Brides of War (10 page)

Valerie wasn’t the only one reading the
New York Times
that morning, Gloria Johnson was leafing through the paper whilst having breakfast when she saw Valerie’s name. She put down her toast and read the art review. Then she read it again and rose from the table, walked over to the telephone and rang her son.

‘Hello Mother, what can I do for you?’

‘Have you read the
New York Times
this morning?’

‘I have and I imagine you have too?’

‘What does it mean? I had no idea that Valerie was an artist. You never mentioned it to me!’

He could hear the indignation in her voice and smiled to himself, knowing how this would annoy her. She liked to be in touch with everything that was going on within the family, so she could orchestrate things.

‘I knew she liked sketching,’ Ross said, ‘but to be honest I thought it was just a hobby. But she’s been attending art classes and Max Brennen has been giving her lessons too. She’s actually very talented and I didn’t realise this myself until last night.’

‘This article is by Carl Blackmore! You know who he is don’t you?’

Ross lit a cigarette, knowing Gloria he knew this was going to be a long conversation. ‘Of course, I do. I spoke to him at the viewing, he praised Valerie’s work, in fact he bought one of her paintings.’

‘Actually bought one … for money?’

‘Yes, Mother, American dollars!’ He tried not to laugh. It gave him a certain satisfaction to find his mother so disconcerted.

‘What are you going to do about all this?’ she asked.

‘Absolutely nothing! I will, of course, encourage her to continue. Valerie’s a success and will be continuing to paint. She’s going to be a star in the art world and that has to be a good thing for both of us. Perhaps now, you will show her a little more respect!’ He could hear Gloria blustering over his remark, but before she could say another word he said, ‘Sorry, but I have to go, I’ve a call waiting,’ and he hung up.

He sat back in his chair with a feeling of great satisfaction. Of course, he’d encourage Valerie. He saw last night the people who were interested in her work, folk who were wealthy and who might need a good lawyer in the future. Nothing but good could come from this. He would make sure he was around, so she could introduce him to her patrons. Not once did he think what a talented wife he had and how happy he was for her.

In the meantime, Max and Valerie were out celebrating. They took a buggy ride around Central Park while eating their pasties, talking about the previous evening.

‘What happens now, Max?’ Valerie asked.

‘I suggest you leave the art class. Continue with your watercolours, whilst I teach you how to paint in oils.’

This really excited her and she loved the idea. ‘That would be wonderful, I have always admired that medium, but will you have the time?’

With a broad grin he said, ‘I’ll make time. Apart from which, I’ll expect you to accompany me to other venues as we need to publicise your pictures.’

‘Other venues? You mean viewings?’

‘In a way, fashion shows, first nights, we need your picture in the papers. Give you a public image. There is a charity auction next week at the Waldorf Astoria; we’ll go to that. Formal wear, so dig out a fancy gown. There will be a dinner first, then the auction. You don’t have to buy anything, just show up. I’ll buy the tickets.’

‘Oh, Max let me buy them out of the money I made the other evening. It will be my way of paying you back.’

‘No, this is my treat. I hope your husband won’t mind you coming?’

With a naughty twinkle in her eye, she said, ‘I don’t really care if he does, it’ll teach him not to be so condescending about my work.’

‘That’s my girl! Come on, we’ll have lunch at the Tavern on the Green and celebrate.’ He instructed the driver of the buggy and they moved off.

When that evening Valerie told Ross she would be going to a charity dinner at the Waldorf Astoria, he was delighted. ‘I’ll get my tux cleaned,’ he said.

‘That won’t be necessary, Ross. Max is taking me; he’s
bought the tickets. It’s for publicity, of course,’ she added, secretly enjoying the moment.

‘Oh, I see, yes, of course.’ Ross looked surprised, but there was nothing more to be said.

‘In the meantime, I’ll be working, building up my stock as it were, for the next exhibition,’ she said casually.

‘When will that be?’

Shrugging she said, ‘I don’t know, but Max will arrange it when the time is right.’

‘I hope you’re not letting Max Brennen take over your life.’ he said somewhat tersely.

‘Like your mother, you mean? No, but he’s the reason for my success don’t forget and he’s my agent after all.’

And I’ll make damned sure that’s all he is,
Ross thought angrily. He didn’t like not being in charge, but here he had no choice and knew, if his wife was to be a success, she needed Max and, if he wanted to profit from it, he needed him too, but he wasn’t happy about the situation.

The charity evening was a glittering affair. Outside the hotel was a red carpet and news cameras, vying for position with those from the
WNBT New York
television station, for those who had sets in their home.

