by Jill Barry
Charlotte decided not to tell her friend the pilot hadn’t remembered her until she pushed him in the direction of the office to say hello. “You’re not really getting ideas about him, I hope. You wouldn’t be that daft?”
Pearl giggled and squeezed Charlotte’s arm. “You’re worse than my mum. Of course I realise his type but he’s like a breath of fresh air around the place. Our loss is Brighton’s gain.”
“So, you wouldn’t mind playing along if we happen to bump into Robert?”
“Robert Costello?”
“Of course. I think he’s got the wrong impression about me. If you and Philip look as if you only have eyes for one another, I’m sure it’ll help convince Robert I look upon Philip as a friend.”
Pearl unlinked her arm from Charlie’s and stopped walking. “How long have you had your eye on Robert? You didn’t say anything to me and we usually tell each other things.” She sounded puzzled and a little hurt.
Charlie took a deep breath. “I know. I’m very sorry but it’s all happened so quickly.”
Pearl nodded. “I saw you talking to Robert the afternoon we went to watch Philip fly.”
“Let’s go on walking,” said Charlie. “Robert was a bit sarcastic that afternoon. I did tell you that.”
“You did. And I asked you why you thought he was ribbing you. You didn’t give me a very convincing answer and you completely ignored my next question.”
“Did I?”
“Come off it, Charlie. If you like the fellow, why not admit it?”
They stopped as they neared the promenade and leaned on the railing to gaze at the ocean sparkling in the sunshine.
“I do like Robert but I didn’t realise how much until he said he’d ring me. But he still hasn’t and I’m convinced he thinks I’ve fallen for Philip.”
“Oh, Charlie, that’s awful. I always thought Robert was a serious young man. A hard worker. Come to think of it, he’s perfect for you.”
“I don’t know about that – being perfect for me, I mean. But yes, he’s a hard worker and I do like him very much. But he’s got this bee in his bonnet about Philip and he couldn’t be more wrong. I can’t just march up to him and tell him he has to take me out so that’s why I’m hoping Philip and you will do the trick.”
“The things I do for friendship! But if cuddling up to a handsome pilot will solve your problem, you can count on me. Have you had a chance to explain to Phil what he’s in for?”
“When he came round to collect the tea tray,” Charlotte said, brown eyes gleaming, “he told me it would be a pleasure to escort two such beautiful young ladies and he couldn’t wait to get you all to himself on the ghost train!”
Pearl laughed out loud. “Maybe he’ll get a shock when I slap his face.”
“But you don’t mind a bit of play-acting so Robert gets the message?”
“Guide’s honour, though I certainly shan’t fall in love with Philip. I …”
“You what? Go on Pearl. Now who is it who won’t confess her feelings to her best friend?”
“Please don’t make me tell you!”
“Do I know this young man of yours?”
“Yes, but shut up, Charlie please. Philip’s just turned the corner and I need to start acting as if he’s the only man in the world for me, don’t I?” She fluttered her eyelashes. “Is this the kind of thing you’re looking for?”
Charlotte’s stomach was acting as though a large bird, wearing heavy boots was jumping up and down inside it. Across the way, she could see Robert, in charge of the big carousel. The gilded horses, dressed up to the nines with vivid colours and flowing manes, glided up and down, up and down, as the roundabout rotated. The fairground organ belted out a catchy tune while Rainbow, Prince, Ivanhoe and their fellow-steeds transported the riders on their circular journey.
Charlotte watched Robert stare at the fiendish gaping mouth of the Ghost Train, towards which a car containing Pearl and Philip trundled purposefully. He watched the pilot put a protective arm around Pearl’s shoulders then he turned in Charlotte’s direction, catching her eye. His face lit up and he mouthed something to her, something undecipherable but she understood he wanted her to wait. A feeling of relief, warm and comforting as hot chocolate spread throughout her though she knew her father was unlikely to approve of this young man as a potential boyfriend, leave alone husband. What was happening to her? She and Robert hadn’t even walked out together on a proper date and here she was, allowing her imagination to misbehave.
