Homecoming

by Ellie Dean

  The butler’s sink now stood proudly at the centre of a smooth wooden work surface under which was an array of cupboards and shelves along with a very smart washing machine. The old range had been ripped out and replaced by a modern gas cooker, and there was a huge fridge standing in one corner.

  The floor had once again been sanded, but instead of being waxed, it had been painted white to go with the walls, the cupboard doors, the fridge and washing machine. A large window took up most of one wall and overlooked the back garden where the previous tenants had planted a flourishing vegetable patch and a couple of fruit trees.

  ‘It’s a bit different, isn’t it?’ Anne was grinning with delight. ‘Charlie had great fun knocking out the old bathroom and helping Frank and Ron put in an RSJ, so we could have a larger kitchen. What do you think of the fridge? It’s American, and I bought it at auction when the Yanks were selling off their kitchenware. Super, isn’t it?’

  Peggy ran her fingers over the washing machine and enormous American fridge with awe and some undeniable envy. ‘My goodness, Anne. You’re very well set up, aren’t you?’

  ‘I know I’m lucky, Mum, but you’re earning the money now, so why don’t you do something similar at Beach View once you have the house to yourself again?’

  ‘I wouldn’t know where to start,’ she confessed, opening the fridge to inspect the inside, and marvel at the way the light came on to shine on the shelves and special nooks and crannies for eggs and milk, and how the bottom compartment was to freeze things.

  She closed the door and gazed around in awe, for the simple act of combining the bathroom with the kitchen had given Anne a large but homely space with enough room for a scrubbed pine table and four chairs. She couldn’t begin to think how she’d achieve such a thing at Beach View – not with her bedroom, the chimney breast and the hall in the way and no room to extend back or front.

  ‘But where’s the bathroom now?’ she asked, leaning over the pristine stone sink with its lovely brass taps to look out of the window.

  ‘We turned one of the bedrooms into a bathroom, like you did at home all those years ago. Why don’t you go up and have a look while the tea mashes?’

  Peggy followed Cordelia slowly up the stairs which had a runner of dark red carpet that was held in place by shining brass rods. The bannisters had been painted white, she noticed, like the panelling, and the same pretty sprigged paper lined the landing walls. It all smelled so lovely and clean, without a hint of damp and not a cobweb to be seen.

  The three bedrooms were all big enough for double beds, and Anne and Martin had taken the one at the back of the house which overlooked the lovely garden. The girls had a room each with matching counterpanes and curtains, their white-painted single beds giving them plenty of room for cupboards, shelves and toy boxes. Colourful rugs had been laid on the waxed floors, and framed prints from Beatrix Potter’s enchanting books were on the walls.

  Peggy sighed inwardly, wishing wholeheartedly that her little Daisy could have such a wonderful room instead of having to share with her. She turned away and headed for the bathroom.

  ‘Oh my goodness,’ she breathed as she opened the door. ‘It’s a positive palace, Cordelia.’

  They stood in the doorway to admire the white tiles and new bathtub on clawed feet; the bright blue linoleum on the floor which matched the towels on the rail and the curtains at the frosted window. There was a sink with brass taps and a very posh lavatory, both bearing the gold insignia of the Grand Hotel.

  ‘I see Ron’s been up to his old tricks again,’ tutted Cordelia. ‘He must have been keeping those in his shed ever since the place was reduced to rubble by that bomb.’

  ‘Oh well, at least it’s saved them a bit of money,’ sighed Peggy. ‘All this work must have cost a fortune.’ She wistfully closed the bathroom door and helped Cordelia back down the stairs, her imagination now on fire.

  Beach View was looking decidedly shabby, and if Ron, Charlie and Frank were capable of doing such a fine job on Anne’s place, then they could jolly well set to and bring it up to date. She’d pay them, of course, and get the experts in for things like electrics and plumbing, but seeing Anne’s lovely home, and hearing Doris’s plans for the two bungalows, she knew it was time to stop dithering and get on with it.

  Returning home an hour later, she put Daisy to bed and plucked her bank book out from the bottom of her underwear drawer. Taking it into the kitchen, she lit a cigarette and then leafed through the pages. The sum she’d accumulated was quite impressive, and far more than she’d expected – but then most of her wages had gone in there, and a fair amount of Jim’s money was regularly deposited straight from the Army Pay Corps.

