Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty-Nine
A fter dinner, they washed up the dishes and decided to take the box of Henry’s photographs and articles to the top of the tower, where they could sift through them while watching the sunset. Max carried a tray of drinks and some biscuits, and soon they were sitting on the bench, listening to the gulls and puffins calling from the cliffs. ‘So, what are we doing with the photographs?’ asked Max.
‘I think if there’s any that stand out, showing the lighthouse or even the keepers, we should put them to one side so I can include them in the exhibition when we open up downstairs,’ Dilly replied as she opened the box.
‘Oh my, look at some of these,’ she exclaimed. ‘This is Betty… in a dress! Not something I’ve seen in my lifetime. Gosh, it’s a classic 1950s dress with a full skirt, and she’s carrying a delicate parasol. She looks stunning! And that’s Eric, her husband; he’s no longer with us. It looks like some dance on the beach. Doesn’t she look so young? And here’s my grandparents, waving from the top of the tower. It’s strange to think they were standing right there.’ Dilly looked to the exact spot where they were standing in the photograph. ‘I know it sounds daft, but I do feel close to them whilst I’m here.’
‘It doesn’t sound daft at all.’
As they worked through the photographs, each one seemed to come to life. They were amazed by the clothes the islanders wore, how old-fashioned the shop-fronts on Lighthouse Lane looked compared to today, and the fact that the fishmonger’s wasn’t a hut near the bay; according to the photographs and articles, they used to sell the fresh fish from a boat on the harbour!
‘It’s fabulous to go back in time like this,’ Dilly observed as they looked at each photograph in detail.
‘It’s such a treasure trove,’ Max said.
As the sun began to set, Max extended his arm along the back of the bench and Dilly snuggled into his chest. The sky was breathtaking and the horizon ablaze with hues of fiery orange and deep crimson, gradually blending into shades of lavender and dusky blue as the first stars began to twinkle. The soft calls of the gulls quietened and the lapping of the waves gentled against the shoreline.
‘I’ve had a lovely evening,’ said Dilly.
‘Me too.’
‘I can’t wait to move in properly.’
‘I’m sure over the weekend we can get most of your things moved across and you can start to think about how you want the nursery decorated.’
‘We’ve got loads to shop for. I’m really excited about it all.’
‘Me too,’ replied Max, kissing her forehead before he bent down to tidy away the photographs. ‘There’s another envelope in here.’ He picked it up and Dilly noticed the title on the front: Ten Photographs from the Worst Storm to Hit Puffin Island. He handed her the envelope and she took out the snaps.
‘That’s strange. There are only seven photographs in here.’ They stared at the images, each one so vivid and full of life: a boat crashing against the rocks, the lighthouse’s beam cutting through the dark sky, lightning forking dramatically across the bay.
‘It’s so sad thinking about all those people who lost their lives that night, including my grandfather,’ Dilly said, swallowing a lump in her throat. ‘Look at this one.’ The photograph showed a light through a window, with a woman looking out. ‘Wow! What a photograph. That’s probably the room where my grandmother gave birth, as that looks like Betty. That’s definitely one to include in the collage.’
‘It’s unbelievable how history has been captured on camera film,’ said Max, flipping through the remaining photographs.
‘I wonder where the other three photographs are. It says ten on the envelope.’
‘You never know, Henry may have given a few to your grandmother.’
‘I suppose that’s possible,’ she replied. ‘These are the photographs I’m going to use for the collage,’ she said, holding a few up, ‘and these I’ll put back in the box for now. But I do want to try and use some of these images in my future paintings.’
‘Good idea.’
They were beginning to clear away the mess they’d made when they heard the screech of car tyres, an unusual sound at this time of night on the island. They exchanged puzzled looks, wondering what was going on, and Dilly stood up and looked over the balcony railing. ‘It’s Betty’s car driving away at high speed. What is that all about?’ She looked at Max. Both of them were mystified.
