Changing Times

by Jack Sheffield

  She hurried back into school with a clatter of teacups.

  At the end of the afternoon it was a tearful farewell for Sally Nobbs. She said goodbye to the children and had brought in a bunch of flowers for Lily.

  ‘Good luck, Sally,’ said Lily, ‘and do keep in touch.’

  ‘Thank you, Lily … for everything.’

  It was early evening when Anne Grainger arrived at the vicarage. Vera was watering bright red geraniums and blue trailing lobelia in the window boxes.

  ‘Hello, Anne, what a lovely surprise.’ She gestured towards a pair of chairs overlooking her bountiful garden.

  Anne smiled. ‘I’ve spoken with John and I’m to be acting deputy next term.’

  ‘I’m so pleased.’ She gave Anne a hug. ‘Congratulations.’

  ‘Well, let’s see how it goes. You were right, of course. I needed to put the school first and, according to John, Mr Pickard was happy with the outcome.’

  Vera smiled at a job well done. ‘I’ve just made some fruit scones ready for tomorrow. Shall we sample a couple?’

  Anne didn’t need asking twice.

  On Saturday afternoon alongside the Ragley cricket field the summer fair was in full swing. Bunting was fluttering above the huge marquee where Sally and Vera were serving cream teas. Behind the white picket fence, the Ragley and Morton Brass Band was playing ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. Children were sitting on a semicircle of straw bales in the sunshine to watch Captain Fantastic’s Punch and Judy Show and Deke Ramsbottom was supervising the Bowling for a Pig competition.

  Meanwhile, Deirdre Coe was berating her brother, Stan, for drinking too much beer with his cronies. Eventually she wandered off, glowering at Ruby Smith, who was sitting on the grass with her children and wearing a pretty straw hat decorated with roses.

  In front of the cricket pavilion Tom and Freddie were supping warm beer, looking relaxed in their white shirts and cricket flannels. A charity cricket match had been organized by Tommy Piercy, featuring a Ragley village team against a Select XI comprising players from some of the neighbouring villages. Freddie had volunteered to be a member of the Select XI, while Tom, after some persuading, had also agreed to play. Aloysius Pratt and Albert Jenkins had been installed as umpires and the match was played in a friendly spirit, with the exception of Freddie, who always played to win. When the Ragley team batted, he bowled at a ferocious speed until at the end of their innings they returned to the pavilion and sat on the steps to enjoy ham sandwiches and lukewarm tea.

  Rose walked over to join Tom and Freddie. ‘Good luck when you’re batting,’ she said with a smile.

  Freddie was attentive as always. ‘Shall I get you a drink?’

  ‘No thanks, we’ve got some.’ She pointed to the far side of the ground, where Joy Popplewell was sitting on a bench, drinking wine and smoking a cigarette. ‘I’m with Joy.’

  It was when Rose passed the copse of trees near the cinder track that led to the High Street that she saw a man she had never seen before. She stopped in surprise. The resemblance to Freddie was uncanny and the more she watched him the more she became certain.

  He was standing in the shade of a weeping willow tree, intent on the cricket. Tall, with blond hair and a square jaw, he looked like an older version of Freddie and, in that moment, she knew who it must be.

  Rudolph Krüger had finally decided to respond to Lily’s letter and meet their son. He had travelled from Hamburg to Harwich, then on to London, from where he caught a train to York and checked into a city-centre hotel. There he hired a car and drove to Kirkby Steepleton, but there was no one at Laurel Cottage.

  Ragley village seemed to be the next obvious destination and he had parked on the High Street and followed the crowds to the cricket field. He spotted Freddie immediately, sitting outside the pavilion talking to Tom Feather. The tall policeman was familiar to him after their conversation all those years ago. Rudolph looked around him. It was almost on this very spot that he and Tom had first met. Freddie had been six years old and now he was a man.

  He scanned the crowds. There was no sign of Lily.

  Lily and Vera were taking a break, sitting on deckchairs on the far side of the marquee in the shade and away from the crowds.

  ‘A perfect day, Lily,’ said Vera, sipping on a glass of her home-made elderflower and lemon juice.

