The Swallow and the Hummingbird(12)

‘I want to make love to you, Rita,’ he groaned. His brow was moist with sweat and his breath hot against her skin.

‘I want you too,’ she whispered. But she hesitated.

‘You’re going to marry me one day,’ he said, understanding her reticence. He pulled away and chuckled. ‘My darling Rita. I’ve never considered anyone else but you. You’re already my wife in my heart.’

‘And you’re my husband in mine. I’ve saved myself for you,’ she replied, remembering the glamorous American officers who had relentlessly courted her.

‘When we’re married I’m going to kiss you all over, every inch of you,’ he said and kissed her forehead, sighing heavily and reining in his ardour.

Rita wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled her face against his. She belonged to George as surely as she belonged to this small Devonshire village and, with that sense of security, she lost herself in his kisses, glad to have him home.





Chapter 3





When Rita arrived home her parents and sisters were in the kitchen with her grandmother who had changed into a long dress of deep purple over which she had draped a turquoise shawl. They all stopped talking as Rita appeared round the door. In spite of having scrambled back into her stockings and shoes, her hair was wild and her skin covered in a rash caused by George’s stubble.

‘Well, my dear,’ said Mrs Megalith with a sniff. ‘I needn’t ask if young George arrived back safely. Your face speaks volumes!’ Eddie grinned, noticing at once that one of the buttons on her sister’s dress was undone. Such a detail hadn’t escaped the scrutiny of their grandmother either. ‘Dear me, men are such animals. Surely he could have given vent to his lust on some random stray before mauling you.’

Rita followed the line of her gaze and her hand shot straight to the offending button. Maddie sat in silence, recognizing the glazed expression in her sister’s eyes because she had seen it in her own reflection after she had given herself to Hank Weston in the back of his jeep. Not even Megagran’s powers of clairvoyance had been able to detect that secret.

‘How is he?’ Hannah asked, ignoring her mother. ‘Dear child, you’re frozen. Where on earth have you been?’ She took Rita’s icy hands in her large warm ones and led her to the rocking chair. ‘Sit down and tell us all about it.’

‘We went for a walk along the beach,’ she replied dreamily, avoiding Eddie who stared at her in fascination. Surely they had made love.

‘Ah,’ Mrs Megalith snorted. ‘That would account for the hair, it looks as if a sea gull’s been in it.’

‘Did he kiss you lots and lots?’ Eddie asked.

‘Eddie, really, that’s not the thing to ask a young woman,’ her father chided. He was in his usual place at the head of the table, a glass of Scotch in his hand, watching the women in his family with amusement.

‘You don’t need to be clairvoyant to answer that question,’ said Mrs Megalith, but her face softened and she smiled. ‘There’s nothing better for the health than kissing. It’s a real tonic!’ She smacked her lips and limped over to the table. ‘Here, Edwina,’ she thrust her stick out for her granddaughter to take. ‘Now, pour me a sherry, dear girl, the excitement is wearing me out.’

‘I’m sorry I wasn’t around to do your hair,’ said Maddie apologetically.

‘Don’t worry. I barely had time to change.’

‘You should be grateful you didn’t waste your time, Madeleine,’ said Mrs Megalith, sitting back regally in her chair. ‘You should put it up like mine, Rita, that way you wouldn’t have to do it at all.’

‘Well, Rita?’ persisted her mother. ‘Do tell us from the beginning. You waited for him at the bus stop?’

‘Yes, with Trees and Faye and Alice and the children.’

‘I don’t imagine they all went to the beach with you,’ said Mrs Megalith wryly.

‘We went back to Lower Farm for tea and then George drove me home via the beach.’

‘Has he changed?’ Hannah asked.

‘He’s grown up. He’s definitely stronger physically.’

‘Oh, he would be, of course. He’ll be a man now.’

‘A summer wedding would be most welcome,’ said Mrs Megalith, taking the glass of sherry from Eddie. ‘You can have it in my garden.’ Rita was unable to conceal her excitement. Mrs Megalith raised her eyebrows and added exuberantly, ‘Good God, he’s proposed. About time too!’

‘Has he?’ Humphrey asked.

‘He’s proposed?’ Hannah exclaimed.