The G.I. Bride

by Eileen Ramsay

  Then one evening, she was hurrying out of the hospital on her way home, when she caught a flash of a white cap disappearing around the side of the hospital. Curious, as no one tended to go that way, she followed, and as she turned the corner she stopped abruptly. Was that . . . ? Surely not. She moved a little closer and saw she’d been right. Eunice was leaning up against the sandbags with a tall, dark man bending over her. It looked like they were kissing!

  Oh, Eunice, she thought, shaking her head. She’d assumed that Eunice had put her attraction to A.J. behind her, as she’d not said a word about it since that day in Truro. But it appeared she hadn’t. Well, A.J. seemed like a lovely man, and she wasn’t going to judge her friend. But she was worried that no matter what happened, someone was going to end up with a broken heart. Perhaps the best thing to do was pretend she’d never seen them. She turned and hurried quickly away.

  Seeing A.J. made her wonder how Homer and Red were getting on. Red had sent Mrs Teague a thank-you card after the lunch and said that he would be away for a few weeks. She prayed he was safe. There had been reports of bombs being dropped in Cornwall throughout June and July, and she hoped desperately that this wasn’t the start of a concerted effort by the Luftwaffe to target the US camps.

  She shook her head. She wouldn’t think about it. It only brought back the nightmare memories of the night her father died, and she’d come so far since then. She mustn’t let herself sink back into despair.

  To calm her fears, she stopped to admire the view from the hill over Truro. The light was just beginning to fade, and the setting sun over the moors bathed everything in a soft pink glow. This really was the most beautiful place she had ever been, she thought. Despite everything, when she looked at a view like this, she felt like the luckiest girl alive.

  *

  The following day, April was hurrying to the cafeteria for her break. She’d been hard at work since 8 a.m. and she hadn’t managed to have a bite to eat since then. Six hours on, she was starving. The first person she saw was Eunice and she wondered whether to say anything about what she’d seen the night before. She didn’t have the appearance of a woman in love. In fact, she looked troubled, and her eyes were red. Had she been crying?

  ‘Eunice, are you all right?’ April asked. ‘You don’t look too well.’

  Eunice glanced around at her with a frown. ‘I’m absolutely fine. In fact, never better. I had another letter from Norm waiting for me last night, and it seems he might be coming home on leave soon.’

  ‘That’s wonderful news, Eunice. You must be so excited to see him. When will he be here?’

  ‘In a month or so. It’ll be so strange. I haven’t seen him for over a year and things are so different now . . .’ Eunice trailed off and shook her head. She looked miserable, but April wisely held her peace. If she wanted to talk to her about A.J., then no doubt she would do so in her own time.

  ‘Oh, I’m sure it will be fine,’ she said soothingly. ‘Anyway, look at that, vegetable soup for lunch. Let’s hope the soup has something other than cabbage in it for a change.’

  They walked together to the table and sat down. April took a mouthful of soup. ‘Ugh, as I suspected, more cabbage than anything else. Oh wait, can this be a potato? Such luxury.’ She hoped her light tone would cheer Eunice, but she didn’t seem to be listening. ‘Ah, well, at least the bread’s nice. But don’t ask me what it’s made of. Porridge oats and seeds as far as I can tell.’

  When Eunice still didn’t answer, April sighed. ‘Eunice, is something troubling you? You know you can talk to me if there is.’

  Eunice smiled at her briefly. ‘I know, thank you. I suppose I’m just feeling a bit confused. Anyway, let’s talk about something else.’

  They were heading for the door at the end of their break when Eunice grabbed April’s arm. ‘Cripes, will you look at him? The man talking to Dr Spence. He looks a bit like Jimmy Stewart . . .’ Eunice paused. ‘Hey, do you think that’s Bess’s famous G.I. officer? Looks like today might be her lucky day! Maybe now she’ll stop being so difficult.’

  April said nothing. She was transfixed. She’d never seen anyone quite like him. He was tall and broad, and his green jacket fit snugly across his shoulders. He was wearing a hat, so she couldn’t see what colour his hair was, but she guessed it was dark as his skin looked tanned. They’d have to walk past him to get out of the cafeteria, and she suddenly felt nervous.