  On the far side of the ground the tinkling sounds of Winston Eckersley’s Gasparini street organ could be heard as the Ragley cricketers headed back out on to the field. The crowd clapped and Freddie and Tom, the two opening batsmen for the Select XI, walked out to the cricket square.

  Lily smiled. ‘Yes, Vera, and good to see Tom and Freddie on the same side.’

  ‘Just like father and son together,’ said Vera.

  Lily gave a wistful look. ‘Almost,’ she said quietly.

  After a while Vera went back into the WI tent and Lily was sitting alone watching Freddie hit another boundary. Tom was not a natural cricketer, but he had a good eye and was hitting the occasional single and leaving the scoring to Freddie.

  Rose waved as she approached. ‘Hello, Mrs Feather.’

  ‘Oh, hello. Enjoying the game?’

  ‘Yes thanks,’ but Rose appeared distracted.

  ‘What is it, Rose?’

  ‘I’ve just seen a man standing over there.’ She pointed to the copse of trees.

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘He looks just like Freddie … only older.’

  Lily composed herself quickly. ‘That’s interesting. Perhaps I’ll spot him too.’

  Lily got up and set off slowly around the cricket field and into the shadows, where she saw Rudi.

  It was as if the world had stood still. The man she had loved so long ago had reappeared like the echo of a memory. Life had settled again like pearls on a string … until the string had broken when Freddie had gone to search for his father. It had been a time of secrets and lies. Now the reason was standing before her. She breathed deeply and walked slowly towards him.

  ‘It is you,’ she said. There were flecks of grey in his blond hair, shorter now, in a severe cut. Nevertheless, he was still a tall, good-looking man and he was a calm presence beside her.

  ‘You asked me to come,’ he said simply.

  ‘It’s still a surprise.’

  Rudi looked at the cricket field where Freddie was receiving applause after another excellent stroke. ‘He’s grown into a fine man.’

  ‘Freddie would like to see you. He was disappointed when you weren’t there in Hamburg.’

  ‘I was sad I missed him.’ He looked into Lily’s eyes and his feelings stirred with the memory. ‘I was in Frankfurt on business.’

  ‘He would like to get to know you. It’s been difficult since he found out about you … we need to make it right for him.’

  ‘I understand, Lily,’ he said softly. ‘That’s why I’m here.’

  There was another burst of applause from the crowd. Tom was walking back to the pavilion waving his bat in acknowledgement after being caught on the boundary. They watched Freddie shake his hand and Rudi saw the bond between them.

  ‘They look good together,’ he remarked.

  ‘Tom has been his friend since he was a boy. There is trust between them.’

  ‘And you?’

  Lily’s eyes clouded over. ‘Not so. Some memories can never be erased.’

  ‘True.’

  Lily looked around her. It was important to grasp this opportunity. ‘You must come back to the cottage later this evening – say, nine o’clock. Can you do that?’

  ‘Of course, and I have a car.’

  Their conversation was brief and she watched him walk away. She thought of that time twenty years ago when she had loved this sensitive German who happened to be a prisoner of war. The memories flooded back – and the pain that went with them of losing her child to her mother.

  Then there was Tom, the love of her life. She remembered his reaction when he first discovered her secret – another time, an
other cricket match when Rudi had watched Freddie playing on this very field.

  And now he was here. She knew that Rudi was a good man. He would do the right thing for his son.

  ‘Well done both of you,’ said Lily.

  Freddie and Tom had changed out of their cricket whites and back into casual clothes. Rose was holding Freddie’s hand and they looked relaxed together.

  ‘Wasn’t he brilliant?’ asked Tom.

  ‘So were you,’ said Freddie. ‘I didn’t know you could play so well.’

  ‘Beginner’s luck,’ said Tom. ‘Although I did play at school.’

  Lily decided to make an announcement. ‘I should like to have a celebratory meal back at the cottage and, of course, you too, Rose.’

  ‘Thanks, Mrs Feather, I don’t think we had any plans.’ Rose looked up at Freddie, who nodded.

  ‘Fine,’ said Lily. ‘So have a drink with the team and I’ll see you later.’

  ‘I’ll come with you, Lily,’ said Tom. He rubbed his aching back. ‘I think I need a lie-down after all that running.’