  ‘You’re up to something, Peggy Reilly,’ chuckled Cordelia. ‘I’ve seen that expression before.’

  Peggy closed the little book and grinned. ‘Things are going to change around here, Cordy, and although it will mean a lot of upheaval and noise, it will be so worth it in the end.’

  ‘Jim might have a word or two to say about that if there are too many changes,’ Cordelia warned softly.

  ‘I’ll write and tell him my plans once I’ve got them clearly in my mind,’ she replied. ‘And when he comes home he’ll be as pleased as punch. You wait and see.’

  Cordelia pursed her lips, clearly not convinced.

  Peggy put her arm about her narrow shoulders and gently hugged her. ‘Just think, Cordy. We could have a new kitchen and bathroom – a freshly painted and papered hall with a new stair carpet – and a really smart dining room. Daisy and Charlie will have their own rooms upstairs, and I shall have the washing machine I’ve always dreamed of as well as a smart new fridge.’

  She clapped her hands in delight. ‘Oh, the bliss of never having to use that blessed mangle again,’ she sighed. ‘And won’t it be absolute heaven not to have the milk and meat go off on a hot day – and be able to put the washing in the machine and just leave it while I’m doing something else? I shall have so much spare time I won’t know what to do with myself.’

  ‘I doubt you’ll ever be idle, my dear,’ the elderly woman replied. ‘But please don’t rush into things. I know you’re excited now, and want what Anne and Doris have, but you need to think long and hard before you make too many changes.’

  ‘Well, of course I will, Cordy. The whole enterprise will cost a lot of money, even with Ron, Frank and Charlie doing their bit, and I’ve never been one to rush into anything, as you know. Besides, nothing can be done until we have the house to ourselves again, so please don’t fret.’

  Cordelia smiled, but her eyes were troubled as she thought about Jim, who would have fond and lasting memories of his home, and expect it to be exactly the same on his return. What he would make of all Peggy’s ideas was a mystery, but she had an uneasy feeling he’d be hugely disappointed to find it had changed beyond recognition.

  9

  Doris had been on tenterhooks all Friday, for although John’s back seemed much better, she was terrified he’d overdo things and not be right for Saturday. She’d forbidden him to come into the office today as it involved a bit of a walk and a steep climb up wooden stairs to get to it, and had ordered him firmly not to do any gardening or heavy lifting.

  Yet try as she might, she was finding it hard to concentrate on her work, for not only was she preoccupied with John, the purchase of her bungalow, her wedding and the delightful thought of having her son Anthony at home for a while, but she was also facing the imminent arrival of her younger sister, Doreen.

  Doris wasn’t really looking forward to seeing her again, for they’d never really got on, and the last time they’d met, Doreen had been insufferably rude and insensitive, which had properly put Doris’s back up. But two years had passed and they were both more settled in their personal lives than before, so maybe it was time to mend fences.

  However, she certainly wouldn’t put up with any nonsense from Doreen, who to her mind wasn’t leading an altogether respectable life. She might have a good secr
etarial job down in Wales, and be a loving mother to her children, but she was divorced; the baby she was raising was the illegitimate offspring of some seaman she’d been having an affair with; and now, by all accounts, Doreen was carrying on with one of the schoolmasters. Archie Blake’s death had been unfortunate, and Doreen had been very cut up about it, but that was no excuse, really, for getting pregnant without a wedding ring on her finger, and behaving like a trollop.

  Feeling a bit better after her inner rant, Doris had managed to get through the most pressing issues that had crossed her desk, then she shot home at lunchtime to make sure John was behaving himself, and to take charge of her wedding outfit which the seamstress delivered to her door at one o’clock. On her return to the office she’d instructed the temporary secretary on how things should be done during their absence, and as the woman seemed very capable, she left the factory estate at four o’clock feeling content that the office would be in good hands.

  Doris walked home slowly, enjoying the warmth of this late summer day and the smell of newly cut grass. The sky was clear blue, the horizon shimmering where the sky met the sparkling sea, and the gulls hovered almost lazily over the hills and the town. It was a perfect day, and if it was like this tomorrow, then she and John would be blessed.

