by Joan Jonker
Nellie looked suspicious. ‘Yer needn’t bother, lad, because me and yer mam can look after ourselves.’
‘I know yer can, Auntie Nellie, but the question is, is the bag going to be safe? What if someone saw what a posh bag it is, and wanted it for themselves? They could whip it out of yer hand and run hell for leather, before yer had time to stop them. So I’ll walk yer home to make sure your proud possession arrives safely.’
Nellie was now all milk and honey. ‘Ah, God bless yer, lad, that’s really thoughtful of yer.’ She smiled at Molly. ‘I’ve always said what a good lad your Tommy is, girl, and yer can’t say I haven’t.’
Bridie, Bob and Rosie went to the door to see them off. And they watched the trio walking down the street with smiles on their faces, for it really was a sight to behold. Nellie at four foot ten, Molly at five foot five, and Tommy towering over them at six foot one. But the laughter coming from the three of them, which rang out in the empty, quiet street, was of equal volume.
Chapter Twenty-Four
‘This is where we get off, pet.’ Paul stood aside to let Phoebe out of the seat by the window. ‘The shop is only a few minutes’ walk from here.’
‘I’m so excited now, what am I going to be like when the big day arrives?’ Phoebe linked Paul’s arm. ‘I’ll probably make a fool of meself and cry me eyes out or faint in front of Father Kelly.’
‘If ye’re going to faint, sweetheart, yer do it in front of me, so I can catch you in my arms, like a knight in shining armour.’
‘To be a really true knight, Paul, yer need a horse, and I can’t see yer getting one before the wedding. And then yer’d need permission from Father Kelly, so I think I’ll just have to make sure I don’t faint.’
Paul pulled her to a halt outside a jeweller’s shop. ‘This is where I bought the ring from, pet.’ They looked in the window at the many displays, and Phoebe sighed. ‘There’s so many, I won’t know where to start. It will be difficult to choose because they are all beautiful.’
Paul cupped her elbow and steered her towards the entrance. ‘It’s easier to look at them inside. The assistant will bring a few trays over for you to see. And Phoebe, love, don’t look at the price, look at the ring. I want yer to have one yer really like, because it has to last a lifetime.’
‘The same goes for you, Paul, since I’m buying one for you. I’m all right for money, and I want you to have the best.’ Phoebe giggled nervously. ‘Not a hundred pound one, like those in the window, but a nice one.’
The assistant recognized Paul, and he approached them with a smile. ‘Did the ring not fit, sir?’
‘We didn’t even take it out of the box,’ Paul told him, holding on to Phoebe’s arm, for he could feel her trembling. ‘My fiancée decided that we should both have a ring, and we’d buy them together.’ He took the box from his pocket, with the receipt, and put them on the counter. ‘So would you let my girlfriend and meself see what yer have in ladies’ and gents’ wedding rings?’ He nodded towards the box which the assistant was picking up, with the receipt. ‘I’ll settle the money difference when we’ve made our choice.’
Four trays of rings were brought to the counter, and the couple were so thrilled they found it hard to keep smiles from their faces. ‘Is Madam wanting a plain gold ring, or one with a pattern?’ The assistant hovered over them, wanting to help the attractive couple. ‘Don’t be afraid to try them on, for a wedding ring is for ever.’
Phoebe looked at Paul. ‘I prefer a plain gold band, Paul. What do you think?’
‘It’s up to you, pet, I don’t want to influence you in any way. Try a few on and take yer time, there’s no hurry. I don’t want yer to get home, then wish yer’d chosen a different one.’
Phoebe whispered, ‘What about the ring you bought for me? Could I see it, please? If I don’t, I’ll always wonder whether I should have at least tried it on.’
The assistant bent to bring the box from under the counter, where he’d left it, in the belief that the young lady would want to see it, if only out of curiosity. ‘Here you are, madam, and may I say your fiancé has good taste.’
Phoebe smiled and took hold of the box. ‘Yer must think me and Paul are nuisances, and don’t know what we want. But it’s only me that’s a nuisance, Paul is very easy-going.’
‘Open the box, Phoebe,’ Paul told her. ‘We can’t stay here all day, we’ve got shopping to do. And don’t forget yer’ve got my ring to buy. I’ve looked at all the gents’ rings on the tray, and I want you to buy me the one you like the best.’
