Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

- Goodness, Audrey thought to herself as she came out gasping for air after their first kiss. This is something different.
The chaste kisses she had shared with Gerald had been nice. Warm and sweet. But nothing happened. Perhaps a slight tingling, but that was it. The earth didn’t move. That would be the difference between kissing when you’re twenty and when you’re forty-six, she had told herself.
Apparently she was wrong. She was now forty-eight and her mind should be set on grandchildren. But her skin was full of fluttering butterflies, her head was spinning and her legs almost buckled under her.
Siegfried’s firm grip around her waist and his hazel eyes, looking deeply into hers with an earnest, passionate expression. She ran her fingers through his curls and locked lips with him again, repeating the comparative experiment with great intensity. This second kiss was even deeper, more demanding. Flashes of fire ran through her body, making the blood in her veins boil and her heart race into a crazy frenzy. Her weak limbs couldn’t move in any other direction but closer to him and the white sparkles that emerged from her lips travelled at high speed down to her nipples and between her legs. She could feel his arousal too, as their bodies pressed against each other. A silent groan from his throat as he pushed himself even closer and deeper into her mouth. Into the core of who she was.
After an eternity their lips parted and her head fell onto his shoulder, she had to rest for a moment, couldn’t bare his eyes. His deep desire, way beyond their bodies’ urge. She snuggled her face into the side of his neck, inhaled his lovely scent and tried to calm her racing body for a moment. He stroke her hair, making little noises of affection.
Eventually one of them had to say something.
And of course they started at the same time.
- I’m sorry if…
- I wasn’t trying to…
They chuckled. This was so typical, they knew each other so well. And yet they didn’t. This was a whole new territory, a thin ice to tread lightly on. Audrey lifted her head, she could almost breathe properly again and dared to meet his gaze.
- I didn’t think it could be like this. At our age. But apparently it could. With the right bloke.
A sudden expression of pain flashed across his face. Oh, she didn’t mean to hurt him. Of course he understood what she was referring to. She had seen his eyes turn black when Gerald was around or even mentioned. But those days were long gone. And she had been over that man even before he was out of the door with the newly operated Rock. She had been quite surprised that she never missed him the slightest. She was sorry that she had hurt him, led him on for quite some time before she realised that she wasn’t in love with him. But that was it. No wonder the earth didn’t move.
Siegfried’s face softened again, his eyes loving and smiling as he brushed her lips with the lightest of kisses, so unlike the demanding embrace from before. And yet it filled her with the same overwhelming feelings.
- Because now you are with the right bloke. And I’m with the right lass. Audrey Hall from Scarborough, he whispered.
She couldn’t answer, she just smiled at him. Tears making her eyes hazy. She could see the same in his.

At the other end of the hallway where they were standing, Helen was on her way out of the dining room, little Jimmy on her arm. When she saw the entangled couple by the phone, she stopped on the threshold and backed away into the sitting room, hushing Tristan and James right behind her.
- Goodness, she whispered. Siegfried and Audrey – snogging!!
With a restrained giggle they all withdrew to an unseen spot of the sitting room, discussing in pianissimo how long this might have been going on.

They stayed in their embrace. For how long? Who knows. Audrey leaned into Siegfried’s body, fondling his back, finding the soft skin on his neck, relishing his caresses and small kisses on her face and neck. Very far back in her head she heard a very weak voice telling her to start making dinner. But it seemed very unimportant. She was floating on a blissful cloud, music in her ears and a beloved boy in her arms. Food was of no significance whatsoever. And that beautiful music… She could actually hear an angelic voice surrounded by caressing strings. Love could actually make you hear something so beautiful.
- Can you hear it too? She whispered into his ear.
- The music?
- Yes! It’s so beautiful.
- It’s Vera Lynn.
She looked at him.
- Vera Lynn?
Not an angel?
- Yes. The radio in the kitchen.
- I thought…
She laughed.
- So did I. Until I realised. And can you hear what song it is?
She sharpened her hearing, listening to the lyrics. Then looked at him again. A mischievous sparkle in his eyes - that song! What a coincidence! They shared a silent laugh and kissed again, swaying to the music.
- Let’s keep this our secret, just for a while, he said softly. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I really want to shout it out from the rooftops. But I would love if it was just ours for a while.
She nodded.
- I agree. Just ours. In due time we can tell them.

