Ellie arrived back to find Julius already there pottering round the kitchen. 'You're early!' she exclaimed in surprise. 'Yeah, it was an easy day.' That wasn't true, he'd purposefully hurried through his afternoons work so he could spend more time with her, but wasn't about to tell Ellie that. 'What was your day like?' he asked. 'So-so. Mounds of paperwork to get through, but thankfully no call-outs.' There hadn't been a raid in over a week, the Germans currently concentrating their bombing further north. 'Coffee?' 'Please.' Ellie sank onto a chair and lit up. 'I'll be washing my hair tonight, if that's all right with you?' 'Sure.' 'You going out?' 'Hadn't planned to. I might go over the road after a while for a couple. But we'll see.' He had no intentions of doing that unless Ellie came with him. She watched him as he 'fixed' their coffee, as he called it, admiring the litheness of his movement, and the graceful way he did things. It struck her that he was one of the most handsome men she'd ever known. But more important than that was his att.i.tude to women; he wasn't only unfailingly courteous to them but treated them as equals, a refreshing change to what she'd been used to and brought up with. Not that her father hadn't treated Jess properly, he had. But Albert was a man of his time, and background, where the woman was always second fiddle and whose duty was to be attendant to his needs at all times. 'I thought we'd cook together tonight,' Julius announced. 'Oh?' That pleased her, he'd promised they'd be doing this. 'What do you have in mind?' 'Yankee fried rice.' Ellie smiled. 'Sounds very exotic.' 'Not really, but it's simple. It'll be another recipe to add to your repertoire.' 'Which, as I warned you, is strictly limited. Cauliflower cheese, stew, bubble and squeak . . .' 'What the h.e.l.l is that?' he queried with a laugh. She explained. 'You English sure eat some weird stuff!' he exclaimed, shaking his head in amazement. 'No weirder than some of the things you Americans eat,' she retorted. 'Like what?' She had frantically to think. 'Meat loaf, your favourite.' 'What's weird about meat loaf? It's mainly minced beef which you English are so fond of.' He had her there. 'Well? Go on, name somethin.' She could hear the triumph in his voice. 'Oh, I don't know offhand,' she said grudgingly, hating to admit defeat. 'Ah ha!' he exclaimed, and beamed at her. 'Gotcha.' Ellie couldn't have said how it happened, but suddenly they were both roaring with laughter. He regarded her steadily when he eventually stopped. 'You're fun, Ellie Sykes. Real fun. Great to be with.' And so are you,' she replied just as sincerely. For the s.p.a.ce of a few moments they were absolutely still, 362 Moonlit Eyes staring into one another's eyes. Then Julius broke the spell by turning away. 'If you'll get off your b.u.t.t I'll start showin you how to make the rice.' Ellie took her coffee with her to where he'd begun a.s.sembling the ingredients. She was skin-p.r.i.c.kly aware when up close of the cologne he was wearing. Albert entered the day room to find Nurse Cross, a pretty young lady about Ellie's age, busy with a screwdriver. 'What are you doing?' he queried with a frown. 'Trying to fix this shelf before it falls off the wall. It's come loose.' 'Here, let me help you.' Albert went over and took the screwdriver from her. A quick examination of the offending shelf revealed it was going to need more than a screwdriver to put it right. 'I've no idea how it's happened but the holes the screws go into have widened. To do this properly I'll have to drill new ones. I don't suppose you have a drill handy by any chance?' Nurse Cross was delighted at Albert's offer of help, not to mention relieved. 'There's bound to be one in the maintenance room. If you'll follow me I'll take you there.' Albert left the screwdriver on the shelf, as he'd need it later, and followed Nurse Cross out into the corridor. 'I'm a bit puz- ' zled,' he said. 'Why are you doing something like that? Surely there's a man does the odd jobs round here?' 'There was, two of them in fact, but they're both in the Forces now and Matron hasn't been able to replace them. As a result we nurses have to do what we can if anything goes wrong.' The maintenance room was in the bas.e.m.e.nt, where Albert hadn't been before. Nurse Cross opened the door and flicked on the light. 'Here we are.' The first thing Albert saw were stacks and stacks of paint cans, a veritable mountain of them. 'Good G.o.d,' he murmured. 'Are those empty or full?'

'Full. The whole place was scheduled to be repainted and then the war broke out. They've been lying there ever since.' 'This lot would fetch a pretty penny on the black market,' Albert commented, paint being so difficult to come by since the advent of hostilities. 'I suppose so,' Nurse Cross mused. Then, reprovingly, 'I hope you're not getting any funny ideas, Mr Sykes?' Albert laughed. 'Not me. I'm dead against the black market, have been all along. No, it was just an observation, that's all.' Nurse Cross pointed to a couple of old, dilapidated chests of drawers. 'You should find a drill in there somewhere.' Albert quickly established that the drawers were filled with all manner of tools, and soon found what he was after. 'Just the dab,' he smiled. He then selected a few other items that he'd require and they left the room. 'I'll return this lot when I'm finished,' he a.s.sured her. 'Thank you. It'll certainly save me the job, particularly as I'm useless at that sort of thing.' 'My pleasure. I was bored anyway, so this gives me something to do.' Nurse Cross switched off the light and they made their way back upstairs where she left Albert to get on with it. Ellie picked up the letter that had just been delivered by the morning post as she was about to set off for work. In the background was the rattle of dishes as Julius washed the breakfast things. She smiled to see the writing was her father's laboured script. Quickly she tore open the envelope and started to read. Albert, in his own words, was having a whale of a time at Huntington Hall, everyone was friendly, lovely surroundings, etc. etc. He was also feeling a lot better and even putting on a little weight. He finished by hoping she was well and said he was looking forward to hearing from her soon. 'You almost ready?' Julius queried, appearing behind her. 'I just have to put my coat and hat on.' She held up the letter. 'From Dad. Everything's fine and he's enjoying himself.' 364 Moonlit Eyes 'Good,' Julius replied, nodding his approval. It pleased him to see the obvious relief on Ellie's face. 'Now shall we go?' Ellie tucked the letter into a pocket; she'd re-read it later when she had a free moment. Julius helped her into her coat, then slipped on his own. After he'd locked the door they made their way to his car and got in. As had become their custom Julius drove Ellie to the station before going on to the Emba.s.sy. 'I was wonderin',' he said as they turned out of Florence Street. 'What?' 'How about we take in a movie tonight?' She glanced sideways at him. 'There is one on locally I'd like to see. David Copperfield with W.C. Fields. He always makes me laugh.' 'David Copperfield? Well why not! That's settled then, eh?' 'It's a date.' For the life of her she couldn't think why she'd used that particular word knowing what it meant to Americans. When she glanced again at Julius he was smiling. 'Oh s.h.i.t'.' Julius muttered as the sirens sounded. The movie had only just started. 'I'll have to go home,' Ellie said. 'You know the arrangement.' The arrangement she was referring to was that the station would phone her should she be required. 'You do understand?' 'Of course.' Quite a few of the audience were now on their feet and moving towards the exits. Some enroute to their shelters, others to the Angel tube, which was close by, to take refuge there. Once outside they both glanced up to see the usual searchlights criss-crossing the night sky. So far the ack-ack guns hadn't opened up. They'd almost reached Florence Street when, the sirens having stopped wailing, the All Clear went, bringing both Ellie and Julius up short.

