Part 3 (2/2)

Chapter 29

What in the name of Sam Hill's goin on here?' Beulah thundered the moment Julius and Ellie, now both suitably attired, appeared in the kitchen. Pee Wee was standing leaning on the mantelpiece, a gla.s.s of scotch in one hand. 'It wasn't what it looked like, Mom,' Julius immediately protested. Ellie, still acutely embarra.s.sed, face flushed, was staring at the floor. What had happened was a nightmare come true, the only redeeming factor being they hadn't actually been making love when surprised. Beulah's expression became one of incredulity. 'Well, you sure as h.e.l.l weren't in bed to discuss the weather, for Christsake!' 'Wliy don't you sit down, Ellie,' Pee Wee suggested softly. Ellie did, at the other end of the table to Beulah whose gaze she couldn't meet. 'Anyway, why didn't you call to tell us you were gettin back?' Julius accused. 'Because the phone's out of order. It's been out all day.' 'Oh!' Julius exclaimed. 'I didn't know that.' 'Well, you do now.' Beulah folded her arms across her ma.s.sive chest. And to think I trusted you, Julius. I should've known, men are all alike.'

Julius went over to an opened bottle of scotch, found a gla.s.s and poured himself one. 'Ellie?' She shook her head. If she'd tried to drink scotch in her present state she'd have thrown up. 'As for you, Ellie Sykes,' Beulah bulldozed on, fixing her with a beady stare. 'Your mother would have been downright ashamed of you.' Ellies flush deepened to become bright red. 'Hold on. Mom, that isn't fair!' Julius retorted. 'It's fair, OK. Jess was my friend and we talked about all sorts of matters. Now I can't pretend we agreed on everythin', but I sure knew what her views on morality were. What possessed you, girl, eh? Did Julius sweet-talk you into it?' 'No,' Ellie managed to whisper. 'Then what?' 'We're in love. Mom.' That momentarily deflated Beulah. 'Since when?' Julius shrugged. 'It just sort of built up I guess. Then it all came out, and that was that.' 'Huh!' Beulah snorted. 'Love, my a.s.s. The pair of you, being' alone, probably just got the hots for one another.' 'No!' Ellie exclaimed, suddenly rinding her voice. 'You're wrong. We do love each other. And it's my fault we started sleeping together. Up until then Julius had been the perfect gentleman.' Beulahs eyes narrowed. 'Go on?' Ellie spoke slowly, telling them about Annie Croxton, what Annie had said the night she'd died, and how it had come to her after that she too, because of the war, could die and miss out on so many things she'd always taken for granted would be hers one day. Beulahs expression softened during this account. 'I see,' she nodded when Ellie was finally finished. 'I believe every word of that,' Pee Wee stated. And what's more I agree with it.' 388 l Moonlit Eyes Beulah glanced at him. 'You do?' As Ellie put it, war changes everythin. h.e.l.l yeah!' Julius came across to stand directly behind Ellie, laying his free hand on her shoulder. 'So what happens now?' 'I'll go and live elsewhere,' Ellie offered. 'That's the decent thing to do.' 'No matter what, you two can't go on sharin a bed here. Irregardless of the rights and wrongs of this, that's final. Jess would turn in her grave if I allowed it.' 'Your father would go apes.h.i.+t if he found out,' Pee Wee said to Ellie. And the poor guy's suffered enough as it is.' Ellie, recognising the truth of that, nodded her agreement. 'Can she stay and share my bed if we get married?' Julius asked. 'Providin she'll have me that is.' Ellie sucked in a breath; this was the first time marriage had been mentioned. She couldn't think of anything she wanted more. 'What do you say to that, Ellie?' Beulah queried. 'I'd like to be asked properly by Julius if you don't mind,' Pee Wee chuckled. He liked that. Beulah held up a hand. 'Just one thing before any proposin goes on. You absolutely certain, Julius? It's a huge step. And I have to say, no mixed marriage I ever heard of has gone easy. You is coloured after all, an she's a white woman.' 'I'm certain. Mom. As certain as can be.' 'Then you'd better get on with it. Want Pee Wee and I to leave the room?' Julius shook his head. 'That isn't necessary.' Ellie closed her eyes for a brief second as Julius placed his gla.s.s on the table. 'Ellie?' She looked up at him, thinking how handsome he was, and how very much she loved him. 'Will you marry me?' 'Yes.'