In the connecting room their three foster children stood with their heads close together, whispering and giggling. And wee Jimmy on his mummy’s arm maybe wondering what the fuss was all about. Hadn’t the grownups seen before that his godparents loved each other?

And on the radio Vera Lynn sang her refrain.

Kiss me again, kiss me my darling
Each time I cling to your kiss
I hear music divine

Besame o Besame Mucho
Hold me,my darling
And say that you'll always be mine

This joy is something new
My arms enfolding you
Never knew this thrill before..

Whoever thought I'd be
holding you close to me,
Whispering "It's You I adore",

Dearest one,
If you should leave me,
Each little dream would take wing.
And my life would be through,

Besame o Besame Mucho,
Love me forever,
and make all my dreams come true.

Chapter Text

Audrey cooked dinner as if in a haze. Peeled potatoes, onions, carrots and parsnips for a Lord Woolton’s pie, but with her mind in another dimension. Formed two loafs of bread of the dough she had been making just before it happened. Put a cloth over them, leaving them to rise in the warmth of the Aga.

What just happened? Did she just imagine it?
She had been working in the kitchen as usual when the phone rang. Her hands were sticky with dough and since she thought that she was the only one at home, she quickly rinsed her fingers, dried them and ran to the phone in the hallway. Siegfried came running from the other side of the house, he had probably just entered through the front door, they were both in such a hurry that they almost collided into each other. A big laugh and had a wordless conversation about who should pick up the phone. Siegfried made a grand gesture and Audrey answered, still giggling.

- Darrowby 2297.

It was Mrs Daughnton, a cousin to Mrs Pumphrey. A new customer, even quirkier than her notorious relative. As she gave a long and intricate description of the symptoms of her Siamese cat Mr Moltas, Audrey took notes and tried to hold back the laughter that was threatening to break out any second. The cat, possibly more spoilt than his canine kinsman Tricky Woo, had probably been coughing up fur balls but Mrs Daughnton was on the verge of tears, convinced that her darling had a lethal disease. Siegfried was standing at the side, watching Audrey’s struggle not to laugh, leaning against the wall with a big smile on his face. As the phone call was finally over and Audrey put the receiver back on the phone, they looked at each other and let all the amusement out in a big laugh. As Audrey dried her tearing eyes with the backside of her hand, her watch got caught in her hair and a strand fell down on her face from the otherwise ever so tidy hairdo. She loosened the hairpin and tried to tuck it back, but was still laughing and couldn’t get it right. Siegfried, who was standing very close, took the strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear.

And suddenly there was no laughter, no amusement.
Suddenly she realised what was about to happen when he cupped her face with his hands and his lips closed over hers in a world-changing moment.

Standing in the kitchen, just twenty minutes later, she dropped the tea cup she was holding at the memory. It fell to the floor and broke into hundreds of pieces.

She had no idea for how long they had been standing there, kissing like two teenagers. She had a vague memory of a promise to keep it a secret for now. And then they heard the front door opening and the voices of Helen, Tris and James, entering the house. They quickly let go of each other, Siegfried withdrew to his study and she to the kitchen, throwing on a pinny, pretending nothing had happened.

And here she was. All her internal organs had surely changed places, her body and mind were upside down, inside out, she wouldn’t know. She tried to keep her head calm but her mind constantly went back to the memory of his body pressed against hers, his tongue caressing hers. All that yearning and desire that had been locked up for years almost threatened to destroy her. Flashes of heat went through her veins and made her limbs weak.
It was almost like those hot flashes that she half expected to experience at this time of life. Could that be it? Was it the Big Change that made her feel like this?

She fetched the broom to sweep up the pieces of the broken tea cup. No, that wasn’t it. Her body felt more like it wanted to start producing little babies at this instant .

- God forbid, she mumbled to herself.

