Lily of Love Lane (39 page)

Lily knew Mrs Brewer still had something to say as she hovered by the Christmas tree. ‘You’ll be pleased to see your family, won’t you, ducks? I reckon you’ve got
yourself a nice young man tucked away somewhere!’

Lily tried to hide her blush as she thought of Charles.

Mrs Brewer dug her playfully in the ribs. ‘I thought so. But just you be careful, my dear. I expect you know all about the birds and the bees, but take my advice and keep him at
arm’s length till you’re married. You are a very sensitive young woman. You ain’t experienced like some women are today, like that Mrs Simpson for instance, trying to steal our
king.’

Lily stopped what she was doing. The royal affair was something she felt deeply about. She didn’t understand why there was such a fuss about two people who obviously adored one another.
She had studied the photographs of Mrs Simpson, an American divorcee who was elegant and beautiful and stood up for her man. Everyone knew that to marry her, the king would have to relinquish the
throne. But if two people were meant to be together, even a crown couldn’t come between them.

‘I think it’s sad,’ replied Lily fervently, ‘that they aren’t allowed to do what they want. After all, it’s not a crime to fall in love!’

Mrs Brewer looked shocked. ‘But he’s our king, love, and she’s just a commoner and an American at that!’

‘What difference does that make?’ Lily was becoming cross at the older woman’s bigoted outlook. ‘I believe love conquers all.’

Mrs Brewer patted her arm as though she was a child. ‘Just you be glad you’re not in their position and have got a nice ordinary young man to stand by you.’

Lily wanted to say that when two people were really and truly in love they could overcome anything, just like she had with Charles.

When Mrs Brewer finally left, Lily sat down on the stool, feeling upset. How could someone be so narrow-minded? It was love after all! What would Mrs Brewer say when she knew the truth about her
and Charles?

Lily gazed up at the beautiful tree. It wasn’t important what other people thought. She was happy. She had a beautiful house to live in and the man she loved. It was only a matter of time
before he made her his wife. She allowed her mind to wander, picturing the moment when he proposed. He would go down on one knee and her eyes would fill with tears. She would fling her arms around
him and cry, ‘Yes, I will be your wife.’

Lily was still lost in her dreams when the big clock in the back parlour struck five. She jumped up. Hurriedly tying the rest of the decorations on the tree, she dragged her mind back to the
arrival of the guests.

It was December the eleventh and Lily was listening to the radio. With a heavy heart she heard the king’s words. ‘At long last, I am able to say a few words of my
own . . . a few hours ago I discharged my last duty as king and emperor. You all know the reasons which have impelled me to renounce the throne . . .’

Lily felt sad for the man who had been forced to come to such an agonizing decision. She understood how much in love he was with Mrs Simpson. But at least now the decision was taken, they
wouldn’t have to live a lie. Lily knew that when she could tell everyone that she and Charles were together she would be the happiest woman in the world. Even happier than Mrs Simpson!

That night Lily lay in bed, waiting for Charles. Although he didn’t always come to her bed, every lonely minute was forgotten when he did. She had begun to realize that there were many
different ways of lovemaking. When his ardour overcame him and he was rough, he was always remorseful. Lily knew that she was only just learning how to please him.

She jumped as she heard a noise. Was it Charles? She got up and pulled on her robe. Going out to the landing, she saw a light below. Peering down into the well of the hall she saw the top of
Charles’ head by the Christmas tree. Beside him was another figure. With a shock, Lily recognized Mrs Covas’ elegant coiffeur.

An hour later, Lily was lying in bed with her eyes wide open. Mrs Covas had gone into the drawing room. What could they be talking about? Why had she called so late?

Lily waited and waited for Charles to come to her. But in the morning, she woke alone.

Charles was already up when Lily went downstairs. ‘Oh, there you are, my dear.’

She wanted to ask about Mrs Covas, but was worried Charles would think she had been spying on them.

He kissed her cheek. ‘You look a little pale this morning.’

It was true, Lily didn’t feel quite herself. But she thought she knew the reason why.

‘You must look after yourself whilst I’m away.’

She looked up at him. ‘You’re going away?’

He took her arm and steered her gently to the chair. ‘Sit down, Lily, I must talk to you. This is all rather unexpected.’

