The Roaring Twenties

[cumnchat]

Reassured by Clare's statement that he would not hurt her Jack thrust himself into her with renewed vigour, driving deep into her core, feeling her clenching on his shaft as he took her and she pushed back to him, encouraging him to fuck her harder. He caressed her body gently yet straining every sinew to fill her with his love.
Without warning he hooked his arms behind her knees and spread her legs wider, the cool silk of her stockings resting on his shoulders, his pace increased as his weight and powerful thrusts pushed her into the mattress. Clare's feet were cycling in the air They were both panting hard and Clare's breasts bounced alluringly with each thrust deep inside her. Jack felt how wet and slippery her channel was and feeling her shudder slightly under him he knew that she was very close to cumming. He lowered his head and suckled her undamaged nipple, sucking into his mouth and lashing the sensitive tip with his tongue. Now she began to buck harder against him their flesh slapping noisily and wetly.
Jack was gasping now, needing air but he slipped his hand between them and lightly circled Clare's swollen clit. Then she erupted into a violent orgasm and he let himself go and he spurted and sprayed the innermost walls of her core. Again and again he spurted his creamy love into her as Clare shook and shuddered with orgasm after orgasm each one weaker than the first.
Once they had finished they lay in in each other's arms kissing and nibbling at one another neither wanting to be the first to move. Jack felt between Clare's legs and gathered a generous helping of their combined issue, he smelt it, so sweet, a trace of cinnamon or was it sandalwood? Not that Jack cared, he was in Nirvana, he licked one coated finger and offered the other to Clare.

"You must taste us both my love, it is not unpleasant I promise you"

He then smeared it over her lips, watching her face, would she enjoy the taste of him as he enjoyed the taste of her?

The sweat was drying on their hot bodies so Jack grabbed a sheet and rubbed them fairly dry.

"Shall we bathe first or are you eager for another demonstration of my love?"

He folded Clare into his arms and murmured.

"Clare my darling I love you, always."

 

[Opensesame54321]

It was as if she had given him the keys to the city. Though he was careful, and she did feel pain. But she was willing to endure it, or even embrace it. All because she loved him. And he loved her. She could tell by the way he made love to her.

Then he lifted her leg up to his shoulders and the pain lessened considerably. Suddenly his cock was reaching deep into her and she threw her head back against the pillow, eyes closed. She was panting and she noticed that he was too as he slid in and out of her wet channel. His lips lathed attention to her nipple and she could feel her body winding tighter and tighter, the sounds of their wet sex filling the room.

His thumb found her clit and suddenly the spring broke inside her as she came hard, her body twitching as her moans filled the room. She felt him cum inside her time after time until they both lay there in each other's arms. Like true lovers, they stroked each other, kissing and quietly talking. He dipped his fingers in the space between her legs to gather their combined spendings before he smelled it, then tasted it. A smile crossed his lips.

You must taste us both my love, it is not unpleasant I promise you

Like lipstick, he brushed her lips and she licked it and smiled. He seemed worried about her, as if worried that she may get a chill.

Shall we bathe first or are you eager for another demonstration of my love? Clare my darling I love you, always.

She curled up in his arms, her heart aching as he spoke those words. Her lips kissed his cheek, then placed her lips against his ear to whisper the words. Their words. "Until the end of time." The room was full of the evidence of their coupling as the smell of sex filled the air. She smelled his skin and could smell both of them on him. She had already had a bath and was suddenly tired.

"What I really wish more than anything is to sleep in your arms, as if we were lovers, as if we were husband and wife, to be forever side by side. To awake being made love to by you. I want to sleep with the smell of you on my skin, filling my lungs."

She curled up against him, already beginning to fall asleep.

 

[cumnchat]

"Clare my darling I love you, always."

Jack couldn't help it, he just HAD to say those few words, words that meant so much to them both.

'Until the end of time.'

Those whispered words meant the world to jack, he now knew that he and Clare had a future together, come what may.

That Clare was tired he could tell, it had been a heck of a day, facing that emotionless shell of a man, Quintin and making love to his beloved Clare had taken its toll on him as well, he heard her murmur dreamily.

'What I really wish more than anything is to sleep in your arms, as if we were lovers, as if we were husband and wife, to be forever side by side. To awake being made love to by you. I want to sleep with the smell of you on my skin, filling my lungs.'

Her words jerked him wide awake and he spoke earnestly to her,

"Clare Darling, we can make your wishes come true, you are in my arms now, we ARE lovers, we are still officially engaged and can marry as soon as you wish, I promise to make love to you each and every morning, twice if that's what you want, and I will only use the best cologne."

He stroked her hair and kissed her gently unsure if she had heard him or not, she was snoring gently. He wrapped her in his arms his hands cradling her breasts and he fell into a deep sleep.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She fell asleep and for the first time in oh so many days, she felt safe and loved. The boogieman was kept away by the simple act of Jack and his arms around her. For the first time in a long time, there weren't any bad dreams, or scary figures. Just pretty flowers and soft music and children's laughter.

She snuggled, her lung filled with the scent of him and in her sleep, she was happy.

Suddenly she awoke. The room was dark and Jack held her tight in his sleep. His snore was endearing - not really a snore but when he exhaled he gave a little puff of air. She smiled as she lay there for a while and watched him sleep. Her hero. Her lover. Her love. Why did life have to be crap sometimes.

He rolled over on his side, scooping her up on his arms in his sleep to hold her against him as if afraid he would lose her. God, the Yard had better catch Quentin soon. Cause she didn't know if she could go back to him.

In the quiet of the night, she drifted back off to sleep in his arms, a dreamless sleep.

 

[cumnchat]

The early morning sunlight streamed in through a chink in the curtain, it was enough to wake Jack who was now fully aware of Clare's naked body snuggled against him, sleeping peacefully a dreamy smile on her face. Jack loved that smile, Clare hadn't smiled much at all the past few days, at least not the euphoric smile that covered her face now.
He wondered what she was dreaming about, whatever it was she seemed to be at peace with it. He suddenly realised that he was holding her perfectly formed breasts in his hands and automatically he began to grow erect, the tip of his cock brushed between her legs. He thought he heard a moan of approval like a kitten purring but he dismissed it as just wishful thinking, Clare was still asleep and he couldn't take advantage of her while she slept, BUT, if she were awake, that wouldn't be taking advantage would it?

