Hold on to your Dreams (23 page)

The weather at the end of July was glorious; the sun was shining with the trees and flowers showing their full glory. It was three months since Alex had sailed away, and David was becoming more and more worried. Not knowing what was going on, or what Alex was doing in South Africa, was driving him to distraction.

‘It’s no use you going on like this,’ Hanna told him over dinner. ‘Alex is still a soldier at heart, and I’ve no doubt he’ll want to see what’s going on out there. When are you expecting the
Falcon
back?’

‘Any time now. She should have been back two weeks ago, but something must have delayed her.’

‘Perhaps she’s been waiting for Alex. After all, he does own her and can order the captain to do anything he asks. He might be on her now.’

‘Let’s hope so. He should be here, not gallivanting
around the world. The
Ocean Sprite
is moving along faster than expected, and it’s like pouring money down a well.’

Ah, that’s what’s worrying him, Gertrude recognised. ‘What do the other partners think about it, David?’

He shrugged. ‘They don’t seem to mind.’

‘Then you ought to stop worrying. Alex has put you in charge while he’s away, and he’s able to do that because he trusts your judgement.’

‘I know, Gertie.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘It makes me nervous spending other people’s money.’

‘I would consider that a splendid thing to do,’ Hanna joked, making them all laugh. ‘You’ve all done a wonderful job, and I’m sure he’ll be pleased. The difference in the ship is remarkable, and it’s all due to you, David.’

‘I’ve had lots of help, Hanna.’

‘That’s so,’ Sutton agreed, ‘but it’s your expertise and management skills that have been the driving force. You should be proud of what you’ve achieved.’

The worry cleared from his face and he smiled. ‘She does look good, doesn’t she? I can’t wait to see her under sail, but that’s still a way off yet.’

‘How is the riding school coming along?’ Florence asked her daughter.

‘We’ve received a message to say it is nearly ready, and the first children should be able to go there in August. I’ve already got a list of youngsters who have asked me if they can go, with May and Johnny at the top, of course.’

‘And the older boys are already clamouring to sail on the
Ocean Sprite
as soon as she’s ready.’ David’s eyes shone with amusement. ‘There’s a danger of fights breaking out,
so I’ve told them Alex will decide who goes on the first voyage. His word is law, but everyone will be given a chance.’

Sutton laughed. ‘You’ve dumped the responsibility on Alex.’

‘Do you blame me?’

‘I wonder if he’s seen Edward while he’s been out there,’ Florence said, changing the subject.

‘It’s a big country, my dear,’ Sutton pointed out gently. ‘I wouldn’t think it likely.’

‘No, of course not.’ She smiled at everyone around the table. ‘I received a letter yesterday, and he’s doing well in the army.’

Gertrude was pleased a letter had finally arrived. It made no mention of Alex, but she did wonder if they had met. She kept those thoughts to herself, though. Her mother was now well again, and the doctor had assured them that her recovery was quite remarkable.

‘Have you asked Miriam to marry you yet, David?’ Hanna asked bluntly.

He sat back, looking pleased with himself. ‘As a matter of fact I have, and she’s said yes. Her parents have given permission as long as we wait until next spring.’

‘That’s wonderful!’ Gertrude was the first to congratulate her friend. ‘And when were you going to tell us?’

‘I was working up to it. I only asked her parents last night.’ The evening turned into a celebration.

Gertrude was startled when the office door burst open and David hurtled past her, running full pelt.

‘Oooh.’ May watched the retreating figure of her favourite man. ‘In a hurry.’

Millie tumbled out next, locking the door behind her. ‘Hello, I’m glad you’re here, Miss. You’re just in time.’

‘What’s all the hurry, Millie? I’m taking May and Johnny to see the
Ocean Sprite
, and David never even stopped to say hello.’

‘Someone’s just brought news that the
Falcon
’s coming in.’

Jumping up and down with excitement, Johnny grabbed hold of Gertrude’s sleeve. ‘Can we go and see? Lord might be on it.’

‘Which dock?’ she asked. ‘And would it be all right if we all come?’

‘Course, they’ll be quite a crowd. David’s dad’s gone to tell everyone working on the ship. If he’s on board we want to give him a noisy welcome home.’

