The G.I. Bride

by Eileen Ramsay

  ‘Oh, this is beautiful and such a glorious perfume. Thank you.’

  ‘Then we best go. I’ll bring her back safe and sound, Mrs Teague.’

  ‘Happy Thanksgiving, and have a lovely time.’

  *

  For once, Crawford hadn’t brought a jeep. Instead he’d managed to find a taxi, which April was sure would cost a fortune. Still, she refused to worry about things like that tonight. This was an evening for celebration and happiness.

  When they arrived at Pencalenick House, April saw that a huge tent had been erected in the grounds and hung with fairy lights. Crawford took her hand and led her in. April caught her breath. It was undeniably stunning, decorated with real and artificial pumpkins of various sizes; each of the real ones had been carved and there were candles burning inside them. She’d never seen anything like it and was fascinated. Flamboyant paper turkeys seemed to strut across every table.

  Crawford led her through the crowd to their designated table and April looked around to see if there was anyone she recognised, but there didn’t seem to be. Crawford introduced her to several other officers and their companions, and she was soon in a conversation with Lieutenant Bowyer, a married officer who was happy to talk about his wife, his children and his home in Florida through the first course. April listened politely, barely able to get a word in edgeways – which she was rather relieved about as she still felt a little overwhelmed. He would have continued perfectly happily through the entrée but was nudged by someone and he immediately paid attention to the older woman on his other side.

  The food and wine were delicious, and April was sure she’d never eaten so much, and she’d only had the first course! Surely she’d have no room left for the turkey.

  Crawford, who was sitting beside her, leaned over and whispered in her ear, ‘You OK, honey?’

  ‘Oh, Crawford.’ She looked back at him, her eyes shining. ‘I’ve never seen so much food or been anywhere this beautiful ever. It’s the most glorious night.’

  ‘And I have never sat next to a more beautiful woman than the one I’m with tonight.’ He rested his hand on hers and looked deep into her eyes.

  April flushed and hit him playfully with her napkin. ‘You say such things, but I can’t believe that.’

  ‘Believe it, April. I’m the envy of every man in the room.’

  She looked at him, lost for words. This man . . . Oh, she didn’t even know, but he made her so happy, she could hardly comprehend her luck.

  Suddenly, the band, who had been playing all evening, stopped, and there was a drum roll. April looked around, startled, as the turkeys were wheeled in and everyone stood up. Other dishes on the tables were piled high with seasonal vegetables from America, for there was corn-on-the cob, fresh lettuce, fresh beans, as well as potatoes prepared in several ways and golden squash, which April had never tasted or even seen before.

  ‘Good grief, Crawford, this could feed the whole of Truro for a week!’

  He laughed. ‘Relax, enjoy it. Just for one night, let’s pretend there’s no war on and there is no rationing.’

  She smiled and squeezed his hand. ‘OK, let’s pretend.’

  April tucked into her enormous plate of food. It had been years since she’d tasted so many flavours, and she closed her eyes and savoured every mouthful, pretending, just as Crawford had suggested, that life was good and uncomplicated, and out in the world, people weren’t being killed.

  ‘Oh, I loved that squash,’ she said, as finally, unable to eat anything else, she sat back in her chair.

  ‘I’m never sure whether squash is a member of the pumpkin family or if it’s the other way round,’ said one of the younger officers, whose date had obviously asked him. ‘Major Dunbar, what do you think?’

  ‘I believe they’re all gourds, if that helps at all.’

  ‘Boy, am I ever going to write to my seventh-grade teacher,’ said another of the younger men. ‘She said they were all pumpkins. I forgive her, though, she was from New York. What would she know about farming?’

  Everyone laughed and that was the atmosphere of the evening. The men were perfectly well aware of their place in the hierarchy but they were able to laugh, joke and tease one another without fear of offending anyone.

  Pumpkin, cranberry and pecan pies followed the main course, but there was also a deep glass bowl of oranges and, for those who wanted, fresh custard or ice cream.

  ‘Enjoy the meal, honey?’ Crawford asked as the waiting staff offered coffee, tea and after-dinner drinks. ‘There’ll be dancing just as soon as the tables are cleared. I’d like something slow and smooth.’