He felt her nipples poking between his fingers like soft squishy pink marshmallow but as soon as he squeezed his fingers together they began to harden, becoming swollen and aroused. Jack blew gently on the nape of her neck hoping to wake her slowly and commence making love to her then he kissed the back of her neck and her shoulder until she began to stir.
When he thought she was awake enough to understand what he was saying he moved her onto her back and murmured,

"I trust you slept well dearest, you look so much more your old self now, but there is one thing I would ask of you," He grinned and moved so that Clare had a clear view of his jutting erection. "Whenever I sleep with you I seem to wake with this problem, I know you can take care of it so,,,,,,,,,,,,,, please"

Clare hesitated and appeared to be considering his proposal, so to encourage her he took her hand and wrapped her fingers round his manhood.

"OH YESS, that feels so good Clare, I never want another woman to hold me like you are right now."

Clare still seemed unsure and Jack although disappointed understood that she was in a fragile state of mind and the last thing she needed was to be cajoled into anything.

He rolled out of bed and headed for the bathroom,

"I'm going for a shower and take care of this myself." he grinned over his shoulder, "Just this once mind, it'll be your first task of the day from tomorrow onward."

He disappeared into the bathroom and emerged fifteen minutes later, refreshed, his cock now flaccid.

"I noticed the hotel has a barbershop that opens on a Sunday so I'm going to get a shave, I should only be half an hour, time for you to shower as well, When I return I'll call George and Charlie to find out the time and place that Scotland Yard have set to trap that creep Townsend."

When he returned Clare had showered and half dressed, looking so alluring in her underwear. Charlie answered the phone when he called and sounded rather gleeful when he announced,

"Fucking appropriate Jack, the "HANGMAN" near to "TRAITOR'S GATE " eleven o' clock they'll move in"

After a brief conversation with Charlie and George, Jack hung up and told her the news, noticing how pale Clare looked when he mentioned Quintin, God almighty she was scared of him.

"We have twenty four hours to kill Clare, how do you suggest we pass the time?"

A meaningful smile on his face as he wrapped his arms round her and steered her towards the unmade bed.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She awoke slowly, feeling his breath on the back of her neck. As she gently stirred, he rolled her on her back.

I trust you slept well dearest, you look so much more your old self now, but there is one thing I would ask of you. Whenever I sleep with you I seem to wake with this problem, I know you can take care of it so,,,,,,,,,,,,,, please

Her brain was still clouded with sleep and she really didn't understand what he was asking until he took her hand and placed it on his manhood, having her stroke him.

OH YESS, that feels so good Clare, I never want another woman to hold me like you are right now.

Soon this whole thing would be over and life would change. She wanted to cry, scream, something. If she could turn back time...

I'm going for a shower and take care of this myself. Just this once mind, it'll be your first task of the day from tomorrow onward.

When he returned after his shower, he dressed and headed down for a shave while she showered and dressed. He was awfully chipper and she fought hard with herself not to growl at him.

She really didn't feel that good. Though she wouldn't let him know, old Quentin had really taken a lot out of her. As a consequence, she was a bit slow getting dressed and was still in her underwear by the time he returned to the room. His call was profitable too as it seemed that Scotland Yard was on board with the plan to catch Quentin at being a traitor.

She felt sick, and just wanted the whole thing to be over. She did not know how Cora could stand the man. Quentin, Lord, Larry, George, Jack. How many more had there been. She would probably never know.

We have twenty four hours to kill Clare, how do you suggest we pass the time?

And with that he was heading her towards the bed, and probably what they both wanted.

"I don't know. Do you have any ideas?" Her smile told him that she was on board with him. As long as she didn't have to deal with Quentin.

 

[cumnchat]

Jack laughed, "Oh yes lots of ideas and all naughty ones that I know you're going to just love"

Her flimsy lacy slip floated to the floor as he slipped the straps off her pale alabaster shoulders and crushed her to him her breasts squashed almost flat against his chest. He looked down into her eyes and bent his head to run the tip of his tongue over her lips.

"Clare my love we are going to bed and not getting up until we have to leave in the morning, we have so much to discuss about our future, in between making love of course."

He scooped her up effortlessly and laid her on the bed and hooked his fingers in the elastic waist of her panties and slid them right down to her feet, he pulled them free of her feet and tossed them away over his shoulder saying triumphantly,

"Phase one of mission "PUSSY" complete."

He began to undress and chuckled at Clare.

"You can watch and admire if you wish, I am not shy and neither will you be come morning."

When he was undressed he stood at the foot of the bed with his manhood standing proudly erect. Playfully he sucked in his breath causing his cock to twitch. Then he knelt on the bed between Clare's feet and gently parted them his big hands caressing the backs of her calves followed by little sucking kisses. Clare's legs opened of their own accord and he looked up and grinned.

"The journey may be slow and tortuous honey but the destination is heaven."

Jack didn't rush his seduction he had hours yet to tease and please but eventually he was at Clare's entrance and Clare was clearly having a difficult time keeping quiet, her hands had knotted the bed sheets into tight balls. Her enchanting pink labia were sprinkled with a glistening dew.

His tongue darted out tasting Clare's wetness and her hips bucked helplessly as he parted the centre of his prize.

"Phase two complete, now before I proceed with phase three, tell me, when do you want us to get married?"

 

[Opensesame54321]

Jack seemed so happy that she could not hurt him. She loved him too much. He would never have suggested she play Cora had he known just what it would entail. For two years she had played Cora, not once facing her twin's true life. All for a chance of perhaps seeing him one last time. She realized that all this was just as much her fault as his.

So she let him undress her, let his lips kiss hers, let his hands play with her body.

Clare my love we are going to bed and not getting up until we have to leave in the morning, we have so much to discuss about our future, in between making love of course.

With a grin, he picked her up in his arms, laying her on the bed and quickly divested her of her panties.

It was silly, the way he was acting, talking about "mission PUSSY" and she couldn't help the smile that played around her lips as she watched him undress. Young and full of boyish charm.

Naked, he stood at the foot of the bed, making his cock twitch and she giggled at his playfulness. Then, as if he was a panther hunting its prey, he began to crawl between her legs, parting them to reveal her wet core.

But Jack did not rush right in but instead focused on her needs. He worked to make her feel special and after a while, she thought that she would scream if he didn't stop torturing her, and would scream if he did. So when his tongue made a swipe up her very wet slit, she almost came then and there. His next words shocked her.

Phase two complete, now before I proceed with phase three, tell me, when do you want us to get married?

