Life went on around me and I was happy in my role as nurse having seen no more of my cousins or Wilf. That is, until one momentous day in summer when Wilf appeared at our back door. Mrs Jenkins called me into the kitchen and I hurried in fully balanced and with my head held high. She disappeared into her scullery and I could hear her movements in the background.
Wilf looked surprised to see me so upright before he smiled his gentle smile. ‘Esther, you look well. Living in Lewes clearly suits you.’
I replied as coolly as I was able, ‘I am not sure if it is Lewes, or this household Wilf, but what can I do for you?’
‘Naught lass. I did but come to ask you if you would walk out with me one day when you have the time, and Beth of course.’
I know I frowned, all the while thinking on our last bitter conversation.
‘I was over hasty last time we met and I want to say sorry, like. My past history was never your concern and I should not have blamed you. I’m sorry Esther, I would like to make amends. Will you come with me to the Midsummer Fair?’
A lightness of spirit flooded over me and I was more than happy to say yes, Beth and I would love to go with him. We made the necessary arrangements and I all but skipped up the stairs to my workroom.
I bumped into Dr Grieve as I went and was surprised that he didn’t seem to welcome my news about Wilf.
He said, rather stiffly, ‘Well, you must spend time with other young people Esther but I hope you won’t be neglectful of your work while you daydream about this young man.’
Daydream? That was unfair. ‘I give everything to my work for you doctor, I would never let you down.’
‘Hmph, yes well, see that you don’t.’ and he left me standing in the room aghast.
Later that evening I asked Mrs Jenkins why the doctor had never married.
She told me that he had been sweet on a young woman who had chosen another over him. Since then he had taken care not to become ensnared though, she added, many had tried.
I told her about our strange conversation and she laughed it off. ‘Well, he will be worrying about losing your skills to a young man who might take you away from your work.’
Of course I thought, that explains it. I reassured Mrs Jenkins that nothing would take me away from my position of nurse in the doctor’s household. She smiled at me and patting my hand told me to enjoy my leisure with that good looking young man who also had the reputation of having the lasses run round after him.
Wilf came for us early. It was a bittersweet day for me, remembering the occasion when Becca and I travelled downstream from Coad Farm enjoying our freedom from the chores. How many times had I wished we had been prevented from going; perhaps the chain of events would never have happened and Becca would still be here with me. I felt guilty for enjoying my life as a result of those events but there was nothing I could do and I wasn’t such a killjoy as to allow the past to colour the present. Wilf was nattily dressed with a brightly coloured neckerchief bringing out the colour in his outdoor face. How I warmed to his company and Beth remembered his throwing skills and demanded the same before we had even entered the fairground.
We made our way round the stalls and tents enjoying the spectacle of travelling bands of actors and musicians. We purchased a few little bits and pieces from the tinkers and again I enjoyed spending my own money on some sweetmeats for my friends. I found a little piece of lace trim to make a collar for Mrs Makepiece and some pretty buttons for Beth. I even found a lovely ribbon for Billy-alone to give to either Cilla or Sally the piggy. I laughed up at Wilf as we wondered who would get it. We had a wonderful day sampling everything on offer and buying some little pies and biscuits for our lunch. Wilf was good company and I felt on top of the world as I walked evenly beside him. I was pleased to be able to introduce him to people we met and I saw the look of speculation in Mrs Makepiece’s eyes as she summed the poor lad up.
‘Guess we are setting the tongues wagging here Esther.’
‘Aye.’ I couldn’t help blushing but the laughter was wiped from my face and heart as we walked straight into all three of the Coad brothers.
They blocked our way and I felt my confidence crumble as I faced their derision and sneers.
Wilf moved swiftly forward pushing the eldest and youngest aside but the middle boy held his ground. Wilf held his arm out for me and I managed to step boldly round him. I was gripping Beth tightly, so tightly she began to wail.
Her cries broke the threat that surrounded us and Wilf just hefted her up in his arms and holding me with his free hand pulled us away from their malevolence.
‘You’re alright Esther, just sit down here and I’ll get you a drink, you’ve lost all your colour.’
‘No, please Wilf, don’t leave me.’
‘Alright, I will stay with you but you showed them your mettle, my girl – you’re stronger than you think.’
I burst into tears. He knelt beside me and pulled my face into his jerkin. I sniffed the rich leather underlaid by a masculine scent. It was overwhelming and my body buckled as I leaned into his, enjoying his protection. Beth broke the spell by patting at my hair as she reduced her cries to a mere gulp. Wilf pulled her into our midst and we all began to giggle in our tight, inclusive little circle. Amongst my anguish I felt a rush of joy.