Homefront

by Jill Barry

  After they’d clung together for moments, seconds or minutes – Charlotte couldn’t recall later – Robert kissed the tip of her nose. She smiled up at him. How tall he seemed! His uniform either made him appear incredibly young or impossibly mature. She really couldn’t say which.

  “You look lovely,” he said. “Like a winter princess.”

  She laughed shakily. “Thank you. This was my mum’s coat. I must be the same size now as she was.”

  His eyes were tender. “I expect she’d be pleased to know her coat was keeping you warm. Is that her hat too?”

  “It’s Eleanor’s,” said Charlotte with a grin.

  He nodded, still holding on to her hands as the crowd dispersed around them. “I saw a figure in a pretty tweed coat and knew it was you. Two of the lads in my compartment were waving as well. I couldn’t stop myself from saying you were my girl, come to meet me.”

  “You’ve probably never seen me in a hat before.”

  “You’ve never seen me wearing uniform before.” He let go of her hands and picked up his kit bag. “Is there somewhere near the station where we can get a bite to eat?”

  She clung to his arm and they headed for the stairs leading to the barrier. “There’s a Lyons Corner House quite close.”

  “I’d like some time alone with you, before we drive home. Is that all right, sweetheart? Do you have to get back quickly?”

  She squeezed his arm through his greatcoat. “I’ve been given time off for good behaviour,” she said. “Mr Costello’s orders!”

  Robert laughed. He fumbled for his travel warrant as they drew near the barrier. Charlotte felt in her pocket for her platform ticket and they pushed through the turnstile, Robert ushering her ahead of him.

  The café was warm, full of chattering customers and in Charlotte’s eyes, the most romantic place in the world just then. If you’d offered her a trip to see Rome’s Trevi Fountain or Niagara Falls, she would not have accepted unless Robert accompanied her.

  They found a table for two in a corner. Robert pulled out a chair for her and she sat, unbuttoning her coat so she’d feel the benefit when they braved the December afternoon again. Robert shrugged off his greatcoat and took both their garments to a nearby hat stand. He kept his cap with him, she noticed.

  “I can keep an eye on our coats from here,” he said, picking up the menu. “Have whatever you like, Charlotte.”

  “Tea for me, please. Maybe a toasted teacake would be nice. I couldn’t eat much lunch, I was so excited.”

  “You look as though you’ve lost a bit of weight. Not that you needed to,” he said.

  She chuckled. “Eleanor said much the same. Did you know she and Dad are writing to each other?”

  He looked up from the menu. “No, but I do now. It’s a good thing. Everyone enjoys getting letters when they’re away from home.”

  She looked into the distance over his shoulder. “The war seems to have pushed them into each other’s arms. Eleanor seems very happy about it.”

  “What about you?”

  “What do I think about them getting together?” Her smile was wistful. “As long as they’re happy, who am I to comment? I like to see positive things coming out of this difficult situation.”

  The waitress took their order then sped away again.

  Robert reached round the side of the table and clasped Charlotte’s hand. “Is there something worrying you, love? Is there something you need to tell me? Have your feelings towards me changed?”

  Anxiety suddenly made him look gaunt. Yet Charlotte, struck with a wave of compassion and guilt, knew for both their sakes she needed to ask him something.

  “I love you, Robert,” she whispered above the clatter of crockery and buzz of conversation. “My feelings won’t ever change.”

  “Then what is it? Whatever it is, we can deal with it. I don’t like to think of you being worried.”

  “I can’t help wondering if you wanted you and me to start courting because of all the uncertainty around us. Because you knew you’d be going into the Forces. You mentioned people enjoying receiving letters.”

  He shook his head in bewilderment. “I’m the one who gave you a hard time when I asked you to make absolutely sure you wanted to be my girl. I didn’t want you fretting because I wasn’t around to take you to the pictures or walk hand in hand along the sands with you.” He reached inside his battledress and took out a letter. “Here you are. I think you should read this.”

