The war in Europe raged on, the belief that it would be over by Christmas now something of a joke without humour, the inhabitants of Garsthwaite inured to the absence of young men on the streets and in the mills. Worse still were the frequent obituaries in The Huddersfield Examiner announcing that yet another son, husband, father, uncle or nephew would not be returning to the bosom of his family. As more and more men enlisted, women became predominant in the workplace.
Lacey encouraged the women of the Weavers’ Association to knit comforts for the soldiers in the trenches. They brought in wool and needles, knitting furiously in their breakfast and dinner breaks. The women not in the Union soon joined the knitting sessions, and it became something of a competition between spinners and weavers as to who could produce the most items in a week. But although Lacey was actively working to rally the women in the other mills in the valley to support the call for improved wages, she couldn’t help feeling as if her personal life was on hold.
*
First Lieutenant Nathan Brearley arrived back in Garsthwaite on a balmy Saturday afternoon in late autumn. After briefly acquainting his parents with his return, he went in search of Lacey.
Lacey was hunched over her sewing machine by the window in her bedroom, preparing to sew the final seam on a dress she was making for one of Felicity’s friends. Whenever she was engaged creatively it provided solace, particularly when it involved working with luxurious, expensive fabrics such as the moiré silk under the machine’s needle.
Just before she applied pressure to the treadle, she happened to glance out of the window and saw him. A line of stitching zig-zagged crazily across the silk moiré as she leapt to her feet and dashed downstairs, running headlong through the kitchen and out into the yard. She met him at the gate.
Kisses exchanged, Lacey led him into the kitchen. ‘We’re getting married,’ he said, his tone brooking no opposition. ‘I stopped off in Huddersfield on the way here and made arrangements. I’ll have the licence the day after tomorrow.’
‘Married? Now! While you’re on leave?’ Her face registered both joy and confusion.
Nathan grinned. ‘Yes. I’m home for ten days embarkation leave. They’re sending me to France.’
France: Lacey’s joy plummeted. Whilst he had been stationed in England she had felt that he was safe; but France – she’d read about what happened to soldiers in France – and now she was afraid, but Nathan seemed not to notice.
‘How soon can you be ready? That’s if you’re still up for it,’ he urged.
‘Give me ten minutes,’ joked Lacey, her fears suppressed as she stepped into his embrace. Lost in the magic of the moment, they stayed this way until the rattle of the latch on the kitchen door broke the spell. Edith came in.
Surprised then pleased, she welcomed Nathan.
‘It’s good to see you, lad,’ she said, glancing from one excited face to the other; something was afoot. Lacey was positively glowing, and Nathan looked fit to burst. Not until Joshua and Matt joined them a short time later was Edith’s curiosity satisfied.
‘Married! In a few days’ time.’ Edith glanced at Joshua, keen to judge his reaction. He looked somewhat bewildered, but not displeased. Both of them had often discussed their doubts about the relationship. It wasn’t as though Lacey was courting an ordinary lad; Nathan was the son of a wealthy mill owner. They worried over the differences in his and Lacey’s social standing. Could she really fit into his world? Would he accept hers? Would he make her happy? Looking at the pair now, neither Edith nor Joshua could deny Lacey and Nathan’s joy.
‘Congratulations,’ Joshua blustered, shaking Nathan’s hand then stooping to kiss Lacey’s cheek. Matt added his good wishes although he too had reservations. Nathan seemed like a grand chap but he wasn’t like them; he was a toff. Matt went to the sideboard and took out three bottles of beer. Removing the stoppers, he handed one bottle to Nathan, the other to Joshua and then raised his own. ‘Here’s to the happy couple,’ he toasted. Nathan swigged a long draught wondering if his own family would accept his decision as easily.
*
Jonas, Constance and Felicity were in the drawing room when Nathan and Lacey arrived at Fenay Hall. Nathan wasted no time in telling them the news. Lacey sat on the edge of her seat and held her breath, her eyes darting from one face to another. The Brearley’s initial reaction imitated that of the Barracloughs’, shock and bemusement.
