured during the disastrous Dieppe Raid, and her heart beat just that little bit faster. She gripped Jack’s arm, never wanting to let him go.
‘Hey,’ he said softly as he came to a halt. ‘Don’t worry about me, Mary. I’m part of an elite force, trained to the hilt and ready to do my bit. I’ll be fine, really I will.’
She closed her eyes on her tears as he kissed her lightly on the lips. She had to believe he would come through – for if she didn’t then she would be lost. She snuggled into his side as he kept his arm round her shoulders and they began to walk again.
As they headed towards the shops she saw two people on the opposite pavement and recognised them immediately. It was Findlay and Eileen – and they were deep in conversation.
Mary kept her chin dipped into her coat collar and, shielded by Jack’s sturdy figure, managed to pass by without them even noticing. What was it with those two? Eileen had been so scathing about him, and yet here she was, on Christmas night, once more deep in some intimate conversation with him.