Beyond the Shadow of War (30 page)

32

“Shh! Gigi, you’re worse than a little child,” Kate said, tapping the foot of the cradle to set it gently rocking. “Keep it down, will you?”

Jocelyn stirred but never opened her eyes.

“See? Nothing to worry about.”

Gigi danced around the room as she distributed the gifts, including a couple for Phillip, and the parcels that just arrived from America. “I can’t wait to see what Paul sent me!”

Sybil suggested they take turns opening their gifts so they could all enjoy each other’s surprises. “As for me, I’m saving the best for last.” She clutched the small package from Jack.

“Not me!” Gigi tried to open the box from Paul, but couldn’t. “Phillip, you wouldn’t have one of those pocketknives you Yanks love so much, would you?”

He stood, plunging his hand in his trouser pocket. “Here you go. Don’t cut yourself.”

“Not a chance.” She ran the knife carefully along the taped edge and pried it open. Inside were several wrapped boxes of different shapes and sizes. “How sweet is my husband? Look at all these!”

“Just open one for now, so the rest of us have a chance to open ours,” Kate said.

“What, and spoil all my fun? Oh well, fine. Let’s see what might be in this little box.” A moment later, she stretch a lacy pink lace garter between her fingers. “Oh Paul, you naughty, naughty boy!”

Phillip uttered a fake groan. “Somehow I doubt I’ll find one of those here for me.”

“You never know,” Sybil teased.

They continued opening their gifts with smiles and laughter bubbling with Christmas cheer. The girls unwrapped an assortment of scarves and jewelry, perfume, and hosiery from their husbands, and thoughtful keepsakes from their husbands’ families. From her in-laws, Kate received a pale pink dress for Jocelyn. Its delicate smocking and tiny hand-embroidered roses elicited a sweet round of oohs and aahs from all of them. They all agreed Joss should wear it the day they arrived in America.

The girls had chipped in to buy Phillip several tins of biscuits and some proper English tea, along with a handsome teacup boasting the Union Jack.

In return, Phillip gave them tins of chocolate, bags of pear drop candies, and handkerchiefs embroidered with both the Union Jack and the American Stars and Stripes. Anya was delighted that hers also included the flag of The Netherlands.

“Phillip, where did you find one with a Dutch flag on it?”

“I didn’t. I had them made for you. For all of you.”

“It’s just …”

“Perfect, Phillip,” Sybil added. “They’re absolutely perfect. What thoughtful gifts.”

“I figured this was quite a momentous Christmas for you, and what better way to remember the occasion?”

When Anya opened her final gift, she found a miniature jewelry box from Danny. Inside, she found another charm for her bracelet, this one an American flag. She quickly feigned a smile and teased about the recurring flag theme of their gifts and held it up for them to see. Tonight was not the time to once again open a door to her loss and grief. She carefully detached herself from the night she lost her bracelet. She would tell her friends someday. And someday she would find the courage to tell Danny. Someday.

Only one more gift remained. Sybil’s box from Jack. “Isn’t it fun to think we’ll all be in America next Christmas?” She tore open the brown paper.

“We’re counting on you, Phillip,” Kate added. “If we’re all still here next year, we’ll want all our gifts back. Just so you know.”

He hung his head in mock frustration. “And don’t I know it.”

Sybil opened the box and froze.

“Syb, what is it?” Kate asked.

She didn’t answer, but lifted a leather wallet from the box.

“Good heavens, why would Jack send you a man’s wallet?” Gigi asked.

“Wait, it looks just like the one you sent Jack, doesn’t it?” Kate asked.

“That’s because it is,” Sybil whispered. She set it aside and reached for something else in the box.

“I don’t understand,” Anya said. “Why would‌—‌”

“And aren’t those the handkerchiefs you bought him at the shop around the corner?” Kate asked, her voice quieting to little more than a whisper. “Syb, what’s going on?”

Anya felt a slow rising panic as she watched Sybil’s face go ashen. She moved to kneel before her. “Is there a note?”

Sybil’s stare at Anya was blank, as if she’d somehow drifted away.

“Sybil?” Anya pressed, reaching for her hand. “Are you all right?”

She blinked, her eyes moist as she gazed back into the box and lifted an envelope from it. She stared at it a moment, then handed it to Anya. “You read it.”

