“What’s she like?” Eleanor asked, and Ivy assured her that Charmaine was a lovely woman and most definitely worthy of their precious son.
“I presume you’re going to South Africa for the wedding?” Ivy asked, knowing that wild horses wouldn’t hold her mother back now.
“Of course!” Eleanor replied, then she prodded her husband’s girth with her index finger. “Of course, your father will have to lose a few pounds before we go. With that beer belly, he wouldn’t be able to buckle his seat belt on the plane!”
“Well, who does the cooking around here?” Peter grumbled. “You’d be the first to complain if I didn’t eat the meals you put in front of me!”
Ivy hid a smile as her parents bickered back and forth. Eventually they agreed that Eleanor would serve smaller portions and Peter would do his best to like salads.
“What’s the South African countryside like?” Peter asked when the bickering had finally died down.
“It’s magnificent!” Ivy told him fervently. “The earth is red, and the vegetation is amazing. You’re going to love it!”
“And this fellow Owen’s in business with – what’s he like?”
Ivy could feel herself blushing. She was remembering the time she’d thought Brian and Owen might be a couple, until Brian’s kisses had assured her they were not.
“Oh, he’s very nice too,” she said, as nonchalantly as she could manage. “In fact, all the people working at the nature reserve are great.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing all the animals,” her mother added.
“They’re amazing!” Ivy told her enthusiastically. “It’s an incredible experience to see them in their own habitat, the way nature intended them to be.”
“And this apartheid business?” Peter asked. “Are the people really free now?”
Ivy grimaced. “Well, politically, apartheid is gone, but economic and social apartheid still exists for millions of people. But you’ll see for yourself when you get there.”
Momentarily, her father looked sad, then he brightened as he pointed to the mantelpiece where he’d placed the postcard Ivy had sent them from South Africa.
“This time, we got our own back on Hannah!” he said, chuckling. “We had a postcard of our own to stick under her nose!”
At the mention of their neighbour, Eleanor’s face grew serious.
“You’ll have to visit her while you’re here, Ivy,” she said, pursing her lips.
Ivy knew by her mother’s tone of voice that she was issuing an edict, not a request.
“Of course, Mum – but you know I always make a point of dropping in.”
Eleanor pursed her lips. “I’m not saying anything, but I don’t think she’s well.”
Peter shrugged his shoulders to let his daughter know he didn’t share Eleanor’s scaremongering.
None the wiser, Ivy made a mental note to visit Hannah. Otherwise, she’d never hear the end of it.
“By the way, Mum,” she asked, as casually as she could manage, “have any of my old school chums come back to live in the area lately?”
“No, not that I’ve heard. Why do you ask?”
Ivy shrugged her shoulders. “Oh, nothing. I just wondered, that’s all.”
Chapter 36
The wedding took place on a dull and blustery afternoon. Luckily, the wind died down while photographs were being taken in the church grounds after the ceremony. Danny had also brought along his camcorder, and Ivy watched as her new husband laughed and joked with friends and family as he filmed them in their finery. It was clear that he was enjoying the day immensely, and Ivy felt a mixture of relief and sorrow as she contemplated her future.
Eventually, the rain began to fall, and everyone hurried into the hotel. As people gathered in the foyer, Ivy darted a glance at her parents. She knew she’d disappointed them, and that this hurried ceremony wasn’t what they’d had in mind for their only daughter. It wasn’t something she’d envisaged for herself either. After she and Joe got together, she’d often daydreamed of marrying him, and in those daydreams the sun had always been shining, and all the guests had been smiling and wishing them a happy future together. Now, she was well aware that everyone present knew that this was a shotgun wedding. They just didn’t know that the father of the child she was carrying was now at the bottom of Harper’s Lake.
Ivy smiled as people approached her, offering their congratulations and telling her how wonderful she looked. She was well aware that the matrons of the village simply wanted to get close in order to check if her pregnancy was showing yet. But she wasn’t showing, so she’d been able to wear a tight-fitting cream taffeta dress that fitted her like a glove. She knew she looked good, and Danny’s adoring glances confirmed it. On the other hand, Ivy knew that Danny would view her favourably even if she was wearing a sack. She supposed it was an advantage to be marrying someone who was crazy about her, but as yet she could only feel gratitude towards him since he’d saved her from a worse fate. Hopefully, love would come later.
