by Lily Baxter
Elspeth threw back her head and her laughter echoed off the nicotine-stained ceiling. ‘That’s rich. Throw out the woman who’s been away doing her patriotic duty by joining the Air Transport Auxiliary in favour of a whore who’s been sleeping with the husband.’
Patrick took her by the elbow. ‘That’s enough, Elspeth.’
She wrenched her arm away, glaring up into his angry face with a curl of her lips. ‘Yes, Patrick. You’ve done quite enough to give me grounds for a divorce.’ She turned to her startled audience. ‘You’re all witnesses to the fact that my husband doesn’t deny the fact that he’s been having an affair with this woman.’ She paused, taking a deep breath. ‘I don’t have to remind you all that I lost my baby. Shame on you both.’ She marched out of the bar, leaving the door to swing on its hinges.
All heads turned to Roz. She seemed to be frozen to the spot. Her eyes were huge in her pale face and her lips worked soundlessly. Bob was the first to recover. He put his arm around her shoulders, giving her a hug. ‘I think we can all sympathise with Mrs Peterson’s loss,’ he said in a loud, clear voice. ‘But this is a party, folks. Drinks are on the house.’
Patrick stood up. ‘I’d best go after her,’ he muttered, making a move to follow Elspeth, but Susan barred his way, thrusting the platter of sandwiches into his hands.
‘I’ll go, Patrick. I think Roz needs you more.’ She was too angry to give him a chance to refuse, and she raced after Elspeth. Flying lessons aside, she had taken as much as she was going to from Mrs Patrick Peterson. She caught up with her just as she was about to climb into her yellow and black roadster. ‘No you don’t. You’re not getting away with it that easily. That was cruel and uncalled for.’
‘Uncalled for?’ Elspeth’s eyes narrowed. ‘That cheap little tart has been having it off with my husband. Have you any idea how that makes me feel?’
In the normal run of things Susan would have backed down in deference to her employer, but she was furious with Elspeth for her hypocrisy as well as her cruelty in denouncing Roz in such a public manner. The resulting scene would be the talk of the village for months, if not years. ‘You’ve been having an affair with Colin for goodness knows how long,’ she cried angrily. ‘You don’t give a damn about Patrick. You just wanted to make trouble for him and Roz because they love each other. I don’t think you know the meaning of the word.’
‘You ungrateful little bitch.’ Elspeth slapped her hard across the face. ‘After all I’ve done for you.’
Susan’s hand flew automatically to her bruised cheek, but she hardly felt the pain. ‘You didn’t teach me to fly out of the kindness of your heart. Personally speaking I don’t think you have one, and if you do then it’s a lump of ice.’
If looks truly could kill Susan knew that she would have been struck down in a second, but Elspeth’s retort was lost in the roar of an approaching motorbike engine. Colin drew up, stopping a little further down the road. He dismounted and came strolling towards them, but almost immediately his smile turned into a look of concern.
‘What’s going on, Elspeth?’ He glanced at Susan’s reddened cheek. ‘Who did that to you?’
‘Ask her.’ Susan’s voice trembled as anger evaporated, leaving her feeling drained and exhausted. She was about to walk away when he caught her by the hand.
‘No. Wait.’ He turned to Elspeth. ‘Did you hit her?’
She tossed her head. ‘She asked for it, darling. I won’t be spoken to in that manner.’
‘Don’t worry,’ Susan said coldly. ‘I won’t be coming back to work for you ever again. Not after what you’ve done today.’
Elspeth stared at her in what seemed to be genuine astonishment. ‘You’re giving notice? You’re leaving me in a spot?’
‘Come on, girls. Let’s sort this out like grownups,’ Colin said, making an obvious attempt to lighten the atmosphere. ‘What caused this bust-up?’
‘I may have said a few things,’ Elspeth admitted, pouting. ‘But I caught Patrick making up to that common tart of a barmaid.’ She looked away, her lips trembling.
‘What are you talking about? For God’s sake someone tell me what’s bloody well going on.’ Colin threw up his hands. ‘Susan, you’re a sensible girl normally. Can you give me a straight answer?’
She took a deep breath, controlling her voice with difficulty. ‘Elspeth barged in on the birthday party and told everyone that Roz was having an affair with Patrick and that she’s pregnant. Now it’s common knowledge.’