'Amen,' Pee Wee commented. Julius raised Ellie to her feet and kissed her, not too pa.s.sionately, mindful that his parents were present. A tear appeared in Beulah's eye which she dashed away. 's.h.i.+t, I could sure use a drink,' she declared, and laughed. 'Well, if that don't beat all,' Pee Wee said softly, shaking his head. When Beulah had been given her drink she and Pee Wee toasted the bride and groom-to-be. Ellie was positively bursting with happiness. It would be a good marriage, she knew that beyond any shadow of a doubt. 'Engaged!' Josie Farnham squealed. 'You sly old thing!' It was the following morning and Ellie had just turned up for work to announce her news. And who's the lucky man? I didn't even know there was anyone.'

Ellie explained about her and Julius, though she didn't mention they'd been sleeping together. 'Well, congratulations,' Josie enthused. 'I'm ever so pleased.' 'Maybe you'll be doing the same yourself before long?' Josie winked. 'Maybe. It's a distinct possibility I'd say. But come on, tell me what your plans are?' 'We don't have any yet,' Ellie replied. 'He only proposed last night. All I can say is it'll be soon.' She was back in her own bedroom, at Beulah's insistence, Julius in his. Torture for the pair of them now used to the same bed. And where, church?' 'I haven't had time to think about that. But probably not.' 'Oh?' Ellie lit a cigarette, her first of the day, and inhaled deeply. 'This might sound silly, but I don't believe it's right with a war on. I know lots of other women disagree, but a Register Office seems more appropriate in my opinion. Also, don't forget I only recently lost my mum, and brother shortly before that.' Josie nodded her sympathy. 'I understand.' 390 Moonlit Eyes Ellie pictured Jess and Paul in her mind's eye, a wave of sadness sweeping over her. Yes, it was far too soon for the fripperies af a white wedding. At least that's what she thought. 'How much!' Ellie exclaimed, shocked. The jeweller repeated the price he'd quoted. 'It's far too expensive,' she declared to a smiling Julius. 'But you do like it?' 'Of course. It's gorgeous.' 'And it fits without havin to be resized.' True, Ellie reflected, turning her left hand first one way and then the other, the large single diamond shooting off sparks of blue and yellow fire. It was the sort of engagement ring she could only ever have dreamt of. 'Let me worry about the cost,' Julius said. Then, to the jeweller, 'We'll have it.' The jeweller almost purred with satisfaction. A wise choice, sir, if I may say so.' 'Thank you.' She'd be the envy of every woman she knew, Ellie thought. The girls at the station would be pea green with it. She turned to Julius, her eyes ablaze with excitement. 'You're spoiling me.' The jeweller discreetly looked away. And why not? You deserve to be spoilt.' . Ellie kissed him briefly on the lips, her throat tight with emotion.

And while we're here we'd better get a couple of gold bands,' Julius said. 'It'll save makin another trip.' The jeweller reached into the showcase counter to extract several trays of wedding rings, one gentlemen's, the other ladies'. 'Now is there anything here that's suitable,' he smiled, laying the trays before Julius and a somewhat dazed Ellie. Every few seconds she kept glancing at the ring still on her finger, unable to believe it was actually going to be hers. She was absolutely ecstatic.

