by Joan Jonker
Phoebe was so happy she was close to tears. ‘All those things happen every time you touch me, Paul. There has never been anyone else but you. I’ve never even looked at another boy, and although that sounds soppy, it’s true. I don’t expect you to say yer’ve never had any other girlfriends, because going to a dance every night for a few years yer must have been out with plenty. But I don’t mind that, as long as I’m the one ye’re going to marry.’
Paul took her arm and they started walking. ‘I have never had a girlfriend, Phoebe, and that’s the truth. I had lots of friends that were girls, but they were dancing partners. Dancing was the love of my life until you came along. It’s in my blood. I feel free when I’m on the dance floor. I love the freedom and the rhythm. And I hope when we’re married you’ll come dancing with me now and again. Like our Lily and Archie, who still go dancing since they got married.’
‘Of course we’ll go dancing. I love it meself,’ Phoebe told him. ‘And I love being in your arms. We’re not going to change into an old married couple after the wedding, love, we’re young and we’re going to stay young, and enjoy life. And we’re going to be as much in love in fifty years’ time as we are now.’
‘I agree with everything yer said, love, and I’ll keep reminding yer of those words. But I have one exception. Yer won’t expect me to be as good a dancer in fifty years, will yer? I’ll do me best, like, and I’ll probably manage the waltz, but I doubt if the old legs will manage a quickstep or a rumba.’
A voice behind them said, ‘I think yer main problem in fifty years’ time, lad, will be getting on the bus!’
The couple turned to find Lily and Archie behind them. ‘Have you been following us for long?’ Paul asked his sister. ‘That’s not fair, yer know, our kid, ’cos me and me wife to be were having a private conversation.’
Lily and Archie chuckled. ‘We haven’t been behind yer for more than a minute or so,’ Lily told him. ‘Only long enough to hear from the time yer said yer wanted to be still dancing after you were married, or words to that effect. Oh, and I thought it was nice that Phoebe said yer’ll still be as much in love in fifty years’ time.’
Phoebe was glad it was dark, and her blush wouldn’t be noticed. But she told herself she really must stop being so shy, for she was about to marry into a family who were very open, said what they thought, and had never been known to blush. ‘I’m sure you and Archie are hoping for the same thing. Wouldn’t it be great if the four of us were getting on the bus together in fifty years’ time, on our way to Blair Hall?’
Archie began to walk at Paul’s side, while Lily took Phoebe’s arm. ‘It’s a nice thought, girl, but me and Archie want to get a lot of living in by that time. I don’t want to waste time worrying about the future, when I’m old and grey. Live life to the full while we’ve got the chance. For when we start a family, we’ll have to nip a few things in the bud. There’ll be no dancing or nights out at the pictures, unless we can get our mothers to mind the baby. Or babies, as the case may be.’
‘We’ll have a year of enjoying ourselves,’ Archie said, talking man to man with Paul. ‘Me and Lily have agreed to a year of freedom, to enjoy our married life, before we think about starting a family. But I’m looking forward to being a father.’
This time, Phoebe’s blush was pale pink compared to Paul’s deep red. He didn’t know what to say to Archie. So he decided not to say anything, but let his brother-in-law carry on. Which Archie did. ‘I can’t wait to have a son, so I can take him to see Liverpool play. That’s one of my ambitions in life.’
Lily, being a bit more sensitive to Phoebe’s embarrassment, changed the conversation. ‘Let’s walk on a bit, I want to talk to yer where no one can stick their nose in.’ When they had put a safe distance between them and the men, she said, ‘I’m looking forward to going into town on Saturday with yer. I bet ye’re getting excited now ye’re getting to the wedding dress stage. I know I was, I didn’t get a proper night’s sleep for weeks.’
‘Yeah, my nerves have started to play me up,’ Phoebe said. ‘I’m glad ye’re coming with me on Saturday, Lily, ’cos two heads are better than one. And once I’ve got my outfit sorted, I’ll be able to get started on the bridesmaid dresses. They’ll be the next big purchase on my list. Me dad is seeing to the reception and most other things.’
