Raucous cheers could be heard as Luke walked towards the Card Room, where money was being won and lost. He had never been a gambler himself, but had witnessed hundreds of pounds being forfeited on the turn of a card. He looked through the doorway as he walked past. The afternoon sun shone through the large windows, fighting its way through the haze of cigarette smoke. The green table tops had playing cards scattered haphazardly around them. Men were on their feet, patting each other on the back. Laughter rang out as someone was handed a cigar. He shook his head and continued walking along the landing, ordering a coffee from the passing steward, as he entered the library. He looked around before claiming a seat. Edward waved from his favourite position in the corner, by a window. A newspaper was folded on the table in front of him.
Luke sighed; he had the family do-gooder with him. He painted on his smile and walked over to them. ‘Afternoon, Edward, George.’
‘Afternoon to you too, Luke.’ George looked up at him. ‘Pull up a chair. I haven't seen you since the wedding. How’s everyone?’
Luke shrugged his shoulders. ‘I will be glad to have Robert back home. Dealing with women all the time is quite exhausting.’ He nodded to the steward, as he placed his coffee in front of him.
George frowned and looked from Luke to Edward. ‘I expect they’re worried about their loved ones.’ He paused. ‘Emily gets herself into a terrible state almost every time Harry's name is mentioned. She can't bear the thought of anything happening to him, let alone the things he might be witnessing.’
Edward nodded. ‘I know what you mean. He and Charles are so young.’
George nodded. ‘I must admit I feel exactly the same, but I hold it together better than Emily, bless her.’
Luke shook his head. ‘You should be proud. I am. I think Alice takes after me, because she's not as emotional as the rest of them.’ He picked up the silver spoon, the metal cold against his fingers, and began stirring his coffee. The steam spiralled up, only to disappear into the air around him.
George and Edward looked across at Luke. Edward shook his head as he watched him replace the spoon onto the saucer and pick up the cup. ‘I'm not sure that’s true. She just doesn't voice it, and that probably isn't very good for her.’
Luke shrugged his shoulders. ‘Whatever the reason, it suits me.’ He held the cup for a few moments, smelling the rich aroma, before taking a sip of the hot liquid. ‘Hmm, that's strong.’ He placed the cup back on its saucer. ‘I must say, they do a lovely coffee here.’
Edward stared hard at his son-in-law, wondering what Sarah had ever seen in him. He cleared his throat, remembering he’d vowed years ago to never get involved in their relationship, unless invited to. ‘George and I were just catching up with the news.’
Luke frowned. He hoped it wasn't more family news; it was all so tiresome. ‘News?’
George arched his eyebrows as he looked down at Luke's coffee cup. ‘Yes, we were just talking about the Lusitania being sunk and all the people dying. It must’ve been quite frightful for them.’
Luke nodded. ‘Yes, I must admit that was a shock. The Zeppelins bombing London overnight as well. Apparently, they looked quite spectacular in the sky. I'm not sure how many were injured or died though.’
Edward thinned his lips. ‘It brings it home, doesn't it? We now have a couple of beds in our basement, so when the police come through on their bicycles, ringing their bells, we move down there until we get the all clear.’
George nodded. ‘We were thinking of doing the same thing.’
Edward gave a little laugh. ‘Jane thinks we should just sleep down there every night and that would save moving. I think Victoria told her at the wedding that she and Daisy now permanently sleep in the basement.’
George lifted his hand to summon a steward. ‘Victoria's got a good head on her shoulders, but then I suppose she’s had to grow up quickly, providing for her brother and sister.’ The man appeared by the chair in seconds. ‘Edward, would you like a coffee?’
‘Yes, I think I will, thanks.’
‘Luke?’
‘I'll have a top up, thank you.’
George looked up at the steward. ‘That’ll be three coffees then, please.’
The steward gave a small bow and turned to walk away.
Edward's fingers formed a steeple and rested on his chin. ‘Well, Jane certainly thought sleeping in the basement was a good idea; perhaps we should listen to the youngsters more often.’
