The Docklands Girls (23 page)

It was mid December and the Isle of Wight was now devoid of all visitors, which was always appreciated by the locals. Visitors were essential for business through the summer and autumn, but afterwards, everybody could breathe and enjoy the island for themselves.

Belle took the opportunity to buy a few new pieces of furniture to replace the old, washed the light summer curtains ready for next season, checked all the bed linen and washed the blankets with Cora’s help.

By now, Cora had told her friend of her engagement to Simon – now a sergeant – and they had a celebration of their own with a bottle of champagne. But Belle still was adamant that she wasn’t going to marry Tom. Despite the fact that now no one spoke about the court case and her past. As Tom had predicted, it was old news and forgotten. He didn’t press her but she knew he was disappointed.

They spent time together and every weekend he stayed with her, arriving on Saturday night. When the Sunday papers were delivered, they made breakfast and took their food and papers back to bed and read them. Then they
would make love, have a bath, get dressed and go out to lunch later, at whichever restaurant they fancied. It was a cosy and happy existence.

Folk knew of their relationship and were used to seeing them together, wondering if ever they would make it permanent. That was the only gossip in Shanklin these days.

Simon wanted Cora to spend Christmas with him and meet his family. She was dreading it. By now she was wearing his ring, but hadn’t met her future in-laws yet.

‘What if they don’t like me, Belle?’

‘Oh for goodness’ sake, why on earth wouldn’t they? Anyway, you’re not marrying them and, thank God, they don’t live locally so you won’t have ma-in-law on your doorstep. Anyway, you’re not getting married until the spring, so you’ve still got time to get to know them.’

‘That’s another thing,’ Cora said frowning. ‘They expect to have a big wedding when Simon gets married and I definitely do not want that!’

‘Does Simon know how you feel?’

‘Yes and he’s fine about it, but I think this visit could be difficult if the situation is mentioned.’

‘Right!’ Belle stared at her friend. ‘This is what I suggest, but feel free to say no. I will take the place of your parents. You can marry in the local church here, invite a few friends, limit how many they can ask and come back here for the reception. How does that sound?’

‘That sounds absolutely marvellous! I don’t have many friends to ask. Sadly Hildy can’t come. All I want is the folk who are important to me, that’s what a wedding should be about, not masses of people.’

‘Then I suggest you put this to Simon before you go away. He’ll back you up, I’m sure. Are you seeing him this weekend?’

‘Yes, I’m going over on Friday night, coming back on Monday. I’ll have a word then.’

Cora took an afternoon ferry and did some shopping in Southampton before meeting Simon at his flat. They had planned to go to the cinema, but it was raining hard so they decided to stay in. They bought fish and chips to save cooking and whilst they ate, Cora brought up the subject of the wedding and Belle’s plan.

‘That’s extremely generous of her,’ Simon said when he heard the news. ‘She’s a good friend, you’re lucky to know her.’

‘Yes, I am but what do you think, will your parents go along with it?’

He gazed at her with affection. ‘Darling, it’s your day; you must do as you wish.’

‘Well, it does mean that your parents will have to stay over on the island and any guests they may ask. That may cause a few problems.’ She looked uncertain.

‘Then they will have to make a decision, they come or they don’t.’ He put his arm round her shoulder. ‘Don’t worry. As long as we get married that’s all that matters.’

But as they went to bed, Cora was still fretting.

The following week the girls each received a letter from Hildy with the news of Hope’s birth and the difficulties that she’d encountered, but the news was good; the baby was breathing on her own and they hoped to bring her home in a week’s time.

‘Poor Hildy and Milt, what a worry. But thank God it’s all worked out in the end,’ Belle said as she put the letter down. ‘It’s times like that that you need your family and she doesn’t have anyone but us and we’re too far away to be of any use.’

‘She said as much in my letter,’ Cora said. ‘She really wished we were there, she felt quite homesick in the hospital; but she’s fine now she’s home with Milt. She says he’s a good man and is looking after her really well.’

‘She made a good choice, thank heavens. I wonder how her bitch of a mother is? She’s a stupid, selfish woman, who didn’t appreciate what a good daughter she had.’

‘Well, they say you reap what you sow,’ Cora murmured, wondering what kind of harvest she would have over Christmas.