  Back at the cottage, Lily was anxious about Tom’s reaction to her news.

  ‘Rudi is here,’ she said.

  ‘What? Here in the village?’

  She nodded. ‘Rose saw him in the crowd and told me she had seen someone who looked like Freddie. I spoke with Rudi and invited him round for drinks later this evening.’

  Tom nodded but said nothing.

  ‘Was I right to do that?’ she asked anxiously.

  ‘Yes, of course, but you must tell Freddie before he arrives. He usually dumps his cricket boots in the garden shed. So talk to him there in private. I’ll keep Rose busy in the kitchen.’

  An hour later Freddie was in the shed scraping the mud from the spikes on the soles of his boots.

  ‘Can I speak with you, Freddie?’

  He looked up and smiled at Lily, something he had not done for such a long time. In that moment she knew that she had the strength to tell him.

  ‘He’s here, Freddie.’

  ‘Who is?’

  ‘Rudi.’

  Freddie put down his boots and stepped back. ‘Rudi … he’s here?’

  ‘He got my letter and wanted to come. Now seemed to be the right time.’

  Freddie stiffened with tension. This was unexpected.

  Lily spoke calmly. ‘Rudi was at the cricket match looking for us. Rose saw him in the crowd and came to tell me that she had seen someone who looked just like you. I knew immediately who it must be.’

  Freddie gave a deep sigh. ‘Lily – she knows.’

  Lily remained silent.

  ‘I told Rose. I didn’t want to at first, but it helped.’

  Lily recognized the depth of feeling Freddie had for this young woman. ‘She’s a lovely girl. I’m glad that you did.’

  ‘So … will I meet him?’

  ‘Yes, tonight.’

  Freddie nodded slowly.

  Lily was concerned. ‘Is that OK?’

  ‘Yes. Thank you.’ He took a deep breath. ‘I know this can’t be easy for you and I’m grateful.’ He took Lily’s arm. ‘Let’s go in,’ he said.

  Lily and Rose were on their own preparing food together while Tom and Freddie were setting the table. The kitchen door was closed.

  ‘Thank you, Rose,’ said Lily.

  Rose smiled. ‘I enjoy helping.’

  Lily shook her head. ‘No, I mean thank you for being there for Freddie.’

  The two women looked at each other and Rose knew instantly that Freddie must have told Lily that he had shared his story with her.

  ‘I do understand.’ She paused and looked directly at Lily. ‘Freddie told me in confidence and I’m glad that he did. I hope you don’t mind.’

  ‘I am grateful, Rose. It has been hard for him.’

  ‘And for you, Mrs Feather. I told Freddie what an amazing person you are. You had so much courage. I’m not sure I would have been as strong as you. But I am so pleased that you are all here … together. I wouldn’t have met him otherwise.’

  Rose’s words were comfort for a troubled soul and Lily dabbed away the tears in her eyes.

  Then she put her handkerchief back into her apron pocket and returned to slicing spring onions. ‘Rose,’ she said quietly, ‘I’m so glad you found each other.’

  Rudi knocked on the door of Laurel Cottage for the second time that day. He breathed deeply, but he knew what must be done.

  The door opened quickly and Freddie stood there. This tall, strong young man was the image of his younger self.

  Freddie smiled. ‘You came.’

  ‘I had to come. I am sorry that it has taken me so long.’

  ‘Come in.’ Freddie showed him into the front room where Lily was waiting.

  It was a strange experience. Freddie looked at his mother and father and imagined them as a young couple. For the first time, he felt the pain they must have suffered.

  ‘Welcome, Rudi,’ said Lily. ‘Let me get you a drink while you and Freddie get to know one another.’

  It was awkward at first. There were so many questions in Freddie’s mind. Lily served glasses of beer and Freddie sat with Rudi on the bench seat by the bay window. Lily and Tom gave them the space they needed and soon father and son relaxed in each other’s company.

  ‘So, tell me about West Germany,’ said Freddie.

  ‘It’s growing, rebuilding, changing … I hope for the better,’ said Rudi as he sipped his beer thoughtfully. He looked closely at his son, a mirror of his younger self.

  ‘I do engineering work now and manage projects.’

