A Rose and a Promise, page 25
‘It’s called putting your family first,’ said Maria. ‘You knew where he had to be, and you brought him here.’ She grimaced fleetingly. ‘I feel ever so sorry for your parents being so far away, but you could hardly take him back to Rhos.’
Cadi gazed lovingly at her son. ‘Jez and I both love Liverpool, and I want Oscar to be a Scouser just like his father. When he’s old enough I’m going to show him all the places his father used to go: where we first met, where Jez used to work, and where his Auntie Izzy and Nana Taylor used to live.’
‘You’re doing right by him,’ said Maria, ‘and that’s what a good mother should do. Besides, you can always take him to Rhos on holiday. He’ll love it there as much as he’ll love Liverpool.’
Cadi began to peel the potatoes ready for the evening meal. ‘I fully intend to show him where his Auntie Poppy and I went to school, as well as where we worked before leaving for Liverpool. I want him to know that you can have anything you want in life if you put your mind to it.’
Maria smiled approvingly. ‘I can’t think of a better example than his mother.’
The telephone rang, and Cadi wiped her hands on a dishcloth before going through and picking up the receiver.
‘Belmont Hotel, Cadi speaking. How may I help you?’
‘You can start by telling Oscar’s Uncle Aled how he’s getting on,’ said Aled.
Cadi smiled fondly. ‘He’s doing brilliantly. He’s putting weight on hand over fist, not that he needed to, and he smiles from dawn to dusk.’
‘That’s what I like to hear!’ said Aled cheerfully. ‘And how’s Oscar’s mam?’
She leaned against the hall table. ‘Being a mother is like flying by the seat of your pants,’ she said, ‘and even though we’re ever so grateful for Uncle Aled’s contributions—’
Guessing that Cadi was about to suggest that Aled should stop depositing cheques into her account, Aled cut across her. ‘I can’t see what’s wrong with my wanting to spoil my adoptive nephew. It’s not as if I’ve got any others.’
‘I know you don’t, and we really do appreciate what you’ve done for us, but if you knew me at all, Aled Davies, and by God I know you do, you’d know that I’m fiercely independent, and I don’t like taking handouts, no matter who they’re from.’
‘I do indeed,’ conceded Aled, ‘but this has nothing to do with independence, or not as far as I’m concerned. The money is a gift to use as you see fit. If you don’t need it for clothes, or food, or nappies, then you could always pop it into a fund for him for when he’s older, I really don’t mind what you do with it, as long as you use it to make your life a little easier.’
‘That really is very kind of you—’ Cadi began, but Aled interrupted her.
‘Good, I’m glad you think so. Now that we’ve sorted that out, you can tell me what’s going on in Liverpool, and how wonderful it is to not to wake up to reveille every morning.’
He’d changed the subject decisively, and Cadi knew it was pointless to argue. ‘Liverpool’s much the same. The Belmont’s thriving, and we’re busier than we ever were in the Greyhound. As for not waking up to reveille, Oscar would give even the most enthusiastic trumpeter a run for their money.’
Aled laughed. ‘Fine set of lungs eh? He probably gets that from his mother, cos as I recall, you couldn’t half give someone a good ear bashing if they’d rubbed you up the wrong way.’
Cadi snorted on a chuckle. ‘I was only like that with you.’ She hesitated. ‘And Daphne, of course.’
He rolled his eyes. ‘Not the dreaded Daphne.’ Hearing Cadi giggle, he continued, ‘In all seriousness, I’m glad to hear that it’s working out for you, because I realise it can’t have been easy leaving the WAAF and starting a new life as a mother. Especially when you weren’t prepared for it – although I suppose motherhood comes naturally.’
Cadi gave a short laugh. ‘Then you suppose wrong. Motherhood definitely doesn’t come naturally; it’s bloomin’ hard work with very little thanks.’
A smile twitched his lips. ‘So sleepless nights, stinky nappies and puking babies aren’t for everyone, then?’
She eyed him with amusement. ‘Sounds like you’ve done this before.’
He shook his head, even though she couldn’t see him. ‘Nope, but I’ve birthed plenty of animals, which is stressful in itself.’
‘Do you hold their hooves the way you held my hand?’ chuckled Cadi.
