‘It is, but I don’t think it’s the right one for you.’ John reached out and picked up the one she had noticed first of all: a square-cut emerald with a diamond on either side. ‘Try this.’
She held out her left hand and let him slip it on her finger. It fitted perfectly, but she wasn’t daft; clearly it would cost a lot of money. She knew John and his family weren’t poor, but he couldn’t be earning much as a newly qualified doctor.
‘That’s perfect for the young lady, sir.’ The assistant looked very pleased.
‘I think so too.’ John looked at Amy. ‘Do you like it, darling?’
‘It’s beautiful, but—’
‘We’ll take it.’
Amy was horrified. John hadn’t even asked the price.
He gave her a little shove. ‘You go and look at all the other lovely things in the window while I see to this.’
She removed the ring and put it on the counter. By now her hands were trembling. How much is it? she wanted to ask, the words fighting to tumble out, but she didn’t want to embarrass John. ‘I liked the other one as well,’ she murmured softly.
‘No you didn’t.’ John made her stand up. ‘This one caught your eye straight away, and I like it as well.’
She gave a helpless shrug. ‘You don’t miss much, do you?’
‘Of course not. I’m a doctor, remember? Now, off you go.’
Knowing it was useless to argue, she went outside and waited for him to buy the ring. She couldn’t believe this was happening; she felt numb with happiness.
He came out of the shop and stood beside her. ‘See anything else you like?’
‘Oh, no! I think you’ve spent quite enough on me today.’
He smiled and patted his pocket, looking very pleased with life. ‘Now we’ve got the ring let’s go back and tell your family.’
‘I wonder what they’ll say?’ She fell in step beside him, holding tightly to his hand.
‘They already know. You didn’t think I’d ask you to marry me without their permission, did you?’
‘You’ve talked to them about this? What did they say?’
‘They gave me their blessing – every one of them. I was afraid Ben would object, thinking you were too young, but he didn’t.’
‘What about your family?’
‘They know as well.’ He smiled down at her. ‘Don’t look so worried; they’re delighted they’re going to have you as a daughter-in-law.’
‘Well I never!’
Back in Chelsea everyone gathered round to congratulate them and admire the ring as John put it on her finger in their presence. They were now officially engaged.
With a flourish, Ted produced a bottle of champagne he had bought – just on the off chance, he told them. Amy was cautious of the drink now, only sipping hers, and making Ben smirk.
‘When’s the wedding going to be?’ Mrs Dalton was clearly very happy about the engagement.
‘We haven’t discussed it yet, but I’d like it to be this September.’
Amy gave John a surprised look. ‘But that’s less than five months away.’
‘Why the rush, John?’ Ted refilled all the glasses except Amy’s as she hid it behind her back. ‘Amy won’t be twenty until December. You’ve got plenty of time.’
‘I don’t think we have.’ John sighed. ‘I honestly believe we shall be at war by the end of this year or early next, and who knows what will happen then? I would like us to have some time together before that happens.’
A cold chill ran through Amy and she sent up a silent prayer that the country would stay peaceful and they would not have to be parted. None of them.
‘John could be right.’ Ben gave Amy an encouraging smile. ‘If that’s what you want, I think you should get married this year. No point in waiting when the world is in such a state of tension.’
‘I’m happy to get married as soon as John wants.’ Amy didn’t like this talk of war creeping in to spoil her happiness, but she was sensible enough to know that it had to be considered and faced, should it happen.
‘I’m sure we can get everything arranged in time.’ Mrs Dalton picked up a paper and pen from the dresser. ‘What date did you have in mind?’
‘I’ve got a week’s holiday due me from the fifteenth of September.’ John was still holding Amy’s hand. ‘Are you sure you don’t mind us being married this year?’
‘If that’s what you want then I’m quite happy about it.’
‘Good, that’s one thing settled.’ Mrs Dalton wrote down the date. ‘Now, where are you going to live?’
