Nadines Wedding
Nadine spotted him at once as soon as she turned to look at the crowd pouring out of the train. There were weekend trippers with hampers and rucksacks, locals finishing their night shifts, a plucky little girl clutching her doll, her mother wrestling with a suitcaseeveryone was headed up the stairs, except this one man. He stepped aside, paused, lit a cigarette and let out a cloud of smoke, all while scratching his neck and calmly taking in the view. Only townies for whom the countryside is still something exotic could look so terribly pleased with themselves.
Nadines heart lurched at how homely he made everything look. And that capold, faded, like the one Peter used to wear
Oi, Nadine! Whereve you got to? Theres customers waiting, Nadine! Gal came up and knocked her out of her reverie with twin pokes to the shoulder. Chop chop!
Nadine gave a start and quickly turned around. A line had already formed, all eyeing up the sweets shed poured into little plastic baskets on the counter. Teenagers were jostling, counting their pocket change.
Yes, yes of course. What will it be? Here you are And you? Right, yes, coming up
With the deft hand of a true sweet-lady, Nadine scooped the treats, but kept half an eye on that man. He stretched after finishing his cigarette, grabbed his suitcase, and set off towards the village. Decent, sturdy type, legs a bit O-shaped, but lets not be pickythe hands, though! Those were arms to wrap you up, squeeze the tension out, melt you into a puddle.
Nadine blushed at her own impudent thoughts.
So whos that then? The always-inquisitive Gal poked her nose out the little serving hatch. Brazen as ever, never missing a chance to bait a suitor, shed bat her eyelashes and have half the passing men waiting out front for her after shift. Not that it got them very far. Once Gal locked the shop door, she was all businessno nonsense, no invitations.
Dear lady, allow me to see you home! an eager suitor would proclaim, offering up a box of marshmallows Gal herself had sold him five minutes earlier.
I dont eat sweets. And Ill see myself home, thank you. Out the way, Gal would say, lips pressed flat, brushing the poor chaps off.
Theyd be left blinking after her, as Gal fixed her mind on three busy boys and a household as chaotic as Piccadilly at rush hour. As for romancewell, that was for people with less laundry.
Oi, mister in the cap, you there! Gal now called out, waving at the man.
For heavens sake, dont, Gal! Stop it, honestly, Nadine squeaked.
Oh let up! You like him, I can tell. Never waste a good specimen! That ones got Nadines Husband written all over him, Gal winked.
Specimen was Gals favourite word for men, and shed rate the passing trade with all the critical flair of a livestock judge. Too skinny, shed mutter, or that ones a penny-pincher, look at those lips. And the third? Youd never keep him fed.
No, none of them! Whered you get that idea? protested Nadine, ducking behind the curtain.
I see how you perked right up, cheeks all flushed and sparkly-eyed! Grab happiness while its coming to you, Nadine! Whatve you got to lose? Its me saddled with three boys and a kitchen in chaos. Youre free nowKates grown up, your mums still sprightly and sound, and theres no one to turn up their nose. Go on, happiness is calling! Oi, mister, come in, its cool in here and our fruit pastilles are famous, promise!
With a little English shrug, the gent cinched his satchel a bit tighter under his round, comfy midriff, shouldered the suitcase, and headed for the shop.
Dont just stand there, Nadine! Grab my lipstick, would you! And lose that old headscarf, its an absolute disgrace. I keep telling you, happiness could knock at any time! Tidy yourself up, for goodness sake. Now, a bit of a dab under the eyesthere! Splendid.
The bell tinkled as the man entered.
Hello, welcome to our little corner of Surrey! Im Gal, she said, reaching for a handshake. And this is Nadine Fitzherbert.
She nodded towards Nadine, now equipped with alarmingly bright lips and a bashful nod.
Afternoon! Im Stanley Victor. Just passing through, business trip of sorts, Stanley smiled warmly at Nadine. Well, what a selection youve got here! Wonderful
He scanned the counter and chose two boxes of marshmallows and, at Gals suggestion, the famous cranberry fruit pastilles.
Good selection! Treat yourself and buy a box as a souvenir! Gal enthused. Nadine, fetch that chocolate bear, would you!