Max, resplendent in a dinner jacket, held Valerie’s arm as they posed for the cameras. She was dressed in an emerald green gown, which was simply cut, just off the shoulders, the bodice swathed across her body, with a flowing skirt that showed her slim figure and décolletage to perfection. She wore a pair of long diamond earrings and her hair was dressed in a chignon. She was a picture of elegance and the reporters loved her. She turned this way and that at their request, before
thanking them politely and walking into the hotel.

Max squeezed her arm. ‘You look amazing Mrs Johnson and I feel a lucky guy to be your escort for the night.’

She was delighted. ‘You look pretty good yourself, Mr Brennen. I think we make an impressive couple.’

They checked the table list and made their way across the dining room. Many people greeted Max as he passed; he smiled and waved in return until they reached the table. Valerie was surprised to see Carl Blackmore sitting there. He rose from his seat.

‘Valerie, my dear, for your sins, you’re placed next to me.’

‘How marvellous! I’ll love that,’ she said and sat down, Max sat beside her.

He grinned at her and said, ‘An English rose between two thorns!’

The evening was a great success. The meal was fabulous, the champagne flowed and after the meal, the auction began. Valerie was filled with excitement as she listened to the prizes on offer. A week in the Bahamas, a weekend in Las Vegas, theatre tickets, a car, credit at Sak’s Fifth Avenue and so on. She couldn’t believe the huge amounts of money being offered.

Seeing her delight, Max leant towards her and softly said, ‘There, didn’t I tell you this city was the place to have fun?’

‘Oh, Max you did and when I’m with you it’s always fun.’

He looked at her, holding her gaze with his. ‘I’m so pleased you feel that way because when we’re together, I feel the same.’

It suddenly felt as if there was no one else in the room, just the two of them caught in a moment of time.

‘Five hundred dollars!’ Carl Blackmore boomed, making a bid, bringing them both back to the present.

As they left the hotel, Max said, ‘I don’t want to go home yet, do you? I’m too pumped up.’

‘I feel just the same,’ she agreed. ‘Tonight was so exciting I don’t feel at all sleepy.’

Max hailed a passing cab. ‘Come on, we’ll go to a nightclub to round up the evening.’

When they arrived at their destination, they were ushered to a table in a roomful of customers. The place was lit with soft lighting, busy waiters and a four-piece band was playing for those who wanted to dance. Max ordered a bottle of champagne and then led Valerie onto the floor. Glenn Miller’s
String of Pearls
was being played as he drew her into his arms.

She melted against him as they traversed the floor, neither of them speaking. Valerie closed her eyes as they danced. She felt at ease and comfortable, as if it was right being there with this man who was about to change her life. The scent of Max’s aftershave wafted between them and she could feel the warmth of his body against hers and thought it felt good.

Returning to their table, they drank the champagne and made plans.

‘How do you fancy appearing in
Vogue
magazine?’ he asked.

‘What?’ She couldn’t believe she’d heard correctly.

‘I had a call yesterday from the editor, she wants to do an article and pictures, featuring you.’

‘Vogue
? Are you crazy?’

He found this amusing. ‘No, I’m serious. Valerie, you are a beautiful woman, apart from which you have such an air
of elegance that the editor was really excited about doing a fashion shoot with you. It would give you publicity that some women would die for!’

She started laughing.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘I’d love to do it, not for the publicity, which would be marvellous, but just to see my mother-in-law’s and Ross’s ex-girlfriend’s faces when they saw it!’

‘Yes, Mrs Johnson senior has quite a reputation as a harridan. She’s involved with several committees and isn’t particularly popular – but her money talks.’

‘When do they want to do it?’

‘Next week, then it can go into the following month’s issue, but I have to let her know in the morning, they’re holding the pages until then.’

‘Then tell them yes! I’d like to keep this a secret from Ross, if you don’t mind. It’ll be a surprise for him too.’

Max topped up their glasses. ‘Are you happy in your marriage, Valerie?’

His question took her by surprise and she hesitated. ‘I do love Ross and, although I admire his drive and ambition, he has too much of his mother in him for my liking, if I’m honest … And if I’m being completely honest, I’ve been disappointed by his reaction to my work. I thought he’d be really proud of me.’

‘But I’m sure he is,’ Max protested, ‘how could he not be?’

She tossed her head. ‘He sees me as a good introduction to wealthy clients for his firm.’

‘You can’t mean that!’ Max was appalled.

‘He hasn’t said in so many words, but I know him very well. It has been an eye-opener I must admit, and one I’m
not at all comfortable with. I’m not a business commodity, I’m his wife for goodness’ sake!’

