Chapter Text
Chapter 46
By the 20th September, Geoffrey Marlow admitted to himself, but to no one else, that he would after all be attending Rowan’s wedding. His business in London was genuine enough, but when he rang Trennels on the Friday morning to tell Pam that he would be away until very late on Saturaday it was in the knowledge that he already had an extra shirt packed for the extra day, and a slightly smarter tie. He had already phrased his excuses carefully in his mind. It was very important to him not to lie to Pam when she had supported his decision about Ann and Rowan so loyally. She might be disappointed in him for giving in perhaps. It was almost a relief when the telephone was answered by Mrs Bertie. He knew Pam would be visiting someone – an old friend from the Malta days, he had the vague impression – and that this would involve an overnight visit. The friend must live further away than he thought for Pam to have had to set off before lunch. Mrs Marlow had already spoken to Ted Colthard who would see that the various livestock were all safe and secure, before he went home and Miss Karen would come up and check all was well before she went to bed. Mrs Herbert assured him, and now that she knew Captain Marlow would not be home that night and she had no dinner to prepare, she would lock the house up and be off home an hour earlier, if that suited. Geoff indicated that that suited very well indeed and set off for his next appointment.
He resisted the temptation to delay arriving at the church until half past eleven, since it would only draw attention to him, the very thing he wished to avoid. The earlier he arrived though, the more chance there was of someone else striking up a conversation which would inevitable start with “So how do you know the bride or groom?”
He didn’t even have to answer the almost inevitable “which side?” either to which he always want to answer “Why, are we going to have a fight?” There were three diminutive ushers, all of whom eagerly proffered a hymn book and were far more eager to explain what it was for than to ask him any questions. He had no idea who the bespectacled young man hovering behind them was, but the chap seemed inclined to do no more than smile in a friendly manner and suggest that the gentleman might find it easier to have just one book to hold.
Geoff slid quietly into a pew fairly near the back, while the ushers enthusiastically greeted someone called Auntie Susan behind him. Whoever she was, she rated hugs and kisses as well as hymn books.
Geoff peered at those on the front pews as discretely as he could. Mary Walker of course, and Ted. Geoff didn’t recognise the young man standing next to Roger. “Auntie Susan” was sitting down just behind them, next to a slim young woman with a precautionary arm around a toddler and just in front of three dark-haired women, somehow alike enough- even from behind, to be recognisable as a family. There were a few other people behind them.
It was harder to see people on his own side of the church, but the grey haired couple sitting at the front were presumably the Mr and Mrs. Dixon whose address was on the scrap of paper in his pocket. A woman sat next to them, listening intently to Mrs Dixon with fair curls just visible below her generously-brimmed hat and something very familiar in her manner, even without any view of her face. Ann surely, and looking very similar to her mother. Then a woman he vaguely recognised from some event at Kingscote sat down just behind them, obscuring his view.
People had stopped arriving. The small ushers scuttled back to sit next to their parents. There was a small rustle at the door and the organist concluded one piece and started the music for Rowan’s entrance.
Rowan did notice him as she walked slowly down the aisle, on Ann’s arm, with Nicola in her best summer dress and a hat which looked like her school boater with another ribbon added walking behind them. Rowan gave no more than the flicker of a smile. Ann hadn’t notice him. He saw Nicola’s mouth silently frame the words Cor lumey. Well, however Nicola had managed it, he could say no more than enquire whether she had made arrangements to get back to her friend’s house in London.
Geoff did some hard thinking during the service, and when happy couple (And they did look so very happy, that it was no mere cliché.) processed back done the church, he wasn’t in the least bit surprised to see his wife walking next to Rear Admiral Walker, while Mary Walker walked next to Mr Dixon followed by Mrs Dixon and Ann. Nicola gave him a worried look as she passed. He should reassure her as soon as possible.
In the press of photographs and congratulations, he was able to speak to Nicola before he had a chance to speak to Rowan.
“Do I take it that Lawrie is busy being you somewhere else?”
“Not exactly,” said Nicola, “but we are both officially in London with Miranda. I need to get back and meet them before we all get home from the theatre this evening.”
“Will you be safe? The train must get in fairly late.”
“Ann will be on the same train.” Nicola said.
“You’ve shown a commendable amount of initiative.”
“It was Lawrie’s idea to start with.”
Geoff gave a wry smile. “I need to break this habit of under-estimating my daughters.”
He edged his way round to Ann, chatting cheerfully to “Auntie Susan”. Ann had really not noticed him before and went pale when she saw him now.
“I’m glad to see you Ann. And – you will come back to Trennels for Christmas, won’t you? If you can get leave.”
He should have known that would start Ann weeping, but she had herself under control in a second or two, and, after all, neither tears nor her sudden, fierce hug were totally out of place at a wedding.
The bespectacled young man wanted everyone in place for a photograph on the steps of the church. Perhaps wisely, apart from having Roger and Rowan in the middle and the children lined up in front, he didn’t attempt any formal arrangement and Geoff found himself next to Pam quite easily.
“I don’t think I’ve felt quite so nervous since the first time I asked if I could see you home.” He said very quietly. “May I?”
Pam was smiling, but he wasn’t quite sure if it was for the camera or for him, and the few seconds of “Look at the camera please and smile. Could someone get Robert’s finger out of his nose please? Thank you, Julia” before Pam could answer seemed interminable.
“I’m glad you’re here.” She said quietly. “I was planning on taking the train from Strickland junction at 2.35. Mrs Blackett has very kindly offered to give me a lift up to the station, but I was thinking of taking the bus.” She glanced sideways at him, and gave a small smile. “We won’t leave without each other. Mrs Dixon has organised a bit of a buffet lunch in the village hall, which is just round the corner.”
The slim young woman, still holding the toddler’s hand, marshalled them into places for the bride and groom and parents photograph, then one with the Dixons. Geoff knew he should say something to Mr Dixon. They found themselves next to each other as they moved away to allow space for the bride, groom, best man and bridesmaids photograph. Geoff held out his hand and suddenly found his mouth dry and himself speechless in that quiet, direct gaze.
Mr Dixon shook his hand. “Ah’m reet pleased to see you, Captain Marlow.”
“Thank you. Thank you very much for everything.”
Mr Dixon smiled slowly. “It’s worked out champion now. You’ll be stopping for a bite to eat in the hall when Dick’s finished with these photographs?”
And finally, when Dick had finished with the photographs, Geoff got the chance to speak to Rowan. Or rather to Rowan and Roger.
Roger first perhaps.
“You’re a very lucky man. And also right in what you said.”
Roger Walker shook his hand and grinned. “It’s not the mistake you make that matters most, it’s what you do next.”
Geoff suddenly grinned. “Your father’s said that to me a time or two, too.”
“I thought he would have.” Roger said
“Rowan, I’m sorry. Very sorry and I hope you’ll come and visit us at Trennels very often. Your mother has missed you.”
There was a slight pause. Rowan was still listening.
“I’ve asked Ann to come back for Christmas if she’s able to. I hope you can both come too.”
“I hope we can as well.” Rowan said.
The end
a/n Thank you very, very much indeed to many people for all the encouragement