Obediently, Nadine grabbed a bear-shaped treat, light as a feather, smiling from its shiny wrapper.
Thats from us, and from Nadine herself, Gal declared, giving Nadine a side glance. You know, shes an absolute wondercooks like a dream, the best homemaker youll ever meet! Gal ran on, while Stanley seemed to size up Nadine with real interest, leaving Nadine wishing the ground would swallow her whole. Its like a museum at her placespotless, but warm and lovely! Big house, a proper garden, even a pond with perch. Are you a fishing man, Stanley? All men fancy themselves at fishing
Stanley wrinkled his nose. I dont fish, I prefer to shop for my supper, actually. But a country house, thats the dreammy own patch, just out of town. How far are you from the station?
Oh, ten minutes if you dawdle, Gal chirped. Youll see for yourselfthe house the colour of French mustard, a cockerel weathervane on top, hollyhocks by the fence. Wood-beamed, famous for miles. Oh, and Nadines pies are divine!
Gal rolled her eyes and gushed; Nadine nearly dissolved with embarrassment. Gal, please! This is mortifying, her eyes pleaded, but the bear-shaped chocolate stuck to her damp hands.
Ill certainly have a look, promise! said Stanley, hanging the packet over his arm and giving a polite bow. Must dash nowbusiness with your council, terribly important.
With a secretive wink, he was gone.
There you go, Nadine! Gal pounded her with a knowing fist. You grab the bull by the horns, love.
Oh dont be so daft, Gal. Ive just confused the poor man! protested Nadine, watching Stanley stride across the lane, pausing now and then to fidget with his belt.
Good grief! We should have given him a bottle of water! Nadine, grab a sparkling, run after him. Tell him its a gifthell feel in your debt, and hell have to come back! You just wait. Move it, girl!
She thrust a glass bottle into Nadines hand and shoved her out the door.
At first Nadine walked, then picked up speed, then outright dashed after the elusive suitor.
Sorry! Sorry to trouble you! she panted. Its hot here, water for your journey.
Stanley turned. He looked a touch annoyed, but then his face relaxed into a lovely grin.
Oh, its you! You shouldnt have bothered, really, very kind of you. How much do I owe?
He fished for change, but Nadine shook her head.
No, its on the house. Welcome to the village! She hesitated, then blurted, Where are you staying?
He smiled. Youve got a charming little inn here, Lions Mane I think? Thats me booked. Thank you again, goodbye!
Nadine watched him go, still rooted to the spot until a teenager jostled her shoulder back to life.
Goodbye, she murmured, finally. Come and see us, Stanley Victor!
She marched back as if floating. Her head buzzed, knees wobbled, vision blurred. Fancy that! Middle-aged and going all fluttery like some schoolgirl. Her heart, however, was thundering away in her chest, drumming like a woodpecker on a garden fence.
Whod have thought happens just like that Nadine murmured, glancing at Gal.
Like what? Gal peered at her, knowingly.
Like recognising someone straight away dont even know a thing about them, but feel theyre, well, for you. You just want to be with them, Nadine confessed. Gal was the one person she never kept secrets from. Doesnt matter who he is, really. I just Im drawn to him
Bit tubby for my taste, but if thats your fancy, go for it, love. Hes proper city, tooyoull be posh as anything! Hell be round, dont you worry. But wear something nice! Take my green silk dress. Well pin the bust, Kate can help with that, mines moreabundant. And for heavens sake, tell your mother to keep schtum! Shell have his life story by the teas brewed. Townies love a bit of mystery!
Why? Isnt it nice for him to know about us? puzzled Nadine.
Town men need mystery! You cant have your mum giving a full biographychildhood diseases, first wobbly tooth, exam results. No romance in that. And for pitys sake, hide the photo albumsespecially the racy ones. Always keep a touch of enigma, Nadine! Oh look, trains in! Come buy some toffee, dear, or a gingerbread, and Nadinefind yourself a manager for a husband!
Nadine rolled her eyes and hissed at Gal to behave.
Whats that about a manager? piped a bald, sweating head through the windowMike Ermine, Nadines neighbour. He gave a lopsided grin.
Mike dropped in on Nadine now and again, always ready to help out, but hopeless at declaring undying love, though the signs were obvious.
