Beyond the Shadow of War (27 page)

“Oh, give it a rest. It’s over. I’m over it.”

“Yeah, I can tell.”

“But you’ve got to wonder if that stupid goat is to blame.”

“Oh, c’mon, Joey, you don’t really believe in curses, do you?”

“I didn’t use to, but think about it, Danny. When old man Sianis and his goat got kicked out just before Game 4, he went back to his bar and started ranting about the Cubs and saying they’d never win another World Series as long as they didn’t allow goats to attend. You yourself said we out-hit, out-fielded, and out-pitched the Tigers, yet we lost the series. It’s got to make you wonder, right?”

“Nope. Just a silly rumor and nothing more. You mark my words. The Cubs will be back next year!”

29

25 October 1945 

London, England 

“Oh no, here comes another one—ahhh!”

If Kate’s pinched and flushed face were any indication, Anya couldn’t imagine the pain her flatmate was experiencing with each new contraction. They’d begun two hours earlier, just before four that afternoon, with long sporadic gaps in between. They’d rung the doctor who gave Anya some simple instructions, and told her to telephone again when the contractions were five to seven minutes apart for at least an hour. Anya had also telephoned Sophie at the Rainbow. She promised to be home as soon as she could find someone to take her shift.

None of them knew where Gigi was, but that wasn’t unusual.

Anya noted the time then patted Kate’s brow with the cool, damp cloth until the contraction passed. She fell back against the pillows stuffed behind her and blew out a long sigh.

“That one wasn’t as bad, was it?”

  “No, not really.” Kate raked her fingers through her long dark hair and smiled mischievously at Anya. “Do you realize you’re tensing when I do?”

“Am I? Really?”

“Yes, and every time you start breathing like I do.” She feigned the short, puffy breaths.

Anya shielded her face behind her hands and laughed.

Kate rested her head back against the pillows. “Don’t be embarrassed. Just think of all the practice you’re getting for when you have babies of your own.”

Anya felt her face warm. “Not if we never get on those blasted ships to America.”

“True. Will we
ever
see our husbands again? Sometimes I wonder.”

“Oh Kate‌—‌it just occurred to me that we haven’t placed a call to let Joe know you’re in labor. Shall I go back across the street to ring him?”

Kate’s eyes drifted shut. “No, not yet. I’d rather wait until the baby is born. And at the rate I’m going, that could be next week. Maybe next month.”

“Not a chance. He’ll be here before the day ends.”

“He? So you think it’s a boy?”

“No. I’m not sure why I said that. Are you hoping for a boy?”

She opened her eyes again briefly. “Honestly, at this point, it doesn’t matter. Either will suit me fine.” She gently patted her enormous belly. “I just want this little one to pop out.” She winked then closed her eyes again with another weary sigh. “I think I’d like to rest now.”

“Good. I’ll be right here if you need me.”

Anya moved to the overstuffed chair in the corner of the room and relaxed a moment before picking up her pen and paper. With a large book beneath, she tried again to start her letter.

Dear Danny,

First, before I forget, I was sorry to read in your last letter that your Cubs lost the World Series. It’s a game I don’t understand, but since I know how much you love baseball and especially your Cubs, I know it must have been very hard for you and Joey to watch them lose. Maybe they’ll do better next year. I laughed out loud about the man who brought his goat to the first game. Do Americans often take their animals to baseball games? You don’t really believe he cursed the Cubs, do you? Perhaps I’ll bring them good luck when I move to Chicago, America.

You will not believe what I am doing right now. I’m sitting here with Kate, one of my flatmates, whose baby is on the way. She’s resting now between contractions, so I shall write during these intervals until her little one decides to cause another stir. Sybil should be home soon, and the doctor has been notified.

It’s a bit daunting, experiencing this birthing process. I witnessed lots of animal births when I used to help the Boormans on their farm back home. But this is so very different. Kate doesn’t seem nervous at all, which is fine since I’m nervous enough for both of us.

I’m still not quite used to living here in London, and I miss Sophie and Charlie terribly. Patrick, too. They were beginning to feel like family to me, Danny, and I would gladly have stayed with them longer. But it makes more sense to be here, close by should I finally get my turn to board a ship to America. Sometimes I wonder if it will ever happen.

