‘Well, there’s a great shortage of young men,’ Aunt Edna said, pouring herself a healthy cup of Earl Grey tea. ‘War robbed us of the cream of our youth. What a tragedy war is.’
‘Isn’t it?’ Rose agreed, quietly resenting the young Louis for not playing his part when her husband and many others had made that precarious journey across the waters, risking their lives, to defend a country they believed was theirs even though some of them had never even stood on British soil. She had even contributed herself by joining the Hurlingham Ladies Guild who met in the ping-pong room at the Club producing sweaters, socks, balaclava helmets, sea boot stockings and scarves for the war effort. Once the war was over Rose had vowed never to knit another stitch, for each click of the needles reminded her of those tortuous days of waiting and of the agony that hope brought with it.
‘Will you invite them to Audrey’s party?’ Isla asked, taking an interest now that her plate was full. Rose straightened and tilted her head to one side.
‘I don’t see why not,’ she replied, looking to her sister for approval.
‘Of course they should come,’ Aunt Edna exclaimed with enthusiasm. ‘It’ll be the perfect way for them to meet nice English people. Besides, Hilda’s girls are all on the look-out for husbands, so are the Pearson twins not to mention poor June Hipps, if she doesn’t find one soon she’ll be left gathering dust on the shelf, she’ll be twenty-nine next spring.’ Rose hadn’t considered Cecil Forrester for anyone else’s daughter, even if her own daughters were still too young to think about marriage. Hilda’s girls were no competition, neither was June Hipps, but the Pearson twins were slim and pretty and eager to settle down. She pursed her lips and swallowed the competitive ache that rose in her throat.
‘That may be so,’ she said tightly. ‘But it’s Audrey’s party, Edna, not a marriage market.’
Aunt Edna looked hurt and blushed right down to her wobbling chins.
‘Oh, Rose, I didn’t mean . . . well,’ she stammered. ‘You’ve met them, Rose, what are they like? Do you think your girls will like them?’
Rose smiled and put down her teacup. ‘I’m sure they will. Louis is closer to Audrey’s age, but then he seems a bit . . . well, wild would be fair. He has yet to settle down. Now Cecil’s entirely different. He’s responsible, conscientious and handsome. An utterly charming young man, though a good deal older than Audrey. I don’t think that matters, it’s nice to be in the company of a man who’s seen a bit of the world. Well, Audrey, would you like me to ask them to your party?’ She turned to her elder daughter. Audrey attempted to contain her excitement by buttering a pastry she didn’t want. She nodded her thanks then nibbled the corner nervously.
‘I bet those Forrester boys fall in love with Audrey.’ Isla giggled. ‘Oh, I bet they will,’ she insisted when her sister shot her an embarrassed look. ‘Don’t be coy, Audrey. You’re prettier than all the other girls, even the Pearson twins. Anyway,’ she added mischievously, ‘I shall dance with them both.’
‘You have to wait until you’re asked, Isla,’ her mother replied. Then she turned to Aunt Edna with a smile. ‘What will the Crocodiles say when Isla rushes around asking all the men to dance?’ she chuckled.
‘Snap snap snap!’ Aunt Edna replied and her chins wobbled so much that they all laughed heartily.
Audrey and Isla didn’t have to wait long to meet the Forrester brothers, for a few days later their father invited them both for dinner at the house in Canning Street. The table was set beneath the vines on the terrace, illuminated by large hurricane lamps and small candles that served as decoration as well as light. Audrey and Isla picked fresh flowers from the garden and made a pretty arrangement for the centrepiece while Rose discussed menus with Marisol the young cook. She had invited Aunt Edna out of kindness but also because she wanted her sister’s opinion of Cecil Forrester, who might one day make a good husband for Audrey. She had decided against allowing her young sons to join them at the table, it would be too much of a distraction and Isla always behaved badly when Albert was around.
Audrey and Isla waited in the garden, both in new dresses their mother had bought them at Harrods. Isla noticed how her sister was already looking like a young woman and felt gauche by her side. She was only fifteen months younger than Audrey and yet, tonight, Audrey held herself differently, with more dignity, and looked leagues older. For the first time in her life Isla experienced a sense of wistfulness. Their childhood was clearly coming to an end.