Chapter Three
Three days before the wedding, as Monty was packing some of his clothes to take to Annie’s rooms, there came a tap on his bedroom door and his mother appeared.
‘So, you’re still going ahead with this?’ she asked, straight-faced.
‘Of course I am,’ he replied tersely. The atmosphere in the house had been strained ever since he had told her of his intentions, and now he could hardly wait to leave.
However, she surprised him when she said, ‘In that case I dare say I shall have to attend. I can’t pretend to be happy with your choice of bride, but I am your mother, so I suppose I shall have to bow to your wishes.’
It was all Monty could do not to smirk and say something sarcastic. He didn’t doubt that she’d only changed her mind because she was afraid of what her friends would say if she didn’t attend her son’s wedding. He nodded. ‘You and the rest of the family will be more than welcome, Mother.’
She sniffed, standing straight-backed, her hands clenched and pressed tightly into her waist and her face full of disapproval. ‘I imagine your father will accompany me, but Reginald won’t be there.’
‘That is his choice,’ Monty answered quietly as he folded another shirt and added it to the case.
His mother hovered, as if there was more she wished to say, but then with a swish of skirts she turned and left, closing the door resoundingly behind her.
Monty straightened and sighed. He just hoped his parents wouldn’t do or say anything to spoil the day for Annie. Nothing could spoil it for him, but he knew she was a bag of nerves, so the sooner they were wed and could get away on their honeymoon and have some quality time together the better.
When he had finished, he shrugged on his coat and carried the case downstairs. On the way he passed his brother who paused to sneer at him.
‘If it isn’t the condemned man.’ He grinned. ‘Best make the most of your freedom during the next few days, eh?’
‘Actually, the wedding can’t come quickly enough for me,’ Monty responded shortly. ‘Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get these to my new home.’ He strode past him.
‘Huh! Call two small rooms above a poxy dress shop home, do you? And I should slow down if I were you, otherwise you might not even make the wedding. Don’t forget you’re living on borrowed time.’
Monty turned back to his brother, swallowing the hasty retort that sprang to his lips. ‘Do you know what, Reggie, I could almost think you were jealous!’ He had the satisfaction of seeing angry colour flood into Reggie’s scarred cheeks, and then he hurried away, slamming the front door behind him.
When he arrived at Annie’s, Monty managed to fix a smile on his face and went upstairs, where the rooms looked inviting and cosy.
Truthfully, he would have been happy to live in a shed as long as he was with her, but he appreciated all the effort she had put into making it a comfortable home.
The shop downstairs was ready, too, and Annie was looking forward to opening the doors when they arrived back from their honeymoon.
Only that day the new sign reading Classy Couture, written in elegant red-and-gold letters on a dark green background, had been fixed above the shop door.
Annie came out of the bedroom and smiled at him. ‘I’ve got your wardrobe all ready for your clothes. Come in and I’ll help you hang them up. There’s a chest of drawers for you as well. I just hope you’ll have enough room for everything. You have far more clothes than I do.’
‘We shall have to change that then, shan’t we?
’ he teased as he followed her into what was to be their room.
Annie blushed as she saw him glance at the bed, then hurriedly opened his case and begin to transfer his clothes into the right places.
It was strange to think that soon she would be sharing that bed with him every night.
‘Did you notice the sign as you came in? I do hope I’ve chosen the right name. I wanted it to sound classy.’
‘I did notice it and it does indeed look classy. Beautiful, in fact. I’ve no doubt you’ll do a roaring trade once word spreads.’
She chewed nervously on her lip. ‘I hope you’re right. The clothes will be way beyond the pockets of the people we serve in the other two shops. I just hope I haven’t outpriced myself.’
‘Of course you haven’t. Don’t forget you’ll be serving a totally different class of people who can afford to buy expensive clothes,’ he reassured her.
She smiled. That was one of the many things she loved about Monty: he was always so supportive.
He told her about the visit his mother had paid to his bedroom.
‘So, she and your father are coming to the wedding?’ She sounded shocked and not entirely happy.
He nodded.
‘And Reggie?’ She held her breath.
When he shook his head, she couldn’t stop the look of relief that crossed her face.
‘Aww well, I’m pleased for your sake that your parents will be there at least.’ And she meant it.
She hated the thought of coming between him and his parents, but thank goodness Reggie was staying away.
