Freddie stood tall in his army uniform as he looked around the church and its stained-glass windows. The sanctuary had seating for around two hundred people. The altar was small and the aisle narrow; perhaps he should have chosen a bigger church, but he enjoyed the intimacy of this one.
Twisting a gold button on the front of his khaki jacket, Charles looked across at Freddie. ‘It won't be long now.’
Freddie turned and grinned at him. ‘Thanks for being my best man.’
Charles became flushed with colour. ‘It’s an honour to be asked.’
‘I’m not sure about that, but it’s great to have you standing here, next to me.’ Freddie's smile faded. ‘We’ve been through a lot since we left here a few short months ago.’
Charles nodded before frowning. ‘I suppose, in Robert's absence, it must be my job to warn you to look after my sister and treat her right.’
Laughter echoed around the church and Freddie immediately put his hand over his mouth.
His eyes crinkling at the corners and his shoulders moving up and down told Charles the laughter was barely contained. ‘It's not that funny.’
‘No, sorry.’ Freddie took a deep breath. ‘I don't think you realise how much I love your sister.’
‘Hmm.’ Charles arched his eyebrows. ‘It took you a long time to ask her to be your wife.’
Freddie nodded. ‘I was waiting for the right time and I wanted to be able to offer her everything, but this war has taught me there are other things much more important than money.’
Charles nodded, before patting Freddie's arm. ‘I hope you’re both very happy.’ He looked up and grinned at him. ‘And I’m pleased you’ve got your hair cut for the occasion. Very smart.’
Freddie chuckled as he ran his hand down the back of his head. ‘Yes, it does feel so much better.’
Sarah walked through the church doorway, shivering, as she stood in the vestibule, glad to be out of the bitter wind that had been gathering momentum. The dark oak door was pushed back against the grey stone of the church wall. She lifted her gloved hand to check her hair, patting the French roll she had expertly styled that morning, before straightening her silver-grey tulip-style dress under the matching coat. A piece of paper blew around her feet; she stooped and picked it up, leaving it on a small table to her left. The girls giggled as they followed Sarah. Luke escorted Alice through the doorway. Molly tweaked at Alice's hair and veil, while Lily and Victoria straightened the bottom of her skirt.
Alice gave a nervous laugh. ‘Stop fretting; I'm fine.’
‘Alice, you look wonderful.’ Lily beamed, her eyes welling up. ‘Be happy. Freddie is a good man.’ She raised her eyebrows. ‘Even if he is a policeman.’
Alice laughed, shaking her head at her sister’s quip.
Colour flushed Lily’s cheeks. ‘He’s not like some, he’s a good, honest man.’
Alice’s tears pricked at her eyelids. She reached out and grasped Lily’s hand. ‘Thank you.’
Sarah removed her glove to straighten the lace on the trumpet sleeves of Alice's gown, before beaming at her daughter. She lifted her hand to touch the soft skin of her cheek. ‘You look beautiful. Freddie’s a very lucky man.’ Tears filled her eyes. ‘My mother would be happy to see you wearing her dress; it looks like it was made for you.’
They all stood motionless for a moment. Luke cleared his throat.
Alice momentarily closed her eyes to stop her own tears from falling. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered, opening them again. She glanced towards her father, who offered no words of wisdom as he stood to one side, reading the notice board. Alice returned her gaze to her mother, before taking her hand and holding it in hers. ‘You’ve worked so hard to make this day possible.’
Colour began to fill Sarah's cheeks. ‘We’re all staying at Russell Square with your Grandfather and Jane this evening.’ She lowered her voice to a whisper and patted Alice's hand. ‘So the house is yours and Freddie's tonight; you’ll not be disturbed.’ She released her hand from Alice's and fanned her face as she looked away, wondering if she should step outside into the cold air.
Alice blushed. ‘But…’
Heat seared through Sarah's cheeks. ‘The guest room is more suitable…’
Alice looked away, pulling at a strand of hair that had broken free of the clip. ‘I don't know what to say.’