Luke's lip curled. ‘If you start doing that, it will be the beginning of the end.’ The steward appeared at their table and placed three coffees in front of them, before silently turning and walking away. ‘I suppose we are lucky to still have stewards here. It's a wonder they haven't brought in women to do their jobs as well.’ Luke let out a humourless laugh. ‘That would be something wouldn't it, having the gentlemen's club, somewhere to escape the women in your life, only to be served by more cackling women, probably blathering on about babies and children.’
Edward took a deep breath and slowly counted to ten. ‘I think you'll find most men come here to do business, not to escape the women in their lives.’
Luke sneered. ‘What's your excuse then? You have long retired from the business world.’
Anger bubbled away and Edward could feel his heart pounding in his chest. ‘I come here to discuss things that either wouldn't be of interest to Jane, or would frighten her, like the war.’ He paused for a moment. ‘Not that I need to justify myself to you.’
George shook his head. ‘Luke, there are times when you sound quite bitter and yet you’ve had a good life, thanks to the Gettin family.’
Colour rushed into Luke's face. ‘Thanks to the Gettins? I'll have you know, I have worked hard for what I have.’
‘Nobody is disputing you’ve worked hard since joining the family firm, but you were given that opportunity and when you married Sarah, that set you up for life.’ George took a breath. ‘The house came with the bride, along with a dowry, so yes, I do think you owe your good life to the Gettins.’
The do-gooder of the family had struck. The duel gauntlet had been thrown down and Luke willingly picked it up. ‘Unlike your good self, I suppose.’
George laughed. ‘That's right, unlike my good self. I had already made my money and I didn't want or ask for anything from Henry Gettin, apart from his permission to marry Emily, and maybe his acceptance of my bright shirts at the time.’
Edward chuckled. ‘I remember them. Cousin William couldn't get his head around your taste in clothes.’ He paused and looked Luke straight in the eye. ‘I think you’ll find you’re the only one out of the three of us that didn't marry for love.’
Luke fidgeted in his seat. He needed to buy himself some time. He could feel Edward's eyes boring into his soul. He sighed. ‘It would seem I am going to be a grandfather.’
Laughter burst out of Edward and George. There was a chorus of shush from around the room.
Edward stretched out his hand to shake Luke's. ‘What excellent news. You wait, when Jane finds out we’re going to be great-grandparents.’
George reached out and patted Luke on the back. ‘Congratulations, it's an exciting time.’
Luke frowned as he let his gaze wander from one to the other. ‘Yes, let's hope Freddie gets back in one piece.’
*
Alice and Victoria strolled along Bloomsbury Street, the June sunshine beating down on them. The fringed parasol did little to alleviate the brightness that sparkled off every surface. The tassels' only movement was the bobbing that came with their footsteps. The air was still. Dogs could be heard barking in the distance, mingling with the usual clatter of horses pulling carts, interrupted by car engines firing into life. The sun had brought the children outside. Some raised their voices as they played their war games, arguing who would be the enemy. It seemed no one wanted to be a German. Men dressed in army uniforms often stopped to talk to them. Squeals of delight carried from the gardens and could be heard above the birds sin
ging. People smiled and nodded as they walked past. Muted conversations could be heard from open windows. The sunshine had definitely lifted people’s spirits.
Victoria glanced across at Alice. ‘Molly appears to have come through the worst of her grief.’
‘I hope so. The guilt was ripping her apart.’
‘Yes, I know.’ Victoria sighed. ‘I think writing to Charles must be helping.’ She paused. ‘I get the impression she writes to him every day.’
Alice smiled. ‘I never realised she was writing that often, but I'm pleased for them both. Charles is a happy and uplifting character, so they’re probably helping each other.’ She pulled her handkerchief from the pocket of her pale blue, ankle-length dress. ‘Is it because I’m carrying an extra person around with me, or is it as hot as I think it is? My body is sprouting leaks everywhere.’ She ran the thin piece of lace across her forehead.
‘No, my friend, it’s hot.’ Victoria laughed. ‘And it's only the beginning of the month.’
Alice groaned. ‘I know we shouldn't moan, especially after the greyness of winter, but I feel like I'm going to die in this heat.’
