The Dover Cafe On the Front Line, page 31
‘Well, I came into Dover with some guys, and as we drove past the garage, I thought I’d stop in and say hello. But your boss told me you were here so . . .’ He trailed off as he noticed the wedding cake. ‘Oh. Are you getting married?’ He sounded disappointed.
Edie blushed. ‘Oh, no! No. No, not me.’
He nodded and smiled. ‘So that’s a no, is it?’
Edie reddened even more, embarrassed by her awkwardness.
Lily, who’d been watching the meeting with interest, intervened then. ‘Don’t worry, she’s still single. Not even a sniff of a boyfriend.’
Edie threw a furious glance at her sister. ‘Shut up, Lily,’ she hissed.
‘Ah. The infamous Lily Castle. Very pleased to make your acquaintance. And sorry to hear about your run-in with the Nazis.’
‘So what’s your name? Seeing as my sister hasn’t seen fit to introduce us.’
‘Greg Manning,’ he said. ‘And I’m hurt that you seem to have forgotten me,’ he said to Edie, who looked away; she had forgotten him, but now that he was standing in front of her, she couldn’t imagine how he could have slipped her mind.
‘Well, Greg Manning, we’re having a bit of a party tomorrow for my other sister’s wedding if you’d care to come and join us.’
Greg raised his eyebrows. ‘Maybe I will,’ he said with a lazy smile. ‘As long as Edith doesn’t mind.’
Edie huffed. ‘My name is Edie, and if you want to join us, don’t let me stop you. But I still don’t understand what you’re doing here.’
He shrugged, looking bashful. ‘I just wanted to ask—’ He caught the challenging expression on Edie’s face. ‘Uh, make sure you’re all right.’
‘As you can see, I’m fine,’ Edie said, turning to walk back to the kitchen.
Lily ginned at Greg. ‘Don’t worry, she’s not really angry. That’s just the way she is when she’s nervous.’
Greg’s eyes were following Edie’s progress, but at Lily’s words, he glanced at her and smiled. ‘If that’s the case, then I’ll definitely come tomorrow.’ He grinned. ‘But I can see you’re busy, so I’ll leave you to it. Goodbye, Edith,’ he called, and laughed when an indignant voice floated back through the door. ‘It’s Edie.’
‘I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.’ He tipped his hat as he left and Lily bolted the door behind him, before rushing back to the kitchen.
‘Who was that? And how do you know him?’ she asked avidly.
Edie shrugged. ‘Just some man.’ She explained how they’d met. ‘You shouldn’t have invited him! This is Marianne’s wedding for her and Alfie’s friends, not some free-for-all for every Tom, Dick and Harry.’
‘Oh, stop moaning. Charlie’s going to come down as well, so he’ll blend in just fine. Anyway, that’s not the point. What Polish pilot?’
Edie shrugged. ‘That’s just it. I didn’t know him. I mean, I did. At the dance, we had a little kiss and a dance, but I never saw him again. It’s just so sad. If I’d realised I’d have made more of an effort.’
‘Huh. If you tried to comfort every sad, lonely serviceman in Dover, you’d get yourself a reputation,’ Lily said. ‘You’re right, though. It is sad. But then, maybe it was meant to be; if that poor man hadn’t died, you’d never have met Greg.’ She clapped her hand over her heart and fluttered her eyelashes. ‘It’s all so romantic.’
Edie stomped out of the kitchen, without another word, leaving Lily giggling quietly to herself. Her sister was so easy to wind up.
Chapter 40
Marianne woke early, her stomach in knots, and peered round the blackout curtain. The moon was hanging low in the lightening sky as it made its way beneath the horizon and the castle was a great shadow looming over the quiet streets. It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day.
Lying back down, she gazed at the gorgeous dress hanging on the cupboard door. Did she deserve this happiness, she wondered, considering the chaos in the world? Was it wrong to snatch a moment just for herself? Sometimes, as the casualties around Dover mounted and the news from London worsened, it felt that people had become inured to the lives that were lost. No, she thought, that wasn’t right; they were just better at hiding the hurt. Better at carrying on as though nothing untoward was happening. And how would it be, she wondered, if one day it was one of her loved ones who died? Could she still keep calm and carry on?
Beside her, Lily stirred and opened her eyes. For this final night before her wedding the three sisters had slept in the same room again, like old times.
