A New Day (30 page)

‘That would be lovely, Hanna. Mrs Harcourt seems to be a kind woman.’ Mrs Rogers handed round the cups. ‘It would be a blessing to have you with us. The waiting is so hard.’

‘I know. When Jack was missing I never gave up hope that he was alive. He turned up eventually, battered and weak, but he came back to me. I’m going to believe that Alan will also come home, and until we hear anything else that’s what I’ll hold to again. Waiting is hard and distressing, but that’s what we must do – that is all we can do. Wait.’

Three days later there was still no news of Alan, and Hanna was working in the Rogers’ small back garden in an effort to keep busy. She felt stifled being back in London, and longed for the open countryside once again where she could go out into the field with the sheep and let her grief come to the surface. She didn’t dare do that here because it would only distress Alan’s parents even more. She needed to be strong for them, but keeping her feelings bottled up inside was making her feel ill. The thought that she might never see Alan again was unbearable, and when those thoughts came into her head she fought hard to banish them. Keeping hope alive was her one aim.

‘Hanna, we’ve never had such a tidy garden, but this isn’t necessary.’

She glanced up at Mr Rogers. ‘I like to keep busy.’

‘I can see that, and I can also see that you are missing the farm. You must go back, my dear. We’ve been grateful for your company, but there isn’t anything more you can do for us, and we’re being selfish keeping you here. Go home, dear, and I’ll come and see you the moment we have any news. I promise,’ Alan’s father added.

‘Well, if you’re sure? I admit that I am missing the countryside. I really wouldn’t want to come back to London to live.’

He nodded. ‘And I know Alan feels the same. He told us he wants to become a country copper.’

When Hanna saw the pain flood his expression, she clasped his arm. ‘I know this seems to be going on and on, but we mustn’t give up. Alan could have been taken prisoner at the last minute, or something like that. There’s still hope, and we must believe that there is.’

He bent and kissed her cheek. ‘You’re a brave and sensible girl, and our Alan is lucky to have found you.’

‘I’ve always thought I was the lucky one. You know, when he came to the Harcourts’ that day with Talbot, I was so frightened, but Alan was kind and he dealt firmly with Talbot. I’ve loved him from that first meeting, and always will.’

‘And he feels the same about you, and I’m sure if he’s still alive out there, he will do everything in his power to get home again.’ Mrs Rogers joined them and gave a tired smile. ‘Go home, Hanna, and thank you for spending this time with us. It has meant a great deal to us.’

Seeing they meant it, she accepted gratefully, yearning to get back to the place she now called home, and the comfort of having her friends around her.

There wasn’t a train until three that afternoon, so Hanna stayed and had lunch with the Rogers and then made her way to the station. On the journey back she sat quietly on a corner seat, gazing out of the window, and concentrated on the passing scenery, not wanting to let her thoughts dwell too much on what might have happened to Alan. To think that his young life could have been taken from him, and their chance of happiness together snatched from them, hurt so much it made her want to double up in pain.

It was quite late when she arrived back at the farm, but Mildred insisted she have a proper meal, although she didn’t feel like eating. They all wanted to know how she had got on in London, and when she told them that Alan had been posted as missing, they were all very upset. Understanding how distressing this was for her, they didn’t press for details of her visit, leaving her to go to bed and get some rest.

Alone in her room that night she allowed the tears to flow for the first time since she’d heard the awful news about Alan. And it was a relief to let her grief come to the surface.

The next morning she was out in her beloved garden, working hard. She had only been away a short time, but there was plenty to do. The weeds sprang up as soon as you took your eyes off them.

‘Hanna.’

Feeling a hand on her shoulder she looked up, and then scrambled to her feet, hugging her brother. ‘Jack! Oh I’m so glad to see you!’

He rocked her gently. ‘I’ve just heard about Alan. You mustn’t give up hope.’

‘I won’t.’ She stood back to gaze up at her brother. ‘I swear you grow taller every time you come home.’

‘I hope not. I already top six feet.’ He studied her face intently. ‘Alan will come back, Hanna.’

‘Of course he will, but the waiting for news is hard, Jack. Every time things seem to be going well for us life throws another brick at us. But do you know?’ There was a determined glint in her eyes. ‘I’m going ahead with our plans. The boys will be going to a private school next year, and Jane will be returning to her home in London. George said I can work at the farm for a wage, and a small cottage in the village will be up for rent after Christmas. I’d already said I’d have it before the news about Alan arrived. He said he wants to live here as well, so that’s how it’s going to be. All of us are going to make our home here, no matter what happens.’

