by Joan Jonker
Molly saw Ginger and his girlfriend coming up the stairs. ‘Here’s the last of the stragglers, so I’ll get Corker to sit everyone down now. He’s got a plan of the tables and knows where everyone is sitting.’
But Corker had no intention of doing it alone. There was another best man beside himself, and at this very moment, that man was trying very hard, using every trick in the book, to make an impression on Phoebe. The lad was having very little luck, much to Corker’s amusement. His daughter was the shyest, most gentle person he knew, and she’d never had a boyfriend. There were times when he worried about her, and wished she was more outgoing, like Dorothy, because he wanted to see her enjoying herself. But right now he was seeing a different side to her and knew his fears were groundless. Phoebe could take care of herself, all right – no doubt about that. She was being very aloof with Paul and had him running around in circles. A surefire way of fanning the flames of the lad’s interest.
‘Paul, come and give us a hand.’ Corker handed him a piece of paper. ‘There’s a plan of where everyone is sitting. So if you’ll see them to their places, I’ll get George to help me fill the glasses for a toast. Can yer manage that, son?’
‘Of course I can, Uncle Corker.’ Paul’s eyes were devouring the names and seating plan. When he looked up, there was a gleam in his eyes which very much resembled that in Nellie’s eyes, when she was up to mischief. ‘Leave it to me, I’ll have everything under control in no time. Have no fear, Paul is here.’
Chapter Twenty-Seven
And so it came to pass that even though Archie’s name wasn’t down for the top table, he was delighted to find himself seated next to Lily. And of course, wasn’t Paul clever enough to wangle a seat next to Phoebe. This was no surprise to the girl; in fact, she’d have been really put out if he hadn’t been next to her. Not that she would have admitted it, though.
Molly was puzzled when she saw Paul move a chair and place-setting from the side table to the top one. Why was he doing that? She’d spent hours getting the names and numbers right! Then she saw Archie slip on to the mysterious chair which had miraculously appeared next to Lily. The crafty beggars! Then Molly smiled. Wasn’t all fair in love and war? And did it really matter if they all had to move their chairs up a bit to make room? In her book, romance came before comfort every time.
Corker had been asked to act as toastmaster before the meal was served, then later there would be speeches. So when everyone had a full glass in front of them, he rose to his feet. ‘I would like to propose a toast to the newlyweds. May they have a long and happy life and may their love never dim. So raise your glasses to the beautiful brides and their grooms.’
‘Hang on, hang on!’ Glasses were lowered when Nellie’s voice rang out. ‘Why is it beautiful brides, but not handsome grooms? Let’s be fair, now. I think my Steve and Phil look very handsome indeed!’
Molly looked along the table to where her friend was standing. Here was the opening for which she’d waited weeks. ‘All right, sunshine, don’t be losing yer equilibrium.’
The look on Nellie’s face brought forth hoots of laughter. She narrowed her eyes, held on to her hat so it moved with her head, and glared at Molly. ‘I don’t know what it is yer think I’m losing, girl, but if it’s an insult, that hat what makes yer look like a film star will be rammed down over yer ears.’ Her narrowed eyes gazed around. ‘Is there anyone in the room clever enough to know what that word means, before I clock her one?’
‘I’ll tell yer, sunshine,’ Molly said. ‘It means don’t be losing yer rag!’
‘Is that all? Yer don’t half waste a lot of breath, Molly Bennett!’ Nellie smiled sweetly at Corker. ‘Can we have the toast now, but proper this time?’
The big man was chuckling as he raised his glass. ‘To the beautiful brides and their very handsome husbands.’
Edna Hanley and her daughter waited for the guests to sit down, then working in harmony and with speed, they served plates of salad with bread and butter to go with the ham, tomato ketchup and salad cream. Then mother and daughter quietly withdrew to wait outside until the meal was finished. They could hear the talking and laughter and wished they were inside. Especially when Nellie was telling the guests how she managed to get her husband’s hankie out of the pocket in her knickers. The laughter was so loud they knew she must be showing them how she did it – and they were right. Nellie wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to make people laugh. Especially as it was her eldest son’s wedding day.
