Page 6 of The Winter Bride

Peggy had made a superb job of it, and the hundreds of tiny pearls and crystals she had painstakingly sewn onto the lace overlay sparkled in the sun slanting through the window. She pinned Annie’s hair up high on her head with just a few ringlets framing her face and then with all the love a mother would have shown, she placed the veil over it and attached the crown of sweet-smelling freesias, gypsophila and tiny white rosebuds into place. Finally, she handed her a small posy of matching flowers tied with a white ribbon and stood back to admire her efforts.

‘Oh pet,’ she whispered in a shaky voice as she blinked back happy tears. ‘I’m tellin’ yer the truth when I say I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more radiant bride. You look absolutely stunning.’

Annie smiled as she sniffed at the flowers. ‘And I have to say you look beautiful too.’

Peggy had made a real effort with herself for once, and was looking smart in a navy-blue two-piece costume under which she wore a frilled white blouse. She had even treated herself to a brand-new matching navy and white hat.

She chuckled self-consciously at the compliment. ‘That’s good o’ you but I think I can safely say all the eyes are goin’ to be on you today, pet. And that’s just how it should be. Now come along, it’s time we showed yer off to Levi. He’s pacin’ the floor downstairs like an expectant father, bless ’im!’

She led the way downstairs where Levi was waiting looking very smart, if somewhat uncomfortable, in the new suit Peggy had bullied him into buying. As they appeared his eyes fastened on Annie and grew moist.

‘Oh Annie . . .’ He was temporarily lost for words. ‘You look . . . just beautiful.’ He beamed with pride as Annie kissed his cheek.

Peggy hurried to the door. ‘Right, the car’s waitin’ fer me outside so I’m goin’ to the church, then it’ll come back fer you two. An’ don’t forget, it’s a tradition fer the bride to be a few minutes late.’ And then she was gone as Levi tenderly stroked Annie’s cheek.

‘Look at you, all grown up,’ he said softly. ‘It don’t seem more than two minutes since you were a skinny little nipper, an’ now ’ere you are a beautiful young woman. I’m so proud of yer, hinny.’

‘Th-thank you fer all you’ve done for me,’ she said with a catch in her voice. ‘Over the years you’ve become like a father to me.’

Taking a large white handkerchief from his pocket, he noisily blew his nose and wagged a finger at her. ‘All right, that’s enough o’ the sloppy stuff, else you’ll ’ave me blubbin’ like a babby!’

He gently draped the veil over her face and, offering his arm, said, ‘Right, miss, I believe we ’ave a weddin’ to go to. Come on – we’ll go outside an’ wait fer the car, eh?’

Half an hour later the car pulled up at the church. The first thing Annie noticed was the daffodils tentatively peeping through the earth, and the primroses and crocuses beneath the hedgerow.

‘It’s like the world is coming back to life after the long, cold winter,’ she commented, tucking her arm into his.

Levi nodded. ‘It is that, pet. An’ it’s a fine day to get wed, I reckon.’

They passed through the lychgate and once they reached the church doors the sound of the organ pierced the air. Levi gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as they set off down the aisle. She could see Monty waiting for her, his face wreathed in smiles. Alex’s face floated into her mind again, but she pushed the thought of him firmly away, and went forward to her husband-to-be.

When the service was over, the young couple left the church to a hail of rose petals and rice, although Annie noticed that Monty’s parents stood back, stony faced, and didn’t attempt to throw any.

Once they arrived at the hotel for the reception, they were served with a delicious three-course meal and the champagne flowed. Levi had spared no expense and everyone – apart from Monty’s parents – was in a happy mood. Levi had also booked a room for Annie and Monty to get changed in before they left for their honeymoon, and after the meal was over, the cake was cut and the speeches had been made, he told them, ‘You’d best go an’ get ready else yer goin’ to miss yer train. Your bags are in the room.’

‘And perhaps you could tell me where we’re going now?’ Annie laughed. Levi had been keeping it a secret.

‘You’re goin’ to Margate, in a hotel overlookin’ the sea.’ He grinned.

‘Oh Levi, thank you.’ Annie stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. Then clutching Monty’s hand, they went to their room.

‘I would have thought he would have sent them somewhere a little more exotic!’ Mrs Taylor-Lloyd said sarcastically as they passed, but Annie and Monty ignored her. They were more than happy with Levi’s choice and determined not to let the Taylor-Lloyds spoil the day.

Once up in their room, sensing that Annie was nervous, Monty disappeared into the bathroom, while Annie changed into an ankle-length dress in a lovely shade of blue that matched her eyes; over this she wore a darker blue coat and a matching cloche hat.

‘May I say that you’re looking very pretty, Mrs Taylor-Lloyd?’ Monty teased when he came back, as he drew her into his arms to give her a tender kiss.

Annie felt a little jolt of surprise. She hadn’t given much thought to her name change and it felt strange to be addressed as such. But there wasn’t time to linger if they were to catch their train, so Monty lifted the bags and they went back to their guests, who insisted on coming outside to wave them off in the car Levi had hired to take them to the station. Strings with tin cans had been attached to the back bumper and a ‘Just Married’ sign had been placed in the back window.

‘You have a wonderful time now,’ Levi whispered into Annie’s ear as he gave her a hug. ‘And we’ll look forward to seeing you next week when you get back.’

‘We will . . . and thank you . . . for everything,’ Annie said with a tear in her eye. Then she kissed Peggy and climbed into the car with Monty.

Mrs Taylor-Lloyd stepped forward. ‘Goodbye, son, and good luck,’ she said imperiously. ‘I have a feeling you’re going to need it.’

Monty’s face darkened but before he could reply, the car drove off and they waved to their guests through the back window until they turned the corner and were out of sight.

The journey to Margate was long and involved two changes of trains. During the last part of the journey Annie fell asleep with her head on her new husband’s shoulder.