Till The Wind Blows Silent

by Bernice Bohnet

  Anna longed to paint the varied Canadian landscapes that presented themselves. She’d tried to paint on the train, but found the constant movement made the task difficult.

  Despite this, she thought travel provided her with a chance to see all life had to offer and at this moment, although frightened, she felt vitally alive.

  Anna had almost changed her mind about going off to Canada, and it had nothing to do with Charles, who thankfully, hadn’t taken the rat poison.

  When the taxi driver knocked on the door of her parent’s house, Anna opened it and said to the driver, “Just a moment. This is a time for goodbyes.”

  Margaret had rushed into her daughter’s arms and there was much hugging and kissing and promises that she’d write long letters. Both Anna and Margaret cried.

  However, Michael remained rigid and unmoving and Anna knew how much she hurt him. She said in a halting voice, “Goodbye, Dad. I’ll always love you.”

  Tears shone in Michael’s eyes, but he made no move toward her.

  Anna struggled with her suitcase, packed with family photos, her paints, her clothes and some household linens; a testament to how meager her life had been in England. Then she opened the door.

  She had turned to leave when suddenly, despite his limp, Michael was at her side and hugging Anna so hard she had to fight to catch her breath. The taxi driver must have gone back to the car because the horn honked twice.

  Then and only then, Michael released her. As Anna hurried to the cab, she called back over her shoulder how much she loved her dad.

  Anna had been so overcome with emotion that it took her three tries before the cab driver could discern her destination. It didn’t help that a gentle rain fell. It heightened Anna’s dismal mood.

  * * *

  Anna had been too overwrought to feel any excitement about the journey to Southampton, where she boarded the Aquitania for Halifax, Canada.

  The ship had been crowded with bunks squeezed in everywhere and Anna had longed for privacy. She decided this must be the case with the women who were in the bunks near her own. Neither woman would do more than say “hello.”

  She was also plagued with seasickness, and Anna couldn’t help but wonder how her grandfathers had made their life on the sea. She couldn’t wait for the moment when she could feel firm land under her feet.

  Worse still, were the special maneuvers the captain employed to avoid German U-boats in their vicinity. Anna did not wish to die at sea and decided that dodging Germans might well be more frightening than fighting pirates.

  She lived an adventure whether or not she wanted it. At times she felt happy, at others, terrified. She would never forget her experiences.

  The food on board ship had been excellent with large meat portions, bananas and fluffy white bread, all of which Anna loved, and mealtimes were a delight.

  Anna secretly decided, however, that she preferred brown bread, because the white didn’t leave her feeling as satisfied. Nonetheless, she would have probably gained some much-needed weight if she hadn’t been chronically seasick.

  The nausea and its accompanying vomiting finally ended on February 12th at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

  Because of extremely cold weather, the band failed to play The Maple Leaf Forever, the usual custom when a boatload of war brides arrived in Canada.

  A disappointed Anna shivered in her thin coat and thought her hands and feet would freeze. She could only think about getting back indoors.

  Fortunately, the officials processed Anna rapidly and she soon found herself on this monster of a train, which was nothing like their small, friendly British trains that took patrons only short distances.

  However, the train carried her across Canada and she realized how huge a land it was and why it required such a huge train. The Canadian landscape seemed so large and unpopulated Anna decided Charles might be right about his assertion that Canada was a vast wasteland.

  There had been trees galore in northern Ontario and now on the prairies there were miles and miles of what appeared to be nothingness. Snow covered the ground almost everywhere and Anna sighed with regret that she would never see England’s lush greenness again.

  Then Anna wiped a tear from a soot-smudged eye (it being impossible to stay clean on this train) and told herself to brace up. She was married to a good man who would be sure to provide her with handsome, sensitive children. If only Daniel was English.

  The train seemed almost as crowded as the Aquitania, and, as usual this morning, she’d had to endure a fifteen minute wait for the loo.

  Anna had dressed in her finest clothes, and washed as thoroughly and as quickly, as possible; which was not an easy task in the swaying car. The dirt and soot clung like a second skin.

