A Rose and a Promise, page 26
‘Maria has very kindly offered to come with me,’ said Cadi, ‘so you needn’t worry about my travelling all that way with a small baby.’ She grinned. ‘Mind you, if Oscar decides the journey’s not to his liking, we might have the carriage to ourselves should he choose to voice his thoughts.’
Aled chuckled softly. ‘Every cloud, eh?’
‘Exactly.’
‘Any ideas as to when you’re thinking of coming over?’
‘We’ve booked a room for the last weekend in March. We may not be able to see you all at the same time, but as long as we get to see everyone at some point, I can’t ask for more than that.’
‘Which hotel are you staying at?’
‘We’re booked in at the Adam and Eve; it was the last place I stayed with Jez. It’s a lovely tavern and I know the landlord well.’
‘Will going back there not upset you?’ Aled asked tentatively.
‘No, if anything I’m looking forward to it because I stayed there with Jez. I find I’m happier reliving memories, than I was when I was trying to avoid the past.’
Aled brightened considerably. His friend was sounding a lot better than she had a few weeks back. ‘Perhaps we can all have dinner together,’ he said. ‘My treat.’
‘Sounds good to me,’ said Cadi.
As expected, the operator cut across them, and Aled glanced at the queue behind him, which was as long as it was when he first entered the NAAFI.
‘I’ve got to go, kiddo. There’s plenty more wanting to use the phone this end.’
‘I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks,’ said Cadi. ‘Give me a call whenever you’ve the time, but I won’t expect too much, because I know how busy you all are.’
‘Will do. Hwyl fawr, cariad.’
Cadi smiled. Only her family and Aled spoke Welsh to her, but she was determined to bring Oscar up to speak both languages.
‘Goodbye, Aled. Hwyl fawr.’
Replacing the handset, Cadi turned to Maria, who was playing peekaboo with Oscar but took a moment to say, ‘Let me guess. Another one who’s been told to stay put?’
Cadi nodded. ‘It really looks as though things are heating up. I don’t know whether I dare to believe that we really could be coming to the end.’
Still peeping between her fingers for the amusement of Oscar, who was chortling with delight, Maria said, ‘We shall all sleep a lot easier in our beds when those rotten Krauts surrender.’
Cadi pulled a doubtful face. ‘I don’t wish to appear pessimistic, but I’ve learned not to count my chickens before they’ve hatched.’
Maria wiped the dribble away from Oscar’s chin. ‘I don’t blame you. I want things to go our way, of course I do, but I’m tired of getting my hopes up just to have them dashed. I take it Aled said yes to meeting in Lincoln?’
‘He did indeed.’ Watching Oscar gurgling happily, Cadi turned an anxious face to Maria. ‘Mam always used to say you should never back an animal into a corner, because if you do, it’ll come out fighting. Do you think that will be the same for the Krauts? Only if they think they’re losing, surely they’ll throw everything they’ve got at us in a last-ditch attempt to secure victory.’
Maria placed a reassuring hand over Cadi’s. ‘I know you’re worried about your friends, because I am too, but I really think we’re on the home stretch and Hitler’s on his way out, which is why we’re throwing everything we’ve got at him.’
‘But what about Aled?’ said Cadi. ‘I just know they’ll be sending him over to Germany. They’d not have cancelled his leave otherwise.’
Maria soothed Oscar, who was beginning to get tetchy. ‘Aled’s been lucky so far, who’s to say his luck won’t continue?’
‘I hope so, Maria, because he’s been an absolute rock since Jez passed.’
It was the last weekend in March and Maria and Cadi were anxiously awaiting the arrival of their friends in the bar area of the Adam and Eve.
Rumours were rife that the end of the war was in sight, and as Cadi had predicted Hitler had been bombarding Britain with his V1s and V2s in a last attempt to destroy the morale of the British people.
When the pub door swung open, Cadi beamed as Poppy and Izzy entered, smiling fit to burst as they hurried over to where Cadi was sitting with Oscar in her arms.
‘You’ve no idea how much we’ve missed you,’ Izzy told Cadi as she held out her hands for her nephew. She gave a small squeal of delight as Cadi gently placed the baby in her arms. ‘I can’t wait for this rotten war to be over, so that we can all be together again.’ She smiled down at Oscar, who gazed happily back. ‘Doesn’t he look like Jez?’ Izzy’s eyes were shining with happy tears. ‘You must be so proud of him.’
