“No. He has a desk job.” Daniel’s reply was curt.
The tension ended when Reg told a silly joke. It was his grin as much as the punch line that left everyone more comfortable.
Julie’s accent and black, elegant dress reeked wealth. However, Julie greeted Anna with warmth. There was no trace of stodginess or condescension. Was the class system eroding? If so, something good had come out of the war.
Reg said, “It’s about time Daniel got himself a girlfriend. And a fine girl you are.” Anna had to lean in close to hear his words. The dance hall was crammed with noisy patrons.
“Now, don’t be getting ideas. You’ve got a beauty yourself. Julie is almost as beautiful as Anna.” Anna saw the pain leave Daniel’s eyes.
Daniel offered to bring everyone a drink. There was some debate, but finally it was decided they’d all have a scotch and water.
Reg lit a cigarette. “Our Canadian rye whiskey is just as good, maybe even better than scotch. If Julie ever consents to marry me, she’ll be able to try it.”
“I didn’t know you were asking.” Julie’s wide smile revealed teeth as white as Daniel’s.
Daniel launched into a description of how he and Anna met. Reg and Julie both listened, wide eyed, leaving their drinks untouched.
“My goodness that was certainly a close call, how lucky both of you escaped unharmed.” Julie gestured at Anna’s arm.
Reg grinned and changed the subject. With twinkling eyes he bragged to Anna he came from a gopher ranch. “We have about five hundred head.”
Anna nodded. She hoped she looked knowledgeable. She didn’t know a gopher from a cow, but figured Reg must be a product of Canada’s elite. It might explain how he had attracted Julie.
Daniel started to laugh. It was an honest, hearty laugh. “Reg, you bum. Gophers, or Richardson Ground Squirrels, are kind of cute, but they’re also a nuisance because they dig holes. There’s a bounty on them. We have at least five hundred head at our place too.
Reg chuckled. “You’re spoiling all the fun.”
The music started up again and Anna and Daniel danced to the “Tennessee Waltz.” It wasn’t easy with their collective injuries, but Daniel held her as close as her cast would allow. She placed her head on his good shoulder. He oozed strength and power and smelled heavenly.
The band played a couple of jitterbugs and Anna found Daniel had natural rhythm. All of the exercise made her legs weak and she wasn’t up to a third lively dance.
They seated themselves and Daniel put his arm around her shoulder. She blushed, but enjoyed feeling protected and desired.
* * *
Back on the tube Daniel and Anna sat close together. Daniel enclosed her hand with his large one, and Anna glowed. Touch must be the most intimate of all senses, she mused.
“I hope you enjoyed yourself?” Daniel’s smile was brief. The vulnerability in his expression touched her heart.
“I did. It was fantastic. Thank you.”
“So you’ll come out with me again?”
The carriage lurched and Anna found herself squashed against Daniel. Anna turned her face to Daniel. Their lips were only inches apart. “Nothing would delight me more.”
“You and Julie, you Brits, you’re all kind and fun.” Even in the dim light Daniel’s eyes sparkled.
“I’m glad you think so.. I believe we’ve become more relaxed with the hardships brought on by the war. That British reserve seems to have melted away a bit. Sometimes good comes out of bad. Personally, I like you Canadians with your wit and good manners.”
Daniel hesitated for a moment before he spoke. “I wish your mother felt the same. She treated me like a wet mongrel.”
“My Dad’s worse. None of it’s your fault. They both adore Charles. I can’t see why.” Anna hung her head and spoke to her lap. “If you have some extra money, it might help if you gave Mom and Dad simple gifts. The rationing is hard on them. I hope I don’t sound overly materialistic and I’m embarrassed to even suggest such a thing.
“No, not at all. I realize how bad things are. I’ll see what I can do.
* * *
Two days later, Daniel suggested they go to the movies. Anna had originally nixed the idea. She would never forget how frightened she’d been when trapped within the rubble of a movie theatre. What if another bomb hit while they were inside? However, desire for some fun overcame her fear. They would even be seeing Gone With The Wind.”
