The tour ended and they entered the part of England where Anna had grown up. She sighed with pleasure when she saw all the familiar houses on the street. She felt so filled with nostalgia her eyes grew moist with tears of happiness.
* * *
Finally, Michael parked the Austin in front of the dearest house on the street. The family got out and walked up the front steps, now surrounded by blooming rose bushes. Anna commented on their beauty as they ascended the steps. The house had been painted white with green shutters. Anna liked these colours better than the brown with beige trim the house used to be.
Inside, the home had changed very little. African violets still sat on the windowsill and a Boston fern, lush and green and gorgeous, occupied a low stool. Anna had tried unsuccessfully to grow ferns in Canada. They needed humidity. There was now hardwood flooring in the living room, accented with a soft, green plush area rug. Thank God. The Morrison table had been replaced by a stylish chrome set.
Dad’s store must be making money. Anna and Daniel both exclaimed over the beauty of the hardwood floor. Margaret and Michael beamed.
Anna knew they’d soon have a simple, cold meal and a cup of tea, both much looked forward to.
Margaret wouldn’t let Anna do anything to help with the preparations so she sat and watched her mother. She remembered her first miserable foray into bread making in Canada.
Now it seemed funny and she recalled it all, complete with Dolly, the cow, chasing her. Soon both women laughed so hard their stomachs hurt. Of course, Margaret had heard this anecdote in letters. But Anna knew it was much funnier hearing it in person.
Anna could hear her father and Daniel growing animated as they discussed the hardware business. Daniel appeared to have some insights into it.
They talked of playing cards after their simple yet delicious supper. But this suggestion failed to be acted upon because all four adults had so much to say.
At about 10 pm, Anna said, “I’m sorry. I’m going to have to go to bed. I can’t keep my eyes open a moment longer.” Everyone else felt the same way.
Anna hummed softly as she pulled her nightgown over her head. It felt almost illicit somehow to share her childhood bed with Daniel. But in a good way.
She told him so as she snuggled close to her husband. She always appreciated his warmth. Tonight this was especially so. The sheets were cold and damp.
As Daniel held Anna close, she thanked him again and again for making this journey possible. Daniel responded by kissing her shoulders and caressing her breasts. “I love you, Anna.”
He put his arms around her waist and drew her close. “I’m pleased the farm is doing so well and I want to be generous and make you happy. I brought along some extra money and I want you to go shopping. There are lots of stores here we don’t have at home. I’m sure you’ll find something you like. You know more about fashions than I do. I’m just a poor slob of a male.”
“That’s so kind. So very kind of you.”
Her mind started to hum, “I’ll shop for the children, of course. They felt so disappointed they couldn’t come along. I’ll look for new shoes and possibly a new dress for the wedding. And what would you like? We could find you a new suit here?”
“Naw, my old suit is good enough. I would like a new shirt and matching tie, though.”
“I shall find you something perfect that brings out the green in your eyes. You’re an incredibly handsome man and I love everything about you.”
Anna maneuvered so she could kiss her husband on the lips. He responded with warmth.
They hesitated to make love because only a thin wall separated their bedroom from that of her parents.
They lay silent for a moment or two. Daniel spoke again, in a low, quiet voice. “I hope I don’t embarrass you with one of my nightmares. After the wedding, when I go to Normandy, I’ll find out if Dr. Mathews is right. I sure hope so.”
“Daniel, he’s a trained psychologist. Of course, he’s right.”
Secretly, she wasn’t so sure. Please God. Make Daniel well again.
* * *
The next day, after trips to the butcher’s and grocer’s shops, Anna and Margaret went to the nearest park. It was just as lush and green and beautiful as she remembered. It even contained a fountain that reminded Anna of a sculpture.
The vegetable gardens of the war years had been restored to flowers. These flowers looked so gorgeous Anna wished she’d brought her paints. She saw daisies, hydrangeas, mums and roses.
Canada contained beauty in June as well, with the scent of lilacs perfuming the air. Anna realized she missed her very own bush.