How could she have said the wedding vows to his brother after what Reggie had done to her?
The morning he had brutally raped her would be burnt into her memory forever and she lived in fear of Monty ever finding out.
He was a gentle soul but she dreaded to think what he might do to his brother if he knew.
Once they had packed everything away, she made them both a cup of cocoa and Monty sat in the chair beside the fire and stretched his legs out contentedly. ‘Not long now, eh?’
‘No . . . not long.’ A picture of Alex floated in front of her eyes, and she hastily blinked it away. She had made her decision for better or for worse and nothing would stop her going through with it. Monty deserved better than that.
The day of the wedding finally dawned. It was a typical March day – sunny but with a breeze. Annie had slept in the cottage the night before so Peggy could help her get ready, and she was a bag of nerves as they put on her dress.
Peggy had made a superb job of it, and the hundreds of tiny pearls and crystals she had painstakingly sewn onto the lace overlay sparkled in the sun slanting through the window.
She pinned Annie’s hair up high on her head with just a few ringlets framing her face and then with all the love a mother would have shown, she placed the veil over it and attached the crown of sweet-smelling freesias, gypsophila and tiny white rosebuds into place.
Finally, she handed her a small posy of matching flowers tied with a white ribbon and stood back to admire her efforts.
‘Oh pet,’ she whispered in a shaky voice as she blinked back happy tears. ‘I’m tellin’ yer the truth when I say I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more radiant bride. You look absolutely stunning.’
Annie smiled as she sniffed at the flowers. ‘And I have to say you look beautiful too.’
Peggy had made a real effort with herself for once, and was looking smart in a navy-blue two-piece costume under which she wore a frilled white blouse. She had even treated herself to a brand-new matching navy and white hat.
She chuckled self-consciously at the compliment.
‘That’s good o’ you but I think I can safely say all the eyes are goin’ to be on you today, pet.
And that’s just how it should be. Now come along, it’s time we showed yer off to Levi.
He’s pacin’ the floor downstairs like an expectant father, bless ’im! ’
She led the way downstairs where Levi was waiting looking very smart, if somewhat uncomfortable, in the new suit Peggy had bullied him into buying. As they appeared his eyes fastened on Annie and grew moist.
‘Oh Annie . . .’ He was temporarily lost for words. ‘You look . . . just beautiful.’ He beamed with pride as Annie kissed his cheek.
Peggy hurried to the door. ‘Right, the car’s waitin’ fer me outside so I’m goin’ to the church, then it’ll come back fer you two. An’ don’t forget, it’s a tradition fer the bride to be a few minutes late.’ And then she was gone as Levi tenderly stroked Annie’s cheek.
‘Look at you, all grown up,’ he said softly. ‘It don’t seem more than two minutes since you were a skinny little nipper, an’ now ’ere you are a beautiful young woman. I’m so proud of yer, hinny.’
‘Th-thank you fer all you’ve done for me,’ she said with a catch in her voice. ‘Over the years you’ve become like a father to me.’
Taking a large white handkerchief from his pocket, he noisily blew his nose and wagged a finger at her. ‘All right, that’s enough o’ the sloppy stuff, else you’ll ’ave me blubbin’ like a babby!’
He gently draped the veil over her face and, offering his arm, said, ‘Right, miss, I believe we ’ave a weddin’ to go to. Come on – we’ll go outside an’ wait fer the car, eh?’
Half an hour later the car pulled up at the church. The first thing Annie noticed was the daffodils tentatively peeping through the earth, and the primroses and crocuses beneath the hedgerow.
‘It’s like the world is coming back to life after the long, cold winter,’ she commented, tucking her arm into his.
Levi nodded. ‘It is that, pet. An’ it’s a fine day to get wed, I reckon.’
They passed through the lychgate and once they reached the church doors the sound of the organ pierced the air.
Levi gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as they set off down the aisle.
She could see Monty waiting for her, his face wreathed in smiles.
Alex’s face floated into her mind again, but she pushed the thought of him firmly away, and went forward to her husband-to-be.
When the service was over, the young couple left the church to a hail of rose petals and rice, although Annie noticed that Monty’s parents stood back, stony faced, and didn’t attempt to throw any.
Once they arrived at the hotel for the reception, they were served with a delicious three-course meal and the champagne flowed.