‘Seeing as I’m a maid of honour, can I ask what colour ye’re thinking of for the bridesmaids?’
‘I haven’t given it any thought really, Lily, I was waiting until I got my own dress and accessories. Have you got a colour in mind that you’d like? It would have to be a colour that would suit all of you, ’cos I want the dresses all the same. But I’ll be grateful for any suggestions.’
Lily looked behind to make sure the men weren’t listening, before saying, ‘I think with the bride all in white, or maybe ivory, the bridesmaids would look nice in a colour that would be in stark contrast. It would be stunning. Like a purple, or even deep red, the colour of wine.’
Phoebe’s heart was beating faster. ‘Ooh, that sounds a very good idea, Lily. I want everything perfect for Paul, and me mam and dad. I want them to be proud of me, and Paul. I want to give them a day they’ll always remember. So will you help me out with ideas?’
‘Nearly all the bridesmaids are fair; your Dorothy, the three Bennett girls and meself. The only exception is Rosie, with her black hair. I think the best colour, the one that would suit all, is the deep red wine colour. But we can discuss it again on Saturday, once you’ve sorted your outfit. Yer mam said I’m to take good care of you, and I’m to be honest about whether I agree with the dress yer’ve chosen. She’s set me some task, eh?’
Chapter Twenty
‘Mam, can I leave yer to wash the dishes yerself tonight?’ Ruthie asked, halfway through the meal. ‘Bella’s calling for me at seven and Gordon and Peter will be waiting outside their house for us. We made it early because they lock the park gates when it starts to get dark.’ She was eating as she talked, much to Molly’s disapproval. ‘And I want to get washed and changed as soon as I’ve finished me dinner. And do something with me hair. It needs washing really, but I won’t have time.’
‘Yer hair looks all right to me, pet,’ Jack told her. ‘It always looks nice. And yer can thank yer mam for that, because yer inherited it from her, same as Jill and Doreen.’
‘I know that, Dad!’ She grinned at Molly. ‘Thank you, Mam.’
Molly smiled back. ‘Yer must get fed up hearing that, sunshine. Every time yer mention yer hair, and the same goes for Jill and Doreen, yer get it thrown up at yer. Yer dad probably thinks that if it wasn’t for me, his three daughters would have been bald.’
While Ruthie was giggling, and swinging her legs under the chair, her father was defending himself. ‘Yer should be flattered, love, that I’m so proud of yer,’ Jack said. ‘And anyway, it is true, because if I’d have married a redhead, they’d have had red hair, instead of being beautiful blondes.’
‘And what would have happened to Tommy if yer’d married this never-heard-of-before redhead?’
‘Well, he’d have taken after me no matter who I’d married! He’d still have been the way he is now, with my colour hair and as handsome as they come.’
Shaking her head and tutting, Molly said, ‘There’s nothing like blowing yer own trumpet, Jack, and when I see Tommy I won’t forget to tell him that he should thank you for the way he looks. I won’t mention the red hair, because that would make it more complicated.’ She looked across the table to where Ruthie sat, and said, ‘If yer ever mention washing yer hair again when we’re having our meal, don’t be surprised if I tell yer to leave the table. Or wash yer hair without telling us.’
‘Okay, Mam, I’ll remember that. Now I’ve finished me dinner, can I go and get washed before yer take the sink over to do the dishes? I’ll be as quick as I can be, I promise.’
‘Oh, all right, sunshine, I’m not desperate to wash the dishes, me and yer dad are not in any hurry. We may as well ha
ve another cup of tea and relax, ’cos we ain’t going anywhere.’
Ruthie was off her chair like a shot. ‘Thanks, Mam, ye’re an angel.’
‘Oh, my generosity comes at a price, sunshine!’ Molly chuckled. ‘You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. In other words, you can have the sink to yerself for a while, and in return, me and yer dad get to know what happens tonight between Bella and Peter. Does he forgive her and take her back, or does he tell her to get lost? Fair exchange is no robbery.’
‘Yer drive a hard bargain, Mam, but yer’ve got me on a spot, so there’s not much I can do only give in. But I can’t promise to tell yer word for word what Peter says, that wouldn’t be fair. What I will do is tell yer whether they get back together again. No details, just the end result.’
