Wartime Brides Collection

Chapter Six

Chapter Six“Next station South Croydon! Next station South Croydon!”

Despite her exhaustion, Noreen grinned at the conductor’s announcement. She was home. As anticipated, the journey had been grueling. She and Rosa had changed trains in Brussels and Paris then taken the ferry from Calais to Dover. Another train took them from Dover to London where they boarded the Tube. Rosa seemed to take in everything with child-like delight.

Noreen squeezed Rosa’s hand. “I am so pleased you came with me. You are going to love England.”

“I will love any seat that is not moving.” Rosa stretched and massaged her neck. “When we get to your, ah…wohnung…haus?

“Flat. Initially, we’ll live in a flat. A house within a house.”

“Ah, flat. Yes, well, I will lie down for at least a day without getting up.”

“You say that now, but I know you. You will clean the flat from top to bottom, even though it is probably in tip-top shape.”

Rosa giggled. “I can dream about a day of leisure before I try to find a job, can’t I?”

Noreen chuckled. “I’ve thought about that. You might not be able to get a job until your papers are in order. You’re a German citizen. I don’t know what we have to do to get permission for you to work.”

“I didn’t think about that.” Rosa bit her lip. “Will they send me back? I want to stay here with you.”

“Everything will work out. God is with us. I’ve been thinking about how we can earn money. I made a good living many years ago making and selling baskets. In fact, that’s how I met Edmund.” Noreen swallowed the lump in her throat. Crying wouldn’t help anything. “I used to weave beautiful baskets.” She held out her arthritic hands. “And despite appearances, these fingers can still weave. There are many shops owners who might be willing to carry our pieces for us. And there are festivals and fairs where we can sell the items ourselves.”

Rosa sagged against the seat. “I like that idea. We can be together. I’m not sure my English is good enough for a real job yet.” She sighed. “And they might not like me.”

Noreen shot a look at Rosa. “What do you mean, not like you?”

“I am German. Your people must not like the Germans.”

“Ridiculous. Besides, anyone who doesn’t like you isn’t worth our time.” Noreen crossed her arms and huffed.

The train bumped to a stop. “South Croydon. This is South Croydon station. All out for South Croydon!”

j

One month later

The coins clinked as Noreen dropped them one by one into her purse.

Rosa packed the unsold baskets. She glanced at Noreen, her eyebrows drawn together. “We sold fewer than we did yesterday.”

“Yes, but God will provide. He always does.” She jiggled the small bag. “There is enough to buy food for tonight and tomorrow. We need to be content with that.”

“You are so brave, Mutti. I worry every night when I am lying in bed. I pray, but God is not listening to me.”

“No, I’m not brave, child. I say what I do to reassure myself. I must remember God provided for my family and me during the famine in Russia, and he will provide for us now. We don’t know how, but he will.”

“That’s the hard part. The not knowing.”

Noreen tucked her graying hair behind her ear. “That’s where faith comes in. Like the Israelites, we must step out in faith, knowing God will do something wonderful for us.”

Rosa shook her head and resumed packing. She snickered. “Maybe the people on the bus will buy our baskets so we will stop dragging them onboard and taking up so much room.”

“We can only hope!”

“Noreen Wilson, is that you?”

Noreen’s gaze shot toward the voice. She hadn’t heard that name in nearly thirty years. A rotund woman with blonde hair styled in a victory roll rushed across the grassy expanse of the village green. She waved her black leather purse and clamped her hand on the wide-brimmed, straw hat perched on her head. A bucktooth grin lit up her face.

“Noreen Wilson, I’d know that face anywhere. When did you return to England? The last I heard you were married and living in Russia of all places. How could you possibly stand all that cold? Is this your daughter? She’s beautiful. What’s in the boxes?”

The woman took a breath, and Noreen grinned. Kathryn Bramwell. It had to be. No one else chattered like she did. “Kathryn Bramwell?”

The woman put a hand to her chest. “It’s Kathryn Howarth now. Been married for the last twenty years.” She gestured toward her wide hips. “And he doesn’t seem to mind the extra pounds.”

Noreen hugged her friend. “My surname is Hirsch now. It’s wonderful to see you. Where do you live? Do you have children?”