When the carousel lost impetus and slowed to a halt, Robert helped one or two younger riders dismount from their horses. Charlotte watched him, noting his gentleness and patience. He caught one small boy whose foot slipped and saved him from a nasty tumble. The child’s mother thanked Robert then, his duties fulfilled he ignored the usual method of returning to the ground and leapt from the platform, landing a few feet away from Charlotte.
“Hello,” he said. “Does your father know you’ve escaped?”
“Ha hah, very funny. As it happens, I’ve had almost all of today off.”
Robert’s knowing smile showed his awareness that no such thing existed in their lives.
“I had to go on an errand today and I saw you out shopping,” he said. “What are you up to then, if I may make so bold? Maybe playing chaperone to the happy couple?” He gestured towards the Ghost Train, its forefront awash with pointing bony fingers, grinning skulls and dancing skeletons. The sound of the unfortunate patrons’ screams echoed through the sound system together with blood-curdling cackles. “How long has that romance been going on?”
“Philip leaves Peel Bay soon. I thought it would be a friendly gesture to make an evening of it, especially as I hadn’t heard from you.” She held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t snap at her.
“I see. And will your lover boy miss Pearl, I wonder – or will he miss you most of all?”
“He’s not my lover boy!” She gestured towards the Ghost Train. “He and Pearl are enjoying being together for a few hours, that’s all. The Flying Circus moves to Brighton next week and as for the future, I imagine he’ll do his duty,” she said. “If there’s really going to be a war, that is.”
“I think we all know there will be,” said Robert. “I imagine the Air Force will snap him up. Fair play, he must know what he’s about if he can keep that matchbox airborne.”
“And who’s going to snap you up, Robert?” Her eyes challenged him.
They moved slowly away from the bright lights towards the fence beyond which lay the kiddies’ boating lake. It was in darkness, miniature craft with nowhere to go, covered and clustered at one end.
She longed to tell him how she felt. How she knew she could tolerate all the inconveniences and hardships of fighting a war on the home front, as long as she knew he was coming home to her. She knew he must have dreams, even though of course he hadn’t shared them with her. They both had their adult lives in front of them but Charlotte, although well aware that in his eyes, she was probably the garage proprietor’s daughter with her nose in the air, longed to become his sweetheart.
Deep down, she feared his mock jealousy of Philip was just a smokescreen. She feared Robert hesitated to ask her to go out with him because the Costellos were viewed by many in the town as not the right kind of people to socialise with. And a father who could afford to let his daughter drive his car and visit the fair now and then, dressed in her pretty clothes, wouldn’t want her to end up marrying into the Costello clan.
At last he said, “I shall go where I’m sent, of course.”
“Well, if it comes to it, I’d like to join the WAAFS,” she said. “I think I’d enjoy that.”
Robert sighed. “I think you might change your mind once reality set in. Have you given any thought to what might happen if your father decides to enlist?”
She ignored his first jibe but not the second. “Dad’s too old to go off and fight again!”
“He is for active service, yes, but an experienced motor en
gineer like him would be welcomed with open arms. And Don’s the same age as me. You need to face up to all this, Charlotte.”
She bit her lip, hearing Robert say what her brother had already made plain. “I could say the same to you.” Charlotte held her breath. This provocative statement might result in something she didn’t want to hear but it was too late now.
“Charlotte, there’s nothing left to run. Takings this season are down on last year’s and those were lousy. Costello’s Funfair will be shutting down early this year and for more than just the winter. This war’s seen to that. I don’t know what my dad’s going to do because he’s not in the best of health. But your dad’s fit enough to pass the medical, which means, if he decides to enlist, somebody’s going to have to run that garage. Surely you can see that?”
She gasped as if she’d been douched with icy water. “But he wouldn’t trust me with it! It’s a man’s job.”
“I’m sorry, but it’s high time you faced facts.”
She rounded on him. “What’s Don been saying? Why don’t they ever discuss things with me? It’s because I’m a girl, isn’t it?”