  She came to a halt outside John’s bungalow and gave an exasperated sigh. The pocket handkerchief lawns in front of both bungalows had been mowed despite all she’d said, and if John’s back had suffered, then he’d really get the sharp edge of her tongue. She marched up the path and let herself into his bungalow.

  ‘I told you not to exert yourself,’ she said crossly.

  He came out of the kitchen grinning. ‘It wasn’t me, Doris. I promise.’

  ‘Then who …?’

  ‘Hello, Mother,’ said Anthony, coming from the sitting room and swamping her in a hug. ‘We thought we’d come a bit earlier than planned, and as I had nothing better to do, I cut the grass.’

  Doris hugged him tightly. ‘Oh, Anthony, dear boy, how kind.’ She pulled back from him as she heard childish laughter coming from the sitting room. ‘Is that my Teddy?’

  Without waiting for an answer, she dashed in to find Suzy in an armchair with little Teddy at her feet playing with a wooden truck on the hearthrug.

  ‘Hello, Susan,’ she said distractedly as she bent to scoop the small boy into her arms and smother his face in kisses. ‘Oh, Teddy, darling,’ she murmured, holding him close and breathing in the deliciousness of his thick fair hair and baby skin. ‘What a big, beautiful boy you are for your grandma.’

  Teddy squirmed and pushed away from her, his little face scrunching up as if he was about to wail in protest. Doris quickly put him down, her heart aching that her only grandchild didn’t know her.

  ‘He’ll be all right once he’s settled in,’ said Suzy, rising from her chair to coolly kiss Doris’s cheek before picking up her son to soothe him. ‘It’s been a long journey down from Cambridge and everything’s a bit new and daunting.’

  Doris bit down on a sharp reply, for reminding them that she’d hardly seen any of them since they’d moved away would only make the situation more awkward. She forced a smile. ‘Well, it’s lovely to see you all,’ she managed. ‘You’re looking well, Susan.’

  Suzy smiled and put Teddy back down on the floor with his truck. ‘I’m feeling very much better, thank you, Doris, and really looking forward to catching up with everyone tonight. It’s such a shame Fran’s not well enough to come, but she telephoned this morning and asked me to give you her love and best wishes.’

  ‘That was very kind of her,’ Doris muttered. Actually, she was bitterly disappointed that Fran couldn’t play the violin at her wedding. ‘Tonight will be a very quiet affair. We’re just meeting for a few drinks at the Officers’ Club,’ she continued stiffly. ‘My sister Doreen is due to arrive from Swansea very soon, and Rosie has kindly offered to babysit for a couple of hours while Ron takes charge at the Anchor.’

  She gave a little sniff of disapproval. ‘Ron blotted his copybook the last time he was left to look after the children, so he won’t be asked again.’

  ‘Oh dear,’ said Suzy with laughter in her blue eyes. ‘Poor Ron will never learn, will he?’

  ‘It seems not,’ Doris replied, unwilling to discuss Ron’s unedifying behaviour with her daughter-in-law. She glanced at her watch, and then headed out to the kitchen where Anthony and John were in deep discussion about the Japanese surrender.

  ‘I wouldn’t put it past the Japs to renege on the whole thing,’ said Anthony. ‘It’s highly suspicious that they’re taking so long to sign the surrender, and I suspect they’re plotting something.’

  ‘Surely not?’ said John. ‘They’ve been thoroughly beaten throughout the Pacific, and after those atomic bombs – which must have killed hundreds of thousands of their people – surely they won’t want to risk another being dropped.’

  Anthony shrugged and turned to his mother. ‘Sorry about being so gloomy on the eve of your wedding, Mother, but we got talking and …’ He kissed her and put his arm round her waist. ‘John and I will spend a quiet evening at your place with Teddy while you girls paint the town red. I brought some fillet steak and a good bottle of wine, so we’ll be quite content.’

  Doris giggled girlishly. ‘We won’t be painting the town red – but perhaps with a tinge of pink. I’ll need my wits about me tomorrow.’

  ‘John told me about your plans to turn the two bungalows into one. It’s a splendid idea, Mother.’

  ‘Yes, isn’t it? We’re both very excited about it. Work won’t start until we get back from our honeymoon, but we hope to have it all finished by Christmas.’