Nodding, Kathryn dug into her handbag and extracted an envelope. She withdrew several pictures that she held up to Noreen. Three girls and a boy. I’m praising God my son is only eleven. Too young to be called up.” She looked with interest at Rosa.

Noreen gasped. “I’m sorry. Where are my manners? Kathryn, this is my daughter-in-law, Rosa. Rosa, this is Kathryn Howarth. We attended secondary school together.”

Rosa dipped her head. “How do you do?”

Kathryn’s eyebrow lifted. “You’re German?”

“Ja, but I have no family there, so I came to England.”

“What about your husband, Noreen’s son?

Noreen’s throat tightened. “He’s gone. I have. . .had. . .two sons. Manfred and Conrad. They were killed in a train accident. And my husband, Edmund, he died too. Gas from the Great War. He was never the same when he came back.”

“Oh, how awful for you. Of course you returned to Croydon. It’s important to be with one’s own people.” Kathryn peered at Rosa. “How do you like England, dear?”

“Es ist wunderschön. . .ah. . .wonderful. Everyone has been so kind.”

Kathryn c****d her head, and her dark eyes flashed. Noreen was reminded of the goldfinch that used to live outside her bedroom window.

The town hall clock chimed, and Noreen looked at her watch. “Goodness, we must get these baskets home. There are chores to do before night falls. It delightful to see you again, Kathryn.”

“Those boxes are filled with your baskets? You always created such gorgeous work.” Her gaze pierced Noreen’s eyes. “Are you in financial difficulties? Is that why you’re here on the green? To sell your baskets?”

Noreen’s stiffened. Now everyone would know she was poor. “Well-”

“I have been unable to find work.” Rosa nibbled her lower lip. “As you said, I’m German. My papers seem to be taking a long time to. . .what is the word. . .be final.”

“Your working papers haven’t been approved yet?” Kathryn thrust out her chin. “How ridiculous. We shall take care of that, won’t we? My Peter is in the Ministry of Labor. You’ll have your permit in no time.” She rummaged in her handbag and pulled out a pencil and tiny notepad. She scribbled on the top sheet and tore it off. “Here’s the address for Peter’s office. I will speak with him tonight. You visit him tomorrow, and he’ll take care of everything.”

“How can you say that?” Noreen frowned. “We’ve been trying for weeks.”

Kathryn squeezed Noreen’s arm. “Unfortunately, the people you’ve been dealing with are little cogs in a big machine. My Peter runs the machine. It’s all in who you know.”

Rosa curtsied. “You are most kind.”

“Aren’t you sweet? It’s what friends do for each other. Now, what sort of skills do you have? Do you type? Have you ever done office work?”

“Nein, er. . .no. I kept house and worked in our garden. We grew our own food.”

“Excellent. You’re a perfect candidate for the Land Army. They’re always looking for girls to work Basil Quincey’s fields.” She winked at Rosa. “Perhaps you can teach them a thing or two.”

“Land Army? I don’t want to carry a gun.”

Kathryn guffawed then covered her mouth for a moment. “I’m sorry. How rude of me. It’s not that kind of an army, dearie. You would work at one of the farms planting and harvesting produce.”

“I would get paid to work in a garden?”

“Yes, my dear, you would. The biggest garden you’ve ever seen.”

Rosa clapped her hands and grinned. “I would like that very much.”

A light breeze lifted Noreen’s hair, and she glanced at the sky. Is that you, Heavenly Father? Once again, You have provided for us in a way we never expected. You’ve sheltered us, and now You’ve provided food. I don’t deserve Your grace. My heart cries out in awe and gratitude.

Kathryn tucked her bag under her arm. “I must be going. Lots to do. I’m so glad I ran into you. Don’t forget. Stop by to see Peter first thing in the morning.” She waggled her fingers and rushed down the sidewalk. “I’ll tell him to expect you.”

Noreen and Rosa exchanged a glance then burst out laughing.

“She always was a formidable force.” Noreen said. “Hard to say no to, I would imagine.”

“God answered your prayer, didn’t he? You prayed, and he sent her to you.”

“To us. God is taking care of both of us, Rosa. And yes, he did answer my prayer.” She frowned. “We’ll see about you working on this Basil Quincey’s farm. The only Basil I remember was a cruel and dishonest man.”