No Regrets: A Novel of Love and Lies in World War II England (The Thornton Trilogy Book 1) (17 page)

“Soon. We haven’t chosen a date, but it will be here in Thornton-on-Sea. The Whitfield’s would like for it to be at
Meadowlands
, and your parents have offered the chapel at
Highcroft Hall
, but I think we’re going to opt for
St. Martin’s-by-the- Sea
. That’s where I’ve attended church since my arrival in this village. Ted likes it too.”

“And then you’ll be going to America?” Sloan asked.

“Yes. Boston. I’m a tad frightened, but I’d go to the moon with Ted. He says it’s a lovely place. I’m sure I’ll like it.”

“Right. I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard a lot about it. It’s one of the oldest cities in America. I’m sure you’ll have a good life.”

Giselle smiled. “I am too.”

Elise returned to the room, having put Chloe down for a nap. Sloan was finding it difficult not to tell her how often he still dreamed of her and how certain he was that she was meant for him. But he’d made that mistake before, and the last thing he wanted was to frighten Elise by acting impulsively. This time he meant to take it slow and easy. She had to grow to trust him.

Elise sat back down in her chair by the fireplace. “So, have you and Sloan had a good chat?” she asked.

“Yes, we have,” Giselle replied. “I’d say we’ve made another friend, Elise. Of course, I’ve heard about you, Sloan, ever since I started working for your parents. They worship you, which I’m sure you know.”

“They’re wonderful parents. I’m a very lucky chap. No matter what my choices in life, they’ve always been supportive.”

“You’re referring to the broken engagement with Anne?”

“That’s the latest topic in the village, I understand.” He smiled ruefully.

“It has been. But I think Anne has managed to calm things down. The word has gone out that the end of the engagement was
he
r idea. Of course that’s the way it should be. People accept that much more readily.”

“Absolutely. I’d say it turned out to be mutual, anyway. We agreed. We’ve pledged to be lifelong friends. She’s like a sister to me.”

“And do you hope that Elise will be like a sister, too?” Giselle asked.

Elise put her hand over her mouth, astonished at Giselle’s cheekiness. Sloan, however, didn’t look in the least discomfited

“That’s a good question, Giselle. One I wish I could answer. That’s the very least I’d hope, I suppose.”

Giselle grinned. It was a rather cat-like smile. “I think you can wish for quite a bit more, Lord Thornton.”

The wedding was planned for September 10, 1945. It wouldn’t be large. Neither Ted nor Giselle was in favor of a big spectacle, and they didn’t have a large number of friends and acquaintances for an invitation list. Many of his friends from the military had already shipped out for the States, and only a handful of special people were close to Giselle. Of course, Elise would be her Maid of Honour, although she was referred to as Matron of Honour, since everyone assumed she was a widow. Chloe would also be a bridesmaid. Ted chose Sloan as Best Man.

That was quite a surprise, since they’d only known one another a month before the big day. But the moment they met, it seemed they’d been friends forever. Giselle wasn’t surprised. The moment she met Sloan, she suspected he and Ted would hit it off. They were the same sort of men in many ways. Both came from aristocratic families, even though one was English and one American; they were tall, rugged, yet genteel; kind, with good senses of humour, and thoughtful natures. Then there was the fact that both had flown aircraft during the entire war. They could talk for hours about sorties and bombing raids. Because of their newly formed friendship, Giselle, Ted, Elise, and Sloan spent more time together than might normally have been the case. The four met at least one night a week to play Bridge, and another evening was spent at the local pub. Lady Celia and Lord Rowan watched over Chloe on those occasions. They never said a word to Sloan, but their dream was to have a grandchild of their own. Because they knew of Sloan’s fascination with Elise, they didn’t interfere, but hoped the relationship would lead to another wedding. They weren’t the least put off because she wasn’t of the aristocracy, which had been a relief to Sloan. He’d worried a bit that they might be. But Elise was so charming, those thoughts soon evaporated. Lord Rowan and Lady Celia had never been that sort. Sloan had been raised never to look down on people because of inferior social standing.

Anne was also taking part in Giselle and Ted’s ceremony. She’d be another bridesmaid. Perhaps that should have made Sloan somewhat uncomfortable, but it didn’t. It wasn’t his wedding, and Giselle and Ted had every right to choose who they wanted to participate. Anne seemed fine with the fact that Sloan would also be playing a part. So, it wasn’t even discussed. Giselle might have gone to London to choose a wedding gown, due to the generosity of Lady Celia, but she selected one from a shop on Thornton-on-Sea’s High Street. It was ivory taffeta, tea-length, with long sleeves and a high neckline. The skirt was bell-shaped, with a scalloped hemline. Elise found a dress at the same shop, in a similar style. Hers was pale pink, also taffeta, with a tailored look. The wrists were French cuffed, and the collar stood up stiffly on her pretty neck. Giselle wore a wedding gift of pearls from Ted, and Elise wore a locket on a golden chain - the only item she had left from her mother. Anne also wore pink, but a shade darker. Again it was taffeta, with long-sleeves. Both Elise and Anne carried bouquets of pink roses and white lilies, surrounded by white violets. Giselle carried a larger one of mixed roses, interspersed with traditional English flowers, like larkspur and lily of the valley. She wore a crown of Lily of the Valley in her hair. Little Chloe wore an ivory frock, trimmed with pink ribbons at the wrists and neckline. A large pink sash encircled her waist. She carried a basket of rose petals. Lord Rowan Thornton gave the lovely Giselle to her new husband.