She boiled the veggies and made a dough for the pie. Helen came into the kitchen as she shoved the pie and the bread loaves into the oven. She started to set the table as she looked at Audrey in surprise.

- Aud, you’re pinny is on inside out!

Audrey looked down. How embarrassing. The pinny was undoubtedly inside out, but as if that wasn’t enough, she had also put it on top of another pinny. The one that was pressed against Siegfried’s waistcoat a while ago. And that thought immediately made her legs weak again.

- How daft, she said and quickly took off the top pinny.

She could feel her cheeks glowing of embarrassment.
The rest of the family entered the kitchen one by one. Siegfried came last, uncharacteristically silent, while the others chatted as usual. Focus was, as always, on little Jimmy and Audrey was grateful that no one looked in her direction.
That wasn’t entirely true. Siegfried was looking at her. Constantly. She looked everywhere but at him. They dug in to the pie, all prizing her cooking even if it was limited by wartime rations.

- What’s that funny smell, James suddenly said. It smells burnt!
- Goodness, the bread!

Audrey jumped up from her chair and opened the hatch of the Aga. A black smoke filled the kitchen as she pulled out the sheet with the two burnt loaves.
Helen looked at James and Tris and mimed “What’s going on?”

After a somewhat awkward meal, Siegfried went to answer the phone again and Helen pulled her husband and Tris into the sitting room.

- This is really odd, she said. Aud has been acting peculiar, putting on the pinny inside out, burning the bread.. and apparently she broke a tea cup, I saw the shards in the bin. I’m suspecting that what we saw was actually their first..
- Really, said James, their first kiss? After all these years? I mean, they have always acted like they were married, that was my first thought when I came here.
- Yes, they have always been bickering, said Tris. I remember that I thought they might as well be married, when Mrs H came here. But since nothing ever happened I assumed that there was no such spark between them.
- Of course there is, said Helen. I thought that Siegfried was too shy about it, too afraid that she would leave. I must admit, I nudged her to go out with Gerald. Thought that she deserved to have someone caring about her. She always cares som much about others.
- But she couldn’t go with him to the Lakes… because of Siegfried. I never really understood why she broke up with Gerald, but now it makes sense, said James. Let’s leave them some space tonight.
- But we can’t go upstairs already, that would be suspicious, said Helen.
- Let’s hang around for an hour or so, said Tris. I can take one for the team and go to the Drover’s!
- You are such a good sport, said Helen and tapped his shoulder.

Audrey and Siegfried sat in their usual places, the armchairs. James was on the sofa with wee Jimmy and Helen was playing cards with Tris on the floor in front of the fireplace.
Audrey was knitting. She was making herself a new cardigan with a quite complicated pattern. She knitted row after row, realising that she would have to unravel it all, it was totally wrong from beginning to end. But at least she had something in her hands. Siegfried was smoking his pipe and reading a book. But he didn’t turn the pages so she suspected that he was as preoccupied as she was.

- This is daft, she thought. I have been sitting in this armchair for ten years at his side. And even though I always have had feelings for him, I never felt like this. Like I just want to drag him out of here, up the stairs and..

She had to stop herself, the thought made her too upset.

At nine o’clock all the younger folks of the family had left, one by one. Audrey and Siegfried sat still side by side. As the silence became more and more deafening, Audrey rose and turned on the radio. Soft swing music filled the room.
Siegfried took her hand as she returned to the armchair.

- Are you ok? Are we?

She placed her hand over his.

- Of course we are. I’m just..confused.
- No regrets?
- No!

He smiled, relieved.

- Let’s sit on the sofa instead.

Jess was lying in the middle and wouldn’t move as they sat down, she was used to lying between them. But Siegfried chased her to the side seat, pulled Audrey down to his side and held her close.

- This is crazy. Why haven’t this happened before? And why did it happen now?

Siegfried mumbled the words into Audrey’s hair.

- I don’t know. I don’t care. Maybe it was supposed to be like this.
- I have always had feelings for you. From the start.
- Likewise. But at that point we were both too vulnerable. You had just lost Evelyn.
- And you had all your troubles with Edward. And Robert.