When the meal was over, Emily cleared the plates while Edna brought in cake-stands filled with a wide variety of cakes, jelly creams and trifles. And once again the glasses were replenished. Jack had said he didn’t want to make a speech because he didn’t think he’d get the words past the lump in his throat. He was going to leave it to Corker and Paul, and of course the two grooms. But now the time had come, he felt he must say something, even if he made a fool of himself. So, taking a deep breath, he pushed his chair back. ‘I only want to say a few words, then I’ll leave the speechmaking to others.’ He felt Molly grip his hand and grinned down at her. ‘I don’t think any man has ever felt as proud as I did today walking my beautiful, beloved daughters down the aisle. I didn’t want to give them away, me and Molly don’t want to lose them. But I did so in the knowledge I was handing them over to two fine men, who will love and take good care of them. We’ve haven’t lost two daughters today, we’ve gained two sons.’
Tommy was sitting at the top of one of the side tables with his nan, granda and Rosie. He hadn’t intended saying anything, either, but they were his two sisters and they were the granddaughters of Bridie and Bob, who were shedding a few tears. He couldn’t let the occasion pass without a word. So after kissing Bridie and Rosie, he got to his feet. ‘This will be short and sweet and it comes from me nan and granda, as well as Rosie and meself. I’m so proud of me two big sisters, always have been. Today they look more beautiful because they’ve married the men they love. And I want them to know that me nan, granda, Rosie and meself, love them very much. They’ll be missed at home, but thank God they’ll still be living down our street. We wish them, and Steve and Phil, all the luck in the world.’
‘Oh dear,’ Lily whispered to Archie. ‘If they keep this up, I’ll be crying me eyes out.’
‘I’ll lend yer me hankie.’
‘Well, I certainly wouldn’t borrow me mam’s, not after knowing where it’s been.’ Lily turned to look straight into Archie’s eyes. It was at that moment she felt a stirring in her heart, and she turned away quickly to hide her blushes.
A few seats away, Paul was getting nowhere fast with Phoebe. So he decided if he didn’t take the plunge now, he might never get another chance. And she looked good enough to eat in her bridesmaid’s dress. ‘Will yer come dancing with me one night? Or to the flicks, whichever yer want?’
Phoebe lowered her lashes. Her heart was beating like mad because she’d dreamt of hearing him say this so often. But she wasn’t about to let him know that. She wasn’t going to run after him like other girls did. ‘Yer’ll have to ask me dad.’
‘Ask yer dad?’ Paul’s voice was high with surprise. ‘Why would I ask yer dad? It’s not him I want to take out.’
‘If yer want to take me out, yer’ll have to ask him.’ Phoebe lifted her hand. ‘Hush, he’s just got to his feet.’
It would have been difficult for anyone else to have stood up and, as Phil’s best man, give a speech about a groom who had not one single relative in his life. Apart from the woman he called Auntie Vickie, and adored, he was alone in the world. But Corker didn’t find it a problem. ‘Phil came into our lives six years ago, and all our lives have been enriched because of him. He brought love and companionship to Miss Clegg, who gave him a home and idolises him. He joined the army before being called up, and he fought on the beaches at Dunkirk. A man to be proud of. Victoria Clegg looks on him as a grandson, I look on him as my son. He fell in love with Doreen at first sight, and although there was a time
they had a short falling-out, they’ve been in love ever since. It does my heart good to see them now as man and wife, and I know they’ll be good for each other.’
When Corker had finished, Molly dabbed at her eyes and whispered to Jack, ‘I know every woman cries at a wedding, but I’ve never stopped!’
‘Yer can’t help it, love, it’s so emotional. But I think all the sad bits are over now.’
It was Paul’s turn next as his brother’s best man. And there were many people in that room who blessed him for starting off by making them laugh. ‘I’ve known me brother a long time.’ The laughter perked him up and made him less nervous. ‘Well, ever since the day I was born, really. And we’ve always got on, except when I borrow one of his shirts or something without asking. But one thing he’d never let me borrow was his girlfriend. He wouldn’t let me push her go-chair, even though I offered him me best ollie! I thought it was a bit mean, really, ’cos brothers are supposed to share. But looking at her now, I know I wouldn’t have parted with her for a bag of ollies, never mind one. They’ve waited so long for this day, and nobody is happier than I am that it has finally come at last. And what a perfect day it’s been.’ Paul glanced down at Phoebe and winked. Then he leaned forward and looked along the row. ‘Uncle Corker, would yer like to come to a dance with me one night?’