‘No words are needed. You don't have long with Freddie before he and Charles have to return to their regiment, so make the most of it.’ Sadness engulfed Sarah as she gazed at the aisle in front of her, Charles and Freddie standing proud in their uniforms. She forced a smile. Honeysuckle immediately conjured memories of her own wedding, over thirty years ago. She had been so happy then; how things had changed. Sarah shook her head as she glanced across at her husband. ‘I suppose we shouldn't keep Freddie waiting any longer.’ She turned on her heels and pushed back her shoulders, before stepping forward. Her shoes clattered on the stone floor as she walked towards the front pew. She nodded at her family and Molly's parents, Jack and Charlotte, before taking her seat.
The priest stepped forward and the chords of the pipe organ filled the air. The congregation stood up as one, and with Lily leading the way, the three bridesmaids slowly walked down the aisle, in single file, towards the waiting priest, in step with each other and Mendelssohn's Wedding March. The navy lace and pale blue satin underlay of the column dresses swished around their black kitten-heel shoes with every step they took. They each held their own bibles in front of them, the covers worn and the edges of the pages crinkled with use.
Jack and Charlotte stood, watching their daughter with pride, as she followed Victoria towards the altar.
Freddie stood pensively, with Charles by his side. His brow furrowed as the girls approached them. His gaze darted beyond the girls, but he couldn't see his bride. He clutched his hand in front of him; the knuckles were white as the bone tried to break free of his skin.
Lily nodded and beamed at him as she stepped across the front pew, past her mother.
Alice stood in the vestibule with her father, gazing up at him. ‘Are you so disappointed that you’ve nothing to say to me?’
‘No, not at all.’ Luke cleared his throat. ‘I am sure you and Freddie will be very happy together. You know how to do as you are told, so I think all will be well.’
Alice stared at her father as disbelief ran across her face. ‘Freddie doesn't want me to do as I'm told. He treats me like an equal.’
Luke jutted out his arm for Alice to tuck her hand into. ‘I'm sure that will change once you are married.’
Before Alice could say anything, they were walking down the aisle together.
Charles and Freddie gasped as one, when Alice came into view. Freddie's eyes began to fill as Alice stepped nearer to him. He smiled, trying to remove the anxious set of her lips. The look on her face reminded him of when Charles had enlisted. They finally drew level with him. ‘You look beautiful. I love you so much, Alice.’
Her eyes lit up and she smiled back at him. ‘I love you too, with all my heart.’
The priest cleared his throat and nodded at the pair of them.
They nodded back in unison.
‘Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…’
*
Alice's eyelashes fluttered as daylight started to seep through them. A weight across her midriff pinned her to the bed and her eyes flashed open, immediately taking in the plush deep red curtains, where the grey day was trying to break through. The walls, painted a soft green, had framed canvasses hanging from the picture rails. A wedding dress lay in a crumpled heap on the brown rug, in front of an oak chest of drawers, with an army uniform just visible amongst its folds. One black sock hung over the arm of the chair, sitting in the corner of the room. Alice fleetingly wondered what had happened to the other. The rhythmic breathing next to her, and the arm draped across her, was a reminder of why she was sleeping in the guest bedroom. She was a married woman now. Mrs Leybourne, Mrs Freddie Leybourne. Alice smiled to herself. It had all come about so quickly. She wondered if there’d be talk about her condition; maybe that's why there had been no words of wisdom from her father.
Alice lay still, enjoying the feel of his warm, naked body next to hers. His musky scent had settled on her skin, fusing with her own rose-scented perfume. Maybe she’d wear them both every day, to remind her of the wonderful night they had spent together.
Freddie had been gentle; he had worried about hurting her. Any fears she may have had soon disappeared. Alice closed her eyes and rested her hand on top of his, as her thoughts strayed to the previous day. Thanks to her mother and grandfather, there had been no arranged marriage for her. She had willingly walked down the aisle, towards the man she loved.
At the front of the church, Freddie had stood tall and proud. His eyes glistened as he watched her every move.
‘I now pronounce you man and wife.’ The priest's voice had rung through the church.
Alice had lifted her chin; her lips parted as a slow smile had crept across her mouth. Without waiting to be asked, Freddie had taken Alice into his arms and kissed her. The light, butterfly kiss ignited the promise of what was to come.
Alice gave a contented sigh as she snuggled further under the white cotton sheets and the red eiderdown.
Charles had slapped Freddie on the back, bursting their bubble, reminding them they were still in the church. ‘Congratulations.’