  ‘I was promised the jitterbug,’ teased April.

  ‘After all that food?’

  ‘Manners, major.’

  ‘OK, but before I go ask for a jitterbug for you, do you mind if we just walk out for a moment, because if I don’t kiss you, Miss Harvey, I will definitely combust.’

  ‘Oh dear, I missed the lecture on dealing with the aftermath of patient combustion.’

  He laughed, grabbed her hand and they went out into the cold November evening. Immediately he pulled her into his arms.

  ‘Kissing’s the only cure,’ he said as he took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders.

  ‘Well, just in case, we better do it a bit more,’ she whispered.

  By the time they wandered back in, the coffee was finished and the band was playing dreamy dance music. Crawford pulled April into his arms and they joined the others. April’s heart was so full, she was sure it would burst, and when the band started playing ‘Cheek to Cheek’, one of April’s favourite songs, she started to sing along.

  Crawford bent his head to hers and joined in.

  She looked up at him and smiled when she saw the warmth and tenderness in his eyes. It was true, she really had found the happiness she’d been looking for in Crawford’s arms. She wasn’t sure anything could feel as wonderful again.

  But everything good had to end, and to April’s dismay, before she knew it, the night was over, and she started to worry about how she would get back.

  ‘Colonel Rivers is lending me a vehicle, April; he knows I’m safe to drive.’ Crawford smiled, as if he had understood her concern.

  ‘I wish the night would never end.’ April leaned her head on Crawford’s shoulder.

  ‘We’ll have other nights, just as perfect.’

  She sighed. ‘I hope so. But nothing is certain, so let’s just cherish the memories of this one.’

  Crawford brushed her cheek with his finger. ‘This has been the very best night of my life, April.’ And he kissed her gently on the mouth.

  They said goodnight to everyone who was still there and shouts of ‘Happy Thanksgiving!’ echoed around the huge tent.

  Colonel Rivers approached them as they reached the door. ‘It was a real pleasure to meet you properly, April. Major Dunbar, you take care of this little lady. She’s something special.’

  April blushed. ‘Thank you for a wonderful evening, colonel. It was a pleasure to meet you too.’

  ‘Excuse me, Crawford,’ said the colonel, and kissed April lightly on the cheek. ‘And it’s Rick, honey.’

  ‘I like Rick, he seems nice,’ April said later as they drove leisurely back.

  ‘Yeah. He’s a great guy. We’ll see him a general one of these days.’

  ‘Do you want to be a general?’

  ‘No way, I’m here because there’s a war on.’

  They drove in silence for a few minutes more. It was as if they were the only two people in the world right now, and she never wanted the moment to end. She didn’t want to go back to her lonely bed; she wanted to be able to stay with Crawford, to wake up with him. Life was too short to waste on doubts, war had taught everyone that, and she wanted to grab this happiness while she had the chance.

  They pulled up outside Mrs Teague’s house, and as if he’d read her thoughts, Crawford turned to her. ‘When the war ends, I’m going back home. Would you think of
coming with me, April, far away from everything you know and love?’

  April drew in a deep breath. ‘I love you, Crawford. I think I’d follow you to the ends of the earth.’

  He kissed her deeply, then pulled back. ‘I know it seems soon, darlin’, but I’m going to ask you anyway. Will you marry me, April, and move home to Carolina with me when all this is over? We can come back to visit, every year, if you want, and Mrs Teague can come visit any time.’

  She squealed in delight and stretched up to kiss him tenderly. ‘I’ll marry you, Crawford Dunbar, and move to wherever you have to be.’

  ‘My mom’ll kill me for not waiting, but can we marry soon? I want to make sure you’re stuck with me for the rest of my life.’

  ‘Is Christmas too soon?’

  ‘Ah, honey, I want to more than anything, but there’s something else I have to tell you. I didn’t tell you sooner because I thought it would ruin the evening, but I’m leaving tomorrow, I mean today, and I hope and pray I’ll be back before Christmas, and the worst thing is, I may not even be able to send you any letters—’

  She put her finger on his lips. ‘It doesn’t matter, just as long as I know you’re coming back to me.’