She picked up May. ‘Follow me, I know where to go.’

Gertrude wasn’t sure it was wise to spread the news, because there were going to be a lot of disappointed people if Alex wasn’t on the
Falcon
. Including her.

The dock was already crowded with people, and the
Falcon
was moving into place by the time they arrived. It was chaos, with men running around and shouting at each other as they made the ship secure. David was right at the front, but they couldn’t get near him through the milling crowd, and Gertrude felt it was safer to keep the children at the back. She held tightly to Johnny in case he tried to slip away. Millie was still holding May, so the little girl was safe.

She scanned the deck, trying to see any sign of Alex,
but with so much movement on board, it was hard to pick anyone out.

‘Is he there?’ Johnny was pulling on her restraining hands. ‘I can’t see!’

‘I don’t know …’

‘There he is!’ Millie yelled above the noise.

‘Where? Where?’

‘There, over to the right. He’s home!’ Millie was beside herself with excitement, and the little girl was copying her as she waved frantically.

‘Oh, yes.’ Gertrude’s throat clogged with emotion. There was no mistaking the tall, dark-haired figure, leaning on the rail.

‘I can’t see! I’m too short. I wanna see him!’ Johnny was doing his best to get away from her. ‘We’re too far back!’

She bent down and lifted the boy as high as she could. He was heavy, but she didn’t mind. He was so desperate to see Alex, and she knew how much he’d waited for this day. It had seemed like a lifetime to the little boy.

‘He’s back!’ May was still waving as hard as she could.

The workers from the
Ocean Sprite
were now streaming on to the dock, and Millie grinned. ‘Look at Fred, he’s got right up with David somehow. Sir’s not gonna expect a welcome like this!’

It was another twenty minutes before anyone could disembark, and Alex was the first off. Everyone was waving, smiling and shouting, ‘Welcome home, sir!’

Johnny fought to be put down, and Gertrude was unable to hold on to him any longer. He was off, dodging
in and out of the crowd until he reached Alex. She saw him being swung up in the air, and the joy on his face brought tears to her eyes.

Millie was also moving forward with May, but Gertrude stayed where she was. She didn’t want him to see the emotion and relief she felt at his return. It would take just a few moments to compose herself, she thought, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, then she’d go and greet him.

The crowd was clearing a little now, as everyone from the
Ocean Sprite
returned to their work. She could see as little May reached out and hugged him, then held her arms out to David. He laughingly took her from Millie. It was only then she realised there was someone else with him. He was a middle-aged man who was looking thoroughly bemused by all the excitement.

Alex began scanning the people and his gaze soon fixed on Gertrude. She smiled and waved, making no attempt to move towards him. He said something to the man with him, then to David. After putting Johnny down and talking to him for a few moments, he straightened up and strode towards her. She waited, loving the sight of him, and the easy way he moved.

‘Welcome home, Alex,’ she said as soon as he reached her. ‘Everyone’s so pleased to see you.’

‘But are you pleased to see me, Gertie?’

‘Pleased and relieved,’ she admitted.

‘In that case, you had better marry me.’

‘Are you proposing?’ She was so taken aback she wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly. The unloading was under way, and it was still bedlam on the dock.

‘Would you like me to go down on one knee?’

‘No!’ She caught hold of his hand when he looked as if he was going to do just that. They had far too many spectators.

Curling his long fingers around her hand, he said, ‘Will you marry me, Gertie?’

‘Yes!’ Such a simple answer to a question she never thought he’d ask again. And that one little word was about to change her whole life. She thought she would burst with happiness.

‘At last!’ he laughed. ‘Thank you, my darling. I’ll speak to your parents this evening.’

‘It will only be a formality. They’ll be so happy.’

He held her briefly and kissed her cheek, sighing. ‘That will have to do for the moment. I’m sorry to have to rush off, but there are things I must attend to. I’ll call around seven, if that’s convenient?’

‘Perfect. Shall I tell my parents you will be joining us for dinner?’

‘I would enjoy that, and there’s much to discuss.’

All the others had joined them, and Alex turned to the man who had come with him. ‘Mr Botha, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Gertrude Melrose.’