She grew still. Marriage? Oh, how she had longed to hear those words. Two years ago, she would have said yes, without the slightest hesitation. Even a week ago she would have been over the moon. But now? The look on his face, so eager and expectant. She may have been brave facing Quentin, but she did not have enough bravery for this. She couldn't hurt him.

"When this is over, said and done, then yes, I will marry you."

Her heart clenched and her brain shouted at her, calling her 'COWARD!' But she ignored it and smiled at him seeing the joy in his eyes. Sometimes life really sucked.

 

[cumnchat]

'When this is over, said and done, then yes, I will marry you.'

It wasn't the most ecstatic response and he was slightly disappointed, but then she hadn't said 'NO' and he soon forgot about it and proceeded with the ravishing of Clare's glorious body as she gave herself to him. loudly and volubly encouraging him to take her and use her. Which he did but always with that slight touch of deference to her more unadventurous nature but she drove all that from his mind making the most outrageous demands that he would never have thought Clare even knew about.

Despite his earlier boast that they would make love all night long Jack and Clare's stamina deserted them shortly after midnight and they fell asleep in a tangle of arms and legs.

Morning came soon enough and after a fifteen minute fumble they dressed as a respectable business couple Jack in a suit and tie, Clare however had to play the part of Cora this one last time, she made the most of it, ensuring, as Cora would have done that all eyes were on her, she wore a plant pot type hat and pale blue chiffon dress that flattered her figure and legs.

As the time approached ten thirty Jack lifted up the suitcase that was meant to hold two million pounds, he jerked his head,

"You ready for this? It'll soon be all over. "

As they approached the rendezvous Jack began to feel uneasy, the area was deserted, no sign of any one who was likely to belong to the Yard, had they got the day wrong? The time wrong?

Quintin Townsend was waiting for them in a booth apart from the main bar,

He gave them a self assured smirk, looked Cora over.

"You look like the cat that got the cream"

"She got the cream alright, gallons of it, didn't you kitten?"

Jack wrapped his arm around Cora's waist and pulled her up tight to him,

"I reckon she belongs to me now, part of our deal, remember?"

Townsend scowled darkly then became business like,

"You have the money?"

This was going to be the delicate part, getting Townsend to get the stuff out and ready to sell.

"You have the goods? you show me yours and I'll show you mine, as the actress said to the bishop."

Jack was taking a risk by being so flippant but if it put Townsend off his guard it was a risk worth taking.

"You're a cool one for sure, there's nothing to stop me calling the whole deal off including Cora."

"But you won't call it off because you want that two million, depending on what else you have we can discuss."

"Fuck you,,,,,,,,, alright,, here's the microfilm."

He placed an envelope on the table but before anyone could move they were hemmed in by six hefty men.

"Trumper of the Yard, mind if we take a look in that envelope Mr Townsend? Before you ask, yes we do know who you are and what your work entails, but it does NOT entitle you to bring top secret documents and offer them for sale."

Quintin's face was drained of all colour, his face like a death mask as he was cuffed and taken out to a waiting police van, as he passed Jack couldn't resist making the gesture of a hanging man.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Jack was wonderful, very attentive and very loving and, without meaning to, breaking her heart. He made love to her. It wasn't sex, but she gave herself to him, relishing the beauty of this night. Eventually they both succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

They over slept a bit the next morning and had to quickly dress. He had brought her a pretty pale blue chiffon dress, white pearls and lace gloves, and grey cloche. The man did have good taste.

Soon it was time to leave and as Jack lifted the briefcase full of the fake money, he asked her, You ready for this? It'll soon be all over.

She nodded, her stomach giving a little flutter.

Tommy was nowhere to be found and they had to take pot luck, grabbing a different cab company as Jack gave the address. On the way there she whispered to Jack from the back of the cab.

"You don't think that Quentin would sell the microfilm to someone else? And what if the police don't come?" He didn't answer her.

Once the arrived where Jack had told Quentin to meet them, there was no one. She panicked for a moment. Where were the men from Scotland Yard? Where was Quentin? They finally found him in an out of the way booth. The sadistic man looked her over, sneering as he reached a hand out to run his finger up her arm.

You look like the cat that got the cream

Jack pulled her to him, showing Quentin his ownership of her as he kept his arm around her waist.

She got the cream alright, gallons of it, didn't you kitten? I reckon she belongs to me now, part of our deal, remember?

That did not make Quentin happy but he changed the subject. What happened next became like a game of chess.

"You have the money?"

"You have the goods? you show me yours and I'll show you mine, as the actress said to the bishop."

"You're a cool one for sure, there's nothing to stop me calling the whole deal off including Cora."

"But you won't call it off because you want that two million, depending on what else you have we can discuss."

"Fuck you,,,,,,,,, alright,, here's the microfilm."

She stood there, holding her breath, preferring to let Jack handle the deal. And as long as his arm was around her waist, she felt safe.

And then Scotland Yard pounced. There was no chance for Quentin to talk his way out of this one. She thought that her legs would give out on her as the sadist was led out in handcuffs.

It was a bit confusing as the police talked to her and Jack for a bit, though they basically wanted to get the story straight. She was just glad that it was all over. And through the whole thing, Jack wouldn't let her go.

Once the police were through with them, suddenly the guys were there. George, Charlie, Tommy - all grinning and slapping each other on the back and hugging her. She started to cry out of relief that the whole thing was over. Someone mentioned a celebration dinner and they all climbed into the back of Tommy's cab, heading somewhere that she had been assured was the perfect place to celebrate with incredible food and impeccable service. She was content to just lean back against Jack and say nothing. Tonight was a night that she would remember for a long time.

 

[cumnchat]

Jack was so blissfully happy that everything had gone so well, Quintin was safely behind bars and all signs of Cora had disappeared from Clare. He snuggled her deeper into his arms and turned her face to him so he could kiss her while the others laughed but politely looked the other way.

The celebratory meal was at a superb Italian restaurant and they were there for hours until they realised the time. Fortunately Tommy had remained teetotal and he' d driven them back to George's house.

Jack had exceeded his capacity by at least two bottles of wine and gallantly announced that he would sleep in the spare room to allow Clare one last Jack free night as he intended to spend every night for the rest of his life with his bride-to-be. He gathered Clare in his arms and gave her a resounding kiss on the lips then staggered off to the spare room.