There were just enough guests to fill the small, weathered chapel by the sea. Lord and Lady Whitfield, Lord and Lady Thornton, and all of the staff from
Highcroft Hall
were present. In addition, as a great surprise to Giselle, Madame Violette travelled from Brighton. An invitation had been sent, but Giselle never imagined she’d actually attend. When she wrote back saying she would be there, both Giselle and Elise were giddy with joy. Violette arrived looking every bit a lady. She presented herself at the church dressed in a pale lilac dress, made from
peau de soie
and trimmed with the finest French lace. There was no way anyone would have guessed her occupation. In addition, there were several guests from the village with whom Giselle had become friendly during the four years she’d lived there. All of the parents of Elise’s students came, as well as numerous shopkeepers from along the High Street. All in all, it was exactly the wedding Giselle had hoped for. It was as lovely and old-fashioned as a scene from Charlotte Bronte or Jane Austen. Afterwards, a reception was held at
Highcroft Hall
. No one would have guessed that the groom walked with the aide of an artificial limb. He was very handsome in his grey morning suit.

Giselle and Elise wept sadly, as they held each other and said goodbye. Giselle and Ted were sailing from Southampton the next morning and would be spending the night at an Inn in that seaport town. So, when the reception ended, it was the last the friends would see of one another. Promises were exchanged. Elise would visit Boston, and Giselle and Ted would return to England. But in truth, nobody had the slightest notion how long it would be before they were reunited. The two friends had gone through so much together, and it was hard to think they wouldn’t still be sharing their quaint cottage, drawing on each other for strength and wisdom.

Still, Elise was delighted that Giselle had found happiness. She wished her godspeed and great good luck. Sloan walked Elise and Chloe back to the cottage after the reception. Elise was still trying to stop sniffling, but he managed to bring a smile to her face when he asked her to bring Chloe and come to dinner at
Highcroft Hall
the following evening. He was well aware of how lonely she was going to be without Giselle. It was his intention to do everything possible to make it easier for her. If it had been up to him, he and Elise would be exchanging their own vows soon, but their friendship hadn’t progressed to that point. There was no question that they’d grown closer. Often he wondered what would happen if he spoke to her about his deep feelings. He talked with Anne about how to proceed, and she continued to tell him that he should wait – that Elise had been through so much sorrow and wasn’t ready to think about marriage. Sloan continued with the assumption that Elise was a widow. She’d never told him differently. So, that’s what he assumed Anne was referring to, when she spoke of everything Elise had endured. Elise, of course, thought Sloan
did
know everything about her, judging from what he’d said after returning from the war. He’d said he understood, and she went on believing he knew of the assault by the Nazi soldiers and all that had happened since. On the other hand, Sloan believed she’d suffered the awful trauma of marrying, losing her husband, learning she was pregnant and having to face life as a single mother. Anne was perfectly content for things to continue in that vein.

Sloan had invited Elise and Chloe to dinner for two reasons. First and foremost, he loved to spend time with them, and it was important to him that his parent’s learn to know them well. Secondly, he had information that was going to make Elise very happy. He’d located the whereabouts of one Josef Lisak, who was a member of Number 347 Squadron at RAF Elvington. Prior to that, he’d been a member of the GB I/25 Tunisian airmen, who’d been based in the Middle East. Squadron 347 was formed on June 20, 1944, and was equipped with British Halifax Heavy Bombing aircraft. They’d taken part in night raids over Germany.

After the Armistice, officially removing France from the war in 1940, following Dunkirk, twelve entire French Squadrons were formed. They were comprised of civilian French pilots living overseas. Josef Lisak had escaped to England in May 1940, with the thousands of others who were rescued from the beaches at Dunkirk. After joining the RAF, he was sent to Tunisia, where he’d spent the majority of the war. After hostilities ceased, in October 1945, Josef was transferred from RAF to French control on November 15, 1945. Sloan found him in Bordeaux, in the southwest of France. He didn’t contact Josef, because he felt that was Elise’s prerogative.

When everyone gathered for dinner at
Highcroft Hall
the evening after Giselle and Ted’s wedding, Sloan didn’t keep Elise in suspense. He immediately shared what he’d been able to learn about her brother. She was overjoyed.