‘My God, you know how to throw a spanner into the works, don’t you, darling?’ Despite his attempt to be serious, Colin chuckled. ‘I’m sorry, Susan. I know that Roz is your friend, but surely you can see it from Elspeth’s point of view?’
‘She didn’t have to humiliate Roz so publicly, especially today of all days.’
‘Take me home, darling,’ Elspeth said, leaning her head against Colin’s shoulder. ‘I’m too upset to drive myself. You can pick up your motorcycle later.’
‘Of course, sweetheart. Anything you say.’ Colin opened the car door and helped her into the passenger seat. ‘You can tell me all about your holiday with Lucy in Gloucester.’
‘Later, darling,’ Elspeth said, casting a warning glance at Susan.
So she hadn’t even told Colin about her intention to join the ATA, Susan thought wearily. Elspeth was playing a dangerous game and one day she would go too far.
‘I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon then, Susan,’ Elspeth said with an attempt at a smile as Colin climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine.
‘I’ve just told you that I won’t be working for you any more.’
‘I know you didn’t mean it, my dear. Good jobs are hard to come by these days. There is a war on, you know. Two thirty, sharp. We’ll have a chat about a pay rise then.’ She looked straight ahead, avoiding eye contact with Susan. ‘Take me home, Colin. I’ve missed you so much, darling.’
Susan watched them drive off in a cloud of dust. She rubbed her sore cheek. That woman is impossible, she thought with a resigned sigh, but she knew that she would go back to work next day. She needed the money, and the lure of the Moth was something that she could not ignore, no matter how much she disapproved of Elspeth. She took several deep breaths and opened the pub door. Despite the dramatic scene so recently played out, the party appeared to be in full swing. No doubt Bob’s free drinks had something to do with the quick recovery of the guests, but there was no sign of Roz or Patrick.
Bob himself looked grim as he served behind the bar. He met Susan’s questioning look with a frown. ‘I’ve sent him packing,’ he said, giving the beer pump a savage jerk. ‘He’s barred from my pub for life, the bastard. I don’t know where Roz is.’
‘Don’t worry. I’ll go and find her,’ Susan murmured, making a quick exit through the door to the living quarters. She found Roz and Patrick in the garden, standing beneath a pergola dripping with late roses. They had their arms around each other and Roz’s face was tear-stained as she laid her head on his shoulder.
‘You mustn’t upset yourself, sweetheart,’ Patrick said softly. ‘Elspeth was saying anything she could think of to embarrass us. If she agrees to a divorce I’ll be only too happy to walk away with nothing.’
‘You don’t understand,’ Roz said, raising her head to look him in the eyes. ‘She was only guessing, but she was right about one thing.’
Susan cleared her throat. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said, backing away. ‘I didn’t mean to intrude. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.’
‘No, don’t go, Susan.’ Roz beckoned to her with an attempt at a smile. ‘I’ll need all the help I can get.’
Patrick’s face clouded with anxiety. ‘If you’re worried about the village gossips, don’t be. I’ll marry you like a shot once I’m a free man.’
‘It’s not just us now,’ Roz whispered. ‘Elspeth was right. I’m pregnant, Patrick. I’ve only just found out for certain. We’re having a baby.’
His reactio
n was not what Susan would have hoped for had she been in Roz’s position. He looked dumbstruck, as if the possible result of their love-making had never occurred to him. ‘You’re pregnant. But we were so careful …’
‘Not careful enough,’ Roz said slowly. ‘Don’t look at me like that. I didn’t conceive on purpose.’
He shook his head. ‘I know. I’m sorry, darling. It’s just a bit of a shock and something I hadn’t bargained for. Not while I was tied to Elspeth, anyway.’
Susan shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. ‘I really should leave you two to sort it out between you.’
Roz broke away from Patrick with a strangled sob. ‘It looks as though I’m on my own with this. Thanks a lot. Now I know where I stand.’ She hurried off in the direction of the kitchen. He made to follow her, but Susan caught him by the sleeve.
‘Don’t you think you’ve done enough already? Why the hell couldn’t you have given her a hug and told her that it was the best thing that had ever happened to you?’