‘Happy wedding day, sis.’ She smiled sleepily. ‘Do you want a cup of tea? Breakfast in bed?’
‘Just tea. No food. I think I’d be sick if I ate anything.’
Lily sat up. ‘What’s up?’
Marianne sighed. ‘I don’t know if I deserve this.’ She gestured at the dress.
‘Your dress?’
‘No. Alfie, the wedding. This happiness.’
Lily threw back the covers and went to sit on her sister’s bed. ‘Why wouldn’t you?’
‘It just doesn’t seem fair. How can I be so happy when there are people like the Guthries and the Masseys who will never be happy again?’
Edie sat up then. ‘Honestly, Marianne, do you have to think so deeply about everything? Life is full of tragedy and heartache. Take the happiness while you can. You don’t know what lies around the corner, so hold it close, enjoy every moment, and cherish Alfie for what he brings today. Don’t waste time worrying what might happen tomorrow.’
Marianne smiled. ‘You’ve got a wise head on those shoulders, Edie. You’re right.’
‘And the first thing you’re going to enjoy is a bath.’ Lily got up. ‘So sit there while I go make the tea and Edie runs the bath.’
Marianne sat back against the pillows. ‘Go on then. Do you think I should check on Jasper later; make sure he’s coming?’
‘Don’t worry about him. He said he’d be here so he will be. Just relax. Me and Edie’ll take care of everything,’ Lily said.
Marianne sighed. They were right. Today of all days she needed to trust that everything would turn out all right.
*
By twelve o’clock, the food was laid out on the tables; Marianne was getting ready upstairs, helped by Daisy and her sisters; Donny, in the grey suit with a pale blue tie that Nellie had bought him, had been scooped up and taken to the church by a nervous Alfie – looking handsome in his khaki dress uniform, his buttons shining and his hair carefully slicked back – for a last quick rehearsal with the trumpet. Jim and Bert had been with him, but though Jim had popped in to say hello, Bert had stayed outside the back door. Nellie had gone out to find him leaning against the wall smoking a cigarette and though he’d nodded at her, he’d avoided her eyes. She’d waited a moment, but then turned and left him to it.
Though they were closed today, the café was still a hive of activity as people popped in to wish them well and to leave small presents for the bride and groom: pots of jam, some bottles of beer, and an awful lot of teapots. Nellie chuckled at the sight of them. Fancy bringing a teapot for a girl who works in a café.
‘Any chance of a quick peek at the bride?’ Tom Burton, the cobbler, asked Nellie, as he placed a small shoe ornament on the table.
‘Are you joking, Tom?’ she asked. ‘Why would she come down for you, and not for anyone else?’
The man looked sheepish. ‘I just loves a wedding,’ he said. ‘Maybe cos I never had one of me own.’
Nellie smiled. ‘You’re a sentimental old fool.’
‘Bleedin’ heck, Nell. Did the paint factory explode over ya or something?’ Lou Carter entered at that moment and put her hand to her forehead to shade her eyes.
‘What? You don’t like it?’ Nellie did a twirl, admiring again how the bright colours swirled together like a kaleidoscope. ‘I made it meself, if you must know, from some curtains I got cheap at Turpenny’s. And if only you’d asked, I’d have made you something an’ all.’ Lou was wearing a shapeless black dress, under her beige work coat.
Lou looked offended. ‘This is me best dress. I just change me hat depending on the occasion.’
‘If you say so,’ Nellie said as Ethel and Phyllis came in, both wearing their Sunday best, Ethel carrying a brown-paper-wrapped package. They’d be at the church today, while their husbands stayed behind to hold the fort.
‘Mornin’ all,’ Ethel called out merrily. ‘A beautiful day for a weddin’.’ She stopped short at the sight of Nellie, her mouth dropping open briefly. She recovered quickly, however, and deposited her package on the table. ‘Just a little somethin’ for Marianne’s bottom drawer.’ She shook her head. ‘It’s like when I married my Brian. Off he went to war the next day and there was me stuck with me mum and dad for another three years. And me a woman of twenty-nine! Just like your Marianne, eh? And my Reenie. Bless her. Always thought she’d be with us forever after that upset with her mum and dad. But looks like we might have some happy news soon, eh, Nell?’