It had been difficult wondering what gifts to take to Simon’s parents. Cora had saved her sweet ration to buy a box of chocolates for Mrs Pritchard and after Simon said his father liked the odd cigar, she’d bought three, which were encased in silver containers and made them look a bit special. She’d bought Simon a watch, knowing the one he wore was old. Rationing made life very difficult at such times. She’d used some of her clothing coupons to buy Belle a splendid silk scarf in shades of purple and lilac and some tobacco for Tom who smoked a pipe occasionally.

Simon and Cora caught a train to take them to Coulsdon in Surrey where the Pritchards lived. As they sat in the taxi from the station, Cora looked with interest at the mixture of modern housing and old cottages and it was in front of one of these that the taxi stopped.

Simon paid the driver, squeezed Cora’s hand and said, ‘Relax, darling, it’ll be fine.’ He picked up their cases and walked towards the door, which was opened before he got there.

A woman with brown hair, greying at the sides, walked towards them. She was neatly dressed in a pale grey twinset and pearls. She hugged her son and stretched out her hand to Cora and kissed her cheek.

‘How nice to meet you at last, come inside into the warmth. Arthur is putting the kettle on.’

They walked straight into a cosy living room with an open fire that was burning brightly, with a pile of logs beside it. Christmas decorations were hung across the ceiling and in the corner a Christmas tree, with fairy lights and glittering baubles. There were two easy chairs either side of the fire and a settee opposite. The floor was tiled with rugs scattered around. It was warm and inviting and Cora felt herself relax.

‘What a lovely room,’ she said.

‘I’m glad you like it, my dear. Here, give me your coat – sit down and get warm.’

At that moment a tall gent walked in carrying a tray of tea and a plate of home-made biscuits. He smiled at Cora.

‘Hello, sorry, can’t shake hands at the moment but I’m sure after your journey you could do with a cuppa.’

‘Thank you, that’s very welcome, it’s chilly out.’

Cora listened as the family caught up with their son’s news. They were thrilled he’d got his sergeant’s stripes, then there was various news of other family members and Cora began to wonder just how many of them there were. It was now making her very nervous as her allocation for their guests was not a long one.

Eventually the conversation turned to the wedding in the spring.

Mary Pritchard turned to Cora. ‘Such an exciting time for a girl,’ she said. ‘I remember mine. I had four bridesmaids and a pageboy. It was before the war, of course, so food was not a problem. We had a lovely reception at the Grange Hotel. Fortunately they had a large dining room.’

Cora’s heart sank. ‘Well, things are very different now; our wedding will be very quiet in comparison. We’re getting married in Shanklin and my dearest friend, Belle Newman, is giving the reception in her house.’

Mary frowned. ‘Is that the lady you live and work with in the B&B?’

‘Yes, that’s right. With extra tables in the dining room for the occasion we can accommodate about twenty people at a push.’ She saw Mary frown and added, ‘You see, I have no family, my parents were both killed in the Blitz and I’m an only child.’

‘Oh my dear, I’m so sorry. However did you manage on your own?’

Cora looked across at Simon for help.

‘She worked, Mother, but I’m sure Cora doesn’t want to talk about those days. We both want a small intimate day with our closest friends and family. After all, the ceremony is what is important – not the reception.’ His voice was firm and defied argument.

‘Yes, you are right, of course.’

‘Nearer the time, I’ll send you all details, hotels where you can stay, etc.,’ Cora said, hoping that would put an end to the discussion.

Mary rose to her feet. ‘I must look at the fish pie,’ she
said. ‘Thank goodness that fish isn’t rationed, without it I don’t know how we’d manage.’

‘Who is giving you away, Cora?’ asked Arthur.

‘Tom, our local butcher, he’s Belle’s boyfriend – a really lovely man. When I asked him he said he would be honoured, wasn’t that nice?’

‘Indeed and correct. It is an honour and I’m looking forward to seeing you both walk down the aisle. Frankly, my dear, a small wedding is much more enjoyable. In fact elopement to my mind is even better!’ he started laughing. It was infectious and Simon and Cora joined in.

Mary walked back into the room. ‘What’s so funny?’ she asked.

‘I’m telling these two they should have eloped – it’s so much easier.’

She looked horrified. ‘Arthur! How could you?’ She turned and walked back into the kitchen, which made them laugh even more.

Christmas went well in Coulsdon after all, despite the fact that Simon and Cora had been given separate rooms. He’d laughed and said, ‘My parents are old-fashioned, just go along with it.’

They went to the carol service on Christmas Eve and on Christmas day, had a turkey with all the trimmings and a Christmas pudding which Mary had made.

