Girls of the Great War

by Freda Lightfoot

  Hurrying after him, she said, ‘I’m so sorry to hear that, being desperate for work. Do you know of any company that is seeking new artists?’

  Pausing to glance at her and noting the anxiety in her face, he gave a sympathetic smile. ‘You could always apply to perform on board a cruise liner. They are definitely seeking new entertainers.’

  ‘Really? Good gracious, I never thought of that. I’ll give that some consideration.’ Thanking him, she quietly left.

  Bearing in mind what that new manager had said, would it be appropriate for her to go travelling again? She would miss Merryn, but her sister was now well recovered and determined to live her own life with a man Cecily had failed to approve of, and at least she had a darling child. So why not go and do something more exciting with her own life? She did love Plymouth. It was a lively town with regiments garrisoned at the Citadel, many of them sailors and marines, and there were plenty of pubs and bawdy houses available to entertain them. Having spent her youth living in digs and enduring dozens of shambolic places for years, which had never been easy, coming to live in this town had felt utterly blissful. Cecily believed that her mother had only been prepared to move here once her parents were both dead – a puzzling and depressing attitude. Putting all of that out of her mind, she began to spend time writing songs for herself, feeling in need of making a dramatic change in her life.

  Once she had a collection that satisfied her, she popped in again to ask the manager if he could recommend a company worth trying. He readily handed over the address of Carabick Cruises. ‘The cruise industry is back in action now the war is over. There are quite a few companies to choose from, but start with this one. It’s classy, smart and efficient, and their small liner sails from Portsmouth to Corsica, Sardinia, Malta, parts of Spain, Italy, Greece, and numerous other places around the Mediterranean. They could contact me for a reference if that was required. And if you don’t get taken on as an entertainer with them, Cecily, come and see me again and we’ll talk about what you could perhaps perform for us here on the Pier.’

  ‘Thank you so much,’ Cecily said, surprised by this implication of a possible offer.

  She spent the following days correcting and testing the new songs she’d written, as well as teaching herself some classic ballads that were not at all war-oriented. Having finally convinced herself she was still good at entertaining, Cecily then wrote a carefully worded letter to Carabick Cruises, giving the envelope a kiss of hope when she posted it. Oh, how she hoped she’d succeed in getting an offer.

  TWENTY-SEVEN

  MERRYN WAS thrilled to have her adorable daughter but badly missed the support of her sister, since Cecily only called in for a few moments most days. Johnny’s interest in their baby was still poor and he gave her no help. His attitude towards her too was not at all considerate, and he was constantly pestering her for sex. Merryn had attempted to explain why she wasn’t able to give in to that just yet, still feeling sore and tired, let alone bleeding. ‘I’m sorry, love, I will come round to it soon,’ she promised him.

  Now that Cecily had gone, he had returned to their bed and demanded she succumb to his needs. Pulling the blankets off her, he snarled, ‘Get up and strip off. You can at least give me the pleasure of seeing you naked, even if you claim not to be available. You’re an artist, so it’s time you entertained me.’

  ‘I – I don’t think the sight of me would appeal to you right now. I’m still a little plump following the birth and have stretch marks and other issues,’ she said, giving him a shy smile and not wishing to describe the fact she felt clogged with infection and her breasts were swollen and sore.

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous, that baby is nearly a month old, so what’s the problem?’ Pulling her out of bed, he stripped off her nightgown, then taking off his own clothes lay down on the bed to gaze at her, his hands stroking his member. ‘Walk around and do a little dance.’

  Merryn struggled to do as he instructed, embarrassment fluttering through her, this being something she’d never done before.

  ‘Put your arms up, open your legs wide and push yourself towards me.’

  ‘Oh please, no, Johnny.’

  ‘Do what I say!’ he roared, giving her a push.

