The Winter Rose, page 13
Standing up, Aled placed the chair back under the table. ‘Maybe she didn’t. But, while I don’t want to appear overly dramatic, her actions could have caused my demise, and I’m only lucky that so far that hasn’t been the case.’
Cadi lowered her head, before gazing up at Aled through her lashes. ‘I know what you’re saying is true, but no one knows what the past could have held, had we done things differently. Had you passed the pilot’s test, as you were no doubt meant to, you could have been one of many who never made it back.’
‘That’s of little consolation,’ muttered Aled.
‘Maybe, but you can’t hang her for what could’ve happened.’
He rested his hands against the back of the chair. ‘Why do you care what happens to Daphne?’
‘She was desperate, Aled, and people do silly things when they’re in love. And there’s no doubt in my mind that Daphne loves you with all her heart – she’d not have shown such remorse otherwise.’
Aled leaned forward. ‘She nearly ruined yours and Jez’s engagement.’
Cadi blushed. ‘Only because I’d tried to make her jealous in the first place. Had I not been so silly, I dare say she’d never have written the stupid letter.’ She hesitated before adding, ‘And we both know the letter wasn’t the only thing that caused Jez to be jealous.’
Aled chuckled softly. ‘Maybe not. But Jez had better get used to it, because you’re a beautiful, kind, caring woman, Cadi Williams, and I won’t be the only man to say so.’
Cadi cursed the blush that threatened to invade her cheeks. ‘Always the charmer, Aled – it must be the Welsh in you.’
He winked at her. ‘Jez is lucky to have you. I wish I had half his luck.’
Cadi pulled the tray of food towards her. ‘What do you think you’ll do now?’
Aled shrugged. ‘Have a long think. I certainly won’t dive in head-first, not until I’ve had a chance to find out the answers to a few questions. That way, I can suss out the lie of the land. I want to make certain I have all the facts before I say anything to Daphne.’
She eyed him inquisitively. ‘You mean proof?’
Aled nodded. ‘Definitely. I don’t want to snooker myself, so I’ll be sure to have all holes covered.’ Seeing the rueful look on Cadi’s face, he continued, ‘In all honesty, this was bound to come out sooner or later.’
Cadi swallowed a mouthful of stew. ‘How?’
Aled sat back down in the chair. ‘I was going to keep it a secret, because I didn’t fancy making a fool of myself second time around, but seeing as you’ve been honest with me …’ He grinned. ‘I’ve been thinking about reapplying for my wings.’
Cadi eyes widened. ‘Oh. Aled, that’s wonderful!’
He twinkled at her across from the table. ‘I’ve always been miffed about that bloomin’ exam and, if I’m honest, I put it down to either nerves or cockiness.’ He grinned mischievously at her. ‘You, of all people, should be able to relate to that.’
Cadi laughed. ‘What, you? Cocky? Never!’
‘Exactly!’ He rolled his eyes. ‘Golly, I was a little twerp, wasn’t I?’
Cadi pretended to straighten her face. ‘No comment.’
Aled drummed his fingers against the table surface. ‘Very diplomatic.’
She smiled. ‘I’ve learned a lot in the WAAF.’
Aled roared with laughter. ‘Like how to hold your tongue, because you never had that skill before – not as I remember it.’ He eyed her affectionately. ‘There never were any hairs on your tongue, Cadi Williams.’
She raised her brow fleetingly. ‘I can’t be like that in the WAAF, though.’ Remembering the ride down with the officer, she added, ‘Calling an officer a boring snore might be frowned upon.’
‘Possibly, although I dare say they’ve been called far worse behind their backs.’
She watched him with great fondness. Cadi had once described Aled as a mean, spoilt, spotty little oik. But not any more. He had grown into a handsome man with a heart of gold. She gave herself a mental shake. ‘Any road, I’m sure you’ll make a wonderful pilot.’
He grinned. ‘So am I.’ His smile faltered. ‘Especially with no outside interference.’
‘Good job you decided not to tell Daphne,’ said Cadi, ‘although I wonder what she’d do second time round?’
‘I’d hope she’d stay true to her word and not interfere again – that’s if she’s genuine, of course,’ said Aled, somewhat doubtfully.