When that selection had been made the jeweller put each band into a box. When he asked Ellie about her engagement ring she replied she'd continue wearing it, thank you very much, and take its box with her. After which Julius settled the bill in cash. 'Pleased?' he queried unnecessarily when they were outside again. 'What do you think?' Julius laughed, Ellie slipping an arm round his as they headed for home. She hadn't told Julius that was the same shop where George had bought his ring for her. If the jeweller had recognised her he certainly hadn't betrayed the fact by so much as even a flicker. Ellie glanced yet again at her engagement ring. One thing was certain, this one she wouldn't be throwing away. Not in a million, trillion years. 'I believe congratulations are in order,' Hazel said to Ellie who'd just come up to the bar. Julius had telephoned to say he was going to be late from work and suggested he meet Ellie in The Florence round about eight o'clock. It was now five to. 'Oh, I say, what a corker of a ring!* Hazel oohed and aahed as she examined it. 'Have you set a date?' 'In three weeks' time at the Caxton Hall in Petty France.' 'Good for you,' Hazel beamed. She took Ellie's order, gin and tonic, and made it a large one. 'That's on the house,' Hazel declared, placing it in front of Ellie. 'All the best.' Ellie thanked her. 'I'm meeting Julius, he should be in any minute now.' 'Smas.h.i.+ng bloke. We all like him. You'll make a lovely couple.' She was still amazed at the news of Ellie marrying a black man, no matter how nice he was. She'd been quite shocked when she'd heard. Ellie had a sip of her drink. 392 Moonlit Eyes 'So, where are you planning to live?' 'Where we are now, with his mum and dad.' Hazel pulled a face. 'That'll be a bit cramped, won't it?' 'Yes,' Ellie sighed. 'But we'll just have to manage somehow. We're going to put my bed in Julius's room and place them together. It'll be a bit of a squash, I can tell you,' It would too, Hazel thought, knowing the houses in the street well. 'Why aren't you trying for a place of your own?' 'We'd love to, but how? Anything that comes available in the area goes straight to those who've been bombed out, and rightly. So there's no hope there.' 'What about other areas?' 'Most of them are as bad, people who've been bombed out are given top priority. Besides, if we moved away it would be difficult for me to get to and from work. I could change stations I suppose, but don't want to do that. The girls I'm with are a terrific lot, and if I did transfer stations I'd probably lose my rank.' She paused, then said, 'Mum was proud I'd been promoted. Very proud.' 'We miss her,' Hazel sympathised softly. 'She was one of the best. Salt of the earth.' A customer further down the bar gestured to Hazel. 'Excuse me,' she said, and moved away. At which point Julius arrived and the conversation about where they'd be living was forgotten. 'What am I going to wear?' Ellie said to Beulah in despair, the pair of them of course discussing the forthcoming wedding. 'I've just nothing that's suitable. Nothing at all.' 'Then you're goin to have to buy new,' Beulah declared. Ellie laughed. 'How am I to do that? I would need clothes coupons don't forget, d.a.m.n the rationing, and I've nowhere near enough for a dress.' Beulah's mind was busily ticking over. 'Shouldn't be too much of a problem, hon.' 'How do you make that out?'