They sat like that for a long time. Sometimes talking, sometimes silent, listening to the music from the radio. Gently touching each other’s hands, hair, faces.
Audrey felt calm and warm, surrounded by love and safety. But the excitement and the arousal was just under the surface . She knew that she was on the top of a volcano.
The hours went by and it was quite late. But none of them wanted to move, to break up this enchanted moment.
Audrey’s eyelids dropped and she was almost dozing off against Siegfried’s shoulder when he said:

- Oh, there she is again!

Audrey blinked.

- Who?
- Vera Lynn.

And Vera Lynn sang.

Here we are
Out of cigarettes
Holding hands and yawning
Look how late it gets
Two sleepy people by dawn's early light
And too much in love to say goodnight
Here we are
In the cozy chair
Pickin' on a wishbone
From the Frigidaire
Two sleepy people with nothing to say
And too much in love to break away

They looked at each other and smiled. Kissed lightly but with an underlying passion.

The kiss deepened. Audrey lost herself in the feeling, snuggled closer with a racing heart and a dizzy head. It was crazy how much she wanted him. His warm skin, the sweet scent of his cologne , tobacco, leather and – him. His hands that softly explored her body, the soft beard that tickled her face and neck. She wanted it all so close.

Well, here we are
Just about the same
Foggy little fella
Drowsy little dame
Two sleepy people by dawn's early light
And too much in love to say goodnight

The song faded out. It was very late. Siegfried got up, turned the radio off and reached out for Audrey, pulling her up from the sofa.

- My dearest drowsy little dame, I think it’s actually time for these two sleepy people to say good night, he said and placed a kiss on her forehead.

They went their rounds in the house as they had done so many times before, switching off the lights, locking the doors, minding the fires, taking care of their home. Audrey leaving a small lamp in the hallway, for Tris whenever he would come home. They climbed up the stairs. From the bedsit they could hear little Jimmy crying for a minute, but then become silent. Probably content at his mother’s breast.
Siegfried kissed Audrey lightly outside her bedroom door.
- Sleep well, my love. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!
He went into his bedroom, smilingly. Audrey opened her door. Slowly took off her clothes. Put on the nightie and sat down on her bed. Her bare feet cold on the floor. Hugging her arms with goosebumps. Unsure of what to do. She went to brush her teeth, heard Tristan coming home, bumping in to the furniture downstairs, probably quite drunk. When she heard that he had gone to bed, she opened her door and crept in the darkness across the hallway and silently knocked on Siegfried’s door. Maybe he was asleep. But no, he opened right away.

- May I come in?
- Of course. But..

He looked a bit worried.

- Are you sure about this? he said.
- I am very sure. I’m done waiting.

The bedroom was dark. But Siegfried hadn’t drawn the curtains and the moon was shining in on the two people that had shared a home for a decade but not until today shared their feelings for each other. Audrey in daylight was a strong, industrious woman. But standing in the moonlight with her dark hair floating down over her shoulders and with bare feet and arms, she looked small and very young. A touch of uncertainty in her face.

- If you’ll have me? she whispered.
- Nothing would make me more happy.

She crept into his warm embrace and finally let her desire lead the way without fighting it.

Chapter Text

The white cliffs of Dover

Breakfast time at Skeldale house. Helen’s eyes were ceaselessly scanning Audrey and Siegfried. It was a week since the astonishing scene by the phone and she had been keeping her eyes on them, noticing all the little signals between them. Even furtive little touches. It was adorable but also a bit odd. Why wouldn’t they tell them? Their family! Were they thinking they wouldn’t approve?

- Right, better be off then, Siegfried said, wiped his mouth and rose from the table. Thank you, Mrs Hall! Since James is taking care of surgery today, I’ll go up to Johnson’s farm and remove the stitches on their bull and check up that sick calf. I’ll probably be home by lunch.

Helen watched him closely. Would he repeat his new habit again today?
She saw him standing by the sink, putting his hand in the pocket, taking out his pipe and tobacco and leaving it on the counter. At the same time he winked secretly at Audrey. Who obviously got the message. A minute later he was out of the door.
Another minute later Audrey said:

- Ah, that daft man, he forgot his pipe.

