Chapter 12

But, despite all her connections and powers of persuasion, Dorothy had been unable to arrange a swift de-mob for Johnny. The process didn't even begin until June and young, unmarried men were a long way down the list. Gnashing her teeth with frustration, Dorothy decided they should go ahead with the wedding plans anyway.

"We can't wait forever," she said. "Let's set a date and if Johnny's still serving His Majesty, he can get married in his dress uniform."

So they set the date for early August.

"That should give us enough time," said James, when Tilly visited Little Morpeth for her fitting with Polly.

Tilly was surprised. She didn't think he was involved or even aware of the preparations. She was under the impression that Dorothy was running the whole show single-handedly.

By the end of June, her dress was ready, except for the final details. Her shoes had arrived, packed in an extravagant box, in layers of tissue paper. They were covered in gorgeous white silk. Tilly suspected Dorothy had supplied the material from her inexhaustible stock.

Two weeks later another two pairs of shoes arrived - a pair of sensible brogues and a pair of classic court shoes.

"But I didn't order these!" Tilly exclaimed. "There must be some mistake!"

Dorothy had smiled. "I thought we might as well take advantage of him while he doesn't have so much custom," she said. "Just so you've got something to be going on with. You don't mind, do you?"

"Of course not. How could I mind? But what about the coupons?"

Dorothy tapped her nose in a 'that's my little secret' gesture, and Tilly knew better than to press it. Dorothy always seemed to be able to get the wherewithal to acquire whatever she wanted.

Meanwhile Johnny was kicking his heels in boredom and frustration in Catterick. "There's absolutely nothing to do," he complained. "We just sit about reading and going on useless exercises. Why they can't just de-mob us, God only knows."

"Never mind, Darling," said Tilly soothingly. "At least you're near enough to come home for weekends."

****

By the end of July, all the arrangements were made, the invitations had gone out and the hymns chosen for the service.

Tilly had asked two of the girls from the nurses' home to be bridesmaids and by some miracle Dorothy and Polly between them had provided matching dresses in a lovely summer print which could be worn as day dresses later. The girls were delighted, and Tilly decided it would be churlish to enquire too closely into how they had got the material and the coupons.

She had also invited Sister, who had been wreathed in smiles, and seemed to get quite emotional. "My dear child," she had said. "How very kind. I love weddings."

Johnny had organised two weeks' compassionate leave. Tilly had given in her notice at the hospital.

Now all she had to do was wait.

****

The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear. Sunshine was pouring in through the bay window of her bedroom. And Tilly sat up in bed, knees under her chin, contemplating the view of the farm and the hill beyond, her mind in such a turmoil of emotion that she couldn't think straight.

What was she doing? She had just thrown herself into these people's lives without a second thought. In a few hours she would be Mrs John Thompson, daughter-in-law to the famous industrialist. She would be expected to mingle with people from high society. This very day! The guest list had honourables on it! Their best man, whom she hadn't yet met, was an Indian prince!

Part of her wanted to duck out, just get dressed, sneak down the back stairs and slip away. But mostly she was so excited she could hardly breathe.

There was a knock at the door.

"Can I come in?"

It was Dorothy, breezing in with a breakfast tray, already bathed and dressed, looking as fresh as if she'd just come out of a beauty salon.

"I thought you'd rather eat up here. It's unlucky for your groom to see you until the service."

"Oh, Dorothy, I couldn't eat a thing. I'm too excited."

"Of course you can, Darling, just a couple of bites. Look, I've done you a lovely fresh egg and there's hot buttered toast and marmalade."

Tilly suddenly remembered at least one thing that was going to make her new life worthwhile, apart from Johnny, of course. Her mouth already watering, she reached for the tray.

"I'm going to be the size of a house living here," she said.

"Nonsense. You're built like me. You can eat like a pig and still stay slim." She watched fondly as Tilly tucked into the toast.

"Now, you've got plenty of time. Your bridesmaids are next door. Aren't they sweeties? I do like the dark one. She's full of life, isn't she?"

"That's Alice," Tilly said, through a mouthful of toast. "She's the one who gave me the dress."

"Is she?" Dorothy's face took on a thoughtful look.

"What are you plotting?"

"Nothing, nothing at all," said Dorothy, standing up and brushing down her already immaculate skirt.

"Now, don't forget, Sally's coming at ten to do your hair. You don't have to worry about anything except getting yourself ready. Take a long bath and relax. It's going to be a long day. The flowers have already arrived. I've just got to explain to Ravi about the button-holes and the ring. I'm not sure whether they do it the same way in India. Oh, and I want to have a look at their speeches and make sure nobody's saying anything too risqué."

"No mention of Hermione, then," Tilly said, with a wicked grin.

"I should think not. But with all these army chaps around there could be far worse than Hermione to worry about."

She breezed out again, clearly enjoying herself immensely.

Tilly watched her go with genuine affection. She really is just like a mother to me, she thought, and then unexpectedly burst into tears because her own mother would not be there.