‘Live?’ Amy glanced from one to the other, her eyes lingering on each person, and then settling on John. ‘Can’t we stay here? Mrs Dalton, can’t John move in here?’
‘Of course he can.’ Mrs Dalton nodded to John. ‘I don’t know what you were planning, but Amy’s room is big enough for a double bed, and there’s the kitchen and sitting room you can use. We’d be happy to have you here, John, if that would suit you. You’re almost one of the family already.’
‘That is very kind of you, Mrs Dalton, and I think it would be the most sensible thing for the time being. I have to work long hours at the hospital and often at night, and it will be a comfort to know that Amy is here with you.’
Amy smiled in relief. In the excitement of John’s proposal it hadn’t entered her head that she might have to leave this house. Perhaps one day she would, but not yet – not when there was talk of war. It was unsettling. The house and the people in it had been her safe haven for almost five years. ‘Are you sure you don’t mind, John?’
‘Not at all, darling. One day we’ll buy a home of our own, but there’s no rush.’
Mrs Dalton appeared to be in her element scribbling down notes. ‘Now, John, I consider Amy as my daughter, so I’ll see to the wedding arrangements, but I would welcome your mother’s help.’
‘We’ll tell her; she will be delighted.’ He laughed quietly. ‘In fact you’ll have a job to keep her out of it.’
‘Good, good.’ Mrs Dalton sat back, turning her attention to Amy. ‘We’ll have a private discussion about your dress later, my dear.’
‘I want to be a page boy.’ Howard’s expression was perfectly serious, only a slight twitch of his mouth giving away his amusement.
‘Me too.’ Ben joined in the fun.
‘Oh no you don’t!’ Mrs Dalton was trying to keep a straight face. ‘If you think we’re putting you two great hulks in satin breeches, then you can think again.’
Amy giggled at the thought while everyone else roared so much they had to wipe their eyes.
When they’d calmed down, John said to Amy, ‘Who will you ask to give you away?’
There was only one person to give that role to, as he had been a father figure to her from the moment she had arrived here. ‘Would you do it, Ted?’
‘I’d be honoured to, Amy.’
That was put on Mrs Dalton’s notes. ‘Ben and Howard can act as ushers in the church. Have you any pretty little girls in your family who could be bridesmaids, John?’
‘Sorry, I’m an only child and we don’t have a large family.’
‘Then we won’t have any,’ Amy declared, ‘and it will make things easier, because we don’t have a lot of time.’
‘I agree.’ John stood up. ‘I have to get back to the hospital now, but we’ll go and see my parents tomorrow afternoon, darling. I’ll collect you at two o’clock.’
‘All right.’ She went with him to the door, already nervous about that meeting, even though he’d told her they already knew about his intentions. But his lingering goodnight kiss removed all the worries from her head.
‘Congratulations!’ John’s parents greeted them as soon as they stopped outside the door.
There were kisses all round as Amy stood shyly at John’s side. Mr and Mrs Sterling looked delighted, which was an immense relief. John had told her that he’d phoned them last night with the good news and they were pleased about the engagement, but she had st
ill been on tenterhooks about seeing them. After all, she’d only met them once.
‘Come in.’ Mr Sterling took her arm, smiling down at her. ‘Then you can show my wife your ring. She’s dying to see it.’
Once inside the ring was examined and approved of.
‘This is beautiful, John,’ Mrs Sterling said to her son. ‘And just perfect for Amy.’
‘I thought so.’ He gave Amy a loving glance. ‘She was determined to choose something smaller and cheaper, but I didn’t let her get away with that.’
Amy turned the ring round and round on her finger. ‘I didn’t want him to spend too much.’
‘Don’t you worry about that. John’s a sensible boy and wouldn’t have bought it if he couldn’t afford it.’ Mrs Sterling patted her hand and gave a cheeky wink. ‘We have to let the men buy us pretty things. It gives them so much pleasure.’
John’s father laughed out loud, picked up a bottle of champagne and opened it with a bang, the cork flying across the room. Then he poured four glasses and handed them round. ‘We must drink to the happy couple. John, Amy, we wish you a long and happy marriage – as long and happy as ours has been.’