  She took the envelope from him, frowning as she recognised the handwriting. Inside was one single sheet of lined notepaper, which Charlotte read quickly, read again and replaced in the envelope.

  “Well?” Robert said.

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  Amidst the chatter and clatter of the busy teashop, Robert pushed back his chair and stood up. Then he stooped beside Charlotte’s chair, went down on one knee and took both her hands in his.

  “You could try saying yes, my darling. Charlotte, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”

  The room seemed to whirl before her eyes. Robert’s eager, smiling face, the noise of catcalls and cheers and cries of Oh isn’t that sweet rolled around them. She sensed the waitress hovering nearby. A wag called out, “Go on, love, put the lad out of his misery. He wants his tea!”

  Charlotte ignored everything and everyone except the man she knew she loved. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, please. Of course I’ll be your wife.”

  More cheers as the successful suitor gave his blushing bride to be a chaste kiss on the cheek. The waitress tactfully delivered their tray and backed away quickly. Robert returned to his chair and Charlotte busied herself with cups and saucers, wishing she wasn’t wearing a hat. Bareheaded, her curls would fall forward and conceal her crimson cheeks. Hot buttered teacakes joined the silver stand of assorted fancies. Suddenly she felt very, very hungry. She’d just got engaged. Robert had written to her father to request permission to ask for her hand in marriage. What a lovely, lovely thing to do and so typical of him.

  “Better now?” He watched her pour tea into his cup, her hand steady.

  “Much better,” she said. “That was such a surprise, but a wonderful one.”

  “I didn’t intend making a spectacle of myself,” he said. “I was going to show you your dad’s letter later. Suddenly I couldn’t bear to let both of us go on wondering and waiting.” He passed her the teacakes. “Let’s eat, lovey. I’m famished.”

  They didn’t talk much after that. Charlotte surprised herself by eating a whole teacake then a chocolate fancy in the shape of a boat filled with delicious, squidgy coffee cream. Robert demolished everything within sight though he insisted they were well fed at camp and it was only because of his convoluted travel arrangements that he’d missed a midday meal.

  After they’d wrapped themselves up again to face the elements, Robert asked her if wanted to visit a Coynesbury jeweller or whether she’d like to wait until morning and buy a ring locally.

  “You don’t have to spend a lot of money,” she said. “I’d wear a ring from Woolworths as long as it meant I was your fiancée.”

  He laughed out loud as he held open the door for her. “I think we can do a bit better than that,” he said. “No offence to Woollies.” He glanced up at the sky. “If it’s all right with you, perhaps we should head home now. Better off not driving in the blackout if we can avoid it.”

  “All right. Let’s get you home,” said Charlotte.

  “I’m already home, my darling.” He tucked her arm in his.

  As they approached the car, she handed over the key. There were times when it was good to proclaim one’s female independence. There were others when a girl wanted to feel cherished. Besides, there was a pink haze of delight surrounding her, in spite of the gloomy weather. And she didn’t want to miss one moment of it by having to concentrate on driving.

  Robert tucked the tartan car rug carefully around her then swung his long legs into the car. Our first trip to
gether as an engaged couple thought Charlotte as the engine purred into life.

  They drove past the Corner Garage on the way to Robert’s house. As expected, the business was closed for the day. The snow flurry hadn’t come to anything but twilight clothed the streets and no moon shed light. When Robert steered the car down the road to the old harbour, they found mist blanketing the area.

  “What a welcome,” quipped Robert.

  “Well, it is Peel Bay in December,” said Charlotte.

  “The most wonderful place in the world right now,” he said, patting her hand.

  “I think Army life’s done you the world of good. You’re becoming quite romantic.”

  “I can’t think why!” He paused. “Yes, I can. It’s being with my new fiancée.”

  “Ah, I was still plain old Charlotte when you got down on one knee,” she teased.

  “You could never in a million years be described as plain old Charlotte.”

  He parked the car outside his house, switched off the engine and pulled her close. She lifted her chin and their lips met.

  “Peaches and cream,” he whispered when the two drew apart. “I’d better get you inside.”

