11

‘It is good to sit with my friends at Easter and watch the children play,’ Anya said to Joyce, Mildred and Miss Tibbs. They were sitting on a rug laid out on the grass in the garden of Captain’s Cottage. ‘I cannot remember the last time we were all together in such a pleasant way.’

‘It would have been Rose’s wedding two Christmases ago,’ Miss Tibbs said, ‘although the weather was not as warm as it is today.’

‘It was perishing cold and snowing,’ Mildred exclaimed.

‘But beautiful all the same,’ Joyce added as she raised her face to the spring sunshine. ‘It was so good of Rose, Katie and Lily to invite the children of their colleagues to afternoon tea and the egg hunt; it seems to have become an annual event since Mildred gave them the ownership of Captain’s Cottage. It has done my Pearl good to meet a few new faces. With so many children being evacuated, she’s not made many friends in recent years. Everyone is so kind to her at Sea View, but it’s not the same.’

‘A child should not have to be with a group of old biddies all the time,’ Anya observed as she watched Pearl help Alexsy find a carved wooden egg donated by Mildred. ‘I hope my Alexsy makes many friends and enjoys his childhood.’

‘Why, you talk as if you won’t be here. The war will soon be over and things will return to normal; then our children will be able to enjoy a normal childhood again.’ Joyce smiled at Anya, who was known for her negative comments. They often raised a smile among her friends, who put them down to the difference in languages.

‘They said it would be over by Christmas 1939 and it wasn’t,’ Miss Tibbs huffed as she sat propped up by cushions. ‘Isn’t it time for another cup of tea?’ she called out, as Flora approached from where she’d been talking to Jennie.

‘It won’t be long,’ Flora said as she joined them, sitting down next to Mildred. ‘I must say that is a very fetching dress, Mildred; it makes such a change from your work attire. I’ve not seen you in it before.’

‘I came across the frock when I was having a sort out the other day and thought I may as well get some wear out of it while I don’t have to wear my boiler suits as much. I’m not sure I like wearing dresses, though. They can be a bit draughty around my nether regions,’ Mildred said. She tucked the skirt closely around her legs, although they were well protected in thick lisle stockings.

Joyce and Flora exchanged a grin. ‘Why aren’t you out fishing so much at the moment?’ Joyce asked. They all adored Mildred, although her mannish ways and work as a fisherwoman seemed eccentric to the other women of Sea View. It did at least mean they were kept plentifully supplied with fish; Mildred was one of the few boat owners who had been allowed out to fish from Ramsgate harbour since the war began.

‘I’m having her engine seen to and a bit of an overhaul; it is long overdue. While she’s in dry dock I’ve been helping my friend go out in his boat.’

‘You should take some time off and have a little holiday; you do enough for the people of Ramsgate supplying fish and crabs, God knows you deserve a break,’ Joyce said.

‘I’d not know what to do with myself. That’s why I’ve been having a bit of a sort out while I have time on my hands. However, perhaps I could go and visit an old friend for a few days,’ Mildred added thoughtfully.

‘I must say, it seems strange you not going out at night to fish. Although I like to know all my ladies are tucked up safe in their beds; I hate to think of you out at sea in the dark.’

‘I’m fine; it’s what I’m used to,’ Mildred said, looking a little embarrassed by Flora’s concern. ‘I wonder, could I have a quiet word with you when we get back home? It’s something and nothing,’ she added as the other women showed interest.

‘Of course, come down to the kitchen and we can chat over a mug of cocoa,’ Flora said, wondering what Mildred wished to talk about. She was a woman who never spoke much about her private life. It had been a big shock to them all when she’d signed over ownership of Captain’s Cottage to Rose, Katie and Lily, saying that the girls were like family to her and she wanted them to enjoy the property now, rather than after she had passed away and bequeathed it to them.

