We'll meet again

How quickly those days passed! The working week, the weekends at Caddington, meeting with Richard when he could get away, lunches at the teashop. Life was pleasant as it had not been since Jowan had failed to be among the survivors of Dunkirk.

It was the end of March when I noticed that Dorabella was brimming over with excitement.

"Something has happened," I said.

She shook her head from side to side in a maddening fashion.

"I shall tell you... with the others this time. I shall make an announcement... at supper, I think... when both parents are there.”

She pursed her lips together, as though fearing to betray her news.

We were never sure at what time we should arrive at Caddington, so my mother always had a cold supper awaiting us and my father made a point of being there, so there were just the four of us-unless Mary Grace happened to be there with us for the weekend.

We would sit in the darkness, so that we did not have to draw the black-out curtains, and we would talk about the week's adventures.

They knew of Florette's secret ambitions, the dark secret which we believed Marian was guarding, and Peggy's desire to be adopted as a pet.

As we sat down, I could see that Dorabella was finding it hard to restrain her excitement, and as soon as we were seated she said: "I have an announcement to make. James and I are going to be married.”

There was a brief silence. Then my mother went to her and kissed her.

"Oh, my darling, I hope...”

"It's all right this time," said Dorabella. "I am sure. James is sure.

And so, it must be right.”

She was clearly so happy that we bad to share in it. It was only because we had seen that other disaster that we hesitated.

"You'll love James," said Dorabella. "Everybody likes him. He is the most wonderful man in the world. Don't look at me like that, Violetta.

It's right this time. I'm experienced now. I know what love means.

Stop worrying.”

My mother said: "Well, you have known him for a little time.”

"For ages!" said Dorabella. "It's perfect. I want Tristan to love him.”

"That is very important," said my mother solemnly.

"Oh, come on!" cried Dorabella. "This is supposed to be a matter for rejoicing. Daddy, why don't you suggest champagne?”

"I think there are a few bottles left," he said. "Yes ... we must drink to this. I am sure you will be very happy, my darling.”

"And I," said Dorabella firmly, "know I shall.”

I knew my mother would come to my room that night when I retired.

It was a habit of hers when she was worried about Dorabella.

"What do you think?" she said.

"One never knows with Dorabella.”

"You're thinking of Dermot?”

"Of course. She gets these wild enthusiasms and in wartime people can do rash things.”

"Dorabella can do rash things at any time.”

I laughed and nodded.

"This young man...”

"He has an important job with the army, as we found out when Tristan was kidnapped. He is very charming and Dorabella has been fond of him for some time.”

"And he cares for her, I suppose?”

"He must to suggest marrying her.”

"Your father and I feel a little uneasy about her after what happened before. There was that jaunt to France... and all she did...”

"She may have learned some lessons. She was very upset about Tristan and ever since she has been absolutely devoted to him. She is very happy now”

The door opened suddenly and Dorabella came in.

"I have been listening to you two... putting your heads together,” she said. "I can tell you, it's all right. I'm happier than I've ever been before. I adore James and he adores me. So, stop acting like a couple of old witches prophesying gloom, and rejoice with me.”

Though we could not help our skepticism, I think both my mother and I felt it must be all right this time. Dorabella was so happy now and she carried us along with her.

We decided that if Dorabella was happy, that was all that mattered.

We would take care of the future when the time came.

The following weekend James Brent came to Caddington. My parents had not met him before and they were favorably impressed. Captain Brent was urbane, much traveled, and an expert in many matters.

He knew something about estates as his family owned one on the West Riding of Yorkshire, and before the war he had helped to run it.

My father obviously liked him and there was some interesting talk about the war, though guarded on the captain's side, which made it the more exciting.

He said that there would have to be a landing on the Continent, and that now the enemy was in a weakened state, in his opinion it would not be long delayed.

They discussed the wedding. There was no reason for delay. I gathered that he expected, when the invasion of the Continent began, he would go overseas. There was a feeling of urgency in the air and we understood that, before the great battle started, he wanted to be sure of a little happiness with Dorabella.

Before the weekend was over, my parents' doubts were diminished and they were caught up in the excitement of the preparations for the wedding. It should be a quiet affair and take place within the next few weeks.