When Danny and Sue greeted their mother it felt awkward, but that was only to be expected. The initial handshake felt too formal, and Abby took the initiative to open her arms, a gesture that both her children responded to with relief and heartfelt sentiment. And so, they wound up hugging and kissing as the others watched, half-delighted and half-guilty. In a way, they felt like intruders as this private reunion unfolded before their eyes.
Once these first awkward moments were out of the way, they sat near the fire, ordered drinks and snacks, and things got better from there. Later, they went for dinner at the adjoining dining room where they had pre-booked a large table for all to sit together. Dinner was splendid, everyone relaxing even more, the conversation flowing effortlessly. Sue and Danny engaged in excited conversation with their mother, and she answered all their questions, both new and old.
Later, they walked to the pub on the promenade for a quick drink before Abby and her family had to head back home. Abby sat between Danny and Sue on a large bench, her hands caressing their faces and hands as they talked, as if they’d never been separated. By the end of the evening, she even asked them to send her best to their father, saying she bore no grudges.
“Let bygones be bygones,” she exclaimed one more time as she said goodbye that night, hugging and kissing her children before getting into the family car. Her husband was a friendly, honest-looking man, who was more than happy about this reunion, having known from day one how his wife lived and breathed for that day. While everyone waved from the road, Abby and her family drove away, then they returned to the pub for one last drink before calling it a night.
***
As Christmas drew closer, everyone in Danny’s house grew excited about Abby’s impending visit. On the big day, Bill answered the doorbell and welcomed Abby and her family in his house. He had insisted to be the one to do it and, thanks to everyone’s high spirits, the arrival of the guests was marked with warmth and laughter, and not the slightest hint of awkwardness. Sofia, who was there to witness it, was astounded by how effortless this reunion had been.
As the day progressed, and after a wonderful lunch, everyone sat in the living room exchanging presents, then watching TV and playing games. It was a typical family scene at Christmas; any onlooker wouldn’t have guessed the terrible chasm that had gaped between some of these people for so many years.
As the mulled wine continued to flow, tongues loosened at a steady pace. In a private conversation, Bill wound up in tears as he sat aside from the others with Abby, having seized the opportunity to apologise to her for shutting her out in the past. Her kind expression and the way she patted his hand signalled she was more than happy to forgive and forget.
When they witnessed the scene, Abby’s husband and Sofia looked away out of tact, but Danny and Sue couldn’t ignore the sight. They rushed to their parents and hugged them, a heart-breaking scene that brought tears of joy all around.
Abby and her family left early in the afternoon. The twins had been playing and running around all morning and were already sleeping in their chairs on the back seat by the time the car pulled away.
Sofia stayed some more, playing board games and watching TV with Danny and his family for another couple of hours before she decided it was time to go. Danny offered to drive her in his car but, on their way out, he stopped short at his front door and took her hand in his, taking her by surprise.
“Sofia, remember our talk back at the hotel in Hythe?”
“Our talk?”
“Yes. You said you needed time.”
“Of course, I remember.”
“I am still happy to wait . . . But that day I was a coward. I chickened out in the last minute and wasn’t blunt enough. But you see, I need to know, Sofia. Do you think that you and I could ever have another chance?”
“Yes, Danny. I think now it’s safer than ever to say that we can.”
Danny’s eyes lit up and he mirrored her mirthful expression. “I have news, Sofia. Wonderful news! I ended therapy yesterday.”
Sofia’s eyes widened. “You did?”
“Technically, it wasn’t me. My therapist said I no longer need it.” He gave a happy laugh. “Can you believe it? She practically kicked me out. I’m finally free of my fears and hang-ups! It means you don’t have to be afraid I will hurt you again, Sofia. Because if this is the reason you seem so reluctant, I want you to know you no longer have a reason to. I’ll never hurt you again. You mean everything to me, Sofia. I know that now.”
“Oh Danny, really? You mean that?”