He grimaced. ‘Unfortunately not. I tend to play the part of the midwife when on the farm. I’ve put my hands into places no man should venture.’
She smiled, curiously. ‘Aled, I had no idea you were so …’ she hesitated as she found the correct word, ‘nurturing.’
He pulled a face. ‘I’d not be a farmer if I wasn’t. Unless you’re an arable farmer, the whole point is to rear animals, whether it be for meat, milk, or wool.’
‘I remember you saying that Marnie might see you in a different light if she saw you up to your knees in pig poop. I agreed with you at the time, but with hindsight I think you’re wrong. I think any woman who sees a man bringing life into the world sees a man that’s to be admired.’
Aled’s cheeks grew warm. ‘Maybe I should mention that when I next ask a woman on a date.’
She ran her finger down the telephone wire. ‘I thought you’d sworn off women?’
He rubbed his hand across the back of his head. ‘I have – at least for the time being. I was talking metaphorically.’
‘You’ll find someone,’ said Cadi. ‘You’re too great a catch to stay single, which brings me to another point. I know you’re not going to like what I’m about to say, but I want you to hear me out.’
‘Go on, I’m listening.’
Cadi drew a deep breath before continuing. ‘Part of the reason why I wanted you to stop being so generous was because no woman wants a man who has ties to another woman, be it friendly or otherwise. You deserve to be happy, and I’ve already driven a wedge between you and Marnie. I know I didn’t mean to, but surely you must see what I’m getting at?’
‘I do,’ said Aled, ‘but it’s my life, and when I do start courting she’s going to have to accept that you’re a part of it. In short, she can like it or lump it.’
‘Is there nothing I can say to prove to you that you needn’t feel obliged to keep giving us money?’
He scratched the newly formed stubble on his chin. ‘Nope.’
Realising that it was futile to keep arguing, she changed the subject. ‘So, when are you coming to see your godson?’
Aled stood in stunned silence before finding his tongue. ‘Really? Are you sure?’
Cadi nodded. ‘I’m as sure as eggs is eggs. It’s not only what I want: I know Jez would’ve wanted it too.’
‘But what about Bill? He’s …’ Aled began before Cadi interrupted.
‘Bill’s his Grandpa Smyth – he can’t be both.’ She paused. ‘You don’t have to if you’d rather not.’
‘Only I do,’ said Aled quickly, ‘in fact I’d be honoured. No one’s ever asked me to be a godfather before. And besides, I’ve now got every right to spoil my godson!’
Cadi rolled her eyes. ‘You’ve got me there.’
She could hear the excitement in Aled’s voice. ‘When’s the christening?’
She puffed her cheeks out. ‘Whenever we can get everyone together, which is going to be nigh on impossible when you think of the guest list.’
‘It would be easier if you had the christening in Lincoln,’ he commented, ‘but I’m guessing you’ll want it wherever Jez was christened.’
‘Spot on! Oscar’s going to be christened in the church where Jez was both christened and laid to rest.’ A faint smile crossed her lips. ‘Not only will it be in keeping with family tradition, but I’ll feel a lot closer to Jez doing it that way.’
‘I think that’s a splendid idea. I don’t suppose you’ve a date in mind? Just so that I know what leave to aim for.’
Having already discussed the matter at length with her friends, Cadi shrugged. ‘When I spoke to the girls, they said they’d heard a rumour that the services were planning to cancel all leave when things really started heating up. As none of us know when that will be, I’d like to have the christening sooner rather than later. I don’t suppose you’ve got any leave booked already?’
Aled had been pushing for leave ever since Cadi had left the WAAF, but the most he had managed to get so far was three days in March. He said as much to Cadi. ‘I could’ve come sooner if I hadn’t had Christmas off.’
‘I know that Kitty’s in the same boat as yourself, because she also booked Christmas off, but the others have leave owing, so it’s going to take some juggling. I shall tell them all when you’re off and see if they can match your dates.’
‘Splendid! Who’s the godmother, by the way, or should I guess?’
She laughed. ‘Guess, although it’s fairly obvious.’
He pretended to mull it over before putting his suggestion forward. ‘Poppy?’