Hello, Mike. Oh, nothingour Nadines going to marry a bigwig! Arrived today, soon to come courting, Gal announced without hesitation.
Mikes cheery face clouded like a gathering storm. He glared at Nadine.
Nadine, is this true? he huffed, flaring his nose like an angry bull.
And whats it to you, Mike? Well all know soon enough. Now, would you like a bun, or a crumpet? Gal wouldnt quit.
Nadine, answer me! Is it true? Mike ignored Gal altogether, eyes locked on Nadine. She dropped her gaze. What could she sayto her neighbour, whose semi-clad form was a daily dawn fixture while mowing his lawn, the man whod settled here nine years ago, befriended her mother, Olive, and earned a place as unofficial handyman?
Sorry, Mike E. Im busy, unless youre buying? Nadine said coolly, pretending to rearrange the sweets.
Go on, Mike, off you pop! Gal shooed him away and slammed the serving hatch. Bit late for curiosity! Better step up if he wants a chance! she concluded, handing a packet to the next customer with a wink. There you are, sir.
An old gent hobbled off, and Nadine turned, baffled.
What do you mean step up? Whats Mike got to do with it?
Oh, not a thing! Now, get back to work, wasp seasons started!
Nadine hurried home that evening as if expecting royalty. What if Stanley had already called? The place was a tip, and mum would need a briefingstrictly no mortifying stories of chickenpox or plumbing emergencies.
Hi, Mum! Nadine bounded up the path to her sturdy English cottageall honeyed stone, fresh paint on the windows, window boxes ablaze with geraniums. Laundry billowed over the hedgerowher dresses, Kates trousers, Olives nighties.
Better bring that in! she thought, pecked her mother on the cheek, and dashed inside to the cool hallway.
How are you? Youre awfully quietmoody, even Nadine changed into her housecoat and headed out to rescue laundry.
Is something wrong, Mum? Just tell me.
Nothings wrong, Olive jerked her hand away. Selling up, are you? I wont have it! Ill throw myself across the threshold before you sell! Your dad built this house, bent his back for itits mine till I drop, right here! I wont have strangers taking over. Is that clear?
Good grief, Mum! Whered all that come from? I havent seen any estate agents! I love this house, and Kate grew up here. Dont be silly. Come on, lets have supper. Brought you your favourite scones. Fancy one?
As usual, Olive gave only a shake of the head. Her lips stayed tight; she ducked Nadines kisses.
He was nosing about, that oneyour gentleman friend. Peered at the garden, inspected the roof. Hes got a dodgy eye, mark my words. Scoping the place like hes ready to buy! And I saw him checking the size of our plotbigger than next door, thanks to your fathers graft. If you sell, Ill disown you! Is it money? What do you need, more fripperies? Sell all my things, buy what you like! But the house staysits for Kate. Hers!
She stood, all thunderclouds and bristling like some ancient guardian, and stomped indoors.
Who was snooping, mum? Ive not been making deals! Nadine protested, following her inside.
A bloke! Belly like a barrel, manky cap, suitcase. One of those who knows how to size up a property. Even clocked the well, cheek of him. If this goes on, Ill fetch Mike to run him off! thundered Olive with defiance.
Mum! Mike couldnt scare a goose, let alonereally, it was nothing! Gal told him our place was worth a look, like a local landmark. He mustve just come to drop off the bottle of sparkling. He didnt want anything! Youre making mountains out of molehills. Look, let me get your drops for your heart!
No drops! Promise me youll leave things as they are! Swear it, Nadine, or
Before Nadine could promise, Kate burst in, three ice creams dripping down her hand.
Oi! Want an ice cream? I got enough to go round!
Come here, Kate, commanded Olive, drawing herself up.
With a sigh, Kate obeyed.
Promise youll never sell this house. Swear youll keep it in the family! Gran insisted.
Promise, Gran. Can I eat my ice cream now?
Oh, enough of this already! Nadine was flustered and annoyed by everything, especially thoughts of Stanley, and terrified hed call and be sent packing by Olive. Gal invited him for tea. Hes polite. Official. Thats all. And the bottle of sparkling was a gift.
