Alice's Long Road Home

by Rosie James

  Sam had tucked her arm into his, and now they walked together towards the exit. And what do you say to a new lover, Alice wondered? Did you ask if the journey had been good, or if the heating had worked? This was so silly, she told herself…this is Sam! Just be yourself! Just say what you would have said if you’d been together last year, or the one before that! But the thing was, last year he’d been a friend, just a friend who didn’t realize how much Alice loved him, and she’d had no idea, no inkling, that he loved her. Not in that special way. The few hours they’d had together at the weekend had not been long enough to completely convince Alice that her wish had actually come true. For perhaps the first time in her life, Alice was unsure of how, or what to say.

  She looked up at him, and realized that he must have been gazing at her all the time.

  ‘I love you,’ he said simply.

  Of course! Why hadn’t she thought of that herself!

  She leaned her head right into his shoulder. ‘Not as much as I love you,’ she murmured.

  ‘So this is where you’ve been hiding.’ Sam took off his coat and scarf and glanced around him.

  ‘Yes, for the last eighteen months,’ Alice said, taking his things and hanging them up with hers in the hall. ‘And I’ve been very lucky to have been given the use of this house. It belongs to the firm, of course, and is the perfect size for me – big enough, but still cosy. I’ve been able to have friends to stay because there are two spare bedrooms.’

  In the bigger of the spare rooms she had made up the two single beds, making sure that both were well-aired, the covers freshly laundered and carefully ironed – well, she always made a point of doing that as a matter of course in case someone turned up unexpectedly and wanted to stay. But she’d made sure that the room Sam would be using was especially lovely – they’d not mentioned anything about him staying the night, but she’d noticed that he had an overnight bag with him, so he probably was, she’d thought.

  He followed her into the sitting room, and went over to the fire which was crackling brightly over the coals. And now she came over, and he put his arms around her again. ‘I’ve got my own ideas about your engagement ring,’ he murmured, his lips close to her ear, ‘but I won’t say what they are until you tell me what you would like. It must be your choice.’

  She looked up at him and smiled, and he lowered his head to close his mouth over hers. And Alice thought – if the world came to an end at this very moment, she would die happy. She would be happy for this to be the last thing which happened to her. Nothing else could ever come close.

  Presently, after they’d had the coffee she’d prepared for them, they put on their coats and left the house. A weak sun filtered through the clouds as they strolled along the streets, glancing in at all the shops – especially the jewellers’ shops. And suddenly Sam said, ‘Let’s go in here. They seem to have a good display.’

  Inside, the male assistant – who turned out to be the owner – was more than happy to bring every one of his rings out from the locked cabinets for them to examine. None was priced, Alice noticed, but they all looked extremely expensive to her as they gleamed and glittered against the black velvet on the display panels. Then, encouraged by the man, she began trying them on, one by one.

  After a few minutes, Sam looked down at Alice. ‘I know the one I would like to see on your finger,’ he said softly, ‘but you choose, Alice. I’ll look the other way for a moment while you decide.’

  Alice didn’t need any time at all to decide. It was a solitaire diamond, set in a gold and platinum ring. It was bold, yet delicate at the same time, and had been the first one which had caught her eye. And as it was slipped onto her finger, it felt exactly right.

  Sam had moved aside slightly, looking at something else in another cabinet, and she nudged him, holding out her hand for him to see which one she had chosen.

  And at once a broad grin spread over his features. ‘Snap,’ was all he said.

  Now that the best sale he’d had for weeks was about to happen, the owner insisted on making sure that the ring fitted perfectly before he very carefully placed it into a small red velvet box, wrapped it up, and passed it to Sam – who put it into his pocket.

  Then they left the shop, and resumed their stroll along the streets.

  Alice snuggled into him. ‘Thank you, Sam – for such a beautiful engagement ring,’ she said softly. ‘I shall be so proud to wear it.’

  ‘And I shall be so proud that you have agreed to wear it,’ he said. ‘That you have agreed – that you are prepared – to link your life with mine, Alice.’