No one heard the sound of Clare sobbing alone in her room

 

[Opensesame54321]

Finally the house was quiet. Softly so as not to make a sound, Clare rose from the bed and pulled out the clothes that she had had for some time. They were not fashionable nor were they ugly. Instead they were the clothes of a married woman, with sensible shoes. She made sure that she wore no makeup and her hair was pulled back and unflattering.

She spent some time writing the letter to Jack. She had written it in her head so many times since this thing with Quentin had begun so it did not take long though she fought hard to avoid staining it with her tears.

"My dearest Jack

I love you. I've always loved you and I will always love you, until the end of time. But, I'm tainted and will always be. Tainted with Charlie and George and Quentin, and especially Cora. Forget me, for you deserve better than Clare Edison. Find yourself a good woman. You deserve someone good. Cora is dead. Let Clare die too.

Goodbye
Clare"

She sealed it up and wrote Jack's name on the outside, placing it on the top of her made bed.

She waited a minute, listening to the quiet of the house. Someone snored in another part of the house. She tore the feathers off a hat, turning it into a plain cloche. Grabbing her purse, she pulled the plain coat close around her and quietly slipped out of the house, leaving the men sleeping soundly. She took none of her clothes other than what she wore. The only personal thing she kept was a very small photo of Jack which she slipped inside her left bra cup, near her heart. Her beaded bag seemed too fancy, clashing with her plain dress.

She walked away, slipping soundlessly down the street. Eight or nine blocks from the house, she caught a cab, glad that it wasn't Tommy. She asked to be taken to the Thames. The driver looked funny at her, but drove her there. She paid him and got out, watching as he finally drove away.

At the edge of the railing, she took all the money out of the beaded bag, leaving all her personal information in it. Without looking, she pitched it in the river and left. She didn't see where it landed, splashing where the water met the shore. She never saw the body floating in the water not far away. The body of a young woman face down as she caught against the nearby pilings of a pier.

Pulling out a small cloth purse from her coat pocket, she slipped the money inside before walking to the station.

At the train station, in a very soft voice she told the man behind the counter, "I believe that you have an envelope that you are holding for me."

"Depends. What's your name, ma'am?"

"Mrs. March. Penny March."

The man dug around under the counter before he came up with the envelope. He looked at her, then at the envelope before passing it to her.

"Thank you very much sir." She tried to pass a coin to him but he refused it. Thanking him, she walked away and found a quiet corner before she opened the envelope. Inside was her train ticket and tickets and directions and instructions on how to get where she was going. She slipped everything in her cloth purse and checked the train schedules. She had 30 minutes before her train left. Sitting in a secluded area, she kept her head down and avoided direct eye contact with anyone. The place was relatively quiet anyway and no one paid her any attention.

When time, she headed towards the platform. The train sat there, steam rising as various individuals stepped on the train. She found a seat and settled down, hoping that she would be left alone. No such luck as the door opened and a mother and small child of about 4 or 5 entered. It was a bit late for one so young to be up and she could tell that the child was tired.

"Mummy, will Daddy remember us when we come back?" The little girl asked.

"Of course, silly. We'll only be gone for two days. You need to take a nap."

As the train pulled out of the station, she felt a twinge in her abdomen. It was probably just nerves and eventually the pain passed and she settled back watching the nighttime countryside pass. The mother and child both drifted off to sleep as a tear silently fell from her eyes.

 

[cumnchat]

It was a beautiful sunny autumn morning and Jack lay alone in his bed nursing a sore head and already missing Clare being beside him but he consoled himself with the thought that he would spend the day with Clare and maybe take her up to Hampstead Heath and find a spot where he could make love to her. His thoughts caused him to grow an erection so with the thought of persuading Clare to give it her full attention he slipped out of bed and pulled on a shirt and trousers and made his way to Clare's room. He knocked gently and called out,

"Clare darling it's Jack, can I come in?"

There was no reply so he assumed that she was still asleep but he was sporting a large erection with which to wake her so he pushed open the door and slipped in. It wasn't until he was nearly at the bedside that he saw the bed was empty and neatly made up. He saw the envelope with his name on it and with a growing feeling of foreboding he tore it open and read.

' My dearest Jack

I love you. I've always loved you and I will always love you, until the end of time. But, I'm tainted and will always be. Tainted with Charlie and George and Quentin, and especially Cora. Forget me, for you deserve better than Clare Edison. Find yourself a good woman. You deserve someone good. Cora is dead. Let Clare die too.

Goodbye
Clare.'

His cry was of raw emotion,

"NOOOO, NO NO"

His cries brought his friends running asking what was he so upset about,

"It's Clare, she,,,, she's gone, left."

He read the letter to them omitting the part about being tainted by them so as to ease their consciences. They were full of concern for him, he sat on a chair with his head in his hands, shoulders heaving as he cried his anguish.

When he could finally speak coherently he tried to make sense of it.

"What has changed from yesterday? She was so bright, so chipper, Quintin was behind bars, Cora was done with,,,,,,,, but was she? She's the catalyst in all of this and me, I suggested that she play Cora never thinking she would agree or entertain going as far as she did."

The guys looked at each other all understanding that they too had played their part.

"Maybe she's just gone away for a few days to clear her head, she'll be back in a couple of days, you'll see."

Charlie offered as an an explanation.

"No she won't, she's gone into hiding, we'll never find her but that doesn't mean I'm not going to try."

"We're with you on that Jack, no stone left, unturned, we'll find her"

Breakfast was forgotten as none of them had any appetite.

"An urgent appeal from the Police. Would anyone knowing the recent whereabouts of a Miss Clare Edison please contact their nearest Police Station, the body of a young lady was found on the shore of the Thames early this morning, found nearby was a purse containing the personal effects of Miss Edison, no confirmed identification has yet been made."

The announcement on the radio was like an arrow in Jack's already broken heart.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She lost her travel companions around Frome, the little girl turning cranky from being awaken, and turning whiny as her mother took her hand and left. Clare was thankful for the respite as she still had a way to go and the travel would not be easy.

The last night with Jack kept turning over and over in her mind, remembering how he made love to her. After the last week of playing her twin, that last night had been pure bliss, something that she would carry with her until she died.

The sway of the train had a soothing effect and allowed her to catch snatches of sleep, uneasy as it was.

There was no direct train to where she need to get but when the end of the line at Barnstaple was reached, she alighted and walked slowly to the taxis.

"Bus station, please."

She didn't feel good, perhaps it was just exhaustion. Once she reached the end of the line she would have a rest.