  ‘Always. So may I tell my folks you said yes?’

  ‘Yes, yes, yes!’ she repeated, until after one more kiss he finally tore himself away.

  Crawford walked April to the front door, gave her one last long, lingering kiss, then turned and got into the vehicle and drove away. April stood until the sound of the engine had disappeared and then, slowly, she crept into the house.

  When she finally lay in bed, memories of the evening came crowding into her mind, and the thought of what she’d just promised Crawford overwhelmed her. What if his family hated her? What if she and Crawford weren’t suited after all? Would she be allowed to keep nursing? What if he never came back? How she wished right now that she had a mother to talk to. She adored Mrs Teague and there was no doubt that she was like a mother to her, but she wanted someone who’d known her forever. Who knew all her good points as well as the flaws and loved her anyway. Tears started to fall from her eyes, and turning her head into the pillow, she cried herself to sleep.

  Chapter 37

  Matrons don’t ask if a nurse has had enough sleep when scheduling shifts and April felt absolutely dreadful when she was woken by her alarm clock a few lonely hours later. There was warm water in the bathroom but she washed in the coldest water she could bear and still did not feel ready for a long day ahead.

  When she went into the cafeteria for a cup of tea, Nancy was sitting with Mattie and Jean. They all looked up expectantly when April sat down.

  ‘Was it terrific? Describe the food. Describe the men. When are you going to see him again? Are you going to see him again?’ The questions flew around her tired head like wasps around an open jam jar.

  ‘Later, girls. I had less than four hours’ sleep last night.’

  ‘Oh yes? I didn’t think you were that sort of girl, April.’ Nancy winked at her saucily, and everyone laughed.

  April smiled and shook her head at her. She was incorrigible, but she would never forget what a kind heart lay buried beneath the brash exterior.

  She managed to avoid a major inquisition on the evening until she got home, where Mrs Teague was waiting for her.

  ‘I’ve made macaroni and cheese and there are some peaches that Red brought. Now start eating and tell me everything.’

  April laughed but did her best. After she’d described everything from the tent, to the food, to the music, she stopped and looked down.

  ‘Is there something you’re not telling me?’

  April looked up. ‘We’re going to be married. Crawford wants to marry as soon as possible.’

  ‘Ooooh, my dear. I’m so happy for you! You two are perfect together.’

  ‘And when the war ends he wants us to live in North Carolina.’

  ‘That will be lovely,’ she said calmly. ‘You’ll be able to grow gardenias and possibly even orchids like the ones the major gave me.’

  ‘If we can grow them you’ll see them, because you can come and visit any time you like.’

  ‘We’ll see, my dear. I’m sure the last thing he’ll want is an old woman like me hanging around. Will you move out as soon as you’re married?’

  April could tell that although she was happy for her, Mrs Teague was holding back tears at the thought of her moving out. She put her hand on her arm. ‘Goodness, no. Where would I go? He has to live at the base, and I will carry on nursing. I don’t think much will change until the war’s over. So I’ll be with you a while yet.’

  Mrs Teague smiled at that. ‘He can stay here any time he likes once you’re married. Oh, it will be such fun to have a man in the house again! So when is the happy day going to be? I must get a new outfit. And where will you be married?’ She chuckled to herself. ‘Listen to me. All these questions when you probably don’t know yourself yet.’

  ‘Maybe January. He’s going away again and he hopes to be back by Christmas. I’d like to get married at St Merryn, so at least I’ll be close to my mother. Do you think I should go and talk to the vicar there?’

  ‘I’m sure he’d be delighted. As soon as the major gets back, you two should go up there and ask.’

  ‘It feels so long till I’ll see him again. How on earth will I bear all these absences?’

  ‘You’ll bear it the way all the other wives and girlfriends and fiancées do. You’ll write him lots of lovely letters and, if he should manage to telephone, your voice will smile.’

  April thought that over while she ate more macaroni. ‘I know what you mean and I do try. I want to be perfect in every way.’