“Of course! And what about you, Sofia? I know I said I have no fear, but when it comes to insecurities I have plenty of those. Any chance you could tell me how you feel about me? I’ve been dying to know for a while.”
“You mean everything to me too, Danny. I mean it with all my heart. And you can trust me too. I’ll never hurt you either.”
“If that’s the case, we’d better not move,” he said, raising his twinkling eyes to gaze at the mistletoe that hung over the threshold.
Sofia gave a giggle as Danny squeezed her in his arms. He leaned closer and drank from her lips in a tender kiss that made their hearts soar. Danny moaned with pleasure as the kiss sent a newfound sense of bliss coursing through his senses. Just as lost in their passionate embrace, Sofia laced her hands around his neck, her fingertips caressing the rusty brown scarf he wore.
Tears started streaming from her closed eyes as she continued to kiss Danny. Startled, she realised they had come out of nowhere; they were tears she didn’t feel, because she had no upset left in her that might explain them. And then, the answer came from inside as the familiar voice rose from the depths of her soul to ring softly in her ears: “Christian, my Christian . . . I’ve finally found you!”
Chapter 37
1946
Laura stood outside the closed door of James’s room and took a long breath. He was resting at this hour, having spent the whole morning painting the garden fence. Laura had an unusual favour to ask him but wasn’t looking forward to it. She knocked on the door faintly and, seconds later, James answered it. The bedside lamp was on; an open book lay on his bed.
“My lady,” said James, his eyes wide.
“I hope I’m not disturbing. You weren’t sleeping, I trust?”
“No, my lady, just taking a little rest after a busy morning.”
“Yes, of course,” she replied with a smile. “Can I have a word?” Laura threw a hurried glance over her shoulder. “In private, James?”
“By all means, my lady.” James beckoned her to enter.
“Thank you,” she said when he closed the door. She sat in the only chair in the room, and he perched on the edge of the bed, looking expectant.
“I need you to drive Freddie and me to town tonight.”
“Tonight? Where to, my lady?”
“What I will tell you must stay strictly between you and me, James. Do I have your word?”
“Certainly!”
“James, Freddie and I are going away.”
“Away?”
“We’re leaving town tonight. But his lordship is not to know.” Laura gave a long sigh and looked away. This was harder than she thought.
“My lady, it’s none of my business. You don’t have to explain anything. Just let me know what time you wish me to drive you, where to, and I’ll do it.” James nodded eagerly, his eyes soft and kind. They caused Laura’s heart to melt for love and gratitude for him.
“James, I’ve never told you as much, but to me, you’ve always been a friend . . . I trust you completely.”
James’s eyes lit up. “My lady, I’m honoured!”
“Oh James, surely you know what my marriage is like. I don’t need to tell you, do I?” Laura tilted her head, her expression pleading. She couldn’t bear put it into words, all the neglect, the misery she’d suffered for so many years under this roof.
“Of course, I know . . .” James looked away. He scratched his head, then turned his ga
ze to Laura again offering an encouraging smile. “I’m pleased you decided to go, my lady. Although I won't see you again, I’ll be happy for you.” He bit his bottom lip, then looked away again. He knew only too well what her marriage was like. That night when he saved her from Charles’s menacing hands, it took all of his restraint not to attack him for what he did to her.
James had cared for Laura from the very first day he laid his eyes upon her. To him, she was an angel that walked the earth. His heart was breaking to hear she was leaving but, at the same time, he rejoiced because it meant she’d finally be free from his boss’s clutches.
Laura watched as James’s face grew sombre and sad. She stood and went to sit beside him at the edge of his bed, patted his hand and cupped his cheek tenderly. In response, James’s eyes turned to liquid, like twinkling stars about to fade away. All he could do was stare back at her, unbelieving. This was the stuff his dreams were made of. Sweet Laura, if only you knew how I feel about you!
Laura leaned closer and, without a word, left a kiss on James’s cheek. She opened the door and turned around, to find him gazing at her, his face serene, blissful. In his eyes, Laura found enough warmth that would put the sun to shame.