‘It’s preposterous,’ gasped Constance, looking askance at Nathan, ‘we can’t organise a wedding in a matter of days.’ She dropped her gaze to hide her thoughts; if it was postponed it might never take place.
Nathan smiled sympathetically at his mother. ‘Yes we can. It will be a simple affair, certainly not the sort you possibly envisaged but just as important. I can’t wait any longer to make Lacey mine. I want and need her to be my wife before they send me to France.’
Constance clutched at her bosom and choked back a sob. Then she gazed long and hard at the handsome young couple standing before her, their eager faces awaiting her blessing. Her thoughts darkened. Nathan might not survive this dreadful war. Can I really destroy his happiness at a time like this? The objections I raised initially seem petty and pointless; I like the girl – she makes Nathan happy. Flustered, Constance smiled wanly and trilled, ‘In that case I suppose we can.’
Jonas got to his feet, his hand outstretched. ‘Let me be the first to congratulate you, lad.’ His eyes twinkled wickedly as he added ‘You’ve chosen wisely, but don’t go getting any ideas she’ll be easy to handle; she has a mind of her own does this one.’ He stepped up to Lacey and pecked her cheek. ‘Make him happy, lass.’
Lacey’s face flamed. ‘I will, Mr Brearley, I promise. There’s nothing in the world I’d rather do.’
Felicity squealed with delight then hugged and kissed both Nathan and Lacey. ‘I’ll be your bridesmaid. The blue dress you made me for my party will do perfectly, there being no time to make one especially.’
Constance smiled pensively. ‘I have my misgivings, but this dreadful war has changed everything.’ She stepped forward and took Lacey’s hand. ‘It’s obvious Nathan adores you and I know you return his affections; therefore I bow to the inevitable. Now, both of you, kiss me.’
Jonas rang the bell, and when the butler appeared, he ordered champagne. Amid much discussion of plans and preparations, Constance sat back and reviewed the situation. Perhaps it would come right in the end. She could not deny that during Lacey’s visits to Fenay Hall she had grown to admire the feisty, funny girl, and had been both impressed and amused by her lively chatter as she related local matters and Mill gossip, subjects Constance showed increasing interest in.
Maybe it’s time for me to broaden my outlook, she told herself. Attitudes were changing and of late she had come to realise that Lacey brought a breath of fresh air into all their lives. True, the girl didn’t belong to their social class – but so what? Constance would deal with those who might censure the marriage when the time came.
*
The next day Nathan and Lacey walked up Towngate, coming to a halt outside one of the double fronted Georgian houses that graced this part of Garsthwaite. Nathan produced a key from his pocket. ‘This will be our home, if you approve,’ he said, inserting the key into the lock then indicating for Lacey to step inside.
Lacey, utterly amazed, stayed on the pavement gazing at the fine, two storey building, its oak front door surrounded by stained glass panels. She hadn’t given a thought to where they might live. Had she done so, she would have assumed she would stay on at Netherfold Farm while Nathan was away. Her senses recovered she stepped into the wide hallway, her eyes goggling at the sight of the sweeping mahogany staircase and several doors leading to other rooms. Turning full circle, she surveyed her surroundings. ‘It’s beautiful, Nathan, but it’s huge.’ She giggled. ‘I’ll rattle around like a pea in a drum when you’re not here.’
Nathan laughed. ‘If I know you as well as I think I do, you’ll be so busy you’ll not have time to feel lonely – and you won’t be on your own for much longer.’ Although his words were hearty they both heard the doubt in his voice. Unwilling to dwell on the subject, Lacey dashed from room to room, Nathan laughing at her enthusiastic ideas for refurbishment.
‘I own this one and the properties either side of it; Grandfather willed them to me before he died,’ said Nathan, as they prepared to leave. ‘I’ve rented them out till now. As you know, Mr Pendlebury, the Baptist minister, lives in the one to the right, and the shop has been empty for years.’