‘That’s all we want to know, sunshine, we’re not interested in what they had for dinner, or how many blankets they’ve got on their beds.’ Molly reached for the teapot. ‘It’s not very hot, love,’ she told Jack. ‘D’yer want to chance it, or not?’
He shook his head. ‘I can’t stand lukewarm tea, I’d rather do without. Leave it until Ruthie is finished in the kitchen, then I’ll make us a fresh pot. I’ll have a ciggy while I’m waiting.’
‘You haven’t been to see me ma and da for a while, Jack,’ Molly told him. ‘They’ll be forgetting what yer look like. D’yer feel like a walk round there tonight? They’d be happy to see yer. And yer son and his wife.’
‘Would yer mind if we left it until tomorrow night, love? I haven’t the energy tonight, I’m bushed. I was hoping for an early night. Me boss is a slave-driver, he’s got his eyes on the line the whole day and doesn’t miss a thing. When his dad was running the place he didn’t mind yer going to the toilets for a crafty smoke, he turned a blind eye. But his son is a different kettle of fish. He makes sure he gets his money’s worth out of the men. He’s not happy unless he can see the sweat pouring off us.’
Molly was surprised, for her husband had never mentioned this before. In fact he seldom mentioned his job at all. ‘Well why don’t yer go to bed when yer’ve had a hot cup of tea? If yer got a good ten hours’ sleep it would do yer the world of good. I’ll wait up for Ruthie, and I’ll get undressed down here so I won’t have to put the bedroom light on. And I’ll crawl into bed without disturbing yer.’
Ruthie had been listening in the kitchen, and after putting the finishing touches to her hair she walked through to the living room. ‘Why don’t yer do what me mam said, Dad? A good night’s sleep would work wonders. I’ll be as quiet as a mouse when I come in, I’ll not make a sound. I won’t even breathe, or stand on the stair that creaks.’
Jack chuckled. ‘There’s no need for either of yer to put yerselves out for me, but I’m grateful for your concern. What I will do is have an hour’s kip on the couch, then go to bed as soon as you come in, Ruthie. So try not to be late.’
‘Yer heard what yer dad said, sunshine,’ Molly caught hold of her daughter’s arm, ‘so it would be nice if yer could try and be in for ten o’clock. Ye’re not going anywhere, only for a walk, so it won’t hurt yer to be home early for once.’
‘Okay, Mam, I’ll get home early. Gordon’s got a watch, so I’ll know the time. Anyway, the park gates get closed early, and the only place we can go to is the herbalist shop for a glass of dandelion and burdock or sarsaparilla.’
‘I think the time and events of this evening lie in the hands of Peter,’ Molly said. ‘If he intends finishing with Bella, then it could all be over in ten minutes.’
‘It depends upon Bella, Mam, I think. If she talks to him like a grown-up, and looks and sounds as though she really is sorry, then I think Peter will listen to her. After all, he did have more than a soft spot for her. I just hope she doesn’t start acting daft, like she does at times. If she does, and Peter decides she’s not worth bothering about, then it’s her own fault, and she’s no one to blame but herself.’
Ruthie had just finished speaking when there was a tap on the window. ‘I’ll go straight out, Mam, that’ll be Bella.’ A quick kiss for her mam and dad, and she was gone.
Closing the door behind her, Ruthie smiled at Bella. ‘Are yer feeling all right?’ When Bella nodded, Ruthie said, ‘Gordon and Peter are just coming out. Try and look pleased to see Peter, but don’t start gushing, ’cos that might put him off.’
Gordon cupped Ruthie’s elbow. ‘Let’s move on, or the neighbours are going to start getting curious if we stand here for long.’
Peter was standing looking down at the ground, and Ruthie thought that wasn’t a good sign. So as she was being propelled forward by Gordon, she glared at Bella, and mouthed, ‘Go and speak to him!’ And she felt relieved when she heard her friend say, ‘Hello, Peter, I’m glad you came. Are yer going to walk to the park with us, ’cos I’ve got a lot I want to say to yer. I’ll understand if yer don’t want to be with me, but I’d like yer to listen to what I’ve got to say.’