Not having a suitcase had made travel that much easier though it did draw the occasional stare of curiosity. But Clare spoke to no one other than to tell what she wanted. At the bus station, the bus to Ilfracombe would not leave for a while. There was a small little counter where simple sandwiches and drinks were sold. She wasn't hungry but knew that she should have something so she ordered a bowl of chicken soup and cup of tea.

"Ma'am, are you all right? You look a bit peeked."

She nodded. "I just don't travel well."

The young man took several crackers and wrapped them in a napkin and passed them to her. "Just in case you need something to settle your stomach on the trip."

She thanked him and slipped them in her cloth clutch. Slowly sipping on her tea, she ate a bit of the soup and then just relaxed as she waited for time to board the bus.

She took a seat near the front of the bus, once again watching the green countryside roll by as the bus stopped in one little village after another, until she reached Ilfracombe. It was a quick cab ride to the booking office for Lundy in a small stone building by the harbour.

"We 'ave been expecting you, Mrs. March. Will Mr. March be joining you later? We can make a reservation for him if you would like?" The old man had a twinkle in his eye as he spoke.

"I...I am widowed, sir. He will not be coming." She bit her lip.

"Oh, my dear, I am so sorry." He sympathetically pet her hand that rested on the counter. "I lost my own Bessie thirteen years ago and I still miss 'er. But you're young. It's obvious that you loved him dearly."

She nodded. "Until the end of time..." She straightened up and cleared her throat. "When does the boat leave for Lundy?"

"Oh, it's ready whenever you are. I'm yer Capt'n. W'ere's yer baggage?" He looked around her, surprised that he didn't see any.

"I sent it on and it's awaiting for me on Lundy."

"Then let's git you cotched up."

Within thirty minutes they were heading out in the small boat, and Clare felt her stomach clutch. She barely made it to the railing before the soup and crackers came back up.

For the next couple of hours, she was gradually worsening, breaking out in a cold sweat and eventually running out of food in her stomach, with just dry heaves. At one point, Capt'n Earl, as he had informed her his name was, saw her hanging over the side of the boat.

"Not much of a sailor? 'ave to work on that."

In the afternoon sun she could see in the distance the little island lifted out of the tossing swells. Her abdomen cramped harder as she clutched at it, praying to make it to dry land before she died.

Eventually the boat pulled into the Lundy Island Harbour and Capt'n Earl helped the wobbly Mrs. March out of the boat. She leaned against him as they walked up the long pier towards the stone office.

"Don't you worry, missus, you'll get yer land legs back in no time."

They stepped into the small office, as Capt'n Earl told the lady behind the counter. "This is Mrs. March. Never got 'er sea legs."

"Oh, you poor dear! You do look all in! Let's get you a seat!" The middle aged woman behind the counter came around to help the pale woman.

Everything happened quickly. She gave a cry, clutching her stomach and collapsed unconscious on the floor.

 

[cumnchat]

"Two o' clock then, I'll be there"

Jack put down the 'phone with a heavy heart, he had just spoken to the morgue director where the body was being held and booked an appointment for that afternoon to identify the young girl. The Director hadn't been very forthcoming on what he was about to see, possibly to avoid him getting any preconceived ideas about identification. Jack's insides were all screwed up but he couldn't believe that Clare would have taken her own life but he had to be sure.

The atmosphere had been muted and sombre. His friends had been supportive, none of them really knowing what to say. George and Charlie were particularly quiet each of them suspecting that Jack considered them partly to blame.

One thirty approached and Jack asked just Tommy to take him to the morgue. He sat biting his nails in the waiting room until a white uniformed attendant came for him.

"We are ready for you now Mr. Freeman, if you would follow me."

He followed the attendant along a plain bricked whitewashed corridor and shown into a whitewashed room with a trolley and an inert sheet covered form on it.

"Please take your time until you are sure one way or the other, I'm afraid it is not a pleasant sight "

The sheet was drawn back to the waist and Jack initially turned away at the sight of the battered body, The face was unrecognizable but she had red hair the same as Clare's and Jack almost puked. Her figure was very similar to Clare's but had an almost marble like sheen to it.

"Well Mr. Freeman have you seen enough to make a positive identification?"

"No not yet, before I ask you to show me more can I ask? Have you removed any body hair?"

"No none at all not until identification is confirmed."

Jack took a deep breath,

"Could you please show me the lower half"

The attendant gave him a strange look, 'I bet he thinks I'm some sort of pervert' Jack thought to himself as the attendant drew the sheet right down. Jack knew what he didn't want to see, for the first time in his life he didn't want to see Clare's distinctive
shaved mons.

The girl was a natural redhead just like Clare but it was just a tangled mop of curly red hair. Relief swept over Jack like a wave.

"No that is NOT Clare, of that I am certain."

"If you are certain Mr Freeman I thank you for your time.
"

When Jack got outside he took a deep breath,

"Thank the Lord, Tommy it's NOT Clare"

 

[Opensesame54321]

"Mrs. March? Can you hear me? Mrs. March? Penny?"

A voice cut through the fuzz that filled her head. It wasn't Jack. She didn't recognize it though it was a man. She wrinkled her brow, trying to place the voice. Fingers rubbed her wrist, not hard but enough to get her attention.

"She's coming around. Mrs. March, open your eyes, please."

Slowly she opened her eyes, confused at the name for a second before she remembered. She didn't recognize the room. A man, middle aged with kind blue eyes, smiled down at her. Beside him was the middle aged woman that she had seen when she first came to Lundy. She smiled at her before the man spoke.

"I'm sure that you have a million questions. You are here in Mrs. Harrelson's home on Lundy. I'm afraid that you were too sick to move back to the mainland. And as I understand, you have booked the Blue Bung for quite some time. It is still waiting for you once you are feeling better."

"Thank you." She spoke weakly.

"Do you mind if I call you Penny?" She smiled. "No, I don't mind."

He took her hand and checked her pulse with his fingertips while he spoke. "I'm afraid that I'm what passes for a doctor on this island. I was a medic in the war. My name is Ryan. Geoffrey Ryan. But everyone calls me Doc. I understand that you are a widow?" She nodded, somehow afraid.

"I'm sorry, Penny. You lost your baby."

Tears sprang to her eyes. She had suspected that she was pregnant, and that it was Jack's. Her last link with him. Tears silently ran down her cheeks.

"You had the remnants of bruising and such. I'm sorry but it just must have been too much for your body right now. But that doesn't mean that you can't have children. Some day, everything will be right."