They smiled at one another in the darkness. 'False alarm,' Julius said, thinking of the inconvenience they'd had in leaving the cinema. 'Better that than the real thing,' Ellie replied, turning her collar up against the cold. 'Shall we go back?' 'What do you want to do?' He hesitated for a few moments. 'Honestly?' 'Honestly.' 'We don't know why the All Clear was sounded, but it is possible the sirens could go again. It's happened in the past.' Ellie nodded. That was true. 'Let's forget the movie then and go to The Florence instead. That way if they do go again you only have to cross the road.' Which made sense, Ellie thought. Anyway, the picture was spoilt for her now. If they did return she'd just be sitting there waiting for the b.l.o.o.d.y sirens to go off a second time. All right.' 'Why don't you take my arm? It's treacherous in the blackout and I don't want anythin' happenin' to you.' She appreciated his concern; twisted ankles and the like had become commonplace since the black-out was imposed. She slipped an arm round his and they proceeded on their way, she wishing he'd made the suggestion earlier. Not for safety's sake, but because she liked the idea of them being arm in arm. It was almost as if they were a couple. 'I'll get tipsy if I have any more,' Ellie declared. They'd been in the pub for nearly an hour and a half during which the sirens had remained silent. 'Oh go on, I'm goin' to have one,' he urged. Ellie was thoroughly enjoying herself, Julius, as always, great company. They were both drinking shorts, Harry and Hazel, for once, having a seemingly plentiful supply. 'I shouldn't,' she demurred. 'But you will.' 'Oh go on then,' she conceded, and giggled. 366 re. Moonlit Eyes Tulius went up to the bar and ordered refills, looking back at Ellie whose face was ever so slightly flushed. Adorable, simply adorable, he thought, as she gave him a tiny wave. 'Isn't this far better than the movies?' Julius asked when he rejoined her. 'Much.' 'I think so too.' 'Maybe we can go out again another night?' It was the alcohol making her so forward, she realised. She'd never have asked that when sober. 'Of course. Whenever you wish.' 'OK,' she giggled again, thinking it funny she was using his American expression. Before they knew it another hour, during which they'd had several more drinks, had flown past and it was approaching closing time. Ellie finished her G&T and placed the gla.s.s firmly on the table. 'That's it. No more otherwise I might fall down.' A last cigarette?' 'Is that a ruse to stay on?' 'No.' 'Swear?' 'I swear, Ellie. Only a cigarette, that's all.' The truth was he was loath to break this up, thinking he could have sat there with ' Ellie all night long. Cigarettes were duly lit and smoked, after which they both stood, Julius helping Ellie into her coat but deciding to carry his as it was only across the road. 'I'm glad it's you doing that,' Ellie slurred as he put the key in the door. 'Why?' 'Because I don't think I'd manage it.' 'You're not that bad,' he lied as the door swung open and they went inside. Ellie hung up her coat. 'Well that's me. I'm off to bed where I'll no doubt sleep like the proverbial log.' 367 'Goodnight, Ellie.' 'Goodnight, Julius. Thanks for a wonderful evening. It was terrific.' 'For me too.' They were both staring at one another, the mood between them having somehow changed. 'Can I kiss you?' The breath caught in Ellie's throat to hear that, and her stomach sort of flipped over. She nodded. It was only a peck, the briefest touching of lips, and then it was all over. Reaching out she laid the tips other fingers lightly on his cheek, then whirled about and went running up the stairs. Julius watched her every step of the way, her perfume lingering in his nostrils. 'Come in!' Matron Hapgood, a tallish, angular thin woman, who wore gla.s.ses, called out when there was a tap on her office door. It was Albert. Are you free?' 'If you wish to see me.' 'Thank you, Matron.' She indicated a chair in front of her desk. As he sat she removed her gla.s.ses and wiped her eyes. 'Now what can I do for you, Mr Sykes? No complaints I trust?' He smiled. 'None at all. I've come with a request, that's all.' The gla.s.ses were put back on and she studied him intently. 'Oh?' 'The overflow from the guttering outside my window is very irritating, and I wondered if you'd give me permission to do something about it. I suspect it's only blocked with debris, which happens with gutters, and I'd like to not only clear that but go round the entire guttering and give it a general clean.' That took Matron by surprise. 'I heard about you fixing the shelf in the day room. Thank you for that.' Albert nodded. 'My pleasure. Gave me something to do, occupy my mind for a bit.' 368 Moonlit Eyes 'Uh-huh.' Matron was thinking about Albert's proposal. '"Won't it be dangerous up there on a ladder? I mean, I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself.' Albert laughed. 'I'm a fireman, Matron, I've spent half my life up ladders. I won't fall off, I a.s.sure you.' Matron blushed. 'Yes, of course. How stupid of me.' 'I'm bored you see. Thoroughly enjoying myself here, but bored. I'm a working man, used to doing just that. I'll be far happier being busy.' Albert wasn't like the rest of her patients. Matron reflected. They were either recovering from injury or illness, whereas in his case he was here to get over the death of his wife. The more she thought about Albert's proposal, the more she approved. It would be good therapy for him. Ideal in fact. 'I've already been in the maintenance room,' Albert went on. 'Everything I might need is there, including overalls which looked more or less my size.' Matron made a decision. 'All right, Mr Sykes, you carry on.' She wagged a finger at him. 'Just be careful, that's all. I've never lost a patient yet, and don't wish to start now.' 'You won't. Matron, so you can rest easy.' He rubbed his hands together. 'Well, there's no time like the present to get to it. With your permission that is?' 'Granted.' 'Thank you.' And with that he left Matron Hapgood, heading straight for the maintenance room to sort out what was required. Ellie arrived in her office to take over from Josie Farnham at the early morning changeover of staff. 'How was last night?' she asked brightly. 'Fine. No raid, no call-outs. I even managed to s.n.a.t.c.h a few hours sleep.' 'The SO about?' Josie shook her head. 'But she'll probably be in later knowing her.'

'Anything to report?' 'Not really. With the exception of Annie Croxton who's been taken ill apparently, and admitted to the Royal Free.' Ellie frowned. 'What's wrong with her?' 'The note her mother sent round didn't say. But, as she's in hospital, I presume it's serious.' Annie worked on Ellie's day shift and was therefore her responsibility. 'I'll go and see her this evening,' she declared. And find out exactly what's what.' Josie yawned. 'Home to bed for me.' 'I've been meaning to ask,' Ellie went on. 'How are you and Harold getting along? Still going strong?' Harold was the policeman Josie had met at the Poxy Roxy. As ever,' Josie smiled. 'He's got himself on nights as well so we see each other during the day. A bit odd perhaps, but you get used to it.' 'Might there be an engagement in the wind?' Josie winked. 'Possibly. Too soon really to tell, but he seems keen enough. And I certainly am.' Ellie crossed two fingers and held them up. 'Thanks. Now I'm off. Ta ra!' Ta ra!' Ellie checked her appearance in the mirror, tucking away a few loose hairs, before going out to address the other girls as she did every morning. Albert came down the ladder to find Matron standing there, where she'd been watching him for the past few minutes. 'That's it done,' he announced. All finished.' 'Was it bad?' He shook his head. 'Not really. But guttering, like lots of other things, does need looking after. What I've done should be done every year. That lot up there hadn't been looked at for quite some time, which was evident. There won't be any overflows now when it rains, I'm delighted to say. And I can stop being irritated.' 370 Moonlit Eyes Matron smiled. 'If you're willing there are some other jobs that require attending to.' 'Oh?' 'Small ones. General maintenance work, that sort of thing.' 'Well, I'll be happy to see what I can do.' 'This is very kind of you, Mr Sykes. We all appreciate it.' 'Think nothing of it,' Albert acknowledged. 'It's my pleasure.' He hesitated, then said, 'There's something else.' 'What's that?' 'How long am I due to stay here? I got the impression I had another couple of weeks. The Union was rather vague about the actual time allotted.' 'It was left to my discretion,' Matron replied. As far as I'm concerned it's up to you.' Albert nodded that he understood. 'That being the case, why don't I start doing some painting for you? The inside of the building desperately needs it, and there's all that paint just lying there in the maintenance room crying out to be used.' Matron's face lit up. 'That would be wonderful, Mr Sykes.' 'Then leave it to me. I'll organise everything.' A treasure. Matron thought gleefully. That's what Albert was. A treasure. Annie's bed, when Ellie located it, was surrounded by screens. She popped her head round one and smiled. 'h.e.l.lo, Ellie. Come and sit down.' Annie looked positively ghastly, Ellie thought as she sat. 'Why the screens?' 'The doctor was doing some more tests. He's finished now, but the screens still haven't been taken away.' Ellie stared at Annie in concern. 'What's wrong?' 'They don't know yet, I started feeling unwell at home, then began vomiting. Next thing I'd pa.s.sed out. When our GP was called he insisted I be brought in here.' 'I see.'

