Darkest Before Dawn Episode 04
“I’m scared, Edward,” Tilly admitted, stopping at the end of the road. “What if they don’t like me?”
Edward took her hands in his.
“Of course they’ll like you. They’ll love you. And you’ve already met my sister.”
Tilly relaxed for a moment, thinking of Isobel.
“Oh, yes,” she said. “And she’s lovely.”
“Mum was a bit upset when I first told her, but she’s come round.
“Dad’s more concerned about Mum not sending Sidney off with the evacuees.
“He went into a proper sulk about that, but that’s families for you.”
“I wouldn’t know,” Tilly reminded him. “I’ve never been part of a proper family before.”
“You’ll get used to it.” Edward grinned. “The arguments and tears and laughing over daft things, plus Mum’s jam sponge and Sidney’s sauce.”
“Sidney makes sauce?” Tilly teased.
“No, I mean he’s cheeky.” Edward pulled a rueful face as Tilly laughed. “You knew what I meant.”
This was how Tilly had always imagined falling in love would be, making each other laugh and wanting to spend the rest of your life with that person.
“My aunt Rose is visiting from London as well. You’ll like her. She’s my dad’s younger sister.”
He opened the door and Tilly stepped into a house filled with voices, but they sounded happy and she felt less scared.
A small, greying woman came out of the door at the back.
“You must be Tilly,” she said. “I’m Maud. As you’re to be part of this family, you’d better call me Mum.”
Tilly hadn’t expected that. She had a lump in her throat and tears in her eyes as Maud opened a door to the side.
“Tea’s almost ready. You can meet Alf and Sidney while you wait.”
Tilly went into a small sitting-room, where an older version of Edward sat in an armchair, puffing on a pipe, while a boy knelt on the floor, playing with a toy crane.
Alf jumped to his feet and smiled awkwardly.
“Hello,” he said. “Pleased to meet you.”
Sidney looked up.
“How do?” he said, and rubbed his hand down his trousers before reaching up to her.
Tilly bent over and shook it, noting how sticky it was.
“Don’t stand up, will you?” Alf muttered.
“I like your crane,” Tilly said, and Sidney’s grin widened.
“Do you want to have a go?”
Tilly knelt down on the floor. She had a go at turning the lever, winding the hook up and down.
“I could make you some grain sacks to wind up,” she offered. “Would you like that, Sidney?”
“Yes,” he said.
“Yes what?” Alf growled.
“Yes, please,” Sidney said, his cheeks flushing behind his freckles.
“Where is she?”
A voice rang out from the hall just before a tall woman came into the room.
She was stunning, with lips that curved into an easy smile.
“You must be Tilly. What are you doing on the floor? I’m Rose, Edward’s aunt.”
Tilly got up and went to shake Rose’s hand, but Rose pulled her into an embrace that left her breathless.
“So you’re marrying our Edward,” Rose said, casting a look in her nephew’s direction.
Edward was sitting in an armchair, looking as if he’d been spun round and let go.
Tilly realised the welcome from his family had surpassed even his expectations.
“Maud says you’re all to come through for your tea.”
She followed Rose to the back room and gasped when she saw the spread.
There were scones, sausage rolls and little sandwiches with the crusts cut off, as well as dainty cakes and biscuits.
The china was beautiful, and some of the plates had proper linen doilies on.
“That looks wonderful,” Tilly enthused.
At the orphanage, meals had been taken in silence, but here the conversation was lively.
She felt as if she belonged, as if she’d always been destined to be part of this family.
The Pollards weren’t well to do, but they had pride in their home and family, and it was clear that everyone was treasured.
“Look at the time,” Rose said as the food dwindled and Sidney began to yawn. “I’d better get going or I’ll miss my train.”
“I should go, too,” Tilly added. “I’m due at the buffet early tomorrow. But I’d like to help wash up before I go.”
“Isobel and Sidney will see to that,” Maud said, ignoring Sidney’s moans of protest.
“Edward, you can walk Rose to the station on your way with Tilly.
“Rose, I’ll pack you up some food to take back with you. I’m sure you don’t eat properly.”
“Thank you,” Rose said with a chuckle.
“It’s no laughing matter,” Alf returned. “We know you don’t eat regularly. Being a nurse, you should know better.”
It was a lovely evening as they walked to the station. The air was calm and there was still warmth in the sun.
A seagull gave them a long, mournful serenade as they passed by.
“Maud tells me you’re joining up, Edward,” Rose said.
His hand tightened around Tilly’s.
“Mum’s still refusing to believe there’ll be a war, and Isobel thinks it will be a huge adventure that will put the world to rights and be over in five minutes.”
“Isobel’s still young,” Tilly said. “Let her enjoy life while she can.”
Rose gave her a steady look.
“I like you,” she said at last. “Welcome to the family, Tilly.”