  However, she’d done the best she could and came out feeling at least a little refreshed, and thanks to her Chanel No. 5, smelling sweet.

  Anna touched the heart-shaped locket, which contained a picture of her mother and father on their wedding day. It had been a going-away present and Anna doubted she would ever remove it for long.

  Amazingly, Anna had a seat by herself and smiled when a beautiful, small, golden-haired girl approached.

  Anna smiled. “Amy, come sit beside me. Where is your mother?” Amy didn’t answer Anna’s question but she sat close beside her. Anna’s heart swelled with joy.

  She loved children and enjoyed helping Amy’s mother, Carole, with her four energetic children during the train journey. Amy was the youngest and Anna’s favorite.

  Amy said in a high, thin voice, “Is it true you’re getting off today? I will miss you.” Amy’s large green eyes filled with sadness.

  Anna realized the girl sounded much like Robert had on her wedding day.

  “I’ll miss you, too. I will know no one but my husband in Lethbridge. I’m sure to be lonely.” Anna realized she talked to herself as much as the child and, as she spoke, she wondered how she would occupy herself on a farm.

  “Why don’t you stay with us? We’re going all the way to Vancouver. Mom says you’re a Godsend. What’s a Godsend?”

  Anna smiled with the child’s words and turned to grab a hold of Amy’s shoulders and, looked Amy in the eye. “It means she appreciates me. And I appreciate your mother and you children.”

  When Amy blinked, Anna continued, “However, I’m going to meet my husband and I love him very much. Someday I hope to have children of my own. However, I’ll think about you and I will write to your mother. Perhaps she will read my letters out loud.”

  Anna also planned to write to Julie and tell her all about her journey. She didn’t want to lose contact with any old friends and family.

  The whistle blew and the conductor shouted, “Lethbridge”

  Anna swallowed hard and stood up so she could greet Daniel. In an outbreak of excitement, Anna handed the porter her suitcase and rushed to exit the train. Finally, she would be with Daniel again.

  As Anna left the shelter, she cringed before the onslaught of the cold, bitter wind, yet her heart knew warmth.

  The porter, a short, thin, balding man, followed Anna at a discreet distance with the suitcase. Anna eagerly leapt onto the platform and searched for Daniel. She looked to the right; then left, and saw only emptiness as great as the landscape.

  Her heart skipped a beat as she said, partly to herself and partly to the man following, “It’s very cold. Maybe he’s waiting inside the station.”

  Anna doubted the truth of this statement. Daniel would never hide indoors rather than be on the platform to greet her. The wind blew so hard it almost took her breath away.

  Several scenarios played out in her mind. The chief one, the most probable one and also the most disheartening one, being Daniel’s parents had managed to convince him their marriage was a mistake. She shoved the thought aside, Daniel loved her. He would come.

  Nonetheless, despite the fact her legs shook, Anna walked purposely into the station. The porter followed.

  She jumped when he tapped
her on the shoulder. “I’m sorry. I have to leave you. The train departs immediately. You can wait in the station where it’s warm. I’m sure whoever is meeting you will turn up soon. The roads in February can be bad and they may have been held up.

  Anna thanked him and let herself into the warmth of the station, settling herself and her suitcase in a convenient chair. Her chin quivered and she clasped her hands to still the trembling. Surely, Daniel would be here soon. Time dragged. Anna was just deciding if she should speak to the ticket agent when suddenly, Anna heard a familiar male voice calling her name. Daniel!

  She turned around and was struck anew by his good looks. He wore a navy blue suit, white shirt and sky blue tie under what looked like a warm overcoat.

  His hands and coat were smudged with grease. Thank God. There must be some excellent explanation for his lateness.

  Anna smiled radiantly and nearly tripped on the suitcase as she rushed into his arms. They hugged with Anna careful not to hurt his injured shoulder. He kissed her; right in the station to the amusement of those gathered there. When he finally released her, Daniel kept her at arms-length and clasped his hands on her waist.