Freddie had raised his hand and caressed her cheek, before turning to face Charles and hold out his hand.
The young man had laughed. ‘We don't shake hands; we are brothers now.’ Charles wrapped his arms around Freddie, giving him a bear hug.
Alice squeezed Freddie's hand under the bedclothes. Her fingers ran over the soft dark hairs on his fingers.
She smiled as she remembered the girls giggling around her, each hugging their congratulations.
Sarah had wrapped her arms around her. ‘Be happy,’ she whispered before stepping back.
‘Congratulations. I can't believe my granddaughter is married, and to a police officer.’ Edward had laughed as he enveloped her in his arms. ‘We’re all going to Russell Square. Jane has excelled herself on the food front and there's enough to feed an army.’
Sadness engulfed Alice as she realised Freddie would soon have to return to the front line. She wondered if she could lock him away in the attic; no one need ever know he was there.
‘Morning, Mrs Leybourne.’ Freddie's sleepy breath brushed her shoulders.
Tingling swept up the back of her neck. ‘Morning, Mr Leybourne,’ Alice whispered. All thoughts of him leaving were swept away.
Freddie pulled her tighter to him. ‘Hmm, this is where I want to be.’ He paused for a moment. ‘Here with my wife.’ His fingers walked across her stomach.
Alice's breath quickened as heat ravaged her. She shivered as her whole body became alight with desire. She rolled over to face him, her eyes soaking in his features, every line etched into her memory. ‘They could be back soon,’ she murmured.
He propped himself up on his elbow and nodded. ‘But they are not here now.’
She moved her head to one side as he slowly lowered his mouth on to hers. The bristles of his morning beard scratched her skin as the passion grew. Alice wrapped her arms around him, clinging to him, for fear she’d drown in the desire that was rising inside her.
*
While Luke had silently eaten his breakfast, the sky had turned a menacing dark grey. The wind had chased away any brightness that had been trying to break through and the lone bird singing outside had disappeared. Within minutes, the first silent drops of rain that had slowly dribbled down the window had begun to gather force and batter the glass. The heavens had opened, allowing the rain to fall in biblical proportions. Puddles of water flooded the pavements. The wind huffed around the windows, from time to time, giving an odd whistling noise.
Alice sighed. ‘This weather is dreadful.’
Lily put down the knife she had been using to butter a slice of toast. ‘At least it wasn't this bad for your wedding day, Mr and Mrs Leybourne.’ She gave a throaty chuckle as she picked up her toast, stopping to lick the small globular knob of creamy butter from her finger.
Alice giggled. ‘That's true; we were lucky.’
Freddie leant towards Alice as he rested his hand on top of hers, to give it a gentle squeeze.
Charles arched an eyebrow as he looked across the table. ‘Yes, Freddie certainly has a spring in his step this morning.’
Freddie's usual musky scent transported Alice back to the previous night. Heat rose slowly in her face, turning it a delicate shade of pink. She was thankful no one could read her mind.
‘Charles!’ the ladies in the room chorused as one.
The young man laughed. ‘What? Just saying, he looks very happy.’ He paused, giving his sister a mischievous grin from the opposite side of the table. ‘And Alice doesn't look too sad either.’
Lily nudged her brother. ‘You didn't look too sad either, last night.’ She smiled. ‘I spied you deep in conversation with Molly.’
Luke sighed and shook his head, before putting down his empty teacup. He glanced across at the clock sitting on the mantelpiece.
Freddie looked amused. ‘Don't worry, Mrs Taylor, I’m very happy. I wish I hadn't wasted so much time worrying about being financially secure, before marrying Alice.’
‘So what were you and Molly talking about?’ Lily persisted.
A flush crept across Charles' cheeks. ‘I’ve asked her to write to me. It lifts you to receive a letter, doesn't it, Freddie?’
Freddie turned to his wife, his eyes full of love. ‘It certainly does and it’s going to be hard to leave today.’
Luke pulled at the chain to his fob watch, releasing it from his waistcoat pocket. ‘Everyone has to make sacrifices; that's life.’ The top of his watch sprung open and he stared at the face for a moment, before snapping it shut and returning it to its home.