And went after him.

This scene had repeated itself every day with some variations. His glasses, his jacket. Or something else.
When the door closed behind Audrey, Helen leaned forward towards James and Tris.

- This is crazy! Every day, the same thing! Why won’t they tell us?
- They were at it last night again, said Tristan. And this morning! I heard them.

He whined and rolled his eyes.

- You should be happy for them, James said.
- I am! I just don’t want to hear them. My brother….whew..it’s like hearing your parents.
- They are practically your parents, said Helen. They just didn’t give birth to you. If they don’t tell us soon, we will have to do it for them. Put them out of their misery.
- Yes, I agree, said James. They can’t go on like this. We’ll have to talk to them tonight.

Audrey hurried out of the back door and into the shed, where Siegfried was waiting. She went straight into his arms and kissed him.

- This is crazy, she said, repeating the words that Helen just said in the kitchen. I can’t go on like this for much longer.
- Me neither, said Siegfried. Maybe it’s time?
- Yes, let’s do it tonight.
- Alright. You are always right, my love.

They kissed again, not wanting to part. Finally Audrey chased him away, out the door and into the Rover. As she watched him drive away she put her hand in her pocket. The pipe! She had forgotten to give it to him.

Later in the afternoon Siegfried returned home. He had missed lunch but managed to phone Audrey and tell her he was late, he knew she would worry if he was late. The house was empty and it suited him well. He was looking for an item that he hadn’t seen for a long time and needed to search without any curious questions. He started at his desk in the study. A small brown leather box. He looked through all the drawers but no sign of it. The bookshelves? He looked behind all the books and piles of papers, repeating the manoeuvre in the sitting room. Nothing. He then went upstairs, looked through his bedside table and all the drawers in the closet. He even looked in the other bedside table, still containing Evelyn’s things. A tube of hand cream, some books, handkerchiefs. He looked at it. He could still feel pain but he was at peace with it. It would never leave him, he would always miss her. Her place in his heart was still a sanctuary. But it was time to let Audrey in now, she should have her legitimate place in this home. In this bed, where she had been sleeping, well, spending the nights since it happened a week ago. He emptied the drawer and then opened the closet again. Evelyn’s clothes. They were probably hopelessly out of fashion. But maybe something could be used? He didn’t want to burden Audrey with it, he could ask Helen. Without hesitation he fetched a suitcase from the attic and packed the dresses, trousers, skirts and blouses of his late wife. A faint scent of her perfume brought a tear to his eye. But it was ok.

But still no sign of that little brown box..
There was only one person who probably knew. And he couldn’t ask her.

They gathered in the sitting room after dinner as always. Audrey was nervous. How would Tristan take this? Maybe she wasn’t what he had in mind for his brother. She knew that he liked her very much but did he want her as his sister in law? And Helen and James? Less than two years ago she was with Gerald. And now Siegfried. What would they think? Helen had always encouraged her relationship with Gerald, what if she didn’t like this? She valued Helen very highly, she was one of her closest friends, to be true. She said a quick prayer, asking God to be with her. With them, Siegfried and her.
She had baked small almond pastries to go with the sherry. Maggie had helped her to get the almonds, it was a long time since something like that was available in the shops. She had spent most of the afternoon cooking and making these little treats. She realised that she handled the difficult situation as she always did: she tried to win people’s hearts by tasty food.

Siegfried poured sherry into the small crystal glasses and handed out. His hands were a bit shaky, Audrey could see that he was nervous too. He cleared his throat.

- Hm.. I … we, Mrs Hall and I have an announcement, if you would please be seated.

Audrey watched Helen, James and Tris looking meaningly at each other, nodding and smiling. She suddenly wondered if they knew what was going on. But how? They had been so careful! Siegfried handed out the glasses and the three young ones seated themselves on the sofa, little Jimmy on his mothers lap.

- Hm, as I said, we have an announcement and I would like to start by telling a little story from ancient history, the old Greeks, actually. A story that takes place in Athens in the year of…

Tristan groaned loudly and squirmed.

