by Lily Baxter
‘Merry Christmas, love,’ Dave said, smiling. ‘Did you have a good time last night? I didn’t hear you come in.’
She dropped the potato and the peeler into the water and bent down to make a fuss of Charlie. ‘Yes, thank you, Dave. It was lovely.’
‘You must tell us all about it at breakfast.’ Dave moved to the stove and picked up the kettle. ‘I’ll make us a pot of tea and cut the bread for toast while you finish peeling the spuds. Young Colin’s in the bathroom and Maida’s still sound asleep, but we won’t wait for her to wake up.’
‘I’ll take her breakfast on a tray,’ Susan said, picking up the abandoned potato. ‘It is Christmas, after all.’
After breakfast, and when Maida had eventually finished her ablutions and had put the finishing touches to her toilette, Dave gathered them all together in the lounge. He had lit the fire but the room was still chilly. Maida sat on the settee, muffled in a thick cardigan. Colin took a seat by the hearth and Susan sat as far away from him as was possible in a relatively small room. She was attempting to maintain a cheerful manner, but she was far from happy. She felt foolish in the extreme and utterly naïve. She could not in all honesty put all the blame on Colin. He had assumed that she was much more worldly wise than she was; it was as simple as that. Just as he was now oblivious to the turmoil he had wrought in her emotions.
Dave had positioned himself by the Christmas tree. ‘Now we’re all here, I thought we could open our presents. Christine and I always did it this way when Tony was a nipper.’ He bent down to retrieve a parcel wrapped in brown paper, which he handed to his sister. ‘This is a little something for you, Maida.’ He delved beneath the spiky green branches and pulled out another, much smaller parcel, and gave it to Susan. ‘This is for you, love. I hope you like it.’
She took it with a grateful smile. ‘I’m sure I will.’
Maida had already unwrapped hers and pulled out a Cossack-style fur hat. ‘Thank you, Dave. All we want now is ten feet of snow and a troika and I’ll be in the latest fashion.’
He grinned. ‘Can’t arrange that, old girl. But you never know.’ He turned to Colin, handing him a bottle encased in a brown paper bag. ‘I got this at the off licence last night. It’s not very original, but I thought you might need something warming when you travel back to Southampton tomorrow.’
‘You’re going so soon?’ The words had slipped from Susan’s lips before she had time to stop herself. ‘I mean, I’d forgotten that you had such a short leave.’
‘Yes. More’s the pity,’ Colin said with a rueful smile. He peered inside the bag. ‘Brandy. That’s super, sir. You shouldn’t have, but thanks anyway.’
Susan wished that she had thought to buy him something yesterday, however small, but everything had happened so quickly.
‘Aren’t you going to open yours, Susan?’
Dave’s voice broke into her thoughts and she jumped. ‘Yes, of course.’ Beneath the layer of paper was a cardboard box and inside it was a silver filigree brooch in the shape of a butterfly. She held it up for all to see. ‘Thank you, Dave. It’s really beautiful.’
‘It’s the nearest thing I could find to wings, and I thought you were more like a pretty little butterfly than an eagle or a seagull.’ Dave glanced warily at his sister, but she merely raised her eyebrows and had the grace to remain silent. ‘I know you’d love to fly, but maybe one day, Susan.’
She jumped up to fling her arms around him and kissed his leathery cheek. ‘You’re the kindest man I ever met. Thank you so much.’ She sat down again, realising that Maida was scowling at her. Once again she seemed to have overstepped the invisible mark. She pinned the brooch to her jumper. ‘I love it.’
‘Tony sent some gifts for you all,’ Colin said, delving into a carrier bag that he had placed strategically beside his chair. He took out three packages, handing the largest one to Dave. ‘This is for you, Mr Richards. I think I can guess what it is.’
Dave’s eyes lit up behind the thick lenses of his spectacles as he fingered the parcel. ‘Cigarettes.’
‘Filthy habit,’ Maida said, holding out her hand to take her present from Colin. ‘Dear Tony. He always remembers his auntie.’ She ripped it open and beamed as she held up a leather-bound diary. ‘Just what I need. The dear boy might almost have known that I’d lost virtually everything I possess in that beastly air raid.’