“No, Syb, I don’t think I should–”

She closed her eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek. “Just read it, Anya.”

Anya’s hands trembled as she opened the envelope and quickly scanned the contents. Her heart ached at the words she’d feared she might find there. She closed it and turned to Kate, then Gigi, then Phillip.

Gigi waved her hand in Anya’s direction. “Anya, just read it, will you?”

She turned back to Sybil who took a long, unsteady breath, then placed a hand over hers. “If it’s bad news, I’d rather have it here and now with all of you than alone in my room. Please, Anya.”

“If you’re sure?” Anya looked around at the others, wishing for help.

“I am.”

“Dear Sybil,

I’m sorry to send this to you at Christmas, but it’s important that you know before getting on one of those war bride ships. When I returned home, I met someone. Actually, I’ve known her for years. We grew up together in Long Island. Rita wrote me often during all the years I served in the war. I suppose I never thought of her as anything but a good friend. Until I got home, that is. She was waiting with my family when I got off the subway, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. I know I should have told you sooner, and for that I am truly sorry
‌—‌
”

“Stop, Anya,” Kate insisted, her voice hushed and sad. “I think we’ve heard enough.”

Sybil shook her head, her eyes filled with dread. “No. I need to hear the rest of it. Just read it, Anya. Please.”

Anya looked at Phillip whose jaw was clenched as he shook his head slowly, then back at Sybil. She watched her, wishing this awful moment wasn’t happening. Sybil motioned for her to continue.

“I told Rita from the start that I was married. Told her all about you and showed her the picture taken right after we were married. But as time passed those first few weeks I was home, I couldn’t deny my feelings for her. We have so many memories from our childhood. And Sybil, God forgive me, but I knew in my heart it was right between us. Then a couple of weeks ago, she found out she was pregnant
‌—‌
”

“No more‌—‌” Sybil gasped for breath as she tried to stand. “I need air. Please‌—‌”

She tried to step over Anya’s feet, but her feet got tangled causing her to fall face-first into the Christmas tree‌—‌

It all happened so fast, all of them jumping up. The tree was already burning as Phillip reached for Sybil. “Put out these candles!” he shouted as he lifted Sybil in his arms and rushed her out of the room. “Get Jocelyn away from the tree!”

They sprang into action. Kate whisked Joss out of the cradle then kicked it away from the tree as Gigi tried to blow all the candles out. Anya pulled all the wrapping paper and boxes away from the tree, then tried to help Gigi. The tree blazed in a matter of seconds.

“Anya, run next door and tell Mr. Grafton to call the fire department!”

She collided with Phillip. “Anya, go stay with Sybil!”

“But I have to go next door and‌—‌”

“I’ll send Gigi, now GO!”

As she turned, she glanced over her shoulder, stunned to see the entire tree already engulfed, its flames licking the ceiling.

“ANYA, GO!”

Jocelyn’s startled cries matched the panic beating in Anya’s heart as she rushed down the hall. Kate and Anya hurried to Sybil’s bedside.

“Sybil, can you hear me?” Kate cried.

She groaned and thrashed about, pulling her hand from a bloody gash across her forehead. Anya took hold of her hand, hoping to calm her. Instead, Sybil screamed out, pulling her arm back in obvious pain.

“I’m sorry! Is it your wrist? Your arm?”

Sybil didn’t answer, but held her hand up, fingers splayed, signaling Anya not to touch her.

“Oh Sybil, what hurts? Tell us!”

Sybil’s eyes flashed open as her face contorted. She gasped as she clutched her belly. She tried to speak, then sat up halfway before turning her head aside and vomiting.

Anya grabbed a folded quilt off the bed and placed it beneath Sybil’s chin. “Just take it easy, Sybil. We’re here for you. Just try to relax.”

Even over Jocelyn’s wailing, they could hear sirens grow louder then come to an abrupt stop. A rush of panicked voices filled the hallway. Anya looked back, frightened at Sybil’s ashen face.

“Sybil? Sybil, can you hear me?” She patted her cheeks. “SYBIL!”

Suddenly, Phillip was at her side. “We have to get out! I’ll get Sybil‌—‌”

“I think she might have stopped breathing!” Anya cried. “Shouldn’t we do something?”

“Kate, get Jocelyn out of here NOW. Anya, go! WE HAVE TO GET OUT!”