  Mr and Mrs Costello were preceded to the door by an ecstatic dog. Smuggler scrambled over the doorstep, sniffed two pairs of boots and bounded back inside, barking joyfully.

  Charlotte dropped to the carpet to pet the little spaniel. “I’m sure he’s grown since I saw him last,” she said, looking up at Robert’s mother.

  “I think my son’s grown too,” said Mary Costello, giving Robert a hug then holding him at arm’s length. “You’ve filled out, that’s what it is.”

  “Square bashing, Ma, that’s what it is.” Robert shook his father’s hand. “All well, Pa? You look in the pink, to me.”

  “I’m enjoying my work, son.”

  “I don’t know what I’d do without him and Jack,” said Charlotte, scrambling to her feet.

  “Well, let’s go and sit by the fire,” said Mary Costello. “We can eat when we want but you could probably do with a warm first.”

  Charlotte followed her into the living room. The table was laid for a meal and a coal fire burned in the grate. She stood at the back of the room and looked round for Robert. He was at her side in a moment. As he placed his arm around her waist, Charlotte saw Mrs Costello exchange glances with her husband. She took a deep breath and waited for her brand new fiancé to break the news of the engagement to his parents.

  “We have something to tell you,” he said. “In the Coynesbury Lyons Tea House this afternoon, I asked Charlotte to marry me.” He hugged her to him and kissed her cheek.

  “That’s my boy,” said George. “With all those witnesses, you can’t get out of it now, Charlie.”

  “I’m really pleased for you both,” said Mary, moving to give the happy couple one big hug.

  Her husband shook hands with Charlotte then looked embarrassed but delighted as his future daughter-in-law planted a kiss on his cheek.

  “How about a glass of ginger wine?” George looked round at his wife.

  “Good idea. You all sit down while I sort out the glasses. I’m sorry there’s nothing more suitable in the house.”

  “Ginger wine’s lovely,” said Charlotte as Mary turned to the big sideboard. “So’s this fire. I won’t want to drive home.”

  “I shall drive you home later, love. I can walk back.”

  “No need for that,” said Charlotte. “If you take me home, you can drive the Vauxhall back here. That way, I’ll be sure to see you tomorrow as well!”

  “You can’t escape me,” said Robert. He craned his neck round to address his mother. “We’re choosing the ring tomorrow. Which jeweller do you reckon is the best?”

  “Pinkham’s,” said Mary. “The other place is more of a pawnbroker’s. I don’t think they deal in much new stuff.” She looked at Charlotte. “Unless you’d prefer something antique?”

  “I haven’t really thought about it,” said Charlotte. “Your son caught me on the hop.” She wanted to say he meant more to her than any piece of jewellery possibly could but thought the comment would make her sound too much like one of those slushy romantic movies Pearl adored.

  Mr Costello held up his glass. “Let’s raise our glasses and drink to the happy couple,” he said.

  “Can we join in?” Robert was grinning.

  “To the happy couple,” repeated his mother.

  When they’d all finished toasting one another and Charlotte was enjoying the warm, happy buzz caused by the glowing fire, the ginger wine and the affection on the Costello family’s faces, they sat down to eat.

  Later, sitting beside Robert while he drove her home, she rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m so happy. Thank you,” she said.

  “No, Charlotte. Thank you,” he corrected her.

  “Is this our first disagreement as an engaged couple?”

  “Certainly not,” he said. “Now, tomorrow I’ll be round at ten on the dot. I think we could both do with a lie in. Then it’s off to the high street to buy a sparkler for your ring finger.”

  “Whatever you say, Private Costello.”

  In her happy state, Charlotte chatted with Eleanor beside the kitchen stove then floated upstairs, convinced she’d never get to sleep after such an exciting day. Her godmother had placed a stone hot water bottle inside Charlotte’s bed with her nightgown wrapped around it so she quickly settled into the warmth and knew nothing until past eight o’clock next morning when Eleanor knocked at her door, bringing her a cup of tea.