Anya stopped, her pen poised over the letter. Guilt heated the vicinity of her heart as she knowingly omitted the truth behind her move. Charlie and Sophie promised they would not tell Danny about Sophie’s attacker in the pub’s alley and Anya’s part in it. Sergeant Ketner’s kind face flashed through her mind along with his warning:
You’re in danger here.
She would not tell Danny yet because there was nothing he could do. She would tell him someday.

Still, the guilt had its way, haunting her. She shook off the dark thoughts with a shudder and continued.

It’s quite different, living with three other girls. Sybil is so kind and has made me feel at home here. She’s excited about her baby too, and ever so relieved that she’ll be in America with Jack when hers arrives next February. I’ve been teaching her to cook some of the recipes I learned from Sophie at the pub. I had not known that Sybil lost both her parents in the Blitz. I couldn’t imagine that anyone so cheerful and outgoing could have suffered such loss. But it has given us a bit of a bond, and I want to learn from her how to leave the wounds of war behind.

I think you will find Kate’s story quite interesting. Her husband Joe lives in Long Island, New York. She met him at a dance club in Winchester. She said army lorries would stop by the Spitfire factory where she worked as a secretary and give the girls a ride to the dance club after hours. Joe was a musician who played in the Glenn Miller Band. I remember how much you liked Glenn Miller’s music. Such a small world, isn’t it? One night the band had taken a break, and Joe was standing off to the side of the stage. She thought him quite handsome, so walked right up to him and introduced herself. Just like that. They fell in love and married in May of last year. She was only seventeen
‌—‌

Much later. I had to help Kate through several more contractions. I realize I’ve been rambling on about her, someone you’ve never met. Perhaps you’ll meet her once we all sail to America
‌—‌

It’s happening
‌—‌
the baby’s coming
‌—‌
off we go to hospital! More later.

Love,

Anya

Sybil rushed into the bedroom just as Anya was helping Kate to her feet. “Kate, darling! Look at you! You’re about to have a‌—‌”

“Hurry, hurry! Get me to the lav! I can’t hold it‌—‌”

A gush of water puddled the floor beneath her.

Anya’s eyes went wide at the sight. “Wha‌—‌”

“Your waters broke!” Sybil squealed, her hands grabbing her own swollen abdomen. “Oh, Kate! I can’t believe it‌—‌my baby just kicked! It’s the first time!” She giggled as she yanked a coverlet off the bed and dropped it over the watered floor. “It’s like Mary’s baby Jesus who leapt in her womb when she saw Elizabeth‌—‌”

Kate cried out with another contraction, losing her balance. Anya caught her just in time and lowered her to sit back on the bed.

“How can I help?”

All three turned to find a tall American in uniform standing at the door.

“You all remember Lieutenant Powell? From the American Embassy?” Sybil said. “He was at the Rainbow when you telephoned and offered to drive me home then take us to hospital.”

Anya suddenly remembered why he looked so familiar. “You’re‌—‌”

“MUST HURRY …” Kate growled. “NOW!”

Powell rushed to her side. “Yes, ma’am. Let’s get you to that hospital.”

They all talked at once as the lieutenant wrapped Kate’s arm over his shoulder and took as much of her weight as he could.

“Sybil, open the door then help me ease her down the steps to my car.”

“I’m here, right behind you,” she said. “Anya, find her wrap and handbag. Oh, and grab that quilt and a few towels out of the lav, will you?”

“Yes, and I’ll be right there. Don’t leave without me!”

Just as she hurried down the hall to the bathroom, the back door swung open. Gigi walked in, stopping when she saw Anya staring at her.

“Gigi! Where have you been? Kate’s in labor and we’re‌—‌”

“What? Now?” She hurried by Anya and poked her head into Kate’s bedroom.

Anya turned to follow her. “Are you
drunk
?”

“Don’t be daft. Where is Kate and‌—‌what
happened
in here?” She looked from the floor up to the ceiling. “Is that another leak from the roof?”

Anya shook her head. “No, Kate’s waters broke. They’re helping Kate into the automobile out front.”

“Who’s they?”

