The Reluctant Sinner (21 page)

There was a huge two-page spread of the garden party of the year in the local paper, with photographs showing the various stalls, and several pictures of the fashions being paraded. There was also a big picture of Lady Imogen Wallace, standing beside Daisy Gilbert, who had designed all the gowns, and Mrs Grace Portman, a partner in
Gilbert.
Gowns
à
la
Mode
and the owner of the Manor House, where the great occasion had taken place. The amount of money that had been raised was significant and highly praised by the reporter. It was great publicity for the business and moved Daisy and her reputation back into local society.

Grace’s mother-in-law read the report and was furious that she had missed the event when she read about Lady Imogen being present. Her mood wasn’t improved when she complained to her husband about it.

‘It’s your own fault my dear. If you hadn’t been so against Daisy Gilbert being there, you would have gone. You shouldn’t be so judgemental! It seems to me this young lady has done very well and is obviously extremely talented. You don’t give the girl any credit.’

His wife was speechless, especially when she read that Lady Imogen had placed several orders.

Steven Noaks had been away when all this had taken place, but on his return he called into the shop and read the report which had been framed and displayed in the reception area.

‘Well done, you two,’ he said. Putting his arm round Daisy he said, ‘I’m really proud of you.’

‘I couldn’t have done it without Grace,’ she reminded him.

‘True, but she couldn’t have done it without you. You make a great team. I’d like to take you both out to dinner tonight to celebrate.’

‘That’s really kind of you, Steven,’ said Grace, ‘but I have made other arrangements, so you’ll have to do it without me. I insist,’ she said as he suggested another evening.

Grace felt the two of them should be alone. After all, Steven had been away and she would have felt she was intruding. She wanted them to spend as much time together as was possible as Steven would be sailing again in a few days.

Daisy dressed with care that evening, wearing one of her own creations. A gown which was simplicity itself in soft emerald-green velvet. It was exquisitely cut, emphasizing her small waist and the round neckline showing her décolletage to perfection, the skirt just inches above floor level. A necklace of emerald beads with earrings to match completed the outfit. She wore make-up and her hair was dressed off her neck with a few stray ringlets framing her face. She looked sensational.

As they walked into the restaurant, people recognized her and the women stared at her ensemble with envy. The manager stepped forward.

‘Miss Gilbert, how nice to see you, please come this way.’ He placed them at one of his best tables.

As they were seated, Steven looked at Daisy in admiration and some amusement.

‘My goodness, what a welcome. I had no idea you were so famous!’

With a chuckle, Daisy said, ‘This time it’s for the right reasons. I’ve been infamous in the past!’

Steven gazed at her and said, ‘Thankfully those days are behind you and so they should be after what you’ve been through. Now you are really established and I’m happy for you.’

At least with Steven she could be totally honest. ‘Those days were hard to take, but in truth it was all worth it in the end. Thank God! And how are things with you?’

‘I just wish this terrible war would end. The British have broken through the German defences at Loos in Flanders, but the end is nowhere in sight. I hate to see the troops we take out leave the ship, as so many lives are being lost. I long for peace and normality and a return to taking civilian passengers across the Atlantic.’

Daisy looked at the anguish on his face and longed to touch him. To comfort him. To love him.

‘Anyway, let’s not talk of war, after all we’re here to celebrate.’ He ordered a bottle of champagne.

At the end of the meal, both of them felt mellow and happy.
Steven took Daisy’s hand. ‘I want to take you away and make love to you,’ he said softly, ‘but now you are so well known and respected, I can hardly suggest we book a room in a hotel, can I?’

‘No, that wouldn’t be advisable,’ she laughed, ‘after all I’ve had to fight to achieve my place in society.’ She hesitated. ‘But we could go home to my place.’

‘But what about your mother?’

‘By now she’ll be in bed.’

He saw the longing in her eyes that matched his. He paid the bill and they left.

Later as they lay in each other’s arms, Steven turned Daisy’s face to his and said, ‘This really isn’t good enough.’

Somewhat startled, Daisy asked, ‘Whatever do you mean?’

‘Snatching these odd moments when I can hold you. I want more than that. I want us to get married.’

Daisy was shocked into silence. She had accepted the fact that marriage was not for her.

‘Steven, do you know what you’re saying? You of all people know my history. As your wife, what would happen if it was brought up in conversation? Wouldn’t it cast a shadow on your career, maybe stop you from getting promotion?’

‘Of course not! After all, your past is no secret any more, and now you have your business and have a fine reputation. Even so, you silly goose, I’m madly in love with you and have been from the moment I set eyes on you in the Solent Club. It’s time for us to be together.’

Daisy was speechless.