  She fell, shuddering with humiliation and a vivid sense of guilt that she’d refused to allow him to make love to her. Then being dragged up to her feet, she did as he ordered. It was then that she heard Josette start to cry, obviously having been disturbed by the loud shouts he’d made. She quickly dashed over to the cot only to find herself grabbed by Johnny as he leapt out of bed. He slid his hands over her, fingering and caressing every part of her body, not only her swollen breasts but also those private parts still sore after the birth. Josette was screaming louder than ever and Merryn desperately strove to push him away. Why would he not appreciate the responsibility involved in caring for a first baby, and the pain involved in the birth? He seemed to have an insatiable sexual appetite and not a shimmer of respect or understanding for what she’d been through. ‘Please let go of me, Johnny, Josette needs attention.’

  ‘So do I, and I’m much more important than that child,’ he said, grasping her breasts so firmly she cried out in agony. Then with a rumble of excitement, he pushed her back on to the bed and entered her without bothering to give her a hug or a single kiss.

  Scenting the stink of alcohol on his breath and hearing his panting and grunting without him showing the slightest glimmer of affection for her, Merryn felt utterly traumatised and abused. Once he flopped away from her and fell almost instantly asleep, she pulled on her nightgown, picked up Josette and fled downstairs to feed and change her as well as wash herself, aware of a trickle of blood running down her legs and tears rolling down her cheeks. Why had he been so demanding? Did he find possession of her totally enthralling, wishing to treat her as an obedient and submissive slave? Or had he simply required proof that she still loved him? If the latter notion was the reason, then she could have been entirely wrong to attempt to put off his sexual needs just because of her condition. Hadn’t she always enjoyed him making love to her, and felt a desire for him to be a little more compassionate? That being the case, she must try to be a better wife, and encourage him to become a loving father.

  Delighted to have received a friendly reply from Boyd in admiration of her efforts for the women on strike, on a spur of the moment Cecily took it into her head to visit him. Aware that he too was keen on music, she would greatly appreciate his opinion on what she’d achieved with these songs she’d written. She wrote a short note to say she felt the need to visit London again, not wishing to state her reason until the appropriate moment came. She was thrilled to receive a reply the next day saying he would meet her at Paddington Station.

  She chose to wear a long pale blue checked skirt, white blouse, matching jacket, and a wide-brimmed hat upon her chestnut-brown hair, anxious to look appealing. Carrying her bag and a summer umbrella to protect herself from the sun, she found herself equally delighted to see him. He looked so smart and handsome in a light grey suit with a striped waistcoat and boater hat. And most welcoming with a warm smile on his face.

  As they walked through the city, a silence fell between them, although their attraction was very apparent in the way he kept glancing at her and holding her hand whenever they crossed a road. A whirl of emotion flared through her at his touch.

  ‘Where would you like to go? We could visit Spitalfields Market, Princes Theatre or the Gaiety. Or simply take a walk in St James’s Park. I assume you’re staying at the hostel and will escort you there whenever you wish. Although if you don’t care for that uncomfortable place, you could always stay at my flat.’

  There was something in his velvet brown eyes that excited her. Nevertheless, instinct warned her not to agree to this offer. It was far too tempting and dangerous. Hadn’t she messed up her life before by allowing Louis to make love to her, even if they weren’t falling in love? And could she be certain how Boyd felt about her, let alone
any emotion she had for him? Cecily met his smile with a gentle shake of her head. ‘I’ll be quite happy staying at the hostel, thank you. I’ve no wish to go to it just yet, so a walk in the park would be lovely.’

  They took a wonderful stroll, the sun shining in a bright blue sky, then enjoyed a delicious lunch, the pleasure of his closeness running through her like fire as they chatted happily. Wondering if she should now mention her reason for being here, instead Cecily blandly stated how she’d been hoping he’d visit Cornwall.

  He looked sideways at her, his lips lifting into an enticing smile. ‘I certainly was considering coming to look for a job in Plymouth, feeling the desire to see more of you, and hoping to stay with my aunt, your Nan, until I found a place of my own. She then wrote to say that your mother does not welcome visitors so I didn’t feel I could come.’

  Cecily chuckled, thrilled by his interest in her and understanding Nan’s reason for that latter comment. ‘That’s not entirely true. Queenie does tend to be a bit fanatical about young men. Nan would simply be attempting to protect you from being seduced.’

  He roared with laughter at such a prospect. ‘So if I did, I’d better stay at a local youth hostel to remain safe, just as you do here.’

