A New Day by Beryl Matthews Page A

understood that that was for their safety and the security of the country. Just about everyone she knew or met was concerned about someone, and they managed to stay cheerful. Alan said it was no good fretting because no news was good news, and he was right of course.
    After brushing her hair one last time she checked that she looked all right, and went downstairs, a smile on her face. She always enjoyed her time with Alan, and they had nearly a whole day in front of them.
    Alan came to the side door on time as usual, and after greeting her with a quick kiss, they walked up the road arm in arm.
    ‘You look lovely, Hanna.’
    Her smile broadened as she looked up at him. ‘Thank you, but you always say that.’
    ‘Well, it’s always true. I think you’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever met.’
    ‘And you are the most handsome man I’ve ever been out with,’ she teased.
    He tipped his head back and laughed. ‘Considering I’m the only one you’ve ever been out with I don’t think that’s much of a compliment.’
    ‘Ah, but I also mean it.’ They were both smiling happily when they reached the bus stop. ‘Where are we going today?’
    ‘The weather’s good so why don’t we go for a walk by the river, have tea somewhere and then go dancing?’
    ‘That sounds lovely.’
    ‘Ah, here comes a bus for the Embankment. We can go there and then dance the evening away at Hammersmith.’ They got on the bus and went upstairs so Alan could smoke, then he turned to her, his expression serious. ‘I don’t want to spoil our day, Hanna, but I must tell you that I’ve joined the army, and will be leaving as soon as they call for me. Probably in about two weeks.’
    The news wasn’t unexpected, but she clasped his hand and managed to smile. ‘I thought you would; you’re not the kind of man who can stand on the sidelines, are you?’
    He shook his head and squeezed her hand. ‘Will you wait for me, darling, however long this damned war takes?’
    ‘Of course I will, and we’ll see each other when you come home on leave.’
    He sighed with relief, and kissed her gently. ‘It was my lucky day when I met you.’
    ‘And mine. You dealt with that awful man so firmly.’
    ‘That’s all behind you now.’ He smiled at her. ‘Let’s try and forget all the unpleasant and worrying things and just enjoy ourselves.’
    ‘Good idea.’ Hanna knew they weren’t going to get many more carefree days like this once he was away in the army, so they would make the most of any time they had together. ‘Are you joining the Military Police?’
    ‘No, I didn’t want to do that. I’m just going to be an ordinary foot soldier.’
    That surprised her because he was a policeman through and through, but he must have his reasons, and she didn’t ask. If he’d wanted to explain, he would have told her.
    When they reached their destination they walked hand in hand along the Embankment, neither speaking. She gazed at the river and smiled to herself. It was a pleasant day and they weren’t the only ones out to enjoy themselves. The river was very busy.
    After a while Alan stopped walking, a deep frown on his face, and Hanna nodded towards the river. ‘Lots of boats out today.’
    ‘Hmm, too many.’ He pulled her down some steps towards the river until their feet were almost in the water, then he cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted, ‘Where are you all going?’
    ‘The coast. We’ve all been requisitioned by the navy,’ a man called back.
    ‘Why?’
    ‘We haven’t been told why they need our boats.’
    Alan was immediately moving with purpose. ‘Come on, Hanna, I’ve got to find a police station.’
    She had to trot to keep up with his long strides, but said nothing. Alan wasn’t the sort to worry over nothing – and he was worried.
    He showed his card and asked directions from a passing policeman, and they were soon inside the station. ‘Wait here, darling. I won’t be long.’
    She watched him show his police