- Oh, for god’s sake, Siegfried! Not the old Greeks! We know what you are going to tell us!
- You do!?

Audrey could see that Siegfried were on his way of getting very annoyed at Tris. She put her hand on Siegfried’s arm to calm him.

- Yes, I think they actually do. But I don’t know how, she said.
- We saw you! said Tris. In the hallway. Kissing!

Audrey took a deep breath, closed her eyes and took a firmer grip of Siegfried’s arm. The embarrassment went in shock waves through her body. When she opened her eyes again, Helen was standing in front of her with the baby on her arm.

- It was just for a second, we all came from outside. And we backed off at once. We are so very happy for you!

She hugged Audrey. James came along at did the same. Hugging and handshakes, happy faces. No one seemed cross or disappointed.
Tristan threw his arms around her and almost lifted her from the floor.

- I would never ever want any other sister in law than you, Mrs … Audrey, he said. I mean, he has purposed, I hope?

He looked at Siegfried who was coming out of Helen’s and little Jimmy’s hug.

- Eh, yes, I was going to. If I could find the blooming ring!

The last words he said between gritted teeth.

- What ring, said Tris.
- Our grandmother’s ring. In a small leather box. I have been searching for it all day.
- Ah. That ring.

Tristan pursed his lips.

- Oh come on, Audrey, said Helen. You’re a modern woman.
- I am?
- Yes! You don’t have to wait for a man to propose!
- You’re actually right, Helen!

Audrey, surrounded by love from her beautiful family, felt strong again. She looked at them, proud of each and every one of these wonderful persons. Proud to be one of them and even more proud that the man at her side wanted her as his wife. Or at least she hoped so.
She’d better find out, then.
She took Siegfried’s hand in hers, went down on one knee and looked up on him with a big smile.

- Siegfried Donald Farnon, she said. Would you do me the honour of becoming my husband?

It was Siegfried’s turn to be embarrassed. He looked down at her and at the others, seemingly unsure of what to do.

- Well, she said, I would love to have an answer.

He pulled her up on her feet again and kissed her hand.

- Of course I want to be your husband, he said.
- Hold that thought, Tris shouted and rushed out of the room.
- What on earth?

Siegfried looked after him for a second and then, for the first time in front of their family, he took Audrey in his arms. Looked lovingly at his fiancée and kissed her. James and Helen cheered.
Seconds later Tris was back with a little brown leather box. The one that Siegfried had been looking for the whole day.

- You had it!?
- Yes. I brought it with me to… Cairo.
- You did what??? Our grandmother’s wedding ring?
- Yes, it was like a god luck charm. And I thought it might be a good idea if I met a nice girl there.
- You were going to give away our grandmother’s wedding ring … what if you had lost it.
- We’ll you’re giving it away now, aren’t you?

Audrey put on hand on each brother, she had to stop Siegfried from throwing a wobbly in this important moment of their lives.

- Now calm down, the pair of you! The ring is here! And I don’t have to have this particular one. I’ll be happy to wear any ring that you’ll put on my finger, Siegfried Farnon.

Siegfried opened the box and took out a golden wedding ring, quite simple, with three emeralds.
Audrey gasped at the sight of it.

- It’s exquisite!

Siegfried took her left hand and put it on her ring finger. It actually fitted.

- I remember this ring on our grandmother’s hand. And it seems that since then it has been to Africa and back! Now I’m looking forward to seeing it everyday on your hand, my beloved Audrey.
- I will wear it with pride, she answered.

More kisses, more cheering. They toasted to love and marriage - and to the remarkable Mrs Hall. Audrey was dizzy of happiness and love.
And suddenly she heard that voice again. Apparently someone had turned on the radio because Vera Lynn was singing again. And this time it was Audrey’s favourite. She snuggled closer to Siegfried, leaned her head against his and listened to the song.

There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of dover
Tomorrow
Just you wait and see
There'll be love and laughter
And peace ever after
Tomorrow
When the world is free
The shepherd will tend his sheep
The valley will bloom again
And Jimmy will go to sleep
In his own little room again
There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of dover
Tomorrow
Just you wait and see

The white cliffs of Dover.
Or maybe the green hills of the Yorkshire Dales.