  For quite a few minutes neither of them spoke, both wrapped up in the significance of the occasion – an occasion which would never come again. Then –

  ‘I’ve booked a table for dinner at the French restaurant at the top of the town,’ he said, looking down at her. ‘I hope that suits Madam… I’ve asked that we have a quiet corner all to ourselves,’ he added.

  Alice smiled. Was she ever going to stop smiling! ‘That will be just perfect,’ she said. ‘I’ve glanced in at the place once or twice – but it’s rather posh, and very expensive! Far too expensive for me to have tried.’

  ‘But not too expensive for us,’ he replied, returning her smile. ‘I’ve booked it for 7 o’clock – and it’s already gone 5.30. So perhaps we should go back and smarten up a bit.’

  Presently, upstairs in her bedroom, Alice decided to wear the simple dress she had worn at Gloria’s wedding. It had been one of Helena’s which she’d admired – and which Helena had insisted Alice should have. ‘It’s a very youthful style,’ she’d said, ‘and it will look so much nicer on you, Alice.’

  Now, as Alice slipped it on, she knew at once that it was right for this very special evening…her very special evening. The pale grey cashmere with its gently flowing style seemed to have been made especially for her figure, the small purple wool flower on the shoulder exactly right as its only addition to its simplicity. Alice owned very little jewellery, but she did decide that perhaps her drop earrings with the small amethyst stone would look good. And what about her hair? Tonight she was going to leave it loose.

  She undid the thick, coiled plait which she always dressed on top, then let her hair fall in long waves which reached down to her shoulders. Then she began to brush it out carefully.

  After a few seconds she stopped what she was doing, and glanced at her reflection in the dressing table mirror. And remembered that other time she’d loosened her hair…had loosened it for that other man whom fate had decided should cross her path, if only for a few hours. Marvin. The American preparing for the D-Day landings. He had been so, so sad…

  A lump rose in Alice’s throat, now, as she remembered the expression on his face when he’d gently run his fingers through her hair and looked down into her eyes. And told her that she was the double of his long-time girl, Patsy, whom he adored, and who, just before his unit was shipped out, had told him she had found someone else and that she no longer loved him. Even though they had been devoted to each other for a very long time.

  As, presumably, had Max and his wife been before she left him for someone else, Alice thought instinctively.

  She sat down on the edge of the bed for a moment. Was love really as frail as that, she asked herself. That temporary separation and loss of continuity could so easily fracture, ruin, what had once been thought so happy and secure? So unassailable? She shivered inwardly, then gave herself a good telling-off. It was different for her and Sam…nothing would, or could, ever shake their love…

  She thought again about the American, her eyes misting. There had been no chance for him to try and save his relationship before embarkation, and as they’d slipped out of harbour his sense of helplessness must have been overwhelming.

  And had he even made it safely back home, Alice wondered? Or had he been killed, or horribly wounded like so many of the allied soldiers had?

  She brushed her hair more vigorously. The wretched war had such a lot t
o answer for…even now, for so many people the ripples were still spreading…still hurting…

  When Alice went downstairs, Sam was already in the sitting room and he turned to look at her, his eyes softening.

  ‘You look adorable,’ he said simply.

  She smiled briefly in response. His suit, as usual, was immaculate, and he had put on a clean white shirt and blue silk tie. He was obviously freshly shaved, and had shampooed his hair…those glorious locks, which had always set him apart, were shining like dark, polished copper. And Alice hugged herself again. Lady Luck was still shadowing her…

  Presently, hand in hand, they strolled along the streets, glancing around them casually. It wasn’t quite dark, but all the street and shop lights were on as they made their way towards the restaurant. Sam looked down at her.

  ‘I know there are many months before our wedding,’ he began, ‘but for a start, we should have some idea of how many guests we might want to invite.’