He stared at her as if he had not understood a word she said. ‘It was a shock. I love her, but it’s complicated.’
‘Of course, it would be. So you were just having a good time at her expense, were you?’
He shook his head vehemently. ‘No, of course not. I want to marry her and have kids, but it’s not that simple.’
Susan stood arms akimbo. ‘Tell me then.’
‘Elspeth holds the purse strings, or rather her old man does. He set me up in business, but everything is in Elspeth’s name. If we divorce I’ll be virtually penniless and have to start all over again.’
‘Would that be so bad? I’m sure that Roz wouldn’t care.’
‘I didn’t want it to turn out like this,’ he said, sighing. ‘It’s such a bloody mess.’
Susan glanced over his shoulder. The party was about to spill into the garden, and she could see Tony and Danny standing by the gate. Behind them was a crowd of tipsy partygoers. ‘You’re the only one who can sort it out,’ she said urgently. ‘Talk to her now, while you’ve got the chance. It won’t be easy to see her now that Bob’s barred you from the pub. I’m sure he’ll come round in time, but you’ve got to go in there and tell Roz how you feel about her. For God’s sake, Patrick. Are you a man or a bloody mouse?’
He gave her a dazed look. ‘At this moment I really don’t know. Elspeth is good at emasculating men. She’s like the black widow spider that gobbles up her partner when she’s got what she wants from him.’
‘Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You’ve got two other people to think of now.’ Susan jerked her head in the direction of the kitchen. ‘Go after her before it’s too late. Bob will be busy in the bar and you might just catch her before she goes upstairs and locks herself in her room. This was supposed to be her special day.’
As if on cue the air raid siren started up its dirge-like wail. Galvanised into action, Patrick ran towards the building leaving Susan alone under the pergola. A sudden breeze sent a shower of rose petals falling all round her just as Tony arrived at her side, breathless and smiling. He plucked a pink petal from her hair. ‘Poor Susan. It hasn’t been much of a birthday for you so far.’
She shrugged her shoulders. ‘I think Hitler’s put paid to the celebrations. We’d best go into the shelter with everyone else.’
He slipped his arm around her waist. ‘We’ll continue the party in there. Danny’s bringing the drinks, and I haven’t given you your present yet.’
‘A present? How did you know it was my birthday, anyway? I didn’t mention it.’
‘No, but Roz did, and we’ve all clubbed together to give you something special, but I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for the all clear.’ Taking her by the hand he led her to the shelter where the party was still in full swing.
Bob was already there serving pints and was too busy to notice that his daughter was not amongst the revellers. There was wine and cider for those who did not drink bitter and someone had had the forethought to bring the Spam sandwiches and cheese rolls. No one went hungry. It was cramped and stuffy in the shelter but the party mood persisted, and when Danny started singing ‘As Time Goes By’ everyone joined in. The singsong went from strength to strength and although there was hardly room to move, some people paired off and began dancing. The hubbub was so loud that they barely heard the all clear.
Everyone trooped out into the gathering dusk with bats zooming overhead like miniature fighter planes in a dog fight, and most people returned to the bar to continue partying, but Tony took Susan by the hand and led her to the garage with Danny following close on their heels. ‘Roz should be here as well,’ he said, turning a key in the padlock and opening the double doors, ‘but in the circumstances I guess she’ll have to miss the presentation.’
Susan started to giggle. ‘I can’t believe you’re giving me a car.’
‘Not quite, love, but close.’ Tony disappeared into the darkness and came out moments later pushing a brand new bicycle. ‘Happy birthday, Susan. It’s from all of us, including Elspeth and Patrick. The old bike was a danger to life and limb, and seeing as how my dad isn’t here to fix it, we got the next best thing.’ He pushed it towards her. ‘Try it for size.’
Danny nodded his head. ‘Get on, then. Let’s see you riding it.’
She took the handlebars, staring at the gleaming machine in amazement. ‘It’s wonderful. I’ve never owned anything new in my life.’
Tony and Danny exchanged meaningful glances.
‘Well now you do,’ Tony said softly. ‘You’ve worked like a Trojan since you came to Hamble, Sue. You deserve something special.’