'Julius. Speak to him and he'll get what's necessary. OK, he ain't never got no clothes coupons before, at least not that I know, but he should be able to manage the required number. Uncle Sam, Ellie, don't forget he works for Uncle Sam. There ain't nothin' he can't lay his hands on through that Emba.s.sy. At least that's how it seems to me.' Ellie hadn't thought of that. 'What a wonderful idea. If he can get them, will you come shopping with me?' Beulah's eyes gleamed. 'You just try and stop me. I'll be there with bells on. h.e.l.l yeah!' Later it dawned on Beulah that she was taking Jess's place in all this, doing things for, and with, Ellie that Jess would have done had she still been alive. She took it as a compliment. Very much so. Albert laid the letter from Ellie aside and leant back in his chair to think. He'd had no idea, not an inkling, that something was going on between Ellie and Julius and now this bombsh.e.l.l. For that's exactly what it was. And why were they getting married in such a hurry? Could Ellie be pregnant? He'd be furious, not to mention bitterly disappointed, if she was. The main thing of course was that Julius was a black man. He recalled a conversation he'd once had with Jess when he'd been worried Julius was showing an interest in Ellie, a notion Jess had pooh-poohed. It appeared Jess had been wrong. He thought about Julius and the Postons. A decent, upright family, that couldn't be denied. And d.a.m.n fine neighbours, none better. Kindness itself. None of which took away from the fact they were black. What would Jess have said? he wondered, already knowing the answer. She'd have said that if Ellie and Julius loved one another then that was enough and the colour of his skin didn't matter. Well, maybe it didn't. Ellie was grown up after all, surely she 394 Moonlit Eyes must know her own mind and what she was doing. Anyway, there was nothing he could do about it except disapprove, which would upset Ellie enormously. And that he didn't want. Albert sighed. He'd put a brave face on it and go to the wedding, Ellie was his daughter after all. If she was happy then that was all that counted. His own misgivings and prejudices didn't come into it. Or wouldn't, as he wouldn't allow them to. Let them make a go of it with him wis.h.i.+ng them well. A black son-in-law! Who'd have dreamt it. Julius returned to the kitchen after having gone to answer the phone. 'That was Hazel from across the road,' he said. 'She's asked Ellie and me to go over for a few minutes.' Ellie frowned. 'What for?' 'She didn't say. Just asked us to go over.' Ellie looked at Beulah, who shrugged. 'I've no idea, honey.' 'Shall we go then?' Julius said to Ellie. 'just give me a few minutes to get ready.' She came to her feet. 'I wont be long.' At least half an hour, Julius reflected wryly, and smiled. A flat?' Ellie repeated. Hazel nodded. 'Upstairs. Small, mind you, a bedroom and sitting room and you'd have to share the bathroom with us. That won't bother Harry and me if it doesn't bother you.' This had taken both Ellie and Julius completely by surprise, the pair of them bowled over by Hazel's offer. 'We had it done out for our daughter you see,' Hazel went on to explain. 'The idea was she'd still be with us but have a section of the accommodation on her own, more than a mere bedroom. Well, as you know, Ellie, she moved out and so it's free. If you're interested that is?' 'We most certainly are,' Julius replied, thinking this was wonderful and solved all sorts of problems. 'How much are you askin for rent?' 'You'd better see it first. Wait here a moment.'