  ‘It’ll be our best Christmas ever,’ murmured John, kissing Doris’s hand.

  Feeling slightly embarrassed, Doris blushed. ‘I’ve made up my spare room for you, Anthony, and borrowed a cot for Teddy. So here’s a spare key. Come and go as you please.’

  ‘Thank you, Mother. Now I propose we have a cup of tea and a slice of Suzy’s lovely Victoria sponge before you girls get all dolled up for your evening out.’

  Doris had to reluctantly admit that Suzy’s baking skills were as good as her own, and when it was time to return to her bungalow to put Teddy to bed, the girl had asked her if she’d like to bath him and read him a story. Doris was beginning to warm to Suzy, but to her chagrin, there was still a tiny nub of jealousy that niggled away at her, for her son was committed wholeheartedly to the girl and would never really be her boy again.

  Doreen climbed down from the train with Archie junior on her hip, the girls leaping out before her onto the platform. It was lovely to be home again, even if her last memories of Cliffehaven and Beach View had been overshadowed by Archie’s father’s tragic death in that London tube station.

  She took a deep breath of the warm, salty air to banish the awful memories of that day. ‘Stay together and don’t wander off,’ she ordered the girls. ‘I have to get the pram and suitcase out of the guard’s van.’

  ‘I’ll do that, Doreen,’ said Stan jovially.

  ‘Uncle Stan!’ she exclaimed in delight, giving the stationmaster a hug. ‘How lovely that you’re still here. I thought you must have retired by now.’

  He hugged her back and then looked down at her with sad eyes. ‘I’m afraid I won’t have much choice in the matter soon,’ he said. ‘But I’ll tell you more once we’ve got your things out of the van.’

  Doreen watched him lumber down the length of the train and frowned. She’d known Stan all her life, and he was so much a part of this station that she couldn’t imagine him anywhere else, so why was he retiring?

  Stan carried the suitcase and wheeled the large pram down the platform. He took charge of nine-month-old Archie, who grinned and made a grab for his peaked hat. ‘Goodness me,’ he chuckled. ‘He’s a lovely big chap, isn’t he?’

  ‘As handsome and sweet-tempered as his father,’ said Doreen proudly. ‘Heavy too,’ she added with a grunt as she took h
im from Stan to plonk him into the pram and strap him in. ‘You were saying about maybe having to retire,’ she prompted.

  ‘There’s talk they’ll be closing this branch line,’ he said sadly. ‘Now the troop trains and special services are no longer running, the railway company deems it unprofitable.’

  ‘But what about your lovely cottage?’ she asked in horror. ‘Surely they aren’t just going to pension you off and leave you homeless?’

  He smiled down at her. ‘I’ll get a good pension, and they’ve promised they’ll only charge me a peppercorn rent for the cottage until I turn up my toes. Then it will either be sold off or pulled down to make way for new housing.’

  He gave a deep sigh. ‘Which means my niece, April, and her little Paula will have to find their own place to live. I had hoped she could just carry on renting it, but the rail company won’t hear of it.’

  ‘Oh, Stan, I’m so sorry,’ Doreen commiserated. ‘It’s been your family home ever since your father was stationmaster.’

  ‘Aye, well, at least I can live out my last days there, and I’ve got a bit of money put by, so I can help April out when it comes to getting her own place.’

  Doreen caught sight of her girls wandering off in boredom to inspect Stan’s large tubs of flowers. ‘I’d better get on, Stan. Peggy’s expecting me, and I don’t want to be late for Doris’s drinks tonight.’

  Stan’s eyes twinkled. ‘I bet you never thought you’d see the day your sister got wed again,’ he said. ‘A lot of things have changed around here during the past few years, but none so much as Doris. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.’

  ‘I’m sure I will,’ said Doreen, now eager to be on her way. ‘I’m here for a few days, Stan, so I’ll pop up and see you for a chat and one of your lovely rock buns. You are still making them, aren’t you?’

  ‘Not as many as before, because I have to watch my weight. But for you, Doreen, I’ll bake a special batch.’ He patted her shoulder, tweaked Archie under the chin and winked. ‘It’s good to have you home, lass, even if it is only for a short while.’