‘I’ve been saving the ingredients all year for this; I’ve even made mince pies.’ It was all delicious, washed down with wine Simon had brought and a bottle of champagne to finish the day with.

Gifts were exchanged. Mary had made a nightdress case
for Cora and a sweater for Simon with some wool she’d unpicked from another garment. ‘Make do and mend’ was a watchword during such days. Arthur was pleased with his cigars and Mary delighted with her chocolates. Simon wore his new watch and Cora opened a velvet jewellery case he gave her to discover a gold bracelet. She was thrilled.

As Simon’s parents climbed into bed that night, his mother remarked, ‘That was a good day, thankfully.’

Arthur looked at her and asked, ‘Did you have doubts about it?’

‘Oh I don’t know, dear. I was worried about meeting Cora which is only natural, after all.’

He cuddled up to his wife. ‘She’s a lovely girl and they are really happy together, so relax.’

‘I’m a bit disappointed about their wedding plans, if I’m honest.’

‘Now listen to me, Mary, it’s their wedding and I think it sounds delightful. You know I can’t abide big weddings full of people you don’t see except at weddings and funerals. It’ll be just fine.’

She said no more but two days later, when her guests had gone and she was having coffee with a close friend of hers, she once again spoke of her disappointment.

‘Cora’s friend Belle Newman is giving the reception in her B&B as Cora hasn’t a family. Not quite what I had in mind.’

‘Times are different now, Mary,’ said her friend. ‘Before the war, there were no restrictions, today there are so many for the young to cope with. It’ll be fine, you’ll see.’

In Shanklin, Belle and Tom had decorated the house within an inch of its life as Belle loved to celebrate the festival and they had invited two couples to join them for Christmas day. They’d started with champagne and nibbles then sat down to enjoy one of Tom’s turkeys with stuffing and vegetables. Belle had put chestnuts in with the sprouts and added carrots and peas, plus a Christmas pudding for dessert. They were all stuffed after the meal and put the plates to soak in the kitchen, before moving to the living room to recover with coffee and a glass of brandy.

‘My goodness, Belle,’ said one man, ‘you certainly can cook, no wonder you’re booked up. I’ve a mind to book in for a week myself!’

‘And I’ll come with you,’ said his wife. ‘It would be a joy not to have to cook for you for a week.’

On Boxing Day, Belle set out a cold buffet and she said, ‘I flatly refuse to cook two days on the trot, so help yourselves or go without!’

In the evening, they sat playing cards until it was time for bed.

Tom took her into his arms and kissed her. ‘Thank you for a lovely Christmas, darling. I so enjoyed it as did the others.’

‘Me too,’ she said. ‘I just love to look after people.’

‘Well, I’ve no complaints,’ he said and held her closer.

She chuckled softly. ‘I know what you’re after, Tom Harrison.’

‘And what could that possibly be?’ he asked as he buried his head in her ample bosom.

Cora had gone to London to see her old manageress at the clothes shop where she’d worked. She’d called Linda telling her of her impending wedding, inviting her to come over for the ceremony and added the fact that she needed a wedding dress. ‘Can you help me?’ she’d asked. Linda was overjoyed at her news and said indeed it would be her pleasure and they’d arranged an appointment.

As Cora stood outside the shop and looked in the window, she recalled the thrill of her first job here after leaving the streets of Southampton and her old employment. It had been the start of the life she’d strived and suffered for and, of course, it was in London she’d first met Simon. For a fleeting moment she wondered what had happened to Joe Keating, was he still collecting waifs and strays?

She entered the shop and Linda greeted her warmly. ‘Cora! How well you look, it’s so good to see you. Come through to my office and we’ll have a cup of tea and a quick catch up and then we’ll look at some dresses.’

Cora told her all about Belle and their business and of Simon.

Linda grinned broadly. ‘I remember teasing you about his Black Maria. I’m so pleased it worked out in the end. Now I have some good news for you. I’ve managed to find a couple of dresses. They’re not new but worn only once. You know how difficult it is these days but they are your size and I’m sure you’ll like them. Come with me.’

In one of the cubicles, Cora saw two exquisite wedding gowns hanging and caught her breath. ‘Oh, Linda, these are haute couture.’

‘I know, both by Norman Hartnell.’

‘I couldn’t possibly afford either of these!’

‘I want you to try them on and, if you like one of them I’d like it to be my wedding present to you.’