‘At least you have your life,’ Dave said seriously. ‘Thousands weren’t so lucky.’
Colin turned to Susan. He was smiling but there was a guarded look in his eyes as they met hers. ‘And this is for you.’
Tearing off the flimsy wrapping paper Susan gave a gasp of delight. ‘A Tiger Moth manual. I can’t believe that he took me seriously.’
Colin shrugged his shoulders. ‘Tony’s a flying instructor. He’s a teacher through and through. He can’t resist an eager pupil.’
Was there a hint of sarcasm in his voice? She shot him a curious glance, but his expression was bland. ‘I’d give anything to learn to fly,’ she murmured, flipping through the pages. ‘It’s funny, but I bought him a book on planes too.’
‘There are two more parcels under the tree,’ Dave said quietly. ‘Do you know what they might be, Susan?’
‘Oh, my goodness. I almost forgot.’ Somewhat reluctantly she put the manual down, and went to retrieve the presents for Dave and for Maida. The Roger and Gallet soap had been an inspiration. She had often bought it for Mrs Kemp, who was very fussy when it came to toiletries, and it had been the last box on the chemist’s shelf when she had rushed out to the shop on Monday. She handed it to Maida. ‘I hope you like carnation perfume,’ she said warily. ‘I didn’t know what else to get you.’
Maida held the box to her nose and sniffed. ‘Thank you, Susan. Actually this is my favourite, and much nicer than that awful Lifebuoy rubbish that my brother uses.’
‘There’s nothing wrong with my soap. You’re just fussy.’ Dave’s frown melted into a smile as he opened Susan’s present. ‘What a splendid scarf.’ He wrapped it around his neck.
‘I’d have knitted it myself if I’d had the time, but I’m afraid it’s not exactly new. I got it in the second-hand shop.’
He fingered the warm material, smiling. ‘It’s the thought that counts, love.’
‘It will keep you warm when you go for your evening walk.’
His eyes twinkled. ‘It certainly will. It’s the best present I ever had.’
Maida cleared her throat. ‘Then you won’t want the Burberry scarf that I bought for you at enormous expense and great personal inconvenience.’
Susan met Dave’s horrified glance with a grimace. He unwound the scarf and looped it over his arm, making a quick recovery. ‘Of course I will, Maida. How could anyone refuse such a magnificent gift? I’ll wear them on alternate days and be proud to think that two people went to so much trouble for me.’
Maida’s gifts were duly passed round and opened; a pair of 15 denier silk stockings for Susan, a box of handkerchiefs for Colin that Maida had somehow managed to procure on Christmas Eve, and of course the Burberry scarf for Dave. Then it was Colin’s turn and he tipped the contents of the carrier bag onto his lap. ‘Fortunately I was forewarned by Tony,’ he said as he handed a package to Maida.
She was flushed and patently flustered as she opened it and took out a silver picture frame. It was small enough to fit in the palm of her hand and oval in shape. She stared at it, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. ‘I don’t know what to say, but thank you, Colin. It’s very pretty.’
Dave’s present was a briar pipe, which he gripped between his teeth, smiling broadly. ‘First class. Thank you, my boy.’
Susan was next. The delicious aroma of expensive chocolates filtered through the wrappings and she tore them off to find a large box of Black Magic. ‘Oh, thank you, Colin. How did you know that they’re my favourite?’ She did not add that the only time she had tasted them was when she had pilfered one or two from Pamela’s secret stash.
He shrugged his shoulders. ‘A lucky guess.’
She opened the lid. ‘Would anyone like one?’
Maida frowned. ‘Isn’t it a bit early in the day to start eating sweets?’
‘Leave the girl alone, Maida.’ Dave rose from his chair and went to the sideboard. ‘Susan can eat the whole box before lunch if she likes, and I’m going to start the festivities with a glass of beer. Will anyone join me?’
Colin opened his mouth to reply but Maida spoke first. ‘Thank you, David. I’ll have a small sherry.’
Susan popped an orange cream into her mouth and savoured the delicious taste. ‘I think I’d better go and baste the turkey.’ Leaving them to sort out their drinks, she went to the kitchen, taking the chocolates with her. She was just about to put the potatoes in to roast when Colin entered the kitchen carrying two glasses. He put one on the table. ‘Sherry for the cook,’ he said, smiling. ‘Can I do anything to help?’ He sipped his beer. ‘I mean it, Susan. I can peel carrots or do the sprouts for you.’