  Alice paused before replying. Tonight was the night of her engagement. The wedding, and all the complicated details connected with it could surely wait. She looked up at him, her eyes moist. ‘Let’s not talk about wedding plans tonight,’ she murmured. ‘Can I please get used to being engaged first?’

  ‘Of course, if you like,’ he said casually, ‘but we’ll soon need to think about the venue for the reception – and the number of guests we envisage.’

  Alice smiled. ‘Well, as far as that’s concerned, my list is not going to be as long as yours,’ she said lightly.

  He grinned down at her. ‘And mine won’t be as long as another couple’s I could mention,’ he said.

  ‘Who’s that?’ Alice said curiously.

  ‘Well, the royal couple’s,’ he said. ‘I’ve heard it on the grapevine – you hear most things in London, believe me – I’ve heard that Princess Elizabeth is to become engaged to Prince Philip of Greece. And that the nuptials are likely to take place in November in Westminster Abbey.’

  Alice’s eyes shone. A royal wedding! How exciting!

  But not as exciting as hers! As theirs!

  ‘And luckily for us,’ Sam went on, ‘we shan’t have to invite a lot of boring dignitaries to ours. Our guests will be our friends. People we like. We are going to enjoy our wedding.’

  Alice looked away. As long as she could calm down about all the planning beforehand – and on the great day stop herself from tripping over her dress and falling flat on her face…

  The restaurant was seductively lit, and exquisite – just full enough to be relaxed and congenial. Their table in the corner was beautifully laid, the white linen immaculate, the cutlery and glassware shining – reflecting the light from the flickering candle in the centre.

  Presently, the waiter took their order, poured them each a glass of champagne from the bottle in the ice bucket, and departed.

  And Sam leaned across and smiled at Alice with that deep, dark smile…that conspiratorial smile she’d encountered so often in the past. And even though she knew exactly what was coming – and what she was going to be given – Alice’s mouth went dry.

  This was the MOMENT! The moment she had never dared to hope would happen. Then Sam reached into his pocket for the little box holding her ring, which he carefully withdrew, and after taking her hand he slipped it onto the third finger of her left hand and looked into her eyes.

  ‘Dearest, dearest Alice, will you marry me?’ he asked softly. ‘Are you sure that you really do want to marry me?’

  The brief pause that followed could have been an hour long as Alice gazed back at him. Why was he asking her that, tonight of all nights? Had his intuitive mind detected the small doubts she might have? Not doubts about their love for each other, but her doubts as to whether she could follow in his mother’s footsteps and ever truly fit in as Mrs. Carmichael. And not just be Alice Watts masquerading in the role?

  Alice set her lips in a determined line. This would not do.

  ‘Of course I want to marry you, Sam,’ she replied. ‘I have never wanted to marry anyone else in my life.’ She gazed down at her ring. It was sparkling, glistening, the diamond throwing out little shafts of coloured light.

  And after a moment, they raised their glasses and Sam murmured –

  ‘To us.’

  ‘To us,’ Alice whispered.

  Then they both sipped, and the ice-cold bubbles tingled on their tongues as they gazed at each other in a kind of wonderment.

  They had both chosen the same for their meal – smoked salmon, followed by medium-rare steak, and as she ate, Alice realized that she was enjoying every single mouthful. That she was going to eat everything on her plate, that her appetite really had returned. Well, that was no surprise. The sadness, the depression she had experienced during the last few months had disappeared like magic…the magic associated with new-found happiness, new-found joy, new-found hope for her future. Tonight, any fragments of self-doubt were going to be pushed to the very back of her mind.

  Conversation was light as they ate – well, what could possibly follow what had just taken place? And Alice thought – later, they’d sit in front of the fire at home and just talk and talk…perhaps she’d even be able to start talking about those plans. And they’d just enjoy each other in the light of their new relationship, and she’d open the bottle of expensive wine she’d bought at the off-licence. It would probably be very late before they made their way to their bedrooms, and in the morning she would cook them a real English breakfast…bacon and eggs and fried bread and little rings of black sausage…and they’d take their time, finishing with toast and marmalade and lots and lots of tea – or coffee – if that’s what Sam would like. She didn’t know which he’d prefer because, well, there were many things she didn’t really know about Sam…so many things – small and not so small – that she didn’t know about him…

  Then, later, they’d wander through the streets and alleyways of the town together and Alice would explain about Judge Jeffreys and his ghostly howlings… Sam would have a good laugh about that.