Ruthie was too far away by now to hear all that was said, but when she turned her head, it was to see Peter walking at Bella’s side. They weren’t speaking, in fact Peter had put a distance between them, but at least he hadn’t refused point-blank to make up the foursome. That was something. Now it was up to Bella.
‘Aren’t yer going to speak to me, Peter?’ Bella asked. ‘I know ye’re angry with me, and yer have every right to be, but I can’t bear yer not talking to me. Won’t yer even look at me?’
‘It’s not up to me to talk to you, not after the way yer belittled me. I wouldn’t be here if our Gordon hadn’t talked me into coming because Ruthie asked him to.’
‘I know, Ruthie has told me off because of what happened. She told me to act me age, and grow up. And I’m really sorry, Peter, so won’t yer be friends with me? I promise I won’t do anything like that again.’
Peter could hear the tears in her voice, but she’d hurt him so much he was angry. ‘How would you like it if I stood with a girl, holding her hand, and left you on yer own?’
‘I wasn’t holding that boy’s hand, he was holding mine and wouldn’t let go.’ Bella remembered what Ruthie had said about telling lies, and felt guilty. ‘You have every right to be angry with me, ’cos I could have got away from him if I’d really tried. Ruthie would have done, but I’m not like Ruthie! I wish I was, but I’m too shy and frightened. I shouldn’t be trying to make excuses for that night, I should be telling you how sorry I am that I was stupid. Which I am, Peter, I’m really, really, sorry and ashamed of meself. So will yer give me another chance, and be friends with me?’
Peter could tell she was close to tears, and said gruffly, ‘Don’t start crying, that won’t do yer any good. Besides, ye’re too old to be crying just because yer can’t have everything yer own way. It’s about time yer grew up. Yer wouldn’t see Ruthie crying, and yer wouldn’t see her holding hands with a strange bloke while our Gordon was standing like a lemon. If it had been our Gordon yer’d done it to, he’d have given yer the heave-ho, told yer to get lost and never looked at yer again.’
Bella saw a glimmer of hope. ‘But I’m not like Ruthie, and you’re not like your Gordon. I wish I was like me friend, but no one can help being what they are.’
Peter glanced down at her. ‘People mightn’t be able to help the way they are, but they can change if they really want to. That’s if they care enough.’
‘Oh, I do care for yer, Peter, I always have done. So say we can be friends again, and I’ll do me best to be more like Ruthie.’
‘I’m not expecting yer to be like Ruthie, nor do I want yer to be. I was quite happy with yer the way yer were.’
‘So ye’re going to be me boyfriend again, are yer, Peter?’ Bella plucked up the courage to link his arm. ‘Go on, tell me, so I can smile again, and swallow this big lump in me throat.’
‘I’ll give yer a week’s trial,’ Peter said. He’d known all along he’d give in, because he wanted to. ‘If I’m not satisfied I’ll trade yer in for another model.’
She was so happy she felt like singing. ‘I’m going to be the best girlfriend yer could ever have, Peter Corkhill, so yer won’t even want to look at another girl. And I’m going to be more grown up, and more sure of meself. I’ll make yer really proud of me, I promise yer.’
‘Ay, don’t you go changing too much, or I won’t recognize yer.’ Peter too was feeling light-hearted. He’d been miserable the last few days. He was a quiet lad, not as outgoing as his older brother Gordon, and Bella was his ideal girl. ‘And ye’re still on a week’s trial.’
Smiling up at him, Bella asked, ‘When we get to the park, if your Gordon gives Ruthie a kiss, will you kiss me?’
‘I told yer you are on a week’s trial,’ Peter told her, a smile on his face. ‘Yer don’t get kisses when ye’re on trial.’
Bella squeezed his arm and giggled. ‘Can we start the trial tomorrow, instead? I mean, one day won’t make any difference.’
Peter pretended to give that some thought. ‘I’ll tell you what I’ll do. Whatever our Gordon does, I’ll do. And I’m sticking to that, so don’t try and coax me.’