'They've already done a number of tests before these latest, but so far they're as baffled as my GP.' 'Well, all I can say is I hope you get better soon.' Annie gave Ellie a twisted smile. 'I'm glad you've come. Mum was here earlier but had to go home for a while. It's good to have the company.' Annie was normally a beautiful blonde with gorgeous green eyes and a figure to die for. The hair was now dull and straggly, the eyes as if the light in them had been turned out, and the figure, from what Ellie could see, seemed sort of shrunken. 'I'll stay as long as you like, or they'll let me,' Ellie said. 'Thanks.' The following afternoon news came to the station that Annie Croxton had pa.s.sed away the previous night. A postmortem revealed the cause of death to be a tumour on the brain. 372

Chapter 28

Ah, there you are, Mr Sykes,' Matron declared, breezing into the bedroom Albert was painting. 'I was told I'd find you here.' 'h.e.l.lo, Matron.' Matron gazed about, nodding her approval. 'You're doing an excellent job.' Albert continued working. 'Thank you. I enjoy painting. Find it very relaxing. In fact, if I hadn't been a fireman I've sometimes thought I'd have become a painter and decorator.' ^ Matron shivered. 'It's chilly in here.' 'That's because it's November and the window's wide open. It has to be that otherwise the smell would be unbearable.' 'It's Friday afternoon, Mr Sykes.' Albert paused to stare at her, wondering why she was stating the obvious. 'I believe it is.' 'Payday in fact.' What on earth was she talking about? Matron reached into a side pocket of her uniform to produce two pound notes. 'These are for you.' Albert was taken aback to say the least. 'I'm not due any wages, Matron. I volunteered, remember?' 'You did indeed, Mr Sykes, for which I'm most appreciative.

Nonetheless, I want you to accept this, you've earned every penny of it during the past week.' Albert laid his brush aside, telling himself not to look a gift horse in the mouth. 'It seems a bit unnecessary to me as there's nowhere to spend money,' he pointed out. The hint of a smile curled Matron's lips fractionally upwards. 'I presume you came through Loxton on your way here?' That was the name of the nearest village situated about a mile and a half from Huntington Hall. Albert nodded. 'I did.' 'Well there's a very nice pub there, called The Lamb Inn, which serves excellent ale I understand.' He could really use a pint, or two, Albert thought. 'Really?' And there's a bicycle in the pa.s.sage leading from the kitchen to the back door, the tradesmen's entrance we refer to it as. Can you ride a bike, Mr Sykes?' 'I can,' Albert mused. 'Though haven't done so in years.' 'I'm sure you'll quickly get the hang of it again. After dinner would be the best time, don't you think?' 'Sounds good to me.' 'Fine then.' Albert regarded her with amus.e.m.e.nt. 'You seem to know a lot about men, Matron, no offence meant.' As she didn't wear a wedding ring he presumed she was unmarried. 'I should do, I was brought up with four brothers. Ruffians all. But kindly with it. Not one of them would ever turn down the chance of a pint. Mind you, I haven't seen them in years, but I doubt they've changed their ways.' Albert accepted the money from her. All I can say is thank you.' 'Think nothing of it. And, Mr Sykes, you won't be the first one to use the bicycle for that purpose. It hasn't been unheard of in the past.' She took a deep breath. 'Now, I'd better get on, lots to do.' And with that Matron swept from the room leaving a bemused Albert to resume painting. * * * 374 Moonlit Eyes Ellie was sitting in front of the fire with her eyes closed, having thought she'd have a doze, but unable to because she was acutely aware of Julius, sitting opposite, staring at her. She didn't have to look to know that was the case, she could feel his gaze. Nor was this the first time she'd been aware of his staring when he thought she wasn't watching. 'Julius?' 'What, Ellie?' 'Why are you staring?' She opened her eyes just as he was glancing away. 'Was I?' he queried innocently. 'You know you were.' 'Sorry, I didn't mean to.' Ellie produced her cigarettes. 'Want one?' 'Yeah.' He came over and helped her to a light before returning to his chair. 'It's cold out there tonight,' he commented. 'Don't change the subject, Julius. Why were you staring at me? You've been doing a lot of that lately, thinking I didn't know, but I did.' He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, unsure of what to reply. 'Well?' she demanded. 'I'm sorry,' he apologised. 'It won't happen again.' He came suddenly to his feet. 'I'm off over to The Florence for a while. See you later.' 'Julius, don't you dare!' she called out sharply as he made for the door. 'I want an answer.' He stopped, but kept his back to her. 'Drop it, Ellie. Please.' 'No, I will not.' 'I said please.' 'And I said I want an explanation, Julius Poston. Why do you keep staring at me as if I was some kind of exotic animal or other?' He was ages in replying. When he did his back remained firmly to her. 'I didn't intend speakin out, Ellie. Certainly not while you're a guest in our house.' There was another long pause. Tm waiting,' she reminded him, as if she had to. 'It's because I've fallen for you,' he stated quietly. Ellie went rigid with shock. 'Fallen for me?' she croaked. 'Big-time. No lie.' Ellie swallowed, then swallowed again. 'Are you saying you love me?' 'I guess.' 'What sort of answer is that. Yes or no?' 'Yes.' b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, she thought, still in shock. 'Now can I go?' Her emotions were in turmoil. This was so unexpected. Or was it? She wasn't sure. 'Turn round,' she further croaked. 'I want to find something out.' He came about to face her. 'What?' 'Why did I have to force you into telling me that?' He shrugged. 'All kinds of reasons.' 'Such as?' 'I didn't want to take advantage of us being' alone in the house while my folks are away.' 'And?' she probed. 'I remember when you said that day when we went on a picnic about not seem' me as a black man any more, but simply as a man. Well that's one thing, us havin' a relationship quite another. Don't you agree? I mean, there are still parts of the States where I'd be lynched for being interested in a white girl far less takin' it further.' He loved her - those words had burned deeply into her brain and sent her pulse racing. She'd never believed she had a chance with him, not really. Fantasised about it on occasion, but never believed it would come about. 'Ellie?' He frowned as she got up and came across to him. 'I want you to kiss me, properly this time. As though you meant it.' 376Moonlit Eyes 'Are you sure?' She nodded. He hesitated for a few moments, then took her into his arms. Ellie felt light-headed when he finally released her, almost staggering on the spot. She'd never known a kiss like it, certainly not with George. His kisses paled by comparison. 'Well?' Julius smiled. 'You can go to the pub now. I want to think about this.' 'OK.' When he was gone she slumped back into her chair, her mind whirling. What had started as a dull and dreary night had suddenly turned into something very, very different. While Julius was in The Florence, Albert was standing at the bar of The Lamb Inn. He'd liked the pub the moment he'd walked through the door, its atmosphere cosy, friendly and instantly welcoming. Matron had been right about the beer, a local brew, it was good. Far better than he was used to. 'Pa.s.sing through?' the barman inquired, polishing a gla.s.s. Albert explained that he'd come from Huntington Hall. 'We occasionally get some of the nurses in here,' the barman said. A lively bunch, all out for a laugh.' Before long Albert found himself chatting to a group of the villagers, feeling completely at ease as if he'd been a regular there for years. Ellie lay in bed staring at the ceiling, the room in darkness. Julius had returned a short while ago and gone almost immediately to his room. She couldn't get out of her mind the conversation she'd had with Annie Croxton the night Annie had died. Enjoy your life while you can, Annie had said. For you never knew what tomorrow would bring, especially with a war on. Well, the latter was certainly true where Annie had been concerned. One moment vibrant and alive, the next ill, the next dead. Albeit in Annie's case it had nothing to do with the war.