Hazel vanished out back to return almost instantly with Harry who declared he'd tend to the bar while Hazel showed them round. Ellie and Julius followed Hazel up a flight of stairs, along a corridor and then into what Hazel announced was the sitting room. Ellie glanced around, delighted at what she saw. Comfy chairs, sideboard, standard lamp plus other bits and pieces usually found in a sitting room. 'Very nice,' Ellie commented. 'Now the kitchen,' Hazel said. 'I forgot to mention that. There's not much to it but it's adequate enough.' That contained a cooker, old but serviceable, sink and a food cupboard. As Hazel had said, it was small, a galley type, but adequate. 'You'll have to eat your meals in the sitting room I'm afraid,' Hazel went on. 'We have a spare drop leaf table and chairs we'll move in if you take it. And by the way, don't worry about linen and the like, there's ma.s.ses of that.' The bedroom proved to be almost as big as the sitting room, its main feature being a double bed. 'Well away from our bedroom,' Hazel commented with a twinkle in her eye. Ellie coloured slightly when she realised what Hazel was getting at. She and Julius could indulge themselves without fear of being overheard. 'The one drawback is you hear the noise from the bar below, but you'd soon get used to that.' 'What about comin' and goin'?' Julius queried. 'There's a back door which can be used at anytime. You'd both have a key for it.' Julius had a sudden thought. 'One thing is I do require a phone so that I can contact the Emba.s.sy, or more importantly, they me.' 'That isn't a problem,' Hazel smiled. 'There's the phone downstairs and an extension in our sitting room. You can use either whenever. And if the Emba.s.sy ring and either Harry or I answer then we'll just give you a shout.' 396 Moonlit Eyes Julius turned to Ellie. 'Well?' 'It's ideal.' 'Then we'll take it, Hazel, and can't thank you enough. Consider the apartment let as from this moment.' 'Right, we'll go back downstairs and hammer out the details.' Hazel was pleased she'd been able to help. Years before Jess had done her an enormous favour, this was her way of repaying it. 'Sir down, Mr Sykes. What can I do for you?' Albert explained about Ellie's letter and that he intended returning to London for the wedding. Matron stared at Albert in concern. 'Does that mean you'll be leaving us then?' 'Oh no,' he hastily replied. Til only be gone a few days. There's still a lot of painting to be done.' A relieved Matron glanced at her watch. 'I usually have a gla.s.s of sherry round about now. Would you care to join me?' 'I don't like sherry I'm afraid,' Albert apologised. 'There's scotch as well?' 'Now that I do like.' Matron smiled as she came round from behind her desk. 'Neat or with water?' 'Neat please.' 'Do you know the young man in question?' she queried as she did the honours. 'Yes, in fact he and his parents are neighbours. They very kindly took my daughter in after . . .' He trailed off, a stricken look coming across his face, and had a sip of scotch. 'I know what happened. I'm sorry,' Matron said softly. Albert nodded. 'It must still be very painful for you.' 'Yes,' Albert whispered, and had a larger sip. 'Has being here helped?' He looked into Matron's warm and sympathetic eyes. 'A lot actually. It's been good to get away from . . . well where it 397 happened. It's so peaceful at Huntington Hall, and quiet. And so very different. To be honest, I'm not sure I'm ready to return to Islington yet, but I'll have to for the wedding. I couldn't miss that.' 'No,' Matron agreed. 'But it's going to be hard. I know that.' Matron could well imagine. 'I'm glad you've come to see me, Mr Sykes. I wanted a word.' 'Oh?' 'I wonder if you'd consider working here as an employee? Doing more or less what you're doing now, including the usual maintenance jobs that are forever springing up. I'd be willing to pay three pounds a week, plus your board and lodging. You would certainly be doing me, and the nurses, a favour if you accepted.' This was a surprise, Albert thought. 'Do you mean work here permanently?' 'Long term, short term, that would be entirely up to you. I'd be extremely grateful for either.' 'There is an awful lot of painting still to be done,' Albert mused. And the outside after the inside is completed, should that come about.' Matron was studying Albert intently. 'I've been told that you've made friends in the village. Nurse Isaac mentioned that you've become a member of the pub darts team.' Albert nodded. 'They're a good bunch in the pub. Enjoyable company. We have great fun on the darts nights.' 'So you wouldn't have to worry about the social side of things if you stayed on, that's already taken care of.' True enough, Albert thought, severely tempted. 'The only trouble is, Matron, I already have a job. I should really go back to that.' She'd already foreseen this objection, and expected it to be brought up. 'I can easily arrange the necessary medical papers to relieve you of that duty,' she replied. 'You can?' 398 Moonlit Eyes 'Oh indeed.' Albert was thinking of his mates at the station, still shorthanded with his being away. To duck out entirely wouldn't be fair on them. And what if the heavy bombing started again? Every man jack would be needed. Albert drained his gla.s.s. 'Can I think about it?' 'Of course. Take as long as you wish.' He placed his now empty gla.s.s on her desk. 'I'd better get back to what I was doing.' 'When are you going to London?' Albert told her. 'I'll arrange transport to take you to the station.' 'Thank you.' 'My pleasure, Mr Sykes. My pleasure.' Beulah wasn't a fool, they were engaged and had set the date for the wedding after all. Not to mention the fact they'd been sleeping together while she and Pee Wee had been on tour. She'd been young herself once and knew what it was like to be newly in love. 'I'll be goin' to The Chicory House with Pee Wee tonight,' she announced over breakfast. Then, to underline the point, 'So don't expect us back till the wee hours.' Ellie's heart skipped a beat. She wanted to glance at Julius, but didn't in case Beulah noticed and interpreted it. 'Yeah, OK, Mom,' Julius replied. Beulah smiled inwardly. 'Now you two better hurry up or you'll be late for work.' Ellie had been going to have another cup of coffee, but now decided there wasn't time. She couldn't wait for the evening to come round; she and Julius would make good use of it. Albert had knocked off for a bit to go for a walk, one of his favourite pastimes since coming to Huntington Hall. It still amazed him that he, an out-and-out townie, had come to love, and appreciate, the countryside so much.