  ‘You’d always be most welcome. Have you found yourself a job in journalism?’

  ‘No, I’ve failed to find employment at any local newspaper here in London. I used to work with my dad at Spitalfields Market, fetching and carrying stuff before joining the army at a young age, so maybe I don’t have the necessary skill. My aunt is urging me to go to Bournemouth, Mum being desperate for me to work with her at the B & B. As you know, I’ve no wish to do that and as she is planning to soon retire, what is the point as she’ll no doubt go to live with her sister.’

  ‘Really? Oh, we’ll sorely miss her.’

  ‘I’m sure you will. Have you yet managed to find yourself a job?’

  Cecily felt strangely relieved at his lack of employment, filling her with the hope he might indeed come to Cornwall, even if Nan did retire and leave. ‘I’ve done the odd small performance at a local cinema and hotel but nothing long term has been offered.’ She went on to explain the suggestion made by the new director on the Pier that she could apply to work on a cruise ship. ‘I’m quite passionate about travel as well as singing, but as our concert party is now defunct and Merryn cannot come with me, it’s not an easy decision to go off travelling alone. I’ll have to decide soon though. Being a changed world, I feel the need for more importance in my life.’

  ‘So you reckon you may choose to work on a cruise liner?’

  ‘Actually, I’ve written to Carabick Cruises and am hoping for an offer,’ she softly admitted.

  He grinned. ‘That’s good to know. Were you to succeed in achieving employment on a cruise, would you entertain them with the songs you sang during the war?’

  ‘Indeed not. They are now considered to be out of date.’ Finding the courage to pull her sheets of songs from her handbag, she said, ‘Actually, I’ve written a few for myself but I’m not sure if they’re any good. I rather hoped you might give me your opinion.’

  He looked fascinated as he studied them. ‘I’d love to hear you sing these. The flat I rent is quite small in an overcrowded part of the city, not at all as glamorous as your house in Plymouth, but made available to me thanks to the local council. I’m grateful for that as there’s a shortage of houses and I’m stuck on my war pension. I do, however, have a piano there. Would you care to come and sing to me before disappearing off to the hostel?’

  Sorely tempted, Cecily blinked in delight. ‘You have a piano? That’s wonderful. Are you saying that you’re a pianist?’

  ‘I’m not claiming to be expert at the task, since my parents were only able to afford a few years of lessons for me when I passionately begged them to buy me a piano. I would be happy to do my bit, or maybe you have a grand piano and can play too?’

  Cecily laughed. ‘I do, although I never play a piano in public, not feeling good enough. But I do play for myself whenever I practise singing and would be happy to sing some for you if you were interested.’

  ‘I am indeed.’

  She happily seated herself at the piano in his small kitchen-living room. The flat didn’t have much furniture, merely a couple of chairs and a table, yet looked very clean and tidy. Boyd quietly took a seat to listen while she concentrated on performing one of her favourites, rather than one of her own compositions: ‘How Ya Gonna Keep ’Em Down on the Farm After They’ve Seen Paree’.

  When she’d finished, he gave loud applause. ‘I love that song. It’s very popular and such fun. You’re an excellent singer and I’m most impressed that you can play the piano for yourself, which you do well. Can I play for you now?’

  ‘Please do.’ Cecily quickly rose to make way for him on the piano stool, presenting him with a fresh sheet of music. As he played, she was instantly convinced by his skill and began to hum, then sing:

  After you’ve gone and left me cryin’,

  After you’ve gone, there’s no denyin’,

  You’ll feel blue, you’ll feel sad,

  You’ll miss the dearest pal you’ve ever had.

  When the song was over, Cecily applauded him. ‘You played really well. I’m highly impressed.’

  ‘I like this song too,’ he said with a grin. ‘May I now play those you’ve written for yourself ?’

  He spent the next hour playing these and as Cecily sang, to her delight he sometimes joined in and sang with her, whenever it seemed appropriate. How she loved that. ‘My goodness, you can sing as well as play.’