Death - she seemed surrounded by it nowadays. Her mother, Paul, old Ma Jenkins from across the road, her two colleagues, Molly Davis and Pat Halfpenny, who'd been burned alive in their vehicle. The countless incidents she'd been called out to where the dead and dying had been all around. The injured who'd died in her vehicle while being taken to hospital, the others -- so very many -- who'd died after reaching there. Ellie shivered, which had nothing to do with the temperature. She herself could be next, there was always that possibility. Every time there was a raid, and thank G.o.d they'd stopped for a while, her turn could come. And now Julius said he loved her, which she believed after that kiss downstairs. It was as if her insides had melted, turned to mush, which had never ever happened with George or any other man she'd previously kissed. It had just seemed so right with Julius. As if, well, as if during the kiss they'd been one person. And if that could happen with a kiss what would it be like should they make love? Her skin p.r.i.c.kled all over at the thought. War changed everything, she told herself. The entire world was turned on its head. She'd been brought up to be a good girl, as Annie had put it. Having s.e.x was something that happened with your husband on your wedding night, and not before. A few liberties perhaps, but not the actual act itself. That was strictly forbidden in the fear of acquiring a reputation, or worse still, being caught out and getting pregnant. The shame of that, for her and her family, would be devastating. But the world had turned on its head, and who knew what tomorrow would bring? Shouldn't she grab what she could, while she could? Common sense said yes. Screamed it in fact. Loud and clear. Did she love Julius? She'd never consciously admitted she did, having considered him un.o.btainable. Only now he wasn't, and he loved her. That kiss was the key which told her they were right for one 378 Moonlit Eyes another. Indisputably so. Feelings she'd kept locked away had been released, come bubbling to the surface. She did love him, she realised with a jolt. And had never loved George. She'd thought she had at the time, but it hadn't been so, she'd been deluding herself. Julius was the one for her, there was no question about it. None whatsoever. And tomorrow, or the next day, she, or Julius, could be dead, just like all the others. Her mind made up, Ellie got out of bed and shrugged into her dressing gown. Taking a deep breath she made her way to Julius's door. Another deep breath and she knocked. 'Julius, are you awake?' 'Yeah,' came the surprised reply. Ellie opened the door and went inside. Ellie came awake with a smile on her face, the memories of the previous night instantly flooding back. Beside her Julius was still fast asleep. She hadn't really known what to expect of lovemaking, but whatever, the reality had far surpa.s.sed any preconceptions she might have had. She felt languid, her body utterly relaxed, a sense of joyous fulfilment encompa.s.sing her entire being. She couldn't have asked for a man to be more tender or gentle with her, he only too well aware it was her first time and wanting her initiation to be a good and rewarding one. And so it had been. It couldn't have been more so. Reaching out under the covers she ran a hand over his naked b.u.t.tock, then slid it down between his legs. Hussy, brazen hussy, she thought, her smile widening and becoming knowing. There had been no embarra.s.sment between them, albeit she'd thought there would be, at least initially. But no. Nothing could have been more natural than their being naked together.

'You know what'll happen if you keep doin' that?' he murmured.

'What?' she replied innocently. He laughed, a deep rumble that reverberated in the cavern of his chest. 'Well, you'd better stop it, we both have work to go to.' A glance at the bedside clock told her there was just over half an hour before she normally got up. 'Cuddle me, Julius,' she whispered, releasing him. He did, savouring the rich scent of her hair. 'Shall I tell you somethin'?' 'What?' she queried dreamily. 'That jibe about your b.r.e.a.s.t.s being small. Well they're not, they're absolutely perfect.' 'Oh,' she breathed. And what about my bottom?' 'Just the right size, and cute as h.e.l.l.' 'Thank you.' 'Why? I'm only tellin' the truth.' The mush was back in her stomach. 'There's still plenty of time, Julius.' They both made good use of it. Josie Farnham was sitting perched on the edge of their shared desk when Ellie entered the office. 'You're late,' she frowned. That was most unlike Ellie. Ellie blushed. 'Sorry. Something came up.' She almost burst out laughing when she realised what she'd said. Are you all right?' 'Never more so.' Josie studied her friend. 'You seem different somehow.' 'Do I?' 'I can't say how, but yes.' Did it really show? It must for Josie to notice. 'Perhaps it's because I'm happy,' she prevaricated. The truth, if not the whole truth. She wasn't only happy but in love and not a virgin any more. 380 Moonlit Eyes Any particular reason?' Ellie toyed with the idea of telling Josie about her and Julius, then decided not to. It wasn't that she didn't trust Josie, she did, but that was something best kept to herself. 'Just one of those days I suppose,' she replied airily. Josie didn't believe a word of that, but didn't inquire any further. Ellie's business was her own. Instead she launched into their normal changeover procedure, and was soon on her way home leaving Ellie to it. Albert took a sip of the tea one of the nurses had just brought him, and wandered over to the open window to stare out. Being a born and bred townie, and an inner city one at that, his previous experience of the countryside had been extremely limited. But now he was living right in the middle of it he'd come to appreciate the sheer splendour of the land. How quiet it could be, and peaceful, an ever-changing vista given to many moods. He found it wondrously beautiful.