Max looked thoughtful. ‘Your success could come between you, are you ready for that?’

She looked down at her hand nestled in her lap and twisting her wedding ring, said, ‘Yes, I am, but I’ve decided that I’m doing what I want to, thanks to you, and I have to feel fulfilled. If Ross can’t accept that and still be the man I thought he was, then …’

‘Do you believe in fate?’ Max asked.

‘Yes, yes I do and I realise that things are going to change, I’ll just have to wait and see how much.’

A little later, the cab took the two of them back to Valerie’s apartment. Max told the driver to wait and walked Valerie to the door. As they waited for the guard to open it, he took her into his arms, kissed her cheek and said, ‘You have no idea how proud I am of you and I can’t wait to see your talent grow even more. This is just the beginning.’

He watched her safely inside then climbed into the cab and was driven home. Once there, he removed his jacket and bow tie, made a pot of coffee and sat down. He had told Valerie her life would change, but he also knew his had done so from the moment they had met. He got up and walked over to his studio, uncovered the canvas on the easel. It was a portrait of his protégé, painted in oils. He was pleased with it, felt he had caught her gentle character, her composure, her elegance and, as he stood back and looked at it, he knew he’d fallen in love with her.

It was three weeks now since Gracie had started work and she felt really happy for the first time since she’d moved to America. She loved being in the shop, surrounded by bright clothing, summer shoes and hats, it brought life and colour into her world. She was no longer lonely. Milly’s customers were very friendly and plied her with questions about England. She was amazed at the ignorance in that direction, from many of them.

‘Do you know the King and Queen?’ one asked.

It took a second or two before Gracie realised the woman was serious. ‘Good gracious no,’ she replied. ‘I’ve only ever seen them on the newsreels.’

When another heard she was from Southampton, she was thrilled. ‘My brother was there during the war, before being shipped out, maybe you saw him,’ and she hastily showed Gracie a picture.

‘No, I’m afraid not, there were thousands of troops passing through before D-Day, so I wouldn’t have met any of them, unless they were stationed there and went to the local dances. That’s where I met my husband,’ she told her.

She and Milly got on well together as she knew they would.

‘You and Jeff must come over to dinner one night,’ Milly suggested.

‘That would be lovely,’ said Gracie. They arranged an evening the following week.

Jeff had readily agreed to go when Gracie mentioned the invitation and so a week later, after she’d arrived home, Gracie showered and changed then they set off in Jeff’s father’s car, which he’d said they could use.

Gracie was really looking forward to it, as she and Jeff didn’t go out much, so this felt rather special.

Jeff had met Chuck, Milly’s husband years before it seemed and, of course, Milly and Jeff talked about their schooldays, laughing as they recalled various incidents of their childhood. Chuck and he talked about their war days and how lucky they were to come out of it alive when many of their buddies had fallen. It was a very convivial evening until Milly told Jeff how delighted she was that Gracie was working for her.

‘She’s a great asset to me,’ she told him, ‘my customers love to hear the English accent too, I’m sure it helps with sales and Gracie is a great saleswoman!’

This pleased Jeff. ‘Glad to hear it, I must say she’s seems much happier living here since she started work.’

‘I can’t thank Rick enough,’ said Milly. ‘But for him, I’d never have known she was looking for work.’

‘Rick? What’s Rick got to do with it?’ The atmosphere changed immediately.

Milly knew that something was wrong but had no idea what it was. ‘He told me Gracie was looking for work,’ she said tentatively.

Jeff turned to his wife and glared at her. ‘How did my brother know this?’

‘We bumped into each other in the grocery store and he asked me how I was doing and I told him. He said he might be able to help,’ she said quietly.

‘And?’ he demanded.

‘He said to meet him the following Monday and he might have some news for me.’

‘Meet him? Where?’

‘Only in the diner opposite the grocery store, that’s all.’

Milly rose from the table. ‘I’ll make the coffee,’ she said.

Chuck very quickly changed the subject but the evening was ruined, and all the way home in the car Jeff railed on about his brother’s interference.

Once they arrived home, Gracie blew her top. ‘Well thanks for ruining a perfectly good evening!’

He stormed back at her. ‘I don’t want my brother anywhere near you, understand?’

‘For goodness’ sake, Jeff, he only tried to help, that’s all! The way you’re going on, you’d think we were having an affair!’

He grabbed her arm. ‘Don’t think that hasn’t crossed his mind. I saw the way he used to look at you when we all shared the same house.’