Victoria frowned as she looked across at Alice's red face. ‘Are you drinking plenty of water?’
‘Yes. Who’d be pregnant in this heat?’
Victoria squinted as she looked ahead. ‘Hopefully, it won't be this hot all month.’
Alice groaned again. ‘What a thought, and I haven't made it to August yet.’
‘Never mind.’ Victoria beamed. ‘When you’re cuddling your little bundle of joy, you'll think it was all worth it.’
‘Let's hope you’re right.’ Alice smiled. ‘I know one thing though.’
‘What's that?’
Alice laughed. ‘I’ve got to stop moaning.’ She took a couple of short breaths. ‘I hope you don't mind me asking, but how are you managing now, with Daisy in the police?’
Victoria looked down at the ground, purposely slowing her pace as a line of ants distracted her. They carried a crumb on their backs, which looked ten times bigger than them, as they marched across her path. ‘Of course I don't mind you asking.’ She looked up and smiled. ‘Daisy loves being a policewoman and seems to get on well with everyone.’ She paused. ‘I never did thank Lily for taking her along with her that day.’
Alice smiled. ‘I'm sure there’s no need, but you know, Lily seems to love it too.’
‘Well, it certainly changed things for us.’ Victoria paused, but only for a moment. ‘Daisy has no trouble getting up and going to work. She seems to love what she does and most of her earnings go into the family pot.’
‘It sounds like she's a different person.’
Victoria laughed. ‘A reformed character, without doing the prison time.’
Alice chuckled. ‘I’m really pleased. You certainly seem to have been happier.’ Alice held up her hand. ‘I know you won't be happy until Stephen comes home, but you definitely look healthy and like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders, so that makes me happy.’
They walked on in silence for a moment.
‘I've been thinking about putting some paint or paper on the walls, before Stephen returns, a sort of welcome home present for him.’ Victoria lowered her eyes and cleared her throat. ‘You know, I’ve been meaning to thank you.’
Alice frowned. ‘Thank me for what?’
The corner of Victoria's lip lifted a little, wrinkling the side of her nose. ‘Over the years, you’ve been a wonderful friend to me. I definitely couldn't have got through half of it without you or your family.’
Alice squeezed her friend's arm. ‘Trust me, we’re good friends to each other. I’ve made mistakes, for which I’m truly sorry, but it always came from a place of love and was meant well at the time.’
‘I know, but none of that matters now. We have a little one that we can focus our attention on.’ Victoria laughed. ‘In between knitting for the soldiers, I'm also knitting bonnets, booties and little cardigans.’ She giggled. ‘You should see them; they are so tiny.’ She held up her hand and positioned her thumb and forefinger about two inches apart.
‘It's scary isn't it?’ Alice's eyes widened. ‘Can you imagine me in charge of a baby?’
‘You'll be fine, and your mother is on hand to help, bless her.’
They walked on, each lost in their thoughts about the baby that was on its way. Alice watched a boy cycling on the footpath. She could hear the squeak of the brakes before his feet hit the ground, stumbling because the bike had come to a complete standstill. He leant it up against the railings of her home. Her hand dropped away from the parasol handle. She stopped, rooted to the spot and gripped Victoria's arm.
‘What? What is it?’ Victoria’s voice rose. ‘Are you in pain, has something happened?’
Alice silently lifted her arm and pointed to the bike leaning against the railings, and the boy standing at her front door.
‘Oh dear,’ Victoria whispered. She quickly bent down and picked up the parasol, which was lying upended on the pavement. ‘Come, we must get you home.’ She took Alice's arm and virtually pulled her along, fighting the urge to run in the opposite direction. Fear gripped her chest and her mind bounced around, in its bid to escape the turmoil that was taking over. She realised leaving her friend at the house wasn't an option for her. Everyone knew it wasn't good news when a boy on a bike came calling. It was just a question of who the telegram was for. Which one of them was going to be lost from them, Robert, Charles or Freddie?