‘I need to ask you, Flora, if you spoke to Katie about looking after my Alexsy?’ Anya asked. ‘You may think I am being foolish, but I was too nervous to ask her myself as I feel it is a big imposition.’

‘Indeed I have, and she will be delighted to do so. I suggest you have a chat with her now and tell her all about Alexsy’s routine.’

‘I will do that right now, thank you, Flora.’

Flora reached out and touched Anya’s arm. ‘You should never fear asking any of us for help. We all think of you as part of our family and love you and Alexsy very much.’

Anya blinked away tears. ‘I’m a very lucky person,’ she said, getting to her feet and marching across the lawn towards the cottage.

They watched her disappear inside. Joyce shook her head. ‘I’m not sure I could go away to London and leave my Pearl, and she is quite grown up. Have you sorted out Jennie? I was telling the ladies how I caught her with a man this afternoon.’

‘Yes, I have, and she is quite contrite. I put a proposition to her, and she agreed; it will suit all concerned and solve the problem of the man . . .’ The others listened with interest as Flora explained what had been planned.

‘Nothing beats cocoa after a day out,’ Flora said as she placed a mug in front of Mildred and sat down opposite her at the Sea View kitchen table. They were the only residents still awake, and apart from the usual creaking of the old house there was silence.

‘Pure bliss,’ Mildred said as she sipped the hot drink. ‘Even though I’m partial to cocoa while on board the Saucy Milly, it’s here, at the end of a fishing trip, that I enjoy it most. I’m getting old,’ she said, kicking off her stout brogues and wriggling her toes.

Flora sighed. ‘We are all getting older, but this war seems to have made it feel so much worse. At times it drags me down.’

‘What, you? Why, we look to you to buoy us up and keep us going.’

Flora laughed. ‘And there was me thinking my residents kept me going; perhaps it’s a bit of both. Now tell me, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?’ She pushed the biscuit barrel towards Mildred. ‘There may be a few fig rolls left.’

‘It’s about getting old. And before you say anything, remember I’m a good few years further on than you.’

‘Not much older,’ Flora said quickly.

‘I’m fifty-eight,’ Mildred said, which surprised Flora.

‘Well, I never. I must say, you look good for your age; it must be all that fresh air. Even so, you are only five years older than me.’

Mildred shrugged. She wasn’t one for compliments. ‘To be honest, that’s what I want to talk to you about.’

‘But Mildred, we all must grow old at some time. Rest assured there will always be a home here for you and if your rent ever becomes a problem we can come to some kind of arrangement,’ Flora said, giving her friend’s hand a reassuring squeeze. ‘Perhaps you shouldn’t have given Captain’s Cottage to the girls?’

‘I’m grateful for your generous offer, but honestly, money is not a problem. As you are aware, I did well from my father’s will even though we’d been estranged. I have invested my money wisely, and never marrying has meant I’ve been able to live frugally. That’s one reason why I wanted the three girls to enjoy the cottage – apart from never wanting to live there myself, because of my unhappy memories of childhood. The place feels very different now that they’re there, of course. It was a joy to see it come alive today at the tea party.

‘No, what I really want to discuss is what will happen when . . . when I’m no longer here,’ she continued, reaching for a large, well-worn envelope she’d placed on the table earlier. ‘My solicitor has a copy of my will, but I need someone to oversee the process and make sure everything is done properly; I need an executor. I would like you to be that person.’ She looked at Flora to see her reaction to the request.

Flora was lost for words. ‘I don’t know if I’m up to doing such a thing. Of course, I’m honoured you think I’m competent, but all the same I’m just a seaside landlady; I’ve had very little to do with paperwork or dealing with property and money. Perhaps you should ask someone else who knows more about such things?’

‘I don’t want anyone else to look after my affairs,’ Mildred insisted. ‘My solicitor can guide you, but it’s the personal things I want you to take care of.’ Opening the envelope, she pulled out a few sheets of handwritten notes as well as a copy of her will and a bundle of folded papers tied together with a faded red ribbon; it looked like the official deeds to a property. ‘I will run everything past my solicitor to make sure it’s in order. Perhaps you should come along with me, so that we both know everything is shipshape. Please say you will do this for me.’