‘And he got it trade price through his dad,’ Danny said, grinning. ‘Mr Richards put it on the train at Waterloo and I picked it up yesterday. We’ve all done our bit, Susan.’ He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Go on. Take it for a spin.’
Susan was overcome with emotion. It was a magnificent gift. She had a lump in her throat as she thought of the trouble her friends had gone to on her behalf, and she covered her confusion by mounting the bike and riding it down the path to the garden gate. Tony and Danny followed her, standing on the pavement and waving as she pedalled off along the High Street. She was on the return lap when she almost ran into Patrick, who crossed the road without looking as he made his way to his car. ‘You idiot,’ she cried, steadying herself with one foot on the ground. ‘I almost ran you over.’
As he turned his head she was shocked to see the bleak expression on his face. Even allowing for the deepening shadows, she could see despair written all over his features. ‘It’s over,’ he said with a break in his voice. ‘She doesn’t want to see me again.’
‘What do you mean? What on earth did you say to her?’
‘I tried to explain my difficulties. I told her I wanted her and the baby, but I couldn’t do anything until I was divorced. That’s reasonable, isn’t it? I mean, I can’t marry her until I’m free, and Elspeth is a law unto herself. She changes her mind all the time.’
‘But she said in front of a whole pub full of people that she wanted a divorce.’
‘She’ll say anything for attention, but when it comes to it she’ll do what she wants, and if she thinks I’d be happier with Roz she’ll hang on like grim death. I tried to explain it to her, but she couldn’t or wouldn’t understand.’
‘She’s upset and emotional. She needs you to stand by her, Patrick.’
‘I will, of course. I’ll look after her financially as long as I’m able to continue in the practice, and I’ll do my best to make Elspeth keep her word.’
Susan stared at him in dismay. ‘Do you know how weak-kneed that makes you sound? You’re the man, you should tell Elspeth to go to hell. If you lose Roz you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.’
He climbed wearily into the driver’s seat of the Triumph. ‘This will go first if the old man gets wind of the situation. I’ll be begging Roz for the loan of the old bike that you used to ride.’
&
nbsp; ‘No chance. If that happens you’ll be using Shanks’s pony, probably for the first time in your pampered existence. I thought better of you, Patrick, but now I can see you’re just a puppet controlled by your wife and her rich dad. Roz will be better off without you.’ She could just make out Tony and Danny waving to her from the garden gate, and she rode off to join them.
‘What did Patrick have to say?’ Tony held the bike while she dismounted. ‘I hope he’s proud of himself.’
‘Poor Roz,’ Danny said sadly. ‘She’s a lovely girl. I’d marry her tomorrow if she’d have me.’
Tony nudged him in the ribs. ‘No you wouldn’t. You’re just saying that because Patrick’s been such a bastard.’
‘I’m not so sure about that …’
Susan wheeled the bike into the garden. ‘She’s in more trouble than either of you could imagine.’
‘What do you mean by that?’ Tony hurried after her as she headed for the garage. ‘She’s not really up the spout, is she? I thought that was just Elspeth being bitchy and over-dramatic.’
‘Unfortunately it’s true, and it’s bound to be common knowledge by the morning, and Patrick isn’t facing up to his responsibilities. I’m really disappointed in him.’
‘So the blighter isn’t going to do the right thing by her.’ Tony shook his head. ‘I’ve a good mind to punch him on the nose.’
‘Me too,’ Danny added angrily. ‘What a bastard.’
‘Neither of you must say anything.’ Susan stowed the bike in the garage and secured the padlock. ‘Thanks for the wonderful present, boys. I’ll be able to ride to work in style now.’
‘You’re not thinking of going back to the Petersons’?’ Tony stared at her in amazement. ‘Not after tonight.’
‘I can’t afford to lose my job. I don’t earn much here, and I’ll need to have some money saved up before I go looking for a more permanent job and a place of my own.’
Tony gave her a searching look. ‘I suppose your decision wouldn’t have anything to do with Elspeth’s Tiger Moth, would it?’
‘It might, I suppose. But I can’t afford to be proud and Elspeth lets me fly it occasionally. I could get a pilot’s licence if I had more practice. Just think of that, Tony.’ She clasped her hands together, smiling at the thought, but was instantly sobered by the expression on his face. ‘I wish you could be the one to teach me, but I know that’s impossible.’
