The Foyles Bookshop Girls

by Elaine Roberts

  ‘Come on, Sis, give the man a cuddle.’

  Alice looked across at Charles, as though seeing him for the first time. He and Freddie had the same worn-down and lifeless look about them.

  Sarah stepped forward, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around her youngest son. ‘I can't believe you are here.’

  Charles gave out a breathless noise. ‘Not so tight, I can't breathe.’

  Sarah laughed and stepped back. She glanced across at Alice, who was openly sobbing in Freddie's arms.

  ‘I was so frightened I wouldn't see you again,’ Alice whispered in between her sobs. She gulped for air. The dampness, along with the metallic smell of blood and the body odour of someone that hadn't washed in a long time, clung to his uniform. It was rough under her soft hands, which gripped him tightly. ‘I’ve been so frightened.’

  His eyes squeezed shut as he held her tight in his arms. He never wanted to let her go. Slowly, he opened them and rested his finger under her chin to lift it up. His other arm held her tight to him. He tilted his head as he lowered it. Their noses brushed as his lips rested gently on hers.

  Alice moved her hands higher so her fingers could lose themselves in his hair, which had lost its softness. All thoughts of her mother and brother were forgotten as she pushed his head down, letting him know she wanted more. Her heart wanted to leap out of her chest as her body moulded to his. The bristles around his soft mouth scratched her skin, but she didn't care. She could taste smoke on his lips and mint on his breath.

  Charles gave an awkward cough. ‘All right, Freddie, put my sister down.’

  Freddie and Alice both jumped back. Colour flooded Alice's face.

  ‘Sorry, Mrs Taylor, I didn't mean to—’

  Sarah laughed. ‘Don't worry, Freddie, I do understand. Just don't let Mr Taylor catch you.’

  Freddie smiled and reached out for Alice's hand. ‘I won't, Ma'am.’

  Sarah beamed from ear to ear. ‘It's good to see you both, although it looks like you could do with a good bath and something decent to eat.’

  Charles laughed. ‘That's true. We’ve been living on tins of bully beef.’

  ‘I can't believe you’re home,’ Sarah and Alice said in unison.

  ‘It's not for long, Ma; we only have two days, then we are on our way out again.’

  Sarah and Alice's faces dropped.

  Freddie pulled Alice's hand up to his lips before turning it and kissing her palm. ‘Alice, I want us to get married before I go away again.’

  ‘But… but… nothing has been organised. I didn't know when you were coming home.’

  ‘Neither did we, but the opportunity came up, so we jumped at it.’

  Alice frowned and looked straight at Charles. Was she allowed to be as happy as she felt right now. ‘Are Stephen and Harry home?’

  Charles nodded. ‘I suspect they are by now.’ He laughed. ‘They were dreading the stick they were going to get from their families.’

  Sarah smiled. ‘I expect they’ll just be pleased to see them; we’ve been so worried about you all.’

  Freddie gave Alice's arm a little shake. ‘So, are you going to marry me tomorrow? Are you going to become Mrs Alfred Leybourne?’

  The corner of Alice's mouth lifted. ‘I want to, but I haven't spoken to the vicar or organised what to wear, and Molly and Victoria wanted to be my bridesmaids as well.’ Alice's words tumbled over each other, in a bid to be heard.

  Freddie lifted his hand. ‘I spoke to the vicar before I went away, so he’ll be fine about it. He knew it would be short notice.’

  ‘Really, I wasn't even sure you’d remember wanting to marry me when you came back. Molly and Victoria wanted to organise things, but I wouldn't let them.’

  Sarah gazed lovingly at her eldest daughter. ‘Alice, stop worrying about things.’ She tapped her index finger against her mouth. ‘I know, while the boys have a bath and freshen up, you can always try on my wedding dress.’ She paused. ‘That's if you want to. I know it's not the same as having your own, but it was my mother's too, so I suppose you could call it a vintage look, but it's up to you.’

  Alice beamed at her mother. ‘The thought of it makes me nervous because it’s important to you, but I’d love to wear it, if it fits.’

  Sarah shook her head. ‘You know it means a lot to me because it was my mother's, but in the last few months, I’ve come to realise there are other things that are far more important. It's just a dress.’ She lifted her finger and tapped her temple. ‘My memories are all in here and I know my mother would be over the moon at the thought of you wearing her dress. Family was everything to her.’