Daniel arrived at Anna’s door step carrying a box of chocolates and five apples. He offered them to Margaret when she answered the door in her new house dress.
“These are for you.”
“Thank you. Thank you. My goodness, you must have queued up for hours. You’re very generous. Please come in.”
Daniel’s shoulders relaxed a little, some of the tension drained out of him. In a flash, her demeanor shifted, taut lines etched her face and her eyes shone cold and hard as marble. “You seem a nice man, but my daughter is engaged to be married. I think you should know this,” her voice was equally as cold as her expression. A white-faced Anna rushed into the room and grabbed her mother by the shoulders.
“Charles and I are not engaged, and you know it. Admit it. You saw how belligerent he can be. How can you say such a thing?”
Margaret wrung her hands. “Well, Charles wants to marry Anna, and we, my husband and I, are in favor. We don’t want our daughter going to dangerous, primitive Canada and never coming home again.”
Daniel hid a laugh behind his hand. “It’s much safer in Canada now than in England. I want to keep seeing Anna,,, and I would like your blessing.”
“Anna is an adult. She can do as she pleases,” snipped Margaret. She lowered her head and spoke in muffled tones. “I won’t stand in the way of her desires. I just wish she’d listen to reason.”
At that moment, Michael entered the room. Poor Daniel, thought Anna, as she introduced the two men. Michael looked fierce. ”I don’t want you getting any ideas. My Anna is a good girl.”
Daniel’s handsome face radiated sincerity and respect. “I would never hurt Anna. I like her a lot. I would certainly like to go on seeing her. I hope you can understand.”
Michael sighed, but said nothing. He limped from the foyer into his bedroom. Margaret busied herself in the kitchen.
Anna and Daniel quietly exited the house.
* * *
Anna groaned when she spotted Charles on the way to the underground. Could the day get any worse? For years, she rarely encountered the man. Now he sniffed her out like a blood hound.
Charles’ lip curled into a snarl. “Is this your Canadian, and what are you doing with him? You should be with me.”
She expected him to pound his chest.
Anna drew herself up and prepared for battle. The situation needed to be dealt with once and for all. “Stay away from me. I’ve told you many times I will not marry you. So leave me alone.” Her voice was shrill.
Charles loomed closer and Anna took a step back.
She had almost forgotten Daniel and exhaled in relief when he intervened. The Canadian towered over Charles who retreated rapidly. .A tiny thrill ran through her at the thought of two men fighting over her. Thank God. Daniel is the obvious victor.
Daniel grabbed Charles by the collar of his shirt. The Canadian’s shoulder didn’t seem to be a bother. A button popped and hit Charles’ pallid cheek.
“Anna is my friend. She’s told you she’s not interested. You need to listen to the lady. Do you understand?” Daniel jerked on Charles’ shirt so his head wobbled on his scrawny neck.
Charles’ teeth chattered and he bowed his head. “I understand.” His face was white with fear. He slowly shuffled away when Daniel released him. Daniel unclenched his fist. “Imagine. The nerve of that guy! If he bothers you again, just let me know and I’ll take care of it.”
He took Anna’s hand and they continued towards the underground. “If I were the smaller man, I would have taken the beating. Physical hurts h
eal. I’m not so sure about the others.”
“Daniel, thanks for protecting me and getting Charles to let me be.”
Daniel chuckled. “Nonsense, my pleasure.” He turned to her and stared intently into her eyes. “I fell for you as soon as I heard your sweet voice in the rubble. At first I thought I’d bought it and you were an angel. You’re everything I want in a woman. And I’m going to try to get a desk job so we can spend time together.”
Anna swooned when they embraced.
* * *
Anna loved the movie. Even though she hit her head when they ducked at the same time during an intense scene in the movie. The onscreen gun fire brought their own war far too close once again. All too soon for Anna, Clark Gable uttered Rhett Butler’s famous last line. The lights brightened and Anna and Daniel squinted in the sudden illumination. They exited the theatre and rejoined the drama of wartime England. The passing cars drove slowly, with shuttered head lamps. The danger from the Huns was always near.