Phoebe pressed the little stud and opened the box. She gazed down at the plain gold band and became emotional. Although there were dozens of rings in the trays, all the same except for the thickness of the band, she knew this was the one she wanted. It was Paul’s choice, and that made it different from all the others. ‘Please don’t think I’m contrary, Paul, or stupid, but this is the one I want. Really and truly, I’ve fallen in love with it.’
He put an arm across her shoulders, and to her embarrassment, and the assistant’s pleasure, he kissed her cheek. ‘I’m glad you like it, pet, and it shows yer what good taste I’ve got in rings, and girlfriend, soon to be wife. And now I’m going to let you choose a ring for me. But I know yer’ve got excellent taste as well, because yer’ve chosen me to be yer husband.’
It didn’t take very long for Phoebe to choose a ring she liked for Paul. The ring Paul had bought for her, and the receipt, were returned, and Phoebe was handing over the money she owed when she suddenly asked, ‘Can you have the rings inscribed with our names?’ She turned to Paul, her face showing her excitement. ‘Wouldn’t it be lovely to have our names on, love, and maybe the date of the wedding?’
‘Yeah, that would be great! But would they be ready in time for the wedding?’
‘I could have them back by next Friday, if that’s not too late? And of course there’ll be a charge of five pounds for the two rings.’
‘I’ll collect them next Saturday, I have to come into town.’ Phoebe was floating on air, as everything was going so smoothly. ‘Do you need the money now?’
The assistant shook his head. ‘You pay when you are satisfied, madam, but I have to know what inscription you would like.’
‘Just our names, I think,’ Paul said. ‘I’ve never had a wedding ring before, so I haven’t a clue. What do most people write?’
The assistant, who at a guess would be in his forties, hesitated for a few seconds, then told the couple, ‘When my wife and I married, we had both names inscribed, and in between the names we had two hands joined together.’ The man looked bashful as he added, ‘It’s not to everyone’s taste, but it was what my wife and I wanted.’
‘Oh, I think that’s a wonderful idea, so romantic! Don’t yer think so, Paul?’
Paul was all for it. ‘Let’s have the same, eh, Phoebe?’ He faced the assistant. ‘That’s if it’s possible? Perhaps your rings were wider than ours?’
‘No, about the same. There would be no problem if you decided that is what you want. Perhaps you would like to discuss it before committing yourselves. Once the order goes in, it will be too late to change your minds.’
Phoebe and Paul put their heads together. ‘Well, what do you think, pet?’ Paul asked. ‘Whatever you want, I’ll go along with.’
‘But you like the idea?’ Phoebe was beginning to believe all was going so well, she must be the luckiest girl alive. ‘It would be the icing on the cake. The finishing touch.’
‘When yer smile like that, love, I couldn’t refuse you anything. I told yer that you stole my heart away a few years ago, and you still have it.’
‘I can beat that, Paul McDonough,’ Phoebe told him, her eyes shining with tears of emotion. ‘I lost my heart to you when I was about twelve, before yer even noticed I lived two doors away from yer. My mam didn’t have any money to give us kids to go to the pictures, but you were my film star, my hero. And you still are.’
‘You won’t be telling Father Kelly
all this when yer go to confession before the wedding, will yer?’
‘Why d’yer think I’ll be going to confession, Paul? I haven’t committed any sins. If your conscience was as clear as mine, you wouldn’t have brought Father Kelly into this.’
Paul tapped his forehead. ‘As pure as the driven snow, pet, I promise. And will yer put the kind assistant out of his misery and tell him what we want. Don’t forget, we’ve got some more shopping to do before we go for afternoon tea at the Adelphi.’
When they got outside the shop, Phoebe squeezed Paul’s arm. ‘This has been a wonderful day so far, Paul, everything is slotting into place. This time next week I’m hoping to have me bridal outfit, and the girls’ dresses may be ready, please God. I feel very happy and very lucky.’
‘I thought the girls were only being measured this week? I didn’t expect them to be ready next week.’
‘They had a couple in stock which were the right size, so they don’t have to make them all up. They’re going to try and have them ready for next Saturday, but if not they’ll definitely be ready on the Tuesday. And I can pick the rings up before I go for my dress.’