After a second’s stunned silence, Nellie said, ‘Ay, things are not that bad, are they, Paul? Can’t yer get yerself a girl? That’s what boys are supposed to do, yer know.’
‘I’m sorry, lad,’ Corker said, ‘but I don’t think the missus would like it.’ He knew Paul’s humour was very like his mother’s, they both loved slapstick comedy. ‘But why ask?’
‘Phoebe told me to! I asked her to come out with me one night and she said to ask you! I told her I didn’t fancy yer, but she would have me ask.’
Corker chuckled as he looked across at his wife. ‘What d’yer think, Ellen?’
Ellen was delighted. Never a word had ever been said, but as a mother, she knew where her eldest daughter’s heart lay. ‘It’s all right with me, but it’s up to Phoebe.’
Paul sat down looking pleased with himself. ‘There yer are! Yer made me walk the plank and I did. Now will yer come out with me?’
‘We’ll see. Ask me later.’ Little did he know Phoebe had it all planned in her head. It was part of her dream. She wanted to be dancing with him when he asked.
Glasses were refilled so the two grooms could thank Molly and Jack for giving them such a marvellous day, and also for having given them their two daughters. Steve praised his parents for the love they’d given him over the years, while an emotional Phil thanked his Aunt Vickie for giving him a home and someone to call his own. Then they both gave thanks for the presents and cards that had been delivered to the Bennetts’ house over the last few days.
When the speeches were finished, Edna and Emily came in to clear the tables and push them back to make room for dancing. ‘We’ll bring the pies and sausage rolls up about eight, Molly,’ Edna said. ‘They’ll be getting peckish by then.’
‘I’m very grateful to yer, Edna, everything’s been perfect. We’ll have to ask yer to do the same for Tommy, next year.’
‘Are yer dancing, Lily?’ Archie asked, holding out his hand.
‘Are yer asking, Archie?’
‘I’m asking, Lily.’
‘Then I’m dancing, Archie.’ Lily slipped into his arms and they danced to the strains of a waltz. Then, almost shyly, she said, ‘Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are on the Broadway next week, did yer know?’
‘I’d go and see them if you’d come with me. Will yer do that, Lily?’ When she nodded, he asked, ‘Will yer be my girl?’
‘Yes, Archie, I’ll be your girl.’
‘My God, Molly,’ Nellie said. ‘Look at the way Archie’s spinning our Lily around! She’ll get dizzy if she’s not careful.’
‘If the look on their faces is anything to go by, sunshine, I’d say he’s asked and she’s said yes.’
‘Ooh, er! Now that would make my day complete.’
Paul was behaving in a very gentlemanly manner. ‘Will yer dance with me, Phoebe?’
‘Yes, Paul, I’d like that.’ This was part of Phoebe’s dream coming true. And as she knew they would, they danced beautifully together. All it needed now were the right words for her dream to be complete.
‘Yer look very pretty, Phoebe, and I really do like yer.’
‘I bet yer say that to all the girls!’
‘I’ve never said it to a girl yet! I dance with them, that’s all. Scout’s honour, I’ve never told any girl that they were pretty and I liked them. So say yer’ll come out with me one night, please? Then I’ll be able to sleep tonight.’
‘Oh well, I can’t have yer losing any sleep over me, can I?’ Everything Phoebe had hoped for in her dreams had come true, and her heart and tummy were doing somersaults. ‘So if yer like yer can call for me on Monday night. Does that suit yer?’
‘Oh my God, girl, there’s our Paul at it now!’ Nellie’s hat stood still but her chins moved with her shaking head. ‘They’ll trip over if they’re not careful.’
‘If yer look closely, sunshine, yer’ll see they’ve got the same soppy look on their faces as Lily and Archie have.’
‘Go ’way!’ Nellie looked very smug. ‘I thought our Paul had taken a shine to Phoebe, but I didn’t tell yer in case yer thought I was crazy. But I’ve watched him the last week or so, and he waits until he hears the Corkhills’ door bang, then he’s out like a shot.’
