The Year Of New Beginnings

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Book Excerpt

Chapter One

The sun rose steadily in the cerulean blue sky and over the land, tendrils of mist curled and danced. Rain had fallen late last night, leaving the ground damp and dotted with beads of silver dew, and the air smelt fresh, fragrant with the scent of summer flowers: heady lilac and sweet mock orange, the musky undertones of sweet pea mixed with the spicy rhododendron. Blossom fell from the gently swaying trees, lining the street in a cloak of pinks and creams. It was quiet enough to hear a thrush singing from a roof top and then the tranquillity was broken by a chugging sound, a bus turning up the street, fumes erupting from its exhaust pipe.

Evelyn was leaning out of her bedroom window, struck by the beauty of the world around her. Blue tits perched on the nearby telegraph pole in a neat line, swinging and whistling. Their dawn chorus filled her heart with joy, and as she stretched further out, she could see the neighbour’s cats rolling in dew dipped grass; bundles of grey fur that made her feel so warm and emotional she felt like a Disney character on the precipice of falling into an eternal void of cliched joyous happiness.

A sudden gust of wind blew back her netting and lifted the leaves out of the gutter, twisting them high into the air. Evelyn shivered, drew her dressing gown tighter around her and turned away. Where to start first on this beautiful summer morning? Breakfast.

At the table she sat, stirring her hot porridge, sipping the sweet tea, enjoying the peace, the solitude, the stillness. Her head felt in a daze, a happy daze of wonder, excitement and a little bit of apprehension. Her stomach somersaulted with the prospect of what was to come, what the day would bring, and a tear sprang to her eye as she considered her dear departed Mam. What would she make of what was about to happen?

Life was full of surprises. Who would have thought after all these years alone she would find love, she would find Jacob. Evelyn stretched out her hand and gazed down at her sparkling ring, a symbol of ardour and attachment and her mind was full of him. The way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, his gentle kindness and the warmth that exuded from him. Her love for him had grown sure and steady. The days she spent with him had fixed the resolution in her. That he was noble and decent were one of the many reasons why she cared for him. Her heart was full of tenderness for him and today was her chance to declare it.

From upstairs she heard a door bang, the patter of feet running across the landing, the flush of the lavatory, the sound of laughter. Sophie stood in the doorway, a pretty vision in her pink pyjamas.

“Good morning,” she hugged Evelyn, “it’s your wedding day!”

            By mid-morning the romantic hue had abated somewhat and the house was in chaos. Josh and Jake were tearing around, zapping each other with Nerf guns. Sophie shooed them outside, warning them to keep their smart wedding attire clean. The dogs were pacing, ears pricked with intuition that something big was occurring. They howled along to the music Sophie played, while she curled Evelyn’s hair.

“What time is it dear?”

“It’s almost eleven,” Sophie replied, “we have plenty of time, so don’t you worry.” The curling tongs hissed with agreement. “How are you feeling Evelyn?”

“Nervous,” Evelyn admitted, “but happy.”

“It’s such a glorious day for a wedding,” Sophie glanced through the window at the brightness, “perfect.”

            The flowers arrived a short while later. Peony posies fragrant and sweet, buttonholes for the boys and a note from Flora wishing them luck. Evelyn stepped into her cream dress; her hands trembled slightly as she pulled up her zip. Into her ears she slid a pair of pearl earrings and a matching necklace clipped loosely around her throat. Sophie squirted her with a blast of fragrance, “it’s Beauty by Calvin Klein,” she fussed around her, “Evelyn you’re stunning. Look.” Sophie pulled her to the full-length mirror.

Evelyn blinked at her reflection, “my,” she said, “is that really me?”

“Here,” Sophie passed her a pair of ivory shoes, then someone was knocking on the door again. Sophie scurried out of the room, down the stairs. Jake was tugging on the door handle and the dogs were scraping their nails on the floor in excitement.

“It’s only me,” Jon Stokes poked his head through the gap, “I’m not too early, am I?”

