Page 43 of The Winter Bride

‘That’s wonderful.’ Annie was genuinely pleased for her. She deserved a decent man after the way Theo had treated her. ‘But I wonder if that will mean she doesn’t want to run the shop any more?’

‘Oh no, she’s quite adamant that she’ll still work,’ Peggy assured her. ‘Tim’s girls are both at school durin’ the day an’ they can go to their grandma’s after school an’ wait fer her to close. She says they’re goin’ to look fer a place to rent here in Nuneaton. Because Tim works wi’ Levi it’ll make it easier fer him too.’

‘And when is the happy day to be?’ Annie asked as an idea occurred to her.

Peggy shook her head. ‘I don’t think they know yet, but I can’t see ’em waitin’ fer long now they’ve made their minds up.’

‘In that case, I might be able to help them out.’ Annie drew Peggy to a chair and sat her down. ‘If this shop that Marie talks about turns out to be all right, then Tim, Susan and the children could rent this house. I don’t really want to sell it until I know if I can make a success of the shop in London. Do you think they’d be interested?’

‘I think they’d bite yer hand off,’ Peggy answered. ‘But I’d go an’ have a look at the shop afore yer mention it to ’em, an’ I’d be more than happy to move in ’ere with Nancy while yer go.’

Annie nodded in agreement. ‘Thank you. In that case I’ll write back to Marie straight away and tell her to expect me early next week.’

The following Monday morning found Annie on the train to Euston. Marie was waiting for her when she got into the station and they walked out into the teeming streets arm in arm.

‘I ’ave already arranged with the estate agent to meet us at the shop at two o’clock,’ Marie told her. She was almost as excited as Annie about the prospect of her moving to London. ‘But first we shall go and ’ave some lunch, oui? And then when you ’ave viewed the shop you will come to stay with me and my ’usband. He is looking forward to meeting you. Or perhaps you could stay a little longer?’

Annie shook her head. ‘Thanks, but one night will be plenty.’ She had never left Adam before and was missing him already.

Marie took her to a charming little restaurant where they enjoyed a light lunch, then at last, it was time to visit the shop. Marie hailed them a cab and after a short journey they pulled up outside it. The estate agent, a small stocky man with a handlebar moustache and a very red nose, was waiting for them. Greeting them courteously, he unlocked the door and ushered them in. The shop was bigger than Annie had expected it to be and was in quite good condition. Beyond a long counter at the back was a door that led to a kitchen, which led out to a small yard, which would be perfect for Adam and Alfred to play in.

They went upstairs and again she was pleasantly surprised. The apartment was fully furnished and although the furniture was dated it had everything they could need. There were two bedrooms and an inside bathroom as well as a small sitting room.

‘What do you think, chèrie?’ Marie asked. ‘John, my ’usband, knows someone who would be able to fit the shop out for you and build some fitting rooms in there.’

The cost of renting the shop and the apartment was at least double what she would expect to pay in Nuneaton, but Annie guessed it was reasonable for a shop in London. And, of course, she could charge more for the clothes, so hopefully she would make it pay.

‘May I give you my decision in the morning before I return home?’ she asked the estate agent.

He nodded. ‘Of course, but do not leave it beyond that. I’m afraid shops around here tend to be snapped up quickly.’

‘I understand.’ Annie shook his hand, then she and Marie hailed another cab to take them to Marie’s house.

It was a beautiful three-storey town house in Park Lane and they were greeted at the door by a beaming maid in a mob cap and white apron, who took their hats and coats. ‘Thank you, Therese, could you bring some tea through to the day room for myself and my visitor please? And ’ave you prepared a room for ’er?’

‘Yes, madam.’ The maid bobbed her knee and with another friendly smile rushed away to get the tea.

‘You’ve done very well for yourself,’ Annie commented as she glanced around the grand room. A large marble fireplace with a huge fire blazing in it stood in the centre of one wall, and comfortable pale-blue velvet settees stood at either side of it. Expensive-looking Aubusson rugs were spread across the highly polished floor and thick velvet drapes framed the windows.

Marie nodded as she urged her friend to take a seat. ‘Yes, my John ’as a very good job working for the government. He did the same thing as Monsieur Gordon during the war and now they still work together occasionally, although I ’ave no idea exactly what they do and I don’t ask. You will meet ’im tonight. He is a very kind man.’

‘I’m so glad you’re happy.’ Annie’s heart was beating faster just at the mention of Alex’s name – after all this time, he still had that effect on her.

Therese soon appeared with a tea trolley, and the two women spent the next hour chatting pleasantly.

‘So, you liked the little shop, oui? ’ Marie asked eventually.

Annie nodded. ‘Yes, I think it would be perfect.’

Marie clapped her hands with delight. ‘Ah, then if you agree to take it, we can see more of each other.’

‘That would be lovely, although I have to admit I’m a little scared. It’s such a big step to take.’

‘It is,’ Marie admitted. ‘But John and I are ’ere to ’elp you, so do not be afraid. You would not be alone.’

Later in the afternoon Annie was shown to a pretty room on the first floor, where she rested until it was time to get ready to go down to dinner.

There she met John Maybury, Marie’s husband, whom she liked immediately. He was slightly older than Marie, but it was clear from the way that he looked at her that he adored her. He was tall with dark hair and deep-blue eyes and he welcomed Annie warmly.