With eyes wide with surprise, Cora looked at her old boss. ‘I couldn’t possibly …’

Linda interrupted her. ‘Please, Cora, I want to do this for you, it would give me so much pleasure. Come on, try this one first.’

It was beautiful and fitted perfectly, but they both agreed the second one was better. It was fitted, plain, high-necked with small pintucks down the bodice, plain sleeves and a full skirt with a small train. The simplicity of it showed the skill of the cutter and the style of the designer. It looked what it was: a piece of art.

Linda left the cubicle and returned with a small tiara and veil. She placed it on Cora’s head. ‘You know they say that a bride in her regalia always looks beautiful and that certainly is the case. Just look at your reflection in the mirror.’

Cora looked. Who was that girl? She felt like a film star.

‘Oh, is that really me?’

‘Indeed it is. You make a stunning bride. Now I’ve found a pair of plain matching satin shoes, so put them on.’

They fitted. Cora laughed as she said, ‘Cinderella, you shall go to the ball!’ And twirled round, arms out, veil flying out behind her.

‘Oh Linda, will it all disappear at midnight?’

‘Absolutely not! Now take it off and I’ll pack it up for you.’

As she watched Linda pack the dress in tissue paper and a box, she asked, ‘Do you still see anything of Joe Keating?’

‘No,’ Linda said. ‘I don’t know what happened to him. His wife doesn’t come here any more either.’

‘Maybe she eventually put her foot down about his philandering.’

Cora arrived home late that evening having managed to catch the last ferry and could hardly wait to show Belle her wedding dress. They unpacked it and hung it on a hanger.

Belle was speechless. ‘Bloody hell, Cora, Hartnell is the Queen’s dressmaker!’

‘I know. Wait until Simon’s mother sees me in this, it will take the wind out of her sails. She thinks my wedding is very underwhelming, this will show her!’

‘I’m only sorry I won’t be serving caviar.’ They both doubled up laughing.

The wedding day arrived. Simon, his parents and their few guests had arrived the night before and had been booked into a nearby hotel. Belle and Cora had been baking and cooking for a few days, freezing some of the food to be defrosted and warmed on the day of the wedding. The tables in the dining room were laid with pristine cloths,
small floral decorations in the centre, and then there was a two-tiered wedding cake that Tom had procured, on a side table. He refused to tell them how he’d managed that in these days of rationing. All he said was, ‘It’s not what you know, but who you know!’

The church was beautifully decorated with flowers, an organist was at the ready and the bell ringers. Several of the locals had planned to watch at the church gates as they all loved a wedding.

The hairdresser had come to the house early that morning to see to Belle and Cora and it was time to get dressed. Belle helped Cora into her gown and headdress before slipping into her own outfit, a dusty pink lace dress she’d had packed away for years but had taken out to the cleaners, worn with a new hat and matching shoes and bag.

The two women stood side by side in front of a long mirror and looked at each other’s reflection and smiled.

‘Bugger me!’ Belle exclaimed. ‘Would you ever believe it?’

At that moment Tom arrived. The front door was opened by one of the waitresses Belle had hired to serve the food.

‘Anyone at home?’ he called.

‘Up here, Tom!’

He walked into the bedroom and stared at both the women who were facing the door waiting for his reaction. He stood open-mouthed for a moment. Then he smiled.

‘My goodness me, I’m with a couple of film stars. Belle, you look wonderful, very classy. But you, my dear Cora, are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, I swear. What a stunning gown. Come here.’

He held her carefully and kissed her cheek. ‘I’m going to feel like a king walking you down the aisle.’

Belle poured them all a glass of champagne. ‘Here’s to the future,’ she said and they drank.

In the hotel, Mary Pritchard was getting dressed, fussing about, muttering about a reception held in a B&B, getting more irritable by the minute until Arthur shut her up.

‘Enough!’ he cried. ‘I’ve lived with you all these years and didn’t realise just how much of a snob you are.’

His wife looked startled. ‘What do you mean?’

‘If a mere B&B isn’t good enough to hold a reception in your eyes, I suggest you stay in the hotel and we’ll go without you.’

‘But this is my son’s wedding!’

‘
Our
son and just you remember that it is
Simon’s
wedding day and not yours. You will behave and if you dare show any sign of resentment or disrespect for the woman who’s giving the reception, we will leave! Do I make myself clear?’

It had been many years since Mary had seen her husband so angry and she knew she’d overstepped the mark.