The animals fascinated him, cows, sheep, and the wild ones he occasionally glimpsed. Why, only the other day he'd actually seen a badger! And the air, so clean and fresh, often filled with nose pleasing odours. He smiled - sometimes not so pleasing! Yes, Albert thought, he could actually live here and not miss London, or Islington, even though the latter had always been his home. Life moved at a different pace in the country, slower, lacking the hustle and bustle he was used to. Days somehow merged with one another, each seemingly the same, yet at the same time different. And how friendly the people were. He'd thought they might view him, an outsider amongst them, with suspicion, but so far that simply hadn't been the case. They'd accepted him without question. It would be a sad day when he finally left, he thought ruefully. Back to where he belonged and his job as a fireman. But where to stay? That was the question. He couldn't continue imposing on Danny and Vera, no matter what they said. The alternative was a hostel, many of which had been opened up to accommodate people, like himself, made homeless from the bombing. Christ, that would be awful. Eating and sleeping with strangers, maybe even having to put up with screaming children night after night. The thought made him shudder. But he wouldn't be leaving Huntington Hall yet. Matron had said it was up to him when he went, so unless she changed her mind, or circ.u.mstances altered, he was staying put for at least a few more weeks. Maybe even longer. He liked country life. He liked it a lot. 'We can't sleep in your parents' bed!' Ellie protested. 'Whyever not? They aren't usin' it.' 'That's hardly the point. It just wouldn't be right.' 'But it would be more comfortable,' he argued. 'And of course bigger being a double, and a large double at that.' Ellie had to admit it was difficult the two of them sharing a single bed; this would be far more satisfactory. 'I'll tell you what,' Julius said, a glint in his eye. Going to Ellie he began undoing the b.u.t.tons of her blouse. 'Why don't we try it out and see?' 'But it isn't even eight o'clock yet.' 'So?' Her resistance crumbled, she wanted him so badly. In fact she couldn't get enough of him, or he her. She giggled. 'I take it that means yes?' He removed her blouse and started on her bra. When that too was off he lowered his head and began nuzzling her. 'Oh, Julius,' she whispered. Closing her eyes she gave a soft moan. Heaven. There was no other word for what followed, sheer heaven. 382 Moonlit Eyes Ellie was returning from work when she spotted Connie Fox and George, arm in arm, on the other side of the road. George was speaking and Connie was avidly listening. Ellie knew if she'd seen them a few weeks back she'd have been jealous. But now? Not one whit of it. On the contrary, she wished them well and every happiness. One thing was certain, they couldn't be any happier than she and Julius. No one could. She briefly considered going over and saying h.e.l.lo, then decided against it as it would only cause them embarra.s.sment. No, let them be. Ellie hurried on her way, desperate to be in Julius's arms again. Just to be with him. 'Do you play darts, Albert?' Albert looked up at the speaker, a chap called Tom whom he'd chatted to on several occasions now. 'As a matter of fact I do.' There was a board at the station which was often used while waiting for a call-out. Tom, like many of the men who came to the pub, worked on a farm which was why he wasn't in the Forces. 'Then can you help us out? One of our regulars can't make it tonight and we have a match against The Bell from Framley. We'd be obliged.' Framley was another village in the area. 'I'd be delighted to play, Tom. Thanks for asking.' 'Good chap. Come on over and have a practice with the rest of us. The Bell team should be arriving shortly.' 'One thing, Tom. I don't have any darts with me.' 'Don't you worry about that. We've got a box of spares. There's bound to be a set that suits.' Albert was considered the best player at the station, which was something considering the standard of his colleagues. By the end of the evening he'd won his singles game plus his doubles, though they lost the match overall. He was asked to play again the following week, to which he readily agreed. Before leaving to go back to Huntington Hall he 383 got the distinct impression he was now fully accepted as 'one of the lads'. That pleased him enormously. Julius ran a hand over his face, then lit a cigarette. This really wasn't good enough, he chided himself. He had a whole stack of work to get through, but was unable to concentrate on any of it. The trouble was Ellie, he couldn't get her out of his mind. Whenever he tried to focus on the papers before him his thoughts kept drifting back to her, wondering what she was doing right then, recalling incidents from times they'd been together, she smiling, laughing, clinging to him. Julius sighed and decided to have a coffee break. 'Ellie.' He said her name aloud, and smiled. He couldn't wait to see her later. Matron stood at her window watching Albert cycle off, to The Lamb no doubt which had become a firm favourite of his. Not that that gave her any cause for worry. He never returned drunk, or belligerent in any way. A little merry perhaps, but there was no harm in that. None at all. He was progressing quickly with the painting, and that morning had started on the day room where he'd made a good beginning. As she was turning away from the window an idea came to her. One that made her stop and think. 'I've got a couple of complimentary tickets for a show tomorrow night,' Julius announced. 'Want to go?' 'What, do you mean a play?' Ellie queried. He shook his head. 'A revue. It's called "Sweet and Low" starring Hermione Baddeley and Hermione Gingold. I'm told it's great.' 'Sounds wonderful,' Ellie enthused, already planning what she'd wear. 'Which theatre?' 384 Moonlit Eyes 'The Amba.s.sador's.' 'It'll be fun,' Ellie declared. 'I'm looking forward to it already.' Julius came over and took her into his arms. The too. But then goin anywhere with you is fun. As is just being with you.' Her eyes were shining as he bent and kissed her lightly on the lips. 'Love ya, doll.' 'And I love you.' 'For ever and ever.' 'And a day,' she added, thinking with pleasure how romantic Julius could be. There were so many little things he did for her, gestures of appreciation and affection. Why, only the night before she'd gone up to bed to discover a box of chocolates, candy he called it, on her pillow. She hoped he'd never change. Please G.o.d. 'Typical woman, always having to have the last word,' he smiled. Then, suddenly all businesslike. 'Right, I'm hungry. Let's eat. I'm goin to teach you how to cook spaghetti bolognaise.' 'Whatever's that!' she exclaimed. 'Italian. And haven't I had trouble getting the proper ingredients. Luckily one of the chefs at the Emba.s.sy owed me a favour and was eventually able to rustle up what I wanted.' Taking her by the hand he crossed over to the large, brown paper bag he'd brought home. 'OK, let's get started.' Later Ellie talked him out of putting garlic in it, declaring vehemently that garlic was disgusting and made your breath stink. Only Frenchies and the like used garlic. Julius thought that was very funny. Ellie came groggily awake as the bedroom light clicked on. Seconds later she was staring in horror at an openmouthed Beulah and a clearly amused Pee Wee. 'Holy s.h.i.ti' Julius exclaimed softly, he too having been woken. A thoroughly embarra.s.sed Ellie, wishing she could disappear, was only too horribly aware she was stark naked underneath the bedclothes. As was Julius. 'Hi, Mom, hi, Dad!' Julius said, attempting a smile. 'We weren't expectin' you.' Beulah's glare would have sunk a battleship. 386

Chapter 29

What in the name of Sam Hill's goin on here?' Beulah thundered the moment Julius and Ellie, now both suitably attired, appeared in the kitchen. Pee Wee was standing leaning on the mantelpiece, a gla.s.s of scotch in one hand. 'It wasn't what it looked like, Mom,' Julius immediately protested. Ellie, still acutely embarra.s.sed, face flushed, was staring at the floor. What had happened was a nightmare come true, the only redeeming factor being they hadn't actually been making love when surprised. Beulah's expression became one of incredulity. 'Well, you sure as h.e.l.l weren't in bed to discuss the weather, for Christsake!' 'Wliy don't you sit down, Ellie,' Pee Wee suggested softly. Ellie did, at the other end of the table to Beulah whose gaze she couldn't meet. 'Anyway, why didn't you call to tell us you were gettin back?' Julius accused. 'Because the phone's out of order. It's been out all day.' 'Oh!' Julius exclaimed. 'I didn't know that.' 'Well, you do now.' Beulah folded her arms across her ma.s.sive chest. And to think I trusted you, Julius. I should've known, men are all alike.'