Wait, Gal invited him round? Kates eyebrows shot up.
Yes, but I was too nervous. Anyway, nothing came of it. Mum saw him and panicked. No ones selling anything!
She scooped up the laundry tub, hoping to disappear.
Kate just stared after her in confusion. Whats all the fuss for, Gran?
I reckon your mums got a bout of romance, love, declared Olive, heading for the kitchen with her ice cream in tow.
As they were having tea, there was a call at the gate.
Nadine! Sorry, am I disturbing you? Stanley Victor was standing, clutching a slightly squashed bunch of wildflowers.
Ill be right out! Nadine called, putting on her best indifferent voice. She checked herself in the mirror, saw the housecoat, grabbed a shawl, and slipped onto the porch.
I hope Im not intruding. I just finished up and thought Id bring you these, Stanley smiled, offering the flowers.
Thank you. Youve startled my mum, Im afraid. She gets anxious, you see strangers, and all that.
I understand. Would you take me on a little tour, perhaps? Id love a proper locals perspective
Flustered, Nadine replied, Nothing much to show, but we can pop out. I need to pick up some bread anyway.
She dashed off to the house to change, fumbling over which dress, half convinced he could see her through the curtains.
Oh really, Nadine! How old do you think you are? Olive grumbled, sipping her tea. Kate could barely suppress a giggle. Ooh, mums got herself a fella nowGran will eat her alive!
Nadine re-emerged dressed to the nines, hair fluffed, lippy on, and a faint scent of perfume from her late husbands Christmas gift.
So, lets head out! she said, pointing down the villages only main street. Weve a club, a dance floor, sometimes a local band
Theyd barely gone past the gate when Olives head popped out: Back by nine, Im locking the gate!
Stanley gave a mock bow. Olive, unimpressed, snorted; shed never gone for hussars even as a girl.
They wandered ages under curious glances, Nadine introducing Stanley as our guest from London. He waxed lyrical about the metropolisart galleries, West End theatres, marvels of modern medicine. Your Kate should come up to London! Fantastic prospects. Have you been to Greenwich? The Natural History Museum?
Nadine nodded shyly. Years ago
Come off ityoure still as young as ever! Nadine, you you Stanley looked into her eyes. She nearly melted. He might have kissed her, but just then someone blundered into them, apologising.
Mike?! Are you following us now? Shame on you! Nadine bristled.
Stanley Victor Berrington, Stanley offered, sticking out a hand.
Mike ignored it. Mum said not to forget the bread. Trailing you would insult us both, he said, then sauntered away, hands in pockets, walk as defiant as a badger.
Dont mind him, thats our neighbour. Anyway, its latetime to head back.
Stanley saw her to the gate, gallantly pecked her hand. If you dont mind, Ill call again tomorrow.
Nadine absolutely did not mind.
All the while, Mike lurked in a bramble patch, fuming. Ill pop round tomorrow! Oh you will, will you? Over my dead body!
Stanley called every evening that week. Theyd walk, talk, Nadine telling him how the apples blossomed in spring, petals thick as snow, and every shade from cream to pink to greenish.
You should see the orchards in Kent! Stanley would say. You, Nadine, you should see the world. Kate must dream of holidays abroadstarting in London. You could be on telly, you know! Youve got the look, and theres a school for that. You shouldnt be standing behind a sweet counter.
Stanley knew everything, even how Mike did all the electrics backwards and how his wires were hopelessly out of date.
But Kate had her own world, and Olive now kept eagle eyes on Nadine. Shed wait in the dark of the parlour, gazing out on the road.
Evening, Nadine, shed say when her daughter sneaked in breathless. A nice stroll round the parish?
Mum! Youre scaring the life out of me! Why are you up? Are you hurting?
Its my soul that aches, Nadine. Youll be the downfall of us all.
Oh, for heavens sake, Mum! Why must I be alone forever? Im not old, and I want love, Mum, is that so wrong? Im tired, I want someone to share the workfirewood, repairs, all of it. I want a proper man!
Cant wait to get your hands on a pair of trousers, eh? Olive sneered.
I dont care! Dont give me a lecture on virtue. Women were made to be with men. If I want to get married or have another child, thats my business. Got it?