He gestured towards her phone. ‘The cameras likely picked up something. Why don’t you take a look back?’
‘You’re not just a handsome face, are you? Excellent idea.’ She picked up her phone and opened the app. Her eyes widened as she stared at the screen. ‘I wasn’t going mad,’ she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
‘What is it?’ asked Max, leaning in as Dilly held the phone between them. ‘Who’s that?’ he asked.
‘That’s my mother,’ Dilly replied, her voice trembling. ‘She’s staring at the portrait of herself through the lighthouse window. She recognises herself. Max, she’s alive.’ Dilly’s heart pounded so fiercely she felt like it might burst out of her chest. Her hands were shaking, and shock and disbelief were overwhelming her. For so long, she had believed Eva was dead, and now she had CCTV footage confirming she was alive. Her mind raced with questions and emotions, joy, confusion, hope, and fear all mingling in a dizzying swirl.
‘Rewind the footage a little more.’
They watched Betty’s car begin to drive down the road towards the lighthouse. Betty jumped out, leaving the door wide open and the engine running. ‘What’s going on?’ asked Dilly, as they saw a short conversation between Betty and her mother. ‘Does the video have sound?’
‘It should do,’ replied Max.
Dilly turned up the volume on her phone but it was inaudible. ‘Damn.’
Just then the two women hurried to the car, and Betty took off at high speed. Dilly held Max’s gaze, her eyes wide with astonishment. ‘I didn’t dream that, did I?’
Max shook his head as Dilly played the video back again.
‘She’s alive. Oh my God, she is alive and you’ve seen it and Betty knows. I’m not going mad.’ Dilly stood up abruptly.
‘Where are you going?’ Max asked.
‘Over to Betty’s. My mum is there. I need to see her,’ Dilly replied, hugging Max tightly. ‘She’s survived. She could be traumatised. She might not remember who she is or me…’
‘There’s only one way to find out,’ Max said, as they hotfooted it out of the lighthouse and across the bay towards the tearoom. The urgency of their steps matched the frantic beating of Dilly’s heart, each step bringing her closer to a long-awaited reunion.
As they ran, Dilly dialled her dad’s number. ‘Dad,’ she said, breathless, ‘Mum’s alive and she’s at Betty’s. Dad! I’ve seen her. Get over there.’
It took less than five minutes to reach the tearoom. Betty’s car was parked outside. ‘They’re here,’ said Dilly, racing around the back of the tearoom to the front door of the cottage. She rang the bell and waited eagerly.
‘Are you sure you want me here? It might be better if you see your mum on your own.’
‘I want you here,’ Dilly replied, looking at the front door and willing it to open. She rang the bell again. Still there was nothing. She moved towards the window. The curtains were drawn but she could see through a small gap between them. ‘She’s in there. Oh my God, she’s actually in there. She and Betty are just sitting still. Why aren’t they opening the door?’
Max took hold of her hands. ‘We don’t know what’s going on here. Maybe your mum has lost her memory and doesn’t know where she is or even who Betty is? We may have frightened her by knocking on the door.’
Dilly began to feel anxious. ‘Do you think I should call Dr Sandford?’
‘I think we need to see if anyone opens the door. What did your dad say?’
‘He’s on his way back from Sea’s End. He can’t quite believe it.’ Dilly impatiently rang the bell once again. ‘Where is Anton? Did he survive, too? Betty knows someone is at the door because she keeps looking towards the window. Mum looks well, her hair is exactly the same and she’s wearing her favourite shade of lipstick.’ She banged loudly on the door, her frustration getting the better of her. ‘Betty! I know you’re in there,’ she shouted through the letterbox. ‘Let me in.’
Max was still looking through the gap in the curtains. ‘Betty is moving, I think she’s coming to the door.’
‘Finally!’ murmured Dilly.
Betty opened the door and peered around it. ‘Is everything okay? It’s getting late.’