In one motion, Sybil was back in Phillip’s arms as he rushed toward the back door. Anya was right behind Kate, who held Joss pressed tight against her shoulder.

Frantic voices and breaking glass filled the house.

“OUT! GET EVERYONE OUT!”

“But I have to go back! I have to get my gifts!” Gigi shouted.

As Anya rounded the corner, a fireman threw Gigi over his shoulder in one smooth move.

She pounded on his back. “PUT ME DOWN! I HAVE TO GET MY PRESENTS! PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT!”

Seconds later, Anya joined the others in the street out front. Gigi continued berating the fireman who’d finally set her down. Phillip helped the medics place Sybil on a stretcher then watched as they lifted her into the ambulance.

“I’m going with you!” he shouted.

The medic held up his hand “No, sir! We can’t let you do that. You can follow us to St. Thomas’s.”

Anya joined Phillip, watching as they attended to Sybil.

“You need to know that she’s pregnant!” Phillip shouted.

The medic was about to close the doors. “Yes, sir, I can see that.”

“Wait!” Phillip shouted. “You don’t understand! She’s due in just a couple of months, and she just took a serious fall‌—‌”

“Yes, sir. Thank you. We’ll take care of her.” The doors slammed in his face just as the ambulance took off.

Phillip turned to Anya. “Did everyone get out? Kate? The baby? Gigi?”

“Yes, we’re all here.”

“Thank God.” Phillip leaned over, clutching his hands on his knees, then turned to look up at her. “Are you all right?”

“Yes. Are you?”

He nodded. “I think so. I’m just glad everyone got out alive.”

As she turned to face the house, smoke still billowing out the front windows, Anya felt her knees go weak. Phillip caught her, wrapping his arm around her waist.

“Take it easy. We’re all safe, and that’s what matters most.”

Something niggled at Anya’s heart. Something she’d missed. Something important. She shook her head, trying to gather her senses. Something wasn’t right.

But what?

33

Two hours later, Anya remembered.

They’d huddled in a corner of the busy waiting area nearest the emergency room. Joss had finally cried herself to sleep in Kate’s arms. Phillip insisted on staying with them, pacing in the cramped quarters while the girls sat anxiously awaiting news of Sybil’s condition. At a few minutes after midnight, a doctor approached them. They stood in unison.

“Family of Sybil Townsend?”

“Yes. Well, no, not actually family,” Kate stammered. “We’re her friends. Flatmates.”

“No family?”

“None here,” Phillip said. “How is she, Doctor?”

“She’s sedated now. A few broken ribs, some cuts and abrasions. She’ll be quite bruised for the next couple of weeks, but otherwise I expect she’ll recover.”

“So she’s all right?” Anya asked.

“Yes, and from what I understand, you’re all lucky to be alive.”

“What about her baby?”

Anya knew the second she saw the doctor’s jaw clench. “I’m sorry to say she lost her baby.”

Kate gulped a sob. “No, no, please. Don’t let it …”

Phillip reached for Joss, lifting her from Kate’s arms. She dropped her face in her hands as Anya and Gigi came to her side.

“Poor Sybil,” Gigi muttered. “It was just too much. Too much.”

“It’s not fair.” Kate dashed away her tears. “She was so excited about going to America and having her baby there.”

The doctor patted Phillip on the shoulder. “As I said, I’m very sorry. We’ll keep Mrs. Townsend for a few nights, maybe more. The nurse will let you know when she’s moved to a room upstairs.”

He patted Phillip’s back once more, then left.

Blood on Sybil’s bed. Lots of blood.

That’s what Anya hadn’t remembered! The scene replayed in her mind. In the rush to get out of the house, Phillip had lifted Sybil as if she were light as a feather and not seven months pregnant. And in that moment, Anya had glanced back at the bed for a split second and noticed a crimson stain where Sybil had lain.

She tried to swallow past the knot in her throat. She braced her hand against the wall, then sat down in the nearest empty chair.

Kate fell into the chair beside her. “Oh Anya, please tell me this is all just a bad dream.” She leaned her head on Anya’s shoulder. “This can’t be happening.”

She couldn’t speak. She watched as Phillip walked the crowded room with Joss sound asleep against his shoulder, giving them a moment of privacy. She glanced over at Gigi, who’d begged a cigarette off someone in the waiting room. She stopped briefly to say something to Phillip, then kissed Jocelyn’s head and left.