She turned her head away from them, wishing to be alone so she could grieve. Doc spoke to the woman standing sympathetically nearby.

"Hettie, I think that Penny could use some tea."

Oh, of course." And with that the woman left the room and was soon making noises in the kitchen.

"In a couple of days, you will be strong enough to move over to the house that you are renting. Within a week or so, you can return to the mainland if you wish."

"Thank you, Doc. But I want to stay here."

"Okay. If you start to feel worse, let Hettie know and she will get me.

Humming a happy little tune, Hettie soon arrived with the tea and she helped Penny sit up before placing the bed tray with the cup of that hot brew. Penny thanked her as she blew in the hot liquid.

"Was it 'im that beat you?"

"Him?"

"'im! Your 'usband!" Hettie opened the bedside drawer and pulled out the small photo of Jack that she had worn next to her heart. " Oi 'elped undress you. Oi saw the bruises and welts. Some women can't 'elp but love a man, even if 'e 'urts 'er."

"No, it wasn't him. It was a very bad man that hurt me." She took the photo and held it against her chest.

"Well, you just lay 'ere and remember the 'appy times with your 'usband. Oi've got to step next door and check in the boat from Bideford and then Oi'll be back. You drink your tea and concentrate on getting well." With a pat on her arm, the woman was gone.

Once Hettie left, Penny burst into tears, crying over all the had happened. She had suspected that she was pregnant and had assumed that it was Jack's. But technically it could have been any of the men - Charlie, George, Quentin - she shuddered at the thought that it might be his. And then again, it might just have been Jacks. She suddenly felt so old and so used. The first thing she was going to do was get rid of that horrible "C" that branded her. Shave it off and start over with her new life as Mrs. Penny March.

She cried. Cried for the baby that never would be. Cried for the loss of her one true love. She cried until she ran out of tears and had finished all her tea by the time that Hettie returned.

 

[cumnchat]

The guys took the news that it was not Clare who had been found in the Thames joyfully as they all had a soft spot for her but it was tinged with sorrow for the poor unidentified girl.
Jack got them all together and told them his thoughts,

"I believe that Clare had been planning this for some time as she took no possessions with her apart from toiletries, she must have thrown her purse away so we must assume she has changed her name. If she is no longer in London it is possible she took a train, the question is in what direction? There are five main stations, King's Cross going North on the Eastern side, St. Pancras covering the Midlands and North West, Victoria and Waterloo the South leaving Paddington to the West, I propose that we cover all five asking ticket offices and porters if they remember anyone answering to Clare's description on the night in question, it's a long shot I know but it's a start, we may get lucky. Tommy can you ask around your cabbie pals if they picked up a lone lady within say half a mile of here?."

They nodded their agreement and set about deciding who would do which station Jack chose King's Cross and St.Pancras as that seemed most likely and they were next door to each other. Charlie took Waterloo while George took Victoria, Tommy said he would join in as soon as he had quizzed his fellow cabbies.

"No time like the present and Clare would be fresh in their minds if they spoke to her."

They trooped off to their different assignments agreeing to meet again at six o' clock that evening to compare notes.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She slept most of the day. Occasionally Hettie would peek at her, taking her job of temporary nurse seriously. The woman had helped her to the bathroom, and periodically would bring her tea. During one of these periods, the woman sat down as if wanting to question her. Instead, she asked Hettie questions about the island.

"Have you lived here long?"

"Oh, all me life, Penny. Or at least it sometimes feels like it. Me 'usband brought me 'ere right after we was married. 'e grew up 'ere. 'e's a fisherman, 'e is. Catches most uv the fish that you will eat when you eats at the pub."

She was still getting used to her new name and hesitated for a second.

"So, what all is here of the island?"

Hettie looked at her a bit strange but answered her question. "Well, there's the Marisco Tavern, but all us locals call it The Flying Fish." Hettie gave a chuckle. "They 'ave good bangers and mash, and shepherds pie, and of course, fish and chips. And, of course, you can get you a pint of bitter. Most everyone winds up in the Flying Fish at some time of a day."

Hettie laugh and took a sip of her own tea.

"Then we 'ave the castle. Marisco Castle. Oh, Mr. Christie 'as 'elped to bring our island back up to its beauty. We 'ave a few little shops where you can get the basics. There's an old lighthouse. And Saint 'elen's church. The rest are cottages and 'omes to either rent or live in. We've only 22 full time residents so we all know each other."

Hettie looked at her for a moment. "Dearie, you can't go running away from 'urt all your life. You're young and you still have your 'ole life ahead of you. And I know that you feel that 'ad the baby survived, it would be a part of 'im that you would 'ave 'ad. But look at it this way, that baby must 'ave needed both parents. It's alright to go losing yourself at the end of the world. Just as long as you can find yourself back again."

 

[cumnchat]

As agreed they met at George's house at six o'clock although Tommy was about ten minutes late and came in complaining about finding a parking space for his cab.

"Anyone have anything to report?" Jack asked looking round hopefully.

"I 'ave sommat, most prob'ly a dead end though. One o' the young 'uns picked a lady up not two hundred yards from here at one o' clock in the mornin', with no luggage or owt. Said she wanted Waterloo then just as he were gonna turn onto the bridge she asked 'im to stop, she got aht, went to the riverside an' 'e couldn't say for certain but she seemed to throw sommat in t' water, then blow me if she didn't change 'er bloomin' mind and asked to go to Victoria. That's it."

Jack was agog with excitement and wanted to know more. How she was dressed what age might she have been, was she pretty? Tommy could answer none of these questions, he had asked the driver the selfsame questions but all he had said was "Dunno"

"That's the trouble wiv the young 'uns all they can see is the fare and mebbe a tip."

"Never mind Tommy you've done all you could, anyone else?"

They all shook their heads but Charlie piped up,

"It may have escaped your notice but by the time we got started all those railway workers that were on duty last night had finished their shifts and gone home so we didn't actually speak to anyone who was on duty last night, but I did get a list of their names and when they were due to be back at work."

"Well thought out Charlie, I suggest we go to our respective stations tomorrow and do the same, If you can spare the time Tommy I'd like you to take on Paddington"

"Course I can Jack, Clare wuz a real lady an' I wanner back 'ere where she belongs."

"As do we all Tommy, as do we all."