Cadi scooped the last bit of stew onto her fork. ‘Just how do you intend to prove her guilt?’
Aled viewed her over steepled fingers. ‘I’ll have to get my hands on my old papers – they’ll be archived somewhere.’
‘How long will that take?’
He shrugged. ‘That’s the trouble; and not only that, but how will I lay my hands on them in the first place?’
‘It might leave you with more questions than answers.’
He sighed heavily. ‘I’m going to need to have a long, hard think on how to handle this, but no matter how I decide to go ahead, the outcome will remain unchanged.’
Cadi looked at him expectantly. ‘How do you mean?’
‘Daphne and I are over.’
It was the following morning, and Cadi – unable to use the staff car for anything other than military business – was haring down the road that led to Huskisson Dock. As she neared, she could see a few men in RAF uniform getting out of the back of a military truck. Her stomach lurched. It had to be Jez and his companions, unless he was already on board, of course. She cursed inwardly at the wagon driver who had double-parked, delaying the bus journey by a good ten minutes. Holding on to her cap, she ran down onto the dock, where she began desperately looking round the men, trying to see if she could catch a glimpse of Jez, but he was nowhere to be seen. Looking back at the truck, her heart soared when she saw him talking to a Waaf who Cadi presumed had driven them to their destination, but on closer examination, her heart plummeted as she realised the driver was Daphne. After gleaning the knowledge that she had in the past few days, Cadi really didn’t wish to go anywhere near the other woman, but if she wanted to see Jez, she’d have to bite the bullet and make herself known. As she approached them she realised they weren’t chatting, but arguing. She cleared her throat.
As he turned to see who was interrupting, Jez’s frown dissipated. ‘Cadi!’
Her eyes flickered towards Daphne before returning to Jez. ‘We haven’t got long.’
Nodding, he began to walk away, but Daphne grasped him by the elbow, stopping him short. ‘I’m sorry! I don’t know what else you want me to say.’
Jez spoke through thin lips. ‘I don’t want you to say anything. I was just letting you know, that’s all.’
Daphne turned to Cadi. ‘I swear I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.’
Cadi held up a hand to silence her. ‘My fiancé is leaving for Africa and I don’t intend to stand here arguing the toss with you.’ Taking Jez’s hand in hers, she led him over to the gangplank. ‘Trust her to show up on your last day.’
He grimaced. ‘I know. I didn’t recognise her at first, but as soon as I realised who she was, I couldn’t hold my tongue.’
‘I don’t blame you, but you shouldn’t let the likes of Daphne get under your skin.’
‘I wouldn’t normally, but I guess the thought of leaving Blighty put me in a bad mood.’ He placed his arm around her shoulders. ‘Let’s forget about her. How’re Bill and Maria?’
Cadi felt her cheeks begin to colour. ‘I didn’t arrive until late last night, so I’ve not had time to see them. What’s more, Officer Faulkner wants to be off at twelve o’clock sharp, so I won’t be able to pop in for even the quickest of hellos,’ she said, although she knew this to be a fib. The real reason she hadn’t called in on Bill and Maria was because she didn’t want to lie to them, by not telling them what she was up to.
Jez looked at his wristwatch. ‘We’ve got five minutes.’
Cadi glanced at the enormous ship that would be taking Jez to Africa. ‘So, this is going to be your home for the next few weeks.’
Jez followed her gaze. ‘It certainly is. In some respects I’m rather looking forward to seeing how the other half live.’
A thin line creased Cadi’s brow. ‘Other half?’
‘The Navy, of course. I’ve often wondered how the services differ and whether I made the right choice in joining the RAF.’
A sudden thought entered Cadi’s mind, causing her stomach to lurch unpleasantly. ‘Can you swim?’
Jez laughed. ‘Of course I can swim. I don’t think there can be many lads who haven’t gone for a dip down the Scaldies at some time or other.’ Seeing the blank expression on Cadi’s face, he elaborated, ‘That’s what they call the pools at the Tate and Lyle factory.’
Cadi felt her tummy settle. ‘At least that’s something.’
He turned her to face the ship. ‘Try not to worry – she’s a sturdy-looking vessel.’
Seeing the other men begin to board the ship, Cadi buried her face against Jez’s chest. ‘I wish we had longer.’