“No,” Sophie beckoned him in, “wait in the lounge, she’s almost ready.”

            “I have a surprise for you,” Sophie said to Evelyn who was standing at the top of the stairs, “well not just me, from us all. The university gang.”

“What is it?” Evelyn’s heart was racing with excitement.

“Come downstairs and all will be revealed. Be careful now in those shoes,” Sophie and her twin boys were at the foot of the stairs, staring up at her with incredulous faces, “you look sick,” Josh said.

“That’s a compliment,” Sophie said with a laugh.

“Hello,” Jon walked into the hallway, “Evelyn you look very beautiful.”

“Jon! What are you doing here?”

He lifted a camera, “I’m your photographer for the day.”

“You are?”

Sophie giggled, “he’s got one of those zoom in and out thingies. Very professional.”

“I’m an amateur,” Jon cut in, “it’s a very enjoyable pastime. I’m going to make you an album, as a gift from us all.”

“Oh. That’s so kind,” Evelyn dabbed at her dampening eyes.

“Your mascara!” Sophie screeched, “no Evelyn. No!”

            They stood outside on the garden patio as Jon snapped away, “turn to your left, lift your flowers up, Sophie get the blasted dogs out of the way.”

Evelyn’s cheeks were feeling strained from smiling so much.

“Almost finished,” said Jon, looking around, “just a few more over there on that swing.” Obediently, Evelyn trooped over and sat down while the camera clicked, zooming in at different angles.

“I think that’s enough,” Jon said, smoothly slotting the camera into its case.

“One more surprise Evelyn,” Sophie pulled her across the grass, “you have a lift to the registry office. We won’t be needing a taxi.”

They clattered through the house, Sophie yelled at the boys to come off their computer and to get their shoes on.

“Is Jon taking us?”

“Sure is,” replied Sophie, “don’t forget your flowers Evelyn.”

            The car sparkled and gleamed in the morning sunshine. It was so squeaky clean that even the wheel trims were shining.

“I had it valeted, from top to bottom,” Jon said, patting the bonnet, “Ann insisted on the ribbon.”

“It looks lovely,” Evelyn gushed, “shall we get in Sophie?”

Jon pulled the door open, “madams.”

Evelyn slid in, followed by Sophie and the boys, “Josh please stop swinging your feet, and Jake – stop picking your nose!”

Jon turned the key and the engine erupted to life, “hold on tight ladies, we’re on our way.”

***

            Juliette was peering up the street with an excited Molly hanging onto her hand. Harry was kicking pebbles into the gutter and pulling at his tie.

“Is Evelyn wearing a princess dress?”

Juliette looked down at her daughter and smiled, “I don’t know sweetheart, we’ll have to wait and see.”

A car pulled up a few feet away and Will staggered out, “cheers Mum.” Hema followed him out, looking pretty in a lilac sundress.

“Have a lovely day,” Flora papped her horn and drove away.

“So, where’s the bride?” Will popped a stick of gum in his mouth.

“Not here yet, but Jacob’s inside,” Juliette smiled, “he’s very nervous. How is Esme?”

“Crawling,” Hema replied, “and into everything.”

“I loved that age. Molly took her first steps at ten months, she was really forward for her age. Harry was a lazybones though, the complete opposite. Oh here’s Ann.”

“Hey, how you doing?” Will smiled at Ann who was being pushed along the pavement by her mum.

“I’m good thanks. I’ve bought confetti,” she passed the boxes round.

“Have you had a nice summer Ann?” Juliette asked.

“Wonderful. A week by the sea was just what I needed. Bracing sea air, trips down the promenade and fish and chips on Brighton pier. What have you been up to?”

“I’ve been to Scotland with Ben, and the kids of course.”

Ann grinned, “is he coming today?”

Juliette nodded, “he’s on his way.”

            “Is she here yet?” Jacob was hovering in the doorway, peering up the street. A horn tooted in the distance and Jon’s car slowly rolled down the road, ribbon fluttering in the wind.