It was then he realised the enormity of the task, if Clare didn't want to be found then it was nigh on impossible, however he clung to the hope that Clare still loved him and would one day return

 

[Opensesame54321]

The next morning she was feeling better, though she was still depressed. But she didn't want Hettie to worry about her too much, so she tried helping the woman around the house. Hettie asked about her luggage and she explained that she had sent her things ahead and that they were waiting for her at the rental house.

"You staying at the Blue Bung? It's really the Old Sunday School 'ouse. Such an adorable little blue 'ouse now. Really not far from 'ere, though Oi guess on this island, nothing is really very far from anything else. Just a little walk up the 'ill and follow the stone wall. Way your going, you should be able to 'ead over there tomorrow."

She found herself sore, but knew that eventually she would heal. Physically. It was mentally that was going to take some time. She wanted her ties with Cora and Clare to disappear. She had picked the name on the spur of the moment.

Hettie went to handle a ship coming in from Ilfracombe. With the thought that some sun might make her feel better, she stepped out and sat on a bench just outside the front door. The sun felt warm on her face and she heard a familiar voice.

"Aye, yer lookin' a mite better than last Oi saw ye." Capt'n Earl came around the corner, his weathered face harboring a grin. He joined her on the bench, sitting beside her in the sun with the wind blowing around them. He was quiet for a moment, clearing his throat and picking at a loose thread on his shirt.

"Mrs. March, Oi'm sure sorry for w'at 'appened. If anything what Oi did..." She stopped him before he could go any further. She laid a hand on his, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Capt'n, it was nothing that you did. I had been feeling sick all day."

"But your 'usband..."

"Don't worry. It wasn't to be. I'm glad that you were there to help me. I'd like to count you as a friend, if that's okay with you."

"Aye, that's right fine wif me, Mrs. March."

"Penny. Just call me Penny. I'll be moving into my rental house tomorrow."

"Well, Penny, Oi can see that my fare is 'ere." He waved at the man heading for the pier and called out to him. "Comin' Joe!" He pet her hand. "Get better, Mrs...ah, Penny."

"Stay safe, Capt'n."

The rest of the day was uneventful other than when Doc came to check her out. He pronounced that if she felt up to it, she could move into the rental house.

Late afternoon, her husband, Brian Harrelson arrived home from his fishing trip, smelling of the sea and fish. He seemed nice but was a bit stand offish until Hettie took him in their bedroom and apparently explained things to him. When they came back out, everything was okay.

Hettie spent the final evening of her company playing cards and showing her pictures of her family and life on the island. Brian sat smoking his pipe and working of a model ship.

She admired and envied Hettie and Brian's easy cameraderie. Thoughts of Jack filled her head and she had to concentrate to keep her mind on the game.

 

[cumnchat]

For the next few days Jack filled his time trying to piece together Clare's movements once she left George's house. He had been up and down the tree lined avenue knocking on doors and asking if anyone had seen anything that night all to no avail He had managed to speak to all of the station staff at King's Cross who had been on duty that fateful night and none had any recollection of a woman answering to her description. This left only the St. Pancras and Paddington staff to speak to.

The woman in the taxi had proved to be a dead end as it appeared she had got her stations mixed up and she was there to meet her husband, boyfriend or whatever according to one of the porters who'd had to move them on after finding them 'going at it like a coupla rabbits' on one of the trolleys they used for the mail. Jack had to smile when he heard, at least someone had a happy outcome.

The others had nothing to report either, it was as though Clare had walked out the door and vanished into thin air. Each night they met their disconsolate faces said everything.

It was George who drew Jack into a rage and they nearly came to blows when he declared,

"It's hopeless, we'll never find her if she doesn't want to be found, perhaps you are to blame for that Jack"

Up went Jack's hackles, he had blamed himself without anyone telling him it was all down to him.

"What are you saying George? You want to give up because we are getting nowhere at the moment, we have a plan of sorts and when that is completed if we have nothing we will come up with another plan, unless you want out, we don't want anyone who is not committed"

Things calmed down a little as they realised that everyone's nerves were frayed,

"Ok so tomorrow we hit the two remaining stations and question everyone we can whether they were working or not that night, a snippet of gossip here a remark there may be all we need"

 

[Opensesame54321]

The next morning was windy and a bit cooler and Penny was up early, having the tea ready when Hettie came in the kitchen. Breakfast was a bit quiet and she ate quickly.

As she had suspected, Hettie loathed to see her move out.

"Oi 'ad not realized just 'ow lonely it gets without Brian 'ere."

"Hettie, if it is alright with you, I can drop by for tea during the day. It's not like I will be doing work. I will have plenty of time on my hands."

And so it was decided that the next day at tea time, she would walk to Hettie's for tea. Hettie left Brian watching for the boat from Bideford and walked with her over to the Blue Bung. The wind blew steady along the way, bending the grasses over in steady ruffles. She could hear the seagulls cawing overhead and she stopped for a moment to look out over the view spread out before her. As far as she could see was the sea. Blue sea and blue sky.

Hettie stood beside her. "It can be a lonely view wif no one ta share it wif. But it is beautiful, t'aint it?"

It was quite a hike and she felt a bit winded, but pushed on. They followed the wall until they reached the blue building. Penny pulled the key out of her cloth purse and unlocked the blue door.

It was a sweet little bungalow. The tiny foyer opened into a neat living room, with a couch and chair, end tables, and a small dining room table and chairs. To her right was a door leading into the bedroom, with a double bed and dresser. A small bedside table was wedged into a corner.

To the left of the living room was a door that led into a kitchenette with the barest essentials. Beyond it was a door that opened to the bathroom with its sink and shower, and the door beyond that led to the water closet.

Everything was clean and neat and, though a bit spartan, was still welcoming. With a hug and a few words, Hettie left and she was finally alone. The case that she had secretly sent ahead was waiting and she quickly unpacked and put things away. The last thing that she unpacked made her tears begin. It was Jack's shirt. She had managed to take it when he wasn't looking. It was old anyway. Something that he no longer wore and had just stuffed it in the back of a drawer. The cuffs were a bit worn and its color somewhat faded. She buried her face in it and breathed deep, and the smell of him filled her lungs.

She collapsed on the bed and curled in a ball, clutching the shirt to her as her heart broke and she finally had the chance to grieve in private. The sounds of her wailing filled the little blue cottage as she finally admitted to herself that the baby had been Jack's. She had had a strong suspicion that she was pregnant, which was why she had chosen the identity of a widow.

Now, all she had was this shirt. And her memories of happier times. Curled around the shirt, she eventually fell asleep on it, her head using it as a pillow.