He enveloped her in his arms. ‘Once I get back we’ll have all the time in the world.’
‘I guess that’s the price you pay when you’re the pick of the crop,’ she said miserably.
Jez’s eyelids fluttered guiltily. He dreaded to think what Cadi would say if she knew that he’d volunteered for the post.
Hearing an officer calling for everyone to board, Jez kissed Cadi, softly at first, but growing in passion as the seconds slipped away. Aware that he was the last man on the dock, he reluctantly parted from his belle.
‘I’ll be back before you know it, and I’ll write every day,’ he promised.
Wiping her eyes free from tears, Cadi tried to put on a brave face. ‘Missing you already,’ she murmured through trembling lips.
She watched Jez, who had joined his fellow shipmates on the starboard deck. Her stomach dropped as a man pulled away the gangplank. There was no going back now. She waved furiously to Jez, who blew her kisses. Hearing the ship sound its warning that it was about to weigh anchor, Cadi allowed the tears to flow. This might be the last time she saw Jez for what would be months – if not longer. With the ship under way, she turned to head for the bus stop, only to be waylaid by Daphne, who had sunk into step beside her.
‘I know you know about the letter, because Jez told me,’ said Daphne. She flapped her hands in an exasperated fashion. ‘It was a stupid thing for me to do, and I don’t have any excuse other than that I was jealous of you.’ She started to jog in order to keep up with Cadi, who was walking determinedly towards the bus stop. ‘I was frightened that Aled liked you better than he did me and I wanted to put him off, but I never meant to cause trouble between you and Jez, no matter how it might have looked as if I did.’ She laid a hand on Cadi’s arm in a bid to slow her down. ‘The last thing I wanted was to split you up – far from it. Please believe me.’
Feeling the colour growing in her cheeks, Cadi stopped abruptly. ‘I know you didn’t mean to cause a divide between me and Jez, but whether you meant to or not doesn’t matter, because that’s what happened.’
‘I know,’ said Daphne miserably, ‘and I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am and …’ She fell silent.
‘And what?’ asked Cadi, who was interested, despite herself.
‘And I’ve no right to ask you to keep quiet, but I really don’t want other people knowing what I’ve done – especially Aled.’
Cadi raised an eyebrow. She knew Daphne was referring to the letter, but she herself was thinking about the exam papers that Daphne was responsible for fixing. ‘I’m not surprised,’ muttered Cadi.
Seeing the bus that she was due to catch approaching the stop, she began to jog towards it. ‘I haven’t got time for this. That’s my bus and if I miss it—’ She stopped speaking as the driver of the bus slowed briefly, before speeding up again. Waving frantically, Cadi began running, but neither the driver nor the passengers were looking in her direction.
She stamped her foot angrily. ‘Bloomin’ brilliant. I’ve got to be back at Speke before twelve – some hope of that now!’
Daphne smiled meekly. ‘I could always give you a lift?’
For two pins Cadi would have told the other girl what she could do with her offer, but needs must, when the devil drives. Sighing heavily, she turned to face Daphne. ‘Thanks.’
Daphne hurried over to the cab of her lorry. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll have you there in a jiffy.’
Cadi rolled her eyes. This was not how she imagined her day panning out, and she wondered what the others would say if they could see her now. Climbing into the passenger seat, she waited for Daphne to start the engine.
Taking her place behind the wheel, Daphne pushed the lorry into gear. ‘I’m sorry if you missed the bus because of me. It seems I can’t do right for doing wrong lately.’
Cadi remained silent. If Daphne knew of the conversation Cadi had had with Aled the previous evening, she very much doubted Daphne would be offering her a lift.
With no conversation forthcoming from Cadi, Daphne continued, ‘I think Jez is very brave, volunteering to go to Africa.’
Cadi frowned. ‘Jez didn’t volunteer. He got called upon because he’s the best mechanic in the RAF.’
Daphne appeared perplexed. ‘Oh? I assumed he’d volunteered, like the others.’
‘Well, you assumed wrong then,’ snapped Cadi irritably.
Realising that she had ruffled Cadi’s feathers, Daphne waited until they were nearly at the station before speaking again. ‘I don’t know whether you know, but Aled and I are an item.’