‘Good.’ He smiled down at her. ‘You can show me the cottage while I’m here. I’ve got two weeks.’

‘Oh, that’s wonderful! We’ll see the cottage tomorrow, and Beth will be so pleased to see you.’

‘I can’t wait.’ He took hold of her hand. ‘But Mildred told me dinner will be ready in thirty minutes, so I’ll eat first and then go to the village and see Beth.’

‘Have you seen Greg?’ she asked, as they walked towards the house.

‘We met a couple of weeks ago and were able to spend an evening together. We don’t see each other very often, but we keep in touch. Bob’s back home, evidently, and so is Hal. Do you know if Bill Freeman survived the war?’

‘Yes, and he’ll be out of the navy by the end of the year, Jane told me. He was only in for the duration of the war.’

‘That’s good news. He’s a fine man. Saved our lives, and then went out of his way to see we were treated well.’

The next afternoon Jack surveyed the cottage Hanna would be renting, and nodded his approval. ‘Very nice, Hanna. There’s only one thing, there aren’t any roses around the door,’ he joked. ‘You’ve got to put roses round the door, just like we always dreamed of having.’

‘That will be my first job. It looks small but it has two bedrooms and a small box room upstairs, so there will be plenty of room for all of us.’

‘That’s fine, and I’ll have the box room because I’m only home for a short time after each trip.’

Hanna looked at her brother in horror. ‘I’m not putting you in a box room! You’ll have a proper bedroom, and no arguments about it. This will be the home we’ve always promised ourselves. I’ve already talked this over with Alan, and he agrees.’

When her voice broke slightly, Jack folded her in his arms. ‘Easy, Hanna, this will make a lovely home for all three of us.’

She gulped, and managed to smile. ‘It will. We can’t go inside at the moment because it’s still occupied, but I’ll show it to you properly as soon as it’s empty. Now, I’ve got to get back. Are you coming or staying in the village?’

‘Beth isn’t free until after six o’clock, so I’ll walk back with you.’

They had just reached the yard when Hanna stopped suddenly and gripped her brother’s arm. ‘That’s Alan’s father talking to George and Jane. There must be news! Oh, please God, let it be good!’

‘Let’s find out.’ Jack took hold of her arm and urged her forward.

The moment Alan’s father saw her he waved, a broad smile on his face, and Hanna had a job to keep her shaking legs moving.

‘My dear,’ he said, coming to meet her. ‘News arrived this morning. Alan’s safe and on his way home. He should be here some time within the next couple of days.’

‘Oh, thank God!’ If it hadn’t been for Jack’s supporting arm she would have collapsed with relief. ‘Is he all right? Where has he been?’

‘We haven’t any details yet. We’ll have to wait for Alan to tell us because all we’ve had so far is a brief note saying he’s safe and will be home soon. Will you come back to London with me? He’ll want to see you as soon as he arrives.’

‘Go and pack your bag, Hanna,’ Jane said. ‘You must stay for as long as you want to.’ She turned to Mr Rogers, smiling. ‘If Alan needs a peaceful place to rest, then he is welcome here, and perhaps you and your wife would also like to come and stay for a while.’

‘Oh, that’s very kind of you, Mrs Harcourt. We’ll see how Alan is when he gets home, and I’m sure a holiday here would do all of us good.’

‘That’s settled then. I’ll leave it up to you.’

‘I’ll come with you, Hanna.’

She smiled up at her brother and shook her head. ‘I’ll be all right now I know Alan is safe. You spend some time with Beth, and I’ll be back before you leave again.’

‘I need to go to the house,’ Jane told them, ‘so I’ll travel up with you. Mildred will look after the boys for a couple of days.’

Once all arrangements were made they caught the next train to London.

They went straight to check that Alan hadn’t come home yet, and when he hadn’t, Jane asked, ‘Would you mind if I take Hanna to my house for a couple of hours? She won’t be long, I promise.’

Alan’s parents didn’t mind, and Hanna was curious. ‘What do you want me to do?’

‘Nothing.’ Jane smiled as she opened the door. ‘I just want to show you something.’

The housekeeper was out when they walked in and Hanna followed Jane up the stairs to the master bedroom, watching as she took something out of the huge wardrobe and laid it on the bed.