‘As long as your solicitor is in agreement, I will say yes,’ Flora said, looking at the documents. ‘Would you please take me carefully through all of these documents? But first let me top up our mugs; there’s plenty of warm milk left in the pan. I’m used to catering for more than two people,’ she smiled.

‘I won’t say no,’ Mildred said, draining her mug and sliding it across to Flora. She began to lay the paperwork out on the table. When Flora returned with refilled mugs, Mildred picked up a faded sheet of paper. ‘This is the ownership of my fishing boat, the Saucy Milly. I want the boat to go to Katie’s husband, Jack; he has shown a lot of interest in the fishing business since he was a young lad. If he comes back safe from the navy, I intend to offer him a partnership. If he dies before me while in service to our country, then the boat will go to a friend who will get a good price for it and the money will be added to my estate.’

‘That is very generous of you,’ Flora said, thinking how much the young man would enjoy working as a fisherman. ‘Katie and Jack will have a good life thanks to your generosity.’

‘In case I’m not around to show him the ropes, I’ve made provision for a colleague to teach him. However, if I should go down with my ship, so to speak, there is insurance which will cover the purchase of another vessel.’

Flora felt a shiver run down her spine. Mildred was talking as though she really expected something to happen to her. ‘Tell me, Mildred, are you ill? I’ve noticed you have been rather quiet lately. There was a time you were always out fishing at night and only had a few hours’ sleep before going out again early the next morning. These days, though, you seem to be onshore much more. You can tell me; I won’t let it go any further.’

‘I’m fine,’ Mildred assured her. ‘Just the usual aches and pains of someone my age. I simply feel as though it’s time to get my house in order. After all, no one else is going to do it for me.’

‘That makes sense, but it seems so final . . . what else do you have there?’

‘These are the deeds to a house I own in Deal. It’s nothing special: two up, two down and a small outside toilet. I have a long-term tenant living there, the wife of a fisherman I knew who died at sea some twenty years ago. She was left penniless with a small child. I charge her a peppercorn rent, but whenever she decides to move on I want the house to go to you, Flora.’

Flora gasped. ‘But why? I’m truly grateful, but I am very comfortable here at Sea View and hope to see out my days in Ramsgate.’

‘You forget that I know this house belongs to your Rose, and it may be that she’ll want to move back here one day. Or even sell up and move away.’

Flora was lost for words. She took a sip of her drink as she tried to put her thoughts in order. ‘I’m at a loss what to say. Rose is very happy living with Ben in the cottage in Pegwell Bay; I doubt she would turf her old mum out into the street.’ Even so, she was smiling in appreciation of Mildred’s generosity.

‘Who knows what is around the corner?’ Mildred said. ‘I most certainly don’t. Think of it as a nest egg for your golden years. I very much want you to have the house. You have looked after all of us for so long; it is time you were cared for.’

Flora couldn’t speak as tears welled up and her throat became dry. At that moment there was the sound of a nearby air-raid siren starting to whine, getting louder and louder. ‘So much for a peaceful night,’ she sighed. ‘I’ll get the flasks filled while you rouse everyone; and don’t forget to put that paperwork somewhere safe, in case we take a hit. Oh, and Rose is staying the night, so don’t forget to bang on her door,’ she added as she stood up and prepared to get organized. Before hurrying away, she stopped and put a hand on Mildred’s arm. ‘Thank you, Mildred. It means a great deal that you’ve entrusted me to see your last wishes are fulfilled.’

‘There’s another list here; we can go through it later,’ Mildred replied as she gathered the documents together. ‘It’s just to say who gets my bits and pieces. I’ve already cleared out my bedroom, so I only have the essentials I need to live with; I want to make things easy for everyone. We can see my solicitor on Tuesday morning to get everything finalized.’

