Alice
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When i got back that night, the land lady was sat by the fire in the pub, which had a few odd groups of people, seated around tables in the room. A cold draft rushed into the room as i walked in and i was surprised when the land lady said "sit with me"
I complied and sat in the chair opposite, enjoying the warmth the fire provided. "Thank you again for letting me stay"
"It's not a problem, don't get a lot of guests around here"
"I still appreciate it" i said. She turned and smiled at me, and i was struck by how pretty she must once have been. Her face was round and delicate, the lines around her eyes and mouth gave her age away. Her brown eyes were deep and intense, her lips full and hair strawberry blond. "My daughter's a nurse as well, wouldn't be proper not to help someone she might know"
I nodded thoughtfully, taking this in. Suddenly she turned to me anxiously, "Do you know her? Her names Olivia Wood"
I shook my head, "i'm sorry, i can't say i do"
She looked disappointed, but i wasn't about to lie to the woman. "How's your friend?"
"How did you-" i began but she cut me off, smiling wryly.
"Word travels fast around here"
"He's doing much better, thank you, he's getting physiotherapy for his leg, he broke it six months ago"
"Suppose that means it won't be long before he's shipped back out"
"Yes, yes i suppose it does" i said, my throat tightening, my eyes stinging with unshed tears.
"Forgive me, i didn't mean to pry" she said, noticing my expression.
"It's fine" i said quickly.
"Where are you from?" she asked, "you sound...different, not an accent i recognise, then again we don't get a lot of variety round here"
"Northern Northumbria" i said proudly.
"And your here for a friend"
"It's complicated" i said.
"You must love him" she said accusingly.
I squirmed in my seat, feeling uncomfortable with this topic. "What's his name?" she asked.
"Why?" i asked.
"It's a small place, i might know him" she said with a shrug.
"Edward" i said.
"Edward what?"
"Kingston" i answered. She gasped, her eyes flitted to a blond girl sitting in a booth in the corner.
"How long have you known him?"
"Since the start of the war"
She nodded. "I'm going to the officer's ball with him next week" i confessed.
"Do you have something to wear?" she asked.
Oh crap. I hadn't thought about that. I shook my head and she stood up. "Come on, i might have something"
I grinned, her enthusiam was contagious.
She walked briskly up the winding stairs and opened the door into a small room which must have been hers. She opened up the cupboard and pulled out several dresses. "My mother used to make dresses, she was seamstress"
"They're beautiful" i said, admiring the dresses. She picked up a silk dress, which was supported by layers of underskirts. It was beautiful but more like a wedding dress, it was thick ivory and the bodice covered in intricate patterns. "This is about your size" she said, handing it too me, "try it on"
YOU ARE READING
Letters to the front
Romance'He turned, directing all his attention to me, his eyes locked with mine and in a movement so fast i wasn't sure if it actually happened, i was in his arms and he was kissing me.' 1914. Britain declares war with Germany. Alice Hardwick, a poor far...