As they clinked glasses, Mrs Sterling said, ‘We are so happy John has chosen a fine girl to be his wife, and we will be proud to have you as our daughter-in-law.’
‘Thank you.’ Amy, sipping her drink, was quite overwhelmed by their genuine pleasure. More champagne, she thought wryly, determined to have only one glass in case she disgraced herself. Alcohol seemed to go straight to her head.
‘Tell us about your plans.’ John’s father grinned in amusement as his wife sat forward eagerly.
‘I hope you’re going to let her help, Amy. She can’t resist arranging an event.’
‘Well…’ Amy hesitated for a moment. ‘Mrs Dalton did say that she would appreciate your help, Mrs Sterling.’
‘Splendid. I’ll get in touch with her, and between us we shall make this a memorable wedding.’
The rest of the afternoon was taken up with discussions about the wedding. Where it should take place, how many guests to invite, and many other things.
‘We must see what plans Mrs Dalton has before making any decisions, my dear. She is, after all, acting as the bride’s mother,’ John’s father pointed out.
‘Of course.’ Mrs Sterling gave a rueful smile. ‘You must excuse me, my dear. I get carried away, but these are only ideas. I shall discuss everything with Mrs Dalton and work with her. Do you have any wishes of your own?’
Amy looked at John. There was only one thing that concerned her. Mrs Sterling’s plans seemed rather grand, but understandable as it was her only son being married. A quiet wedding would have suited her, but she couldn’t disappoint John’s mother and Mrs Dalton. ‘Could we keep it quite small?’
‘I agree with Amy, Mother. Not too grand, eh?’ John squeezed Amy’s hand. ‘All we want to do is get married, don’t we, darling?’
‘Yes.’ She nodded firmly. That was all she wanted.
When John returned to the hospital that evening there was time for a cup of coffee before he went on duty. The day had gone well, and by the time they left his parents, Amy was quite at ease. They liked her and were thrilled he was going to marry her.
He sipped the scalding hot drink, a deep frown furrowing his brow. He was pushing Amy, but deep inside him there was a feeling of urgency. He wasn’t usually one to indulge in what was called intuition, and he blamed the growing threat of war for making him so unsettled. The future was uncertain and, if war did come, all kinds of mayhem could burst upon their lives. He wanted a few months of peace with Amy before that happened. And if their fears were proved ungrounded then so much the better. He would be able to settle down to a happy life with the woman he loved.
The door of the rest room burst open and a colleague shot in. ‘John, emergency!’
He was immediately on his feet and running.
24
Since the compulsory conscription of twenty- to twenty-one-year-old men in April, Ben and Howard had become increasingly restless. Amy watched them anxiously through the months of May, June and July. She just knew they were going to join up. Ted had been having serious talks with them, urging them to wait, and explaining what had happened in the last war, but all they said was that it would be very different this time. They all talked about it as if it were a foregone conclusion, and she prayed every night that it wasn’t.
On the brighter side, the plans for the wedding were nearly in place. They were going to be married in a small village church – All Saints – near John’s home, and the reception would be held in the Sterlings’ lovely garden, weather permitting. When they had met the vicar, Amy had been enchanted with the church. It was small, had an intimate feel about it, and was reached down a leafy lane, enhancing the air of tranquillity about the whole area. Mrs Dalton had found a good dressmaker and Amy’s simple dress was nearly finished.
John and Amy had watched the ‘mothers’ to see they didn’t get carried away, but they needn’t have worried; they worked together in harmony with Mrs Dalton’s practical nature helping to curb Mrs Sterling’s more ambitious ideas.
Amongst all the turmoil, Amy spent as much time as possible in John’s calm company, and couldn’t wait to become his wife. She often gazed at the beautiful ring, not being able to believe this was happening to her. They loved each other to distraction, as John was showing in his time alone with her. But his lovemaking always stopped before they went too far, often to her intense frustration. The wedding was only weeks away now and she knew it was right to wait, but when she was in his arms it was so difficult.