  “I’m so sorry I’m late. I left home in lots of time but five miles from Lethbridge, five miles from home, the worst possible place; the fan belt went on the car. I walked a mile or so to Ken Johnston’s place. He doesn’t have a car, but he gave me the fan belt off his tractor.”

  Daniel once again took Anna into his arms. “Fortunately, I managed to get it to work. I should have left earlier. I should have planned for emergencies.”

  Anna shed tears of relief.

  Daniel’s eyes also filled with tears and when he spoke his voice became husky with emotion. “I was so afraid you’d stay on the train, so afraid I’d never see you again. I don’t think I could live without you. I need you as much as the crops need rain.”

  Then Daniel lifted Anna off the ground, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Despite her precarious position, she relaxed into his strength.

  Eventually, Daniel safely deposited Anna back on the floor. “You’re shivering. I planned to get you a dozen yellow roses but they would never survive in this cold and speaking of cold, your clothes are totally inadequate for the weather.”

  He smiled as he said, “You need something much heavier, so it’s going to be warm clothes instead of silly flowers. You need a coat and hat and boots. You’re almost blue with the cold.” He picked up her suitcase. “Come on, let’s get you into the car. I left the heater running.

  “Oh Daniel, can you afford all this, and what in the world are boots?” Despite her discomfort, Anna’s eyes were flashing in merriment.

  As they left the station Anna noticed they were alone on the street. The Canadians knew enough to stay indoors. “For your feet, what’s the word, yes, of course, galoshes? And yes, I may not be rich now that I’m buying my own land but I can afford to keep my wife warm.”

  Anna laughed and they hugged and kissed again and Anna lost much of her fear for the future.

  Then they walked to Daniel’s car, their footsteps crunching in the snow, Daniel easily carrying her heavy suitcase.

  Anna took in Lethbridge, a small city with very wide mostly-deserted streets, low buildings, and except for the elegant sandstone Post Office building, no interesting architecture.

  Snow stuck to the rooftops and on the branches of the few trees and the air felt so dry and cold Anna thought her lungs would explode.

  Everywhere Anna looked, she became aware of the huge sky which she found beautiful in an empty kind of way. Nonetheless, Anna knew she’d be homesick for London for a long time.

  Within moments, they reached the car. Although old, to Anna’s eyes it appeared magnificent.

  Daniel said, “It’s an old Model A Ford and I hope you like black because that’s the only colour Model As came in. If you like, I can show you the new fan belt.”

  When Anna laughed and shook her head, Daniel continued, “You have to crank this car to start it.”

  Anna looked on, a bemused expression on her face. As Daniel started to crank, Anna said, “It’s beautiful, just beautiful.”

  The sharp bang of gunfire rang in the frigid air. Anna threw herself to the cold, hard ground because she could see nowhere to take cover. Her heart hammered as loudly as it had in the rubble.

  At least she forgot all about the piercing, cold wind.

  Daniel laughed and reached to help her up. “Don’t be afraid. The car just backfired. It does it all the time so I expect it to happen when I’m cranking the car. You’re safe here in Canada, although I must admit, even here, I’m sometimes anxious. Sudden noises trigger the memories.”

  It pleased Anna to hear Daniel mention his war experiences so casually. Maybe that meant the nightmares would stop. He hadn’t awoken her the last two nights of their honeymoon, although he’d admitted to frightening dreams.

  He’d said to her on the last day they’d had together, “I’m so glad I didn’t awaken you these past two nights. I didn’t want to worry you.”

  Anna had almost cried in sympathy. Daniel was so kind, so considerate, and so broken. She’d found that she could do nothing but take Daniel into her arms and hold him close.

  But, now they were safe in Lethbridge and, within moments, riding in the car.

  Anna enjoyed riding up so high and being in the front seat, a new experience, because she’d previously only ridden in the backseat of taxis.

  Daniel turned the car’s heater on full and they were protected from the wind, so being inside the car felt significantly more comfortable than outside.