Julius went over to an opened bottle of scotch, found a gla.s.s and poured himself one. 'Ellie?' She shook her head. If she'd tried to drink scotch in her present state she'd have thrown up. 'As for you, Ellie Sykes,' Beulah bulldozed on, fixing her with a beady stare. 'Your mother would have been downright ashamed of you.' Ellies flush deepened to become bright red. 'Hold on. Mom, that isn't fair!' Julius retorted. 'It's fair, OK. Jess was my friend and we talked about all sorts of matters. Now I can't pretend we agreed on everythin', but I sure knew what her views on morality were. What possessed you, girl, eh? Did Julius sweet-talk you into it?' 'No,' Ellie managed to whisper. 'Then what?' 'We're in love. Mom.' That momentarily deflated Beulah. 'Since when?' Julius shrugged. 'It just sort of built up I guess. Then it all came out, and that was that.' 'Huh!' Beulah snorted. 'Love, my a.s.s. The pair of you, being' alone, probably just got the hots for one another.' 'No!' Ellie exclaimed, suddenly rinding her voice. 'You're wrong. We do love each other. And it's my fault we started sleeping together. Up until then Julius had been the perfect gentleman.' Beulahs eyes narrowed. 'Go on?' Ellie spoke slowly, telling them about Annie Croxton, what Annie had said the night she'd died, and how it had come to her after that she too, because of the war, could die and miss out on so many things she'd always taken for granted would be hers one day. Beulahs expression softened during this account. 'I see,' she nodded when Ellie was finally finished. 'I believe every word of that,' Pee Wee stated. And what's more I agree with it.' 388 l Moonlit Eyes Beulah glanced at him. 'You do?' As Ellie put it, war changes everythin. h.e.l.l yeah!' Julius came across to stand directly behind Ellie, laying his free hand on her shoulder. 'So what happens now?' 'I'll go and live elsewhere,' Ellie offered. 'That's the decent thing to do.' 'No matter what, you two can't go on sharin a bed here. Irregardless of the rights and wrongs of this, that's final. Jess would turn in her grave if I allowed it.' 'Your father would go apes.h.i.t if he found out,' Pee Wee said to Ellie. And the poor guy's suffered enough as it is.' Ellie, recognising the truth of that, nodded her agreement. 'Can she stay and share my bed if we get married?' Julius asked. 'Providin she'll have me that is.' Ellie sucked in a breath; this was the first time marriage had been mentioned. She couldn't think of anything she wanted more. 'What do you say to that, Ellie?' Beulah queried. 'I'd like to be asked properly by Julius if you don't mind,' Pee Wee chuckled. He liked that. Beulah held up a hand. 'Just one thing before any proposin goes on. You absolutely certain, Julius? It's a huge step. And I have to say, no mixed marriage I ever heard of has gone easy. You is coloured after all, an she's a white woman.' 'I'm certain. Mom. As certain as can be.' 'Then you'd better get on with it. Want Pee Wee and I to leave the room?' Julius shook his head. 'That isn't necessary.' Ellie closed her eyes for a brief second as Julius placed his gla.s.s on the table. 'Ellie?' She looked up at him, thinking how handsome he was, and how very much she loved him. 'Will you marry me?' 'Yes.'

'Amen,' Pee Wee commented. Julius raised Ellie to her feet and kissed her, not too pa.s.sionately, mindful that his parents were present. A tear appeared in Beulah's eye which she dashed away. 's.h.i.t, I could sure use a drink,' she declared, and laughed. 'Well, if that don't beat all,' Pee Wee said softly, shaking his head. When Beulah had been given her drink she and Pee Wee toasted the bride and groom-to-be. Ellie was positively bursting with happiness. It would be a good marriage, she knew that beyond any shadow of a doubt. 'Engaged!' Josie Farnham squealed. 'You sly old thing!' It was the following morning and Ellie had just turned up for work to announce her news. And who's the lucky man? I didn't even know there was anyone.'

Ellie explained about her and Julius, though she didn't mention they'd been sleeping together. 'Well, congratulations,' Josie enthused. 'I'm ever so pleased.' 'Maybe you'll be doing the same yourself before long?' Josie winked. 'Maybe. It's a distinct possibility I'd say. But come on, tell me what your plans are?' 'We don't have any yet,' Ellie replied. 'He only proposed last night. All I can say is it'll be soon.' She was back in her own bedroom, at Beulah's insistence, Julius in his. Torture for the pair of them now used to the same bed. And where, church?' 'I haven't had time to think about that. But probably not.' 'Oh?' Ellie lit a cigarette, her first of the day, and inhaled deeply. 'This might sound silly, but I don't believe it's right with a war on. I know lots of other women disagree, but a Register Office seems more appropriate in my opinion. Also, don't forget I only recently lost my mum, and brother shortly before that.' Josie nodded her sympathy. 'I understand.' 390 Moonlit Eyes Ellie pictured Jess and Paul in her mind's eye, a wave of sadness sweeping over her. Yes, it was far too soon for the fripperies af a white wedding. At least that's what she thought. 'How much!' Ellie exclaimed, shocked. The jeweller repeated the price he'd quoted. 'It's far too expensive,' she declared to a smiling Julius. 'But you do like it?' 'Of course. It's gorgeous.' 'And it fits without havin to be resized.' True, Ellie reflected, turning her left hand first one way and then the other, the large single diamond shooting off sparks of blue and yellow fire. It was the sort of engagement ring she could only ever have dreamt of. 'Let me worry about the cost,' Julius said. Then, to the jeweller, 'We'll have it.' The jeweller almost purred with satisfaction. A wise choice, sir, if I may say so.' 'Thank you.' She'd be the envy of every woman she knew, Ellie thought. The girls at the station would be pea green with it. She turned to Julius, her eyes ablaze with excitement. 'You're spoiling me.' The jeweller discreetly looked away. And why not? You deserve to be spoilt.' . Ellie kissed him briefly on the lips, her throat tight with emotion.

And while we're here we'd better get a couple of gold bands,' Julius said. 'It'll save makin another trip.' The jeweller reached into the showcase counter to extract several trays of wedding rings, one gentlemen's, the other ladies'. 'Now is there anything here that's suitable,' he smiled, laying the trays before Julius and a somewhat dazed Ellie. Every few seconds she kept glancing at the ring still on her finger, unable to believe it was actually going to be hers. She was absolutely ecstatic.