‘Immensely. And we all think he looks like Jez; in fact I’d say he looks more and more like him with every day that passes.’
‘He doesn’t just look like Jez,’ added Maria, ‘I’d say that being born in the cellar of a pub is very Jez, if you know what I mean?’
‘No airs and graces,’ agreed Poppy, ‘that was our Jez to a tee. Rough round the edges, but a prince amongst men.’ She watched as Izzy continued to gaze lovingly into her nephew’s eyes. ‘I wish he could see us now.’
Cadi glanced around the pub. ‘Who’s to say he can’t?’ She lowered her voice so that only the three of them could hear her. ‘I’ve worked the dates out, and we must have conceived Oscar whilst we were staying here on our sort-of honeymoon.’
‘I hope he can see him,’ said Poppy as she took the baby from Izzy’s arms. ‘What did Raquel say when she visited?’
‘She cried a lot,’ said Cadi; ‘we both did. Having Oscar feels as though we’ve got a tiny part of Jez back.’
‘I can’t think of a better goodbye present,’ said Izzy, much to the delight of Maria and Cadi who told the girls of their conversation about a parting gift.
‘Great minds think alike,’ said Poppy.
‘Have you any news on the war?’ asked Cadi eagerly. ‘It’s obvious that things are coming to a head, but how close are we, do you think?’
Poppy and Izzy exchanged glances. ‘We really can’t say, and not because we know summat we’ve been told not to tell, cos we don’t. But it’s as though we’re part of a really big secret that nobody’s told us about,’ said Izzy. ‘Everyone’s running round like headless chickens, and even though we know summat big’s about to happen, whenever we ask they say that the information’s on a need-to-know basis.’
Faint lines furrowed Cadi’s brow. ‘Surely they can’t be saying that to aircrew?’
Izzy pulled a face. ‘I think Mike knows more than he’s letting on, but he’s probably been sworn to secrecy, and I don’t like to push him, so I tend to leave sleeping dogs lie.’
‘Geoffrey doesn’t say much either,’ said Poppy. ‘I reckon they’re pretty much in the dark same as the rest of us.’
‘It’s infuriating knowing that something’s going on, but not what,’ said Cadi. ‘The newsreels don’t tell you much, but then again I suppose they can’t really, can they?’
Poppy sank down on the seat next to Cadi’s. ‘I think it’s going to be over before we know it. Call it what you will, whether that be women’s intuition, or a feeling in my waters. But enough of the war. How’s this little one getting on? He’s certainly gained a few pounds!’
‘Hasn’t he just,’ agreed Cadi. ‘He’s just started to sleep through the night, and he’s loving life.’
‘Do you know what time Aled’s arriving?’ asked Izzy.
‘He’s coming over for dinner this evening,’ said Cadi.
‘I think it’s lovely the way he’s looking out for you and Oscar,’ said Poppy. ‘That Marnie threw away a good man for no reason.’
‘If she could see how wonderful he’s been with me and Oscar she’d—’
Izzy interrupted without apology. ‘… Say that she was right to dump him because it’s obvious he’s in love with you.’
Cadi opened her mouth to object and then thought better of it, because Izzy was quite possibly right. ‘I have told him to stop sending money, in case his next belle gets the wrong idea, but he’s determined to keep on.’
Izzy took another turn in holding Oscar. ‘Have you thought any more about what you’re going to do next?’
‘I have to leave the Belmont at some point,’ Cadi began, only to have Maria interrupt with an opinion of her own.
‘You don’t have to do anything. You know Bill and I would love it if you stayed.’
‘You know I think the world of you and Bill, and that I’ll always be grateful to you for taking me in, but I want to see Jez’s and my dream come to fruition.’
Poppy stared at her. ‘Surely you’re not still thinking about getting your own pub?’
Cadi nodded. ‘I know that after Jez died I thought I couldn’t bear to do it without him, but I’ve changed my mind. It’ll be a secure future for myself and Oscar, and I know the hospitality business inside out.’ She shrugged. ‘And I’m good at it.’