She stamped her foot; somewhere in Mikes garden a branch snapped and he cursed. Nadine snorted. Yes, and I *will*Mike, you can keep your eavesdropping to yourself!
With a groan, Olive disappeared, and Kate giggled into her pillow. Looks like Uncle Mikes in for it nowneed to storm mum head-on, thats what!
Two weeks later, Stanley made a move.
Nadine, love, Im leaving soon. Best be honest. Id like to call round tomorrow, speak to your mother and Kate. If you dont mind?
Nadine blinked; shed never quite expected a proposal so soon.
All rightyes. Well be ready.
Mum, hes coming. Cant you at least change? Big moment, new person! Kate, help me sort foodmy hands are shaking. Gal lent me her green silk, needs pinning.
Kate shrugged. Why not? This, finally, sounded interesting.
Im not putting on a show for some city toff. He can take me as he finds me, declared Olive. But I will offer a totneed to see what kind of man he is with a drink in him. Best way to judge.
Why, Gran? Kate asked.
You watch how a man handles his tipple. Learn from the best! replied Olive.
Nadine set the table, pulled out the Sunday china, checked her pies, set out cold meats and salad, then eyed the onionsOlives worst fear.
Hide the onions, strong as anything, Olive declared.
Soon Stanley arrived, briefcase in hand, flowers at the ready, beaming. Olive grunted at his attempt to kiss her hand and dropped the gift carton of sweets onto the table. Nadine took her cue to introduce him.
Conversation dried up, every anecdote fizzling at the dead weight of family indifference.
Stanley, pour the drinkslets remember Nadines late husband, Harry. May soft English clouds cover his grave, may the summer sun not scorch his brow! Olive toasted, swiping her lips after her vodka like a proper matriarch.
Right, were listening, Mr Stanley. Whyre you herewhat are you after? she asked.
Nadine sighedthis wasnt how proposals were supposed to go, not at all.
Stanley drew breath. Fair enough, Olive. Time to settle things! As they say: your goods, our buyer!
Kate kicked Nadine under the table.
Stanley stood dramatically. I assure you, youll regret nothing. I insist this is best for everyoneespecially Kate. Id like He broke off and dashed into the hallway.
Got the stomachache, has he? Olive shook her head. Kate, pass the carp. Never mind if it tastes of pondcant say Im fussy.
Stanley returned, clutching paperwork. All arranged! Deal is, you sign, I move in, you get my London pad, and soon enough, youll get a lovely flat in London, whole new life! Kate can go to uni, Nadine, TV presenter, the lot. Perfect swap. Read these!
Olive slid on her glasses, examining the papers. So we leave behind a house and end up in a room in a shed?
Sorry? croaked Nadine.
Yes, in a shed. Your young man here thinks we know nothing of London. Believe me, young StanleyI lived there twenty years. But I never met a scoundrel like you! Nadine, if youd signed, wed be in a basement by now. He, meanwhile, would have the run of it here. Sound right?
Stanley protested, but no one was listening; he found himself walloped by Mikes enormous, stinging fist. At lasta man in Nadines life!
Stanley staggered back, the world reeking of nettles, mint, and garden apples. Out. Papers and allout. Never show yourself again, Mike intoned, looming over Stanleys sorry retreat.
When it was over, Olive nodded at Mike. Sit, Mike. Learn this: hiding in the shrubbery is easy, but telling a woman you cant live without her, thats hard. Eat, love, eat. We cooked for a reason.
Mike half-rose, then sat: Maybe I should go to Nadine
No need. Eat. Itll keep.
When Nadine crept back, Kate followed, comforting her. Olive served Mike second helpings and said, Nothing wrong with letting off a bit of steam. That cap caught her fancy, bless her. But you eat, Mike. Youll need your strength!
Mike chewed steadily, heart torn by Nadines sobbing in the next room.
Half a year later, Mike finally declared himself. Olive gave her blessing, and they held a modest, joyful wedding.
Well, what can I say? Olive shrugged to Gal at the knees-up. Hes hopeless, shes hopeless, at least I can keep an eye on both of them.
Gal just nodded. It was, all things considered, a perfect wedding for Nadine.
