The Swallow and the Hummingbird(29)

‘I don’t think he wants to marry me any more, Grandma,’ said Rita, feeling less tearful since she had opened her heart to Max.

Mrs Megalith clicked her tongue. ‘Of course he does. He’s confused, that’s all. Give him a year in the Argentine and he’ll come to his senses. Don’t forget, he’s been through a terrible time. He’s been tied up in the RAF for the duration of the war. I imagine the thought of tying himself down again, here in Frognal Point, is a somewhat daunting one. He’s young, let him go.’

‘Are you suggesting I stay here and wait for him?’

‘What choice do you have?’

Mrs Megalith was right. She couldn’t go without marrying him and he was wary of committing himself at this stage. She had waited three years for him, what was one more?

‘If it means he’ll come back as the George I grew up with, then he can go for as long as he wants.’

‘Quite right, my dear. That’s the spirit.’ Mrs Megalith nodded her approval. ‘Now, how long can it take to boil a kettle?’ she said impatiently, looking towards the door.

When Rita cycled home she felt much lighter in spirit, although apprehensive about her decision. Megagran was right. If George put a great distance between himself and Europe for a while he might settle down. She thought back over the last ten years and reminded herself of the depth of their friendship. She remembered those short leaves he had taken at the beginning of the war. He had been posted at Biggin Hill then, before he was sent abroad. They had walked up and down the beach and reminisced about the way things were before fighting broke out. He hadn’t wanted to talk about the battles. He had found his security in the past. What halcyon days they were. She remembered how bitterly they had cried the night before he was due to sail for Malta. He had told her that it was she who kept him going. It was her photograph he kept in his breast pocket. Hadn’t he told her that he would keep it there until the day he died? Surely it wasn’t so easy to break a bond as strong as theirs?

‘You’re looking a little peaky, Rita,’ said her mother when she arrived home. ‘Are you all right?’

‘I’m fine,’ she replied. Eddie and Maddie grinned at her mischievously.

‘What’s everyone looking at me for?’ she complained.

‘How’s George?’ Eddie asked, barely able to contain her giggles.

Rita narrowed her eyes. ‘Have you been spying on me, Eddie?’

‘No,’ she lied.

Rita suddenly felt irritated. ‘Typical,’ she snapped. ‘One simply can’t be private here. No wonder George wants to go to Argentina.’ Hannah put down the chicken she was preparing and turned around. The smirk slipped off Eddie’s face and Maddie put her hand to her mouth in horror. ‘Yes, he’s going to the Argentine to work.’ Her statement was met with a shocked silence.

‘Are you going with him?’ Eddie asked finally.

‘How can I?’

‘Surely he’ll marry you, dear.’

Rita’s voice cracked. ‘He doesn’t want to.’

‘My dear Rita . . .’ began her mother, walking towards her with arms outstretched.

But Rita stiffened. ‘I’m fine, really. I’m going to have a bath.’ And she hurried out of the room.

The moment she had gone, Maddie burst into commentary. ‘What do you think has happened? They were quite happy this afternoon, ask Eddie!’ Hannah looked at Eddie hopefully.

‘They were kissing in the cave on the beach,’ said Eddie.

‘Which cave?’

‘You know, the one on the left as you walk down the path.’

‘I know the one. The swallow cave. They always used to build their nests there when I was growing up. Year in, year out. But what of it?’ she waved her hand dismissively and shook her head. ‘I wish Humphrey were here. He’d know what to do. I hope she’s all right. Should I go up and talk to her?’

‘Do you think he really doesn’t want to marry her?’ Maddie asked. ‘How dreadful. She’s waited years for him. What a bastard.’

‘Maddie, don’t use that sort of language please,’ Hannah chided gently. ‘I’m sure they’ve just had an argument or something. It’s probably nothing serious.’

‘But why’s he going all the way to Argentina when he’s only just got back?’ said Maddie, biting her bottom lip.

‘I don’t want Rita to leave,’ said Eddie in a small voice. ‘I don’t know what I’d do without Rita.’

‘Dear child, if Rita goes to Argentina we will all miss her, but we will all support her choice. Besides, they won’t stay there for ever, I’m sure.’ She picked up the chicken unenthusiastically. ‘When she comes down I think it would be better if we don’t talk about it. Unless she wants to, of course.’