The eerie wails from the Ghost Train, the rhythmic notes of the barrel organ and the stallholders’ cries all faded away as Robert took Charlotte in his arms. If any would-be riders were clambering on to the horses, neither of them noticed as boy and girl clung together. As if it was the most natural thing in the world, she tilted her chin and her lips met his. Even when their first tentative kiss ended, they still held on to each other as if neither could bear to let go of the other.
“I know I’m not good enough for you, Charlotte,” he whispered against her hair at last.
“I don’t ever want to hear such a stupid remark again,” she said. “It’s just not true.”
Gently Robert distanced himself from her and took each of her hands in his. “I got cold feet about asking you to come out with me, wondering what your father would say. Then when I saw you with Philip today, I thought … well, you can imagine what I thought.”
“Well, you thought wrong, didn’t you? I talk to lots of men at the garage, young and old! You should know that. And between you and me, Pearl’s got her head screwed on. She just wants a night out, having a bit of harmless fun and who can blame her?”
“Who indeed? So, how about next Wednesday, Charlie? I don’t want to get you into trouble with your father but would you allow me to escort you to the pictures?”
Her heart flip-flopped as delight flooded her. “I’d like that very much and I don’t think for one minute, my dad would object.” She hesitated, ever practical. “Are you sure you can have the night off?”
Robert’s jaw tightened. “I’m quite sure. From now on, we’ll be opening weekends only. After that …” He swallowed and turned away from Charlotte, folding his arms.
She stood, unsure whether to give him a hug, afraid to crowd him, knowing they both stood on the brink of uncertainty.
The mood was broken as Charlotte heard Philip call her name. She turned her head to see the pilot, hand in hand with a laughing Pearl, who he tugged along behind as he loped towards them. She felt a surge of joy as Robert moved closer, putting his arm around her waist.
“Hey, you two,” said Philip. “What are you doing lurking in the shadows – as if I couldn’t guess.”
Charlotte answered quickly, not wanting Robert to make some sarcastic remark about not all men being the same as the pilot. “We were talking business,” she said.
Philip nodded his head. “We believe you, don’t we sweetheart?”
“Of course,” Pearl said, snuggling up to him.
Philip took no notice. “How are you two fixed this weekend? Pearl’s been telling me about this Saturday tea dance she fancies going to. We could make up a foursome if you fancy the idea.”
Charlotte bit her lip, anticipating what she knew Robert would say. She rarely attended one of these events, usually finding herself too busy though Pearl had often nagged her to make time to go with her. Her friend was smiling now, looking expectant.
“I’m sorry,” said Robert. “I really can’t desert my father on a Saturday. There won’t be many more opportunities to earn money before we close down for the season.” He squeezed Charlotte’s waist a little harder, letting her know he wasn’t minded to confess the sad truth underlying his remark.
“I’m sorry but I can’t make it either,” she said quickly. “Why don’t you two go on your own?”
“That’s a shame,” said Philip. “But duty must come before pleasure. How about it then, Pearl?”
“I’d love to go,” said Pearl. She looked at Charlotte. “Why don’t you tell Don what we’re planning? If you’re working, he must be free?”
Charlotte nodded but pulled a face. “He mightn’t want to risk bumping into Kitty. It’d be awful if she turned up with another victim in tow.”
Philip turned to Pearl. “Does this mean I’ll have to compete for a dance with you?” He put on a hurt puppy-dog expression.
Pearl laughed. “No, it means I need someone to talk to while you flit away to dance with every pretty girl in the room.”
“I shall do no such thing,” he said, “because I shall be dancing with her anyway.”
Even Robert roared with laughter. Philip was incorrigible and Charlotte knew she’d miss the pilot when he left. He had the gift of being able to lighten the moment and goodness knows they’d all be looking for some of that in the coming weeks and months.
“I’ll speak to Don,” she said. “But don’t be surprised if he says two’s company and three’s a crowd.”