  Finally, they left the restaurant and began making their way back. Alice didn’t need Sam to tuck her hand into his arm…it was suddenly the most natural thing in the world for her to do that herself. He looked down at her, pulling her into him closely.

  ‘We’d better get a move on,’ he said, ‘because my train leaves in an hour.’

  Alice looked up at him blankly. ‘Your train? Oh – I didn’t realize you were going back tonight,’ she said.

  He looked puzzled for a second. ‘Didn’t I tell you? Oh sorry, Alice, I thought I had.’

  ‘No, you didn’t mention that,’ Alice said.

  He shrugged. ‘Sorry,’ he said again. Then – ‘No, the thing is, a few of us have been given the opportunity to observe what’s to be a very long and complicated operation on Monday morning,’ he went on, ‘and it was suggested that for those of us who were available, we should attend a pre-op talk the day before – that’s tomorrow – at 11 am.’ He paused. ‘I knew it was something I shouldn’t turn down – I need all the expert guidance I can get – so I put my name down to be there in the morning.’

  He looked away, hating himself for a moment, hating to obviously disappoint her. But he didn’t want to explain – how could he ever explain – the demon of endeavour that he constantly lived with, and which sometimes tormented him? That he must strive and go on striving to be worthy of all the money that had been spent on his education, that he must be worthy of the family tradition and expectations? Not that what he had decided to do in life was anyone else’s idea of course…it had been his, all along. It had been his own choice to follow the onerous path he was treading, and he was determined to prove himself worthy of the chance to heal, to give hope, and to succeed.

  But how could he ever explain the sense of guilt he felt? The guilt that still sometimes kept him awake at night? The guilt about Toby? Toby, one of his closest friends, had been on the same medical course, but had joined up to defend
his country as soon as war was declared. Shouldn’t he, Sam, too, have put duty before his ruthless ambition?

  Sam took a long breath as his thoughts ran on. He was more than ever determined to be the best he could possibly be, was determined to get to the very top of his profession. He would never give up. And if it sometimes meant sacrifices for himself, and for Alice, so be it. He knew that she loved him enough. She had said so.

  Now, as if reading his thoughts, Alice swallowed hard over her disappointment. ‘Of course, Sam – you should be there tomorrow,’ she said. ‘I quite understand.’

  ‘I know it will be a fascinating experience to see this op taking place,’ Sam went on, unable to hide the sudden enthusiasm in his voice, ‘ it’s to be on a very small child with a particularly difficult brain tumour – which I know I will find uncomfortable to watch. But the surgeon is a brilliant man…I must look, learn, and inwardly digest,’ he added.

  They quickened their steps back to the house, Alice unable to stop feeling disappointed and rather miserable that Sam was going back tonight. Tonight of all nights. The night of their engagement. So much for their wine and cosy conversation later, and their bacon and eggs in the morning…her euphoria so soon replaced by an acute sense of loss.

  And although she readily saw his situation – couldn’t he, just for this one, very special evening of their lives, waive his point of view? Couldn’t he have put her – well, them – first, and not gone to the pre-op talk in the morning? So they could have had most of tomorrow together?

  Then Alice pulled herself up short. What was she doing, having these thoughts! Because she had sealed her own fate when Sam had proposed to her. Then, she herself, had assured him that any wife of his would be pleased and proud to support him, and his chosen way of life, his profession. And she had meant every word. And did mean every word!

  Still…it would have been lovely to have had her fiancé all to herself. Not to share him with anybody else. Just for this one, very special weekend of her life…