After the introductions, Alex left at once with Mr Botha, and Gertrude faced her friends, who were grinning in delight. They pounced on her, wanting to hug and congratulate her.

‘Isn’t this exciting!’ Millie exclaimed. ‘Just wait till everyone hears the good news.’

‘Don’t say anything, please. Alex hasn’t asked my
parents yet. It wouldn’t be right for them to find out before this evening.’

‘Of course,’ Millie agreed. ‘This must be done properly.’

They all went their separate ways then. Gertrude had promised the children a visit to the
Ocean Sprite
, so that’s where they would go, even though her mind was in a whirl.

Johnny was bouncing along, as happy as he could be. ‘May told Lord off for being away so long, and he promised not to do it again. He was surprised at how good she talks now, and we told him you’d been teaching her. He was ever so pleased.’

And she was ecstatic. Alex had walked off the ship and asked her to marry him. It was like a dream come true.

The welcome he had received on his return had been astonishing. After losing his family he’d felt like a piece of driftwood, floating around and alone, but now he had a larger family than he could ever have dreamt possible. He hadn’t intended to ask Gertie to marry him just yet. He’d planned to do it later when all the excitement had died down, but he’d taken one look at her, and it had just seemed the right time. David had been right when he’d said she had changed. He had fallen in love with a bright, intelligent girl, but on the dock and smiling at him was a woman. The harsh struggles of the past months had made her stronger and more confident, and given her a greater understanding of the realities of life. There was so much they could accomplish together. He wanted her for his wife more than ever, and couldn’t waste any more time. She’d accepted him with a simple yes, and that
was the only word he’d wanted to hear. For the moment anyway. There were three more words he wanted her to say to him.

He’d been delighted to find out that David and Miriam also planned to marry. A lot had happened while he’d been away, and as Fred wisely said, things have a habit of working out for the best.

The trip to South Africa had been long and embarked upon with no more than a feeling that he needed to go. That was as close as he got to a reckless act, but it had been worth it. Edward and his friend now had the prospect of a decent future, and he was sure that would be welcomed by his family. Even Sutton, he suspected, would be relieved.

For the rest of the day, he moved from task to task. The business of the South African property was dealt with first, and Mr Botha delivered to his daughter’s house. Then he went along to inspect the
Ocean Sprite
and talk to the men. The progress they had made was remarkable, and she was already beginning to show a glimpse of the majestic ship she used to be. He spent some time looking at the work going on, and praising the men, with a special word for Fred, who was working with enthusiasm, love and skill. Alex was very impressed.

After that he went to David’s office, where there was work piled up for him to look through.

Before going to see Gertie’s parents, he chose a ring from his mother’s collection, deciding on one set with emeralds and diamonds. He was sure she would like that. It had been his mother’s own engagement ring.

‘What time did Alex say he’d be here?’ Hanna asked her niece.

‘Around seven.’ Gertrude continued to fuss with the flower arrangement for the table. She couldn’t say anything about the proposal until he’d spoken with her parents, but her aunt clearly suspected something was happening.

‘Is David coming as well?’

‘No, he’s dining with the Chesters. Do you think the centre display is all right?’

‘It’s lovely, so do stop fiddling with it and tell me what’s going on. You’re far too nervous for this to be just a small dinner party.’

‘I—’ the sound of a carriage arriving outside put a stop to the conversation. Her aunt’s continued questions were wearing her down. ‘Ah, here he is.’

She rushed to greet him, and as he bent to kiss her cheek, she whispered, ‘I haven’t told them. Mother and Father are in the sitting room. I’ll keep Aunt Hanna out here.’

‘Suspicious, is she?’

‘Very.’

‘Then I’d better see your parents at once.’ He turned and smiled. ‘Hello Hanna, you look stunning, as usual.’

‘And you’re looking pleased with yourself.’

‘I have a great deal to be happy about. Now, if you will excuse me, I have news for Gertie’s parents.’

They watched him go into the sitting room and close the door firmly behind him.

‘Hmm, I wonder what news that could be?’

Gertrude said nothing.

Half an hour later, Sutton called them into the sitting room. Her father was smiling broadly and her mother was dabbing at her tears.