  Charles gave his mother a squeeze as he grinned at her. ‘Well, Ma.’

  Sarah laughed and playfully hit Charles’ arm. ‘You can stop that, young man. I’ll have none of it.’

  Charles laughed as he rubbed his arm. ‘Mother, it looks like there’s going to be a wedding tomorrow.’

  Lily stood in the doorway, blinking rapidly. She couldn't believe what her eyes were telling her. ‘Any excuse for a party.’

  Charles spun around as Lily ran towards him, their arms colliding as they wrapped them around each other. ‘Hello, Sis.’

  *

  Lily had spread the news last night and, consequently, the house in Bloomsbury Street was a hive of activity at seven o'clock that morning. An eleven o'clock wedding didn't leave much time for preparations. As the women's excited chatter grew, Luke folded his newspaper and decided to take himself off to the Gentlemen's Club for breakfast.

  Sarah followed him into the hall. ‘Make sure you’re back by ten o'clock, won't you?’

  Luke pulled his coat on over his suit jacket. ‘I will be back when I am ready, and not when you tell me.’

  Sarah closed her eyes and took a deep breath. ‘I don't want Alice's big day ruined.’

  ‘And it won't be.’ Luke pulled up his collar before opening the front door. The biting wind rushed in and whooshed around the hall. He nodded before slamming the door behind him.

  Sarah rubbed her hands as she walked back into the warmth of the fire in the dining room.

  Lily gave her mother an anxious look. ‘Don't worry, he’s better off out of the way.’

  Alice laughed. ‘Charles is certainly enjoying his lie in. Did father ask whether he would’ve liked to have gone with him?’

  Sarah shook her head. ‘Charles is better off resting as much as he can, before he has to leave again.’

  Lily frowned. ‘It would have been good for him to spend some time with Charles, to find out what the war is actually about, instead of glorifying it all the time.’

  Alice nodded her agreement. ‘It would be nice for Charles to get some respect and for Father to let him know how proud he is of him.’

  Sarah sighed. ‘Your father won’t change now, and today isn’t the day for worrying about it. There’s a lot to do.’

  Molly arrived first, sitting Alice in front of her bedroom mirror before proceeding to roll, curl and plait her hair, within an inch of its life. It draped down her back in soft waves and curls. The hair at the front and sides had been pulled away from Alice’s face and held in place by a large silver and diamond flower hair slide.

  ‘I wonder where Victoria and Lily are?’ The white vapour of Alice's breath hung in the air. She looked in the mirror, not recognising the lady staring back. ‘Molly, have you spoken to Victoria?’ She frowned. So did the person in the mirror. ‘Is Stephen home?’

  Molly laughed. The warmth of her breath was also a stark contrast to the air in the room. ‘Stop worrying. It's your wedding day. Everyone will be here soon enough.’

  ‘I haven't seen my mother either, at least, not since about seven-thirty this morning.’

  ‘She’s busying herself. After all, the mother of the bride has a lot to organise and you must admit, it has been very short notice.’ Molly tweaked a curl around her finger. ‘She didn't want to leave you, but I told her to do whatever she had to do and I'd
look after you.’

  Alice lowered her eyes and nodded, but she couldn't help wishing her mother was there with her. ‘And Lily?’

  ‘I suspect she’s helping your mother.’ Molly sat on the bed and looked around the room, letting her eyes rest on the wedding dress hanging on the back of the door. ‘Your grandmother's dress is beautiful.’

  Alice smiled as she looked across at it. She fleetingly wondered whether Molly was shocked at the sparse decor of her bedroom. If so, she was too good a friend to say so. ‘It is beautiful and an honour to be able to wear it. It means so much to my mother. I was really surprised how well it fitted last night.’ The thought of being Freddie's bride sent tingles hopping and skipping over her body. ‘You know, I really want to marry Freddie today, but I feel that all this is wasting precious time. It's time I could be spending with him.’

  Molly tilted her head and gave Alice a faint smile. ‘I know, sweetie, but it's an early wedding so there will be lots of time afterwards, and it’s obviously important to Freddie.’

  Alice hunched her shoulders and her chin dropped to her chest. Colour burnt her cheeks. ‘Molly, I’m so sorry. I’ve been so wrapped up in myself, I haven't asked…’ The bedroom door creaked as it swung open, causing them both to look around.