“Kiddo, are you okay?”
Ivy smiled as her brother touched her arm.
“Yes, I’m fine, Owen.”
“You look gorgeous, by the way – I didn’t get a chance to tell you at home, with Mum fussing so much!” he said. “Danny’s a lucky man – if he doesn’t treat you right, he’ll have me to deal with!”
Ivy smiled, but inside her heart was beating uncomfortably fast. Dear Owen, she thought, if only he knew that I’m the one who’s not playing fair. But I’ll do my best to make Danny happy.
“You look sad,” Owen said, looking closely at his sister. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine – honestly. I’m just a bit tired after all the preparations for the wedding.”
“I’m going to miss having you around – I never expected to be losing my sister so soon.”
Ivy grimaced. “To tell you the truth, I wasn’t expecting this to happen either.”
Brother and sister shared a knowing look, and Owen shuffled his feet. “I wish you’d told me, kiddo – I’d have helped you. You didn’t need to do this …”
“Yes, I did,” she said softly. “Anyway, it’ll all work out.”
Her brother squeezed her hand. “Just because you’re married now, it doesn’t mean we can’t still be close. You know I’ll always be there for you, Ivy.”
Ivy couldn’t speak because of the lump in her throat.
“Thanks, Owen,” she managed at last.
As Owen left, the guests began moving from the foyer into the large conference room where the wedding reception would be held. As Ivy made her way across the foyer, she couldn’t help wondering how the Heartleys were feeling. Only a short while ago, in this same room, they’d held that fateful eighteenth birthday party for Joe. And they must still be hoping he’d get back in time for the wedding reception.
Ivy blinked back a tear. But if Joe was here, she thought, I’d be marrying him instead …
Just as she entered the conference room, Hannah Dalton approached her, and Ivy squirmed with embarrassment as the older woman hugged her. This day should have been Rosa’s – Hannah’s daughter should have been the one marrying Danny – but Hannah appeared to bear her no ill-will.
“You look lovely, Ivy,” she said, genuine warmth in her voice. “I hope you and Danny will be very happy together.”
As she hugged her back, Ivy suspected that the effort of attending the wedding was costing Hannah dearly.
As the guests took their places at the tables, Ivy glanced at Fred and Julia Heartley. They were doing their best to appear happy, but Ivy was well aware that they, like her own parents, were probably wondering if the marriage was a mistake from the outset.
The meal passed in a blur for Ivy, and she hardly tasted anything she was eating. Glancing over at Peggy, she saw that her new sister-in-law was also deep in thought. Ivy’s heart went out to her since she knew exactly what Peggy was thinking. She was wishing Joe could be present at the wedding of
her younger brother and her best friend. Some close friend I am, Ivy thought bitterly.
The meal was followed by speeches, a toast to the bride and groom, and a few bawdy jokes. Then Danny made his speech about Ivy making him the happiest man in the world, and gratefully, Ivy glanced at her new husband. He was undoubtedly the most elated person in the room. At least I’ve made one person happy today, Ivy thought. And I’ve saved Joe’s baby. Maybe it will all work out in the end.
Chapter 37
Hannah Dalton smiled happily as she opened another of Rosa’s letters. She was so proud of her high-flying daughter! Sometimes just a postcard arrived, with a scribbled greeting from some far-off exotic location. But Hannah loved Rosa’s letters the best, since they were always full of news and gossip about her colleagues and her travels.