“I’ll never forget you, James. I’ll never forget how kind you’ve been to me.”
“Neither will I, my lady. Never!” James raised his chin, his hands resting limply on his lap. He could still sense her hand on his from moments ago when she patted it. It had felt like the finest velvet.
“We’ll be ready to go at half past eight. Meet us outside, by the car. Please make sure no one sees you.”
“That’s easy, my lady. Both Harold and Jen are in their private quarters at that time.”
Satisfied with the arrangement, Laura closed the door behind her, a wistful smile playing on her lips.
***
Christian arrived at the West Pier first. The taxi had turned up on the dot to pick him up from the hotel. It had just parked at the roadside in front of the Pier toll booth. Christian had made all arrangements necessary and had even packed a small lunch for them all to have during the drive. Sandwiches and chips from a café and chocolates for afters. He could hardly contain his excitement. He couldn’t wait for Laura and their child to arrive; for their new, blissful life to start. The taxi was going to take them all the way to Devon, to the life of love and happiness he’d been dreaming of, seemingly forever.
The driver leaned back in his seat and lit up a cigarette, then rolled down the window. He wore a trilby hat and a thick coat with the collar turned up against the biting wind. As he smoked, he gazed absentmindedly at the passing cars, grateful for this short break. Unlike him, Christian was on edge, fidgeting in the back seat.
The Pier was closed and there was hardly anyone about. Unable to sit any longer, Christian got out of the car and paced to the railing, staring out to the dark sea that ebbed and sighed. He had once heard the promises these blissful sounds made. Now, it seemed, it was high time for the sea to deliver them. Low in the sky, a small slither of the moon shone faintly. Christian turned around and leaned against the green railing, his eyes twinkling under the streetlights as he watched the passing traffic. When he spotted the Rolls he jerked forward and strode to the roadside where the car drew to a halt.
James looked sombre sitting behind the wheel but when he saw Christian his eyes lit up, his face breaking into a wide grin.
Christian smiled back at him, then leapt to the back of the car like a carefree teenager, opening the door for Laura and the boy long before James had even stepped on the tarmac.
“Mr Searle, how are you, sir?” James offered his hand.
Christian took it to shake it firmly. “James, my good man!”
When Christian turned to face Laura, his eyes were dancing. “Good idea to ask James to drive you, rather than take a taxi.”
Laura giggled, then shook her head. “I wasn’t going to risk calling for a taxi. I’m convinced Harold has been listening daily on my telephone calls.”
Christian let out a titter. Now that they were together it was easy to laugh at these awful people, who had tried to keep them apart. Now, they were going to be happy at last. They didn’t even have any hard feelings. All they wished was to go away, never to return, never to lay eyes on Harold or Charles, ever again.
Christian lowered his gaze to meet Freddie’s eyes. “Hello, Freddie,” he said, choking up on the words. This child would be officially his the moment they got in the car, putting the miles behind them as they claimed their new life.
“Good evening, sir.” Freddie was holding his mother’s hand, looking up at him expectantly. The likeness with his father was striking. The boy flashed him a cute little smile, raising his other hand to show he was holding the rocking horse he’d given him.
The corners of Christian’s lips curled upwards. He met Laura’s eyes and she gave him a knowing smile.
“I say, you must like it a lot if you’re taking it along,” said Christian, patting the boy’s head.
“I told Freddie he can only take one toy with him on our trip to the country and that’s the one he picked,” offered Laura with a beaming smile.
“Is that true?” Christian asked the boy.
“Yes, sir. It is my favourite toy in the whole world.” Towards the end of the sentence, the boy’s eyes turned huge.
Christian caressed Freddie’s cheek with the back of his hand. “Are you looking forward to our trip to the farm?”
“Oh yes, sir. I love animals. Do you know if there will be cows? I love cows!”