“Get inside Jacob, get inside!” Juliette shooed him into the registry office.

They waited for Jon to pull up and open the back door. Sophie was the first one out, she smoothed down her satin dress before helping Josh and Jake out.

“Aw, Sophie’s dress is pretty Mum,” Molly twirled her handbag.

“Yes, she looks beautiful.”

There was a round of applause as Jon helped Evelyn out.

“I’m so nervous,” Evelyn clutched her throat, “is he here?”

“Yes,” Juliette fussed around her, “you look amazing.”

            “Shall we go inside?” Sophie took Josh and Jake by the hand as they followed the others up the winding stone steps. They pushed the heavy oak doors open and entered the foyer. It smelt fresh; lavender polish and scent from tubs of freesias lingered in the air. Their voices echoed around them as they exchanged pleasantries. Then there was a sudden cheer which emanated from the upper floor.

Evelyn gazed up the marble staircase, watching as a young couple surged towards the steps. Their hands were clasped and they were laughing uproariously. A large group of people followed them down, wearing posh attire; voluminous dresses and extravagant hats that wouldn’t have looked out of place at Royal Ascot day. Juliette and Sophie were swept along with the noisy crowd.

“Oh look,” a young lady with striking cheekbones squealed with excitement, “she’s going to throw her bouquet.”

“I’ll just move out of the way,” Juliette scooted along, squeezed through a gap then yelped as an over excited boy literally jumped on top of her feet.

“Ouch!” Pain shot up her lower leg and instinctively she bent over to rub her throbbing toes, then looked up to see an object flying towards her. Instinctively she lifted her hands upwards, palms open as a dainty stem of roses and ribbons landed into them. The girl with the high cheekbones stared at her with slanted eyes, “who are you? They should rightly be mine. I’ve been with my fella ten years and he still ain’t proposed.”

Juliette thrust them towards her, “here have them.”

“Nah I’m kidding! Looks like you need them more than me,” the woman cocked her head to one side, “is that your fella over there?”

Juliette gazed over, her face lighting up at the sight of him. Ben was leaning casually against a stone pillar, his arms folded, a smile playing on his lips. He looked as scrummy as usual.

“Yes. That’s him.”

“Cor, he’s dishy, have you been together long?”

“What?” Juliette tore her gaze away, “no, erm, I mean not long at all.”

The crowd slowly dispersed, leaving Juliette room to drift over to him.

“Hi,” she smiled up at him.

Ben pulled her into his arms, kissing her lips longingly, “I’ve missed you.”

“It’s only been two days since I saw you!”

“I know. I must be smitten.”

Juliette’s stomach twirled around like a slowly spinning washing machine.

“You look gorgeous,” he mumbled huskily, “and you smell divine.”

She jumped as his lips touched the curve of her neck.

“And you look very smart. Is this new?” She fiddled with his navy tie which was covered in silver stars.

“It was a gift from my niece,” he replied, “you caught the bride’s bouquet?”

“Oh yes!” Juliette laughed, “I’m not superstitious in the slightest though, so don’t worry.”

“Shame,” Ben smoothed away a curl that had flopped across her forehead and Juliette gazed up at him, wondering what he was thinking.

“Ben!” Molly tore in between them like a mini whirlwind and flung herself into his arms, “Evelyn’s getting married.”

Ben lifted her up, “Shall we go get a front row seat?”

“Yes,” Molly nodded, her eyes wide with excitement, “where’s your beard gone?”

“Your mum made me shave it off.”

“I did no such thing,” Juliette scoffed.

“Come on,” Ben said with a laugh, as they followed the others up the grand staircase.

            Sophie and Evelyn waited as the guests filed into the ceremony room, then made their way slowly up the stairs.

“Are you okay?” Sophie whispered, smoothing Evelyn’s dress and patting her lacquered covered hair.

“Very nervous,” Evelyn admitted, “I can’t quite believe what I’m about to do.”