‘Wouldn’t that be a turn-up for the books?’ Nellie smiled, but in her heart she wasn’t at all sure about Jim and Reenie. People tended to make rash decisions during wartime; eager to snatch what happiness they could in case it was their last chance. But then in some cases it was, so who was she to criticise?
‘I like your dress,’ Ethel said unconvincingly.
‘Thanks, love. I feel the mother of the bride has a duty to look her best.’
A couple of soldiers came in then and stared at Nellie. ‘Jesus, Mrs C,’ one of them said, ‘you should have a health warnin’ on that thing.’
‘We are shut, Private!’ Nellie snapped. ‘For a weddin’, if you must know.’
The man held up his hands. ‘I forgot. Wish Marianne the best.’ He backed out, straight into a woman wearing a blue dress with a feathered blue hat and carrying a large bouquet of red roses.
‘Here she is,’ Nellie cried. ‘My fellow angel of the caves.’ Since Mrs Palmer had covered for her with Roger, Nellie wouldn’t hear a word said against the woman, despite the fact that she frequently enraged people with her organising and bossiness.
‘Good morning, Nellie. I come bearing gifts,’ she tittered. ‘Gladys is busy arranging flowers at the church and she asked me to bring these for Marianne.’
Nellie’s smile slipped. She’d hoped that on this day of all days, Gladys would have set aside her anger and come to support her family. But then, Gladys could be a sanctimonious old cow at times. Then she shook her head, ashamed of the thought. She shouldn’t blame Gladys; she should have known that if Gladys said she wouldn’t come back until Nellie had told everyone the truth, she meant it.
‘Is everything all right?’ Mrs Palmer said as she set the bouquet carefully down on the counter.
Nellie nodded. ‘Why on earth wouldn’t it be? Have a cup of tea, love,’ she said, picking up a cup and saucer.
‘No, I can’t stay. I’ve promised Gladys I’d go back to help. Although I won’t deny it was a relief to get away from young Donny’s trumpet, bless him. I must say your boys are looking very handsome today, and Rodney said to let you know he’d arrived.’
After a quick cup of tea, Ethel and Phyllis left as well, and Nellie was alone in the café. She glanced at the clock. Surely he’d be here soon? Footsteps on the stairs sounded and Daisy came in, looking beautiful in a pink suit with a large boxy jacket and a slim skirt. There was a rosebud in her buttonhole and the outfit was completed by a pink hat with a small veil, underneath which, her white-blonde hair was curled into an immaculate victory roll.
‘She’s all set, Mrs C. And the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.’ She smiled happily. ‘Oh, it’s wonderful to be back. The country is all well and good, but nothing beats being in Dover, with the sea on the doorstep and my friends around the corner.’
‘And we miss you too, love. Where you off to?’
‘I’ve got to give Maggie a quick feed before the ceremony, or she’ll be yelling her head off. I’ll see you there soon.’
Nellie watched Daisy as she skipped down the road towards New Bridge, a bright spot of colour standing out in the crowd of khaki and blue. A sound behind her made her turn her head quickly as Jasper walked into the café and her heart leapt as she drank in the sight of him, realising how much she’d missed him over the past couple of weeks. Normally, Jasper would come straight to her, a smile on his face. But today he stared at her silently, his eyes moving over her dress. For the first time she felt self-conscious. Did he think it was too much as well? He’d never criticised her colourful dress sense before. In fact, he’d once told her that he loved the fact that wherever she went, she brought colour to the scene. She smiled uncertainly and he nodded back. His cheeks, usually covered in bristles, were smooth and she could see a shaving cut on his chin. His shirt collar stood up stiffly around his neck, the points digging into his jowls, and around his neck was a pink silk cravat, with a small silver horseshoe pin. Under his arm he held a helmet, which he’d painted to match his light-grey suit. At least some things never changed, she thought with a faint smile, the man never went anywhere without his tin hat. But what the hell had he done to his hair? Usually bushy and uncontrollable, it had been cut short and slicked down with brilliantine. She didn’t like it. She preferred his bushy head and bristly cheeks. But he’d done this for Marianne, to show respect for her big day, and the thought of the effort he’d put in made her heart clench.
‘You look . . . really handsome, Jasper,’ Nellie said.
‘And you look colourful as always.’