* * *
In the afternoon, they took the tube to Harrods, London’s most famous department store. Anna was nostalgic as they rode along. They both found seats. Good. Anna hated standing on the tube.
She looked at all the people she saw with interest. She saw two young women in tight, low-cut dresses. One blonde with obviously dyed hair. The other a redhead with an equally improbable hair colour. They both wore bright red lipstick. Were they prostitutes?
There was a man dressed in a black tuxedo and top hat. He carried a black cane inlaid with gold. When he saw Anna staring at him he smiled, lifted his hat and bowed from the waist. “Good afternoon, young lady.”
Anna returned the greeting with a smile and pleasant, “Hello, it’s nice to see you,” She reflected on the great variety of people who used the tube in London. Could anywhere on earth be more colourful?
Nonetheless, she realized she felt like a tourist and not someone returning home. She missed Daniel’s Chevrolet and the wide, spacious streets of Lethbridge. Driving was very convenient and Daniel was a competent driver. There was no fear of catching a cold or worse from fellow passengers, and she didn’t need a ticket. Was she becoming more Canadian than English?
They finally reached their stop and climbed up out of the Underground station to enter the throngs on the streets. A large, black haired man in a beige trench coat grabbed Anna by the shoulders and spun her around. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
Anna doubted he felt sorry at all. She was convinced he meant to rob her. She clutched her purse tightly to her bosom. “Don’t be sorry. I’m fine.” Wasn’t it the Canadian way to be polite at all times?
In fact, despite the melee of crowds, she was afraid. This man might not be just a robber, but instead another Willy Jones. Goose bumps rose on Anna’s arms and legs.
Anna forgot the man when she glimpsed Harrods department store. It consisted of five stories of magnificent stone. She couldn’t wait to go inside.
Somehow, she felt the need to tell her mother about Lethbridge’s post office building. Although much smaller, it, too, looked beautiful. And it existed without the suffocating crowds.
They entered Harrods, and Anna said to her mother, “Let’s go look in the French Room. It’s a showpiece of high fashion and it’s fun to look. Of course, I would never buy anything there. The prices are sky high.”
Margaret agreed, although her face appeared red and shiny with sweat.
This worried Anna. “Are you sure you’re all right? Maybe we should go find a place to sit outside. I don’t have to go to Harrods.”
Margaret sighed. “Oh yes, you do. I’ll be fine. I’m just a little hot. The doctor keeps telling me to lose weight. I guess he’s right. I just love food and it’s such a pleasure to eat now the rationing is over.”
They found the French Room and Anna almost cried with the beauty of the merchandise. She touched silks and high quality wools, and crisp linens and cottons all fashioned into elegant clothes. This was in direct contrast to the Harrods Anna had known during the war years.
They left the pinnacle of beauty and entered the heart of the store. The crowds almost overwhelmed because of a sale with massive markdowns.
Anna held onto her mother’s hand and pulled her through the masses so they could both look at the hats, coats, scarves and gloves. If only there could be this quality of mercha
ndise in stores in Lethbridge. When Anna lived in London, the crowds were a minor nuisance. Now she found them cloying.
They entered the area of the store with drastic markdowns and Anna began to shop in earnest. She once again pushed through the crowds until she found a rack of cashmere sweaters. She swooned with delight when she found a blue sweater in her size marked down several times. The fine, soft, light fabric felt wonderful in her hands. She knew better than to try the sweater on because of the astronomical lineups for fitting rooms.
However, after a fifteen minute wait at the checkout counter, she purchased the sweater. She knew she would remember Harrods and this moment whenever she wore it. She silently blessed Daniel for his generosity.
They made their way to the main level and the slightly less congested cosmetics and perfume department. Chanel No. 5 was on sale. She planned to buy a bottle. It’d been Daniel’s first gift to her.