They walked companionably, hand in hand.
“Anna, I want to be honest with you. I have nightmares and difficulty concentrating. I don’t know when, or if, that will change. They don’t know much about shell shock and the doctors are more likely to think a guy is just trying to get out of going back to the front. If we continue this relationship are you willing to put up with that? Daniel squeezed her hand tight.
“The more I’m with you, the more I come to like you. Shell shock or no shell shock.”
Daniel tripped a little in the darkness and Anna clutched him tight. A maternal instinct rearing its head in her chest. If only she could protect him from the war. The closeness led to a tender kiss. Daniel’s arms were strong, yet gentle; his breath fresh and clean. He was the complete opposite of Charles, and embodied everything she wanted in a man.
* * *
Anna mostly avoided their neighbourhood pub, The Wolf and Hare, because she felt like a ninny going with her parents. It looked like she couldn’t find a date, true; but still embarrassing.
It was a thrill to introduce Daniel to the quaintly decorated tavern. She loved the heavy, dark table and chairs; chips as a snack; and delicious dark beer. Even if Daniel complained about its warmth.
A game of darts brought out Anna’s competitive side. She always took the white darts and Daniel the black. Anna won a game and leapt up and down, squealing “I beat you. I did.”
Every patron turned in her direction. Oh God. How mortifying. “I hope you don’t mind.” Her voice dropped to a whisper.
Daniel tossed back his head and laughed. “I like everything about you. Absolutely everything. I don’t mind if you win every game.”
Daniel gazed at his surroundings and a smile lit up his eyes. “British pubs are great. They’re much better than our beer parlours in Canada where all a guy can do is sit and drink. Women are only allowed in some of them if they are with a man.”
* * *
Since both of them enjoyed the outdoors, a day of fishing was appealing. Anna brought her paints and toiled at a close up of a sunflower. Her face screwed into a frown as she struggled to get the colours perfect, paying particular attention to the light.
Daniel stood on the banks of a picturesque stream. He whistled softly as he cast his line in the clear, swift-running water. Here, he could almost forget the war.
No fish took the bait, nor did Anna create a masterpiece, but neither cared. The voice of the water sliding over the rocks and the chorus of bird song sounded almost magical. Bright sun caressed their faces while they laid an old plaid blanket on the grassy bank and sat companionably close.
“How’s it going with your job, Daniel?
True to his word, he’d snagged a coveted office job.
Daniel jerked the fishing rod and frowned. “It’s a hell of a lot better than being fired at in a tank. But I can’t type fast enough and my spelling’s not so hot. I don’t know how long they’ll keep me here.”
Daniel took a sip of tea still warm from the thermos. “Farming is my life. I love the way the land stretches for miles and miles. I work with my Dad and he lets me do as I please. As soon as I get home, I’m going to buy my own quarter section.”
A bee buzzed just above their heads. Anna inhaled the scent of wildflowers. The beauty of the day was marred by Daniel’s words. Why did he have to mention going back to Canada?
Anna brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes and looked at the man beside her. Even though she felt comfortable with him, what did she really know about Daniel? Taking a deep breath she ignored her innate reserve and asked what was to her an invasive question. “You say your parents are very religious. Do you believe in God?”
“Yes, I do, but I don’t think he wants us to constantly worship him. I think people should just to try to live fair minded, forgiving, responsible lives.” He took another sip of tea.
Anna softly clapped her hands. “That’s exactly how I feel. I’m so happy you’re not bound by rigid religious rules.”
Daniel blushed with pleasure.
Anna decided to abandon her painting for the rest of the day. Chatting with Daniel was more pleasant. She found her cleaning solvent and the small plastic pail she carried and carefully cleaned her brush.
Daniel ignored his fishing rod and gazed affectionately at Anna. “You’re my favourite artist.”
Anna gently kissed him on the cheek. He made her art worthwhile. Charles hadn’t even realized she painted.