‘Betty, you’re acting like you don’t have my mum sitting in your living room, very much alive,’ Dilly shot back, not waiting for an answer. ‘We saw you at the lighthouse.’ She pushed past Betty, followed by Max, who apologised profusely.
Dilly burst into the living room. ‘Mum, oh my gosh, it’s you! It’s really you. You’re alive and home.’ She launched herself at her mother, hugging her tight. Tears began falling down Dilly’s cheeks, relief sweeping through her.
But her mum looked bewildered and Dilly immediately sensed that something wasn’t quite right. She turned to Betty and noticed that she wasn’t sharing Dilly’s enthusiasm. Instead of showing joy or relief, her expression seemed tense and guarded.
Dilly’s words tumbled fast as she turned back to her mother. ‘Where have you been? Where’s Anton? I knew you were alive, I just knew it.’
The woman was visibly upset and shaking but she didn’t take her eyes off Dilly.
‘Mum, please say something.’
‘I’m so sorry, I’m not your mum.’
‘Don’t be daft, of course you are. You’ve just lost your memory. That’s it, isn’t it, Betty? We need to call the doctor.’
Betty shook her head.
‘Why are you shaking your head at me? Mum’s back! This is nothing short of a miracle. No one thought you’d survive the sea, but I said you were a good swimmer and would have got to safety.’
‘I’m sorry, I’m not your mum,’ the woman repeated. ‘I’m Annie.’
‘Annie? No, you’re Eva, my mum. You must recognise me? I’m Dilly, your daughter.’
‘Dilly, I think you’d best sit down.’ Betty turned towards Max. ‘Would you go and make four cups of strong tea? I think we’re going to need it.’
Bewildered, Dilly sat down, unable to stop staring at Annie. ‘What is going on here? I don’t understand. You look like my mum, you sound like my mum…’ She was close to tears. ‘Have you lost your memory? Because I’m sure we can get you help.’
‘I never thought I would ever have to have this conversation. I’m so sorry,’ Betty began, her voice faltering, ‘but this is Annie, daughter of Frank and Violet Bettencourt. Frank was the keeper of a lighthouse on the coast of Devon before he retired.’
Max returned and carefully placed the tray, holding the teapot and mugs, in the centre of the coffee table.
‘This doesn’t make any sense,’ said Dilly, full of anguish.
‘I’m not sure where to start,’ admitted Betty. ‘I appreciate this is going to be difficult for both of you.’
Dilly’s pulse was racing as she watched Betty walk to the dresser in the corner of the room. She opened a drawer, took out three photographs and held them against her chest as she turned around. Then she placed them in the middle of the coffee table and Dilly saw that they were photographs of the night of the storm.
‘Did you get these photographs from Henry?’ asked Dilly. She saw that Betty’s face was drained of all colour.
She shook her head. ‘I’m sorry, I stole them from the box that Henry gave to you.’ Betty looked guiltily towards Max. ‘When I sneaked back into the lighthouse and you were out the back.’
‘Why did you want the photographs enough to steal them? Why was that even necessary? I would have given them to you if you’d only asked. I know you were close to my grandparents.’
Betty hesitated. ‘Because there was something I didn’t want anyone to see. I’m so sorry –’ she handed one of the photographs to Dilly ‘– but it’s time…’
Dilly stared at the photograph, which was similar to the ones she had already seen. It showed two women climbing down a ladder, and a rowing boat with a man onboard waiting for them below.
‘Is that Eric?’ Dilly asked.
Betty nodded.
Dilly passed the photograph to Max. ‘I don’t understand what you’re trying to tell me. Why would you steal these, for what gain?’ She looked between Annie and Betty.
Max was staring intently at the photograph. ‘There’s two babies,’ he shared. ‘Betty and Selby are each carrying a baby.’
Dilly looked at the photograph again. Max was right. Each woman was carrying a baby. The next photograph Betty handed over showed the two women sitting in the rowing boat, each cradling a baby. ‘Whose babies are they?’ Dilly stared at Betty.
‘Selby’s.’