And so began her life on Lundy. That evening she walked to the tavern, finding Doc there with his wife, and Brian. She tried the fish and chips and found them delicious. She sat for a while and listened to one of the local men singing songs while he played the guitar. She wore a simple skirt that had been bought at the second hand store along with the simple blouse. And she used Jack's shirt as a jacket, pretending that he had his arms around her.

That night, the double bed seemed so huge and she cried herself to sleep. Days were spent wandering the beaches, gathering shells and sitting on the beaches watching the sea. Every other afternoon, she would walk to Hettie's for tea and talk. At night, she would walk to the tavern to gather and be social. She could tell that everyone knew her as the widow that lost her baby, but she didn't know that they called her 'Penny with the sad eyes'.

 

[cumnchat]

For three whole days the four of them worked like beavers to try and find the smallest indication of where Clare might have gone but it was hopeless and they knew it but none of Jack's companions dare say so to his face.

It was Tommy who came up with the idea of putting up 'MISSING' posters with a picture of Clare and the date she went missing, with their telephone number to be called at any time. At first there was a deluge of calls from all sorts of cranks and people asking for a reward even one who claimed to have seen Clare performing a trapeze act in a circus. Eventually the calls died off and they renewed their search trying bus stations, clubs, anywhere, until it seemed they were going round in circles.

"RING,,,RING,,, RING,,,, RING"

The incessant ringing clawed into Jacks consciousness,

"YES! He almost snarled into the 'phone.

A tremulous woman's voice spoke,

"I ,,, I,,,can't be certain but I think the lady wot 'as gorn missing might've been in my carriage on that night. Y'see I wuz wiv my little girl and this lady wuz in the carriage. I only just got back an' saw the poster, it looks so much loike 'er oi just 'ad ter ring yer."

Jack was wide awake now and he asked if they could meet as he had so many questions. The woman agreed and gave her name as Helen Morris and her address saying that ten o' clock that morning would be suitable.

Jack roused the others and gave them the news keeping his fingers crossed that it wouldn't just fizzle out.

 

[Opensesame54321]

"Mrs. March, yew..."

"Please, Mary, call me Penny."

Mary hesitated a moment before she nodded. "All right. Penny. Yew culd probably sing tha birds from tha trees. Wuldn't yew loike ta sing fer us?"

Penny shook her head and the smile left her. "That's sweet, Mary, but I could carry a tune if it were in a bucket with a handle." After that she sat quietly drinking her glass of wine. The invite to sing had reminded her of the past, fun times with Jack, singing to him, laughing. Times before Cora had taken over her life.

"Way ta go, girl!" One of the guys whispered to Mary. "Mrs. March was just startin' ta smile."

"Well, 'ow did Oi know," Mary whispered back. "Singin' always makes me 'appy.

Not long after that, Penny left for the night and talk in the pub turned to the poor widow. About how during the day she could be found walking along the beach, picking up seashells. Or sitting on the large rocks looking out to sea as if waiting for her dead husband. But back at the cottage, Penny spent another night crying herself to sleep, and waking with a headache.

The next afternoon that she had tea with Hettie, they talked. She felt comfortable talking to the woman. She was a caring person. And very wise.

"Dew yew still wear 'is picture against yer 'eart?" Penny automatically placed her hand over her heart where his picture was slipped in her bra, his face turned to her skin as if to kiss her. It was a small picture - a 2"x3" - taken when they had first started dating.

"Dearie, 'y are yew running? 'y are yew 'idin' from tha world?"

Penny couldn't answer her. There was a lump the size of Lundy in her throat and she sipped her tea slowly, afraid that she would choke otherwise.

"Oh Penny, 'e's not dead, is 'e?"

Penny's head shot up in surprise and she stuttered her answer. "No - No, Hettie. L-let it be." She could feel her heart aching. Her cup began to shake, clattering against its saucer. Hettie took the cup and saucer out of her hand and clasped Penny's cold fingers in hers.

Eventually, Penny pulled herself together and gathered her little cloth purse.

"Dearie, yew will be back day after tomorrow?"

Penny pet Hettie's hand and gave her a smile. "Yes, I'll be back. But no talk about him, all right? Not right now."

It was a long painful walk back to the blue bung.

 

[cumnchat]

Jack paced back and forth for the rest of the night, unable to settle for more than a few minutes. Mrs. Morris had seemed so certain and with a few of the right questions he would be able to judge if she was right.

Her home was only a short walk but the area changed dramatically from the tree lined avenues to rows and rows of small terraced houses sitting back to back and a veritable warren of narrow passageways between each row.

He paused at the door of number 6, smiled to himself as number 6 was his lucky number. Why should it desert him now?

She must have been waiting for him as the door opened almost immediately to be faced by an attractive woman in her late twenties. He introduced himself and said for her to call him Jack if he could call her Helen to which she agreed with a shy smile.

"Yew sed on the,phone that yew 'ad some questions to ask me but oi don't know much beyond what oi told yew on the 'phone."

"Of course I understand that but sometimes the right questions can reveal things you didn't know you knew, let us start with why you looked at the poster in the first place?"

"It were me dawter, Veronica, she saw it and sed 'look Momma it's the lady on the train' an' when oi looked oi cud see the resemblance, that's when oi decided to call you, do yew mind if oi ask yew a question?"

Jack shook his head and Helen continued, "Wot's the connection 'tween yew an' 'er? You don't mean 'er 'arm do you 'cos if yew do oi ain't sayin' no more."

Jack gave an ironic laugh, "No Helen I don't mean her any harm I am in fact her fiance, she has had a really terrible time of late and she left without a word, leaving no clue as to where she was going or intended to do, I am really worried about her."

Helen visibly relaxed and asked if he would like some tea and proceeded to make a pot as Jack asked her several questions that she was unable to answer.

Suddenly she swung round as she remembered something, "It may be nuffink but Veronica said she had red hair."

"Yes she probably would, it said so on all the posters."

"No, no, yew misunderstand me, Veronica 'as always wanted to 'ave red hair and she complained to me as we went to me sister's that it wasn't fair that the lady on the train 'ad red hair an' she didn't, an' annuver fing she wus dressed too shabby, she clearly had class but her clothes didn't show it, it wus almost as if she didn't want t'be recognized.,,,,,,,,,,,,,, OH MY LORD, it cud 'ave been 'er culdn't it?"

Jack was so elated he almost ran back to George's with the news and began calling Paddington station to find out where that train stopped after Frome.