Was he going to tell her about Mrs Covas? What had happened in the night?

‘Some friends have asked me to spend Christmas with them,’ he began to explain. ‘I know you’ll understand when I tell you that complying with their wishes is very
important.’

Lily’s heart sank. Was he going to Mrs Covas’ house in the country?

‘When will you be back?’ she asked anxiously.

‘Sometime after Christmas. But you mustn’t worry yourself about that. I want you to have a wonderful Christmas with your family. So, here is a special present. You’ve worked
hard on my behalf this year and most certainly deserve it!’

Lily looked at the thick envelope in her hands. ‘You don’t have to give me this. I don’t want it.’ She wanted to tell him that she didn’t want to go home. This was
her home! All she had dreamed of was being in this house and looking after him.

‘It’s my pleasure, Lily. You can buy some nice things for your family.’

‘But I—’

‘And when I return,’ he interrupted firmly, ‘we shall have our own celebration. I was looking forward to spending time with you, my dear, but this visit is critical to me. I
must speak to people who are very important to my cause. And you, above all people, know that I must put my duty before my personal life.’

He was gently reminding her of the importance of his career. For a while she had forgotten this as she became overwhelmed by her own desires. Suddenly she felt very contrite. When she was Mrs
Grey, there would plenty of time to spend with her beloved husband, but even with this thought Lily found it hard to hide her disappointment.

‘My darling, don’t be upset.’ He took her in his arms. ‘We’ll be together soon, I promise.’

Her heart beat faster at these words. Did he mean really together, as man and wife?

‘I suggest at the end of next week, you go home to your family. I’ve left Mrs Brewer’s wages on my desk and if you will just see that the house is closed up?’

She nodded. ‘Yes, of course.’

He kissed her tenderly. ‘I’m so fortunate that I can leave everything to you. Now, although I have everything I need for my trip, a few well-ironed shirts would be most
useful.’

In the kitchen Lily took down the shirts from the pulley. She held them against her cheek, smelling Charles. Then she looked at the envelope he had given her. What had she done to deserve the
money? It made her feel cheap, as though she was a prostitute.

Later she took the shirts to his room. When Charles opened the door, he held a book in his hand, but closed it quickly.

‘Thank you, Lily.’

She wanted to throw her arms round him and beg him to stay. But she knew she couldn’t interfere. She must accustom herself to their separations as he was such an important and busy
man.

Once more on her own, Lily let the tears fall. Charles had promised to return to her in the New Year. She should be satisfied, but she wasn’t. She wanted to be with him, to help him in his
work, to show that as his wife, she could support and encourage his career. Perhaps one day she too would go to Mrs Covas’ house, as the new Mrs Grey.

Lily didn’t light the fires that day. There was no one to light them for. The Christmas tree in the hall was a reminder of the Christmas with Charles that she now wouldn’t have.

‘Noah, don’t stay out there for too long; it’s freezing. And mind that latch, it sticks worse than ever.’

‘I know. I know.’

‘I want to set the table tonight, ready for dinner tomorrow. You can help me lay up.’

Noah looked round the warm kitchen, that was piled with dirty pots and pans. He didn’t fancy washing up tonight; it was Christmas Eve after all. But Josie would have him standing at the
sink no doubt, wanting to put everything just so. Now Lil was home for Christmas, she was determined to have everything her own way. Women!

But as he went out into the cold backyard, Noah could understand how she felt. His sister was as happy as he was that their girl was home. She looked a bit peaky to him. No doubt she missed her
gent. But as much as he felt for her, he had to have a word too. Now, how was he going to put it? He opened the closet door and was met with a strong whiff of disinfectant. Josie was nervous of the
mice and rats and a trap was set in the corner. He hung the Tilley lamp on the hook and closed the door. The latch fell down.

‘Bugger,’ he groaned as he pulled down his trousers. ‘That bloody latch. Why don’t someone fix it?’ He remembered the last time it had been seen to, many years ago.
The lad from across the road had attended to it. Noah smiled in reflection as he sat there. The boy had been sweet on Lil even then. What a pity his feelings had never been returned. Ben James was
salt of the earth. At least he had been able to tell the lad of his recent concerns. But there was no proof, only rumour. And as Ben had said, they couldn’t go upsetting Lil on a tall story,
could they?