Out on the pavement Lacey paused to gaze at the properties. The one the Pendleburys lived in was almost identical to the one that would be theirs; the shop was a single storey building with a bow fronted display window. Lacey pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming and then walked away on Nathan’s arm, the seed of an idea taking root.
*
‘See, I was right after all,’ exclaimed Joan, when Lacey told her the news.
Lacey acknowledged this remark with a hug. ‘I’m going to ask Jonas if I can have time off to go into Huddersfield to buy some material and new underwear.’
In Jonas’s office at breakfast time, Lacey made her request. Jonas chuckled. ‘I can hardly refuse. Take all the time you want, lass. Mind you,’ he chuckled louder, ‘I’ll dock your wages.’ They both laughed at this.
Later that day, Lacey sat at her sewing machine, the rhythmic clacking of the treadle music to her ears as she sewed her wedding outfit. It being wartime she’d decided to forgo a traditional wedding dress and was making a soft, off-white woollen suit. Time was of the essence, and it was after midnight when she trimmed the lapels and cuffs with military braid, the swirling black loops a striking contrast to the creamy wool. She undressed and climbed into bed. One more night after this, she thought sleepily, and I’ll be a married woman.
*
On her last night as a single girl Lacey lay in bed unable to sleep. She wanted to marry Nathan, of that she was certain, but as she tossed and turned she was plagued with the strangest notions. She couldn’t imagine undressing in front of Nathan or sharing a bed with him. Would she be capable of performing properly when her turn came to do the things she’d overheard women in the weaving shed gossip about? Until now she had classed it as ‘mucky talk’ and giggled with the rest of the girls but in a few hours from now she’d be expected to do these things. Did it come naturally and was it as awful as some of the women described, or was it beautiful and uplifting as poets and authors suggested in the books she’d read? And perhaps it would have been more sensible to wait. If he didn’t survive the conflict she’d be married and widowed within a matter of months. Maybe his death would be easier to deal with had she never experienced one day of married life. On this sad note Lacey fell into a fitful sleep.
*
Like many other wartime weddings, Lacey and Nathan’s was a quiet affair, the Methodist Church in Garsthwaite easily accommodating the small congregation of family and friends. A pale sun shone through two arched windows behind the altar, warming the patina of dark wood, the gleaming rays softening the austerity of the building. Two large urns of russet and gold chrysanthemums stood either side of the altar, their burnished heads like heavenly fire.
At precisely eleven o clock, the church organist struck the first notes of Wagner’s wedding march and Lacey, delectable in her off-white suit, walked proudly down the aisle on Joshua’s arm. As matron of honour, Joan wore the suit she had worn for her own wedding and Felicity wore the blue party dress.
Nathan, handsome in his officer’s dress uniform, stood alongside his best man, John Hinchcliffe, who was also his solicitor. When Lacey arrived at Nathan’s side he smiled, a hint of triumph lighting his grey-blue eyes. Lacey returned his smile, her dark eyes flashing impishly as if to say, we’ve done it; there’s no going back now.
Vows solemnly and honestly exchanged, Lacey and Nathan turned to the congregation, their faces radiating love and happiness. Oblivious to Alice’s venomous glare and Violet’s sour expression, Lacey and Nathan marched out into the sunlight, well-wishers streaming after them.
John Hinchcliffe produced a Box Brownie camera, a wedding gift for Nathan and Lacey. The guests, on learning what it did, clamoured to have their photographs taken, the bride almost overlooked in the excitement. Laughing and smiling, Lacey and Nathan posed with each other then with the guests; Lacey thrilled to know the memories of this wonderful day had been captured forever.
At Constance’s insistence, the wedding reception was at Fenay Hall; a lavish buffet instead of the tea and ham sandwiches they would have eaten in the Church Hall had Lacey married anyone but Nathan. As though by pre-arrangement the Brearleys’ guests kept to one side of the room, the Barracloughs and the Mill workers to the other.
At ease in their surroundings, Nathan’s guests chatted convivially, accepting as their right the food and drink served to them by uniformed waitresses. Those who had come to support Lacey hung back, ill at ease when offered champagne or canapés. Not until Jonas went amongst them cheerfully urging them to enjoy themselves did they start to relax.