Dilly gasped. ‘My grandmother had twins?’
Betty nodded, her eyes filled with tears. ‘Yes, that night Selby gave birth to twins.’
‘I’ve only found out recently,’ said Annie. ‘I still live by the lighthouse, in a cottage on the coast of Devon, and something strange happened to me a short while back. I was walking my dog on the beach and someone called me Eva. They said they’d seen an article about me in the newspaper and couldn’t believe I was alive. I told them I wasn’t the person they took me for. I just assumed it was a case of mistaken identity and never thought anything of it again. But both of my parents have very recently passed away –’ she opened her bag and pulled out another photograph ‘– and I discovered this in their belongings. It has the name of the lighthouse written on the back and my name and date of birth. My parents never told me I was adopted, so it came as quite a shock, but they were the loveliest of people and I’ve had a good life, full of love.’
Dilly’s mouth fell open. She had so many questions.
‘How did one twin get adopted? Who made that decision, and why would that even happen? My mum couldn’t have known she had a twin because she would never have kept that information to herself.’
Betty looked distraught. She closed her eyes briefly, as if trying to summon the strength to continue. ‘You have to remember, the 1950s were not like today.’
‘But it wasn’t as though my grandmother was an unmarried mother. Surely there was no disgrace brought on the family. Her husband was killed, and Grandad was hailed as a hero.’ Dilly felt her voice rising and Max placed a supportive hand on her knee.
‘No one knew there were two babies except me and Eric. Selby didn’t know she was expecting twins. She gave birth to the first baby just as Eric knocked on the bedroom door. Selby, as you can imagine, was completely distraught to hear about Mack’s disappearance. She began to wail instantly, and I was holding her in my arms, rocking her gently, when she suddenly pushed me off. She was screaming that she was dying and was in so much pain. I honestly thought it was the grief that was consuming her. Eric and I didn’t know what to do. And then, all of a sudden, Selby wanted to push again. The contractions were coming thick and fast and to our astonishment she gave birth to a second baby.’
Dilly’s mind raced, trying to absorb the magnitude of this revelation.
Betty took a tissue from the box and dabbed her tears away. ‘When we got back to the mainland, Selby faced the fact she couldn’t bring up two babies on her own. She had no money and nowhere to live. She was heartbroken, but she knew she had an impossible choice to make.’
Dilly looked across at Annie who was clutching her mug of tea like her life depended on it. ‘This must be hard for you to hear, Annie.’
Annie nodded, silently taking it all in.
‘All the lighthouse keepers’ wives were in a postal group,’ Betty explained. ‘We would pick a wife and write her a letter once a week. It was a way to keep our morale high since it was tough with the keepers being away so much. Frank had been an assistant keeper at Puffin Island before he got promoted to principal keeper and moved to Devon, and Violet and Selby had maintained a close friendship even after Frank’s transfer. But then, the day after Mack’s death, right when Selby was in the midst of trying to figure out what to do, she received a letter with the sad news that Violet’s baby had died during labour. Selby was the first person Violet told. Knowing that this could be the answer to her prayers, Selby made the telephone call that would change everything.’
‘I can’t quite believe this,’ murmured Dilly.
‘We met with Frank and Violet just before Mack’s funeral. It was a heartbreaking decision for Selby, and believe me it completely broke her, but she felt she was doing the best thing for her twins as she couldn’t afford two babies. Violet and Frank were such lovely, decent people, and Selby knew that the baby she entrusted to their care would have a good life.’
Annie’s eyes were filled with tears. ‘It must have been such a difficult decision. I can’t even imagine what Selby was going through, losing her husband like that. It must have broken her heart.’
‘It did,’ confirmed Betty.
A question was burning inside Dilly, and she knew it might bring distress to Annie, but it escaped her lips before she could stop it. ‘How did my grandmother decide which baby to give away?’