‘Yes, very clear.’

‘Then put on your hat and gloves and let’s go; the car’s waiting.’

The organist was playing quietly as the guests arrived, one side for the groom, the other for the bride. On Cora’s side there were only a few people. A few friends she’d made, Linda Franklin and a partner and Belle in the family pew.

Simon was at the front waiting, fiddling with his watch strap, next to his best man, hoping that his bride wouldn’t be late as he was already a nervous wreck. His parents in
the family pew on the opposite side of Belle and Mary were trying hard to look happy.

The bride arrived only a few minutes late. The organist started to play the bridal march and the congregation stood.

At the door, Tom squeezed Cora’s hand. ‘Ready, love?’

She nodded. ‘Ready.’

‘Then smile, darling, you’re going to your wedding, not your bloody funeral!’

That made her laugh and she relaxed.

They walked slowly down the aisle and Cora saw Simon turn, look at her and smile. She looked at him all the time until she reached the altar, so she didn’t see the look of surprise on her mother-in-law’s face as she saw the striking gown, but Belle did and she hid a smile.

When the ceremony was over, the wedding party gathered outside the church to have their photographs taken. They moved to the lawn and stood beneath trees for more and eventually the wedding carriage drove the couple to the reception.

Belle had slipped away to be there when they arrived, overseeing everything. Champagne was on ice, canapés ready and waitresses stood with trays as the few guests walked in.

To her great surprise, Cora saw caviar on toast on one tray. Belle saw her expression and catching her eye, she winked.

Simon introduced his bride to some of his relations, then took her into a quiet corner, pulled her close and kissed her. ‘Darling, you look stunning, I’m such a lucky man.’

‘Yes, you are and don’t you forget it!’ she teased. Then she saw her mother-in-law approaching.

Mary kissed her cheek. ‘Wonderful dress, my dear. Where did you buy it?’

‘In London, I have a friend who deals in haute couture,’ she said smiling, trying not to feel just a little triumphant at her coup.

Eventually they sat down to the wedding breakfast: salmon and hollandaise sauce, followed by roast chicken with all the trimmings and fresh vegetables and crème brûlée for dessert.

Tom whispered into Belle’s ear. ‘You are a magician to have seen to all this. The dining room looks splendid, as good as any high-class hotel and the food is delicious. Well done!’

She smiled her thanks at him. ‘I did it for Cora,’ she said.

After the meal, the best man made an amusing speech about the groom and how he’d made the best arrest of his life when choosing his bride. Simon gave his speech, thanking the guests for coming, thanking Belle for providing the wedding breakfast and, turning to look at Cora, he added, ‘I look at this beautiful lady and wonder just how I managed to persuade her to spend the rest of her life with me. I intend to make sure she never ever regrets her decision.’

As the day ended, the wedding guests departed. Simon and Cora were to spend the night at Belle’s, catching a ferry the following morning, then taking the train to Devon for their honeymoon. The four of them, Simon, Cora, Tom and Belle sat drinking champagne when at last they were alone.

‘I can’t thank you enough, Belle,’ Simon said. ‘Today was just perfect. It was small and intimate, just as a wedding should be and I’ll always be in your debt.’

‘What rubbish!’ she exclaimed. ‘I loved doing it. Now Tom and I will clear these glasses, everything is done in the kitchen, so I suggest you two go to bed, you’ve a long train journey ahead of you.’

Cora hugged her friend. ‘Thanks, Belle, it was all that I ever wanted, thanks to you.’ Tom helped her wash the glasses and they sat in the kitchen for a moment, talking about the day.

Belle was laughing. ‘Well, Mrs Pritchard senior certainly got a surprise today,’ she said. ‘I know she wasn’t impressed that her son’s wedding reception was to be in a B & B, I’m not a fool, but you should have seen her face when she was offered caviar!’

‘Yes, I was so lucky to be able to get that, a friend of mine had jars put away for a special occasion and he was kind enough to sell me a few.’

‘It must have cost you, Tom.’

‘It’s only money, love, and Cora was worth it after what she’s been through. She’ll be fine with Simon – that boy’s a diamond and he’ll take good care of her.’ He drew Belle into his arms. ‘Did today change your mind about marriage?’

She looked puzzled. ‘I’m all for marriage, Tom, just not for me. Come on, let’s go to bed. I’m tired, it’s been a long day.’

He knew further conversation on the subject would be useless so he followed her up the stairs.