She couldn’t tell from his expression whether that was a good thing or not. ‘I’ve missed you,’ she whispered, surprising herself; she hadn’t intended to say that.
He raised his eyebrows. They’d been trimmed as well. ‘Have yer?’
She nodded.
‘Good.’
Lily came down the stairs then, calling over her shoulder. ‘Marianne! Jasper’s arrived!’ She threw her arms round his neck. ‘Thank God you’re here,’ she said, planting a kiss on his cheek. ‘Ooh, smoother than a baby’s bum.’ She stared at his outfit. ‘Crikey, Jasper! You’ve pushed the boat out.’
He grinned. ‘Only the best for Marianne.’ He held Lily slightly away from him, taking in her blue silk dress. ‘Don’t you look a picture!’ He looked up the stairs as Edie followed Lily down. ‘Both of you.’
Lily twirled around. ‘Do you like the dresses? Daisy made them. But wait till you see Marianne.’
Jasper stood at the bottom of the stairs and watched as Marianne walked carefully down. He let out a long, low whistle. ‘Oh, Marianne, love. You look . . . You look just like your mum did on her wedding day.’
Marianne laughed uncertainly. ‘Is that good?’ she asked.
‘Oh, yes. It’s good.’
Nellie felt her heart leap with hope. Perhaps she’d be able to get him to change his mind. Maybe they could go back to the way they were, and she’d never have to tell Lily the truth.
But then she remembered Bert’s expression when he confronted her and realised that now he knew – as well as Pauline – she had no choice.
‘So what’s the form?’ Jasper asked. ‘Should you three go on, then me and Marianne will give it five minutes and follow behind? Give you a chance to get in position?’
Nellie shook her head. ‘Let’s go together,’ she said. She went to Marianne and kissed her on both cheeks. ‘I’m so proud of you, love. And so happy that you’ve found Alfie. You couldn’t have done better.’
Marianne’s smile wobbled. Suddenly, she collapsed against her mother. ‘Oh, Mum, why am I scared? Is this normal?’
Nellie rubbed her daughter’s back. ‘Course it is, love. You should have seen me on my wedding day. Felt sick as a dog till I got to the church door and saw your dad at the end of the aisle and remembered why I was doing it. Because I loved him. Just as you love Alfie.’ Nellie’s eyes rose and she stared at Jasper. He flinched slightly and looked away.
Marianne nodded against her mother’s shoulder. ‘I love him so much, Mum, that I think I’d die if anything happened to him.’
‘Course you wouldn’t. You’re stronger than you think.’
Marianne stood up, wiping her cheeks as Jasper put his arm around her. ‘Come on, Marianne. Chin up. Today’s gonna be the best day of your life.’
She smiled. ‘I know. And I am happy. I really am.’
Nellie kissed her again then pulled the veil down over her face before handing her the enormous bouquet of roses. ‘Come on then. It’s time to put Alfie out of his misery.’
Marianne let out a little laugh. ‘He knows I’d never let him down.’
‘Not right now he doesn’t.’ Jasper took her arm. ‘If I don’t miss my guess, the lad’ll be standing at the front of the church fiddling with his tie, mopping his brow and turning around every five seconds to see if you’ve arrived.’
‘And not only that, you’ve got a young boy who’s itching to play his bloomin’ trumpet and the sooner he starts the sooner it’ll be over.’ Nellie chuckled, as she picked up her large black bag and walked towards the front door, Edie and Lily following closely behind.
As they stepped out onto the pavement, they moved to the side, making space for Marianne and Jasper. It was a warm autumn day, and to their left, the sea was sparkling under a bright blue sky and the market square was bustling with Saturday morning shoppers. As one, everyone turned and cheered as Marianne walked out on Jasper’s arm. Lou Carter let out a loud wolf whistle and soon a chorus of ‘Here comes the bride’ was ringing around the square.
Nellie waved regally, while Marianne smiled shyly at the crowd. ‘See you all later,’ Nellie called. ‘Come over whenever you like, the party’ll be going on long into the night.’
The singing and whistling continued as the wedding party started to make their way up Cannon Street. But they’d only taken a few steps when a loud crash made them jump and turn towards the seafront. In an instant, the happy shouts turned to screams as the now familiar whistle of a shell soared over their heads.
As one, everyone froze, and a second later, an explosion ripped through the air, making them duck, hands above their heads.