Betty looked pained, and placed her hand on her chest as if steadying herself. ‘Selby couldn’t make such a heart-wrenching choice.’ Her voice faltered and she dabbed her eyes again, her lip trembling. ‘She asked me and Eric to make the decision, but I couldn’t do it either. We watched as Selby dressed the babies in exactly the same clothes and laid them side by side, then the doorbell rang. It was Frank and Violet. Selby turned towards Eric and asked him to take a baby and give her to her new parents. Selby went to the back room and sobbed. As soon as the front door shut behind them Eric brought Selby the remaining baby. She called her Eva, as that was her mother’s name.
‘The next day was Mack’s funeral. Frank attended but Violet didn’t. Frank shared the news that she had given birth to a baby girl they’d named Annie. It was a lovely touch,’ Betty said, turning to Annie, ‘because Annie was Mack’s mother’s name.’
The tears were streaming down everyone’s face now. Dilly and Betty went over to Annie and the three women embraced.
‘Please believe me when I say Selby thought it was the only way to ensure both babies had a chance of a good life. We never meant for it to become such a painful secret. It was a different time, and we were doing what we thought was right under extraordinary circumstances.’
The room was heavy with decades of revealed secrets, but a newfound warmth began to spread as Dilly spoke. ‘But now we’re reunited. I know my mum would have loved having a sister and now I get to have an auntie. We have so much to catch up on.’
Annie’s eyes shimmered with tears as she took both of Dilly’s hands in hers. ‘We do. I’m sorry for your loss, and I’m so sorry I never got to meet Eva, but if you’d like, I can be a part of your life and family.’
Tears brimmed in Dilly’s eyes. ‘I would love that so much.’ They embraced again before sitting back down.
‘This is all such a shock, I don’t even know where to begin. Tell me all about you. Do you have any children?’ Annie asked Dilly.
Dilly grinned, patting her stomach and glancing toward Max before answering. ‘We’re expecting twins.’
Annie gasped, her face lighting up with joy. ‘Such wonderful news! I can’t believe it!’
‘And,’ Dilly continued, her smile growing, ‘I’ve just bought the lighthouse and hopefully will move in this weekend. It’s unbelievable that you and my mum were born there, and now my own twins will live there. It feels like my family’s history is coming full circle.’
Annie’s eyes sparkled with tears of happiness as she squeezed Dilly’s hands. ‘It’s like fate has brought us back together.’
‘Can I ask, how did you know to come to Puffin Island?’
‘After the person had stopped me on the beach, I Googled Eva’s name and was amazed to see my own face staring back at me. After a little more research, I discovered that she had once lived on Puffin Island and I came to visit, not knowing what I might find. And then, when I saw the portrait of Eva in the gallery window, I knew it definitely wasn’t a coincidence. I was plucking up the courage to talk to the artist but when I discovered it was you, Eva’s daughter, I didn’t want to frighten you by showing up out of the blue, looking like your late mum.’
‘That’s when I spotted Annie, looking through the lighthouse window,’ added Betty, ‘and realised who she was.’
Dilly turned to Betty. ‘You are definitely the keeper of secrets on this island.’
Betty raised her hands in mock surrender. ‘I swear, I don’t know how I always find myself in the thick of things. Wrong place, wrong time. Sometimes it feels like a talent.’
Dilly raised an eyebrow. ‘But you don’t know anything else… right?’
Betty paused dramatically. ‘Well, except…’
Everyone held their breath, eyes wide with anticipation.
Betty smiled. ‘Just kidding!’
‘You had us going for a second!’ admitted Dilly. Just then they heard the front door open and Ralph’s voice shouting, ‘Dilly!’
‘In here, Dad.’
Ralph walked through the door. He stared at Annie and his mouth fell wide open. ‘Oh my gosh, Eva, you’re alive. I can’t believe it!’
‘Dad, it’s not Mum. This is Annie, Mum’s twin sister.’
Ralph looked puzzled.
Betty stood up. ‘I think we all need something stronger than tea. Ralph, sit yourself down. I’ll get the whisky.’