She closed the oven door, wiping her hands on her apron. ‘No, it’s all done. Thanks anyway. And thank you for the chocolates. They’re lovely.’
‘But a manual on flying a Tiger Moth is better.’
‘Both are good.’ She tasted the sherry and wrinkled her nose. ‘It doesn’t go well with chocolate.’ She had to squeeze past him to get to the sink, and quite suddenly she felt shy in his company. The nearness of him made her long for the intimacy they had shared last evening, but the knowledge that it had meant little or nothing to him made her feel small and inadequate. Suddenly she wanted him to leave. She wished that he would go back to Hamble and fly his beastly planes, no doubt showing off to the rich and glamorous women of the ATA. He must think I’m a gullible child, she thought miserably. ‘Excuse me. I need to get to the sink to wash the cabbage. I couldn’t get sprouts. They’d sold out.’
He took her by the shoulders, turning her so that she was forced to meet his gaze, which was serious for once. ‘Have I done something to upset you, Susan? I thought we were getting along so well.’
She stared at the knot in his tie. ‘No. I’m just busy.’
He released her, moving aside. ‘If I went too far then I apologise. I keep forgetting that you’re just a kid.’
She turned on him angrily. ‘I am not a kid, and I wasn’t upset. You make me sound like a silly schoolgirl.’
His brow creased in a frown. ‘I certainly never intended it to look that way. I think you’re lovely. You’re unspoiled and charming. I wouldn’t hurt you for anything.’
‘Well, you haven’t. I’m all right. There’s just a lot to do, and poor Charlie is locked in my room because of her.’ She wiped her eyes on the back of her hand, realising that they were unaccountably wet with tears. ‘Miss Richards hates him, and he’s been shut away for ages. Not much of a Christmas for him.’
Colin threw back his head and laughed. ‘Is that all that’s worrying you?’ He held up his hands. ‘No offence meant, but that’s easily remedied. We’ll take him out for a long walk after lunch.’ He stripped off his uniform jacket and hung it on a hook behind the door. ‘And now I’m going to help. Give me something to do and we’ll get the party started. Charlie’s turn will come later.’
The meal was a great success. Susan’s cooking was praised by everyone, even Maida. Dave and Colin did the washing up while Maida dozed on the settee. She awakened with a start at three o’clock when Dave switched on the wireless and they sat round listening intently to the King’s Christmas message. When it was over Colin rose to his feet. ‘Come on, Susan. Let’s take that hound for a walk.’
*
Charlie bounded across the grassy hump of Primrose Hill uttering delighted barks and wagging his tail so that his whole body swayed from side to side. Heavy clouds caressed the spire of the distant St Paul’s Cathedral and a light powdering of snow fluttered down from the featherbed sky. The light was fading fast and Colin reached out to hold Susan’s hand. ‘You are all right, aren’t you? About last night, I mean.’
She managed a tight little smile. ‘Of course. It was fun.’
He leaned over to kiss her on the cheek, but at that moment three figures appeared out of the gathering gloom. Susan recognised them instantly and her first instinct was to turn and run away.
Chapter Eight
Muffled in a fox fur coat and matching hat, Virginia was leaning on Dudley’s arm as she approached them. Dressed in a more modest camel coat and a headscarf, Pamela was following several paces behind them. Susan hoped that they would merely walk past, but Virginia obviously had other ideas. She stopped, glaring at her with a malicious twist to her lips. ‘Look at you, Banks. All dolled up in a fur jacket. No need to ask how you came by it, as I see that you’ve found another man. It didn’t take long, did it?’
‘I’ve nothing to say to you, Virginia.’ Susan attempted to sidestep her but Virginia barred her way.
‘But I’ve got plenty to say to you, miss. Pamela told me that you were still in the area and obviously doing very well for yourself.’ Virginia looked Colin up and down. ‘I suppose he’s keeping you. Nice work.’
Colin squeezed Susan’s fingers. ‘That was as uncalled for as it is untrue. I don’t know who you are, but I think you should apologise to Miss Banks.’