Cadi wished the ground would swallow her up. The last thing she wanted was to discuss Daphne and Aled’s relationship. Not wanting to give anything away, she kept her eyes on the road ahead. ‘Congratulations.’
‘You probably don’t think I deserve him,’ said Daphne quietly, ‘but I swear to you I’ll never pull another stunt like that.’
Cadi stared stoically at the road ahead, willing the station to appear. The woman had some nerve, considering that she’d done far worse to Aled – and for two pins Cadi would have said so, but she knew it wasn’t her place. Resting her chin against her fingers, she mumbled, ‘Glad to hear it.’
‘I think the world of him,’ continued Daphne, ‘and I’ve great hopes for our future.’
Cadi turned to stare out of the window, hoping Daphne wouldn’t see the blush that was creeping up her neck. To her enormous relief, she saw the base loom into view. All she had to do was hold her tongue for a couple more minutes.
As they neared the gate, Daphne pulled the lorry to a halt. She spoke hurriedly to Cadi, who was opening the door. ‘Please don’t tell Aled about the letter. I know you haven’t, as of yet, because Jez told me.’
This was the sort of thing Cadi had been dreading. To agree not to say anything to Aled would be an out-and-out lie, but to admit she’d already spilled the beans? It didn’t bear thinking about. She opted for an evasive answer as she vacated the vehicle. ‘I can’t make any promises.’
Daphne leaned across the seat as Cadi turned to close the passenger door behind her. ‘I promise you’ll never see or hear from me again, if you keep shtum.’
Cadi kept her head lowered as she spoke. ‘Like I’ve already said, I can’t make any promises.’ Closing the door behind her, she hurried to the gate and, after showing her pass, raced to the hut to collect her things. She had five minutes before they were due to leave and she couldn’t afford to waste another second. Inside the hut she collected her bag, which was packed and ready to go. Rushing out of the hut, she collided with Aled, who was staring at her in disbelief.
‘Do my eyes deceive me, or did I just see you sharing a lift with Daphne?’
Cadi rolled her eyes. ‘I’ve not got time, Aled, but long story short: yes, not that I wanted to, mind you.’ She glanced at the staff car. ‘I’ve really got to go, I’m already running late – that’s why Daphne gave me a lift. I promise I’ll call and explain everything properly as soon as I get back, but for the record, I’ve not said a word about the exam papers, or anything else for that matter.’
Aled nodded sternly. ‘Glad to hear it.’
Still hurrying, Cadi arrived at the car moments before the officer. It had certainly been an eventful twenty-four hours, and not one she wanted to repeat in a hurry. Looking on the bright side, she’d done everything she’d come to do and even though she hadn’t relished having to spend time in Daphne’s presence, it had been worth it, to say goodbye to Jez.
Watching Cadi drive through the open gate, Aled wondered quite how she had come to be in the same vehicle as his girlfriend – he corrected himself, his former girlfriend. He knew Cadi wouldn’t blab to Daphne, but his mind boggled to think about what conversation had passed between the two women. With no choice other than to wait for Cadi’s call, he continued on his way back to his billet. He didn’t like to admit it, but his father had been right when it came to Cadi: Aled had missed out on a cracking lass, and he often rued the day he’d allowed her to slip through his fingers.
Whilst Cadi had told Aled she would ring him as soon as she returned to base, she telephoned Poppy first, so that she might hear her friend’s opinion, prior to talking to Aled. Only after hearing everything Cadi had to say did Poppy speak her mind.
‘You’ve had one heck of a stroke of bad luck when it comes to Daphne and, quite frankly, I don’t know what I would’ve said or done, had I been in your position.’
‘It was really awkward,’ admitted Cadi, ‘but what choice did I have?’
‘On the other hand, if she’d have kept away, you’d have made the bus on time,’ said Poppy evenly.
‘I know.’ Something else that Daphne had said came to the forefront of Cadi’s thoughts. ‘She seemed to think they’d all volunteered to go to Africa, including Jez.’
‘Perhaps some of them had,’ said Poppy amiably.
‘Maybe, but it annoyed me that she automatically included Jez as one of the volunteers, rather than acknowledge that he’d been selected because he’s bloody good at what he does.’