  Victoria stood in the doorway with dresses resting over her arm. There was still a fragility about her, but her eyes were alive, sparkling like stars on a clear night. ‘Here we are.’ Her face was crimson, while her chest heaved, as she gasped for air.

  Alice jumped up and wrapped her arms around Victoria. The winter's cold, fresh breath was still on her skin. As their cheeks touched, Alice shivered and pulled away. ‘You’re freezing. Come in, not that it's much warmer in here.’ She smiled, stepping back so her friend could walk into the bedroom. ‘What have you got there?’

  Victoria laughed. ‘Your mother insisted we went to the shops this morning. We actually went to Liberty's and she bought Lily, Molly and me a dress each, so we’d match.’

  ‘Oh, how lovely.’ Molly jumped off the bed, removed the dresses from Victoria's arms and laid the three of them on the bed.

  ‘Your mother and Lily will be up shortly to help you into your dress,’ Victoria rasped as she stepped over the threshold, pushing the door to, behind her. ‘Oh, is that it?’ Victoria stared at the beautiful white taffeta dress, with its layers of trumpet sleeves and lacework on the bodice, ending at the base of the neck. ‘It's beautiful.’ She turned to Alice. ‘You’re going to look stunning. Freddie's a lucky man.’

  ‘I'm the lucky one.’ Alice could feel her eyes welling up and blinked rapidly, still in disbelief that in a couple of hours, she’d be Alice Leybourne, Mrs Alfred Leybourne.

  Victoria stood at the end of the bed and stared down at the dresses. ‘Mrs Taylor wanted to buy flowers as well, but I told her not to worry about them, because we could carry our bibles.’

  Molly nodded. ‘That's a good idea.’

  ‘I wondered where you were. I was beginning to worry, in case something was wrong with Stephen.’

  Victoria laughed. ‘No, he's fine. You'll see him later, and Daisy.’ Her upturned face beamed and her eyes danced. ‘He's enjoying having a lie in and sleeping in a proper bed. It was wonderful to have him come home so unexpectedly.’

  ‘I know what you mean. I thought I was imagining things when Freddie walked into our sitting room.’ Alice paused. ‘Did you tell him off for joining up?’

  ‘No, I probably should have done, but I was so pleased to see him…’

  Alice laughed. ‘Yes, it was the same here when Charles walked in; all the anger and worry evaporated.’

  Molly looked up from examining her dress. ‘These are beautiful.’ Molly ran her fingers over the soft, dark blue lace that overlaid the pale blue dress. The long sleeves were cuffed with the same detail. She let her fingers rest on the hard surface of the navy sequins, which had been sown onto the lace appliqué. ‘I hope it fits me; I'm going to be devastated if it doesn't.’

  ‘I'm pretty sure it will. It is rather fabulous isn't it? And we’ve matching navy blue hats.’ Victoria laughed at Molly's wide-eyed expression.

  Sarah quietly opened the bedroom door and watched the girls. Their excitement and happiness was evident. Luke had better not be late back, she thought with a sigh. Surely he cared enough to be on time. She shook her head, concentrating on the girls' excitement as they examined the dresses. She moved slightly to watch Alice; she would miss her when she moved into her own home. The room became blurry; perhaps she’d be able to get her to stay, at least until the war was over. ‘Is everything all right in here?’

  Alice turned around and gave her mother a huge smile. ‘Thank you. These dresses are beautiful. What are you going to wear?’

  Sarah walked over and gave her daughter a hug. ‘It’s my pleasure. There may be a war on, but I still want you to enjoy your day, and don't worry about what I’m wearing. Now let's get you dressed.’

  Chapter 12

  Freddie stood tall in his army uniform as he looked around the church and its stained-glass windows. The sanctuary had seating for around two hundred people. The altar was small and the aisle narrow; perhaps he should have chosen a bigger church, but he enjoyed the intimacy of this one.

  Twisting a gold button on the front of his khaki jacket, Charles looked across at Freddie. ‘It won't be long now.’

  Freddie turned and grinned at him. ‘Thanks for being my best man.’

  Charles became flushed with colour. ‘It’s an honour to be asked.’

  ‘I’m not sure about that, but it’s great to have you standing here, next to me.’ Freddie's smile faded. ‘We’ve been through a lot since we left here a few short months ago.’

  Charles nodded before frowning. ‘I suppose, in Robert's absence, it must be my job to warn you to look after my sister and treat her right.’

