A Wrens' Wartime Christmas by Vicki Beeby

Author:Vicki Beeby
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo
Published: 2022-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

As Sally had said, Joe was waiting for Mary in the lane outside the Wrennery. Sally, who had come out with her oppo, waved them off and promised to meet them as soon as she got off duty.

Mary turned to Joe. ‘What have you got planned? Sally’s being very mysterious.’

‘All in good time. First of all – happy birthday.’ Joe kissed Mary on the cheek. ‘Many happy returns.’ He stepped back and looked at her, and there was a look in his eyes that reminded Mary that Joe had initially wanted to walk out with her. ‘Being twenty-two obviously suits you.’

‘How did you know my age? Did Sally tell you?’ Her indignation helped her resist the impulse to touch the place on her cheek where his lips had been.

‘Why – was it supposed to be a secret?’

‘I suppose not. But it’s only fair if you tell me your age in return.’

‘Twenty-five.’ He offered Mary his arm. ‘Now we’ve got that out of the way, we can begin the celebrations. We’re due at Curlew Croft for two, so that gives us about an hour before we have to leave. What would you like to do now – a stroll? A look around the shops? You’ve picked a nice day for a birthday.’

Mary had scarcely noticed the weather until now, apart from noting the icy bite to the wind. Joe was right – the sun was out, and it was the kind of crystal clear day that you only got in winter. The snow that had fallen at the start of December had all melted, and she felt as though she could see every blade of grass on the hills that rose up behind the town.

‘Why are we going to Curlew Croft?’

‘It’s where we’re having lunch.’

‘I hope Elspeth hasn’t gone to too much trouble.’

‘It was her idea, although Iris, Sally and I have all helped out. In fact, Iris should be haring over there now to help out with the last minute preparations.’

‘Poor Iris. I wondered why Sally made her get up so early. I bet she’s regretting taking most of the watch last night.’

‘So now that’s settled, what would you like to do?’

‘Actually, I’d love a cup of tea. I haven’t drunk anything since breakfast.’

‘Your wish is my command. We’ll go to the Beehive.’

Once they were in the little cafe, with a pot of tea between them on the table, Joe said, ‘I suppose now is the best time to give you this.’ He reached into his coat pocket, which hung on the coat stand beside him, and pulled out a large envelope. Mary’s name was written on the front. Now he had got it out, however, he held onto it, looking uncertain. ‘I drew something for you.’

‘That’s lovely. Can I see?’

Still Joe hesitated. Mary gave a half laugh, puzzled. ‘Well, can I see it or not?’ What was the matter with him? He had never been bashful before.

‘I had to draw it, but now I think it might have been a bad idea.

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