They were walking arm in arm up Church Street when Paul said, ‘I’ll come with yer to help carry yer dress. Yer might get it ripped or dirty, getting on the bus with it.’
Phoebe chuckled. ‘Nice try, Paul, but no way am I letting yer come with me. Our Dorothy is coming to give me a hand, and your Lily. The first time you’ll set eyes on me outfit will be when I’m walking down the aisle towards yer. And I hope I knock yer for six.’ She chuckled again. ‘If yer don’t like what yer see, yer can marry our Dorothy instead. She’s got a soft spot for yer, and yer’d still be in the family.’
‘I like your Dorothy, but not to the extent I’d want her for me wife. I’ll stick with you, pet, ’cos as me mam says, it’s better the devil yer know than the devil yer don’t. Besides, you just fit in me arms nicely, and I’m used to you. Yer know what I mean, pet, like yer get used to a comfortable pair of slippers and yer hate parting with them.’
‘If yer keep that up, Paul, yer’ll have us like Darby and Joan before we even get to the altar. Don’t make us old before our time.’
‘We’re never going to grow old, pet, we’re going to stay young, like me mam and Auntie Molly. They enjoy life, always on the go, helping where they can, and always ready for fun and laughter.’ Paul put his arm round her waist and pulled her close. ‘Next thing on the menu is shopping for some new clothes for you, then the Adelphi. So let’s look sharp and put a move on.’
‘You don’t need to buy me any clothes, Paul, I’ve enough.’
‘What about for after the wedding?’ Paul asked. ‘I thought women had going away outfits?’
‘But we’re not going away! I can change into one of my dresses after the reception, when the party starts.’
Paul kept his secret. ‘If other brides have going away outfits, then so is my girl, and no arguments. Do as ye’re told.’
Phoebe was nervous walking into the dress shop, but she soon relaxed with an assistant who had a permanent smile on her face, and an infectious giggle. And, of course, Paul’s easy-going nature helped enormously. He was always relaxed, which had an effect on others, and soon Phoebe was looking at dresses in her size as though buying clothes was something she did quite often. She consulted with Paul over the colour and style, and soon the assistant was carefully folding a dress of pale blue in tissue paper to stop it from creasing. And as the woman behind the counter was putting it in a bag, Paul whispered in Phoebe’s ear, ‘Don’t let me mam see that bag, or she’ll want it off yer.’
‘She won’t get it, though.’ Phoebe’s face was animated. ‘I’ll be putting it in me drawer when I get home, and keeping it as a memento.’
‘Well, yer’ll be getting another one before we leave the shop. Yer’ve got a coat to choose now.’
‘Yer’ve no need to buy me a coat as well, Paul. I don’t want yer spending more money on me! Besides, the coat I’ve got will last me a while yet.’
‘Don’t argue with me, wench.’ Paul smiled and his dimples deepened, sending the heart of the assistant fluttering. ‘I’m buying yer the going away outfit we talked about.’
‘But we’re not going away!’
‘Don’t start that again, Phoebe. Just let’s pretend we are, and let me buy yer a coat.’
Phoebe couldn’t refuse him anything, and half an hour later they left the shop carrying two bags. Phoebe’s held the dress, while Paul carried the heavier, containing a coat in a darker shade of blue than the dress. And the young couple looked the picture of happiness, until Paul said, ‘Now to the Adelphi, to see how the other half live.’
‘Oh, Paul, do we have to go there? I’d much rather go to a small café somewhere. I wouldn’t mind if I was wearing me new clothes, but I look too dowdy to go in there today.’
‘Okay, have it yer own way, pet, but I’m going to take yer to the Adelphi one day, even if I have to carry yer in!’
The Wednesday before the wedding, the Corkhill house was taken over for the trying on of dresses, and a rehearsal. Gordon and Peter couldn’t go with their dad to the corner pub, because they were under age, so they reluctantly went to the pictures, while Corker sat in the pub with Jack Bennett and George McDonough, downing pre-wedding pints.
‘Right,’ Ellen said, pushing the table up to the sideboard to make more room for Phoebe and her six bridesmaids. ‘That’s given us a bit more space.’
‘I’m not putting my dress on,’ Phoebe told them, ‘in case it gets any marks on it. Besides, I know it fits me fine, and me headdress. You can use the two bedrooms to put your dresses on, and will one of yer help Ruthie with hers, please?’