  ‘Oh, April, in all my life I have known many really lovely people but never one, not even my dearest Isaac, who was perfect. We’re human – settle for that. Now, when does he leave?’

  April’s eyes filled with tears. ‘I think he’s already gone.’

  ‘If you’ve had enough macaroni, put the plates in the basin while I serve the peaches. Do they grow peaches in North Carolina? I bet they do; there’ll be lots of sun there.’

  ‘Yes, I shall be in the garden wearing one of those big, floppy sun hats, tending my gardenias and eating peaches. And you, Mrs Teague, will be sipping lemonade, doing nothing at all except sitting in a comfortable chair, waving a fan and watching me work.’

  Mrs Teague laughed delightedly at the thought. ‘You’ll be like a film star, April. Swanning around, eating whatever you like and never having to worry about bombs again. Oh, life will be wonderful. I’m so happy for you.’

  April smiled. She couldn’t wait. But for now, she must content herself with whatever time she could get with Crawford and pray he stayed safe.

  *

  The weeks after Crawford had left dragged for April. She didn’t hear anything from him and she tried not to worry. She did, however, receive a letter from Reverend Osborne, who told her that, all things considered, Theo was as well as could be expected. He told her not to worry about him, and he would send her news if anything changed.

  Why won’t he write to me himself, April wondered? They were still friends, weren’t they? But then, she supposed, if Crawford left for another woman, she would never be able to speak to him again; it would be too painful.

  April had elected to work on Christmas Day, but she had Christmas Eve off, as Eunice had written and asked her to come to church with her and her mother. The service was set for 3 p.m., which seemed a strange time to April, but it was Christmas Eve so she imagined that the times were different. Borrowing Mrs Beetie’s bicycle, as she still hadn’t managed to replace Mrs Teague’s, she cycled through the crisp, clear afternoon, anxious to see her friend, who had given nothing away in her letter about how things stood with A.J. and her mother. She also wanted to give her a thorough check-up. Having asked the advice of one of the midwives at the hospital, she’d borrowed a Pinard horn so she could listen to the baby’s heartbeat.


  She arrived at the church early and went inside, relishing the peace and quiet. It was beautifully decorated with holly and mistletoe, and April sat in quiet contemplation as the organist practised, thinking about the changes this year had brought.

  Finally, a few people started to trickle in, and she was surprised when Nancy sat down next to her and gave her a nudge. ‘What on earth are you doing here?’ She hadn’t properly caught up with Nancy for a while, so she was delighted to see her.

  ‘I came with Homer. He’s outside with A.J.’

  ‘A.J.’s here? Oh, how wonderful. Does that mean everything’s fine between them?’

  Nancy winked. ‘Apparently. Let’s see, shall we?’

  April turned and looked to the back of the church. Mrs Granger suddenly appeared, wearing a large hat with a Christmas rose pinned to it. She hurried down the aisle without glancing left or right. But no one else seemed to be coming.

  She turned to Nancy. ‘What’s going on?’

  Nancy winked again. ‘You’ll see. Surprised you didn’t know.’

  Suddenly the organist started playing the Wedding March, and April looked at Nancy wide-eyed. She had a huge grin on her face, and the penny dropped.

  ‘Oh! Why didn’t she tell me!’

  ‘She didn’t tell anyone. I only know ’cos Homer told me, and he only knew ’cos he’s the best man, although Eunice had asked me to come to church with her today, which was a bit of a surprise. I mean, me? In a church?’ She laughed.

  April turned to look again and saw Homer and A.J. looking incredibly smart in their ceremonial uniforms, walking quickly down the aisle. And just a few minutes later, Eunice, clutching the arm of a tall, red-haired man in a British Army sergeant’s uniform, and wearing a smart blue suit with a bouquet of Christmas roses clutched in front of her stomach, moved slowly towards her husband-to-be. April was delighted to see she was smiling shyly, and when she glanced at A.J. she noticed the huge grin on his face. He looked so proud and in love that her heart sang.

  The ceremony was quick but heartfelt, and when they all left the church, April rushed over to her friend.