When that selection had been made the jeweller put each band into a box. When he asked Ellie about her engagement ring she replied she'd continue wearing it, thank you very much, and take its box with her. After which Julius settled the bill in cash. 'Pleased?' he queried unnecessarily when they were outside again. 'What do you think?' Julius laughed, Ellie slipping an arm round his as they headed for home. She hadn't told Julius that was the same shop where George had bought his ring for her. If the jeweller had recognised her he certainly hadn't betrayed the fact by so much as even a flicker. Ellie glanced yet again at her engagement ring. One thing was certain, this one she wouldn't be throwing away. Not in a million, trillion years. 'I believe congratulations are in order,' Hazel said to Ellie who'd just come up to the bar. Julius had telephoned to say he was going to be late from work and suggested he meet Ellie in The Florence round about eight o'clock. It was now five to. 'Oh, I say, what a corker of a ring!* Hazel oohed and aahed as she examined it. 'Have you set a date?' 'In three weeks' time at the Caxton Hall in Petty France.' 'Good for you,' Hazel beamed. She took Ellie's order, gin and tonic, and made it a large one. 'That's on the house,' Hazel declared, placing it in front of Ellie. 'All the best.' Ellie thanked her. 'I'm meeting Julius, he should be in any minute now.' 'Smashing bloke. We all like him. You'll make a lovely couple.' She was still amazed at the news of Ellie marrying a black man, no matter how nice he was. She'd been quite shocked when she'd heard. Ellie had a sip of her drink. 392 Moonlit Eyes 'So, where are you planning to live?' 'Where we are now, with his mum and dad.' Hazel pulled a face. 'That'll be a bit cramped, won't it?' 'Yes,' Ellie sighed. 'But we'll just have to manage somehow. We're going to put my bed in Julius's room and place them together. It'll be a bit of a squash, I can tell you,' It would too, Hazel thought, knowing the houses in the street well. 'Why aren't you trying for a place of your own?' 'We'd love to, but how? Anything that comes available in the area goes straight to those who've been bombed out, and rightly. So there's no hope there.' 'What about other areas?' 'Most of them are as bad, people who've been bombed out are given top priority. Besides, if we moved away it would be difficult for me to get to and from work. I could change stations I suppose, but don't want to do that. The girls I'm with are a terrific lot, and if I did transfer stations I'd probably lose my rank.' She paused, then said, 'Mum was proud I'd been promoted. Very proud.' 'We miss her,' Hazel sympathised softly. 'She was one of the best. Salt of the earth.' A customer further down the bar gestured to Hazel. 'Excuse me,' she said, and moved away. At which point Julius arrived and the conversation about where they'd be living was forgotten. 'What am I going to wear?' Ellie said to Beulah in despair, the pair of them of course discussing the forthcoming wedding. 'I've just nothing that's suitable. Nothing at all.' 'Then you're goin to have to buy new,' Beulah declared. Ellie laughed. 'How am I to do that? I would need clothes coupons don't forget, d.a.m.n the rationing, and I've nowhere near enough for a dress.' Beulah's mind was busily ticking over. 'Shouldn't be too much of a problem, hon.' 'How do you make that out?'

'Julius. Speak to him and he'll get what's necessary. OK, he ain't never got no clothes coupons before, at least not that I know, but he should be able to manage the required number. Uncle Sam, Ellie, don't forget he works for Uncle Sam. There ain't nothin' he can't lay his hands on through that Emba.s.sy. At least that's how it seems to me.' Ellie hadn't thought of that. 'What a wonderful idea. If he can get them, will you come shopping with me?' Beulah's eyes gleamed. 'You just try and stop me. I'll be there with bells on. h.e.l.l yeah!' Later it dawned on Beulah that she was taking Jess's place in all this, doing things for, and with, Ellie that Jess would have done had she still been alive. She took it as a compliment. Very much so. Albert laid the letter from Ellie aside and leant back in his chair to think. He'd had no idea, not an inkling, that something was going on between Ellie and Julius and now this bombsh.e.l.l. For that's exactly what it was. And why were they getting married in such a hurry? Could Ellie be pregnant? He'd be furious, not to mention bitterly disappointed, if she was. The main thing of course was that Julius was a black man. He recalled a conversation he'd once had with Jess when he'd been worried Julius was showing an interest in Ellie, a notion Jess had pooh-poohed. It appeared Jess had been wrong. He thought about Julius and the Postons. A decent, upright family, that couldn't be denied. And d.a.m.n fine neighbours, none better. Kindness itself. None of which took away from the fact they were black. What would Jess have said? he wondered, already knowing the answer. She'd have said that if Ellie and Julius loved one another then that was enough and the colour of his skin didn't matter. Well, maybe it didn't. Ellie was grown up after all, surely she 394 Moonlit Eyes must know her own mind and what she was doing. Anyway, there was nothing he could do about it except disapprove, which would upset Ellie enormously. And that he didn't want. Albert sighed. He'd put a brave face on it and go to the wedding, Ellie was his daughter after all. If she was happy then that was all that counted. His own misgivings and prejudices didn't come into it. Or wouldn't, as he wouldn't allow them to. Let them make a go of it with him wishing them well. A black son-in-law! Who'd have dreamt it. Julius returned to the kitchen after having gone to answer the phone. 'That was Hazel from across the road,' he said. 'She's asked Ellie and me to go over for a few minutes.' Ellie frowned. 'What for?' 'She didn't say. Just asked us to go over.' Ellie looked at Beulah, who shrugged. 'I've no idea, honey.' 'Shall we go then?' Julius said to Ellie. 'just give me a few minutes to get ready.' She came to her feet. 'I wont be long.' At least half an hour, Julius reflected wryly, and smiled. A flat?' Ellie repeated. Hazel nodded. 'Upstairs. Small, mind you, a bedroom and sitting room and you'd have to share the bathroom with us. That won't bother Harry and me if it doesn't bother you.' This had taken both Ellie and Julius completely by surprise, the pair of them bowled over by Hazel's offer. 'We had it done out for our daughter you see,' Hazel went on to explain. 'The idea was she'd still be with us but have a section of the accommodation on her own, more than a mere bedroom. Well, as you know, Ellie, she moved out and so it's free. If you're interested that is?' 'We most certainly are,' Julius replied, thinking this was wonderful and solved all sorts of problems. 'How much are you askin for rent?' 'You'd better see it first. Wait here a moment.'