‘I don’t want to put a spanner in the works,’ Izzy grimaced, ‘but how will you be able to afford it?’
‘Hard work and determination,’ said Cadi. ‘I know it won’t be easy …’
Maria shot her a chiding glance. ‘Won’t be easy? The brewery handing over the keys to a woman on her own with a child in tow? Try nigh on impossible. Don’t forget, Cadi, I only got my name above the door of the Greyhound because Bill went off to war. Once I’d proved myself to the brewery, they were content to hand me the keys to the Belmont, but they keep a closer eye on me than they do on any of their male landlords. You must remember the time your father shopped us to the brewery for you being underage. They were willing to accept his word despite the fact he’d never set foot in the pub, but if he’d tried that with Bill in charge they’d not have taken any notice.’
But Cadi sat firm. ‘They’ll have to give me summat, because I’m not backing down until they do!’
They spent the next couple of hours planning what sort of pub Cadi would like, and how they would come and stay with her whenever they got the chance.
With evening fast approaching, Izzy and Poppy returned to Fiskerton, and Cadi felt that this goodbye had been like no other. ‘I’ve never seen the girls so nervous,’ she told Maria when the girls left the pub.
Maria nodded. ‘Me neither. It’s as though everybody knows that this is the last hurrah, and if it doesn’t work …’ She shook her head sadly. ‘We’d best hope and pray that it does.’ She sighed. ‘I thought I might take Oscar for a stroll when Aled arrives. What do you think?’
Cadi pulled a downward smile. ‘What about dinner?’
‘I’ll get fish and chips down the road.’ Maria hesitated briefly before continuing, ‘You and Aled haven’t seen each other since the night you gave birth. I should imagine you’ve got quite a bit to talk about. Besides, I’m no good at goodbyes, and just knowing that the man’s going into battle’ – she shuddered as a shiver ran down her spine – ‘chills me to the bone.’
Cadi pulled a grim face. ‘I know what you mean. Wishing him good luck doesn’t quite cover it, when we know the magnitude of the task ahead of them, and what’s more you can bet your life that the Germans won’t give up quietly. This is going to be one hell of a fight.’
Aled walked into the pub as the last words left Cadi’s lips. Smiling at the women, he waved a cheery hello before ordering himself a drink and making his way over. ‘Anyone in need of a top-up?’
Maria held up a hand to decline. ‘I’m going to take Oscar for a walk before it gets dark. I’ve told Cadi that I’ll grab myself a fish and chip supper whilst I’m out.’
Aled’s face fell. ‘I hope you’re not leaving on my account, because I fully intended for the three of us to have dinner together.’
Maria spoke quietly as she settled Oscar into the pram. ‘It’s lovely of you to offer, but we’ve been sitting in this pub for most of the day, and truth be told I could really do with stretching my legs.’
Aled glanced expectantly at Cadi, who agreed. ‘I’ll have a glass of lemonade, please.’
Aled went to fetch the drinks and Maria rearranged the blankets over Oscar who was starting to stir. ‘Looks like I’m leaving in the nick of time,’ she said, just as the baby opened his lungs to let the world know that he was awake.
Aled stepped away from the bar as Maria passed by. Leaning down, he smiled affectionately at Oscar, who had been quick to settle under the motion of the pram. ‘He’s looking well,’ he noted, ‘and so’s Cadi, come to that.’ He glanced at Maria quizzically. ‘Is she doing as well as she appears to be?’
Maria nodded. ‘She’s doing better than any of us expected given the circumstances. She’s made of stern stuff is that one, and she always comes up fighting. She’s already set her sights firmly on the future; I just hope she gets everything she wants.’
He wrinkled his forehead. ‘How do you mean?’
‘She wants to fulfil her and Jez’s dream of getting up a pub, but I know the trade inside out, and they won’t want to give a licence to a single mother. I’ve told Cadi my thoughts, but she’s determined that she can make it on will alone.’
Aled nodded. ‘Sounds like the Cadi we all know and love, which is excellent news; and quite frankly, if anyone can persuade the brewery I reckon it’s her.’
‘I hope you’re right and that she’s successful, even though I’ll miss them terribly,’ said Maria. ‘I’ve never had a baby of my own, so I’ve loved every minute of having this one around. The Belmont will be like an empty shell when they move out.’