Sophie’s heart strings were tugged at the look of shock registered on her friend’s face, “you’re so lovely Evelyn. This is happening. Now, come on, let’s get you officially wed,” Sophie paused, “shall I go in first?”

“Yes please,” Evelyn nodded, “oh and Sophie dear, have you got the rings?”

“Tucked safely in here,” she lifted a cute drawstring handbag, “I think the music’s started, we need to get a shift on.” Sophie tugged the door and tripping over the hem of her dress, stumbled forwards. All eyes turned to stare her way and she froze, like a rabbit caught in a pair of headlights.

The first beats of ‘stand by me’ swooned around the room. Sophie noticed the registrar nodding towards her and her feet moved automatically forward, towards Jacob. He was clearing his throat and mopping at his perspiring forehead.

“Is she here?” His voice had a strained plaintive tone to it.

“She’s right behind me,” Sophie whispered, sliding into place at the side of him.

The registrar, who was a jolly looking, middle aged woman coughed, “where is the bride?”

Sophie spun round, “she was right behind …” the aisle was empty and there was no sign of Evelyn.

“Have I been jilted?” Jacob looked heartbroken.

“No!” Sophie was aghast, “just a minor hiccup … a slight delay that’s all. I’ll just go hurry proceedings along.” She moved away, grinning manically while Josh tugged on her skirt, enquiring when he’d get his chicken nuggets.

“Everything okay?” Ann asked, as Sophie sidled past.

“Just fine and dandy,” Sophie’s high pitch resounded in the quiet room.

“Evelyn!” Sophie hurried back out, praying that she hadn’t run away.

Evelyn was leaning over the balustrade, with her back to her.

“Whatever’s the matter?” Sophie beseeched, “this isn’t time to day-dream about your novel Evelyn!”

Evelyn slowly turned, her cheeks and throat were stained a deep pink colour.

“I-I …”

“Are you having second thoughts?” Sophie’s tongue clacked between her upper teeth.

“No! Maybe?” Evelyn looked as if she were in pain.

“That’s normal,” Sophie insisted, “I felt the same about Ryan …” she stopped as she remembered she had just filed for a divorce from her estranged husband, “I mean … it’s okay to be nervous, but Jacob is nothing like Ryan …. Ryan’s a rat and Jacob, well he’s lo …”

“What if our marriage is a disaster?” Evelyn’s tone was calm, and the resignation in it scared Sophie, “what if Jacob has a change of heart? What if he wants a divorce after twelve months? What will I do then?”

“That ain’t going to happen,” Sophie held onto her friend’s hands, “you know how much he adores you.”

Evelyn bit her lip, stared down at her feet.

“Do you love him?”

Evelyn’s head snapped up, “of course. Very much.”

“Then there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be dancing down that aisle,” Sophie tutted, “Evelyn, you are going to worry yourself into an early grave, this should be the happiest day of your life.”

Evelyn emitted a shaky breath.

“Come on lady, get in there and let Jacob know how much you love him. You need to show him Evelyn, you need to show him.”

“Yes.” Evelyn nodded, a determined glint in her eye. Sophie gulped with relief then linked her arm through her friends. Together they trooped into the prettily laid out room.

“Start up the music again,” Sophie said, brightly, “the brides on her way.”

Evelyn’s eyes searched for him. His back was ramrod straight, but as the music began, he turned to look and Evelyn was overwhelmed with an acute feeling of love and tenderness. She let go of Sophie and almost ran up the aisle towards him – dear Jacob, her husband-to-be.

***

             After a short ceremony they slipped rings on and made vows to each other. The women all cried as they sealed their marriage with a kiss, then Jon was organising the newlyweds into position. Click, click went the camera lens. Then they were ushered outside for more group photographs. Aunt Gertrude, sporting a feather topped hat, passed Evelyn a quilted horseshoe.

“It’s homemade,” she rasped, her asthma made worse by the humid heat, “I know it’s an old-fashioned gift to give at these modern weddings, but it will bring you luck and happiness Evelyn.”