  As they skirted the two men, Dr Spence stopped her. ‘Ah, Nurse Harvey, I wonder if you could help Major Dunbar. He’s looking for matron, and I have to be on my way. Could you show him to her office?’ He nodded at the major and left swiftly.

  Eunice nudged her and whispered, ‘Lucky you! But if that is Bess’s major, you better watch out!’ And she, too, left. April watched her go, wishing Dr Spence had asked Eunice to take him instead of her.

  Steeling herself, she looked at Major Dunbar properly for the first time. Her heart thumped. She was right, he had dark hair and the greenest eyes with the thickest lashes she’d ever seen.

  Lord, save me, she thought. She wondered if this was how Eunice had felt when she’d seen A.J. for the first time.

  ‘Pleasure to meet you, Nurse Harvey. Please, call me Crawford. We Americans prefer a more informal approach.’ He looked into her eyes and held out his hand. She took it, and found her hand enveloped in his large, rough one. She shivered.

  ‘Pleasure to meet you too, major.’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘Crawford,’ she corrected herself. ‘If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to matron.’

  She turned around and rushed towards the stairs. ‘It’s on the fourth floor, so quite a climb.’

  ‘Oh, I think these old legs can manage it,’ he drawled, easily keeping pace beside her and giving her a heart-stopping grin. ‘So, Nurse Harvey, do you have a name? I can’t believe your parents called you “Nurse”.’

  ‘My name’s April.’

  ‘Ah, beautiful. My favourite month. Have you been in Cornwall long?’

  ‘No, I’m quite new to Cornwall.’ She was pleased that her voice didn’t shake as she spoke. Honestly, what was wrong with her? This had never happened with anyone before. But it felt very much like the major was flirting with her and it made her nervous.

  ‘Well, that makes two of us. Say, maybe we could explore some places together.’

  She looked at him in surprise. Was he asking her out when they’d only just met? ‘Umm, I’m not sure, Major Dunbar,’ she said, using his title deliberately to put him in his place. ‘I’m quite busy . . .’ she said.

  ‘Pardon me, ma’am, I didn’t mean to be forward. My intentions were purely friendly. And please, like I said, call me Crawford.’

  Realising they’d stopped in the corridor, she glanced at her watch. ‘We better hurry. There’ll be dire consequences if I’m late back to the ward.’

  They were walking towards the final flight of stairs when April stopped, her stomach sinking. Bess was coming out of one of the wards. When she saw the major, her face broke into a huge smile.

  ‘Why, major, you are a very elusive man. Have you come to see me? How kind of April to bring you to me.’ She gave April a sweet smile, but her eyes were shooting daggers.

  The major looked surprised. ‘Uh . . . well, hello there. April was just showing me the way to matron’s office. But it sure is nice to see you too. Maybe we’ll catch up sometime.’ He tipped his cap at her and continued on.

  April threw Bess a quick glance. She looked absolutely furious. Crikey, I’ll pay for this, she thought.

  Rushing to matron’s door, she knocked and was relieved to hear the customary ‘Come’ from inside.

  ‘I’ll leave you here, major. Very nice to meet you.’

  ‘It’s Crawford, April. And likewise. I hope we see each other again very soon. Say, I’ll be here till late, got a few things to discuss with matron about helping each other out, so what time do you get off? Maybe I can walk you home?’

  ‘Oh, I expe
ct you’ll be long gone by the time I’ve finished, major. Lovely to meet you, though.’ She rushed away, head down, anxious to get away from him as soon as possible. Getting to the top of the stairs, she jumped as she heard a low, venomous whisper.

  ‘I should have known you couldn’t be trusted, April Harvey. I heard you arranging to meet my man.’

  April sighed. ‘I did no such thing, Bess. If you were listening, you’ll know he asked me, and I didn’t accept. So you can keep your nasty insinuations to yourself.’ April swept past her, very aware of Bess’s footsteps running behind her.

  ‘Well, just make sure you don’t see him again. Remember what I said at the dance. He’s mine, so hands off. And if I see you with him again, you’ll regret it.’

