Daniel clapped his hands when he saw Anna in the coat. “You look magnificent. You remind me of a rose. Let’s get that one. That is, if you like it.” The happiness reached Daniel’s eyes.
Anna laughed. “Yes, this is the one. I love it. Thank you.” Anna had rarely owned a garment she felt so right in.
When the sales clerk asked her if she wanted to wear the coat, Anna nodded. “Yes. It’s freezing outside. I need something to combat that cold wind.”
As the pleasant woman wrapped up Anna’s old coat, she said, “I’ve never seen that coat look so good. You do things for it that no one else can. I enjoyed serving you.” She had a warm, genuine smile.
Anna quickly replied, “You did an excellent job of showing the coats. I hope that everyone in Canada will be so kind and helpful.” Anna doubted very much that they would be, thinking of her unmet in-laws.
They also went to the shoe department where they soon found a pair of fur-lined boots and a warm hat and gloves. The warmth felt wonderful. Despite the unwelcome news about living with Daniel’s parents,, Anna couldn’t help but be happy.
As soon as they purchased the clothes, Daniel smiled. “So Mrs. Armstrong, are you hungry? I’m famished.”
* * *
They entered the restaurant of a fine, old hotel where they would have dinner. The clean, elegantly furnished restaurant featured a dark wooden floor, red velvet chairs and even red velvet curtains framing the large windows.
Their table also looked beautiful with white dishes, red napkins and heavy and ornate silverware. Daniel did all this for her. It felt wonderful to be loved.
As they seated themselves Daniel said, “We eat our big meal at noon. I hope that’s okay.”
Anna smiled. “It sounds great to me. This restaurant is beautiful.”
She glanced around the elegant room. Everyone had shed their winter coats and Anna noticed the men all wore suits; although she knew they must be farmers, with the occasional banker or lawyer added.
It must be their day to go into town. The women wore dresses and hats. There was no sign of the ugly trousers women wore in England, or at least not in this restaurant.
Anna felt like everyone was taking her measure, the stranger in town with the odd way of speaking. She hated being the centre of attention. Daniel also seemed to be searching the room, perhaps for someone he knew.
Forsaking the other diners, Anna and Daniel turned their attention to the menu. Daniel decided on veal cutlets and Anna decided to try them as well.
The waitress, a diminutive strawberry blonde with big, dark freckles, took Anna’s order with a smile. “You can’t be from around here with that lovely accent. I’d say British or Scottish.”
Anna smiled. “English.” She wondered how anyone could not know the difference between Scottish and English speech.
Daniel opened his arms wide, and smiled. “Soon she’ll sound as Canadian as we do. She’s a war bride. My war bride. Meet Mrs. Armstrong, she’s come all the way from London.”
When their meal arrived Anna enjoyed not only the veal cutlets, but also the mashed potatoes and carrots. She’d never had more tender meat or more delicious vegetables.
Anna ate until she was satisfied, something she hadn’t been able to do in years because of all the rationing in England.
As soon as Anna finished eating, she smiled. “This food is scrumptious and there’s so much of it. I love it. I just hope I don’t get fat.” She took the napkin from her lap and wiped her mouth.
“You’ll never be fat. You’re not the type. Lucky for you, I like thin women, of course, but it wouldn’t hurt if you gained a few pounds.” He winked at her.
Anna agreed.
As they waited for dessert, apple pie smothered in ice cream, Daniel said, “I hope you like it here.” His handsome face filled with expectation.
While Anna enjoyed the food, she wasn’t sure she liked Lethbridge’s vastness and its complete lack of trees, or the piercing cold.
However, she lied, “I like it already. It’s just so different. I feel like I’ve left earth and landed on the moon.”
Secretly, Anna wondered if she would ever get used to Canada. Perhaps she would like it more if she attempted to paint it. But how does one paint such nothingness? Nonetheless, she must try to find some beauty in this barren wasteland. It must be there. Daniel had seen London and he’d still longed for Canada.
* * *
When they emerged from the restaurant, Anna experienced a surprise so great, it felt almost like shock.
In the hour or so while they ate the weather had changed.
The snow melted and the sun warmed Anna. Water ran all over the sidewalks and made a merry sound in the process. The wind still blew strong, but now it felt warm. Her new coat suddenly became too hot.
Daniel laughed at his wife’s shocked expression. “A Chinook must have blown in while we were in the restaurant. They come fast like this sometimes. Chinooks are warm winds that blow in from the Pacific Ocean.”
Daniel reminded Anna of her high school science teacher. “They leave their moisture over the mountains and the result in Alberta is a warm, dry wind. How do you like your first Chinook?”
Daniel’s hazel eyes grew merry with laughter.
Anna’s face wore an incredulous expression. “Wow, I can’t believe it. I think I like Chinooks a lot. I’ll have lots to tell in my first letter home. There’s nothing like this in England. I wanted adventure and now I’m getting it.”
For the first time Anna decided that she might just get to like Canada.
* * *
It was still relatively early when they checked into their room but Anna longed for a bath and, of course, they both wanted to make love.