Shopping made the two women hungry so they made their way to the food department and Anna found herself thrilled with its splendor. Anna treated Margaret to fish and chips wrapped in newspaper with dark vinegar. This was an English treat she’d definitely missed.
Margaret ordered two pieces of fish. Anna noticed Margaret often ate at least three scones for breakfast and stifled the urge to say anything. She didn’t want to spoil this special outing.
Anna looked for a dress and shoes and gifts for the girls, but found everything too expensive. She planned to do the rest of her shopping at Selfridges.
Of course, the trip to Harrods had to end as both women were exhausted.
They made their way back on the Tube. It was now crowded and very hot. Anna held her breath as the scent of perspiration flooded her senses.
They arrived back at the house. Both women decided they needed a nap. The men had apparently gone to the hardware store. “Daniel and Michael are getting along like father and son. You have brought your father much happiness by marrying Daniel.”
Anna smiled and met her mother’s eyes, “Thank you for saying that. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.”
Anna enjoyed the days she shared with her mother. It felt so good, so right to drink tea in Margaret’s immaculate kitchen and talk. They used the old brown betty teapot. It produced the most excellent tea Anna had ever tasted. This closeness reminded Anna of her relationship with Maisy.
Talk eventually led to the subject of their husbands. Margaret sighed. “I love your father and he’s a good man. But, there are times when he frustrates me because he can be so controlling. I hope you don’t have that problem with Daniel.”
Anna truthfully answered. “No, Daniel lets me do whatever I please. I’m lucky.” Anna felt a strong need to tell her mother about Daniel’s shellshock. Loyalty to him kept her silent. Daniel deserved his privacy.
Anna took a sip of strong, black tea, and placed her half-eaten scone on a plate. “Mom, you don’t know how glad I am you and Dad are coming to Canada. You’ll see your granddaughters and our dear house with its veranda. You’ll love Canada as I love Canada.”
Anna realized, as she spoke, that as much as she enjoyed this trip to England; she loved Canada more. It was home. Pride filled her for the beautiful, free, safe country where people immigrated daily.
She would never miss England so strongly again.
* * *
Soon it was the day of the wedding. Her nephew, Robert, acted as usher. He’d grown tall and handsome. Anna longed to reunite with him but realized she must wait until the ceremony was over.
Anna walked down the long, beautiful, red aisle where she’d walked as the bride several years previous. There was abundant sunshine. Margaret said she must have brought the sun from Canada. Anna felt almost as holy as the Virgin Mary as she basked in the light reflected from the stained glass windows.
The wedding guests assembled also luxuriated in the warm glow. Anna heard excited whispers from those attending. The church was beautifully turned out with pots of blue, mauve and white hydrangeas.
Anna, as Matron of Honour, wore a blue, high necked sheath accented with faux pearls and her comfortable black pumps. She carried a bouquet of pink roses and white carnations. The scent was magnificent.
The organist, dressed all in black, played “Here Comes the Bride.” She was a talented musician and Anna suppressed a strong need to sing along. Anna couldn’t help comparing this wedding to her own. Much was the same. She’d married a man she loved. Now Patsy did the same.
Somethings had changed though. Bounty replaced war-time restrictions. Safety replaced danger. Now, Michael and Margaret were happy; then they’d been saddened.
Anna reached the altar, and a hush fell over the sixty guests. She turned enough to see Patsy and her father walk down the aisle. Michael wore a new charcoal suit. He’d shed his cane and Patsy helped to keep him in balance.
Patsy had always been good looking; now she looked beautiful enough to inspire poetry. Her dress, a long, white, loose-fitting silk garment with matching veil looked simple and elegant. Under her veil, Patsy’s blonde hair cascaded around her shoulders. Although her father clung to her, she walked with her head high.
Anna cried with happiness when she’d been reunited with Patsy. She realized she hadn’t been aware of how much she’d missed her sister. Time just fell away as they’d hugged and kissed and recalled childhood memories.