‘Now you are being ridiculous! Rick was kind enough to help me and I’m grateful. I’m really happy working for Milly, so don’t you go spoiling things or I’ll never forgive you!’

They went to bed in silence.

When she arrived at work the following morning, Milly came over to her immediately.

‘Gee, I’m sorry if I said anything wrong last night, Gracie. I didn’t mean to cause trouble for you.’

‘It’s alright,’ Gracie assured her, ‘it’s just that there are bad feelings between the brothers, but you weren’t to know. I’m sorry the evening was spoilt as I was really enjoying myself.’

‘Anything I can do to put things right?’

‘No really, everything’s fine.’

Two nights later, Jeff went to play poker straight from work, as he had to put in a couple of extra hours, stocktaking. Gracie didn’t mind, their relationship was still somewhat strained and she welcomed a quiet night alone, but when Jeff returned, she saw from the look on his face that he’d had a bad night. She didn’t say anything, just made him a coffee.

He pushed it aside and got a can of beer from the fridge, lit a cigarette and sat down.

Gracie decided to go to bed, to get out of his way, she didn’t want another argument. She gathered her things together and looked at him.

‘I’m tired, so I’m going to bed,’ she said, ‘but before I go can I have the housekeeping and money for the bills?’

He looked at her with distain. ‘There is no money, I lost it all!’

‘You what?’ she was shocked.

‘I lost it! You can pay this week from the money you’ve earned from the job that my brother helped you to get.’

Gracie was furious. ‘No way am I working to pay for
your gambling Jeff Rider! I work hard for that and I will not see it wasted because you don’t know when to quit.’

He laughed at her. ‘Suit yourself. Go to my beloved brother, I’m sure he’ll be only too happy to help you out!’

‘At least he doesn’t waste his money, he’s got more sense!’

It was the worst thing she could have said. With a roar of anger, Jeff hurled his can of beer across the room, the contents spilling all over the newly painted walls. He grabbed her and she thought he was going to hit her.

‘Don’t you
ever
compare me with him. Not ever,’ and he sent her flying across the room.

Gracie hit her side on the corner of the table and cried out with pain, but she managed to keep on her feet, determined not to let Jeff see how scared she was.

‘That’s the last time you manhandle me! You do it again and I’ll pack my bag and leave.’ She hobbled towards the spare room, where she sat on the bed.

‘Bastard!’ she muttered. ‘No man will ever raise his hand to me and get away with it!’ Angry tears brimmed in her eyes and she brushed them away. She decided then and there that her marriage was over, but she still didn’t have enough money to pay for a trip home, so what was she to do? The first thing she did was lock the door and put the chair by it. If her husband couldn’t show her respect then she would not be a wife to him. Tired from work and now this confrontation, she undressed and climbed into bed. She’d sort out what to do tomorrow, she couldn’t think straight now. She looked at her hip, it was red and she knew that tomorrow it would start to bruise.

In the morning, Gracie dressed for work as Jeff was just about to leave. He just glanced in her direction,
but she ignored him and he walked out of the door. She quickly made some tea and a piece of toast, then left to catch a bus.

But as the day progressed, Gracie’s hip really started to hurt and when she accidentally knocked it against the counter, she let out a cry of pain.

‘Whatever’s the matter?’ asked Milly.

Gracie tried to pass it off. ‘Nothing. I banged my hip last night in the kitchen and I just knocked it again in the same place.’

Milly said nothing but looked concerned.

At the close of day, Gracie took the bus home and pottered in the kitchen preparing dinner. She was determined not to contribute to the housekeeping from her own money, so warmed up some stew that was in the fridge, adding fresh vegetables. This she put before her husband when he sat at the table, having not said a word to him when he arrived.

Jeff looked at the plate before him. ‘We had this two nights ago,’ he remarked.

‘Yes, that’s right. It needs using up. We can’t afford to waste food, especially this week.’

He cast an angry glare in her direction. ‘So I lost the money! You can buy food from the extra dollars I gave you when I won a couple of weeks ago. It’s called taking the good with the bad!’ He was unrepentant.

‘Yes, I could, but that doesn’t excuse you from losing every cent of your wages. You do that this week but what happens when this occurs again and there is no extra to draw on?’

‘Then you use your money. After all we’re both earning now.’

‘I’ve already told you, Jeff, the money I earn is certainly not there to cover your gambling losses. You lose, you have to make do!’

His smile was full of mockery. ‘You have become very independent all of a sudden.’