Dudley cleared his throat nervously. ‘Come on, Virginia. Don’t stoop to her level.’
‘My level?’ Susan wrenched her hand free from Colin’s grasp as he attempted to pull her away. ‘You’re the one who behaved like an animal. You forced yourself on me.’ She turned to Virginia. ‘You saw what he was trying to do, and yet you blamed me. What does that make you?’
Virginia’s eyes narrowed. ‘Take that back, you liar.’
‘I will not, and if you don’t believe me, ask your sister. Pamela could tell you a thing or two about your precious fiancé.’
‘Leave me out of it,’ Pamela said, flapping her hands at Charlie who was sniffing her coat.
Colin bent down and snapped the lead onto Charlie’s collar. ‘Come along, Susan. I’ve had enough of this.’ He tipped his cap to Virginia. ‘I can’t say it was a pleasure to meet you, but I think it’s time we were going on our way.’
‘He’s right,’ Dudley said, catching Virginia by the sleeve. ‘Don’t demean yourself, my dear. She was always a little tart, and nothing has changed.’
Colin took a step towards him, his chin outthrust and his eyes blazing. ‘Do you want me to flatten the fellow, Susan? For two pins I’d do it anyway.’
‘He’s threatened me with violence. I want you both to witness that. Come one step nearer, my man, and I’ll report you to the authorities.’ Dudley grabbed both sisters by their hands and headed off in the opposite direction.
Susan shook her head. ‘Let him go. He’s not worth bothering with.’ She set off walking briskly towards home and Colin had to quicken his pace in order to catch up with her.
‘So what’s the story there? Tony told me a bit about the Kemps, but he didn’t mention the idiot with the Ronald Colman moustache.’
Susan shivered, despite the fact that she was wearing Christine’s fur jacket. ‘I don’t want to talk about it.’
‘All right. I think I can guess most of it anyway. I wish I had smacked the blighter.’
‘It’s just as well you didn’t. He’s the type who would take great pleasure in making trouble for you.’
He hooked his arm around her shoulders. ‘I’m not scared of him, but I wouldn’t want to make things any more difficult for you than they are. You’ve had quite a time of it, haven’t you?’
She nodded her head. His sympathy was almost harder to take than Dudley’s preposterous lies.
‘Well, if things get too tough here I want you to come to Hamble. It looks as though I’m going to be there for the duration and so is Tony.’
‘But I’m happy looking after Dave. He’s like a dad to me and it’s all above board. He pays me a wage.’
‘I don’t want
to sound like a Job’s comforter, Susan, but living above a cycle shop and keeping house for Dave isn’t going to get you very far. Anyway, it’s on the cards that they’ll bring in conscription for young women before too long. You’ll either have to enlist in the services or you’ll end up doing some kind of war work. Somehow I can’t imagine you in a munitions factory or slaving away on a farm.’
‘I hadn’t thought that far ahead, but Dave needs someone to look after him.’
‘He’s got Maida, and you never know, he might marry again some day.’ He gave her a gentle hug. ‘I think that his big sister is under the impression that you’ve got ideas along those lines.’
Susan looked up at him in horror. ‘No! How could she imagine that I’d want to marry a man old enough to be my father?’
He shrugged. ‘It happens.’
‘You don’t think that Dave …?’ She broke off, feeling the blood rush to her cheeks even though it was bitterly cold. ‘No, that’s impossible.’
‘He’s a decent bloke, but he’s a man and you’re a very pretty girl.’ He chuckled. ‘And a good cook too. I’d marry you myself if it wasn’t for Morag.’
‘I might not want to marry anyone,’ Susan said firmly. ‘If I had a chance to join the ATA I’d devote my life to flying. But as that is as impossible as walking to the moon, I’ll just have to keep washing Dave’s sock and cooking his dinners. Maybe I’ll join the ARP. I’d considered that when I was working for the Kemps.’
‘Well, if you change your mind and make your way to Hamble, I promise to do my best to give you at least one lesson in a Tiger Moth. Study the manual that Tony gave you and we’ll see what we can do.’
She smiled tiredly. The intense cold had penetrated the soles of her brogues, numbing her feet, and her fingertips were tingling inside her woollen gloves. ‘At least it will give me something to do in the air raid shelter, and I can but dream.’