Anna licked her lips. Thoughts of Charles prompted her to ask Daniel another revealing question. He’d be leaving soon. She wanted to know everything about him now. “Do you believe men and women are equal? My father bosses Mum around. That worm Charles only wants me because I’m a virgin. I don’t mind being a virgin, but it shouldn’t be the sole reason a man wants to marry me. Am I crazy?”
Daniel snapped his fingers. “No, you’re not crazy. I believe in equality as well. In my parent’s case, Mom’s the boss, He paused and a blush coloured his face. I’m a virgin too. Maybe we can learn together?”
* * *
On their fifteenth date, a Saturday, Daniel startled Anna by asking her to lunch at a “charming café”. Anna blushed with enthusiasm. Dining out was expensive. God bless Daniel’s soldier’s pay.
She mouthed a silent prayer that Daniel would never return to Canada. The attraction wasn’t just the excitement of getting to know someone new. Anna found herself wanting to share with him the joy she found in the minutiae of everyday life.
Rain failed to mar their enjoyment of each other. Anna and Daniel huddled under Anna’s umbrella. Daniel’s had been stolen. They found moving difficult and both were left damp. Her feet squished in her sensible oxford shoes.
Anna laughed in mock protest. “You need your own umbrella. We’ll look a horror by the time we arrive at the café.” She leapt aside when a car splashed water as it passed. Fellow strollers jostled her.
Anna sighed with pleasure. “My, but this rain smells good. I guess I’m a total English woman, because I like it. How about you? Doesn’t this weather grow on you?”
Daniel grinned in astonishment. “Actually no, I’m not a big fan of rain. Where I’m from, sunshine’s abundant. It rarely rains. It’s beautiful.”
* * *
Anna hugged Daniel when the café came in sight. It had once been a large, vine-covered house. Laughing, they went up the path and through the entrance.
They stashed their umbrella in the stand by the door. There was little room for another sodden parasol. Water pooled beneath the stand. Anna glanced around the cozy room where a fire crackled in the grate.
Daniel led Anna to a table near the fireplace where a candle glowed. They removed their soggy coats and seated themselves. Anna combed her hair with her fingers. She could feel the warmth from the fire drying it.
Almost immediately, a slim, petite, dark-haired waitress appeared. She sounded more French than English. She smiled and took their order of tea and ham and cheese sandwiches.
/> Anna leaned closer to voice her approval of the cafe over the sounds of dishes being gathered and patrons’ chatter. The table was near a large, square radio and they caught snippets of the BBC news broadcast. Anna exhaled when she realized nothing extraordinary had come out of the speaker, a blessing in these times.
Their tea arrived and Daniel wrapped his hands around his cup. “I wrote to Mom and Dad. I told them I’d met a special girl. I hope they got my letter. I haven’t gotten a reply.” His eyes shone in dim light.
Anna flushed. “Thank you. It’s fantastic to be considered special.” She took a sip of tea.
A beautiful little blonde girl about five years old came up to Anna and held out both hands. “Don’t my nails look pretty? Mum put polish on them. I’m so pretty.”
Anna reached out and grasped the small hands, soft as butter. “Yes, you are beautiful.” Anna’s eyes moistened. “You remind me of my nephew who’s away from London because of the bombs.”
A slender woman, beautiful as the girl, grabbed the child and pulled her gently away. “I hope she isn’t bothering you.”
“Oh my goodness, not at all. She’s delightful.” Anna turned a radiant smile on the child.
“Do you like children?” Anna turned to Daniel.
“Yes, but I can’t imagine having them with Nancy, the girl my parents keep pushing at me, someday if I marry, I do want children.”
Their sandwiches arrived, toasted and surrounded by chips. Anna’s mouth watered and she consumed the meal with gusto, wiping her lips with a napkin when she finished.
“That little girl we saw reminds me of photos I’ve seen of my sister, Patsy, at that age. Patsy is so beautiful.”
Till The Wind Blows Silent Page 4