  “I can’t believe I slept so long.”

  “You must have needed it. George called round for the key to open up and I’ve left some porridge in the warming oven. I’m off to work now. Enjoy your day, Charlotte. It’s not a bad morning – cold but bright.”

  Charlotte sat up in bed and sipped her tea. This was such a luxury. She looked down at her left hand. It would seem strange to be wearing a ring on her finger but wonderful to be doing so. She’d be very careful not to wear it for work. The idea of it being covered in oil or in contact with petrol made her shudder.

  When Robert knocked at the back door, she hurried to let him in. “You’re wearing your civvies,” she exclaimed. “Does it feel strange?”

  “It does rather,” he said, kissing her cheek. “Mum insisted on washing every item of clothing she could lay her hands on. She reckons she’ll have it all dry and pressed by tomorrow night. Now, are you ready for off?”

  Charlotte didn’t want to think of him leaving again, so swallowed the question she’d been about to ask as she reached for her big coat. Robert helped her into it.

  “I have to return to base by Monday evening,” he said, sounding almost casual.

  “Christmas is so close,” she said. “It’s a pity they couldn’t have pushed your leave forward.”

  He didn’t comment as they left through the back door and locked it. He’d parked the Vauxhall outside her house.

  “Let’s say hello to your dad,” she said. “Then we can walk down town and you can tell me what you need to tell me. I think I can guess what it is.”

  She linked her arm in his and ignoring the family’s private entrance to the garage, they walked around the frontage, Charlotte eyeing the window display critically on the way. Any dust or dead insects and Jack would be instructed to remove them.

  George was serving a customer but as soon as he’d finished, he called to them. “Haven’t you gone yet? If you don’t look out, I’ll find you both a job.”

  Charlotte grinned. “Just came to say Good Morning. This son of yours hasn’t told me where his next posting’s to be but I bet you know.”

  “I didn’t want to put a damper on your day, love,” said Robert. “I only got home yesterday.”

  “I know,” she said. “I also know, if I’m a soldier’s fiancée, I have to learn to cope with whatever’s thrown at me. You’re the one jumping in at the deep end. I imagine you’re being sent to France. Am I
right?”

  Robert nodded. “I’ll be over there by Christmas.”

  His father cleared his throat. “Charlie, Postman delivered a card for you. It’s in the office.”

  “From Don?”

  “I didn’t look.”

  Charlotte looked at her fiancé. “I’ll collect it then we’ll go. Please don’t look so worried. Nothing’s going to spoil our day. I shan’t let it.”

  “I’m glad Don’s got Christmas leave,” said Robert as they walked arm in arm towards the high street.

  “So am I. I wonder where he’ll be off to afterwards. I suppose it’s right not to give details when you’re writing to someone.”

  “Security’s a serious matter,” said Robert.

  Charlotte gave his arm a squeeze. “I hope he manages to write a decent letter to Pearl.”

  “Has she not said he’s been in touch?”

  “I haven’t seen her since she started her new job. She works long hours and she sleeps at the base. Any spare time, she needs to get home.”

  “I expect you’d like to tell her our news. Maybe drop her a line in case she comes home and her ma and pa already know.”

  “Gosh,” said Charlotte. “I hadn’t thought of that. Eleanor will be telling all her customers. Your dad will be telling all of ours.”

  “They’ll all be saying, wartime romance! These young folks are always in so much of a hurry!”

  “Huh. I don’t care what anyone says. I know better.”

  “I’ve known for a very long time you and I would end up married one day.”

  She stopped. “Robert Costello! You are such a dark horse. I spent ages thinking you wouldn’t give me a second glance.”

  “I didn’t want to be accused of cradle snatching.” He quickened his pace, putting his arm round her waist. “Come on! Let’s get this ring on your finger.”

  “You young folks are always in a hurry,” she teased.

  But he didn’t relax his grip and when they arrived at the jeweller’s, Charlotte’s breath steamed up the windowpane as she gazed at the sparkling gems and shiny precious metals displayed upon black velvet.