  Daniel drove Anna all around Lethbridge. He told her Lethbridge had a beautiful high-level bridge, but it was too icy to show it to her today because of the rather steep coulees it sat nestled in.

  Anna had no idea what a coulee was. So Daniel carefully explained. “Coulees are gorges produced by our Old Man River. I find them beautiful. I sometimes climbed and explored them when I was a kid.”

  Daniel drove slowly and applied the brakes even more slowly. He obviously knew how to drive in ice and snow.

  Although the weather caused her to miss the bridge, she saw the supermarket, Safeway, where Daniel said she’d only find a few goods rationed, and from which they would shop once a week for much of their food; a sharp contrast to London where her mother frequented a grocer’s, a butcher’s, a baker’s, and numerous other shops daily.

  She would miss London’s many quaint shops and its indoor bathrooms, and, of course, the pubs. Apparently women weren’t allowed in Canada’s beer parlours.

  Lethbridge also had a hardware store, which reminded Anna of her father and she felt a twinge of homesickness; a Woolworth; and a larger Canadian department store, Eaton’s.

  Daniel expertly angle parked the car in front of this store and Anna didn’t even have time to get cold, the walk inside being so short.

  Eaton’s, a small store when compared to Harrods or Marks and Spencer’s, contained a variety of merchandise nicely presented; and blessedly, not queues or the need for rationing. Anna felt like she had arrived in heaven.

  They soon found the rack of winter coats, which Anna enjoyed examining. The coats looked stylish and warm. She practically vibrated with excitement. She hadn’t had new clothes in years.

  Daniel spoke tentatively, “Mom shops at the Imperial Ladies Store and I’d like for you to shop there too. You’re a beautiful woman and I want you to have the best. And you will, I just can’t afford it right now.”

  Daniel refused to make eye contact. “Eaton’s is a great store and very popular.”

  Anna began to reply, “These coats are beauti…”

  Daniel interrupted her in mid-sentence, “I’ve purchased land, 160 acres, it’s good land and sure to provide me with a good living but I’m still paying for it…”

  Daniel looked at Anna’s nose and continued breathlessly in a harsh voice, “I have to tell you, Dad won’t help me financially so I can�
�t afford to put a house on the land right now. At least they’ve agreed to let us live with them until I can get on my feet.

  “It’s certainly not what you deserve, but we’ll have to live with Mom and Dad for a while. I’m so sorry.” A crestfallen Daniel continued to avoid his wife’s gaze.

  Daniel’s words filled Anna with despair. She feared Daniel’s parents wouldn’t like her no matter how hard she tried to please them. They might be worse than her parents were to Daniel and she’d be in their home where she couldn’t ignore them.

  However, she was determined to make the best of things. “It will be okay. I’m sure it won’t be for too long.” She tried hard to keep the resignation out of her voice.

  Daniel breathed a sigh of what Anna suspected was relief. “And you won’t have to meet Mom and Dad until tomorrow at a party that’s going to be held in your honour.”

  The idea of a party scared Anna. How many people would she have to meet? There was no opportunity to voice her concerns because Daniel rapidly continued. “I’ve arranged for us to stay at a hotel tonight. I want you all to myself. Thank you, for being so good about things. You’re a good woman.”

  They entered Eaton’s and Anna reflected on what a roller coaster of a day it had been.. A tall, elegant, red-haired woman asked if she could help Anna try on the coats.

  Anna beamed. “Yes, please.” She may have to live with miserable in-laws but she had a car to ride in and a new coat and boots. Her smile grew wide.

  Daniel explained to the clerk Anna came all the way from London, England and this was her first day in Lethbridge. The charming woman smiled and wished Anna happiness in her new home.

  Then Anna tried on every coat they had in her size and she enjoyed the experience more than anything in a long time. Contenders were a gray coat that looked beautiful on the rack, but overwhelmed Anna’s thin frame; a purple coat that washed out her complexion, and finally a black one with a wide collar and a narrow belt.