However, as she stepped over the threshold into their small yet elegant room, decorated much like the restaurant downstairs, Anna suddenly became shy. She hadn’t been with Daniel for a long time.
Fortunately, the bath came before the lovemaking and she knew she would scrub and scrub until she removed all the soot and grime that had accumulated from that monster of a train.
She removed the locket and carefully cleaned it.
The hotel provided a strong fragrant soap and bubble bath and Anna decided that bathing might be as much fun as shopping.
While Anna toweled off and once again applied perfume, Daniel decided to have a bath as well. “It’s not so easy on the farm having a bath. We are lacking so much. I’m sorry. It might take some doing for you to get used to rural Canada.”
Anna’s replied immediately. “I’ve lived in war-torn London. I can live anywhere. I’ll be okay.” Anna hoped she spoke the truth.
Then they went to bed and Anna immediately grew aroused with any unease surrounding her husband forgotten. Their lovemaking was more tender than passionate and Anna felt supremely loved.
* * *
Daniel soon fell asleep but in the early morning hours, as often the case, the vicious dreams assaulted him.
He was in the Sherman Firefly with the noise of artilleries all around him; his fear so great he couldn’t stop himself losing control of his bladder.
Men fell all around them who didn’t have the security of the tank. When he saw other tanks being hit his fear changed to sheer terror.
He wanted to lash out physically at the Germans even though he knew it would do no good. He clenched his fist and struck out.
* * *
Anna also dreamed; a happy dream. She walked beside a beautiful child of about five years, obviously one of the children that she would have with Daniel.
They strolled in a delicately scented flower-filled meadow. The sun caressed Anna’s arms and legs. The exquisite child told Anna how much she loved her.
Then, quite suddenly; a sharp pain in her left arm made her jump and touch the injury in hurt surprise.
The little girl changed, now vicious and cruel she threw a stone at her mother. A surprised, and frightened Anna fled as the child threw more stones. In her fear, A
nna willed herself awake.
When Anna awoke, she saw Daniel sitting up in bed, rubbing his right hand, which he’d clasped into a fist with a puzzled expression on his face.
When he saw Anna was awake and staring at him he cursed under his breath.
“My God, your arm. Did I do that? I’ve had a nightmare and I must have lashed out at you.” He wiped tears with back of his hand.
His voice shook. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. I’m a wife beater, a cruel, horrible wife beater. You should never have married me. I’m dangerous. The war has ruined me. I’ll understand if you can’t forgive me.” Daniel’s face was almost as white as the snow outside.
Anna examined her sore arm. It was tender, but not serious. “I’ll be okay. I know you would never hit me intentionally.”
Despite her words and the fact she meant them, Anna was afraid. Daniel could very possibly cause her serious injury, or, if he hit her hard enough in the right place, even death.
Anna thought of women whose husbands beat them regularly. Daniel wasn’t like that but she sympathized with them all the same. Anna couldn’t help but sigh.
Daniel used the top sheet to wipe his tears. He spoke through sobs. “I’ll do anything if you’ll just forgive me.”
“Daniel, I forgive you. You are probably the finest man on earth, and I love you unconditionally. I just wish you’d agree to see a psychologist. I’m sure that a lot of returning soldiers must have these problems.”
Daniel slumped down under the covers. “I would if I thought it would help, but I know it won’t. Nothing helps. I’m sorry Anna.” He would not look into her eyes.
Anna couldn’t suppress another sigh. Daniel might never get better, and she feared pushing him further. She was a casualty of the war as much as Daniel, something she would have to accept.
So, because she knew of nothing more she could do, she reached for Daniel, grabbed his cold right hand, and kissed.it. “I think you’ve had enough sleep for one afternoon. It’s time to get up. Let’s get dressed and walk or drive around Lethbridge. I want to see more of my new home.”
To her surprise, Daniel responded as if the previous conversation had never happened. “We can see more by driving. It will be safe to see the bridge now the ice and snow are melting. And I’ll show you the countryside. You can meet my family tomorrow.” Daniel paused and looked tenderly at his wife. “I love you Anna.”
Anna melted into her husband’s arms.
Chapter 6
The next day, the day of the party, came all too fast. Soon she would have to meet Daniel’s family and neighbors.
Apparently, whenever someone new arrived, the community held a party. It was a practice Anna wished didn’t exist. She’d be exposed to so many new and curious people and examined as if under a microscope. Of course, there’d been gatherings before in her honour, such as her birthday party and wedding. However, then she’d known all the guests. Now she was a stranger and expected to fit into a community that was alien to her.
The weather certainly didn’t match her pensive mood. It hardly seemed possible, yet the Chinook day was even more perfect than the day before. Abundant sunshine with more melting temperatures met her gaze, and, rare for southern Alberta, next to no wind.
Daniel pointed out the Chinook arch in the sky. She learned that it meant tomorrow would also be beautiful.
Too soon they approached the gleaming white school where the party would be held.
It was a well-cared for small building with a couple of swings and a slide for the children to play on.
The parking lot, if you could call it that, appeared almost full; not only with cars, but also a few horses and buggies.
The animals appeared to be waiting patiently for their humans to return, although one large black gelding shied when Daniel and Anna passed.
