A BURNING QUESTION

Story contd.

It had been a hectic day: off duty at 1.45pm and then took two buses to the Millers to leave my overnight stuff. The next day, Sunday, was to be Maria’s birthday. She was having a big party and I would be able to help. After an afternoon of playing with the children Hector gave me a lift back to hospital and with the help of a couple of chums I got ready for the dance

I couldn’t help giggling when Andrew and Bill arrived – not only was the car an old banger it was tiny. Mary and I squashed ourselves in the back seat and even if our transport was humble I think we all looked the bee’s knees. It was a beautiful June evening with one of the lurid sunsets that Manchester was famous for and it felt deliciously decadent to be setting off at that time of night.

When we reached the base two ratings darted forward to open the doors to find there were no handles. By now any nervousness was dissipated with gales of laughter. The décor was magical and there was a fountain and three bands. There was a tremendous buzz everywhere and after my first ever gin and tonic I was dancing on air. I remember one moment in the ladies cloakroom – fragrant with fresh roses and a girl in a white dress was talking to an older woman. Apparently it was mother and daughter and the girl was wearing her wedding dress as an evening gown and needed to be reassured that she looked great. I wondered if being a naval wife meant you were constantly being checked to see if you measured up. I wouldn’t like that at all I decided.

Mary and Bill seemed to be enjoying themselves. I hoped she wasn’t going to get squiffy (inebriated) with all the hospitality but decided as she was older then me she would have enough sense not to. The food was superb and demonstrated how brilliant the navy were at this sort of thing. At some stage Andrew introduced me to the captain who was sweet and patted my hand. I suppose it was the equivalent of me introducing someone to Matron – so naturally one would want it to go well. Andrew seemed ecstatic and as the evening flew by, I knew how Eliza Dolittle felt when she sang ‘I could have danced all night.’

At first the car wouldn’t start but the ratings – laughing their heads - off pushed us until it did. Somewhere on the East Lancs road Andrew and I were sitting in the back seat bumpily trying to kiss when the car lurched to a halt. Bill and Mary vanished into the darkness. I turned to Andrew aghast.

‘I don’t know Mary very well but I never thought she was that sort of girl.’ I felt worried and responsible

‘Its OK Pat. I asked Bill to give us some time alone.’

I looked at him in the gloom – suddenly stone cold sober.’

‘Will you marry me?’