‘Me and Doreen will help our Ruthie,’ Jill said.
‘You Bennetts take one room, then,’ Lily said, ‘and Dorothy and Rosie can come with me in the other. We can help each other.’
‘When ye’re ready, come down and we can have a mannequin parade, so me and me mam can see how lovely yer look.’ Phoebe’s tummy was doing somersaults, she was so excited. ‘Then when yer take them off, we’ll have a powwow round the table to go over all the details, and yer can tell me if I leave anything out.’ As there was a scramble towards the stairs, she shouted after them, ‘Oh, there’ll be tea and cakes, provided by me mam.’
Everyone agreed the dresses were beautiful, fitted to perfection in the beautiful wine colour that suited everyone. After whirling and twirling, the girls again made for the bedrooms to change back into their day clothes, and cover their bridesmaids’ dresses. And while they were busy upstairs, Ellen was busy in the kitchen while Phoebe moved the table back to the middle of the room, and sorted out the chairs. They were two short, but no one would mind sharing.
There was much laughter and animated chatter when Phoebe read from a prepared list of details. As four of the girls were married, they knew the routine, but Ruthie and Dorothy were wide-eyed and listened very carefully.
The first car would take Paul and his best man, Steve, to the church along with Gordon and Peter. Half an hour later two cars would come to take Ellen, Molly and Nellie, and other guests to the church. The two cars would then come back for the bridesmaids, leaving Phoebe with her father to wait for the wedding car, which would be decorated with ribbons.
It sounded easy, talking about it with her mam and her friends, sitting round the table, laughing and joking. But Phoebe knew she’d be a bag of nerves when the day came. But she also knew she’d go through fire and water to marry the man she’d loved nearly all her life. The handsome man whose very touch made her tingle, and whose kiss sent her heart soaring as though it had taken wings. Oh, yes, even if her knees turned to jelly, she’d make it down the aisle with a smile on her face and love in her heart.
Thursday, the seventeenth of September, the day before the wedding, was a lovely sunny day with clear blue skies. And before he went to work, Corker wrapped his arms round his daughter. ‘Nearly there, sweetheart
. And if the weather is like this tomorrow, it’ll be a wonderful day for you and Paul. But don’t forget to tell yer future husband that under no circumstances is he to call here tomorrow, because it’s bad luck, so they say, for a groom to see the bride before she’s walking down the aisle in all her finery.’
‘Oh, I’ve already told him, Dad! He’s been well warned. I’m seeing him tonight for an hour, and we’re going for a walk in the park, plenty of fresh air to make us sleep.’
Corker’s huge hand cupped her chin. ‘Yer’ll make a lovely couple, me darlin’, and I’m going to be a very proud man tomorrow.’ A quick kiss on the cheek and the big man was gone, leaving Phoebe to finish her breakfast. Gordon and Peter and Dorothy had already left for work, and Ellen was washing the breakfast dishes.
‘Leave those, Mam,’ Phoebe said, ‘I can do them when yer’ve gone to work.’ Standing by the kitchen door, she told her mother, ‘I’m sorry I asked for the day off now, because it’s going to be a long day, on me own with nothing to do except worry about tomorrow. I’d have been better at work, with something to occupy me mind.’
‘Are yer going to the hairdresser’s to have yer hair set? That will pass some time away.’
‘No, Lily is going to do my hair for me. I’ll put it in rollers first thing in the morning, and Lily will comb it out for me.’
Ellen looked at the clock. ‘I’m going to have to leave yer, sweetheart, I don’t want to be late. Tony’s been good about me taking tomorrow off, and I don’t want to take advantage of his kindness.’ She reached to take her coat down from a hanger in the hall. ‘Why don’t yer call at Nellie’s about half ten, and go to Molly’s with her? Yer could have a cup of tea there, and perhaps walk to the shops with them. It would give yer something to do, and yer could get to know the woman who’ll be yer mother-in-law tomorrow. Plus ye’re guaranteed a good laugh.’
‘That’s an idea, Mam, I’ll do that. I believe they go to the butcher’s every day, so I’ll see yer in there. And don’t worry about here, I’ll make the beds and tidy up. It’ll give me something to do before I call to Mrs Mac’s.’