  Laughter echoed around the church and Freddie immediately put his hand over his mouth.

  His eyes crinkling at the corners and his shoulders moving up and down told Charles the laughter was barely contained. ‘It's not that funny.’

  ‘No, sorry.’ Freddie took a deep breath. ‘I don't think you realise how much I love your sister.’

  ‘Hmm.’ Charles arched his eyebrows. ‘It took you a long time to ask her to be your wife.’

  Freddie nodded. ‘I was waiting for the right time and I wanted to be able to offer her everything, but this war has taught me there are other things much more important than money.’

  Charles nodded, before patting Freddie's arm. ‘I hope you’re both very happy.’ He looked up and grinned at him. ‘And I’m pleased you’ve got your hair cut for the occasion. Very smart.’

  Freddie chuckled as he ran his hand down the back of his head. ‘Yes, it does feel so much better.’

  Sarah walked through the church doorway, shivering, as she stood in the vestibule, glad to be out of the bitter wind that had been gathering momentum. The dark oak door was pushed back against the grey stone of the church wall. She lifted her gloved hand to check her hair, patting the French roll she had expertly styled that morning, before straightening her silver-grey tulip-style dress under the matching coat. A piece of paper blew around her feet; she stooped and picked it up, leaving it on a small table to her left. The girls giggled as they followed Sarah. Luke escorted Alice through the doorway. Molly tweaked at Alice's hair and veil, while Lily and Victoria straightened the bottom of her skirt.

  Alice gave a nervous laugh. ‘Stop fretting; I'm fine.’

  ‘Alice, you look wonderful.’ Lily beamed, her eyes welling up. ‘Be happy. Freddie is a good man.’ She raised her eyebrows. ‘Even if he is a policeman.’

  Alice laughed, shaking her head at her sister’s quip.

  Colour flushed Lily’s cheeks. ‘He’s not like some, he’s a good, honest man.’

  Alice’s tears pricked at her eyelids. She reached out and grasped Lily’s hand. ‘Thank you.’

  Sarah removed her glove to st
raighten the lace on the trumpet sleeves of Alice's gown, before beaming at her daughter. She lifted her hand to touch the soft skin of her cheek. ‘You look beautiful. Freddie’s a very lucky man.’ Tears filled her eyes. ‘My mother would be happy to see you wearing her dress; it looks like it was made for you.’

  They all stood motionless for a moment. Luke cleared his throat.

  Alice momentarily closed her eyes to stop her own tears from falling. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered, opening them again. She glanced towards her father, who offered no words of wisdom as he stood to one side, reading the notice board. Alice returned her gaze to her mother, before taking her hand and holding it in hers. ‘You’ve worked so hard to make this day possible.’

  Colour began to fill Sarah's cheeks. ‘We’re all staying at Russell Square with your Grandfather and Jane this evening.’ She lowered her voice to a whisper and patted Alice's hand. ‘So the house is yours and Freddie's tonight; you’ll not be disturbed.’ She released her hand from Alice's and fanned her face as she looked away, wondering if she should step outside into the cold air.

  Alice blushed. ‘But…’

  Heat seared through Sarah's cheeks. ‘The guest room is more suitable…’

  Alice looked away, pulling at a strand of hair that had broken free of the clip. ‘I don't know what to say.’

  ‘No words are needed. You don't have long with Freddie before he and Charles have to return to their regiment, so make the most of it.’ Sadness engulfed Sarah as she gazed at the aisle in front of her, Charles and Freddie standing proud in their uniforms. She forced a smile. Honeysuckle immediately conjured memories of her own wedding, over thirty years ago. She had been so happy then; how things had changed. Sarah shook her head as she glanced across at her husband. ‘I suppose we shouldn't keep Freddie waiting any longer.’ She turned on her heels and pushed back her shoulders, before stepping forward. Her shoes clattered on the stone floor as she walked towards the front pew. She nodded at her family and Molly's parents, Jack and Charlotte, before taking her seat.

  The priest stepped forward and the chords of the pipe organ filled the air. The congregation stood up as one, and with Lily leading the way, the three bridesmaids slowly walked down the aisle, in single file, towards the waiting priest, in step with each other and Mendelssohn's Wedding March. The navy lace and pale blue satin underlay of the column dresses swished around their black kitten-heel shoes with every step they took. They each held their own bibles in front of them, the covers worn and the edges of the pages crinkled with use.