  ‘I only do that occasionally but I’m so glad you approve of my playing,’ he said, then something in the way he rubbed his chin and fell silent made her worry that he was about to criticise what she’d written – not a reaction she would relish. ‘Your songs have a good pace and interesting lyrics. Were you to receive an offer from that cruise company, I wonder if I could join you?’

  She gazed at him in astonishment. ‘Goodness, are you saying you wish to work with me?’

  He nodded, giving her an enchanting smile. ‘Why would I not, assuming you consider my playing to be good enough? I would find such an adventure absolutely irresistible, and you know how I love all music, not just jazz.’

  ‘Oh, that would be wonderful! That’s a deal if and when I ever get offered such a job.’ She held out her hand to shake his, but slipping his hands around her face he gave her a tender kiss. Cecily’s heart raced, loving the taste and pressure of his mouth against hers. She felt the stroke of his fingers on her cheeks and a wave of desire flared within her. Flushing with excitement, she gently stepped back. ‘Now I must go as I have to be at the hostel before nine, and tomorrow I take the train home. I’ll be in touch with you, Boyd, as soon as I receive a reply to my application.’

  A few days later, to her surprise and delight, Cecily received a response, offering her the opportunity to attend an interview and audition the following week. Quickly sending Boyd a postcard with this news, she then told Merryn, mentioning the possibility that Nan’s nephew might accompany her. Her sister listened in awe then gave Cecily’s hand a squeeze. ‘Singing on a cruise ship sounds great fun. I do hope that works for you, although I will sorely miss you.’

  ‘I’ll miss you too. I hope we’re still close, lovey.’

  ‘Of course we are.’

  ‘And as I’m prepared to give this cruise a go, I trust that you’re contentedly settled in a happy marriage?’

  ‘I am,’ Merryn said, and turning away to tickle Josette’s face as she lay in her pram, avoided meeting Cecily’s warm smile with one of her own.

  ‘That’s good to know,’ Cecily said, giving her a hug and Josette a sweet kiss. ‘You are most fortunate with this lovely baby. Right now, I desperately need to search through my wardrobe for an appropriate costume for the audition. Please do help me find one.’

  Merryn chose her an elegant ankle-length gown of pale green s
ilk, adding a wide lemon sash and matching new shoulder straps lined with a tiny row of floral buds. Meeting Boyd in Portsmouth for the audition, Cecily was hugely impressed by Boyd wearing an evening suit with a tailcoat, together with a white waistcoat, shirt and smart bow tie, which he’d apparently hired. How classically well dressed they both looked.

  ‘I’m trying to squash a stir of nerves,’ he admitted as they sat waiting to be called.

  ‘You look most handsome.’

  ‘And you look beautiful, as always,’ he said, bringing a blush of excitement to her face.

  There were so many other people taking part in the audition that Cecily almost lost hope, feeling an unusually strong degree of stage fright. Once Boyd began to play and she started singing one of her own songs, ‘My Life is Bliss’, this quickly vanished. It received a good applause and appreciative comments, being new and well performed by them both. To her delight, they were later called to the director’s office and instantly offered a job. Seconds later, they were signing a contract and given instructions of when and where they were to leave, and what would be required of them. They were then taken along to the dressing room to be measured for costumes and suits.

  ‘Oh, if only Merryn could come with us too, wouldn’t that be fun?’ she said as they excitedly sat chatting over a coffee in the café.

  ‘We’ll have fun too,’ he promised. ‘I did make it clear to the director that we require separate cabins, as we aren’t a married couple.’

  Cecily met his gaze with a certain sense of reality and longing. Why did she want him? She shivered with desire and gave him an enchanting smile. ‘I’m delighted you’re willing to join me, Boyd. It will be so much better than travelling alone.’

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  MERRYN SAT having coffee with Cecily in the café on the Pier, as she so loved to do, her baby snuggled close in her arms. She listened to her sister’s wonderful news that she and Nan’s nephew had been granted the role of cruise entertainers. Tears flooded Merryn’s eyes as she nodded and smiled. ‘I’m so pleased for you, darling. Oh, how I wish I could come too. I can’t possibly do that now that I’m a married woman with a baby, not unless Johnny was agreeable to joining you too, which he isn’t.’