Despite the crowding in Margaret’s and Michael’s small house when Patsy and Roger arrived from Birmingham, the six adults all managed to enjoy themselves. Anna and Patsy shared their childhood room. Daniel and Roger stayed at a bed and breakfast, The English Rose, only a few blocks away. They all got together in the evenings to play Hearts. Daniel usually won.
The first evening Patsy had arrived at the house, Anna and Patsy stayed up all night talking as if they’d never been parted. At one point Patsy said, “I may not be virginal but I’m going to look virginal on my wedding day. I’ve given up on tits and ass.”
Patsy sighed with contentment. “Roger, of course, knows about my past and he’s fine with it. And he keeps me happy. I’m so lucky I found him.”
Patsy fluffed up her pillow and propped it onto the headboard. “To make him even more perfect, he makes a good living in a high-class bank. The exact same bank where I work as a secretary. It’s in one of the finest buildings in Birmingham.”
Anna instantly liked tall, thin Roger, who possessed wispy blond hair and was only two months younger than Patsy. Somehow he missed being good looking but Anna couldn’t discern the diminishing feature. He dressed, even in casual clothes, like one would expect of a high-class banker. But, unlike the typical banker, he possessed a great sense of humour.
Daniel declared his new brother-in-law a “jolly good bloke,” and everyone laughed at Daniel’s attempt at talking like an Englishman.
When Anna had shown Patsy a recent photograph of her daughters, Patsy had studied it for a long time. “Your girls are all beautiful. You must be so proud. I would like to have a child with Roger. But I’m too old. Fortunately, Roger and my darling Robert get along.
Anna was lost in these thoughts as Patsy and Roger said their vows. She found their voices warm and loving and somewhat hypnotic. When it came time for her to hand over Patsy’s wedding band, she managed to successfully complete her small part in the ceremony.
The groom kissed the bride and they all signed the register, both Anna and Patsy with shaking hands. Everyone went outside to enjoy the clear skies. Anna reflected upon how much she loved the sun on her shoulders and the pleasant scents of mingled perfumes, when she spotted Charles Harding. The blood drained from her face and goose bumps formed on her arms. To her relief, he shuffled by without speaking or meeting her eyes. Anna exhaled. She didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath.
As usual, Daniel charmed friends and neighbours. Anna heard a couple of women she’d gone to school with say what a handsome, thoroughly nice man Anna had married. Anna couldn’t concur more.
It surprised Ann
a when several people commented on her Canadian accent. Everyone in Canada thought she still sounded English. She was now a true Canadian. Canada was her home. It didn’t bother her she had become something of an outsider in England.
Anna shook the hand of Glen Clarke a friendly neighbor who kept his garden immaculate; when she noticed a tall, blond, well-built young man glancing in her direction. She smiled and he strode towards her. “Aunty Anna.”
They hugged. His body felt strong and very male in her arms and reminded her of Daniel. The scent of Old Spice clung to him.
It’s so very, very good to see you. I’m so sorry I missed much of your growing up. You’ve turned into a fine young man.” Her eyes were damp with happiness. She opened her arms wide and they embraced once again. Anna still loved Robert as much as if he was her own son, and not Patsy’s.
Robert began to tell Anna about his studies at the University and she said she felt “proud to be his Aunty.” He studied political science and hoped to eventually get into law. Anna was pleased with the small part she’d played in his upbringing. He may have grown up a bastard but he’d soon be a member of the elite.
Robert had brought a friend. Pretty, auburn-haired Ginny. She wore a green shirtwaist dress and wide-brimmed hat. The outfit suited her colouring and dainty figure. “Ginny, this is Aunty Anna. She’s the woman who took such good care of me when I was growing up.”
Anna and Ginny shook hands. Ginny said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard nothing but good things about you.” Anna beamed. She hoped this young woman would become part of the family.
Ginny studied to become a teacher. Anna assured her she would do the job perfectly. “I can just tell. I can see you teaching young children in grades one or two. They’ll love you. I can tell you’ll be patient and kind.”
Till The Wind Blows Silent Page 20