  ‘I went to Hamburg,’ said Freddie. ‘I wanted to meet you.’

  Rudi nodded and put his hand on Freddie’s shoulder. ‘I know and I’m sorry I missed you.’ He smiled. ‘My neighbour, Mrs Freund, said you spoke German well.’

  Freddie flushed with pleasure. ‘It’s one of my A-levels.’

  ‘Lily says you are a hard worker.’

  ‘I try,’ said Freddie simply.

  ‘And you are a talented sportsman.’

  Freddie shrugged. ‘Maybe. What about you?’

  Rudi was quiet for a moment. ‘I could have been … but the war got in the way.’

  The conversation ebbed and flowed and the evening went quickly as Rudi shared his story. Tom nodded in quiet acknowledgement as he watched Freddie warm to this man and his generosity of spirit.

  Freddie gradually came to understand that his father had loved Lily and she had loved him. He also knew that Rudi was happy that she had found real love with Tom and that his son would be safe.

  Time passed with laughter and tears and, as they said their goodbyes, Rudi shook Freddie’s hand.

  ‘Rose is a lovely girl, Freddie. You are a lucky man. Don’t let her go.’

  Freddie understood the gravitas of his words.

  It was Rudi who made the first move. He stepped forward and hugged Freddie. ‘Thank you for seeing me, Freddie,’ he said quietly. He walked down the drive and suddenly turned back. ‘Visit me,’ he said. ‘Would you do that?’

  Rose was standing beside Freddie and answered for him. ‘We shall,’ she said, ‘I promise.’

  Lily and Tom joined them and they all waved Rudi off as he went back to his hotel. Lily knew that it would be some time, if ever, before she saw him again.

  ‘Let’s leave them on their own,’ said Tom nodding towards Rose and Freddie. ‘It’s been quite a night.’

  Rose and Freddie wandered out into the garden. Around them was only the sibilant whisper of the leaves on the trees. The sun had set now and the vast sky was changing from red to purple. Stars were shining like celestial fireflies and the sky was scattered with stardust.

  Rose broke the silence. ‘Freddie, what a selfless thing he did to walk away. He knew that you would have a far better chance in life here with Florence and Lily in post-war Britain.’

  Freddie stared up into the night sky as a shooting star split the firmament with a spear of white li
ght. ‘I think you’re right. It’s beginning to make sense to me now.’

  Rose stretched up and kissed him on the cheek. ‘What a story, Freddie. It’s amazing. Aren’t you lucky?’

  For the first time in many months Freddie began to believe that perhaps he was.

  The young couple stood hand in hand beneath the endless sky while, under a blizzard of stars, Freddie reflected on an evening of fond farewells.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The Importance of Being Lily

  It was Wednesday, 22 July and the breathless promise of a new day hung heavy as the world awoke. The air was humid and warm, and a dank mist lay on the sleeping earth.

  It had been a stifling night and Lily had found it hard to sleep as the heat built up like a furnace. When she sat up in bed there was an empty pillow beside her. Tom was spending a week in Durham meeting his new colleagues and receiving a briefing from the chief constable. He was due back on Friday. The following week they had planned a short holiday in a rented cottage in Masham in the Yorkshire Dales. It would give them some private time together before moving to the north-east. Her time at Ragley was rushing to a close and the end of the school year was only two days away.

  It was Freddie who drove Lily to school. He pulled up by the village green.

  ‘I’ll collect you after school, then take you back again for your governors’ meeting.’

  Lily checked her bag to make sure she had everything she needed for the school day. ‘Are you still going to the cinema with Rose?’

  ‘Yes, it’s the new Beatles film, A Hard Day’s Night. We’re going to the first house, so I’ll take Rose home and then pick you up. Is that OK?’

  ‘Perfect. If the governors’ meeting finishes early, I’ll use the time to do some more packing.’

  ‘See you later,’ said Freddie with a smile, because, of course, he knew something that Lily didn’t.

  It was morning break and in the staff-room Vera was looking at her newspaper with a frown. Last week the Post Office Tower had been completed and the newspapers were full of photographs of this new London landmark. Vera was unimpressed. It lacked the classical charm of the palaces of Buckingham and Westminster.