Just as well.

As Anya watched her leave, an unbidden thought crossed her mind. It occurred to her that Gigi’s infidelities were no different from Jack’s. And none of this would have happened if Jack had stayed true to Sybil. No returned wallet and handkerchiefs. No farewell letter. No word of his pregnant girlfriend. A girlfriend who probably looked and acted like Gigi Williams; at least in Anya’s mind. With Gigi gone now, she dismissed the troubling thought and leaned her head against Kate’s.

“You’re right. It
isn’t
fair. None of it is fair. I’ve only known Sybil for a few months, but I’ve been so grateful for her friendship and the home we share with you and Gigi. With the war over, I suppose we’ve all been learning to hope again and dream about our lives in America. And now this.”

“And now this.” Kate sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes. “What will happen to Sybil? She has no family, and we’ll all be leaving soon. I can’t bear the thought of leaving her behind and all alone. Think what that would feel like, watching all of us board a ship bound for America and knowing she can’t come too?”

“I don’t know. I suppose we’ll sort it all out. But for now, we need to stay as close to her as we can in the time we have left. We’ll have to find a place to stay, won’t we?”

“At least for now. I don’t think the fire spread much beyond the drawing room, but I can’t imagine living there until it’s all cleaned up.”

“But where will we stay?” Anya asked.

“I was just thinking about that.” Phillip took a seat next to Kate, with little Joss still sound asleep on his shoulder. “I think I might have just the place.”

Kate gently cupped her hand over Joss’s soft curls. “Where?”

“My CO is out of the country, as you know. He has a suite of rooms at the Savoy, and obviously won’t be needing them for the next couple of weeks.”

“Are you sure he’d be all right with us staying there?” Anya asked.

“I’ll ask, of course, but not for a few days. He’s home to bury his father, and there’s no reason to disturb him just yet. In the meantime, I’ll talk to the Savoy’s manager and sort it out.”

Kate looked at Anya. “What do you think?”

“I think we have no choice.”

They left a message with the nurse in the emergency room, giving her the Savoy’s telephone number, should they need to reach them. They found Gigi outside smoking, shivering in the bitter cold night air. Moments later, they were in Phillip’s auto and on their way to the Savoy.

The opulent hotel, situated on the north bank of the Thames, had a long history of lavish hospitality for those whose pockets ran deep. During the war, many of the wealthiest Londoners lived here after their personal servants left to work more profitable jobs in the wartime factories. Here, they were pampered by chefs unfettered by rationing, and barely inconvenienced by the pesky bombing since the most luxurious of all air raid shelters in London was just below them. The Savoy’s refuge attracted the rich, the powerful, the famous … and the Americans.

Anya was shocked by the lavish suite of rooms with its view overlooking the Waterloo Bridge. To think that American leaders had lived in such comfort during the war while the rest of them barely scraped by. Still, she was grateful they had a place to stay. Gigi wasted no time, pouring herself a drink from the CO’s bar cabinet while Anya and Kate checked out the other bedroom. Kate grabbed the blanket off the bed and used it to line an empty dresser drawer for Joss until a crib was brought up. She gently placed the sleeping baby in the drawer, then left the door ajar before they joined the others.

Phillip stood. “I’m just down the hall in room 235, though I assure you my room is nothing like this. I’m going back over to your flat to make sure Mr. Grafton keeps an eye on it until daylight.”

“Do you need us to come with you?” Anya asked.

“Not me, I’m knackered.” Gigi fell onto the long sofa and propped her feet on the coffee table, careful not to spill her drink. “You can go, Anya.”

“There’s no need,” Phillip said. “I won’t be long. Oh, and I’ll stop by the desk downstairs and alert them to ring you should someone from the hospital call.”

“Phillip, how can we ever thank you for taking such good care of us?” Kate tried to stifle a yawn. “I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

“It’s my pleasure. You all get some rest. I’ll stop by first thing in the morning.”

At half past eight the next morning, Phillip knocked on their door. He gave them time to freshen up and said he’d see them downstairs for breakfast in the hotel dining room. After they arrived and placed their orders, he told them he’d gone by the hospital to see Sybil.

Kate adjusted Joss on her lap. “How is she?”

