halt on the grey gravelly driveway as Lizzie looked out of the window, admiring the beautiful stonework of the building which was perched on the edge of some rising ground. It was solid yet welcoming with a peek-a-boo view of the sea through sand dunes and spirals of seagrass that cavorted in a brisk sea breeze.
As he helped her out of the car, the fresh, salty smell of sea air filled her lungs and the sound of gulls reached her on the edge of the sharp northern wind that whipped her curly cropped hair across her cheeks.
Jack gathered up their luggage, and slipping his arm around Lizzie, pulled her close to keep her warm as he escorted her to the door.
Inside the guesthouse, a pleasant mahogany-panelled hallway greeted them along with the smell of beeswax. Beyond the hall, a door opened onto a lounge room with large picture windows that also overlooked the sea.
An older woman, neat and well put together in a sensible tweed skirt and a cream blouse, introduced herself as Mrs Barton as she greeted them in the foyer.
‘Jack Henson,’ he said with a smile, ‘I booked two rooms.’
The landlady chuckled as she pulled out a pen for him to sign the guest book. ‘I know who you are. You’re the only people staying this time of the year. So, you’re fortunate you get the best rooms in the house.’
Lizzie mused that Mrs Barton was unexpectedly modern. About the same age but so different from her own parents, who would certainly have frowned on the two of them staying together unmarried, even in separate rooms.
‘Wonderful,’ responded Jack as Lizzie stroked a friendly tabby cat that had leaped up onto the welcome desk to meet them. After Jack signed the guest book, he paused to consult their host. ‘Is there anywhere nice nearby we can go for dinner?’ he enquired.
Mrs Barton shook her head. ‘Unfortunately, we’re very cut off here on this part of the coast, but if you like home-cooked food, I’d be more than happy to make you something warm and filling for dinner. A local farm has been keeping us well-stocked, and we have a dining room with a lovely view of the sea.’ Jack looked at Lizzie as she enthusiastically nodded her head.
‘That sounds lovely.’ She smiled.
They settled into their rooms, and Lizzie had to pinch herself that there was even a war going on. She would’ve thought she was on holiday if it weren’t for the spare gas masks in the room and procedures for what to do in a bombing raid. Meeting Jack downstairs, they decided to go for a walk to enjoy the last rays of sun that was starting to set in a tangerine glow. The wind was bracing, so she dressed up warm and was happy to cuddle next to Jack, who had changed out of his uniform and was now looking very handsome in a cap and scarf and a dark blue knitted sweater. Exiting the guesthouse, they walked along the low hillside and down onto the beach.
They avoided walking too close to the water because of the mines, and warning signs were everywhere, so they sauntered along the top of the sand dunes instead.
As they wound their way around the coastline, they talked about everything, their families, their friends, their hopes for a world in peacetime.
‘I love it here,’ mused Lizzie as she stared out to the sea. ‘I’ve missed the quiet since I left Scotland.’
‘I bet it is beautiful up there,’ added Jack.
‘I would love to take you. You would love my uncle, the two of you would get on so well. Maybe if we get extended leave someday, you could come with me?’
Jack pulled her close, and she could smell the fresh spicy scent of his aftershave and feel his warm breath on her cheek. He turned her to face him and kissed her on the lips with such tenderness it made her heart pound. Sliding her arms around his waist and up under his sweater, she nuzzled her head into his warm shoulder as they watched the final rays of the day disappear.
‘I love you, Lizzie,’ he whispered into her ear to be heard above the wind, ‘and I can’t wait till this is over so we can start our life together.’
Lizzie felt a tingle of exhilaration. He hadn’t talked about plans for a life together after the war in such intimate terms before. But she really hoped to have the chance of a