The moment she began to dish up the dinner, everyone appeared as if by magic, including Mrs Dalton, who joined them even more often now, as she said that Amy’s cooking was better than hers.
‘Smells good.’ Ben ruffled her hair as he passed her to sit down. ‘I want to do another portrait of you, Amy. Can you make some time to sit for me on Sunday?’
‘John’s working, so I’ll be free.’ She cut the steak and kidney pie into six slices, popping one piece back in the oven, just in case John arrived. He would turn up any time he had a couple of hours to spare, and Mrs Dalton had given him his own key.
After putting the vegetables on the table, she handed round the plates.
‘Come up to my studio early.’ Ben helped himself to potatoes. ‘I want to spend all day on the painting.’
Normally she would have sighed jokingly and said, Not another picture of me, but she didn’t this time, being only too pleased he was going to settle to his painting again. He had been spending more time at the shop, or out with Howard, only painting in short bursts. But for all his restlessness, his work was good, and getting better with each piece. Howard was the same.
She sat with them at the table, her expression troubled. ‘Don’t join up until after the wedding, please. We would be very unhappy if you weren’t there.’
Howard reached across and squeezed her hand. ‘We’ll be here, Amy. We wouldn’t miss your wedding for the world.’
‘Don’t worry.’ Ben’s smile was gentle. ‘We won’t do anything until we see you safely married to John.’
Her sigh was one of pure relief. They never lied to her, so she could relax now they had promised.
August was turning out to be a glorious month and they were hoping the weather would last for another three weeks for the wedding. Amy had the last fitting for her dress and was thrilled with it. She was slim but not very tall and had insisted on an uncluttered style. They had decided on a pattern that suited her petite figure perfectly. It had a heart-shaped neckline and short puff sleeves; the material was a lightweight white satin and fell from her narrow waist perfectly, straight in the front and gathering into a small train at the back. Because of her abundant hair – she had been threatened with instant reprisals should she have it cut – the dressmaker had fashioned a circle of imitation roses and pearls. The veil was short and billowing. The effect was
stunning, and Amy couldn’t believe it was her when she looked in the mirror.
‘Oh, my dear, that is beautiful.’ Mrs Dalton gave the veil a little tweak before stepping back to view the completed creation.
The dress was carefully removed and packed in layers of tissue paper. Amy paid for it and they left with their huge parcels, heading for home.
‘You can leave this in my wardrobe,’ Mrs Dalton said, as they crept indoors. ‘Then there won’t be any danger of anyone seeing it before the wedding.’
‘I want it to be a complete surprise to everyone.’ If the boys saw them they would insist on seeing the dress, but they were going to have to wait like everyone else.
After hanging it up, Amy hurried back to the shop.
There was a subdued atmosphere when she walked in, and she was surprised to see Ted there with Ben and Howard, and not a customer in sight. The men were in deep discussion about something.
‘You all look very serious,’ she said, still feeling elated about the dress. ‘Why the long faces, and where are the customers?’
‘Britain has just signed an assistance pact with Poland,’ Ben told her.
‘And what does that mean?’
It was Ted who answered. ‘It means that if Germany invades Poland we will have no choice but to fight.’
Her pleasure evaporated, but still she clung to hope. ‘That might not happen.’
Howard shook his head. ‘Hitler has his eyes on Poland. I believe we shall be at war in a matter of weeks.’
That was something she didn’t want to accept, but her family were no fools, they kept up with the news. As the wedding approached, she had tried to shut out the speculation. Reading the newspapers was still a rather wearisome task for her, and she had used that excuse as a reason for not keeping up to date with what was happening in Europe. If they were right then she wasn’t going to be able to do that for much longer. Wrapped in the comforting cocoon of her love for John and her family, she had pushed the talk aside. Now she knew she was going to have to face it just like everyone else.
One Step at a Time Page 22