‘Fortunately I’m in a position to be so, no thanks to you. The way you are carrying on, we’ll end up in debt and I have never been in debt. My mother taught me if you can’t afford it you can’t have it. It’s called being responsible.’

‘Don’t preach to me, Gracie.’

She didn’t know how to get through to him. She tried to reason with him. ‘I crossed the Atlantic Ocean to be with you. I left my family, my country and all my friends behind because I loved you and thought we could have a good life together, but I’m beginning to think I made a mistake. I thought you wanted a home and a family, now I don’t know what to think.’

Caught on the back foot, his ego wouldn’t let him admit he was in the wrong. ‘Think what you like!’ He pushed his plate away. ‘I’m going out!’

As Jeff walked down the street to the nearest bar, he was in turmoil. He did love Gracie and he did want the same as her, but poker was in his blood. He knew it was dangerous, but the adrenaline that flowed through him when he was holding a good hand of cards was like a drug – a drug he couldn’t resist. But what stuck in his craw was the fact that Rick had interfered in their lives. He had no right to do that. No right at all!

Gracie tidied the house, washed up and went to bed. She had no idea what was going to happen between her and Jeff
but she was determined to make a stand. Then, when she’d saved enough money, she’d book a passage home. America was not for her!

The weekend passed quietly but Gracie was pleased when Monday arrived, at least she had a pleasant day ahead of her at Milly’s shop.

The day was busy and just before closing Gracie was surprised to see Rick walk in.

‘Hello,’ she said, ‘what on earth are you doing here?’

‘Just thought I’d check up on you to see if you’re happy in your work,’ he explained. ‘How about a quick coffee in the diner across the road before you go home?’

Rick always made her smile and she was so grateful to him for finding her a job, she didn’t hesitate. ‘Thanks that’s a great idea.’

They settled at a table in the window and ordered. ‘So how’s it going?’ Rick asked.

‘I can’t thank you enough for introducing me to Milly. I love my work and she’s a lovely woman. We get on really well.’

He beamed at her. ‘That’s great! They’re a really nice couple, I knew you’d do well. How does Jeff feel about you working?’

‘Oh, he’s pleased. He says I’m so much happier since I’ve been there.’

‘But not happy that I was the one who found the job for you.’

She looked at him in surprise. ‘How did you know that?’ Then she thought for a moment. ‘You couldn’t unless Milly told you.’

He gazed at her and frowned. ‘Yes she did tell me, she’s worried about you, she thinks things are not going well between you and my brother. Is that right, Gracie? Please don’t try and cover for him.’

Letting out a sigh she admitted that when Jeff had found out he was furious. ‘What is it with you two? Why don’t you get along?’

Rick looked amused. ‘I was the baby and I guess a bit spoilt, but I was better at everything than he was. I was in the school football team, you know, American football and I was good. I was more popular than he was. I had more girlfriends than he did. I do believe he was pleased to go into the army. There he felt he’d done something I hadn’t.’ He sipped his coffee. ‘We just never got along and … I hated his gambling. When he lost, he was mean and when he won he couldn’t stop crowing about it, waving his winnings in my face.’

Gracie nodded. She had seen both of these moods and didn’t like either.

Then Rick surprised her. ‘You thinking of going home, Gracie?’

Looking at him, she didn’t see why she should lie. ‘Yes! I’m saving every penny and when I’ve got enough, I’m off.’

‘Does my brother know this?’

‘We’re not really speaking at the moment, but no, I’ve not said so.’

‘Then my advice to you is keep it to yourself. Why aren’t you speaking, did he lose at poker again?’

‘Yes, every cent of last week’s wages.’

Rick looked furious. ‘Don’t tell me, he expects you to cover the bills with your wage?’

‘Yes, but I flatly refused. I’m not working to cover his gambling losses and told him as much.’

Rick ordered fresh coffee. ‘You see now why I told you to open your own bank account.’

‘Yes, it was good advice but I’m so sad, Rick. I came here with such high hopes and dreams. I really loved Jeff.’

‘You said, loved, in the past tense, are you saying you no longer love him?’

‘He’s not the man who left me in Southampton with so many promises. That man I adored. I’d have followed him to the ends of the earth.’

He took out a paper and pen and wrote something, then handed it to her.

‘Look this is my new place, I open next week and I’ve moved into the accommodation already. If you ever need me, day or night, promise me you’ll call me.’

She took the piece of paper. ‘Thanks, Rick. I promise, but I’ll be fine.’

He walked her to the bus and when it arrived he kissed her on the cheek. ‘You take care, you hear.’ He watched until the bus pulled away, unaware that Jeff was sitting in his car, watching both of them.