Aled winked at her. ‘Cadi won’t see you short of cuddles.’
‘I know she won’t. Our Cadi’s got a heart of gold, and she’s forever putting others’ needs before her own. I reckon it’s about time things went her way for once.’
‘I’ll keep an eye out for her,’ said Aled, ‘and I’ll always be around to lend a helping hand should she need it.’ He beamed down at Oscar. ‘I wouldn’t consider myself much of a godfather if I wasn’t!’
‘You’re a good lad, Aled,’ said Maria, turning away quickly to shush Oscar, who was beginning to fidget. Aled went over to the door and opened it wide so that Maria could push the coach-style pram through unhindered.
‘I hope I’ll get to see you before I go,’ he said as she passed by.
She smiled. ‘I’ll make sure I’m back in time.’
As she made her way down the pavement, Maria reflected on how sad it was that Aled and Cadi would never be a couple, purely because of their past history. He’d make a wonderful stepfather, and he loves our Cadi with all his heart , Maria thought to herself. He’d do anything for the two of them. I hope they see past their history one day, because they’d make a lovely couple.
Aled took the drinks over to Cadi, who was stifling a yawn with the back of her hand.
‘Are you sure you don’t want to go and put your feet up for an hour or so?’ he said, laying the drinks down on the table. ‘I’d quite understand it if you did, because I should imagine the journey over wasn’t relaxing.’
Cadi laughed. ‘That’s an understatement. Oscar was wide awake the whole time, and if he wasn’t squealing with excitement, he was squawking his head off.’
Aled grimaced. ‘I bet you were popular.’
She wrinkled the side of her nose. ‘People are very good. They could see that Maria and I were doing our utmost to calm him; a couple of the Waafs even offered to take him for a walk along the corridor.’
‘That was good of them.’ He jerked his head towards the door. ‘Talking of Maria, she told me that you’re thinking of applying for your liquor licence?’
Cadi cradled the glass in her hands. ‘I am indeed. And before you say anything, I know it won’t be easy, but if I’ve learned anything, it’s where there’s a will there’s a way.’
Aled gazed steadily at her from the other side of the table. ‘And whilst I don’t doubt your capabilities regarding getting the licence, I am concerned that you’ll be spreading yourself too thin by trying to work full time when you’ve got a baby to look after.’
‘Staff,’ said Cadi simply. ‘I won’t even think about attempting to get my licence until after the war, and as that’ll release a flood of former Waafs in need of employment, I’m rather hoping I’ll be inundated with barmaids who’re more than happy to get stuck in.’ Leaning forward, she began listing the benefits she planned to give to her female employees. ‘I shall pay them the same wages I’d pay a man, and they’ll work shifts, so that they don’t have to work every weekend, and they’ll have annual leave.’
Aled grinned. ‘Where do I sign?’
She raised her brow fleetingly. ‘Your mother would have my guts for garters.’
He leaned back in his chair and crossed his ankles. ‘She would that; she’d probably have mine too.’
‘Besides, I want female workers,’ Cadi reminded him, ‘so that at least some women can catch a break from a male-dominated workforce.’
He smoothed his fingers over his chin. ‘Ah! Well there you have me.’ He eyed her fondly. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman quite like you. Where do you suppose you get your tireless spirit from? Your mam?’
Cadi laughed. ‘Maintaining a two up, two down whilst looking after four burly men and running your own business? I should say so. My Auntie Flo – she’s Mam’s sister – is also a strong, independent woman. Poppy reckons me and Auntie Flo are like peas in a pod.’
‘Does she run a pub too?’
‘No. She works for the War Office, and has done for donkey’s years. When I first introduced her to Poppy she thought my auntie was working for the secret service as an undercover spy.’ She laughed again. ‘Because she was forever on the move, and she was always a bit evasive when talking about her work. But she had to be working for the War Office.’
‘It sounds to me as though the women in your family are a force to be reckoned with,’ said Aled, as he glanced towards the chalked menu behind the bar. ‘Have you any idea what you fancy for your dinner?’ Seeing that liver and onions was one of the choices, he gave her a lopsided grin. ‘Or is that a stupid question?’