*
‘Missing.’ The words repeated themselves over and over in Alice's mind. She rocked back and forth in her armchair. What does that mean? Is he dead, but they haven't found his body? Is he a prisoner of war? The front door thudded shut. She prayed it was her mother, and not her father.
Victoria walked in carrying a glass of water. ‘Here, sip this.’ She frowned at her. ‘Your father has just walked in. He didn't say anything, but he raised his eyebrows when he saw me.’
Alice groaned. She was going to be in trouble for opening the telegram but, for once, there had been no self-control. She stared down at the crumpled paper in her grip, wishing she had left it alone.
‘It may not be as bad as you think.’ Victoria thrust the glass in her direction. ‘Doesn't it say he may have got separated from his regiment?’ She knelt down beside her. ‘Come on, sip this.’ She paused, glancing over at the sideboard. ‘Perhaps you should have something stronger, for shock. You’ve lost your colour. Maybe a drop of your father's whisky would be more appropriate.’
A feeble smile played at the corners of Alice's lips. ‘The water’s fine, thank you.’ Aware that Victoria was examining her, she took the glass and sipped the lukewarm liquid.
‘What's occurring here?’ Luke's steely tone from the sitting room doorway caused Alice to jerk in her seat, spilling water onto her skirt. He stared from one girl to the other. ‘What's happening, Alice?’
Alice took a deep breath. She pushed her hands on the arms of the chair and tried to stand up. Victoria pressed her fingers on Alice's shoulder, preventing her from moving.
‘Mr Taylor.’ Victoria stood upright and straightened her shoulders. ‘Alice has had a funny turn, probably to do with the baby. I expect she’ll be all right, but she needs some peace and quiet.’
Luke nodded and turned, walking into the hallway. Victoria could hear Sarah and Luke's mumbled voices, followed by the clicking of heels on the tiled floor. Seconds later, Sarah dashed into the sitting room, her black skirt trailing behind her in the breeze she caused.
‘Alice, are you all right?’ Sarah frowned as she rushed to her daughter's side. ‘Your father said you had a funny turn or something.’
‘I'm fine,’ Alice whispered. Her eyes concentrated on the telegram she was clutching. ‘Mother, you might want to sit down.’
‘Why?’ Sarah didn't move. ‘What's happened?’ Fear ran across her face; she closed her eyes for a second. ‘What's happened?’
‘Charles is missing,’ Al
ice whispered. She held up the telegram for her mother to read.
Victoria guided Sarah to an armchair. Returning, she unfolded Alice's fingers from the paper. Releasing it, she passed it to Sarah. ‘It does say he may have got separated from his regiment or be a prisoner of war, so he could be on his way home.’ She tried to sound optimistic, but wasn't succeeding.
Sarah stared down at the creased paper that was sitting on her lap. ‘When did it arrive?’
Alice gave her mother a watery glance and closed her eyes, squeezing them tight.
Victoria cleared her throat. ‘We saw the boy at the front door. He didn't wait for a reply; I believe the envelope is marked in some way, so they know whether to wait or not.' She gave a nervous laugh. ‘Sorry, I'm rambling.’
‘Mother, I panicked and opened it.’ Alice paused. She sucked in the air around her. ‘I'm sorry, it wasn't addressed to me, but I saw a telegram and I suppose I couldn't wait. Fear took hold.’
The telegram held Sarah transfixed for a moment. ‘Does your father know?’
Alice shook her head.
‘That one will be my fault.’ Victoria fidgeted from one foot to the other. ‘I'm afraid it was me who told him about the funny turn. Alice obviously knew she had done wrong, opening something that wasn't addressed to her, and I was just trying to protect her.’
Sarah nodded but didn't look up. ‘You’re a good friend, Victoria.’
Colour rose in Victoria's cheeks. ‘Charles will be all right. We have to stay positive, for all of them.’
Sarah stood up and walked over to the window. She watched everyone going about their business as normal. ‘I don't know whether we should tell your father or Lily.’ Her chest was suddenly in a vice-like grip. A groan escaped as she tried to take some deep breaths, but the pain was too great.
The Foyles Bookshop Girls Page 20