‘It’s not bad going, sunshine, two of yer kids starting courting in one night.’
‘Oh, er, d’yer think so, girl? I’d better put this hat away carefully then, ’cos there’s a few weddings in the offing.’
‘Nellie, Phoebe is only seventeen!’
‘It’s a good hat, girl – it’ll keep. And in the meantime I’ll train it to turn when I do.’
‘Gordon, are yer going to dance with me?’ Ruthie pleaded. ‘We can just walk around, we don’t have to dance.’
‘I can’t dance.’ Gordon’s voice was breaking and at the moment it was gruff. ‘We’d look right nits walking round.’
‘Your Dorothy said she’d dance with Peter, so we could all look like nits together.’ She pulled on his hand. ‘Come on, Gordon, don’t be mean. I’ll never have another long dress like this again in me life. I just want to feel what it’s like to twirl around in it.’
Peter, at thirteen years of age, wasn’t as shy as his older brother. ‘I’ll have a go, our Dorothy. I don’t care if people think I’m daft.’
Ruthie watched them walking on to the floor swinging their hands between them as they tried a few side steps. ‘Ye’re dead mean you are, Gordon.’
‘Oh, all right! But don’t say I didn’t warn yer. If I see one person laugh I’m sitting down again, and staying put.’ Gordon’s voice was now at a high squeaking pitch. ‘Come on, before I change me mind.’
Ruthie held her dress a couple of inches from the floor as she’d seen them do in the pictures, and she felt like a million dollars.
Nellie gave Molly a dig. ‘Ay, girl, when did yer say your Tommy was getting married?’
‘Next summer, so he says.’
‘And what about your Ruthie?’
‘Our Ruthie? In the name of God, Nellie, she doesn’t leave school for another year!’
‘I’m only asking, girl, ’cos she’s spinning around now with young Gordon. She’s not half starting young.’
Molly was about to tell her to stop acting the goat when she saw Maureen approaching with her boyfriend, Sammy. ‘Are yer enjoying yerself, sunshine?’
‘It’s been a wonderful day, Mrs B.’ Maureen was holding her boyfriend’s hand. ‘Me and Sammy have got something to tell yer, but we’d rather yer kept it to yerself for now because today belongs to Jill and Doreen.’ She held her hand in front of Molly’s face and wagged her fingers. ‘See, we got engaged last week.’
‘Oh, I’
m so happy for yer, sunshine – and you, Sammy. That’s a lovely ring.’ Molly was thinking of the years she’d seen the hunger in Maureen’s eyes every time she looked at Phil. But her eyes were clear now, no sadness or regret. ‘We’ll have a party for yer when we’ve got over this.’
‘Yeah, we’ll come up and see yer, Mrs B.’ Sammy pulled on Maureen’s arm, eager to get on to the dance floor and hold her in his arms. ‘And thanks for today, it’s been great.’
The couple had just walked away when Tommy’s friend Ginger came up with his girlfriend. ‘Don’t tell me ye’re going to say yer’ve got engaged, Ginger, ’cos I’ve had enough surprises to last me for a while.’
The freckled face broke into a smile. ‘This is Rita, Mrs B. and we’re getting engaged next week. But I won’t tell yer now, I don’t want to overload yer with surprises.’
While Molly was hugging him, she was thinking how quickly time passes. It seemed no time at all since this boy was a little nipper, always getting into scrapes and taking Tommy along with him. He’d been a good mate to her son, and they’d never had a falling-out.
When the couple left, Nellie gave Molly a sharp dig in the ribs. ‘It must be something in the water, girl! Whatever it is, it’s bloodywell catching. Oh, to be twenty-one again.’
‘Nellie, yer were married at twenty-one.’
‘Was I, girl? It’s that long ago I’d forgotten.’
‘Come on, let’s mingle with the guests, sunshine. I’ll go and sit with Victoria for a while. I’m surprised she’s stayed the course till now, she must be getting tired. You have a natter with Lizzie and Ida, spread yerself around.’
Jill and Steve weren’t dancers, but they took to the floor so they could hold each other and steal kisses. ‘Don’t blush, sweetheart, we’re allowed to hold each other and kiss in public, now we’re man and wife.’