“Oh, but how absolutely wonderful to know he’s alive. I can’t believe you learned all of this so quickly. I’m so grateful. Now, how do I go about contacting him?” She had tears in her eyes.

“Write him a letter. I have the address for the French Squadron to which he’s attached. It will probably be dismantled soon, if it hasn’t been already. Perhaps it would be better if you sent a cable. Just give him your name and address, so he knows where to reach you. I’m sure the moment he receives it, you’ll hear from him. I’ll wager he’s been as anxious as you’ve been for news of your whereabouts.”

“I’ll do it immediately. I can’t thank you enough. My brother is the only family I have, besides Chloe. He means so much to me. It’s been such a long time.”

“I’ll go with you tomorrow to send a wire. I’m anxious for the two of you to reunite. It’s nice to have happy stories, after so much sadness and loss during the past five years.”

***

So a cable was sent the following morning. Elise spent two days biting her nails, waiting for an answer. Finally, on Tuesday, she received a call from
Western Union
, telling her she had a wire from Bordeaux. She asked that it be read over the telephone.

“
Wonderful news dear sister. Arriving on 3:45 p.m. train to Thornton Saturday, Sept 18. So anxious to see you. Josef.

Elise was overcome with emotion. She immediately rang Sloan. He made a dash for her cottage, and they sat drinking tea in the parlour, discussing Josef’s arrival. Elise wondered how much her brother had changed. Of course, Sloan had never even met the Frenchman, but he was wise enough to know that it was imperative that Josef like him. A brother’s approval was necessary if Sloan’s hopes for marriage to Elise could come to fruition. In any event, he knew if Josef was anything like his sister, he’d immediately feel comfortable around him.

Chloe danced a little jig when she returned from school and learned her Mummy’s brother was coming to visit. She’d grown up hearing about her uncle, and now, at long last, she would meet him. Elise prepared Giselle’s old room, now doing duty as a guest chamber. She made certain she had ingredients for many of the meals Josef had loved long ago. Elise intended to spoil him unmercifully. Actually, Josef was an excellent chef, having studied at the
Culinary Institute
in Paris. That had been his career before the war. Still, Elise would be the cook for the time being.

While Sloan wanted very much to be a part of the happy reunion, he also felt it would be rude to interfere. There was no question in his mind that Elise should have her brother all to herself, at least at the beginning of his stay. Elise appreciated his thoughtfulness, since she felt the same way. It had been such a long time. Her life with Josef was a separate niche. She had so much to tell him. Although she believed Sloan knew everything about her, she wanted time alone with Josef to explain everything in detail.

She met him at the station alone. Chloe was in school, and Elise chose not to interrupt her daughter’s routine. In addition, some of the background she needed to share with her brother pertained to issues about which Chloe knew nothing. Elise waited impatiently, pacing up and down on the platform, peering down the tracks to see if she could spot an engine and listening for the sound of a train whistle. As usual, it was late, but finally it chugged into the depot. Elise was dressed in a pretty, woolen dress - blue, with a pin tucked bodice and a flared skirt. It was the first new dress she’d bought since the war, besides the frock she’d worn for Giselle’s wedding. She looked breathtaking on that crisp autumn morning, her golden hair shining in the sun and her blue eyes filled with happy expectation. After a few minutes, Josef stepped from the carriage. She wasn’t certain she’d have known him. He was so much more mature – larger than she’d remembered. His hair was cut very short, in the traditional military style, and that changed his appearance more than anything. He was tanned, probably from years in Tunisia and Italy. Still, it was definitely Josef. Dear, special, wonderful Josef. She ran to him. He picked her up in the air, swinging her about. Kisses were exchanged on both cheeks and numerous hugs. He held her away from him and said “Let me look at you. You’ve grown up, Elise. You were always pretty. Now you’re exquisite. I knew you would be. There’s so much I want to know. So much we need to talk about.
Mon Dieu
! Five years is a long time.”

“I know, I know. I want to hear everything. Where you’ve been. What happened after you left me that morning in the farmhouse? Your plans for the future. Simply everything.”

“Yes. I do, too. Let me get my bag. Ah – you even have an auto. How grand, Elise.”

“Not so grand, Josef. But it gets me where I need to go. Come. Hop in. I’ll take you to my cottage. I know you’ll love it. It’s by the sea. Of course, it isn’t really mine. I lease it. Up until recently, I had a dear friend who shared it with me. She married and went to America. Now, it’s just Chloe and me.”

“And who is Chloe?” he asked.

“Oh, Josef. She’s your little niece. She’s four years old, and you’ve never even seen her. How sad. We’ll make up for that.”

“A niece? Are you married then? How could I not have been there?”

“It’s a very long story, Josef. No, there’s no husband at home. Chloe will be thrilled to have an uncle. She’s had no man in her life. Well, yes, there are friends. But an uncle is something special.”