“Thank you,” Evelyn hooked the pretty accessory over her arm, “I’m so glad you could make it. You’re the only family I have left.”

“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” Gertrude sniffed, “You look stunning by the way.”

“It’s Sophie,” Evelyn pointed to her friend who was being pulled in a circle by Molly, “she’s so good at make-up and hair.”

Gertrude nodded her approval, “your friends are lovely, and you met them at university?”

“I did, but I feel like I’ve known them all forever.”

“University has been good for you Evelyn. I didn’t think you’d like it, but I was wrong. I think it’s been the making of you. And your novel – wow! When will it be out?”

Evelyn beamed under the unexpected praise, “not for a while. It’s being edited. There’s no rush.”

Gertrude changed tack, “are you sure it’s okay for me to stay at yours for a few nights? You seem inundated at your house.”

Evelyn smiled, “of course it’s okay, I love having people there. That house has been empty and quiet for far too long,” she paused, “and Mam would have loved it too.”

“Evelyn!” Jacob was beckoning her towards him, “more photographs.”

            They left in a fleet of cars and taxis heading for the Golden Goose Pub & Restaurant. Evelyn gasped when she entered the room they had reserved. Heart shaped balloons bobbed around the large conservatory and the tables were decorated with salmon pink linen, candles and confetti. Romantic music played softly in the background and a line of paper hearts swayed lazily from ceiling hooks.

“Do you like it?” Jacob asked.

“It looks wonderful,” Evelyn gushed, happiness radiating from her in waves.

They took their seats and raised their glasses as a bustling grey-haired lady toasted the happy couple.

***

After a delicious meal of medley of salmon and beef wellington, Sophie tapped her knife on the rim of her crystal goblet to acknowledge the commencement of the speeches.

“Sorry I’m nervous,” she began, hands trembling slightly, “you all know how much I hate public speaking,” she cleared her throat, took a deep steadying breath, “the first time I met Evelyn was on the enrolment day at university. We were there to study the same course and we sat together and got talking. My first impressions of Evelyn were that she was really nice and friendly too … then I saw more of her, got to know her better and I realised what a truly wonderful person she is. Evelyn is kind and caring and a loyal friend.”

Sophie paused as a chorus of ‘here, here’ rang around the room. Sophie felt her confidence growing and smiled broadly, “one of the many traits I love about Evelyn is how humble she is. Not just in the way she sees herself, but most of all with her writing. I’ve been fortunate enough to read some of her work and the way she weaves words to create a story is ingenious. Evelyn is a fantastic writer, and with her combination of talent and enthusiasm, I am certain that she has a great future within the literary world.” There was a round of applause.

Sophie spoke a little longer about Evelyn and Jacob and how happy they made each other. Then she raised her glass to toast the happy couple.

            Jacob was the next one to stand up and talk about his wife and how he had loved her since he had first seen her, more than twenty years ago. In honour of Evelyn he had written a poem about love and happiness. Evelyn was wiping away the tears as he came to the end of his poetic recital. She squeezed Jacob’s hand as she got to her feet to make her own speech. A speech which moved the guests with its passion for her husband and their future life together. Glasses were refilled with more champagne and the final toast of the evening was made. Then the waitresses busied themselves moving the tables while the guests chatted. Music blared from wall speakers and the children were the first on the dancefloor. The double doors of the conservatory were flung open to allow the summer breeze to waft into the warm room. The guests mingled, laughing and shouting above the sounds of the disco beat.

            They celebrated until late in the evening, when Evelyn and Jacob left to spend their wedding night at a nearby five-star hotel. It had been a gift from aunt Gertrude, along with one of her famous Lancashire Hotpots.

Evelyn waved from the back of her car and settled with Jacob, clasping his hands while he nuzzled her neck.

“This is the first day of the rest of our lives together, I love you Evelyn.”

“Forever?” She asked, eyes twinkling in the darkness.

“Forever.”