‘Like I said, fairly obvious,’ said Cadi.
‘It’s funny how life turns out; I remember the time you swore blind that you’d never marry, let alone have kids, yet look at you now.’
‘I suppose it’s called growing up,’ said Cadi. ‘Believe you me, I’ve had to do a fair bit of that lately.’
He smiled. ‘We’ve all grown up since then. When you look back, even though we were in our late teens we were still kids who thought we knew better than anyone else – or at least I did.’
‘I can’t believe Poppy and I left home as young as we did,’ confessed Cadi. ‘Dad was right when he said that we were still wet behind the ears.’ She laughed. ‘I stormed out of the room, because I couldn’t believe he’d said such a thing, but looking back he was absolutely right. We hadn’t a clue what we were doing, and we wandered into the worst part of Liverpool like lambs to the slaughter.’
‘You weren’t the only one who ignored their parents’ wishes,’ said Aled, ‘I applied for the RAF behind my parents’ backs. Dad was livid when he found out what I’d done. I thought he was being unfair, not to mention denying me a better future, but of course he was only looking out for me.’
Cadi smiled. ‘You didn’t need looking after.’
His brow shot upwards. ‘Do you really think that? Because I don’t. If I’d had a bit of nous, I’d have kicked up a real fuss over my pilot’s exam results, because even though I questioned it I never took it any further. How could I have been so naive?’
‘Because you’ve not got a bad bone in your body, and it didn’t occur to you that someone would do something like that to you.’ Cadi tutted irritably. ‘I’ve often wondered what you saw in that woman.’
‘She was eager to be with me, and you were spoken for,’ said Aled truthfully.
Cadi laughed. ‘Don’t try and lay the blame at my door, Aled Davies. There were plenty more fish in the sea.’
‘True, but I wasn’t interested in any of them,’ said Aled, ‘and once I knew I couldn’t make pilot she seemed the obvious choice.’ He shook his head. ‘It’s a funny old world.’
Inevitably, the operator cut across their call.
‘Looks like that’s us told,’ he said ruefully. ‘Don’t forget to keep me in the loop regarding the christening.’
‘Will do. T.t.f.n.’
‘Ta-ra, Cadi. Take care.’
Replacing the receiver, Aled walked back to his hut. He knew that he had no obligation towards Oscar, but he wanted to do all he could to help the two of them out, and if that meant sending money every week then that’s what he’d do. No ulterior motives, no hopes of getting his feet under the table; he just wanted Cadi to be as happy as she could be under the circumstances, and to know that she was not as alone as she believed herself to be. When he had first heard that she was intent on going back to Liverpool he had wanted to talk her out of it, fearing that the city – a major port – was too dangerous, but he knew that Cadi had to settle where she was happiest, and if that was Liverpool, then he would make sure he shot down every German plane within his sights, so that they might never darken its skies again.
Cadi entered the kitchen to see Maria fussing over Oscar. She smiled. ‘Now why aren’t I surprised to see Nana Smyth giving out cuddles?’
Maria gave her a guilty grin. ‘You know I can’t resist. He’s only got to look at me with those big brown eyes, and I’m putty in his hands!’
Cadi placed her arm around Maria’s shoulders. ‘Jez always did say that you’d make a terrific mother, but as far as I’m concerned you’re a fantastic grandmother, and I know Jez would agree with me.’
Maria smiled lovingly at the small bundle in her arms. ‘You’ve made me the happiest Scouser this side of Liverpool,’ she told Cadi. ‘Lookin’ after this one is an honour, and I shall be proud to tell everyone that he’s my grandson.’ She stopped short, remembering the telephone call. ‘Who was that on the phone?’
‘Aled, and he said yes to being a godfather, but no to stopping the payments.’
Maria made gurgling noises at the baby before turning her attention back to Cadi. ‘I knew he wouldn’t stop the money; he cares about you too much.’
‘I know, which is why I’ve decided to start a trust fund for Oscar. As Aled says, I can’t ask his godfather not to spoil him.’ She sighed. ‘I hope he finds himself a woman who sees what a big heart he has, because he doesn’t deserve to be on his own.’
‘Neither do you,’ said Maria. ‘I know it’s still too early for you to move on, but I’m hoping that in time you’ll find someone who makes you happy, and start your life anew.’