Levi had spared no expense and everyone – apart from Monty’s parents – was in a happy mood.
Levi had also booked a room for Annie and Monty to get changed in before they left for their honeymoon, and after the meal was over, the cake was cut and the speeches had been made, he told them, ‘You’d best go an’ get ready else yer goin’ to miss yer train. Your bags are in the room.’
‘And perhaps you could tell me where we’re going now?’ Annie laughed. Levi had been keeping it a secret.
‘You’re goin’ to Margate, in a hotel overlookin’ the sea.’ He grinned.
‘Oh Levi, thank you.’ Annie stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. Then clutching Monty’s hand, they went to their room.
‘I would have thought he would have sent them somewhere a little more exotic!’ Mrs Taylor-Lloyd said sarcastically as they passed, but Annie and Monty ignored her. They were more than happy with Levi’s choice and determined not to let the Taylor-Lloyds spoil the day.
Once up in their room, sensing that Annie was nervous, Monty disappeared into the bathroom, while Annie changed into an ankle-length dress in a lovely shade of blue that matched her eyes; over this she wore a darker blue coat and a matching cloche hat.
‘May I say that you’re looking very pretty, Mrs Taylor-Lloyd?’ Monty teased when he came back, as he drew her into his arms to give her a tender kiss.
Annie felt a little jolt of surprise. She hadn’t given much thought to her name change and it felt strange to be addressed as such.
But there wasn’t time to linger if they were to catch their train, so Monty lifted the bags and they went back to their guests, who insisted on coming outside to wave them off in the car Levi had hired to take them to the station.
Strings with tin cans had been attached to the back bumper and a ‘Just Married’ sign had been placed in the back window.
‘You have a wonderful time now,’ Levi whispered into Annie’s ear as he gave her a hug. ‘And we’ll look forward to seeing you next week when you get back.’
‘We will . . . and thank you . . . for everything,’ Annie said with a tear in her eye. Then she kissed Peggy and climbed into the car with Monty.
Mrs Taylor-Lloyd stepped forward. ‘Goodbye, son, and good luck,’ she said imperiously. ‘I have a feeling you’re going to need it.’
Monty’s face darkened but before he could reply, the car drove off and they waved to their guests through the back window until they turned the corner and were out of sight.
The journey to Margate was long and involved two changes of trains. During the last part of the journey Annie fell asleep with her head on her new husband’s shoulder.
‘Wake up, sleepy head,’ he urged when the train chugged into the station. ‘We’re here.’
Outside, they hired a cab to take them to the hotel, which was a grand place overlooking the harbour.
It was too dark to see much by that time, but Annie had no doubt it would be lovely in daylight.
In their room, they found a bottle of champagne that Levi had ordered for them, and they were told that they would be served supper in their room shortly as it was too late to dine in the hotel dining room, but it seemed that Levi had thought of everything.
As Annie unpacked their bags a maid appeared with a trolley loaded with some thick broccoli and stilton soup, crusty bread, and a selection of dainty sandwiches, plus a large pot of tea and some pastries.
Annie had eaten very little at the reception and suddenly realised how hungry she was.
Monty was ravenous too, so they tucked in.
‘Do you think the maid will come back for the trolley tonight?’ Annie asked when they’d finished, hoping to delay the time when they would finally be alone and uninterrupted.
‘No, I’ll wheel it out onto the landing, and she can take it from there if she wishes.’
‘Oh, then how about we take a walk before we retire?’
Monty shook his head as he wheeled the trolley to the door. ‘To tell the truth I’m tired and ready for bed.’
‘Oh yes . . . yes of course. In that case I’ll go into the bathroom and get changed,’ she answered nervously.
Monty came to stand in front of her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders.
‘There’s no need for you to do that, Annie,’ he told her softly.
‘You’re my wife now.’ He slowly began to undo the buttons on her dress.
As it slid to the floor around her, he lifted the strap of her chemise and it soon joined the dress, leaving her standing before him naked.
‘You are so beautiful,’ he breathed. ‘And I promise you that I’ll be the best husband to you that I can possibly be.
Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited for this moment? ’
Suddenly all Annie’s nerves fled and she knew she had done the right thing. Alex was her past, but Monty would be her future. He was so kind and gentle and as she put her arms about his neck and he lowered his lips to hers, she silently vowed that she would be a good wife to him too.