Unfolding Rosa’s letter, she found photographs and the money her daughter always included. Clearly Rosa was doing well, Hannah thought, as she counted the notes. Her daughter had been including money ever since she’d become a flight attendant. Hannah was grateful for it, since she only had a small pension, and that didn’t go very far. Of course, she always put some of the money aside, in case Rosa ever announced she was getting married. Then Hannah intended buying a spectacular mother-of-the bride outfit …
Leaving aside the bundle of photographs, Hannah began reading Rosa’s letter. As always, its tone was upbeat, and it was obvious that Rosa was leading a wonderfully varied and exciting life. She’d just been transferred to the Jamaica route, and was hoping to top up her tan on the beach while there.
Gazing at the familiar swirling signature at the end, a dart of pain flitted across Hannah’s face. What a pity Rosa wasn’t the one getting engaged! How ironic that her old school friend Clara Bellingham, who’d never even left the village, should have recently found herself a husband, yet her own high-flying daughter couldn’t. Surely Rosa must meet dashing pilots and foreign diplomats on her travels? She couldn’t still be hurting over Danny’s rejection all those years ago! Hannah longed to ask her daughter if there was a special man in her life, but it might seem too pushy. All the same, it didn’t stop her hoping for that special letter. She’d love to hear the patter of tiny feet before she died …
As she reached for the photographs, Hannah’s heart filled with pride. Rosa often sent photographs of the places she visited. Over the years, Hannah had received an assortment of pictures showing Rosa and her friends rubbing in sun cream on a Florida beach and on a hovercraft in the Everglades, skiing in Aspen, Colorado, dining in an open-air restaurant in Hawaii, and waving from a speedboat on one of the Italian lakes. These latest photos had obviously been taken recently during her time on the Australia route, and showed Rosa and friends outside Sydney’s Opera House, and in the Blue Mountains surrounded by amazingly tall trees. Clearly, Rosa was living the dream. In all the photographs, Hannah noticed the same dark-haired man at her daughter’s side – could this be someone special?
Hannah desperately hoped so. It was years since Rosa had left Willow Haven, humiliated and defeated by Danny Heartley’s rejection. Surely it was time she found happiness with a nice man? Hannah didn’t care where he was from, what nationality, colour or creed he was, as long as he made Rosa happy.
As she wandered into the kitchen and turned on the electric kettle, Hannah was still daydreaming. If Rosa and this dark-haired man decided to wed on a beach, or in some exotic location, Hannah was determined to be there at all costs.
But what she really wanted was for Rosa to come back to her roots in Willow Haven, and hold the reception at the local hotel. Surely, if she’d found the man of her dreams, she wouldn’t be worried about Danny Heartley? Marrying in Willow Haven would let everyone know that he didn’t matter any more. Undoubtedly her gregarious and glamorous daughter would also have a bevy of international friends, and their exotic presence in Willow Haven would be an eye-opener for the locals!
Hannah longed to show off her daughter, just like the Mortons did theirs. She was tired of being the one who had to pack her suitcase and go to London. But she’d no other option since Rosa had vowed she wouldn’t set foot in Willow Haven ever again.
Hannah bit her lip. She’d another motive for hoping Rosa might marry soon. She’d recently visited the doctor because of unexplained tiredness, but had been subjected to a barrage of questions and a speedy hospital appointment. All she’d wanted was a tonic or some kind of pick-me-up, but at the hospital she’d been poked and prodded, and put through all sorts of tests, while the doctors spoke in hushed tones and used euphemisms in her presence.
Hannah suspected that something wasn’t quite right, but no one was prepared to tell her anything until they’d got the results of the tests. Such focused attention could only mean that something was definitely amiss. Hopefully, it wasn’t anything too serious.
Chapter 38
Ivy made no mention of her mother’s remarks to Danny – she’d wait and judge Hannah’s health for herself. But when she and Danny arrived at their old neighbour’s house, Hannah looked much the same as usual, and Ivy dismissed her mother’s warnings as fanciful.
In Hannah’s hallway, Danny hugged the elderly woman warmly. “It’s great to see you, Hannah!”
“Danny! Oh my goodness, don’t you look smart!”
Hannah’s face was pink with delight as she beamed happily up at him. She’d always been genuinely fond of Danny, and Ivy had little doubt that Hannah still wished it had been Rosa he’d married instead of her. Nevertheless, Hannah was always gracious and kind to Ivy as well, so it was obvious she’d long ago decided to make the best of the situation.