“Sybil and Lieutenant Powell. Now make yourself useful and find Kate’s handbag for me.”

“Well, you don’t have to be so nasty about it.”

“Just do it, Gigi.”

A few minutes later, they all piled into Powell’s automobile, with Sybil and Anya on either side of Kate in the backseat and Gigi in front with Powell.

He glanced in his rearview mirror. “I’ll have you there as quick as I can, ma’am.”

“Yes, please, thank you,” she groaned.

“I didn’t know hospitals were open again for delivering babies. Last I heard they were still evacuating all the prospective mums to the emergency maternity homes out in the country. Are you even sure they’ll take you, Kate?”

“Why would you ask a question like that now?” Sybil snapped.

“Because it’s a valid question! All the maternity wards were closed down when the Blitz started. And last I heard, they were still closed. Why are you snapping at me like‌—‌”

“I talked to her doctor earlier today,” Anya interrupted. “He told us to bring Kate to St. Thomas’s.”

Kate groaned louder, clawing her fingers into Anya’s arm and Sybil’s knee. “Ohhhh hurry!”

Sybil winced silently, pulling Kate’s hand off her leg. “You go right ahead and scream, love. We’re just a few blocks away from hospital now.”

Anya bit back a chuckle at the expression on Sybil’s face. By the looks of it, Kate’s manicured nails might have drawn blood on Sybil’s knee.

“Hold on!” Powell warned, taking a corner faster than expected.

“Ow-ow-ow-OW!”

In a flash, he stopped the car at the emergency entrance, and Kate was whisked inside by an attendant with Sybil close behind. A few minutes later, the lieutenant joined them just as Sybil found them in the waiting room.

“Oh, Phillip, you don’t have to stay with us. It was kind of you to drive us, but please don’t feel obligated to stay.”

“Unless you object, I’d prefer to stay. That way, whenever you three need a ride home, I can give you a lift.” He motioned for Sybil to take a seat across from Anya and Gigi, then sat beside her.

“But it could be hours yet, according to the doctor. We wouldn’t want to impose on you.”

“You’re not imposing at all. I had no plans for tonight, so I’m free to stick around. Unless you would rather I go?”

Gigi lit up a cigarette. “You might as well stay. If it’s going to take all night, at least you can entertain us.”

Sybil waved the cloud of smoke away from her. “Do you have to smoke that in here? You know how queasy cigarette smoke makes me.”

Gigi took another puff and blew it the other direction. “The way I see it, that’s your problem. Not mine. Besides, it relaxes me.”

“As if you needed anything else to relax you. You smell like a distillery. Where were you all afternoon?”

A naughty smile tugged at her red lips. “Just having a few drinks with a friend.”

“Oh? What friend?” Sybil shifted in her chair to get more comfortable and glanced at Gigi’s legs. “Are those new nylons you’re wearing?”

“Yes, aren’t they lovely?” Gigi stood, striking various poses.

Sybil tsked. “Good heavens, Gigi. Have you no shame?”

“
Another
bee in your bonnet? At least I’m not bare-legged like you and Anya.” She turned to Phillip, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Tell us, lieutenant. Do Yanks look at a woman’s bare legs and assume she’s ‘available’?”

Phillip blanched, sitting up straighter. “I’m, uh … I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

“Oh, don’t play coy with me, Lieutenant.” She gave his shoulder a pinch then twirled around again.”

Sybil dropped her head in her hands. “Gigi, will you just sit down and stop embarrassing yourself.”

“Who says I’m embarrassed?” Gigi knelt before Sybil, lifting her skirt as she did so, just enough to show off her nylons as she tossed a flirty wink to Powell. “Syb, honey, you need to relax. No sense getting your knickers all in a twist. We’re not living in the Victorian age anymore.” She leaned in and placed a loud kiss on Sybil’s cheek then took her seat again. “Well, Lieutenant?”

He hesitated a moment then shrugged. “Yes. I have heard some of our men on occasion say something along those lines. It’s just that we’re all used to women wearing nylons back home, and I suppose that’s why so many of us‌—‌them‌—‌keep a supply handy. Girls like nylons, Yanks like seeing them in nylons. I suppose it’s just one of those wartime customs.” He paused for a moment then chuckled.