He was heading for a nearby river, where he often went, to stroll along its banks. Sometimes, if he was lucky, he'd see fish in the water, trout he'd been told. And only the other week he'd spotted an otter, a rare occurrence in these parts one of the chaps in the darts team had informed him. It was a cold day so he'd wrapped up warm. Snow had been forecast, but so far none had fallen. Snow in a city was a miserable affair, soon turning to slush. But out here it would just lie, a white blanket stretching for miles in every direction. He knew it would be beautiful when it happened. He began thinking about his conversation with Matron which he'd been doing on and off since it had taken place. My G.o.d, but he was tempted. He'd never felt so physically well in his life since arriving at Huntington Hall, the fresh air like a daily tonic. So different from the fogs and soot-laden atmosphere he was used to at this time of year. One thing was certain, he didn't have to worry about Ellie any more. She'd be married shortly and starting a new life other own with Julius, no longer reliant on him, and Jess, as she'd been in the past while growing up. So there was no tie there. But there was with the station and his mates. He would be letting them down if he was to leave when there was a war on. And what if the raids did resume, as they so easily could? How would he feel, safe and secure in Huntington Hall, while they were out risking their lives? Pretty rotten, that's how. The main thing he had to do was speak to Danny, find out how things were. He'd already written to Danny and Vera asking to be put up for several nights so they would be expecting him. He'd have the chance to talk then. Find out what was what. Albert stopped and glanced around. It would be a terrible wrench if he did go back to London to live. He'd miss all this like billyo. Ellie lay wrapped in Julius's arms, one hand slowly stroking his flank, the pair of them utterly exhausted after a frantic and frenetic bout of lovemaking. 400 Moonlit Eyes Julius laughed softly. 'What is it?' 'You.' Ellie frowned. 'What about me?' 'You've certainly become enthusiastic for someone who was still a virgin only a short while ago.' That made her smile. 'Are you complaining?' 'Not in the least,' he replied hurriedly. 'If anythin, I approve.' 'Good.' Ellie snuggled up even closer to him. 'If I'm enthusiastic it's because I love you, and can't get enough of you. You make me so very, very happy.' And you me, Ellie.' She sighed with contentment, thinking how lucky they were to have found one another. They continued to lie like that, neither wanting to move and break the spell of total completeness that had descended on them. Albert came out of the Angel tube station and stopped to stare around. Here he was, home. Familiarity was everywhere, buildings, signs, the faces of pa.s.sers-by. It was like putting on an old and much chenshed suit or set of clothes. No new damage since he'd left, he noted as he walked along Upper Street. That was good. He stopped briefly at a bombed out run of shops where he and his mates had worked feverishly to put out a raging fire. Memories from that terrible night, one of the heaviest raids, flickered through his mind. Fortunately, he recalled quite clearly, there hadn't been any casualties. He halted again outside a bakers that Jess had often used, almost seeing her go inside as she went about her daily shopping. 'Jess,' he muttered softly. Her ghost was also going to be everywhere. * *

As chance would have it Danny was on the night s.h.i.+ft and had already been to bed when Albert knocked on their door. Vera answered, giving him a warm welcome, and hug, before ushering him inside. 'My G.o.d, but you're looking well!' Danny beamed as he pumped Albert's hand. And I feel it. Hundngton Hall has done me the world of good.' 'I'll put the kettle on,' Vera declared. 'You must be tired after your journey.' 'It was

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