Page 54 of The Little Island Flower Stall
‘It’s lucky someone does. What are the others?’ Bella asked, her voice rising over the noise.
‘Not sure. I expect Bernard could tell you.’
As well as real members of the army marching along the route, there was also representation from the navy and the air force. Each contingent had their own band, playing their regimental music that clashed with the sounds coming from the speakers. They marched just behind the vehicles, but the drums from the nearest group were so loud and sonorous that Bella was sure she could feel the beat vibrating through her chest.
There were farmers and fishermen with baskets of food to represent the shortages (or so Diane said), and there were schoolchildren and their teachers dressed in period clothes, which drew smiles and coos of delight as they walked the route.
It was all frantic and noisy, but Bella loved it. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun. She had to smile at the notion of what Sean’s face would look like if he could see her now. He’d be horrified. He’d hate the idea of her enjoying herself even more than the idea that she might be getting more attention than him. He’d certainly hate the idea of her celebrating a historical event he wouldn’t have attached any value to at all. Stuff him, she thought, and vowed to uploadas much footage and photography as she could onto her social media platforms, just to make sure he saw it all.
At the end of the route, Diane gave her a surprising hug.
‘Same time next year, eh?’ she said, laughing, before disappearing into the crowds with the family who’d been waiting for her.
Bella wondered vaguely whether she was meant to wait around for someone to collect the jeep Diane had abandoned. Bernard arrived shortly afterwards with a small group who set about doing just that. He didn’t ask Bella to do anything else, so she assumed from that she was free to go.
She cast around, trying to spot Celestine. It took a while – the promenade where the parade had come to an end was heaving, busy with stalls, exhibits and visitors. Bella had almost given up when she spotted Dolly and made her way over to see if she knew anything.
‘Hello, my darling!’ Dolly waved. ‘Don’t you look a picture! I think blue is your colour.’
‘I’m sweating in all this wool, I know that.’ Bella swept a hand across her damp forehead. ‘I’m going to have to get changed as soon as I can find Celestine. I don’t suppose you know where she went?’
‘Funny you should say that – I’ve been wondering the same.’
‘I wish she had a phone.’
‘She’s got a phone,’ Dolly said.
‘A mobile.’
‘What would she want one of those for at her age?’
Bella shook her head with a wry smile. ‘I’m sure she doesn’t care either way, but it would make life a lot easier for me.’
‘I expect she’ll turn up. I’ll have a look for her if you like.’
‘If it’s no trouble.’
‘Not a bit. I’ll tell her you’re looking if I see her.’
Bella was about to make some kind of plan for a meeting spot if Dolly did happen to see Celestine, but Dolly was already on her way. Bella called her back, but the old lady didn’t hear and disappeared into the crowds with surprising speed.
‘Boo!’
She turned around to see Rory behind her and forced a brief smile.
‘Oh…’ he added, ‘I was hoping for a bit more enthusiasm. Something wrong?’
‘No…actually I’m not sure. I don’t think so. Dolly says not, but…’
‘You’re not convinced? Anything I can do to help?’
‘I don’t think so. I can’t find Celestine.’
‘Oh, OK…’ Rory looked confused. ‘You want me to look for her?’
‘I should probably go and find her,’ she continued. ‘I’m sure she’s fine, but I’ll be happier once I know that.’
‘I’ll come.’
