The Very Thought of You
Chapter 48
Charlie Buckton flagged down the four o'clock Canterbury bus. The bus stopped and she climbed aboard, finding an empty seat. She sat away from the other passengers, taking a window seat at the back. She had no need of company that afternoon.
The bus Conductress stepped up to her.
"Fares please?" She said making ready her ticket machine, which hung around her neck.
"One to Canterbury, please." Charlie said sadly.
The Conductress glanced at the sad young woman with concern.
"That'll be two 'n' six please, Miss." She said, producing a ticket by moving a dial and cranking a handle on the side of his ticket machine. "Can I help you at all, Miss? Are you unwell?" She asked kindly.
Charlie handed the young woman her money and accepted the ticket.
"I'm fine, thank you." Charlie replied and turned her head to the window.
***
Joey Collins left the Police Station feeling tired and anxious. Her feeling of elation from earlier in the day had quickly disappeared the moment she had seen Charlie's face. WPC Watson had explained that Charlie had been suspended from duty pending the outcome of her brother's complaint.
Joey was angry and devastated all at the same time. She had been told she was not allowed to see, let alone speak to Charlie and advised to move lodgings as soon as possible. WPC Watson had kindly suggested some rooms which were currently vacant in Nelson Road.
How would she ever be able to comfort Charlie after this?
***
Charlie stepped off of the bus and collided with a man trying to get on.
"Oh! I do beg your pardon madam - Charlie!" The man said with sudden surprise.
Charlie looked up at the man.
"Hugo! I thought you'd gone back to your unit." Charlie said, finding herself happy to see a friendly face.
"No, not yet." Hugo said, waving the bus on. "I've just been back to the hospital. They've checked my arm and its fine. I also popped by to see Alf out of hours. Mind you, don't tell the nurses!" He said winking and grinning.
"How is Mr. Stewart?" Charlie asked.
Alf Stewart had sustained some injuries after a window fell in on him after the bomb blast, the night of the WRVS dance.
"He's doing well. I think he'll be out in a day or so. So, what brings you into Canterbury on a Monday afternoon? Aren't you working?" Hugo asked with interest.
"No, I- I'm taking a few days leave." Charlie replied, awkwardly.
"Good, do you fancy some tea?" Hugo asked cheerily.
Charlie gently bit her bottom lip and sighed heavily.
"Yes, thanks. I can always do with a cup of tea. But what about your bus?" She said, watching it pull away.
"There are always other buses!" Hugo grinned.
***
Joey packed a few essentials and headed for the door. Upon impulse, she scribbled Charlie a note to say where she would be staying, if Charlie ever wanted to see her again. Joey blinked away a few tears.
"That was lovely, Hugo. Thank you." Charlie said, dabbing the corners of her lips with her napkin. "But I'd better not hold you up any longer." Charlie smiled, looking at her watch.
"The pleasure was all mine. You know, you do look sad, Charlie. If there's anything I can do, you only have to say."
"Thank you, Hugo." Charlie replied, looking down. "I don't think anyone can help."
"Hey! Have you any plans for this evening? As we're here, why don't we make a night of it?" Hugo suggested.
Charlie thought for a while. She didn't relish going home and having to face Janet or Ruby, and what if Joey was still in the house? She gave Hugo a half smile.
"I'm afraid I wouldn't be much company."
Hugo Austen had heard gossip from Martha about Charlie Buckton and Joey Collins, but Hugo couldn't quite believe that a woman as beautiful as Charlie would ever get caught up in something like that. Why would she? His ego wouldn't allow it.
"Hugo, I have to get myself a hotel for the night. Do you know of a nice one?" Charlie asked as they walked towards the Cathedral.
"Why?" Hugo asked curiously.
"I-I can't go home tonight. And I don't want to talk about it." She answered quickly, glancing at him.
"That's fine." Hugo said. "There's the Cathedral Gate Hotel over there." He said, pointing to the building next to the entrance gates to Canterbury Cathedral. "Pilgrims slept there! It's been around since 1438! Can you believe that?" He said, grinning. "Just hope they've changed the sheets since then!"
Charlie chuckled at the potted history of Canterbury she was receiving. Hugo wasn't such a bad man, after all.
"So," he continued. "What about that dinner then?"
***
Joey moved into her temporary lodgings in Nelson Road, Whitstable. They were comfortable enough and clean. The land lady, Mrs. Glover, made Joey feel welcome with a hot cup of tea.
"There dear," She said, handing over the steaming beverage. "All cosy now."
Joey gratefully accepted the drink and looked around the room.
"Breakfast is a seven thirty and will you be requiring a meal at lunchtime?" Mrs. Glover asked.
"I'm not really sure at the moment." Joey replied, her heart already pining for Charlie. "Can I let you know?"
"Of course, love. Now, you get yourself unpacked and I'll get about my business. If you want anything, give me a call." The kind land lady said as she bustled out of Joey's room.
Joey sat on the edge of the lumpy bed. Her tears began to fall freely, dripping one by one into her lap.
***
Charlie booked herself into the Cathedral Gate Hotel. Hugo left her promising to pick her up at seven o'clock for dinner. She walked over to the window and which looked out onto the Buttermarket. She watched as the modern day pilgrims walked to and fro about their busy lives. Tears began to cascade down her face and she screwed her eyelids shut, trying to shut out the pain which was never far away.
"Joey! Oh Joey!" She cried and flung herself on the bed.