Cadi appeared doubtful. ‘Not many men will want to take on a single mother.’
‘Jez would’ve married you if you had a gaggle of kiddies in tow, so don’t go throwing yourself on to the scrap heap just yet.’
Cadi smiled, but said nothing. She knew that Maria, Raquel and her mother were keen for her to find a new beau when the time was right, but Cadi was happy on her own, and she very much doubted that would ever change.
February 1945
Aled left the debriefing room with the rest of his crew.
‘What did you make of that, then?’ said Tom as he jogged up alongside his friend.
Aled clapped a hand on to Tom’s shoulder. ‘It looks to me as though things are finally coming to a head, and if everything goes the way they’re planning it shouldn’t be too much longer before this whole thing is over.’
‘What if it doesn’t go their way?’ said Tom dubiously. ‘Cos if the Krauts have second-guessed our plans, or laid a trap, then we’ll be sitting ducks – or lambs to the slaughter.’ He blew a low whistle. ‘With over eight hundred of Britain’s finest darkening the skies, it’s not like we’ll be hard to see.’
Aled pushed his hands into his pockets. ‘Bomber squadron are going to be the heroes of this war, Tom, and that’s summat to be proud of. Although it does put a bit of a spanner in the works as far as Oscar’s christening goes.’
Tom nodded thoughtfullly. ‘I hope all this “don’t book any leave for the foreseeable” doesn’t go on for too long.’
‘That makes you, me and everyone else in the services,’ said Aled, as he turned to veer off towards the NAAFI. ‘As I’ve had my leave cancelled I’m going to have to make a couple of phone calls, so I’ll catch up with you in a bit.’
Aled’s jaw practically hit the floor once he got inside the NAAFI. The queue for the phone went from one side of the room to the other. It seemed that everyone was keen to phone home and explain the new circumstances. Standing in line, he tried to think of a way in which he could see Cadi and Oscar before things got really intense. Briefly, he considered the idea of her coming to Lincoln, but it was one heck of a train journey to undertake with a small baby. He could always go to Liverpool if he wasn’t flying, but he would have to be back the same day. He supposed it would be possible if he left in the early hours, and there weren’t too many hold-ups. He toyed with the idea of going by car, as he had the day of Jez’s funeral, but if petrol rationing had made it difficult back then, it would be even worse now.
He tapped his forefinger against his mouth as he pondered the timescale. If he did go to Liverpool he would be spending most of the day on the train. He’d only get a couple of hours with Cadi, but that would be better than nothing; certainly enough time to make sure that she was all right, and that finding herself a widowed mother hadn’t had an adverse effect on her general health, as it had when she had lost Jez. Even though they now put her earlier sickness down to being pregnant, Aled still believed the trauma of losing Jez must have had some part to play in her weight loss.
For the first time in a long while, Aled was thankful that the operator was keeping a strict limit on calls, but it still seemed an age before he reached the head of the queue. Picking up the receiver, he asked for the Belmont in Liverpool, and was happy to hear Cadi’s voice come down the phone.
‘Hello, Aled. I’m guessing you’re telephoning to say what the girls have already told me: your leave’s been cancelled and you can’t book any more until further notice.’
He grimaced. ‘I’m afraid so, but at least it’s for a good reason.’
‘I really hope so, because it’s unfair to ask everyone to wait indefinitely.’ She hesitated. ‘I love being a mum, but hearing everyone talking excitedly about leave being cancelled makes me yearn for the days when I too was in the thick of things. I know none of you can say too much over the phone, but I think it all sounds promising, don’t you?’
‘Very much so,’ Aled agreed. ‘I was thinking about coming down to see you, even if it’s only for a few hours. Time permitting, of course. What do you think?’
‘I think it would be lovely, but there’s no way I’m asking you to spend a whole day travelling when you’ve got to be on your toes in the back of that plane. Good God, Aled, I’d never forgive myself if summat happened to you. And that’s why I’ve decided to come to Lincoln for a couple of nights.’
Aled gasped. ‘Are you sure that’s a good idea? It’s a hell of a long way, and I don’t think Oscar will enjoy it much.’