No, it was better to keep quiet for the present. The boy was going to keep an eye on her. And for that Noah was grateful. The youngsters had all gone down the Quarry tonight. Well, it was
Christmas Eve after all. Maybe Ben would get a bit more out of her than he could. Lily had been home all week, but as much as he’d tried to engage her in conversation about her gent,
she’d kept tight-lipped. Well, perhaps there really was nothing to be alarmed about. However, he’d like to see her without that wistful expression. Put on a bit of weight. And run to a
laugh once in a while, like she used to.

By the time he had pulled up his pants, he was feeling the cold and his head swam a little. His whole body seemed stiff and aching, and his chest felt bruised and heavy.

He tried to lift the latch. Bloody thing. It was still stuck. Mustering all his strength he tried again. Pushing and pulling, the iron was caught fast. Rusted it was, in need of an oil.

He banged on the door. Softly at first, as he knew Josie would give him hell when she let him out. She’d warned him enough times not to use the latch. But it wasn’t his fault. The
thing had dropped down even before he’d had time to go.

He banged harder this time, again and again. His heart raced as he kicked the boards. The lamp wavered and flickered. Suddenly there was darkness.

Noah yelled out. ‘Josie! The bloody lamp’s gone out and I’m freezing to death!’

There was no reply. She was probably banging and crashing with those flaming dishes. Why didn’t Bob get up off his arse and help her? Noah felt a hammer on his chest. Then a pain down his
arm.

Luckily he dropped on the lavatory. For a moment he sat there, waiting for the panic to pass. But then, as he tried to get up, something squeezed his ribs. He felt like his chest was caving in.
Gasping, he reached out again. But it was no use. His strength had gone and he fell back, inhaling a sickly dose of Josie’s disinfectant.

Hattie and Lil were sitting on the hard benches of the Quarry. Lil glanced at Ben who was standing with his brother at the bar. It was a long time since they had all been out
together, but Lily couldn’t refuse. She wanted to speak to Hattie anyway.

‘Your mum and dad and uncle are really pleased to have you home for Christmas,’ Hattie said, breaking into her thoughts. ‘They thought you might not come.’

Lily had been home a week and despite missing Charles had enjoyed herself. ‘Yes, it’s been nice being with everyone and going up the market with you yesterday.’

‘What do you think of the king and Mrs Simpson?’

‘I hope they’ll be very happy.’

‘I thought you’d say that.’

‘Did you? Why?’

‘Because you’re a hopeless romantic.’

‘There’s nothing wrong with romance.’ All week Lily had wanted to tell Hattie of her own romance with Charles. But she hadn’t found the right time. She glanced quickly at
the bar again where Ben and Reube were still talking. Should she say now?

‘Hattie, I’ve got something to tell you.’

Hattie’s brown eyes narrowed. ‘Is it about your long lost love?’

‘It’s not lost any more.’

Hattie sat forward, studying Lily’s glowing expression. ‘Are you going to tell me you’ve slept with Charles?’

Lily nodded.

‘How many times?’

‘I don’t know. I haven’t counted.’

Hattie gasped, then smothered her surprise. ‘Why didn’t you tell me before?’

‘Someone’s always been around.’

Hattie sat quietly. Lily expected a lot of questions, but none were forthcoming. Would Hattie be shocked if she told her the things she had done with Charles. Or was it normal for every woman to
do them? But before she could speak, Hattie shook her head slowly.

‘Lil, I hope you’ve been careful. You don’t want to get pregnant.’

‘I’d like to give Charles a son and heir.’

Hattie looked frozen. ‘Blimey. Lil, what are you saying?’

‘I mean it.’

‘But does he know about this?’

‘No, not in so many words.’

‘Well, you’d better tell him before you start getting any notions.’

‘I’m in love with him, Hat. Not like I was years ago. That was just a crush in comparison to the way I feel now.’

‘But does he love you?’

‘He must do.’ Lily blushed deeply. ‘I feel like his wife in bed.’

‘But Lil, that could just be sex for him.’

Lily flushed again. How could Hattie say that? ‘He wouldn’t do the things he does if he didn’t love me,’ Lily said, hurt.