“Despondent. The nurse told me she was still somewhat sedated, so I didn’t stay but a few minutes.”

Gigi set her teacup back on its saucer. “Does she know about the baby?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so. She started to say something then broke down, so I just sat with her a while and let her cry.”

“She must be devastated,” Kate said. “It’s not just the loss of her child, but the horrible news from Jack.”

“It would have been easier if he’d died in the war.” Anya stiffened when she realized she’d spoken her thoughts out loud.

“You’re right,” Kate said. “Death is much easier to accept than outright rejection. Especially the way it all happened.”

“I know, but I shouldn’t have said it.”

“You only said what the rest of us were thinking,” Phillip added.

“Did they say when they’ll release her?” Gigi asked, waving for their waiter’s attention.

“The doctor wants to keep her for at least another night.”

“How did the house look?” Kate asked.

“There’s a lot more damage than I expected, to be honest. It’s mostly smoke and water damage, which means the place will smell pretty bad for quite some time. Mr. Grafton plans to hire a crew to clean it up and salvage what they can, but with the holidays, it might be a while before they begin. I told him you all are welcome to stay here until it’s ready.”

“Phillip, we couldn’t possibly stay here that long,” Kate said.

“Are you daft?” Gigi balked. “This is the lap of luxury compared to that smelly old flat. So yes, Phillip, we’ll stay as long as we can. In fact, when your boss comes back, he can just bunk down the hall with you.” She tossed him a wink and flashed him her brightest smile.

Anya shook her head, too tired to argue. The waiter returned to refill their drinks. He assured them their food would be out straight away.

“I have to ask,” Phillip began, “and I apologize because it’s an awkward question any way you look at it. Do you think it will be difficult for Sybil to stay here in the same suite with you?” He nodded at Joss who was still sound asleep.

“Oh,” Anya said. “I see your point.”

“Maybe Joss and I should stay somewhere else.” Kate cupped her hand over the baby’s curls. “I could probably get a private room set up at the Rainbow‌—‌the Rainbow!” She stood abruptly waking Joss. “I completely forgot! I’m on the schedule to work this morning!”

Phillip stood with his hand raised. “No, you aren’t. I stopped by there after I visited Sybil and let them know you and Anya would need a few days off. Your manager understood completely. He was sorry to hear about the fire. I didn’t think it was my place to tell him about Sybil, so I’ll leave that up to you. But he sure thinks the world of you girls for all your help, especially these last few months.”

“Oh, thank you, Phillip,” Kate said, settling back on her chair. “That’s such a relief. How thoughtful of you to think ahead like that. Burt is a treasure, isn’t he? He treats us all like daughters.”

Their food was served, and they ate with little conversation. When Phillip finished ahead of them, he insisted on holding Joss so Kate could finish eating.

“Careful, Phillip,” Gigi warned.

“About what?”

“Kate might get used to having you around as her personal nursemaid. Best not to spoil her.”

Anya shook her head as she smeared jam on her toast.

“Good heavens,” Gigi scoffed. “As if I’m the only one who thinks a man who’s good with babies is a splendid catch?”

Phillip laughed it off. “You think I’m good with babies? Just wait until Joss fills her diaper‌—‌or
nappy
as you call it‌—‌and see how fast I’m out of here.”

Gigi chuckled with Anya and Kate, then folded her arms across her chest. “You’re forgetting you told us you were the oldest in a family with six kids. I’m sure you’ve changed your share of soiled nappies.”

“Might we change the subject?” Kate chimed in. “I’m still eating, thank you. But back to your question, Phillip. I think you’re right. I’ll ask Burt if Joss and I can stay there at the Rainbow for a while.”

“No, I didn’t mean you should leave the hotel,” he said. “I was just suggesting we put you in another room. The hotel will have more rooms available now that Christmas is over, so there shouldn’t be a problem.”

“How much are the rooms here?” Gigi asked as she pushed her plate aside. “A fellow told me a while back the rates here are ridiculous. Unless you’re an American officer, of course.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean to imply you’d have to pay for another room,” he said to Kate. “I’ve already got that covered.”

“But I couldn’t let you,” she argued. “You don’t have to do that.”

“You’re exactly right. I don’t have to, but I’d like to. It’s the least I can do for you all.”

“There.” Gigi patted Phillip’s forearm then stood. “All settled.”