Freddie stared at Luke, wondering what sacrifices he was making for the war effort. He pondered as to how well his father-in-law would have coped in the trenches, but decided not to ask. ‘Yes, sir.’
Luke pushed his chair away from the dining table. ‘I had better get going if I am to make the train from Liverpool Street. I don't want to arrive at Sandringham too late, especially now, as thanks to the war, nowhere is lit.’
Sarah frowned. ‘Would you rather not wait and see if the rain slows down? It sounds dreadful out there.’
Luke stood up in one movement. ‘A little bit of rain won't kill me.’
Sarah lowered her head and raised her eyebrows, looking down at her boiled egg. ‘No, but sitting on a train in wet clothes will,’ she mumbled.
‘Sorry, did you say something?’ Luke stared hard at his wife.
The colour drained away from Alice's face. She looked down at her arm, expecting to see the tiny hairs standing on end as she moved her hand away from Freddie's, hoping he wouldn't notice how clammy it had become. Alice glanced through her eyelashes at Lily. Her skin was ashen and all her bravado and laughter had momentarily disappeared. Alice knew their father had the same effect on them both. They just handled it differently.
Charles lifted his hand to his mouth and gave a small cough.
Alice stiffened in her seat as she wondered if he was clearing his throat to say something.
Sarah lifted her head and pulled back her shoulders. ‘I said it won't do you any good sitting in wet clothes.’
Alice watched Charles wipe his mouth with his napkin before opening his mouth to say something. Her foot sprung into action and kicked him under the table.
‘Ouch,’ Charles shouted, dropping his napkin.
‘I'm sure I will survive.’ Luke stepped away, not giving his son a second glance. He placed his seat back into position.
Sarah immediately stood up, the tension already forgotten. ‘What's wrong? Are you all right?’
Nerves took hold and Alice let a giggle escape. ‘Sorry, Charles.’ She grinned at him. ‘I was just stretching my legs under the table; I didn't mean to catch you.’
Charles pushed his chair out, to examine his shin. ‘Catch me? I'll be lucky if I can walk again.’ He rubbed his leg vigorously, before eyeing her suspiciously.
Luke sneered at his son. ‘Perhaps we should be sending Alice off to fight the Huns and you should stay here to clean the house.’
Colour filled Alice's cheeks as she jerked her head around, to face her father. Her finger nails dug into the palms of her hands.
Freddie jumped up. He grabbed his chair as it started to topple backwards on to the floor. ‘Thank you for allowing me to stay, sir.’
Luke turned his attention to Freddie and nodded. ‘I suppose, now you are family, you had best call me Luke or Father, whichever you choose.’
‘Thank you…’ Freddie hesitated, ‘… Luke, for everything.’
There was a light knock on the dining room door. ‘Yes!’ Luke bellowed.
The door hinges squeaked as Mrs Headley pushed it open and came in. A long woollen grey scarf swung from her arm as she walked. Her arms were weighed down with Luke's black winter coat and her fingers gripped his hat.
‘Ah, now that's what I like – punctuality.’ Luke gave a rare smile. ‘Excellent, Mrs Headley, right on time.’
Luke wrapped the scarf around his neck, before shrugging his arms into the coat that Mrs Headley held open for him.
She waited until he was buttoned in before passing him the hat and watched him place it firmly on his head, at a jaunty angle. ‘I'm not sure the wind won't whip that right off, sir.’
‘Thank you, Mrs Headley, I am sure I will be fine.’
She gave a little bow. ‘As you wish, sir.’ Mrs Headley turned on her heels and left the room.
Alice, Lily and Sarah stood up as one. Each stood in line, waiting for the perfunctory kiss on the cheek, which was duly given.
Luke grasped the handle of his worn, brown suitcase and juggled it on his fingers for a few seconds as he looked at his son. ‘I will see you all in a few days.’
Charles remained seated and didn't look up at his father.
The thud of the front door signalled Luke had left the house. The noise resonated into the dining room, hanging in the air like shards of glass waiting to fall on them as they took their seats again at the table. No one spoke of Luke's comments, or of the rucksacks packed and standing in the hall, waiting to be transported to the front line. Freddie and Charles hadn't been seen out of uniform, a constant reminder that their time at home was temporary. Each knew that, in a few minutes, they’d be saying goodbye to their loved ones.