Jane looked quite excited. ‘Take the wrappings off, Hanna.’

Wondering what all this could be about, Hanna removed the dust sheet and loads of tissue paper to reveal what was underneath. She gasped when she saw the exquisite creation. ‘Oh, that’s beautiful!’

‘It was my wedding dress. Try it on, Hanna. It should fit you as we’re about the same height, and I was as slim as you are before I had the twins.’

‘But . . . but . . .’ Hanna was lost for words.

Seeing her confusion, Jane began to undo the buttons. ‘With everything still rationed you are not going to be able to buy a really good dress for your wedding, and this one is here doing nothing. Try it, and if you don’t like it you don’t have to wear it.’

‘How could I not like it?’ Hanna shook her head, not being able to believe this was happening. The dress on the bed must have cost a fortune.

‘Come on, my dear, at least try it on,’ Jane urged, holding it up.

Quickly slipping out of her frock, Hanna let Jane help her into the lace and satin gown, sighing with pleasure as it slipped into place and the buttons all down the back were fastened.

‘That’s a perfect fit. We won’t have to alter a thing. You look so beautiful, but let us add the finishing touch.’ Jane wiped a bit of moisture away from her eyes as she opened another box containing a flowing veil and tiara. She fussed getting everything in place, and then stepped back, head on one side as she studied Hanna. ‘Perfect – just perfect. Take a look.’

Hanna stood in front of the long mirror, hardly able to believe that the reflection was of her. ‘Can I really wear this?’ she whispered.

‘You’ve become like a daughter to us, Hanna, and we would be very proud to see you walking down the aisle in the dress I wore on my wedding day.’

‘And I would be proud to wear it.’ Hanna gulped back the emotion. ‘I don’t know what to say. Thank you seems so inadequate.’

‘It will do just fine.’ Jane began to remove the veil. ‘Alan wants the wedding day to be special for you, and so do Sam and I. Now, are you going to be married from here or the farm?’

‘I don’t know yet. We’ve never discussed any details.’

‘Well, if you decide on the farm, then Alan’s parents can stay with us, and I’ll see that the dress is safely delivered there. Once you’ve decided on a date, Sam will do everything he can to be there.’

‘Do you think Mr and Mrs Freeman will come? That would mean so much to Jack and myself.’

‘I know they would be delighted. Now, you had better get back. I promised Alan’s parents that I wouldn’t keep you long.’

It was another two days before Alan finally arrived home, and Hanna stood back while his parents joyfully greeted him. Then he saw her and held out his arms.

She rushed to him and was engulfed in a bear hug. ‘Oh, darling, where have you been?’

‘Playing hide and seek with a bunch of young German soldiers.’ He laughed, standing back to take a good look at her. ‘But I’ll tell you about it later. We’ve got a wedding to plan first. We’ve waited long enough, and we mustn’t waste another moment.’

They talked well into the night, and when Hanna told Alan about the cottage he was delighted. After much discussion, it was agreed that the wedding should be in the village church, if it could be arranged.

Hanna was pleased about that because the farm felt like her home, and everyone there her family. Alan had been determined to have all the arrangements for the wedding settled, not wanting to wait any longer before they were married, and hadn’t said a word about what had happened to him. Hanna wouldn’t ask, as she was all too aware that he might not be ready to talk about it yet.

However, his father wanted to know, and finally asked, ‘Are you going to tell us what happened to you?’

Alan lit another cigarette and sat back. ‘We were on patrol the day of the official announcement that the war was over. There were two isolated houses and they looked empty, but we decided to check them out. When we went round the back German soldiers suddenly surrounded us. We told them the war was over, but they didn’t believe us. Fortunately they weren’t battle-hardened soldiers, but a group of very young men. A couple of them spoke quite good English and we eventually managed to convince them that the fighting was over. They had a big discussion amongst themselves, and then told us that they would only surrender to the Americans, and we were to be their hostages. We spent our time looking for the American lines. When we eventually found them the Germans sent me out to talk to them. I explained our situation and two came back with me. One spoke good German, and the youngsters surrendered without any fuss. It seems they were terrified of being captured, and thought they would have more chance of surviving with the Americans.’ Alan shook his head. ‘I’m sorry you had the worry, but we were never in danger. Those young men just wanted to surrender and go home safely, just like all of us.’