  April stopped to let her pass. Clearly, their brief truce had come to an end. And she hadn’t done anything wrong! She didn’t plan on being anywhere near the major again, he unsettled her far too much, but Bess’s words made her change her mind. Who on earth did she think she was, telling her who she could and couldn’t see? Well, if April did see the gorgeous Major Dunbar later, she’d make a point of saying hello to him.

  She marched down the stairs, determined not to let Bess intimidate her. But was it really anger that was making her heart beat faster?

  *

  April felt jumpy for the rest of the afternoon. What if the major was waiting for her when she left? She shook her head. Of course he wouldn’t be. But what if he was? the little voice kept asking her. Would she really risk Bess’s wrath and let him walk her home? As far as she could tell, the major didn’t seem to recognise Bess, which meant either Bess had exaggerated their acquaintance or the major liked to string girls along and then drop them. April pictured his smile, the way it crinkled the corners of his beautiful eyes. He looked so sincere and trustworthy; surely it was Bess who was telling lies?

  As the time to leave drew nearer, April kept glancing at her watch. Finally, Sister Turnbull called to her, ‘Nurse Harvey, I don’t know what’s got into you today, but seeing as it’s quiet, go down to the cafeteria and get everyone a cup of tea. Maybe when you get back, you can keep your mind on the job for the rest of your shift.’

  April flushed. Had she been that obvious? She must try to do better.

  She was just getting the tea when a sultry voice surprised her.

  ‘Got a minute to have a cup of tea with me, ma’am?’

  She jumped and looked up into Major Dunbar’s smiling face. Her stomach flipped. ‘Um, I’m afraid not, major. I’m just getting tea for sister and the other nurses.’

  ‘Well, perhaps I can help you carry it up?’

  ‘I don’t think she’ll be very happy if I bring an American soldier back with me. She’s already cross with me.’

  ‘I can’t imagine you making anyone cross, April.’ He grinned cheekily at her. ‘But if you insist, I’ll wait for you here. Surely you must be due off soon?’

  ‘Not for an hour or so, so you don’t have to wait around for me.’

  ‘I know, but I hoped to see you again. I’m a good guy, April, I promise you.’

  ‘You’re a very persistent man, major . . . Crawford.’ She couldn’t help smiling. After all, what girl wouldn’t be flattered that a man like this would want to see her again?

  ‘Uh huh. I kept thinking of your pretty blue eyes all afternoon, and I said to myself, “Crawford, you’ll kick yourself if you don’t at least give yourself the chance to persuade that lovely nurse to come out with you”.’

  ‘But . . . but you’ve only met me once. We’ve hardly spoken.’

  ‘Exactly. And I wanted to put that right.’

  April looked away, flustered. She had no idea how to handle this at all. But as she floundered around for something to say, the roar of aircraft overhead echoed around the room. She looked up in alarm.

  ‘To stations!’ a commanding voice shouted. ‘Everyone go!’

  Tea forgotten, and heart beating fast, April rushed out of the cafeteria towards her ward, Major Dunbar by her side.

  ‘You best get to safety, major. I need to get back to the ward to help move the patients,’ she panted as she ran.

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I’m a soldier, I can help.’

  ‘Ambulatory patients first,’ called a staff nurse as April pushed her way through the crowd rushing up the staircase.

  As the roar of the plane got closer, April fought back the memories that were starting to crowd in on her. ‘Keep going, April, this is not the same. Just do what needs to be done.’ But despite her reassuring words to herself, April’s vision was darkening. Stopping for a moment, she bent over and took deep breaths. ‘It’ll all be fine, just keep going,’ she whispered to herself.

  ‘April.’ She felt a hand on her arm. ‘Are you OK?’

  The voice brought her back to the present and she stood up, her vision clearing, but her breath was still coming in short, sharp pants.

  ‘Nurse Harvey!’ April jumped at the sound of her name being shouted. ‘Get over here this instant, the patients need you. This is no time for rest.’

  The harsh tone was just what she needed, and she continued running up the stairs and rushed into the ward, the comforting bulk of Major Dunbar beside her.

  ‘Where have you been? I need you to get Mrs Black out of bed. Immediately.’

  ‘Sorry, sister,’ she said. ‘I was overwhelmed for a moment.’