‘I’m away a lot of the time, but you have a business to run, so it won’t be too lonely for you and imagine every time I come home – it will be like another honeymoon! Of course you may not want to be married to a seaman. It isn’t the easiest of lives for a wife.’

Flinging her arms around his neck, Daisy kissed him. ‘You ridiculous man, of course I’ll marry you.’

The next morning, Vera Gilbert was surprised to see Daisy and Steven sitting down to breakfast. ‘Hello, Steven, I didn’t know you were home.’

‘Good morning, Mrs Gilbert. I docked yesterday early in the morning.’

Daisy poured her mother a cup of tea, then taking Steven’s hand she said, ‘We have some exciting news to tell you. Steven and I are getting married.’

Vera choked on her tea. When she’d recovered, she was delighted and kissed both of them. ‘That’s the nicest thing that’s happened in a long time. Congratulations!’

‘You don’t object to me being your son-in-law then?’ Steven teased.

‘I am absolutely delighted. When is the wedding to be?’

‘I have another couple of trips to do, then I have three weeks’ leave and that’s when we’ll tie the knot.’

‘Oh my goodness, that doesn’t give us much time,’ she complained.

‘I’m not waiting any longer, Mum. He might change his mind!’

‘As if,’ Steven said.

Daisy was a little late arriving at the shop, but when she told everyone her news there was great excitement and everybody spoke at once.

‘Where are you getting married?’

‘When’s the wedding?’

‘We will have to make your wedding dress!’

‘Quiet everybody! I can’t hear myself think,’ Grace cried and the tumult ceased.

Daisy gave them all the news. She and Steven were going to see the vicar that afternoon to arrange a date, but there would be a rush to make her bridal gown, especially as there were so many orders to attend to.

But the girls said they would work late.

‘After all,’ said Agnes, ‘this will be excellent publicity for the shop.’

There were cries of derision for her remark, but as Grace said, ‘That’s not being heartless, Agnes is right, and we’ll make it a gown that will be the talk of Southampton!’

On a crisp November day at Holy Rood Church in Southampton, Steven and Daisy took their wedding vows. The bride wore a dress of champagne-coloured satin, with an embroidered bodice covered with rhinestones and beads. The skirt with a small train was delicately embroidered to match the bodice. On her head she
wore a small lace cap. The bouquet was simple, made with tea-coloured roses and trailing ivy. The groom looked very handsome dressed in his uniform as they walked down the aisle together and stood outside for the photographs, festooned with fluttering confetti.

Apart from the official photographer, the reporter from the local paper was there to record the event and crowds gathered on the pavement to watch.

Steven squeezed Daisy’s hand. ‘Hello, Mrs Noaks,’ he said softly.

Daisy turned to him and smiled. ‘I like the sound of that,’ she said.

The wedding reception was held at the nearby Dolphin Hotel. It was a reasonably small affair. Steven’s parents were there, having met Daisy only a few days before the wedding. Stella came over from the Isle of Wight to stand as the only bridesmaid and Harry was thrilled to give the bride away. All the girls who worked for Daisy and Grace were also in attendance and the wedding breakfast was a happy and joyful occasion.

Vera Gilbert looked on proudly. This was a day she never thought would happen and she was delighted that her Daisy had found such a man with whom to share her life. It had been an arduous journey but like all good things it had a happy ending. Fred, she knew, would be pleased.

Grace Portman looked on and was very happy to have been a part of it all. Becoming a partner in the business had helped her to overcome the death of her husband and given her an interest other than the upkeep of the Manor House and all its responsibilities. And she was delighted to have helped Daisy reach her full potential.

Giles, who had escorted Grace to the wedding, saw the look of pride on her face as she looked at the bride. It was early days, but he hoped that the friendship he had with this wonderful woman would become something more permanent in the future. Like Daisy, Grace, too, deserved to be happy.

In the early evening, the bride and groom retired to their room to get changed ready for the train journey to the West Country where they would spend their honeymoon.

Steven took his wife into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. ‘You looked beautiful today, Mrs Noaks, and I was a proud man.’

She laughed and said, ‘And so you should be! And don’t look at me like that; we haven’t the time, we have a train to catch.’

‘There, already you’re becoming a nagging wife.’

‘Oh, Steven, we’ll have lots of time ahead of us. A lifetime in fact.’

As they drove away to the station, Daisy looked back at all her friends who had helped to shape her life; then she looked at Steven her husband who would help her shape the future. She leaned forward and kissed him.

‘What was that for?’

‘For making me the happiest woman in the world.’

And she was.

As
always
my
love
and
admiration
to
my
daughters,
Beverley
and
Maxine.
As
a
mother
I
am
truly
blessed.

THE RELUCTANT SINNER

BORN TO DANCE

BRIDES OF WAR