Chapter Text

Epilogue

As they went to bed that night, this time without hiding the fact that they shared bedroom, Siegfried opened the closet door to Audrey.

- I have emptied it, you can put your clothes in here now.
- What did you do with Evelyn’s clothes?

Audrey looked concerned.

- I packed them into a suitcase. I’m going to ask Helen to get rid of them.
- Those were really fine garments of high quality. And also very beautiful. I have taken care of them, aired them and darned the moth holes once a year.
- This whole time?
- Yes. They should be used. They’re too small for me and I wouldn’t be comfortable wearing them anyway. But we can take them to the WI and find new owners for them.
- Thank you, dearest.

He closed the doors to the closet, slipped under the covers at her side.

- I was thinking, she said, that little wrinkle between her eyes deepened, if I’m going to be Mrs Farnon..
- Not if! You are!

His eyes twinkling.

- I will be representing you and the clinic in quite another way.
- You have always done that, but go on?
- It is another thing, when it’s official. I think I would need to have some new clothes.
- Yes!! Let’s go dress shopping! I’d love that! And we have to get you a wedding dress! Cream coloured silk covered with lace.
- Oh no! Not white or even cream coloured! I’m divorced with a grown son. That would be scandalous! No, a sensible dress in lovely colours. That I can use again many times. Helen just gave me her fabric rations, she had saved up. Bless her heart!
- We’ll go to Leeds and look for a beautiful dress!

Audrey smiled at his enthusiasm. She had never realised before how much he appreciated a well dressed lady. And she had been walking around in her pinnies and old tweed skirts for ten years!

- That sounds lovely, but I think I’d better ask Mrs Driscoll. She lives here in Darrowby and is a wonderful seamstress. Even Mrs Pumphrey orders frocks from her. We should favour our local community. Maybe I’ll get one or two hats and some gloves at JA Dean’s.
- You are right! As always!
- And then I’ll make myself some new dresses and skirts. If the moths haven’t feasted too much, there are some beautiful fabrics in one of the boxes that we moved from the bedsit when Helen and James moved in up there. I’m thinking Evelyn bought them long time ago?
- Yes, probably. Maybe when we were travelling in Europe. Before the Great War. And you wouldn’t be uncomfortable wearing them?
- Quite another thing if I make the dresses myself. No, I’d be honoured. And one more thing: no big wedding! Just us and the family. Since it can’t be in church, me being divorced.
- I don’t care if we get married on the moon! The Alderson’s?
- Yes, and maybe James’s parents? And Mr Carmody!
- Of course! A good opportunity for him to study pair bonds between humans!
- I really wish Edward could come.. I’ll write to him tomorrow and tell him.
- That would be wonderful.
- I’ll prepare the food and Maggie will surely help out…

She yawned. The tension during the day and the lack of sleep the last week was taking it’s toll. Her eyelids fell down. She was exhausted. She sneaked in to his arms and yawned again.

- I’m sorry, my love, I don’t think I’ll be able to make love tonight, she mumbled against his chest. Too tired…

Siegfried cradled her softly.

- That’s quite alright. I’m very tired too, not sure I would be able to perform..
- Mhm…

She opened her eyes again. Something had come to her mind.

- Did you hear her?
- Who?
- On the radio? It was Vera Lynn again. After we had told everyone, she was singing my favourite; White cliffs of Dover.
- How suitable! Then I’ll sing my favourite to you. As a lullaby.

Audrey sighed happily. She loved hearing him singing.
In pianissimo he sang into her hair.

Be sure it's true when you say, I love you
It's a sin to tell a lie
Millions of hearts have been broken
Just because these words were spoken
I love you, yes I do, I love you
If you break my heart, I'll die
So be sure it's true when you say, I love you
It's a sin to tell a lie
She was breathing slowly, half asleep in his arms. Siegfried was also drifting off. But just before he fell asleep he heard her voice, drowsy and warm.

- I love you too, Siegfried Donald Farnon. And I never tell a lie.