  ‘Yes, well, if you could keep the panic attack until after the patients have been moved, I’d be most grateful. Now chop chop, no time to waste.’

  Doing her best to ignore the terrible noise of the aircraft roaring overhead, April worked tirelessly with the other staff and Major Dunbar as they rushed to get the patients to safety. She had just delivered an elderly patient to the shelter and was halfway back up the staircase when there was a loud crash and the window on the nearest landing blew in, sending a deluge of glass in several directions. She felt the sharpest of cuts on her legs and stumbled, thrusting her hands out to save herself from falling. One hand buried itself up to the wrist in a deep pile of the tiniest of pieces. Suddenly something heavy fell on her back.

  ‘Oh God, oh God, please let me get out of this. I have to keep my head.’

  But it was too late. Suddenly she was back in Camberwell, the green curtains flapping, her father’s face at the window, the flames sending sparks into the dark sky. ‘I’m coming, Daddy! Hold on, I’ll get you out!’ she shouted, then the world went dark.

  Chapter 12

  She didn’t know how long she lay there, but slowly her senses returned.

  ‘Hey, hey.’ A deep, soothing voice in her ear sounded. ‘April, come back to me, honey. You’re with me, your friendly G.I. Now let me check you’re not hurt.’

  She blinked and moved her head to the side, opening her eyes. Major Dunbar’s handsome face stared down at her. It was smudged with dirt, but his expression was soft and reassuring.

  ‘Can you move, April?’

  She moved her legs, and then her arms. ‘Yes, I think so. I’m all right.’

  ‘Good girl. Now, I’m going to help you to your feet and get you out of here, OK?’

  ‘Out of here? No! No, we have to go back. There are others still here.’

  ‘OK, OK, honey. I’ll help you. Don’t get distressed. Come on, on the count of three. One. Two. Three.’

  April felt herself being lifted to her feet. She blinked slightly to clear her vision. Around her she could see people rushing here and there. It was organised chaos, but she was amazed at how calm everyone was. Moving purposefully with only one aim: to save as many people as possible.

  ‘I’m fine, major. I’m so sorry. Now come on, let’s get back to it.’

  Suddenly, she heard again the too-familiar sound of low-flying aircraft.

  Oh, dear God, that sound, that frightful sound . . . where was her father? No! She was not in London, this was Cornwall, and she was a nurse with patients depending on her. She would not let the memories defeat
her.

  ‘I am a nurse,’ she said plainly, as she forced herself upright.

  ‘That’s right, honey. You’re a nurse and I’m a soldier. Just think of the good we can do if we work as a team. Come on, now.’

  Just then, above the wail of the aircraft, she heard the piercing scream of a child. She focused on the sound. Yes, there it was again. But where? She hadn’t seen a child up there earlier.

  Suddenly, an unfamiliar male voice sounded close by. ‘Take shelter! They’re coming back!’ April felt her hand being grabbed, but she shook it free and ran, almost stumbling, back up the staircase.

  ‘Let me go, there’s a child up there. Can’t you hear it?’

  Oh, God, a child alone in this nightmare, I have to get to them.

  A massive explosion shook the building and acrid smoke streamed in. April was knocked off her feet, and for a moment lay stunned, her ears ringing, unsure where she had landed or what had just happened. She opened her eyes; she could see nothing and smell nothing but cordite and dust. Staggering to her feet, she stumbled blindly forward, hands out in front of her. She tripped over something and fell again.

  Another explosion rocked everything near her and April screamed as debris fell all around her. Once again she felt something heavy on her back, and she tried to fight it off.

  ‘Stay still, darlin’. We just need to let the dust settle, then I promise we will look for the child.’

  She realised that the weight on her back was Major Dunbar lying across her, shielding her from the worst of the falling masonry. She whimpered, trying to fight off the terrible memories.

  ‘Hey, it’s OK. I’ll keep you safe.’ To her surprise, she found the warmth of him on her back and the soothing tone of his voice comforted her, and slowly her trembling eased.

  ‘It’s just . . . oh, I have to find that child. To be alone in an air raid, I know what that’s like . . .’ She stopped.

  ‘Shh, now. You’re not alone this time. We’ll get them out safe and sound.’