Anna leapt out of the way of its huge hooves. She was normally comfortable around horses, but her nerves were getting the best of her today.
Myriad voices floated out to Anna as she entered the coatroom. No one appeared to have noticed their arrival with the din emanating from the auditorium.
Anna had a moment to steady her nerves. She smoothed down her hair and dress. She needed to look her best.
The small room overflowed with coats and boots and Anna and Daniel had to pile their coverings on top of others. Anna laughed nervously when a mink coat slid onto the floor. She couldn’t resist the temptation to run her hand over the soft, luxurious black fur as she returned it to the pile. She was relieved none of the mud from the floor clung to the coat. Daniel said, “That’s Mother’s. My parents don’t stint themselves, but they can be tight with it when their sons don’t obey them.” His face was dark with anger.
Anna swallowed; their marriage was the cause of Daniel’s money woes and it left her feeling like a burden.
* * *
They slipped unnoticed into the small, smoke-filled hall. Anna took the opportunity to survey the assembled crowd.
Everyone appeared dressed up, the men in suits and shirts and ties and the women in dresses and silk stockings. Anna detected the scents of many perfumes and shaving lotions.
She estimated there must be at least fifty adults, all laughing, and talking and smoking. A hoard of children played games, which produced shrieks of joy as well as tears. Anna wished she could play with them, but decided it wouldn’t be appropriate at the moment.
Anna smiled. It would be pleasant to be part of this community if they could accept her. Gatherings were rarely this large back home.
The small room was filled to capacity with partiers. A long row of tables moaned under the weight of food. Anna’s mouth watered in anticipation.
Daniel had mentioned that sugar and flour were rationed in Canada. Yet what she saw before her would be unthinkable with England’s war restrictions.
There was roast beef, cabbage rolls, preserves, buns, butter and, surprisingly; delicious desserts. Pretty dishes and silverware graced the table. Anna sighed with pleasure. She felt like visiting royalty. Imagine, all this splendour was because of her!
Anna and Daniel moved further into the room. The clamour lessened as people noticed them. Anna blushed in embarrassment with the attention and wished she were more confident.
She should be plumper and more stylishly dressed, and prettier. She couldn’t believe Daniel actually thought her beautiful.
Anna felt like a specimen under a microscope. Surely everyone must be comparing her to Nancy and she feared she wasn’t coming out well in the appraisal. Oh Lord, is Nancy here? Please, don’t let her be here.
Her discomfort passed when many people in the hall linked their arms, formed a circle around her, and began singing, “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”
Anna didn’t know who anybody was and it didn’t bother her that many sang off key. She saw smiling faces, young, old, mostly kind, mostly happy. Some people substituted woman for fellow. Anna appreciated their intention.
Her nervousness almost abated. Anna didn’t, at that moment, concern herself with those who hadn’t joined in her tribute.
The singing reminded her of their wedding when Michael led everyone in “The White Cliffs of Dover.” Suddenly, homesickness engulfed her. She wanted to kiss her mum and dad and throw her arms around Patsy and Robert. She feared she would be homesick for a long time. She committed the scene to memory so she could share it with her parents in her next letter home.
Should she go on too long about the abundance of food? It would be almost cruel to do so when things were so short back home. And they’d be missing her contribution to the household expenses. She turned her attention back to the celebration. Time enough to worry about what to include in the letter later.
* * *
Daniel led Anna to a tall, slender, austere woman. She was one of the people who hadn’t participated in the singing. The woman was very beautiful, with particularly striking, yet very cold, hazel eyes. They reminded Anna of a piece of ice.
Daniel’s eyes
, she realized with a start, but while his were warm, this woman’s were just the opposite.
“I would like you to meet my mother, Grace.” Daniel flushed with nervousness and stumbled over the words.
Anna decided her mother-in-law was aptly named. She was regally graceful, an impression heightened by an elegant black dress and long strand of pearls. Anna extended her hand and Grace briefly clasped it in her cold one.
Grace’s first words took Anna aback. She couldn’t seem to tear her gaze from the woman’s very white teeth.
“Have you taken the Lord Jesus as your Savior?” Grace’s voice was so cold and challenging Anna suppressed a shiver. How was one supposed to respond to a question like that?
“Yes, I guess so.” The words sounded tentative, even to her.
She had no intention of informing her mother-in-law, the woman she would be living with, that she didn’t completely believe in organized religion. There was no point in antagonizing the woman.
Anna did believe in God, especially when He had inspired her not to call off her wedding. She attended church faithfully as a child and young woman. But, religion wasn’t her whole life and she didn’t believe God wanted it to be.
Grace appeared angry and unpleased with her new daughter-in-law’s response. “I’ll expect you to join us for prayers, Anna. We worship before each meal and we have evening devotionals.”
Grace straightened her shoulders and moved closer to Anna. “We, along with the Bartlett’s, Smyth’s and Brown’s, have established our own religious order. We started with only three families and now we have a congregation of over fifty happy souls.”
The muted rattle of cutlery reminded Anna of the sound of sabres rattling.
Till The Wind Blows Silent Page 8
