Page 5 of Tides of Resistance
Lizzie looked from Evie to Juliet. ‘And to think, in Jersey, we had no idea how tough life could be. It never even crossed my mind to think about whether we could get butter, cheese, eggs or meat. What a charmed life we led.’
Pa sighed. ‘Rations from the First War were easing up by the time you were born, Lizzie, thank goodness. Your grandparentsgrew their own crops at Seagrove, so we didn’t struggle as much as many did.’
The unspoken words hung between them, and Lizzie knew they were all thinking of Nan and Pops who were now living under Nazi occupation in the island of their birth.
Lizzie rose from her chair. ‘We’d better get going if we’re to catch the beginning of the film.’ She glanced over at her father. ‘Want to join us, Pa?’
Reginald shook his head. ‘No darling, although that’s very kind of you to include an old fuddy-duddy like me. You girls go and have some fun. Your mother will be sorry to miss it, she loves your cinema visits so be sure to tell her all about it.’
They wrapped up warm in their coats and scarves and the three of them hurried to the station. It was dark by now, and the three sisters looped their arms through each other’s as they walked.
Piccadilly Circus wasn’t far and soon they exited the Underground and walked to Leicester Square which buzzed with servicemen. The British soldiers were dressed in an array of RAF, khaki and Royal Navy uniforms, and Lizzie noted with interest the number of American GIs, dashing in their distinctive olive uniforms, a noticeably different shade of khaki.
Lizzie hadn’t lived in London before the outbreak of the war, but she could see there was something electric about wartime. People lived for the moment, thinking quite rightly that it could be their last. Londoners were determined to enjoy themselves at every opportunity and the nightlife was vibrant.
Jack and Lizzie sometimes went dancing on the rare occasion they were both able to get away, and Lizzie looked with longing at the women on the arms of the servicemen. She suspected there would be many a broken heart when life returned to normal and lovers who would never have been thrown togetherif it weren’t for the war, would be forced to return home, or worse.
There was a queue of talkative couples outside the Ritz Cinema. The psychological thriller,Suspicionwasn’t family viewing. They moved slowly through the entrance and found their seats. The lights were already dimmed, and hush fell over the auditorium, and then the sounds of a patriotic newsreel filled the void, documenting current events and commending the war effort.
The film started and Lizzie sat on the edge of her seat throughout. At one point, Evie jumped and let out a scream, which made Lizzie dissolve into laughter, and Evie punched her sister on the arm, looking like she would burst with indignation.
‘Don’t be scared, dear Evie. We’ll keep you safe,’ Lizzie whispered, and someone hushed them from the seat behind.
The film passed in a blur of sweet-sucking, pounding hearts and big sighs until tense scenes flickered towards the abrupt ending.
When they emerged from the cinema, Evie said, ‘I don’t mind admitting that film scared the bloody life out of me. Imagine your husband plotting to kill you like that? It must be even more scary than knowing the Nazis are after you.’
‘I don’t know about that,’ Lizzie said, knowing exactly how terrifying it was to have the Nazis after her. ‘Psychological thrillers aren’t my favourite,’ Lizzie continued. ‘I do rather like Cary Grant, though. He’s so charming, but I prefer him when he’s not playing a baddie. Joan Fontaine was excellent.’
They dissected the film and all agreed it was a strange and unsatisfying ending.
‘How about we have a quick drink instead of going straight home?’ Evie said, always the one to push boundaries and try to convince her older sisters to do her bidding.
Lizzie gazed at her adorable younger sister’s cheeky freckled face. ‘Don’t you have an early shift, Nurse Evie?’
‘As it happens, I don’t. I’m on later, tomorrow.’
‘What about you, Jules?’ Lizzie asked, turning to her elder sister and expecting the suggestion to be promptly shut down.
‘I do have to work in the morning, but I wouldn’t mind a quick drink to calm the nerves,’ she said, adjusting her hat and surprising Lizzie.
‘Right, quick drink it is then,’ Lizzie said.
Evie wore what Lizzie laughingly referred to as her moony face. ‘Look at all these dashing GIs. I wouldn’t mind walking out with one of them. What about you, Liz?’ she asked.
Lizzie shrugged. ‘Too complicated. They’ve likely got girls waiting for them back home and they’re only looking for a spot of wartime distraction. Not that I blame them.’
Evie said, ‘You’re so cynical. Whatever happened to romance and happy ever afters?’ She laughed. ‘Silly me. You’re waiting for your handsome captain to come home from bonnie Scotland.’
Lizzie held back the colour that threatened to flush her cheeks. By now she was used to Evie’s teasing about Jack. Even Juliet sometimes joined in, and as it was true, it was becoming harder to diffuse their suspicions. Instead, she changed the subject, which she’d learnt was one of the most helpful tactics to deflect inquisitive people.
‘Where shall we go then?’ she asked, looking from Evie to Juliet.
Unsurprisingly, it was Evie who took the bait.
‘How about the Hammersmith Palais?’ she said, her eyes full of mischief.
Lizzie inhaled sharply. ‘Ma would have a fit.’