Hannah began bustling around, filling the kettle and making tea. And despite their protestations, she insisted on buttering some scones that she’d just taken out of the oven.
As always, it didn’t take Hannah long to bring the conversation round to Rosa, how wonderful her job was, and how many exotic places she’d visited. As Ivy and Danny began drinking their tea – and nibbling a scone so as not to offend their old neighbour – Hannah carried over an old tin box.
“Look at these letters and postcards, Danny,” she said eagerly, taking out a bundle and pressing them into his hands. “I never thought my little girl would end up seeing such amazing places – it’s wonderful, isn’t it?”
Danny nodded, studying the items in the box, and passing them along to Ivy. “You must be so proud of her,” he told her. “With such an outgoing personality, it was obvious that Rosa would do well.”
Nodding, Hannah sighed. “I suppose it’s selfish of me, but I wish she could write more often. I know she’s busy and doesn’t get the time. I mean, with such a great job, I suppose I’m lucky she keeps in touch at all!”
Danny patted her shoulder. “Why don’t I get you a computer, Hannah, and show you how to use it? I’m sure Rosa has an email address. That would make it a lot easier to keep in touch with her.”
Ivy nodded in agreement, touched at her husband’s kindness to their old friend.
“I couldn’t let you do that!” Hannah said, looking shocked. “I mean, it’s very good of you, Danny, but you haven’t time to spare for an old dunce like me!”
Danny grinned. “Good. I’m glad we’ve got that sorted! Next time I’m back in Willow Haven, I’ll bring a laptop for you, and honestly, you won’t be long getting the hang of it.” He smiled at Hannah’s worried expression. “Don’t worry, I’ll set it up with the software you need, and give you your first lesson.”
“No, Danny, I couldn’t let you do that.”
But already, Ivy could see the faint glimmer of something like hope in Hannah’s eyes. The older woman was considering taking a step into the digital age, and Ivy could see she was frightened and excited in equal measures. She was willing to try anything that would give her more contact with Rosa.
A short time later, as they were leaving, Danny kissed the older woman’s cheek.
“I’ll see you very soon, Hannah, so be ready for your first computer less
on!” he told her, and she was beaming happily as she waved them off.
Once outside, Ivy linked her husband’s arm. “That was really nice of you, love – I wish I’d thought of getting Hannah a computer. It’ll be perfect for her, and Rosa will be able to keep in touch even when she’s abroad.”
Danny nodded. “I’ll get a laptop and printer as quickly as I can. I’ll be visiting the site for the new Coulton branch next week, so I won’t be a million miles away from the village. I’ll pop in before I drive home, and give Hannah her first lesson.”
Ivy nodded. Danny was a real sweetie.
“Hannah looked well, didn’t she?” he said, smiling. “She’ll master the computer in no time!”
Ivy smiled in agreement, glad she hadn’t dampened Danny’s good spirits by relaying her mother’s dire warnings. Sometimes, her mother could be too pessimistic for her own good.
“Hannah seemed fine,” Ivy told her mother when she returned from their visit to Hannah’s house. Danny had already gone off to see his father, after which he was calling in to see Peggy and Ned.
“Well, that’s as may be, but …” Eleanor’s voice trailed off.
“Mum, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ivy said crossly. “Danny’s getting Hannah a computer, and she’s all fired up about learning how to send emails.”
“Have it your own way.” Eleanor shrugged her shoulders and walked out of the room.
But her mother’s remarks left Ivy feeling unsettled.
By Sunday afternoon, Ivy was relieved to be leaving the village. The mystery caller had robbed her of any joy she might have felt at being back in the place where she grew up. Since they’d arrived she’d been on edge, wondering if she was being watched, or if the caller had actually been talking to her?
Ivy shivered, and Danny, who was driving them home, leaned over and squeezed her hand.
“You okay, love? You’re still looking tired – why don’t we get a Chinese takeaway tonight, and watch that new movie I got?”
Still Waters Page 17