Chapter 6 - Time Running Out
Charlotte was timing boiled eggs for breakfast as Don walked into the kitchen. “I can’t get used to you looking so smart,” he said. “I keep wondering who it is in the kitchen when I see you from behind.”
“It’s not that dramatic a change. Dad hasn’t even noticed my new hairdo.”
Don began opening a can of tinned grapefruit to divide among the three bowls. “Other things on his mind, sis. I must say your new look is a definite improvement. Mind you, the only way was up.”
He ducked as his sister aimed the tea towel at him and fielded it smartly. “Was the hairdo meant to impress the fly boy? You seem to have got quite friendly with him recently, just as I was beginning to suspect you and Robert might have something going for you.”
Charlotte turned off the gas beneath the egg pan and put her hands on her hips. “Friendly is the operative word,” she said firmly. “If you want to know, Maggie in the greengrocers told me I needed to take more care of my appearance so I took the hint.” Deliberately she didn’t comment on Don’s reference to Robert.
Don placed the bowls of fruit on the table and took his seat.
“I happen to know Pearl and Philip are going to the tea dance at Randalls this afternoon. Pearl wondered if you fancied joining them.”
He raised his eyebrows. “What, and play gooseberry? I don’t like the sound of that.”
“It’s not that kind of outing. Pearl suggested the idea to Philip then they asked me and Robert but we both said no because we were working and then Pearl asked me to ask you if you’d like to go along. Obviously you don’t have to go as a couple.” She ended in a rush.
“Whoa!” Donald raised his hands in the air. “Does your friend feel sorry for me?”
“Don’t be daft. To tell the truth, I think she’d be glad of some company. Phil’s a bit hard to handle sometimes – he’s such a flirt. I think Pearl wants to dance and she knows Mum taught you well. I seem to have inherited Dad’s sense of rhythm, which is nonexistent.”
“You’re not playing matchmaker are you, Charlie? I hope not, because it won’t do any good. I’m not looking for a girlfriend just at the moment.” He looked at the big round kitchen clock. “I heard the doorbell earlier. Guess Dad had to go and help out some stranded motorist.”
“Sorry,” said Charlotte. “Meant to say he’ll come round for his breakfast o
nce you’ve had yours. I seem to have a lot on my mind at the moment.”
“Am I right in thinking Robert Costello could be one of those things on your mind? These bread rolls are nice, by the way.”
She passed him his boiled eggs. “I didn’t want to talk about Robert, after your unfortunate experience with Kitty.”
Don sighed. “The brush off didn’t come as a complete surprise.”
“You had doubts, I know.” She sat down opposite him. “Even so, the way she did it was rotten.”
“Like Dad said, worse things happen at sea. Now come on, tell me how the big love affair’s going.” He looked up from his plate. “Oh what fun it is to make my little sister blush.”
“What makes you think it’s a love affair?” She spoke casually as she sliced off the top of her egg.
Don’s smile was wistful. “Oh, no particular reason, it’s just that all the time I’ve known Robert, he’s never ever fallen for a girl before.”
Charlotte’s spoon clattered on to her plate. “You can’t be sure of that.”
Don scraped the last of his egg from the shell. “I am sure, as it happens. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, little sister.”
Her breath seemed to lodge in her lungs as Charlotte took in what her brother said. How long had Robert felt this way? Would he kiss her again when they had the cinema date? Or would he be worried about rushing things? She pushed her daydreams away, anxious to sort out her brother’s social life while she had him on his own.
“I wish you’d go along with Pearl and Philip,” she said. “I know she’s disappointed I can’t join them. Having you there would make it more enjoyable for her. I know it would.”
Don poured himself another cup of tea. “I mustn’t be too long but knowing you, this idea of yours will turn up again at dinner time. I never bothered looking out my suit and shirt after you know who decided to give me the heave-ho. You haven’t given me much notice, sis.”
She grinned at him. “Nor any room for excuses, Don. I’ve given your suit a good brushing and ironed your best shirt, found a tie plus polished your black shoes. I would say, brother dear, you definitely owe me a bar of my favourite milk chocolate.”