Hazel vanished out back to return almost instantly with Harry who declared he'd tend to the bar while Hazel showed them round. Ellie and Julius followed Hazel up a flight of stairs, along a corridor and then into what Hazel announced was the sitting room. Ellie glanced around, delighted at what she saw. Comfy chairs, sideboard, standard lamp plus other bits and pieces usually found in a sitting room. 'Very nice,' Ellie commented. 'Now the kitchen,' Hazel said. 'I forgot to mention that. There's not much to it but it's adequate enough.' That contained a cooker, old but serviceable, sink and a food cupboard. As Hazel had said, it was small, a galley type, but adequate. 'You'll have to eat your meals in the sitting room I'm afraid,' Hazel went on. 'We have a spare drop leaf table and chairs we'll move in if you take it. And by the way, don't worry about linen and the like, there's ma.s.ses of that.' The bedroom proved to be almost as big as the sitting room, its main feature being a double bed. 'Well away from our bedroom,' Hazel commented with a twinkle in her eye. Ellie coloured slightly when she realised what Hazel was getting at. She and Julius could indulge themselves without fear of being overheard. 'The one drawback is you hear the noise from the bar below, but you'd soon get used to that.' 'What about comin' and goin'?' Julius queried. 'There's a back door which can be used at anytime. You'd both have a key for it.' Julius had a sudden thought. 'One thing is I do require a phone so that I can contact the Emba.s.sy, or more importantly, they me.' 'That isn't a problem,' Hazel smiled. 'There's the phone downstairs and an extension in our sitting room. You can use either whenever. And if the Emba.s.sy ring and either Harry or I answer then we'll just give you a shout.' 396 Moonlit Eyes Julius turned to Ellie. 'Well?' 'It's ideal.' 'Then we'll take it, Hazel, and can't thank you enough. Consider the apartment let as from this moment.' 'Right, we'll go back downstairs and hammer out the details.' Hazel was pleased she'd been able to help. Years before Jess had done her an enormous favour, this was her way of repaying it. 'Sir down, Mr Sykes. What can I do for you?' Albert explained about Ellie's letter and that he intended returning to London for the wedding. Matron stared at Albert in concern. 'Does that mean you'll be leaving us then?' 'Oh no,' he hastily replied. Til only be gone a few days. There's still a lot of painting to be done.' A relieved Matron glanced at her watch. 'I usually have a gla.s.s of sherry round about now. Would you care to join me?' 'I don't like sherry I'm afraid,' Albert apologised. 'There's scotch as well?' 'Now that I do like.' Matron smiled as she came round from behind her desk. 'Neat or with water?' 'Neat please.' 'Do you know the young man in question?' she queried as she did the honours. 'Yes, in fact he and his parents are neighbours. They very kindly took my daughter in after . . .' He trailed off, a stricken look coming across his face, and had a sip of scotch. 'I know what happened. I'm sorry,' Matron said softly. Albert nodded. 'It must still be very painful for you.' 'Yes,' Albert whispered, and had a larger sip. 'Has being here helped?' He looked into Matron's warm and sympathetic eyes. 'A lot actually. It's been good to get away from . . . well where it 397 happened. It's so peaceful at Huntington Hall, and quiet. And so very different. To be honest, I'm not sure I'm ready to return to Islington yet, but I'll have to for the wedding. I couldn't miss that.' 'No,' Matron agreed. 'But it's going to be hard. I know that.' Matron could well imagine. 'I'm glad you've come to see me, Mr Sykes. I wanted a word.' 'Oh?' 'I wonder if you'd consider working here as an employee? Doing more or less what you're doing now, including the usual maintenance jobs that are forever springing up. I'd be willing to pay three pounds a week, plus your board and lodging. You would certainly be doing me, and the nurses, a favour if you accepted.' This was a surprise, Albert thought. 'Do you mean work here permanently?' 'Long term, short term, that would be entirely up to you. I'd be extremely grateful for either.' 'There is an awful lot of painting still to be done,' Albert mused. And the outside after the inside is completed, should that come about.' Matron was studying Albert intently. 'I've been told that you've made friends in the village. Nurse Isaac mentioned that you've become a member of the pub darts team.' Albert nodded. 'They're a good bunch in the pub. Enjoyable company. We have great fun on the darts nights.' 'So you wouldn't have to worry about the social side of things if you stayed on, that's already taken care of.' True enough, Albert thought, severely tempted. 'The only trouble is, Matron, I already have a job. I should really go back to that.' She'd already foreseen this objection, and expected it to be brought up. 'I can easily arrange the necessary medical papers to relieve you of that duty,' she replied. 'You can?' 398 Moonlit Eyes 'Oh indeed.' Albert was thinking of his mates at the station, still shorthanded with his being away. To duck out entirely wouldn't be fair on them. And what if the heavy bombing started again? Every man jack would be needed. Albert drained his gla.s.s. 'Can I think about it?' 'Of course. Take as long as you wish.' He placed his now empty gla.s.s on her desk. 'I'd better get back to what I was doing.' 'When are you going to London?' Albert told her. 'I'll arrange transport to take you to the station.' 'Thank you.' 'My pleasure, Mr Sykes. My pleasure.' Beulah wasn't a fool, they were engaged and had set the date for the wedding after all. Not to mention the fact they'd been sleeping together while she and Pee Wee had been on tour. She'd been young herself once and knew what it was like to be newly in love. 'I'll be goin' to The Chicory House with Pee Wee tonight,' she announced over breakfast. Then, to underline the point, 'So don't expect us back till the wee hours.' Ellie's heart skipped a beat. She wanted to glance at Julius, but didn't in case Beulah noticed and interpreted it. 'Yeah, OK, Mom,' Julius replied. Beulah smiled inwardly. 'Now you two better hurry up or you'll be late for work.' Ellie had been going to have another cup of coffee, but now decided there wasn't time. She couldn't wait for the evening to come round; she and Julius would make good use of it. Albert had knocked off for a bit to go for a walk, one of his favourite pastimes since coming to Huntington Hall. It still amazed him that he, an out-and-out townie, had come to love, and appreciate, the countryside so much.

He was heading for a nearby river, where he often went, to stroll along its banks. Sometimes, if he was lucky, he'd see fish in the water, trout he'd been told. And only the other week he'd spotted an otter, a rare occurrence in these parts one of the chaps in the darts team had informed him. It was a cold day so he'd wrapped up warm. Snow had been forecast, but so far none had fallen. Snow in a city was a miserable affair, soon turning to slush. But out here it would just lie, a white blanket stretching for miles in every direction. He knew it would be beautiful when it happened. He began thinking about his conversation with Matron which he'd been doing on and off since it had taken place. My G.o.d, but he was tempted. He'd never felt so physically well in his life since arriving at Huntington Hall, the fresh air like a daily tonic. So different from the fogs and soot-laden atmosphere he was used to at this time of year. One thing was certain, he didn't have to worry about Ellie any more. She'd be married shortly and starting a new life other own with Julius, no longer reliant on him, and Jess, as she'd been in the past while growing up. So there was no tie there. But there was with the station and his mates. He would be letting them down if he was to leave when there was a war on. And what if the raids did resume, as they so easily could? How would he feel, safe and secure in Huntington Hall, while they were out risking their lives? Pretty rotten, that's how. The main thing he had to do was speak to Danny, find out how things were. He'd already written to Danny and Vera asking to be put up for several nights so they would be expecting him. He'd have the chance to talk then. Find out what was what. Albert stopped and glanced around. It would be a terrible wrench if he did go back to London to live. He'd miss all this like billyo. Ellie lay wrapped in Julius's arms, one hand slowly stroking his flank, the pair of them utterly exhausted after a frantic and frenetic bout of lovemaking. 400 Moonlit Eyes Julius laughed softly. 'What is it?' 'You.' Ellie frowned. 'What about me?' 'You've certainly become enthusiastic for someone who was still a virgin only a short while ago.' That made her smile. 'Are you complaining?' 'Not in the least,' he replied hurriedly. 'If anythin, I approve.' 'Good.' Ellie snuggled up even closer to him. 'If I'm enthusiastic it's because I love you, and can't get enough of you. You make me so very, very happy.' And you me, Ellie.' She sighed with contentment, thinking how lucky they were to have found one another. They continued to lie like that, neither wanting to move and break the spell of total completeness that had descended on them. Albert came out of the Angel tube station and stopped to stare around. Here he was, home. Familiarity was everywhere, buildings, signs, the faces of pa.s.sers-by. It was like putting on an old and much chenshed suit or set of clothes. No new damage since he'd left, he noted as he walked along Upper Street. That was good. He stopped briefly at a bombed out run of shops where he and his mates had worked feverishly to put out a raging fire. Memories from that terrible night, one of the heaviest raids, flickered through his mind. Fortunately, he recalled quite clearly, there hadn't been any casualties. He halted again outside a bakers that Jess had often used, almost seeing her go inside as she went about her daily shopping. 'Jess,' he muttered softly. Her ghost was also going to be everywhere. * *

As chance would have it Danny was on the night shift and had already been to bed when Albert knocked on their door. Vera answered, giving him a warm welcome, and hug, before ushering him inside. 'My G.o.d, but you're looking well!' Danny beamed as he pumped Albert's hand. And I feel it. Hundngton Hall has done me the world of good.' 'I'll put the kettle on,' Vera declared. 'You must be tired after your journey.' 'It was