“Of course. There are cows, sheep, and goats and even pigs! Do you like pigs?”
Freddie scrunched up his face. “Not so much. They are too dirty and Mummy doesn’t let me get dirty,” he replied matter-of-factly, making them both melt to look at him.
“Sir, I’m ready when you are,” shouted out the taxi driver from the distance. He’d come out of the vehicle, eyeing up the odd bunch of people standing around the little boy. He knew a woman and a child were coming along but wasn’t sure about the other man. He looked out of place, nervously watching the others, who giggled around the little one.
“Of course!” said Christian. “Are you ready?” he asked to receive excited nods from Laura and the child. He turned to James and offered his hand for goodbye. James had already taken the luggage from the Rolls and helped the taxi driver put it in the boot.
“Have a safe trip, Mr Searle,” said James shaking Christian’s hand, then turned to Laura. “My lady, I wish you happiness,” he managed, before a knot formed in his throat to steal away the rest of his words.
“Thank you so much, James. I’ll never forget you,” said Laura, holding his hand. “I’ll always be grateful to you for what you’ve done. Please don’t let yourself get in trouble for this. When they find out we’re gone, deny everything. They can always assume we took a taxi or that someone else drove us away from the house.”
“Don’t worry about me, my lady. I’ll be fine. If anything, I have a bone or two to pick with his lordship and Harold. When the time comes, I’ll go but not before I speak my mind. I don’t owe them a thing.” He gave a soft sigh, then gazed deeply into her eyes. “But I do owe a lot to you, my lady. I do and always will.”
Laura reached up and left a kiss on his cheek, causing him to look away and pat Freddie on the head. “You take care now, Master Willard! Be a good boy for your mother and your teachers in school.” James tried to smile but failed miserably.
Freddie frowned. “Won't you drive me to school any more?”
James bit his lip and looked to Laura and Christian for assistance.
“Come on now, Freddie. We must hurry. The good driver is waiting; hurry along!”
Christian was about to raise his hand to James for one last goodbye as they started to walk towards their hired taxi, but what happened then caused them all to freeze.
There was another taxi that had parked there a little earlier, and no one had paid it much atte
ntion. But now, as a man opened the back door, leapt out and slammed it shut, everyone turned to look. It was Charles. He’d been watching all this time from inside the car, trying to decide in his muddled, intoxicated head the best course of action, should he ascertain that his wife intended to depart with Christian. Now that he’d seen enough to make sure, he seemed livid as he stood on the roadside, the taxi still parked there, the driver having been ordered to wait.
Charles let out a grunt and stormed towards them all, his mouth pursed tight, his jaw set, his menacing eyes trained on them all, like a tiger that’s found its prey and is running for the kill.
Chapter 38
“You!” shrieked Charles when he came within earshot. Before anyone knew what was happening, he had already walked up to Christian to grab him by the collar.
In response, Christian shoved Charles’s hands away and went two steps back. “Don’t touch me, you scum!” He put up a firm hand.
“How dare you!” said Charles, then turning to Laura, “And you! There will be a reckoning once we’re back at the house. You’ll pay for this!” He was slurring and it was evident he had had more drinks than he could take. For Charles, that said a lot.
“How did you find us?” asked Laura without feeling, unafraid. She went to stand by Christian, clutching the child by the shoulders against her skirt. There was terror in Freddie’s eyes; it was all too much for a little boy. His lower lip quivered and he brought up a hand to rub his nose, whimpering, looking up at his mother for reassurance. Laura picked him up, holding him against her bosom, whispering to him it was going to be all right. It had to be. The alternative, whatever it was, was unthinkable.
“How did I find you?” Charles sniggered. When he turned to find James standing a couple of feet to his left, he tutted and gave a deep sigh. “You too, Brutus? I seem to be collecting all sorts of traitors in my life. Why am I surprised? But you’ll pay for this too. You’ll all pay!” Charles flashed a smirk, then stumbled unsteadily in James’s direction.
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