Flora nodded as the sound of sirens continued to fill the air. Despite Mildred’s reassurances, something about all this still didn’t seem quite right. What had really prompted Mildred to start putting her house in order at this particular time?

‘These night-time raids are the worst,’ Joyce said as she stroked Pearl’s hair; the child lay asleep on a wooden bench with her head in her mum’s lap.

‘Especially when they amount to nothing,’ Miss Tibbs agreed. ‘Although I’d not wish a raid on anybody.’

‘I’m good for nothing the next day,’ Anya put in, ‘yet we are supposed to keep smiling to show the Germans they do not worry us. Pah! I hate them all,’ she said angrily.

‘Shh,’ Rose whispered. ‘The children are sleeping. Shall I pour us a hot drink from the thermos, Mum? I managed to collect a few of the leftover buns from this afternoon and there’s enough for half each.’

Flora nodded her agreement and watched as Rose took a knife from the old biscuit tin they kept under a bench for cutlery and other items. Whenever there was a night-time raid, Flora always tried to bring along a couple of thermos flasks and something to eat as they whiled away the night, praying they would be back in their beds within a couple of hours. As they’d been at Captain’s Cottage all day, she hadn’t packed the two bags and dry blankets she usually kept ready by the kitchen door to be grabbed at a moment’s notice. She leant over to feel the blankets on the two bunk beds.

‘Things get so damp down here. I should have brought some fresh coverings,’ she whispered to Joyce. ‘These can come home with us later and I’ll dry them out ready for next time.’

‘Let me take charge of the blankets; you do too much for us,’ Joyce replied, making Flora think of Mildred’s comment earlier in the evening. She felt embarrassed at the unexpected praise from her tenants.

‘That’s very good of you, thank you. I meant to ask: how you are getting along with your job at the airfield?’

‘It’s not too bad, but I hate the hours and the travelling. If it wasn’t for workers being picked up in a truck each day, I’d have to cycle all the way there. I like working in the canteen . . . apart from when we hear about planes going down,’ Joyce added with a deep sigh.

‘You do a good job helping to look after the pilots’ stomachs,’ Anya said.

‘I’m not a great cook, I mainly serve and clean up,’ Joyce replied.

‘Then why not do the same for Joe Lyons?’ Anya said as she tapped Rose’s arm. ‘Rose, give Joyce my job; she can easily be a Sally as it does not require great brain power.’

Joyce laughed out loud at Anya’s words before checking she hadn’t woken Pearl. ‘I’d love to work closer to home. But don’t you have to be trained at one of the big teashops in London?’

‘Not necessarily,’ Rose answered. ‘We have done some of our own training in this area since war broke out. You’ve been in our teashops enough times to see what is required of a Sally serving at the front of shop counter.’

‘Would it not be easier for me to work at the Ramsgate branch?’ Joyce asked.

‘They have a full quota of Sallys at the Ramsgate branch; it is Anya’s job we are trying to fill, if only for a few weeks. After that, I could use you as a Nippy if you wish to be trained? I don’t have enough mature female staff. Why not come into the teashop on Tuesday and we can chat some more?’

‘I’ll drive you over there after I’ve finished some business I must see to,’ Mildred offered.

‘That’s if you do not mind stinking of fish,’ Anya said before turning to Rose. ‘I too need to talk with you. I leave for London that day, and I will need to take my son and all his belongings to Katie tomorrow; he is to share a room with Mary, which he will like very much. Captain’s Cottage is such a pretty house, Jennie too will love living there.’

Rose agreed. ‘The girls are very fortunate to have the property. They each have a bedroom and Jennie doesn’t mind squeezing into the box room. Now, we must find time to talk tomorrow,’ Rose replied, starting to divide up the buns while Flora handed round the drinks.

So much was changing with her friends at Sea View, she thought. Would life ever be the same?