With Lacey on his arm, Nathan performed a whirlwind of introductions to the members of his family Lacey hadn’t yet met. Nathan’s attention distracted by a yet another well-wisher he stepped away from Lacey, leaving her in the company of Alice and Violet Burrows.
‘So, you caught him after all,’ sneered Alice. ‘I suppose you think you’re clever, but he’ll soon discover what a scheming, vulgar person you really are.’ She hoisted her hefty bosom upwards with her elbow, a habit with which Lacey would become increasingly familiar. Shocked by Alice’s blatant antagonism on this of all days, Lacey was momentarily lost for words.
‘You stole him from me,’ Violet hissed. ‘He would have married me had you not come along. Can you honestly believe Nathan will be happy mixing with the likes of those people?’ She waved a hand in the direction of Lacey’s guests, the Mill girls now chattering and laughing raucously, enjoying the occasion.
Lacey glared. ‘Don’t you dare spoil today with your petty snobberies and your delusions. Nathan would never have married you. My love for Nathan and his for me goes above and beyond your narrow minded paltry views on society. There’s not a person in this room that’s inferior to either of you. In fact,’ this time it was Lacey’s turn to wave a hand in the direction of the Mill girls, ‘most of them are far more worthy. Now, if you’ll excuse me I’ll go and join them.’
On her way across the room she was surprised to see Matt deep in conversation with Molly Dewhirst. Matt didn’t usually bother with women but now as he gazed into Molly’s eyes, a warm smile on his lips, he seemed thoroughly at ease. Lacey wondered what they were talking about. Resisting the temptation to eavesdrop she flopped into a chair next to Joan. ‘Phew,’ she gasped, ‘I’ll swing for that pair of besoms before I’m done.’
Joan adjusted the baby in her lap, not asking to whom Lacey referred. She’d seen her talking with Alice and Violet and knew all about them. ‘I know how you feel. I felt like that about Stanley’s mam. I know you shouldn’t speak ill of the dead but we’ve been a lot happier since Hettie passed over.’ Strangely enough, Joan looked thoroughly miserable as she said it.
However, Lacey didn’t notice. ‘I can well believe it. And whilst I’m not wishing either of them dead, they’d better keep out of my way or they soon will be.’ Her empty threats made Joan smile, but the smile did not reach her eyes.
‘Is something wrong, Joanie?’
‘Nowt,’ Joan replied abruptly, quickly changing the subject. ‘Look at your Matt wi’ Molly Dewhirst. That’s a turn up for t’books. I can’t ever remember him bothering with a woman afore.’
‘Nor me,’ Lacey agreed, ‘but he appears to be taken with Molly.’
‘It wa’ kind of you to invite her. She needs a bit o’ cheering up, what wi’ her losing her husband an’ having to come back to live wi’ her mam. That little lad of hers is only two.’
Lacey and Joan looked over at Matt and Molly, Matt playfully entertaining Molly’s son. Joan caught her bottom lip between her teeth and her eyes filled with tears. ‘Her husband had only been three days in France when he wa’ killed.’
‘Don’t upset yourself, Joanie.’
‘I can’t help it! I wasn’t going to say owt ‘cos I didn’t want to spoil your day but…’ She took a deep breath, ‘Stanley’s joined up. He went down to t’Drill Hall and signed up without telling me.’
Lacey gasped. ‘Whatever made him do that?’
Joan sighed so deeply it wafted baby James’s hair. ‘He says it’s his duty. He wanted to get it over and done with ‘cos he says they’ll all be called up afore long. The soldier in the Drill Hall said as much.’
Lacey glanced across the room to where Stanley stood laughing at something Joshua was telling him. ‘Don’t worry, Joanie. Stanley’ll be all right. He knows how to take care of himself.’ Even to Lacey’s ears the words lacked conviction and her heart ached, not just for Joan but also for herself. Would she and Nathan have just the next few days to get to know one another as man and wife before he was taken from her, never to return?